My nurse deserves this award for taking the time to truly be present. On my first day, I broke down, bawling my eyes out, and she took the time to say, “Walk with me.” 

In my life, I’ve only had a handful of people who have truly been in my corner, and she is one of them. She didn’t just take the time to be a kind human being; she also helped me with everything, from medication adjustments to simply encouraging me. When she said, “Wow, the list you made to improve your mental health would have taken me forever,” it inspired me to work even harder. 

She also took me aside and said, “Not only did you make an amazing list, but you’ve made it to all of your groups. I just want to say I’m proud of you.” That made me feel acknowledged, and it made me happier than I'd felt in a long time. 

I later walked down the hallway and saw that an award exists for amazing people—and she is beyond amazing. She deserves to be noticed, just like she noticed me.