We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jerlliyah Dotson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jerlliyah below.

Jerlliyah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

My mentor, Dr. Jeremy Whittaker, was the most amazing boss and exceptional mentor one could ask for. I graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2021 and decided to pursue a Masters of Science in Nursing (2023) to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse educator. Because of the positive and long-lasting impact I made on the students and faculty during my undergraduate studies, I was offered an incredible opportunity to work as the inaugural graduate assistant of the Student Success Division. This position allowed me to attend graduate school without any financial burden, in addition I was involved in mentorship, tutoring, leadership development, and providing faculty support for undergraduate students.

Dr. Whittaker’s encouragement and guidance inspired me to embrace my talents, set ambitious goals, and lead with purpose. Throughout my graduate school journey, I faced numerous challenges and obstacles that often seemed impossible to overcome. During those times, Dr. Whittaker shared his own stories of struggles and triumphs, reminding me that setbacks were simply opportunities for growth and development. He even sent me a video titled “The elephant is over there,” which served as a reminder that what I was searching for was closer than I thought. I realized that our journeys were similar and that he was the blueprint for my next destination.

As I reflect on my journey through graduate school, I am immensely grateful for the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Jeremy Whittaker. His leadership not only helped me achieve my academic goals but also instilled in me a sense of resilience, determination, and purpose that will continue to guide me throughout my career. Dr. Whittaker’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he has touched and inspired, including mine.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey to becoming a nurse educator begin after my first semester of nursing. I was recommended by an instructor to tutor a pathophysiology course after passing her class. I was really nervous and afraid students would not grasp the material, but the outcome was the exact opposite and they loved it! After recognizing the impact it had on students, I decided to use every opportunity to perfect my craft, including using breaks to study and create material.

Recognizing the unique demands of nursing education, I decided to tap into the art of nursing to reform the learning experience for nursing students. My tutoring sessions became more than just academic support; they were immersive experiences designed to engage students and facilitate deep understanding.
Drawing on a variety of approaches, including visuals, gamification, and role-play, I transformed complex concepts into digestible chunks of knowledge. Each session was carefully curated to cater to different learning styles and preferences, ensuring that every student had the opportunity to excel.

One standout example of this innovative approach was the “IntraVENOUS Therapy” lecture, which I transformed into a captivating space-themed experience. By dimming the lights and incorporating glow-in-the-dark props, I created an atmosphere that transported students into a different world while they learned about the intricacies of IV therapy. The incorporation of NCLEX-style questions added a practical element, reinforcing their understanding and preparing them for real-world scenarios.

After sharing my study notes on my instagram stories and Facebook feed students from other institutions wanted to tutoring sessions so I decided to develop a platform for students to book tutoring sessions, test prep, or purchase study guides.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I would say challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone as a nursing student/nurse. If you want extraordinary results, be willing to go the extra mile in everything you do and I mean the EXTRA MILE. I’ve always believed in helping others, and for me, that meant broadening the people I wanted to help. While most students tend to look out for themselves or a small group of people, I felt it was important to extend that circle and make a positive impact on as many people as possible. Make sure your heart is in it and be not afraid to stand on the frontline, you may receive criticism from a few people, but thats what comes with setting yourself apart. You will undoubtedly make a positive and lasting impact, so instead of creating a small study group, try offering a school-wide study session, start a mentoring program, and offer workshops that are conducive to learning and/or professional development.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes,there has been some amazing books, videos, and podcasts that have helped me along my journey,

A book titled “Speak” by Tunde Oyeneyin, inspired me to trust and use my voice. Its a perfect read for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills, develop–self-confidence, and achieve their goals. Tunde emphazises the importance of finding one’s authentic voice and learning to trust one’s intuition in order to make informed decisions and take decisive action.

Listening to a motivational speaker (Youtube) every single morning has been a part of my routine for over six years. Whether it is a TedTalk, Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, or David Goggins, I am always striving to learn from others.

“The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” is also one of the most influential personal and professional development books I’ve read. Stephen Covet uses a holistic approach to encourage readers to focus on developing character and principles that will serve as a solid foundation for achieving goals in a way that is fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jaysstudybar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursejehr_/