As we prepare to celebrate Aspen’s 2024 Commencement, it’s time to recognize the remarkable achievements of this year’s graduates. Among them is Olajumoke Esan, who is completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice program this fall. Today, we are excited to read her reflections and the inspiring words she has to share with her fellow students and graduates.
This is a watershed moment in our lives that we have been looking forward to for years. It represents the culmination of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on the journey that has led us here.
My doctoral studies have been one of the most difficult yet rewarding experiences of my life. One of the most important lessons learned from this journey has been the value of resilience. The path to a doctorate is not straight; there are many twists and turns, and sometimes even roadblocks. However, I’ve learned that each challenge provides an opportunity to grow, to strengthen our resolve, and to push past our perceived limits. This experience has also highlighted the importance of curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. The pursuit of a doctorate is motivated by a relentless desire to explore the unknown, ask questions that may not have immediate answers, and contribute meaningfully to our field.
Aspen University has helped me achieve my academic and professional objectives. The program’s flexibility enabled me to balance my studies with my personal and professional responsibilities. The faculty provided invaluable support and guidance. They challenged me to think critically, question assumptions, and strive for excellence in everything I do. Aspen’s dedication to creating a learning environment that promotes innovation and independent thought has driven my success. From online libraries to collaborative learning platforms, the resources available have enabled me to delve deeply into my research and emerge with results that I am proud of.
Looking ahead, my enthusiasm for research and learning remains strong. I intend to continue my academic research, particularly in the field of smoking cessation, where my doctoral studies were concentrated. The implementation of evidence-based programs to reduce adult smoking rates is a promising area for future research. I am excited to expand my research, investigate new methodologies, and develop interventions that can be implemented on a larger scale. My goal is to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in public health while also developing practical solutions that can make a real difference in people’s lives.
The research I conducted during my doctoral program has already had an impact on my field. By implementing an evidence-based smoking cessation program, I demonstrated the efficacy of combining theoretical frameworks and practical interventions. The success of this program adds to the existing literature on smoking cessation and provides a model that can be replicated and adapted in various healthcare settings. My work has the potential to influence public health policies and improve community health outcomes by providing smokers with the resources they need to quit. I am excited to continue this work because it has the potential to save lives and improve public health.
I would like to tell my fellow graduates that we are living proof that with determination, anything is possible. We have all faced unique challenges on this journey, but we have persevered and are now victorious. As we embark on the next chapter of our lives, I encourage you to pursue your passions with the same zeal and dedication that brought you to this point. Never stop learning, questioning, or striving to have a positive impact in your field.
Remember, the journey does not end here. This is simply the start of a new and exciting chapter. Make a difference in the world by applying your newly acquired knowledge and skills. When new challenges arise, as they will, draw on the resilience, determination, and creativity you developed during your doctoral studies.
Finally, I’d like to thank Aspen University for providing us with the resources and support we needed to achieve this milestone. I am confident that we will all move forward with the ability to make significant contributions to our fields and the world.
Congratulations to all of you. The future is bright, and it is ours to shape.
We are deeply appreciative of Olajumoke’s inspiring and heartfelt words, which beautifully capture the perseverance, curiosity, and resilience that have defined her journey to this remarkable achievement. Her dedication to public health and the impact of her research on smoking cessation are commendable, and we have every confidence that her work will continue to make a meaningful difference in the world. Congratulations, Olajumoke!
Want to hear more about some of the research Aspen scholars are doing? The Fall Research Colloquium is running October 7th through 10th! View the presentation schedule and registration links here. Recordings of the presentations will be available on the Faculty Services & Scholarship page afterward.