A group of TLU nursing students recently found a way to make a difference outside the clinical setting. “My classmates and I took the initiative to use our day off from nursing school in a meaningful way,” said ABSN student Nyasia Jones. “We came together to cook and serve meals to individuals experiencing homelessness in our Houston community.”

Jones joined with classmates Nikaya Henry and Redjyna Thony—all of them students in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program on TLU’s Houston campus—to bring the things they’ve been learning in the classroom to life. “This experience reminded us of something we learned about in our Fundamentals of Nursing Concepts and Practice class, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs,” said Jones. “Meeting basic physiological needs like food, warmth, and safety are essential before healing or personal growth can begin. Being able to contribute to that firsthand, even for just one day, helped us connect our education to real-life impact in a powerful way.”

Jones said the group was proud to lend a hand in the community they’ll serve. “As nursing students, we know that healthcare goes beyond clinical skills and textbooks. It’s about empathy, connection, and recognizing the human needs that form the foundation of wellbeing. We're so proud to be able to give back to the community and represent TLU.”