Graduate Commencement

Master of Science in Nursing
Serena Shirey MSN ’18

At the Graduate Commencement ceremony, 148 graduate students from the Messiah College School of Graduate Studies received their master’s degrees May 12.

After working as a clinical instructor for Messiah’s undergraduate nursing program, Serena Shirey MSN ’18 decided to become a student and pursued the Master of Science in Nursing: nurse educator degree.

I had two children while in the master’s program and found that the online environment provided the flexibility I needed,” she said. “I could watch PowerPoints while feeding. I routinely did work while my babies napped or went to bed.

She said she initially feared the online environment and was concerned about what she would miss from an in-class program.

“Looking back now, I don’t know how I would have completed a program that required me to meet in class twice a week,” she said.

As an employee, she already appreciated the caring and supportive environment of Messiah’s professors as colleagues. As a student, she felt their compassion on another level.

“The team at Messiah is really incredible,” said Shirey. “The professors are understanding and supportive. They also provided motivation when I felt unsure of myself.”

In trying to maintain a balance in work and family life, Shirey said she put God first. “School and work are important, but, in order to best meet those challenges, it is important to meet your spiritual and family needs. When things are tougher at home, it is harder to perform well outside. There were times with two babies, work and school, home life got stressful. I found that Sunday church and family time always put things back in perspective.”

She encourages others to reach for their dreams, particularly education. “It can be done, even if it is one hour at a time,” she said. “It’s a challenge, but it enriches your life and those around you. Your education will not depreciate like a car but will continue to grow.”