I was honored as one of this year's Great 100 Nurses here in North Carolina, and honestly? I haven't stopped smiling since.

When you work your tail off for something like this, you show up correct. Period. I knew I wanted a pretty evening dress that made me feel like me — powerful, elegant, unapologetic. I landed on this deep teal-blue evening gown and I swear, the second I zipped it up, I knew it was the one.

Let me just gush about this formal dress for a second,I do not want to pay more on a luxury dress. As Black women, we know a jewel tone is non-negotiable in the closet, and this one? It's not just flat color — there's this delicate floral lace overlay all over it that gives it the prettiest texture without being busy. The V-neck is just right — not too low, not too high — hits that sweet spot between classy and a little bit of sass. I threw on a silver metallic wrap with it, and let me tell you something: that cool blue against that icy silver? I felt like I could walk in a room and command attention and save your life at the same time. The vibe was immaculate.

Now, hair and makeup. Listen, I'm a nurse. I don't always have time for all this. But for this night? I went all the way in. I call my makeup look "glamorous natural" — sounds like an oxymoron, I know, but stick with me. Fresh skin, radiant, camera-ready but not cakey. Foundation dewy where it counts, matte where it needs to be — because North Carolina humidity does NOT play around, okay? A little creamy contour to carve out those cheekbones, a soft warm blush for that glow. My signature winged liner was on POINT that night — not a single smudge, honey. And I kept my lips nude and glossy 'cause the eyes and the dress were already doing enough.

Oh, and I kept my glasses on! My thick black frames. I used to hate wearing them out, like they made me look too serious or whatever. But now? I love 'em. They're part of my whole thing — book smart, street smart, all of it. Fits me perfectly.

Hair I kept classic — my relaxer, blown out into these bouncy layers with a side part. Nothing fancy, but it held up all night, which is really all you can ask for. Plus, it let my silver pendant necklace peek through, which I was excited about. Small details, but they matter.

The photos from that night... man. I keep scrolling back through them. There's one in front of the big event banner — you know the one, huge white letters that say "The Great 100 Nurses." Standing there next to those words? I got emotional, not gonna lie. All those 12-hour shifts, the holidays I missed, the days I went home and cried because it was just so heavy... it all hit me at once. That photo is validation, pure and simple.

And then there's the other one — we stepped outside between the ceremony and dinner, just needed some air, and my friend snapped it right next to this big green bush. It's so different from the banner shot. The green makes the blue of the dress pop, and the natural light hits my skin just right. It's quieter, you know? More intimate. That one feels like it's just for me — like a little moment where I could breathe and go, "Wow. You really did this."

I think a lot about how Black women in healthcare have to grind twice as hard for half the shine. So when that shine comes? You take it. You own it. You wear the blue dress and you let everybody see you. That night was about celebrating all of us — every nurse across this state showing up and showing out — but it was also about resilience. About sticking with it even when it's hard.

I folded that dress up real careful and put it back in the garment bag yesterday. I don't know when I'll wear it again, but I know I'll never forget how I felt in it. It's more than fabric and thread. It's a reminder of the career I love and the recognition I worked my whole life for.

To my nurses out there still putting in the work — your moment is coming. And when it does? Find yourself a blue dress that makes you feel like the queen you are. Trust me on this one.