Since my freshman year, I have struggled with medical issues. Migraines and sports injuries were the bulk of it. I would spend everyday in the health room, which didn’t make my school day any more pleasant. But I was comfortable with the health room at South campus because I knew where everything was and how it worked, but then I had to move to North campus.
In the first week of junior year, I was nervous. I was at a whole new campus with the seniors. It didn’t help that I was on the verge of passing out. So I went to the office and asked where the health room was. But the lady said the nurse doesn’t get here till 8:45am. I told her that I thought I was going to pass out, so she put me in a bed in the health room and waited with me. Then at 8:45am sharp came the spunky and upbeat--Mrs. Nordwig. She took my vitals and called my parents. She told me to get an emergency appointment at the doctor because I was crying in pain.
I went to the doctor and they drew blood, then sent me to the hospital for dehydration and pain management. Once they treated the pain, the doctors told me I would keep having to visit the nurse at school so I could take my medicine. The next day I was back at school.
I was excited in a way to go back and see her so I could thank her for helping me. When I went to see her, she was happy to see me too. She would jump up to get me what I needed and ask how I was doing. She’s the most confident and energetic person you could ever meet. I could tell from just looking at her that she loves her job and doesn’t let anything get in her way.
Seeing her everyday you’ll learn a couple things. She doesn’t like being called the nurse, because she isn’t, she’s an EMT. If you don’t cry she’ll give you candy.  And, most importantly, I learned that she cares. She’s like a second mom to anyone who walks into her health room and she cares more than anyone I’ve encountered. She goes beyond her job description, she will keep checking in to make sure everything’s okay inside and outside of school.
She knows more about me than any adult at this school. When I have one of my anxiety attacks, she’s the first person I run to. She always tells me to breathe and that I will be okay.
Sometimes I find excuses just to go see her because she always puts me in a good mood on my worst days. She’s given me all the advice I could ask for and follows up with anything I tell her.
I’m nominating Mrs. Nordwig for this award because she’s made my high school experience so much better. She’s not only helped with medical problems, but also with my personal problems. I see her as a second mom and she does her job unbelievably well. She truly deserves this award. Thank you for everything you have done for me, Mrs. Nordwig.