Deciding to return to college after many years and at my age to obtain a nursing degree is not something I thought was in the cards for me. When the opportunity presented itself, and I decided to go for it, a flood of emotions accompanied it. My life, as I previously knew it, would be forever changed. Becoming an RN is a dream that I truly thought was impossible. Now, as I stand with only a few months until graduation, I’m forever grateful for those who pushed me, supported me, and stood beside me as I cried, laughed, and cheered my way to success.
Being a student in my late 40s has given me the opportunity to be a friend, a confidante, and a pseudo-mother to so many in my classroom. I have built lifelong friendships and am so proud to be part of this university and this program that brings nursing to the forefront of careers and recognizes our accomplishments, whether we are non-traditional students like me or those right out of high school, all striving for the same success.