
Amanda Aquino is a Beedie Luminary and a nursing student at Camosun College/University of Victoria, drawn to nursing for its holistic approach to care. Passionate about connecting with people of all ages, she hopes to be an advocate for her patients. Amanda hopes to combine empathy with knowledge to support others in times of need. Grateful for the Beedie community’s support, Amanda finds strength in the connections she’s built with her peers, mentors, and coaches.
What is your field of study and why does it interest you?
I am enrolled in the Bachelor of Science Nursing program at Camosun College/University of Victoria. Firstly, I was drawn to nursing because of the holistic approach to caring for individual. We learn to asses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and wellness. I also have always enjoyed connecting with people of all ages and I hope to be an advocate for my patients.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
My counsellor once told me to imagine myself in a dark forest with a flashlight. She stated. “when you look ahead into the dark, you can’t see anything, but if you focus on using the flashlight to see near you, you will be bale to move forward step by step.” This analogy helped me to let go of the need to control my future. I could focus on living in the present, and it showed me that I possess the skills to deal with life’s obstacles.
Do you have a motto or personal mantra?
Sky McKee (a content creator) reframed the phrase, “hurt people, hurt people” into “healed people, heal people,” and the new motto stuck with me. I like this because it allows a person who was hurt in the past to initiate the healing process. After they put in this work, they can engage in healing interactions with the people around them, rather than continuing the cycle of hurt.
What was the last experience that made you a better person?
Recently, someone very close to me experienced a death in his family and I had to figure out how to console someone grieving while not being with him in-person. I combined my empathetic skills with my knowledge of grief to support him through this drastic change in his life. This made me a better person, because I wanted to be in tune with his needs in a time of vulnerability.
What is something you learned in the last week?
This past week, I was out in Public Health to take baby measurements at their immunization appointments. From my shift there, I realized that I enjoy working with families and babies, because there is a wide amount of diversity in every family unit. I am curious about learning to play a role in family dynamic within health care.
What’s the coolest trend you see today?
It is not really a trend, but I think it is important for people to state their pronouns in order to normalize conversations around gender. I think this movement creates an inclusive society that shifts away from assuming someone’s gender based on their appearance.
Who inspires you and why?
My mom is my biggest inspiration, because she is always improving her abilities and growing emotionally. Whether she is going back to school or signing up for workshops, she has shown me how to be a life-long learner under all types of circumstances.
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
Many of my friends have been surprised by my music taste because it mainly consists of rap. I use rap music for all types of emotional states like when I am sad, frustrated, or ecstatic. Listening to rap has a calming effect on my body.
What is your favourite thing about being a part of Beedie Luminaries?
The Beedie peer groups run by Mac and Flo brought some of the best girls into my life, and we have gotten so close over these past six months! I would also like to bring attention to the continuous support that Anisha (my Student Coach), and Lisa (my mentor) provide me with. Overall, I am tremendously grateful for the Beedie community because they make me feel capable, inspired, and connected.
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