Bringing Light
Soledad O'Brien, PowHERful Co-Founder
In this darkest time of year, we light candles and string sparkling lights on trees, reminding each other that brighter days will come. It is comforting to come together with friends, family, and community to nurture closeness, kindness, and mutual support — and to celebrate our resilience!
In this spirit, we bring you the story of a nursing assistant and PowHERful scholar who, at 41, is working to bring more light to the world. Over the past number of years, she's found that caring for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients is ever more critical and is particularly meaningful to her. “I’ve learned wound care skills, critical thinking skills, end-of-life skills, how to implement care plans, how to create activities to adapt to changing physical needs, to be a shoulder to cry on, to be a keeper of memories… But the one genuinely invaluable lesson I have learned is that I am meant to be on this earth to help those transitioning out of it.” Three years ago, she started her private healthcare business with this particular focus. “I want to expand my level of care for these vulnerable patients and to help those who are not financially able to get the services they need.” To accomplish these goals, her business requires state funding. And to secure state funding, she’ll need a nursing license—an RN degree.
“PowHERful Foundation is providing support thanks to its founder, Soledad O’Brien, who urged me to pursue my vision and has been a constant inspiration. As patients and clients have told me that I’ve come into their lives as 'the right person at the right time,’ I’ve named my business Right Person, Right Time. Thanks to PowHERful, I can focus on school and continue working towards my goals.”
“I have days when I feel like throwing in the towel. ‘I’m too old,’ ‘I don’t know if I can do this,’ ‘I’m overwhelmed.’ But I have more days when I say, ‘You are almost there,’ ‘Walk in your truth,’ ‘Show them what you are made of,’ and ‘Continue to grow your skills.’ It gives me a sense of purpose and pride when doctors and nurses I work with say, ‘We need more nurses like you.’
As this PowHERful Scholar moves forward with her vision to lighten the load of those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and their loved ones, she spreads more light in the world. As the end of the year approaches and the new year begins, the PowHERful Foundation thanks YOU, our scholars, readers, mentors, and donors, for coming together, sharing, and contributing to the light!