Yaneli Aranda of Covert has been chosen as the Lake Michigan College Spirit of Nursing Award recipient for the Fall 2024 graduating class. The honor is awarded to the graduate from each cohort who best exemplifies the philosophy and core values of the LMC Nursing program.
From the time she was 14, Aranda knew she wanted to be a nurse. The Fall 2024 Lake Michigan College Spirit of Nursing Award recipient attributes her early inspiration to wanting something better for herself through education and wanting to help those around her facing health challenges, including members of her own family.
“While I was growing up, my grandparents were very sick, and they didn’t always have access to good healthcare. I saw how their illnesses affected them,” Aranda stated. “After I started the Nursing program at Lake Michigan College, I learned about resources that I could connect them with. Now their health is improving, and I’m grateful for that.”
In pursuit of her goal, Aranda began her LMC journey by taking dual enrollment college courses as a sophomore at Covert High School. By completing prerequisites for the Nursing program while in high school, she was able to apply and be accepted into the program immediately upon enrolling as a full-time student at just 18 years old.
“Yaneli has shown determination since her first day as a nursing student. Her positive outlook and compassion for others is why she had the full Nursing faculty support in receiving this award. She will be a great nurse,” stated LMC Nursing Program Director and Faculty Denise Gardner.
Aranda was nominated for the Spirit of Nursing Award by classmates and chosen by the faculty from among the nominees. A fellow nursing student stated that she “has a strong desire to help others, whether it’s caring for patients or helping classmates.” Another shared that she is “all in all of the time!”
Aranda credited the collaborative support of her peers and the guidance from faculty for helping her realize the first step in her career journey.
“On the very first day of nursing school, I remember walking through those doors feeling extremely intimidated by the environment. Looking back now, I see my growth. My self-assurance has evolved as I’ve gained experience and knowledge,” Aranda stated.
During her time at LMC, Aranda was named to the Dean’s List twice. She also worked part-time at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph through the Student Nurse Apprenticeship Program (SNAP). Her desire to enter the healthcare field led to her encouraging her mom, Janet Ramirez, to also pursue a nursing degree. Daughter and mother will graduate together from LMC’s program at the end of Fall semester.
Aranda’s immediate goals are to begin working full time in a hospital setting, start bachelor’s degree studies this fall, and eventually earn a master’s degree.
“I am an individual who loves challenges,” Aranda stated. “I hope to work in the critical care unit as a nurse. In doing so, it will help me obtain my ultimate goal of becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist.”
