Amariah Hines - Florida State University News (2024)

Nursing student balances rigorous academics with community service and learning assistance

By: Lauren Barfield | Published: May 28, 2024 | 1:28 pm | SHARE:

“I believe in the power of community service to create meaningful change and am dedicated to utilizing my position to serve FSU students and the broader community alike.”

Amariah Hines chose to attend Florida State University for its renowned nursing program, attracted by its high pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and the opportunity to provide top-quality care to others.

She was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and served as the service director of the Phi Eta Sigma honor society, organizing road cleanups, book and food drives and participating in fundraising events like Relay For Life through the American Cancer Society.

Hines is also a member of the Kappa Epsilon chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and works as a learning assistant helping her peers academically in various subjects.

How has your nursing major shaped your FSU journey?

I chose to attend FSU for their nursing program. I want to able to care for others at the highest level and I knew that they have one of the highest NCLEX pass rates in Florida. FSU has given me so many opportunities in the classroom and clinical setting to do so, especially in spaces such as Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, HCA Florida Capital Hospital, Florida State Hospital, PruittHealth and Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital.

It has allowed me to see a piece of what our world looks like in the sense of diversity and to see a myriad of scenarios regarding someone’s health care. I never know what my day is going to look like when I walk through the doors of a facility. But each time I leave, I know that I have made an impact on someone’s day and have learned something valuable along the way.

What is your most significant academic accomplishment?

My most significant academic accomplishment was getting inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. To be inducted, you must earn at least a 3.5 GPA. I’ve always taken pride in my education, and I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to do so at FSU. Nursing school is challenging, but to be able to maintain my GPA, care for others and serve my community makes the challenge easier and more enjoyable.

How has your commitment to community service helped others at FSU and beyond?

As the service director of the Phi Eta Sigma honor society, I believe in the power of community service to create meaningful change and am dedicated to utilizing my position to serve FSU students and the broader community alike. I have had the opportunity to organize road cleanups, book and food drives and participate in the cancer research fundraising event Relay For Life.

What is your role in the Learning Assistant Program?

As a learning assistant, I help students in college algebra, precalculus and foundations in nursing practice understand difficult topics and help them grow during the learning journey. I have learned that I cannot take the lead when it comes to solving something or working a problem out. I have to let the students make the connections between concepts otherwise I am just doing it for them.Taking things step-by-step and reassuring the student that they have seen the information before ensures their confidence, making them eager to seek out the big picture and achieve mastery. When they do, it is a rewarding feeling.

I am also here for the students in other ways, pointing them in the direction of whatever on-campus resources they may need, such as counseling, food assistance or housing assistance. I made it known that I was here for them during their time at FSU and that I wanted to see them succeed.

What made you interested in caring for others, and how has FSU helped you pursue that passion?

I was always told by my parents to take care of those around you, especially of those in your community. I enjoy helping others and seeing their appreciation only warms my heart. That feeling makes me want to help more often and knowing that I can only make things easier. FSU has helped me pursue that passion by offering many opportunities when it comes to clubs, interest groups and more.