I’m a proud Saint Lucia native now living in New York City. Nursing has been my dream profession since my early twenties, inspired by my younger brother Eli, who has Down syndrome. When Eli was hospitalized, the extraordinary nurses made a significant impact on our lives. One nurse, noticing Eli’s hesitance, gently asked about his interests. After a few tries, he shared his love for dancing. To our delight, the entire nursing team would enter his room with music— “Single Ladies” was a favorite—to encourage him to move. Their cheerful participation filled our hearts with joy and made a lasting difference during that challenging time. In that moment, I realized my calling: to become a nurse and create meaningful connections, just as they had done for us.

I am 40 years old, married for 9 years, with 4 children and 2 grandchildren. With 21 years in healthcare, I currently work as a CNA at Magee Hospital on the rehabilitation floor. I began my career in 2003 as a medical assistant at Alma Illery Medical Center and have since worked in various UPMC hospitals as a PCT. I obtained my CNA in 2012 and have experience in nursing facilities and homecare. Despite facing challenges, including failing the TEAS test multiple times, I’ve always felt called to nursing. In 2023, when I learned about Carlow’s new PN program, I prayed to God for a sign to pursue it. Now, I’m in my last semester at Carlow, ready to fulfill my nursing dream.

The experience that sparked my passion for nursing occurred during the birth of my daughter. When I realized that my epidural was not working, I felt unheard by the medical staff. However, an exceptional RN went above and beyond to ensure my needs were met. Her advocacy ignited a deep desire within me to pursue nursing as a means of nurturing, healing, and advocating for others. My goal is to become a CRNA and empower women of color and those from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue careers in healthcare.

I have been dedicated to the healthcare field for over 17 years, with 12 of those years spent as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). My passion for caring for the geriatric population began in 2007 while working at an assisted living facility, where I found immense joy in bringing smiles to my patients’ faces and providing them with personal, compassionate care. Over the years, I have gained valuable experience in home care, assisted living, and skilled nursing settings. My desire to make a greater impact on patient care led me to pursue nursing. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my education at Carlow University.

I’ve always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. My journey began with a dream of opening my own salon, and I even planned to attend Empire Beauty Academy. However, my path shifted when I became a caregiver, initially to support myself and my son. This experience ignited a passion for helping the elderly, especially after witnessing my grandmother’s tragic neglect in a nursing home. This motivated me to earn my CNA license, and I’ve been working as a Certified Nursing Assistant for about 9 years. Despite challenges in pursuing my RN, a friend informed me about Carlow University’s LPN program with no entrance fees or tests. After much prayer and asking God to open the door, I applied and was accepted. I’m now set to graduate in December, eager to apply my knowledge and passion.

I’m a senior nursing student at Carlow University. I started my journey at Pittsburgh Technical College, where I completed 3 quarters of my education in nursing before its closure in July of 2024. I am grateful that Carlow took me in to finish my journey and set my eyes on a new adventure. I wanted to become a nurse because it’s in my blood; my parents are both nurses and I see how much they help people through their work, and I wanted to do the same. My future goals after graduating are to travel and work alongside my father, move to North Carolina with my family, and settle into Maternity or Pediatric care. I want to thank my Mother, Father, Sister, Grandmother; and my brothers in Christ; John, Angel, Micah, and Paul for getting me to where I am today.

My journey to Carlow has been unique; I started at Pittsburgh Technical College in July 2023 but faced uncertainty when the school announced its closure. Thankfully, we discovered a teach-out plan at Carlow, and Dr. Simmons helped us navigate the transition, allowing us to continue our nursing dreams. My motivation to become a nurse stem from personal experiences. Growing up, I witnessed my father’s health decline, which led me to become his full-time caregiver in 2020. Sadly, I lost him in January 2024. I aim to honor his memory by using my skills to make a difference in others’ lives and being a strong advocate for patients. I’m grateful for the support of my classmates, and I’m excited about the future as a new graduate!

I completed my general education classes online at California University during 2021-2022, but after hearing negative feedback about the Washington program, I took a year off to reassess my commitment to nursing. In early 2023, I learned about the LPN program at Pittsburgh Technical College (PTC) from a friend, who spoke highly of the faculty. I started at PTC in October 2023 and progressed through three quarters, only to discover the school would close before we could graduate. Faced with uncertainty, my cohort and I attended a transfer event where we decided to continue our studies at Carlow University, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to finish my LPN certification with the support of both my PTC and Carlow professors.

