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Northeast nursing student named TRIO Student of the Month

Northeast nursing student named TRIO Student of the Month

NORFOLK, Neb. – The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the extremely hard work first-line healthcare responders have endured over the course of the pandemic. A Northeast Community College nursing student is putting his education to work even as he pursues his degree and looks toward furthering his education to join their ranks.

Once Jared Bessmer, of Osmond, completes his Associate Degree in Nursing from Northeast, he plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in the field. After nursing school, he has set his sights higher as he plans to come back to Northeast to earn a paramedic degree in order to achieve his goal of becoming a flight nurse on rotor and/or fixed wing aircraft.

The 2019 Osmond Community Schools graduate is focused on more than his education. When his isn’t in school, completing his homework or studying for complex exams, he is employed as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and volunteers his time to work with his community’s ambulance service.

Bessmer learned the value of hard work and persistence from his father, James. He has not only taught his son morals and values, but has encouraged him to set his goals high and to always remain committed to achieve those goals.

“My Dad, who is my role model, owns and manages a business in our small town and is very active throughout our community. Growing up, I was fortunate to be able to help in the business and follow his footsteps, learning the traits of a reliable, persistent worker and what it takes to be successful,” he said. “One of the biggest things I take away from my father is to wake up each morning with a positive mentality and go about my business that will get me one step closer to my goals. Anything can be accomplished with the right mindset and persistence.”

Aside from being his role model, James Bessmer serves as a “huge support system” for Jared as he progresses through college and then make the transition into the workforce.

“My father has experience working in a medical-related occupation and having him to learn from and talk to as I complete my schooling has been a huge benefit. Carrying on these personal morals as I aspire to care for critical patients will hopefully carry me a long way in school, work, and in life in general.”

Bessmer’s work ethic is reflected in the classroom, according to Nursing Instructor Patti Bretschneider.

Jared is an above average student who is always prepared in class and takes direction well. Although fairly quiet, he always answers when called on in class.”

At Northeast, Bessmer participates in several other areas, including TRIO Student Support Services, a federally funded program that assists income-eligible individuals, first-generation college students (students who come from families where neither parent/guardian earned a four-year degree), and those with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline to post-baccalaureate programs.

As he wraps up his third semester of college, Bessmer has actively taken part in the program, attending workshops, staying in close contact with his advisors, and using resources offered through TRIO.

“The TRIO program has offered valuable academic resources that have contributed tremendously to helping me succeed here at Northeast,” he said.   

In addition to TRIO, Bessmer is a member of Northeast’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter and has been named to the Northern Nebraska Area Health Education Center’s Scholars Program. He has been named to the Northeast President’s List multiple semesters and is also a recipient of Northeast Community College Board of Governors and Susan Buffet Foundation scholarships.

For his dedication, persistence, and hard work, Bessmer was named the Northeast Community College TRIO Student of the Month in November. The award recognizes outstanding students who have been accepted into the TRIO program. Each month, a participating TRIO student is selected for the award based upon their work in TRIO and in other activities on campus or in the community. Award winners receive a plaque from the TRIO program and have their photo placed on the “TRIO Program Student of the Month” Achievement Recognition board.

The board, located in the TRIO office, features the theme, True Leaders, and includes the inscription, “We define true leaders as those who are first to strive and who give their all for the success of the Team. True leaders are first to see the need, envision the plan, and empower the team for action.”

Northeast TRIO Advisor Brandi Rossman said Bessmer is very deserving of the award, calling him an “exemplary student from the moment he joined TRIO.” She said he maintains an active schedule and always does what is asked of him to the best of his ability while excelling as a student in a very demanding program and working as an EMT.

“Jared has more drive than I've seen in a student in a long time,” Rossman said. “He is focused on his goals and does not let any obstacle stand in his way. I know Jared will succeed in every aspect of his life, both professionally and personally.”

 

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