Laura Bastin named SCC Health Sciences Student of the Year: Graduates nursing school while battling cancer

Published on May 20, 2024

Each month, Somerset Community College (SCC) Health Sciences has nominated and chosen a student to highlight for their outstanding academic and personal achievements. This has led to choosing SCC Health Sciences Student of the Year from those monthly winners.

The Health Sciences Student of the Year was announced on Monday, May 6.

Each nominated student was asked to submit an essay that answered how attending SCC would make a positive, long-lasting impact on their life.

In an essay submitted by May Student of the Month Laura Bastin, her narrative of a college student who faced the unexpected challenge of being diagnosed with thyroid cancer during her last semester of nursing school at SCC was shared.

“On January 23rd, 2024, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. This was undoubtedly the scariest day of my life,” Bastin wrote.

With only one semester left to complete the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program, she straightaway thought about school and how she would complete what she had worked so hard for.

“I immediately called my ADN instructor, Mrs. Marilyn Crabtree,” Bastin continued. “She gave me such a sense of comfort and assured me that the nursing staff was here to help in any way that they could. I was determined to persevere.”

Bastin did just that as she graduated with honors at the SCC 2024 Spring Commencement. Soon after, she was named Health Sciences Student of the Year.

“I truly believe that the support and love shown to me by my instructors and classmates is the reason I endured,” Bastin reflected.

These instructors had nothing but positive words to share about Bastin.

“Laura is a giving person who will go beyond the norm to make things happen or help someone in need,” Marilyn Crabtree SCC Nursing Instructor said. “She has faced some personal obstacles and has pushed through them with grit and perseverance. It has been a privilege and honor to help her be a successful student.”

SCC ADN Faculty, Elizabeth Herren agreed.

“She always had a great attitude. She was dedicated and determined to become a nurse. She embodies what it means to be selfless and care for others,” Herren said.

Bastin actively participated in extra events at school and events in the community while enrolled in nursing school.

“She is not only an example of a hard-working student,” Herren said. She is a picture of a truly caring nurse.”

I am so honored to receive this award,” Bastin shared with gratitude. “I would like to thank my instructors, classmates, and family for being the best support system during my time at SCC. I could not have done it without each of them.”

As “Student of the Year”, Bastin received a $500 cash prize.

Bastin shared how her time at SCC will impact her for the rest of her life.

“The three years I have spent on this campus have not only prepared me to provide critical care to others in my chosen field of healthcare but also to be a part of the support system that lifts the next generation to success,” Bastin said.

If you would like to know more about the Health Science Programs available at SCC, visit somerset.kctcs.edu. Join the SCC community and apply for one of SCC’s programs today.