I can say, with absolute certainty, that I would not have had the career I had, the life I had- have, were it not for Dr. O'Brien.
I was a single mother on welfare who was told, for most of my adult life that I was worthless and dumb. I believed it.
Bill Clinton's changing "welfare as we know it" propelled me into school to learn a skill, get a job. I chose nursing.
I was so timid, so unsure of myself and so scared when I started Dr. O'Briens microbiology nursing program prerequisite.I was quiet, didn't ask or answer questions. I was intimidated. However, he was such a fantastic teacher and made the subject so compelling it sucked me right in. I recall him saying that as future nurses he really wanted us to:
1) not kill our patients by not washing our hands
2) educate our patients on the importance of vaccination and breast feeding.
And he taught us about these issues- the immune system, the ubiquity of microorganisms, contagion, etc- so that we could educate our patients, not just preach.
I'll never forget the first time I answered a question without even thinking about it, and he said " Yes! That's the way I want you to be thinking this." Same for the first question I asked- "I want you to think about this the way that Donna is."
By mid-semester my classmates were coming me to explain things in our study group. ME. I realized I wasn't stupid, I was smart.
Dr. O'Brien wrote me an amazing letter of recommendation and I got into the program. He also gave me the advice to, if possible, seek employment at a public hospital where so much important work is done. And to join a strong union so that, at the end of my career, I could have a pension. I followed his advice. I will always be so
incredibly grateful to Dr. O'Brien, a kind dedicated and wonderful teacher.
My sympathies to you, his family, for your loss.
I am forever in his debt.
Donna Ahern
