Alumni Spotlight: VN Grad and Nelson Mandela Award Winner Ashley Perkins

Stanbridge University awards the Nelson Mandela Inspiration Award to an alum who has demonstrated exceptional perseverance and dedication to scholarship, leadership, and service despite hardship or challenges. 

This year’s recipient is Ms. Ashley Perkins, a 2024 Vocational Nursing graduate.  

Impact of Winning an Award 

Winning an award is a transformative experience; for Ms. Perkins, it is no different. She shared, “I believe winning this award has impacted my professional life in many ways. After receiving this award, I’ve developed self-confidence.  As daunting as it is to put yourself out there and share your past life, it’s important, too. After receiving this award, I am fully confident with the children I interact with in my day-to-day career. I believe I create an impact in their lives.” 

Ms. Perkins’ journey emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the courage to share one’s story. Her newfound confidence benefits her professionally and reinforces her commitment to making a difference in the lives of the children she works with.

Cherished Memories at Stanbridge 

Reflecting on her time at Stanbridge, Ms. Perkins recalled, “My favorite memories at Stanbridge were all the moments I spent meeting people, laughing with them, and building relationships. The best moments are picking up someone when they are down.” 

Influences and Inspirations 

Ms. Perkins credits a strong foundation of supportive friends, alongside her family and partner, as having the most significant influence on her journey. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to her friends for always believing in her. The network of encouragement and shared experiences have been crucial to her success.

Future Goals and Aspirations 

Looking ahead, Ms. Perkins has set ambitious goals for herself, including “LVN-BSN starting 2025, volunteering, and becoming a better person every day while striving to spend more time with people who wish the best for me.” These goals reflect her commitment to continual personal and professional growth and her dedication to giving back to the community.

Personal Growth through Education 

Ms. Perkins attributes much of her personal growth to her education at Stanbridge. “My education at Stanbridge has contributed to my personal growth in many ways. The main reasons are financial stability, the ability to continue school after this, and meeting amazing people for whom I wish the best. I also have a deeper understanding of the world around me and how people are impacted physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Knowledge is a blessing!” 

Advice for Future Nursing Students 

For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Ms. Perkins offers this advice: “Believe in yourself and surround yourself with important people. As essential as school is, learning to enjoy life while balancing schoolwork is also important. A major way to get ahead in school is to apply yourself ahead of time. Don’t wait for the instructor to teach you. There are so many options available to succeed in your classes. If you stay motivated throughout the program, you can do anything you believe in. I wish luck to all future healthcare workers, from CNAs to doctors!” 

Learn more about Stanbridge University’s Vocational Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.