Meet student leader Jessica McCutcheon
Nipissing students consistently impress as leaders, in the classroom, on campus and in the community. Recently the university celebrated 25 student leaders at the annual Dave Marshall Leadership Awards. Over the coming months, NU News will introduce each student leader to the wider community with a short article discussing their accomplishments and activities. Today, we are pleased to profile Jessica McCutcheon, who is working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
McCutcheon always makes time for those in need. She is an active volunteer with The Gathering Place, and has filled a variety of roles there, including Server, Cook, Weekend Kitchen Supervisor, and Teaching Kitchen Coordinator and Volunteer, where she has stabilized the organization of the weekend meals. Her positive attitude, willingness to learn, and the empathy she shows to the marginalized in our community, have promoted a feeling of worth among the clients at The Gathering Place, while also inspiring and motivating new volunteers.
McCutcheon has demonstrated great initiative and leadership by assuming the responsibility of Teaching Kitchens for women and those at-risk. She goes out of her way to ensure The Gathering Place’s clients are comfortable and happy, and shows great compassion toward everyone who walks through the doors. She is a visionary, collaborating with other staff about potential program expansions and ways to encourage self-efficiency among the patrons; all while balancing her demanding Nursing schedule.
McCutcheon is motivated and adaptable. Her optimism, work ethic, and flexibility encourages others to follow her lead. After graduation, McCutcheon plans to work as a Registered Nurse in North Bay and continue her volunteer work with the Gathering Place. She would like to develop a health outreach program to make nursing and health care available to those in the community who are less fortunate, homeless, or unable to receive traditional healthcare treatments.
The university community is proud to recognize Jessica McCutcheon with a Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Community Category.