Sarah Hall
Quick Facts
Age: 37
Major: Nursing, 2024
Notable: First-generation
Transfer Institution: Edmonds College
“As an Alfie Scholar, it is important to open my heart and mind to the unique lived experience of those around me. It is here, within these open channels, where civility will bridge the gap of injustice through meaningful conversations towards change. ”
Service & Work:
Biology Tutor, Edmonds College, April–August 2022
President, Student Nursing Organization, Edmonds College 2021–June 2022
Peer Mentor, Edmonds College, 2021–March 2022
Small Business Consultant, Bank of America, December 2015–September 2019
Awards & Honors:
Alfie Scholars Cohort 7, 2022–2024
Seattle University Merit Scholarship, 2023
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society 2019–June 2022
Edmonds College Dean’s List 2019–June 2022
Outstanding Pre-Health Majors Award, Edmonds College 2022
Sarah’s Story
To the public eye my life may seem like one of ease and comfort. And although it may appear this way, I am the perfect example of things are not always what they seem. Like a lot of people, I haven’t always had the easiest life, and I am still learning to heal from the days of my youth. Some days are harder than others, but I know this will be a lifelong pursuit- a pursuit that I am forever grateful for because it is uniquely a part of my testimony that I can only hope one day will inspire others. These last few years have taught me that only when we are pushed to the outer limits of our perceived strength will we discover the fortitude that lies within. While being a non-traditional student brings its fair share of challenges, rising to exceed them has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my life.
I found myself in my thirties with a financially stable and respectable career. And yet there was this stirring in my soul that I was meant for so much more. I strongly believe we are all called for a purpose in this life. I wasn’t fulfilling my purpose. For years I knew this deep down, but I told myself I had come too far to start again. I convinced myself I was too old to change careers. I told myself it wasn’t possible because I was a single mother to a child with special needs. Other days I resigned myself to the fact that it wouldn’t be possible financially. I created this narrative for myself over and over again out of fear. But fear is a liar. It will convince you of all kinds of things if you let it.
I finally decided to have the courage to not let fear win anymore. I left my job and began my journey into nursing. I have always craved a deep understanding of the human experience. I want to truly know others, to listen to what they have to say, to help them better understand themselves, their health, and their journey in this life. I also have a deep passion for mental health. After discovering the rapidly expanding space for psychiatric nurse practitioners, I am beyond excited to be on this journey fulfilling my deepest passion of connecting with and helping others. I do not yet know of all the wonderful opportunities and paths I will take along the way, but I know that I am bringing my most authentic and motivated self with me. I want to remain curious and dedicated on this path all while continuing to honor our shared humanity along the way.
Advice:
My advice to those reading this right now is this: there will be many peaks and valleys ahead, but I hope you always remember just how far you have already come. There were many days I am sure in your past when you questioned if you would make it to this point, and yet you are here. I hope you always remember your why. This purpose-driven life has brought you here today and will continue to take you as far as you can dream. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other, and you will arrive exactly where you are meant to be.
Goals:
I had spent a large part of my life navigated by the thoughts and expectations of those around me. I finally realized one day that I wanted to lead a maskless life – one driven by true purpose and authenticity. I left my corporate job in finance to pursue the things in life that set my soul on fire. I believe my calling is to connect with others and help them push past their mental roadblocks so that they too can live their most authentic lives. My mission is to be a civil leader as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I am passionate about changing the narrative that mental illness plays in people’s lives. Every day we get the choice to live with hope or fear. I want to restore that hope for those who need it the most. Pursuing my Doctorate of Nursing gives me the platform to affect the most change not only for my patients but also for the future of psychiatric medicine as well. My long-term goals are to have my own practice, dedicate part of my career to Doctors Without Borders, and have a lasting impact on the field of psychiatry through research or teaching. Wherever this life continues to lead me, I know that I will have an impact on those around me through restoring hope in themselves as well as humanity.
On Civility:
The heart of civility lies in justice. To look at others and the world through the lens of justice means to advocate for true equality. This means not only equality in outcomes and treatment, but also equality in representation within the power structures that shape our world. To accomplish this, civility requires leading with respect, grace, and unbridled determination. We must be humble and set aside our pride, so that we can fully meet and accept others for who they are and who they can become. We must hold space for those that cannot hold space for themselves. And, most importantly, everything we do must be rooted in love.
