Prerequisites finally completed

It has been a long haul but I am finally done. After five schools, many sleepless nights, too many tears, and lots of doubt I finally finished my prerequisites.

I have know for over 40 years that I wanted to be a nurse. I joined the army thinking they could magically make it happen. This was back when the recruiters could tell you anything to get your signature on the dotted line. 22 years served, three children, two (ex)husbands, lots of travel experience but no degree.

I started at a for profit institution in a medical assistant program. Life got in the way and I had to drop out. I started again in the surgical technology program. Again, I dropped out. Online classes, for profit schools, community college I tried them all. Even though I did well in all of my classes, I wasn't excited about any of it.

Fast forward to the summer of 2014. I sat down and really examined my life. Have I accomplished anything? Yes. I have. Was I fulfilled? No. I wasn't. Over the course of 30 years I had put myself and my dreams on hold to take care of others. It finally hit me. It dawned on me why I wasn't truly happy. That something missing was my nursing degree.

I immediately went on a search for a nursing school in my area. I found an associates degree nursing program with no wait list at a community college. The entrance exam was my undoing. I did well in English and reading but math literally kicked my butt. I left that day with my head hanging low thinking I can't do this. I've waited too long. I was ashamed that I had to take remedial math. I thought of quitting before my journey truly began. My support system was not having that. They bolstered me up and gave me back the spark. Not only did I pass the math class, I passed with flying colors. I earned an A in math, psychology, medical terminology, and the required college success class. I was well on my way and happy about it. Enter the bitter old lady who hated her job... my adviser. She refused to register me for any classes because my grades weren't 'official' yet. She also pointed her finger in my face and raised her voice. I don't know about anyone else but I believe if I am paying my money I deserve good service. I immediately went to the registrars office and withdrew from that school.

Leaving that school was the best thing that could have happened. I found another nursing program with a 100% pass rate. This program is an LPN program not RN. Notice the last letter? It stands for nurse. I'm OK with that. In the future I might pursue my RN or I might discover that I love being an LPN. Who knows? For now I am one step closer to being a nurse.

Finally, after all of that we get to the reason of my post. I finished my last prerequisite classes this past semester. I will be applying to the nursing program with a 4.0 GPA. I will be taking the TEAS V in June with it firmly planted in my mind that I will do well. Over the past five months I sacrificed a lot. I neglected my family, I didn't go out, missed all of my favorite shows, the house looks a mess, and we have all gained a few pounds because of all of the takeout food. But it was worth it!

I offer my story as encouragement to anyone out there that thinks it's too late to follow their dreams. It's not easy, but most things in life worth having aren't. You can find a way to make it happen.

(One last thing. That remedial math gave me the tools I needed to earn an A in college algebra. Sometimes what we see as a negative is actually a positive in disguise.)

Never give up! Don't let a set back be a set up for giving up!