Passion for nursing brings MCC alumna accolades

Passion for nursing brings MCC alumna accolades
Addie Lee is congratulated by colleagues, family, and friends after the announcement of Lee's award. 

Caring for a beloved aunt until her passing and losing a close friend to diabetes, Addie B. Lee felt compelled to dedicate her life to caring for others.

Her compassion led her to a career in nursing, and she started that path at Meridian Community College, and earned her practical nursing certificate in 2014. She chose MCC after speaking with advisors, counselors, financial aid staffers, and students before making her decision. "I was very impressed with what MCC offered. It was far beyond my expectations," she said.

"I knew I made the right choice," she said.

Her drive to serve others, has received the attention of many, including her employer.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs chose and saluted Lee as the recipient of the 2022 Secretary's Award for Nursing Excellence – one of the department's top awards. "I was so astonished," she said.

Lee, 56, a former Meridianite who lives in Peachtree Corners, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta, works full-time in the VA's Lawrenceville Clinic as a licensed practical nurse. In the letter announcing the award, VA officials said Lee volunteered at different clinic sites during the COVID-19 pandemic. "This allowed many veterans to receive different services, including vaccinations, blood draws, X-rays, and other procedures at the HUB, which resulted in improved organizational outcomes and patient satisfaction," the announcement revealed.

A colleague added, "I cannot express my sincere appreciation for Addie's hard work, dedication, and support that she brings to our team every day."

Surprised and honored to receive the accolade, Lee said about her work, "I was just doing my daily, daily."

Lee volunteers to work extra shifts at the VA medical center as a gap provider if the center is short-staffed, and she teaches certified nurse assistant classes at the Atlanta Career Institute three times a week.

"My goal is to complete a bridge licensed practical nurse-registered nurse program within the next year or two," she said.

Lee is the mother of three adult children and grandmother of three. "My mom and brother still live in Meridian, and I come home often to Meridian, which will always be home to me," she said.

What advice would she give others in choosing to study at MCC? "If you consider it, you are on the right path to success."

She contributes her success to MCC. "The program, the advisors, the instructors, everyone from the Business Office to the cafeteria and others had a big impact on my life, and I want to say thank you," she added.