Rosa S.
When I think of all that I have overcome, I'm just overwhelmed with gratitude. I just remember the days I didn't know if I would even be alive, or be here to make it to graduation.
Shortly after I enrolled at Rasmussen, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
It was like a bomb had just been dropped in my life. I was just trying to get through nursing school. I had a five year old at the time, and I automatically went into fight mode. It was just terrifying.
I did have to take two medical leaves because I had to have two separate surgeries. I didn't want to come back to school after the second one. I was defeated, not really as hopeful. I was nervous, I was afraid, I didn't think that I would be able to make it to the end.
I reached out to Rasmussen. They immediately were like, Rosa, take what time you need. You can come back when you're ready. I was super grateful with just the amount of support and the amount of reassurance as well.
It's a humbling experience to be the patient, to be helpless, to have to rely on everyone around you, especially when you're normally the caregiver. I had to sit back and allow others to take care of me, and to trust that my care was in good hands. As a nurse, I aim to provide that reassurance in every patient that I come in touch with.
I want them to feel like they can trust me. I want them to feel like I will advocate for them.
Dr. Carrie Daninhirsch, Provost, Rasmussen University:
Welcome to the Rasmussen University 2025 Commencement Ceremony.
Rosa S.:
We are cancer free today and we are believing it's going to stay that way. I'm just so grateful for Rasmussen, for all of their support throughout my journey, and for my own village and my family and my support system.
Announcer:
Rosa Skinner
[cheers]
Rosa S.:
I am still here and I am still pushing and I really have just overcome so much. I am over the moon that my son gets to watch me walk that stage. He pushed me to keep going every day and my husband never let me give up, no matter what it was going to take. And I'm just grateful that my parents are here to witness it, that they're proud of me. And it's just is super special.
I'm Rosa Skinner, and I am a proud Rasmussen University graduate.
