Nursing students recognized for supporting and uplifting fellow Bruins in need

Three students from the UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing have received True Bruin R.A.I.S.E Awards for exemplifying UCLA’s True Bruin values of respect, accountability, integrity, service, and excellence. 

Julie Bernardo (MECN), Vanessa Martinez (B.S.), and Danielle Paisley (B.S.) were among 25 award recipients, each recognized for their selfless work helping fellow Bruins in crisis. 

Julie Bernardo is a graduate student in the school’s Master’s Entry Clinical Nursing program. Nominated by both a School of Nursing faculty member and fellow nursing student, Julie has been a constant source of support to her peers. In multiple instances, she recognized students in crisis, walking one student to the RISE Center after an emotionally difficult incident and helping another navigate family stress. Julie is currently completing an immersion program in a geriatric psychiatry unit and hopes to pursue psychiatric nursing after she graduates. 

“I am so grateful to be recognized in this way,” Julie said. “As a nursing student, I’m taught to provide care not just with my brain but with my heart. I’m thankful I could be there for my classmates and want to encourage others to find ways to help those in need.”

Vanessa Martinez is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student and was recognized for her generosity in supporting a fellow student struggling with financial hardship. After learning a classmate was unable to afford meals during long days on campus, Vanessa began sharing her meal swipes throughout the quarter. For her, it was a simple decision, “just something I felt called to do,” but it made a significant difference in the life of another.

“I’m really glad I was able to make a meaningful difference,” Vanessa said. “And I hope it reflects the kind of supportive culture we strive to build in the nursing community.” 

Danielle Paisley, also a student in nursing’s undergraduate program, was recognized after receiving a total of six nominations. Her award honors an extraordinary period of service marked by advocacy, leadership, and compassion following the loss of her best friend and fellow Bruin, Nicholas Chew. After his passing, Danielle helped plan a campus vigil and individually supported grieving students. Her work expanded into broader mental health advocacy, including helping organize the “Bruins Supporting Bruins” awareness event, promoting Mental Health First Aid training, and serving as an Undergraduate Representative on UCLA’s Campuswide Suicide Prevention Committee.

“As a future psychiatric nurse and researcher, I am deeply committed to advancing early intervention, stigma reduction, and peer-centered mental health support,” Danielle said. “It is an honor to contribute to this work alongside dedicated faculty, staff, and student leaders.”