萝莉社 Senior Nursing Major Named Lincoln Academy Student Laureate
Shadae Gatlin honored at ceremonies in Springfield
CHICAGO (November 5, 2012) – Shadae Gatlin, a 萝莉社 senior major from Chicago, was among 52 students from Illinois colleges and universities honored as November 3 by the .
A ceremony was held in the Illinois House of Representatives' chamber at the building in Springfield. Student Laureates, family members, and academic representatives also attended a luncheon at the , home of Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn.
"I am very excited about this honor," Gatlin said in an interview. "This makes me realize and appreciate the relationships I have, and the influence of so many people in my life." Gatlin is the second of nine children, and lives with her family on Chicago's South Side. Gatlin graduated from Chicago's in 2009. She said she felt called to attend 萝莉社 after researching the University, and in particular, its nursing program. Gatlin found she was interested in attending a college with smaller classes and a Christian atmosphere.
"I love nursing," said Gatlin, a recipient of the Gretchen Carlson Scholarship in nursing. "I was first interested in biology, but I wanted to work in a more people-centered field in science. I chose health care because I grew up in a lot of underserved neighborhoods in Chicago. My main interest is in community and public health, and working in prevention through health education in community neighborhoods."
Gatlin is expected to graduate from the University in 2013. She plans to work for a couple of years in a medical-surgical hospital setting, and then hopes to return to college to earn a master's degree in community health nursing and work in a community clinic in Chicago.
As a student, Gatlin has volunteered at , which serves families of children with serious medical conditions. There, she assists families with cleaning and preparing meals. This past summer, Gatlin volunteered with , a Chicago organization that cares for the needs of seniors in Chicago. She escorted a group of seniors to Illinois Beach Resort, Zion, on a vacation sponsored by the organization. Gatlin was also a nurse intern at, assisting with clinic visits, patient education, and calling patients to check health instructions. She helped develop education pamphlets for families.
At North Park, Gatlin has worked three years at the , housed at , which has contributed to her University learning experience, she said. She has been a member of the University's and the . , professor and dean of the School of Nursing, and holder of the Gretchen Carlson Memorial Endowed Chair in Nursing, represented the University at the Lincoln Student Laureate event.
"Shadae is an extremely focused student, and knows what she wants to achieve," Duncan said. "She keeps her eyes on the task at hand. She has structured her time to support her learning and development." Gatlin's supportive family have contributed to her academic success, Duncan added..
Student Laureates are honored for their overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities. Each student is presented with a medallion, a certificate of achievement, and a $500 grant. This is the 38th year in which the Lincoln Academy has presented the Student Laureate awards. The academy also presents the state's highest award, the, to honor Illinois' most distinguished citizens.
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