MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Lauded for their perseverance and resilience, 73 Middlesex College nursing students received their program pins May 18 at a heartfelt and emotional pinning ceremony on campus. This year’s class is the largest nursing cohort since 2019.

“Nursing is hard, because you care for people who are at their most vulnerable,” said Middlesex College Nursing Program Director Kara Kaldawi. “You have to be compassionate. You have to be an advocate for them and their families. Nurses are part of a global community, and each one of our patients has a story including us. We should encourage those stories to be told.”

Graduates Mary Kazior of Metuchen and Richa Sharma of Carteret addressed the crowd and shared some of their own personal stories about the rigorous training and the pride they possessed for what they had achieved.

“Nursing school has a way of stripping you down,” said Kazior. “It takes the version of you that walked in—the version that is hopeful and eager, and maybe a little naïve—and it tests every part of that person. Nursing will bring you a range of emotions, from the highest highs watching someone heal to the depth of grief in losing a patient...then, it will ask you to do it all again.”

“Wherever we go from here, may we lead with compassion, act with integrity, and continue to bring light into the moments that need it most,” said Sharma. “This is not the end of our journey. It’s only the beginning.”

Nursing Program Coordinator Elizabeth DeCarlo gave special recognition to graduate Khadiga Elfaki who won the Daisy Award, a national honor that celebrates a nursing student who demonstrates commitment to caring, compassion, and creates a connection that makes a difference in the healthcare experience.

At the end of the ceremony, four additional students received individual honors for their performance:

National League for Nursing Membership – Richa Sharma
Dr. Surender Grover Award – Juan Motta
Dr. Lund/Breslow Award – Alda Cuka
Dr. H. Shangold Award – Janice Cruz

Learn more about the Middlesex College Nursing Program here: https://middlesexcollege.edu/academics/health-professions/nursing/