She truly deserves the DAISY Award for her exceptional commitment to compassionate care and dedication to her students. When she was my clinical instructor during our team nursing rotation, I admired how she was able to connect with every patient on a personal level, understand their individual needs, and provide care that went beyond the clinical. One of the watchers of my patient even said, “Maayo kaayo mutudlo imo teacher, dai,” during my NGT feeding procedure to a stroke patient. (English: Your teacher teaches you so well.) She listens attentively, offers reassurance, and fosters a sense of trust, which significantly enhances the healing process.

Aside from her patient care, she is also an invaluable mentor to nursing students. No matter how exhausting our duty was, her words of encouragement and gratitude always made me feel at ease and confident in my abilities. She never failed to say “Thank you” to each one of us for our hard work and efforts. Despite the lapses, she always created a safe and nurturing learning environment, empowering us to ask questions and grow as future nurses. More than just teaching skills, she instilled in us the values of compassion, communication, and patient advocacy.

Beyond her role as a clinical instructor, she is also a steadfast supporter of students outside the hospital setting. As one of our organization’s advisers, she is genuinely pro-student, always advocating for our growth and success. Whether helping us organize events, guiding us through leadership challenges, or simply offering words of encouragement, she makes us feel valued and heard. Her belief in our potential strengthens our confidence, inspiring us to become not only competent nurses but also compassionate leaders in the field. Therefore, this faculty member exemplifies the core values of compassionate care and mentorship, making her a true deserving recipient of the DAISY Award.