There are many stages of life we all muddle through: school age, adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood. Typically, in the latter, one finds their children are grown, they have settled into a career focusing on retirement, and are looking forward to having more time to devote to leisure activities, travel or new hobbies. On rare occasions; however, one finds themselves reinventing who they are. That is exactly where I am at.

Two years ago, I found myself sitting in the Dean of Allied Health’s office at Bay College discussing the possibility of pursuing a nursing degree. Although I had some recent course work completed at a technical college, it had been over 20 years for math and science classes. I had never taken chemistry which I knew would be a requirement before I could even apply. We discussed the requirements for my entry into the nursing program and the plan was set in motion.

Today, I am a middle-aged woman on the brink of a whole new future. I am a mom, a wife, a certified nursing assistant, and a full-time nursing student. I left a full-time radio job I loved, to achieve a dream I never thought possible for me – to become a nurse. My life as a student has been demanding, stressful and rewarding all at the same time. My education experience at Bay College has been nothing but positive – from student services and admissions, all the way up to Dr. Coleman’s cheerful greetings in the hallway. All of these things have given me a sense of belonging and assurance that I am on the right path. Although difficult at times, it is my path to success!