my story

I started following this forum sometime in 2008, and officially joined in 2009. At that time I was finishing up my B.A. in Psychology. During college (the first time), I had been pre-med, pre-physical therapy, pre-RT, just about anything pre-health. I attempted to transfer into nursing once, but had truly terrible grades (2.65 GPA when I graduated) - and to no surprise, I was rejected.

When I graduated, I couldn't find a job (not too uncommon with a degree in Psychology and the current job market). I finally worked as a psychiatric case manager - a lot of desk work and BS - I HATED IT. One day I realized that I had to follow through with seriousness on a profession I knew I wanted - nursing. During undergrad I had followed a CRNA for several shifts and fell in love with both the ICU RN's and the CRNA I followed - the career intrigued me in a way I never felt before.

I had 3 pre-req's remaining before I could fully apply to RN school (A&P 1 and 2, Microbiology). I knew with my horrible grades I needed an A in all of the remaining classes to have an admissions committee not laugh at me. I took the courses online - worked FT - studied on my free time and lunch breaks, and got an A in every class.

My applications went out - I kept in constant contact with admissions and professors for the program I truly wanted, and on my first application cycle, I was accepted to a great BSN program d/t the grace of GOD...The admissions counselor said they saw great potential in me, and wanted to give me a chance.

I started the program the following Fall - everything just clicked. When you study for something you a so deeply interested in, its hardly like studying. Its like watching an intense movie you cant turn away from.

I graduated with a 4.0 - received awards for my clinical excellence, and was able to secure a position in one of the best Intensive Care Units in the state upon graduation...

As I am one step closer to my dream of becoming a CRNA - I want others to know that past experiences, if less than desirable, do not have to define the student you are in the future. If you sincerely have a passion for this career, there is no reason you can't get an A+ in every class.

I am by no means "smart" - but I work hard, and I know not to settle for mediocre - because one way or another, your knowledge (or lack there of), will have a direct influence on someones life.

While I face a lot of adversity due to my past GPA in getting into CRNA school - I'll continue to fight against the adversity that my poor habits of the past have left me...but no matter what DETERMINATION will get everywhere to their goal - and it will make that light at the end of the tunnel even brighter.

If you want it - GO GET IT.