Hi, my name is Diamond Frazier. I am a dedicated nursing student pursuing my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I have always been drawn to helping others and making a positive impact in my community.

My diverse work experience has equipped me with valuable skills that will serve me well in my nursing career. I've held various management positions in multiple companies. My time as a Home Health Aide and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) has provided me with hands-on experience in patient care, solidifying my passion for healthcare. A natural leader, I served as cheerleading captain throughout high school, demonstrating my ability to motivate and inspire others. My commitment to education is evident in my pursuit of various certifications, including a medical billing and coding certificate. This diverse skill will undoubtedly enhance my capabilities as a future LPN. I am a proud mother of two boys, ages 6 and 8, balancing my family responsibilities with my educational pursuits. My passion for fashion and beauty is reflected in my role as a Mary Kay representative, where I enjoy helping people feel confident and look their best. My journey in healthcare began in 2014, and since then, I have developed a deep-rooted passion for nursing. My experience teaching etiquette classes showcases my commitment to professionalism and interpersonal skills, which are crucial in the nursing field. As I progress through my LPN program, I am excited to combine my diverse background, compassionate nature, and healthcare experience to become a skilled and empathetic nurse, dedicated to providing exceptional care to my future patients.

Growing up, I often cared for my grandmother who inspired my passion for nursing. After working in healthcare for 10 years, I realized nursing was my true calling but faced challenges getting into nursing school. Just when I was about to give up, my aunt informed me about a program at Carlow University. Joining Carlow’s LPN program opened doors I never imagined, especially as a single mom. I aspire to work in pediatrics, helping mothers and children.

Nursing has always been a childhood dream for me. I have wanted to become a nurse since the age of 16 years of age. I love helping the sick and elderly. My first job was at a personal care home; that was when I fell in love with health care.

I became a nurse to give back to my community as a Midwife and make an impactful contribution to women’s healthcare. Nursing is what I wanted to do after I graduated high school and as a teenage mother, I never thought this dream would finally come true. After a long day of clinicals, hard tests, hard work, dedication, and inspiration, I finally can say “I’m now a Licensed Practical Nurse”.

I am a first gen in an African household from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I’ve always thought that I chose nursing because of my generous and kind heart, but here’s my WHY. I spent my summer in the PICU at Children’s Hospital, praying for God to save my 4-year-old brother. I met the kindest nurses, and I was truly touched. I unfortunately lost my brother, but I believe that God’s plan is far greater than the eyes can see. I want to be that nurse that gives patients’ families hope, encouraging words, nurturing, and praying with them if it is their devotion. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV.

I’m 24 years old and a mother of two daughters. I began my nursing journey at IUP in 2018 but transferred to CCAC after a year. For the past three years, I’ve worked as a nurse’s aide while trying to navigate nursing school, but life’s challenges delayed my plans. In summer 2023, I discovered the LPN program at Carlow University and initially hesitated due to timing. However, I realized the timing might never be perfect, so I applied and was thrilled to be accepted. I felt I had finally found the right program to help me succeed in nursing. Since childhood, I’ve aspired to work in the nursing field, with a particular passion for pediatrics and mother-and-baby care, which I can relate to personally. I’m excited to continue my journey and make a positive impact in these areas.

I decided to become a nurse because patient care is all I know. My 6-year experience of working in psych as a mental health assistant motivated me to elevate my career to care for those of mental health to nursing. As a Haitian American our culture morals are all about taking care of our loved ones with love, kindness and support when they need it the most, nursing is something I felt confident and high ability to be successful in, I also wanted to show my five bright young daughters a struggle free environment empathizing that accomplishing career goals early is important; Education is the way to a good life and it’s never too late. Once they see I did it then they will know they can do it too and I’ll have their back through it all because I know how hard it can be.

