The Benedictine values and University of Mary graduate competencies have provided a steady framework for both my education and my personal growth as a nurse and emerging DNP-prepared leader.

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Values such as community, hospitality, respect for persons, and service have directly shaped the way I approach patients, colleagues, and teams. In my leadership coursework and clinical experiences, I have seen how striving together for the common good and “receiving others as Christ” translates into concrete behaviors: listening deeply, creating psychological safety, and advocating for resources that support safe, person-centered care. These Benedictine ideals resonate with my own people-focused leadership style described in my assessments as a benevolent ruler and ENFP campaigner, reinforcing my desire to build relationships, inspire others, and address the “people problems” within my practice settings.

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The University’s graduate competencies in communication, scholarship, and leadership have challenged me to move beyond intuition to intentional, evidence-based practice. Through my compendium and leadership development plan, I have learned to pair emotional intelligence and servant leadership with skills in conflict resolution, fiscal responsibility, and systems thinking, allowing me to influence change at the micro, meso, and macro levels. Expectations for scholarly inquiry and clear communication have strengthened my ability to translate research into practice, lead interprofessional teams, and articulate the “why” behind change initiatives.

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Finally, the integration of spirituality, prayer, and moderation within the Benedictine tradition has prompted me to prioritize wellness, reflection, and balance as essential components of sustainable leadership. Commitments to physical, mental, and spiritual wellness in my development plan reflect this influence and have helped me cultivate resilience, moral courage, and a clearer sense of vocation as a nurse practitioner leader