The Countess Drops Knowledge on Class of '11

The Real Housewives of New York City's LuAnn de Lesseps had the proud honor of serving as keynote speaker for NYU's College of Nursing graduation this week, and tells RadarOnline, "I explained to the graduates how nursing has served me well my entire life -- as a mother, a daughter to my father in hospice, and even in public situations when people have had a seizure."

Prior to becoming the Countess, LuAnn balanced building her modeling career while putting her nursing degree to good use. "I worked part time as a nurse when I was scouted to model, and I am convinced I got many of my jobs because I was not just a waitress," the mom of two teens continues. "Think about it -- the people hiring would rather go on the plane to Aspen with a nurse than with someone who was just waiting tables."

Rocking her black cap and gown, LuAnn called the entire experience "humbling," and tweeted "Congratulations to the nurses graduating from the NYU College of Nursing today! I wish you all success and happiness as you begin your nursing careers."

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