73 Nursing Grads Honored at Heartfelt Pinning Ceremony
The largest nursing class in seven years celebrates their achievement before starting their professional careers.
Lauded for their perseverance and resilience, 73 Middlesex College nursing students received their program pins May 18 at a heartfelt and emotional pinning ceremony on campus. This year’s class is the largest nursing cohort since 2019.
“Nursing is hard, because you care for people who are at their most vulnerable,” said Middlesex College Nursing Program Director Kara Kaldawi. “You have to be compassionate. You have to be an advocate for them and their families. Nurses are part of a global community, and each one of our patients has a story including us. We should encourage those stories to be told.”
A pair of graduates, Mary Kazior and Richa Sharma, addressed the crowd and shared some of their own personal stories, detailing their apprehension when they first entered the Nursing Program, surviving the rigorous training and then being proud of what they had achieved.
“Nursing school has a way of stripping you down,” said Kazior. “It takes the version of you that walked in—the version that is hopeful and eager, and maybe a little naïve—and it tests every part of that person. Nursing will bring you a range of emotions, from the highest highs watching someone heal to the depth of grief in losing a patient…then, it will ask you to do it all again.”
Sharma singled out several Middlesex College professors who helped her grow. She joked that at one point she was afraid she would fail “hand washing.” But over time she drew on the strength of her colleagues and guidance from faculty.
“Every single one of you played a role in shaping us. Whether you were guiding us in the classroom, supporting us in clinicals, or simply reminding us that growth takes time, we are all grateful for it,” said Sharma. “This journey truly took a village, and you were all part of ours.”
Kaldawi believes that nursing continues to be an intriguing profession in today’s world because of the quality pay, flexible schedule, and opportunity to genuinely help others. She told the graduating class that while challenges await, to keep their eyes on the human element.
“Choose positivity when negativity surrounds you,” Kaldawi said. “Lead with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.”
It was a message that was warmly received.
“Wherever we go from here, may we lead with compassion, act with integrity, and continue to bring light into the moments that need it most,” said Sharma. “This is not the end of our journey. It’s only the beginning.”
“This pin is not just a symbol of what we’ve completed,” Kazior added. “It is a symbol of what we are choosing—to enter people’s lives at their most vulnerable and frightening moments and bring our skillset, kindness, and humanity with us. Looking out onto all of you today, I can confidently say we are ready!”
Nursing Program Coordinator Elizabeth DeCarlo gave special recognition to graduate Khadiga Elfaki who won the Daisy Award, a national honor that celebrates a nursing student who demonstrates commitment to caring, compassion, and creates a connection that makes a difference in the healthcare experience.
At the end of the ceremony, four additional students received individual honors for their performance:
National League for Nursing Membership – Richa Sharma
Dr. Surender Grover Award – Juan Motta
Dr. Lund/Breslow Award – Alda Cuka
Dr. H. Shangold Award – Janice Cruz
Learn more about the Middlesex College Nursing Program here: https://middlesexcollege.edu/academics/health-professions/nursing/
