As judges deliberated over this year’s contenders for the LASCO Chin Foundation and Nurses Association of Jamaica Nursing Student of the Year title, one thing was already clear – Jamaica’s next generation of nurses is bringing far more than academic excellence to the profession.Determination, leadership, compassion, and service.These are among the qualities the awards programme seeks to recognise – qualities that helped propel then third-year University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), Western Campus student Okeive Matheson to first runner-up in last year’s competition despite initially believing that the programme was not for him.“When I was first approached by Miss Teisha Vaugh [a lecturer at the UTech Caribbean School of Nursing] about the recommendation, I almost said no,” Matheson shared. “I don’t like competition – it’s a different ball game and I’m extremely shy. So it wasn’t something I wanted to do off the bat, but I eventually said let me try, with encouragement from her and my peers.”That decision ultimately led to him being named first runner-up for the 2025-2026 Nursing Student of the Year title – one of the country’s most prestigious recognitions for emerging nursing professionals.Today, as anticipation builds ahead of the announcement of this year’s winners during National Nurses Week, Matheson, now in the fourth and final year of his nursing degree, is encouraging his peers to embrace opportunities that challenge them, reminding them that a single decision to step outside their comfort zone could shape the course of their careers.“This was the result of a try. To any nursing student considering it, take the chance and give your all. Your path may be directed by something higher than yourself, and you might discover something you truly enjoy. It’s better to take the chance than live with regret,” Matheson said.His journey reflects many of the qualities judges look for in the competition, including academic excellence, leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to service. Outside the classroom, Matheson serves as an assistant class representative, mentors junior nursing students, and has held leadership roles as editor and public relations officer within the Students’ Union Sub-Council. Students from institutions including the University of the West Indies School of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, and the Excelsior School of Nursing have sought his guidance during their clinical placements on the wards.“Persons have always come to me for advice. Whether it’s helping students on the wards or guiding younger students through patient care, I enjoy supporting others,” Matheson explained.He continued: “Nursing school is incredibly rewarding, but it also demands a great deal of commitment, discipline, and sacrifice. Between balancing lectures, clinical rotations, examinations, and the personal costs that come with training, students can sometimes feel overwhelmed. That’s why programmes like the LASCO Chin Foundation Nursing Student of the Year Awards are so meaningful. They remind us that our hard work is being recognised, appreciated, and encouraged, and that motivates us to keep striving for excellence.”MORE MALE NURSESThe LASCO, NAJ Nursing and Nursing Student of the Year Awards programme is also highlighting another encouraging trend: increased participation by male nursing students. This year, four of the 11 Nursing Student of the Year finalists were male, up from three in 2025. While nursing remains a female-dominated profession globally, Matheson believes that male nurses are making meaningful contributions to the field.“There’s definitely pressure on the males because there are so few of us,” he said. “At my campus, there are only five males in fourth year, but the presence of male students helps bring balance and different perspectives, and I think that benefits everyone.”According to Danielle Cunningham, communications manager at LASCO, the increase in male participation is a positive sign for the profession.“We were particularly encouraged to see four male nursing students among this year’s finalists,” Cunningham noted. “Nursing thrives when it reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. We hope to see even more males stepping forward in future years not only to participate in the competition but to pursue leadership roles within the profession.”Cunningham added that while academic achievement remains important, judges assess a much broader range of qualities.“The competition seeks to identify well-rounded nursing professionals who demonstrate leadership, compassion, critical thinking, community involvement, and a genuine commitment to patient care. The strongest candidates are those who can combine clinical competence with the ability to inspire and positively impact others,” she said.Judging for the 2026-2027 Nurse and Nursing Student of the Year Awards concluded on June 20, with the winners set to be announced at the awards ceremony on July 24.For Matheson, the experience has reinforced his passion for nursing, a profession he entered somewhat unexpectedly at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally considering a career in forensic pathology, he applied to nursing school on the recommendation of a former classmate. He has since expressed an interest in advancing his studies to become a family nurse practitioner or nurse anaesthetist.“I like nursing now. I’m invested in it,” he said.And for students considering whether to put themselves forward for future instalments of the programme, Matheson’s advice remains simple: “Take the chance.”