GCCC Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Smith
Sarah Smith began her journey at Garden City Community College (GCCC) in 2009, pursuing a lifelong goal of becoming a nurse. “My husband accepted a job in Garden City that gave us financial stability for me to attend Nursing school, which was always my career goal.”
During her time at GCCC, Smith learned lessons that extended beyond the classroom. When asked about the most important lesson she took away from her experience, she found it difficult to choose just one. “It is hard to narrow down to one thing, but respect for others probably tops the list. Respect others’ beliefs, concerns, and culture because we live in a diverse community,” she shared.
Smith graduated in 2012 with an Associate in Science in Nursing and began her career in health care. Today, she works as a Registered Nurse in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) at CommonSpirit St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas.
In the PACU, Smith prepares patients for surgery, monitors their recovery from anesthesia, manages pain and airway needs, and helps ensure patients and their families understand discharge instructions. Her work combines clinical expertise with patient education and compassionate care during vulnerable moments.
That commitment to her patients earned Smith the prestigious DAISY Award in December 2020 while she was working in the hospital’s emergency room. Presented by the DAISY Foundation, the award recognizes nurses who demonstrate exceptional clinical skill, compassion, and meaningful connections with patients.
Smith was recognized after a patient praised her calm, reassuring presence during a critical cardiac and breathing episode. Even while wearing full COVID-19 protective equipment, she helped comfort the patient during a frightening and uncertain experience.
Smith credits GCCC’s nursing program with helping prepare her for the responsibilities of her profession. “Garden City Community College prepared me for success by providing a well-structured nursing program that held us to a high standard.”
Her advice to current and prospective GCCC students is straightforward: “Don’t give up! Achieve your goals”.
From a student pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse to an experienced health care professional recognized for her compassionate care, Smith’s journey illustrates how a strong educational foundation can open doors to a meaningful career and lasting impact on others.
GCCC is proud to be part of alumni stories like Sarah Smith’s. Through the GCCC Endowment Association, you can help future students pursue their own goals by establishing an endowed scholarship and investing in the next generation of Busters.
From here, you can go anywhere.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.