Cathy McGinty:  

I always thought it would be fun to be an airline stewardess, but decided to go to TCC, 2 wks. after graduation. I wanted to get all basics at TCC, & then transfer to FSU, in marine biology. I completed all the basics, but instead of transferring, I was encouraged by one of my professors, to enter the nursing program. I had never considered this profession, but my teacher said I was a "natural". Thus, a very long career began!Of all teachers, I think my favorite was one of my nursing professors-Mrs. Jenkins, who was an example of competence, confidence & compassion -I wanted to be that kind of nurse. And Dr. Riordan, who taught nursing students, Anatomy & Physiology & Microbiology. He made you want to learn & helped to develope the ability to "put it all together", & make sense of it all. One day the pressure was so bad, he just encouraged the class & told a joke-"Did you hear about the guy that drank 20 Fresca drinks & snowed in his pants?" I'll never forget how the class just about fell out of their chairs laughing! I attended Bible college in Greenville, S.C., but did not complete-my desire was to get masters in med. missions. When I returned to Talla., I ran into an old friend who graduated from FSU-Nilene Thompson. We celebrated my freedom & her graduation by taking a cross-country trip to Colo.& southwest. It was 1 hilarious adventure. I always wanted to eventually teach nursing, but family obligations always came 1st. I worked very long hrs.& the areas I worked depended on whatever stages my kids were at. I have always chosen to remain as a bedside nurse. Even though there were opportunities to enter adm. areas in nsg., I could never be tha...Expand for more