Since I was a young girl I dreamed of becoming a nurse. I worked hard through grade school and high school learning as much as I could about the medical field. However, after I graduated high school I decided to put my dream on hold because I had no money, no place to live and needed to get my life together before I tried to tackle the expense of going on to college. I learned many great life lessons when trying to make it on my own in the world but there were still constant daily reminders that I had put my dream on hold. Finally, I came to terms that I would never go back to school and I needed to be happy with my position in life...and that was the end of that.
This August will be my 13th year working for my small family business. Although I've enjoyed every minute spent with friends and family, the insistent want of going back to school to better myself never really faded but rather remained dormant all those years. Every time a nurse came into our small shop wearing the scrubs and white shoes I would always ask them to tell me a little about their day hoping that by hearing a story I could try living through them, even if only for a moment. Working for family can be trying. However, at the same time can be extremely rewarding both in time spent together and also the smiles and laughter you share. Working for a very small family business means two things. 1. You will get sick of being around even the most important people in your life. 2. Raises can be hard to come by. I have spent almost 13 years at my job with very minimal raises. Not because I don't work hard but because the money made in small family business' generally go back into helping the business grow..and I'm okay with that. I live comfortably in a small house with my (3) dogs and have never asked anyone for help.
I put everything on hold to help my family, friends but mostly myself after high school. Now that I finally have a break I have decided to go back to school after a 12 year break. Now is the time I must ask for help. Making less money than most people it has been difficult paying for books, school supplies and the many classes I need to get into nursing school. I am trying to complete my degree the most economical ways possible, which is why I'm starting out at community college...but even that costs thousands a semester. I don't have time to get another job as I already work full time and between that, the classes I'm taking and extra studying I find I have very little time to myself, which is why I'm asking for help.
Thus far I have successfully completed two semesters with straight A's and will be starting my third semester in a little less then 2 weeks. I still have a long way to go, but even if I have to struggle to get there I will become a registered nurse. Any help is always appreciated, and just know any donation made will help me get a little closer to becoming an excellent nurse. Which in turn will help me care for my community while helping make it a better place patient by patient.