Scharmaine Lawson-Baker

This has been a keynote speaking experience like none other. I never imagined falling madly in love with a community of clinicians, future midwives, and soon to be nurse practitioners.  

It all began when Dr. Julie Marfell, the Dean of Nursing picked me up from Bluegrass Airport. I was still in awe of the endless blades of green grass when I was cordially treated to an incredible organic meal at the local CoOp. Let me just say, ” I was licking my fingers.” I truly believe that I am a total foodie because well, I’m from New Orleans. This makes me a certified foodie. When I lick my fingers after eating, it’s good. Real good.

Anyway, we were then off for a 2.5 hr drive through the most majestic mountain terrain I had ever seen outside of the Great Smokey Mountains and the fabulous snow-topped mountains of AK. I hardly noticed that for about 30 minutes my phone was quietly registering and reporting , “NO SERVICE.” I didn’t notice because of the glorious scenery and the incredible fascinating stories about the founder of the Frontier Nursing School, Ms. Mary Carson Breckinridge . All I can say is, “WOW!” She was an incredible visionary that saw a need and filled it. I am so honored to have been the keynote speaker at the 5th Annual PRIDE Diversity Impact weekend. I’m really kinda glad that I didn’t do a lot of research on Frontier Nursing School before I arrived because that made everything a little more raw for me. More than ever, I have been overwhelmed with the spirit of compassion, community, diversity, and giving since arriving. I feel Ms. Breckinridge’s spirit all around me. I know she’s here. The home she lived in and the trails she took to deliver babies as a midwife for women in her community are still here. There is even a brick from THE Florence Nightingale here!!!!!!!!! It just doesn’t get any better. I rubbed it. I was in the room with it.

As my journey draws to a close, I will relish in the noises from a cricket-filled night and maybe take one more hike through the mountains because I’m always trying to get more steps!