I graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Building a career after the financial crisis was very difficult so I never actually had a job that needed such a high level of education. Instead, I jokingly had the title of the “overqualified” nanny for 10 years until I went back to school in 2018.

 I graduate this spring from the Cardiovascular Sonography program at Forsyth Technical Community College. Only 4 students are accepted annually. I was not accepted the first time I applied and still have my rejection letter to remind me that we grow from our struggles. I have been on The President’s List with a 4.0 GPA every semester. I have volunteered as a Student Ambassador for the duration of my program. I received the Flight Line Award for volunteering more than 120 hours last year and am well on my way to receive it again this year. I have also held a full-time Nurse Assistant position while attending class and clinical hours that average more than 30 hours a week. I will complete my studies at Duke University internship this semester. My determination, family, friends, and God have helped me gain all of these accomplishments.