Convocation Spotlight: Christina Bray
6 June 2025
Before she began her time at university, Christina Bray volunteered with a teen crisis line. This work inspired her to go into nursing, so she could learn how to better help those with mental illness. Later, having spent time as a registered nurse working in addictions and mental health, she decided to return to school to pursue a master of nursing so she could further develop her critical thinking skills and engage in research that would deepen her knowledge.
Here she shares some thoughts about her experience of graduate school and her plans for her future career.
How did you stay motivated during your studies?
My supervisors, Drs. Jude Spiers and Tanya Park were incredible supporters throughout my master’s degree. I was able to seek guidance from them whenever I needed. The knowledge they have shared with me has been invaluable.
What activities did you do outside of your studies?
I worked as a registered nurse with tertiary Addictions and Mental Health. I am currently still working in this role and plan to use my degree and knowledge from my capstone to inform my practice. The capstone project I completed was about the transition between child and adult services for young adults who have intellectual disabilities who live in the community.
What advice would you give to a student considering graduate studies in nursing?
Be curious and do not be afraid of ambiguity. Health care is full of grey areas and you have to make peace with the ambiguity that comes with it. This means that you have to develop your critical thinking and inquiry skills to apply your theory to practice.