My journey to become a nurse has been hectic. Since childhood, I’ve always wanted to care for people. After high school, I began working as a nursing assistant while completing my prerequisites for nursing school. Seeking broader hospital experience, I became a float pool patient care technician at AHN Wexford Hospital. I enrolled in a nursing program but faced challenges and questioned my capability but chose to persevere with God’s help. I enrolled in a different college and was set to graduate in September 2024 when I learned it would close unexpectedly. Thankfully, my classmates and I discovered that Carlow University had a teach-out plan. Dr. Simmons guided us through the transition, allowing us to graduate this December. I’m grateful to Carlow’s nursing faculty for their support and hope to inspire other nursing students to never give up despite obstacles.

Helping others is what I love to do. I love making a difference in people’s lives. I have worked as a CNA for over 25 years. My son always said, “Mom, you should go back to school to be a nurse.”. I said I was too old, and my son said you are never too old to receive an education. Every time I wanted to give up my son said nope, no mom that’s not what we do we keep our heads up and keep going. He said, “finish strong mom, you got this!”. Thank you to my son and husband for their unwavering belief in me.

I am 23 years old, and I am from Stone Mountain Georgia. I am the second youngest girl in my family of 9. I came to PA in 2021 after I graduated hoping to find out what I want to do in life, and I stumbled upon an opportunity at Carlow University. Carlow University was offering an LPN program, and I was already working at a nursing home. When I heard about the program, I decided to join because I was interested in furthering my education in that field.

My nursing journey began at ten when I lost my mother, feeling helpless and wanting to help others in emergencies. Without guidance, I relied on my mother’s words during tough times. At 12, I worked in a nursing home laundry, where I observed both good and bad care. By 16, I became an aide before it required a license. After college and starting a family, I took a C.N.A. course, amassing 35 years of experience. Following my daughter’s passing in 2019, I sought a new path and attended culinary school, working with a non-profit to engage with seniors. When COVID-19 hit, I transitioned to Meals on Wheels. Eventually, I became a social service assistant and team lead. A Carlow University Zoom invite rekindled my nursing aspirations. With Dr. Simmons’ support, I was accepted, and now in my last semester, I’m excited to fulfill my childhood dream of helping the ill.

I wanted to become a nurse because I have a generation of nurses in my family. Ever since I was younger, I watched my mother being one of those people who have a passionate heart for the love of nursing. She encouraged me to go on and try working in the healthcare field, starting as a CNA. I enjoyed the experience of being a CNA. I eventually wanted to do more with myself, such as helping people with more advanced care needs. I fell in love with taking care of patients and making them feel better about themselves.

I was born in Nepal. Education has always been my priority because my parents never got the opportunity to attend school. I have always wanted to become a nurse because of the positive impact nurses bring to people’s lives. The nursing major also comes with many opportunities and pathways. I want to specialize in the pediatric population because I have always loved being around little kids. I would love to become a pediatric nurse and help little ones feel better. It will be gratifying for me to help and take care of people in their difficult times as a nurse.

I’m a nursing student at Carlow University with over 15 years in the medical field. I began my career as a nursing assistant and have developed a strong passion for caring for others. The most rewarding part of my work is knowing I’ve made a difference in people’s lives. Outside of classes and work, I cherish spending quality time with my family and traveling. I am also a partner in a small business. I describe myself as a quiet, bubbly person who can be shy yet outgoing, often speaking up in important situations. My ideal day starts on a positive note, embraces whatever comes my way, and ends with gratitude for another day.

My nursing journey began as a teenager working in a nursing home’s dietary department. After patients encouraged me to help on the units, I became a CNA and worked in the field for 15 years, realizing nursing was my true calling. Despite facing overwhelming challenges in college and the unexpected closure of my school, I remained determined to pursue nursing. That’s when I discovered Carlow University’s teach-out program at a school fair, which allowed me to continue my education. After meeting Dr. Simmons and Dr. Nash, I found the support I needed to transfer. After being accepted into the Practical Nurse Program, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I am grateful for the Carlow community and excited to continue my journey. I believe everything happens for a reason.

To be a nurse, you must have compassion, empathy, patience, and good problem-solving skills, by the grace of GOD, I was born with all of them. Although being a nurse was not in my plan, no matter how I do other things, my life would always fall back to being a nurse. While being in the healthcare field a patient told me “In her heart, a woman plans her way, but it is the LORD that directs her steps.” Since 2000 I’ve been doing healthcare and enjoyed it and if you asked me today why I want to be a nurse, I would say I was born to be a nurse.