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Email nursing.midwifery@tcd.ie GaeilgeTo mark Black History Month, the School of Nursing and Midwifery is running a short profile series celebrating current Black students.
Rather than looking back at historical figures, this series turns the spotlight on talented students within our own School today and shares their journeys, perspectives, and hopes for the future in their own words.
We will be releasing student messages week by week in October. Stay tuned!
Tracy Kachidza is a Mental Health Nursing student who is committed to creating a space where patients feel truly seen.
Dennis Nthiani’s journey as a student nurse has been shaped by culture, community and personal loss. Dennis hopes to specialise in the field of critical care in the future.
Celebrating Black History Month with Ezighode Aire
What drew you to nursing / midwifery as a career? I’ve always wanted to help people because a small task for us can make a massive difference for someone else. Honestly, watching Chicago Med when I was younger really opened my eyes to that, and it just made me want to find a career where I could give back.
What's been a proud moment for you so far in the course? My proudest moment was being recognised at a Trinity ceremony for my exam results. Seeing how happy it made my parents was incredibly rewarding. For me, that academic foundation is so important because it’s exactly what gives me the confidence to show up and deliver the best possible care during clinical placements.
Is there anything about your background or culture that shapes how you approach patient care? I was born and raised here in Ireland by Nigerian parents, so I’ve always valued having a multicultural perspective. A big part of my heritage is a strong focus on community and treating people like family. In Nigeria, there is a massive cultural emphasis on kindness, moral responsibility, and looking out for strangers.
Have you had any mentors, role models, or peers who've supported you along the way? Watching my parents sacrifice everything to give me the opportunity to become educated taught me that ambition carries responsibility.
Why does representation in healthcare matter to you? Growing up, I rarely saw Black nurses, so when I did, it was honestly a bit of a shock. But then this huge wave of excitement hit me, like, 'Oh my god, they look like me.' It wasn't just about skin colour, it was an instant connection that completely erased any fear I had that day. Fast forward to today, and things have completely changed in my hometown. Now, when I walk into a clinic or hospital, seeing diverse faces is becoming the norm, not the exception. Seeing that growth makes me happy , because it means the next generation of kids won't have to wait for a rare moment to feel that same sense of belonging.
What kind of nurse / midwife do you want to be? The person people run to without hesitation whenever they are in trouble. I want to build a bond where they feel creating a space where they feel completely secure, understood, and supported from the very first moment.
What would you say to a younger student considering nursing or midwifery? If you can be anything in this world, choose to be kind. Honestly, there is no better profession that installs kindness than nursing and midwifery.
