In 1985, I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a B.S. in Public Health. On December 19, 2013, 28 years later, I graduated from Clemson University with a B.S. in Nursing. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would do something so intense as tackle a nursing degree at 50 years of age. I've pretty much astonished myself.
The whole idea of becoming a nurse began in November of 2010 when I was told that my department at the Greenville Hospital System would be closing due to budget cuts (dart #2). I had just lost both of my parents (dart #1) in January of that year (they died 12 days apart). It was another blow to my grieving heart after losing the two most important people in my life. I was at a crossroads and really didn't know if I wanted to stay in the fitness industry. I had accomplished everything that I wanted and desired to do in that 25 year career. So what do I do know? As I was contemplating what the 2nd life of my life should be, I began thinking about all the wonderful nurses and staff that took care of my parents during their illness. I remembered thinking how satisfying it would be to take care of people in their deepest need and the difference it can make it someone's life. It sure made a difference in my parent's life. So the pursuit began. I enrolled in Greenville Tech and took one online course while still working at GHS. When my job ended in April of 2011, I visited my brother in Vancouver, BC, spent the summer at home renovating my kitchen and continued to consider nursing school while still dealing with my parents estate as the executor. I applied to Tri-County Tech to continue my coursework in pursuit of a nursing career. During this time, my husband lost his job (dart #3), our youngest daughter was having major life issues (dart #4) and our middle daughter was engaged to be married (a bright spot). In the Fall of 2011 as I was taking classes at TCTC and planning my daughter's wedding and worrying about my youngest, I found out that Clemson had a 2nd Degree Nursing Program. It was perfect! In 16 months, I could have a B.S. in Nursing. At the age of 48 I needed a program that was accelerated and allow me to start a new career quickly. However, could I get in? I filled out my application to Clemson in December 2011 and in January I was accepted into their program. In the first half of 2012, I continued my coursework at Tri-County to fulfill the needed prerequisites, my husband got a job (bright spot) and our daughter was married (bright spot). I was in need of some brightness in my life. Then in August 2012, the nursing program began! Little did I know that I would experience the most horrifying situation a parent could ever experience. At the end of my 1st semester at Clemson, our youngest child was dealing with some life threatening issues (dart #5) and by January of 2013, we were sending her to a treatment center in Florida. How I managed my coursework and physically and emotionally dealt with our family needs is beyond me. Somehow I was able to stay on the Dean's List. I continued on with my coursework throughout the summer and the fall of this year and ended with a 3.73 GPA. So how did I get through such an intense nursing program at a major university, graduate Magna Cum Laude and deal with all my family issues. I have to give God all the glory and praise. I have experienced His grace and favor in a way that just humbles me. He carried me when I couldn't walk (much less talk for crying). He gave me clarity when I needed it. He gave me strength when I was at my weakest. He gave me understanding when life just didn't make sense. He gave me comfort at my saddest. He provided wonderful professors that encouraged me and allowed me to do what we needed to do to get our daughter the help she needed.
I have to thank my sweet husband, Ed, for all he did to keep our family intact and moving forward. He was there for our children when I couldn't be. He cooked and cleaned and paid bills. He allowed me to do my schoolwork without making me feel guilty for not doing my part around the house. He encouraged me and pushed me onward.
I have to thank my children for allowing Mom to be totally engrossed in her schoolwork. They cheered me on as I made good grades and encouraged me when my test grades made me cry. My youngest daughter is doing much better.
I have to thank my dear friend, Rich Snead, for being my school partner throughout our nursing schoolwork. We meet at TCTC in a microbiology class while he was reinventing his life and I told him about Clemson's nursing program. He applied and was accepted. We have seen the good, bad and ugly of each other and we made it!
I have to thank all of my professors and instructors who invested in my education teaching me all the necessary information to be a safe, effective, and compassionate nurse. They stood by me when I was at my lowest and kept me moving focused. I also have to thank all of my friends and relatives who encouraged me and cheered for me as I took this task of becoming a nurse, especially my nurse friends.
I'm amazed at how life can throw darts your way. Yet despite the pain, if you persist on...stay focused...keep your eyes straight ahead...you can accomplish whatever you want at any age - with God by your side!
