CBU nursing grads, from left, Ashley Lazzarotto of Kelowna, B.C., and Victoria Roach of Ashby were all smiles before Wednesday’s ceremony. Photo by T.J. Colello /Cape Breton PostArticle contentFor nursing graduate Victoria Roach, Wednesday’s fall convocation at Cape Breton University was a culmination of a lot of hard work.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentArticle contentThe 22-year-old from Ashby graduated from the bachelor of science, nursing program and already has a job. She’ll join the critical care team at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.Article contentArticle content“I really like helping people,” said Roach. Her mother, Joyce, is also a licensed practical nurse (LPN). “I always wanted to be in the medical field. I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do, but being in the nursing program, I just find it very rewarding.”Article contentRoach was also recognized for her work in the classroom. She won the Silver Medal for Academic Achievement for achieving the highest academic standing.Article content“I put a lot of work in and it’s nice to get recognized for that,” she said.Article content The fall convocation ceremony at Cape Breton University on Wednesday at the Kehoe Forum included close to 400 graduates. Photo by Gabriel Colello /ContributedArticle contentLPN TO RNArticle contentAnother nursing grad, Ashley Lazzarotto, received the Sara J. Smith Nursing Scholarship.Article contentThe 31-year-old from Kelowna, B.C., took a different path. She worked nine years as an LPN back home before moving across the country to enroll at CBU to do the bridging program to become a registered nurse (RN).Article contentLazzarotto got into nursing after seeing the care her grandfather received in a care home.Article contentArticle content“We drove out here and it’s been a great experience,” said Lazzarotto. Her boyfriend, Kevin Hughes, found the program. He’s enrolled in the nursing program as well.Article contentArticle content“I love the ocean, love the island. It’s very different than where I’m from. I’m from where lakes are, so being by the ocean is awesome.”Article content Piper Bill Boxall of River Ryan greeted family and graduates outside the Kehoe Forum at CBU. Photo by T.J. Colello /Cape Breton PostArticle contentWhen it came to enrolling at CBU, she said the program was a big draw, but the community has been very welcoming.Article content“When I moved here, I found that everyone is such a tight-knit community here,” she said. “Everyone is so kind. My neighbours came over, brought us food and everything and introduced themselves. That’s something you don’t see where I’m from.Article content“It’s so friendly, everyone talks to everybody. It’s a beautiful community here.”Article contentRoach and Lazzarotto were joined by fellow award winner Xavier Hmidan, who received the Catherine Grace MacLeod Memorial Nursing Award for professionalism, perseverance and compassionate dedication to the nursing profession.
Award-winning nursing students among nearly 400 grads at Cape Breton University fall convocation
