FROM CLASSROOM TO ICU
A warm conversation on study hacks, clinical life and chasing your dream one step at a time
At Assunta College of Nursing, inspiration often happens quietly in classrooms, during late-night study sessions, or along the corridors of clinical postings. In a recent heart-warming conversation, Esmera from Group 97 sat down with Qamarisha, an ICU Staff Nurse and the FMM Award Winner for Overall Outstanding Performance, to talk about student life, personal growth, and the journey from being a nursing student to becoming a confident healthcare professional.
Life as a Nursing Student: Challenges, Surprises & Hands-On Learning
Qamarisha joined Assunta College of Nursing in 2020 as part of Group 90 with 40 students. Her early college days were filled with curiosity and a little surprise. Like many new students, she imagined nursing would be a “light” course. But the reality turned out to be far more meaningful. From basic medical sciences to hands-on procedures in the demo room, every experience prepared her for the real-world challenges of patient care. Esmera’s student life included clubs which are Social Club and Sports Club, serving as student representative and later President of ASFC Seniors, showing that nursing is community, teamwork, and resilience.
Finding Balance: Studies, Social Life & Self-Care
One of the biggest challenges students face is balance and both Esmera and Qamarisha shared how they managed it. For Esmera, evenings were often spent unwinding with badminton sessions and group study. For Qamarisha, balancing clinical postings and academics required discipline and self-care. “Rest first that’s the most important thing. Only after that, I study with my friends.” Study groups played a big role, teaching classmates, sharing notes, and doing Q&A sessions helped make learning more fun and effective.
Qamarisha’s Study Tips That Made a Difference
Qamarisha believes in studying smarter, not just longer create beautiful physical notes with colour coding & sticky notes, study with friends to discuss and quiz each other, use active recall to strengthen memory, stay curious, ask questions, and seek guidance.
“Don’t be shy to ask your tutors or even your friends. Asking is how you learn.”
From Graduation to ICU: A Roller-Coaster of Growth
Although her first career choice was OT, Qamarisha chose the ICU and it changed her life. She wanted to learn more, grow faster, and challenge herself in a critical care environment. Every day brought a new case and new responsibility but also tremendous learning.
“In ICU, every day is different. I learn so much from each patient and every challenge.”
The FMM Award: A Dream That Started in Semester One
The FMM Award didn’t happen by accident, it started as a personal goal. Since Semester 1, Qamarisha set her eyes on it. She worked hard, stayed consistent, and remained humble. When her name was announced on graduation day, she nearly cried and so did her mother. It was proof that effort, heart, and perseverance truly pay off.
Share this story with a fellow nursing student who needs motivation with balance, teamwork, and heart, they too can succeed in their own nursing journey.
Watch full interview session at link below: