Aliah Kent is in a class of her own. Literally.
One of a handful of students who enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing Education amid the impacts of the pandemic, Kent was the only one who persevered and completed the program.
With so few students in the cohort, Stanislaus State modified the program after the first semester but continued to support Kent in completing her studies to obtain the master’s degree.
“She wasn’t able to interact with other students, and some classes had to be changed or adjusted because she was the only student, which wasn’t an easy task for her,” said her husband, Adam Kent, a sergeant with the University Police Department.
He watched in amazement as his wife carried on, fulfilling her dream.
“My future career goal is to be working part-time as a registered nurse while working as an adjunct professor in the undergraduate nursing programs at Stan State,” Aliah Kent said. “I plan to use my Stan State degree to advance and improve life in our region by becoming an authentic educator in Stan State’s School of Nursing. I want to help students become highly intellectual and successful clinicians capable of providing excellent nursing care for others and themselves.”
Aliah Kent appreciates the education Stan State provides nursing students, having completed its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. It prepared her to work full-time as a registered nurse. She juggled her career with studying for her master’s and volunteering to help BSN students she met while giving class presentations. Those interactions were important to her because she had no peers in her own program.
“It is easy to become secluded from the rest of the University while studying nursing since all your classes and educators are in one building for three years,” she said. “But what comes from this seclusion is life-changing experiences and meaningful friendships. There is something to be said about going through a rigorous and demanding program like Stan State’s nursing program with the same group of people for three years.”
That support waned when others dropped out of her master’s program, but Aliah Kent persevered, hoping she could one day make a greater difference for nursing students.
Her husband understands why she stayed with it and remained focused on earning a master’s, even in a class of one.
“She has dedicated all of her time and energy to this program to help future nurses learn how to recognize and cope with compassion fatigue and burnout in the medical field,” Adam Kent said.
Something, it would seem, Aliah Kent is not experiencing now.
#StanGrad File
Name
Aliah Kent
Hometown
Salida, CA
Degree/Credential
Master of Science in Nursing Education
What memories stand out most from your time at Stanislaus State?
“The memories that stand out to me the most during my time at Stanislaus State include walking around the beautiful campus while listening to music and studying at the little old desks in the old Library; these desks had supportive notes written all over them and I loved them.”
Which faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you, and why?
“Associate Professor of Nursing Sherri Brown is a bright light within the School of Nursing at Stan State. She is a true expert in the content she teaches. She genuinely and fiercely cares for students and is one of my inspirations for pursuing higher education and getting my Master of Science in Nursing Education. Whenever I am around her, I feel cared for and learn something new. I am so thankful to have had her as a professor when I was getting my BSN; working alongside her one day would be an honor.”
What advice would you give to current and future students?
“I would advise current and future students to find balance; don’t rush yourself and implement self-care practices. The Counseling and Psychological Services on campus is a great place to start. School, work and the University will always be there, but your loved ones won’t.”
Note: This article is part of the StanGrad series highlighting Stanislaus State students who are part of the Class of 2024. Read more StanGrad profiles.
