As a child growing up in foster care, Ann James shuffled around from family to family. Although the families did what they could to help, she never truly felt at home and grew up feeling alone and isolated. Determined to grow from her experience, Ann promised she would work to ensure others would not have to suffer from the same emptiness she felt as a child.
James began working in the healthcare industry after high school, working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and learned the foundations of the industry. After she became a mother, Ann transitioned to working behind the scenes, but her goal never changed. She had always dreamed of becoming a Registered Nurse and was determined to set an example for her four children.
“I work full time with United Health Care during the day, so when choosing a school, I needed to choose a program with flexible schedules,” said James.
James enrolled in the evening nursing program at GateWay to begin her associate degree. It was a challenge to juggle motherhood, a full-time job, and school but she recognizes the importance of her education. “When I don’t get to spend my weekends with my children, I remember that it’s temporary; once school is completed, I will have a rewarding career that will benefit them and others.”
She credits much of her success to her professor and role model, Dr. Sharon McKee. “I’ve received so much hands-on experience even during these difficult times. Dr. McKee is doing her best to make sure we all stay safe while experiencing real-life situations.”
This mother of six is a force to be reckoned with. She welcomed a set of twins to the family in May and hopes to continue working toward her associate degree. She has big plans for the future, “My ultimate goal is to become an instructor and help others understand what it means to be a nurse. I want to continue to challenge myself to be a better mother, a better employee, a better student. If I am always giving my all, I will never regret where my choices take me.”
To learn more about the Nursing programs at GateWay visit: http://bit.ly/RNSuccess.