Share Your Stories

As the year winds down, we extend our deepest appreciation for all you do to advance associate degree nursing education. This season offers a welcome chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect. With that spirit in mind, we invite you to participate in OADN’s 100-Word Challenge, a new community storytelling project created to strengthen the bonds within our ADN education community.

100-Word Challenge Overview

The challenge invites members to respond to short prompts such as “The truth is…” or “What I wish my students knew about me…” by sharing a story, moment, or reflection in exactly 100 words. Each submission offers a window into your lived experience and helps reveal shared values, common struggles, and unexpected points of connection.

How It Works

Choose any prompt from the list below.
Write a reflection of exactly 100 words. A grace of two words is acceptable but please aim for 100.

You may submit as many entries as you like. Each submission counts as one entry into a drawing for free registration to the 2026 OADN Convention. Selected stories may be featured in future community-building projects, publications, or events.

Submit your story using this form

Ground Rules

• Aim for exactly 100 words.
• Keep reflections professional and respectful. Submissions may be shared publicly.
• Do not identify students or colleagues.
• Multiple submissions are welcome.
• Submissions are due January 21, 2026

Prompt Ideas

• The truth is…
• What I wish my students knew about me…
• What I Wish I Knew About My Students…
• What people do not see…

For inspiration, here’s a story from OADN Board Member Daniel Flores:

“I am from a place where compassion was learned early, and I carry it with me each day into hospital halls. As a nurse, I move with practiced calm, offering comfort through steady hands and measured breath. As an educator, I guide students who gather around me—unsure at first—then growing braver with each passing day. At the bedside, I translate frightening diagnoses into words that soften fear and restore understanding. With every shift and every lesson, I blend care with clarity. By night’s end, both patients and students rest easier—each strengthened by my presence, each touched by my purpose. I am mortal, and I am a nurse.”

We hope you will take a few moments during this season of reflection to share a story, connect with colleagues, and help build a richer and more compassionate community.

As we close out the year, please note that the OADN National Office will close for the holidays at the end of the business day on Friday, December 19 and will reopen on January 5. We look forward to beginning a new year of collaboration, innovation, and connection with you.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright start to the new year.

Warm regards,

Your Friends at OADN