Lila Common
Every semester, nursing students select a graduate who exemplifies a professional nurse to be the recipient of the Barbara Rood Student Choice Award. One of this year’s recipients, Lila Common, has a special connection to the award. Barbara Rood was Common’s great-grandmother.
Common, a 2020 Anthony Wayne graduate, was inspired to become a nurse by watching many television shows in addition to her grandmothers being in the profession.
Common followed in her family’s footsteps by pursuing her degree at Owens. Not only was her great-grandmother, Barbara Rood, an Owens Community College graduate and one of the first nursing faculty members at the College, but her grandma, Ellen Thomas, also graduated from the college. “I also loved how small the classes were and it was a great fit for me,” she said. Common also credits the faculty, the atmosphere and the program itself. “I felt an instant love for this college when I first visited,” Common added.
When Common first enrolled at Owens, she had a goal of receiving the Barbara Rood award. “When I first started the program, my grandma told me about the Barbara Rood award. I knew I had to work hard and be the best student I could to be able to receive the award,” Common said. “My family is so proud and overjoyed by my accomplishments to receive the award.”
After graduation, Common will be an emergency room nurse at Mercy St. Vincent’s Hospital in Toledo.
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Published December 2023