My mother is definitely my biggest inspiration; growing up, watching her work in healthcare made it feel like a natural choice for me. That's why I started my career working as a home health aide and then as a chemical dependency counselor assistant. But the moment everything truly clicked was when I had a sudden health scare myself. Being a patient gave me a whole new view of healthcare, and the nurses who took care of me were incredible. They weren't just skilled; they were kind, patient, and made me feel safe. That moment showed me exactly the kind of top-level care—expert and deeply human—that I want to give back to every single person I work with. That personal experience solidified my purpose in this field.
I chose Hondros College of Nursing because their structure made achieving my goal possible while managing my life as a working mother of three. The flexible class schedules and focused format were non-negotiable for me, as they allow me to continue supporting my family financially while pursuing my education. Beyond the necessary flexibility, I was drawn to the college's intense focus on real-world clinical practice and its track record of preparing graduates for the NCLEX. I needed a program that was not only feasible for my schedule but also provided a direct, highly effective path to becoming a competent nurse.
The behaviors that were absolutely essential for me to reach my goals boil down to meticulous prioritization and unwavering resilience. First, meticulous prioritization was non-negotiable. As a mother of three working while attending school, I couldn't afford wasted time. I learned to be incredibly efficient and disciplined, treating my study time like a high-priority appointment, which taught me how to manage multiple critical tasks under pressure—a skill essential for nursing. Second, my success was fueled by unwavering resilience. My personal health journey reinforced that success comes from determination and the ability to adapt. When faced with challenges, I was proactive, seeking out the necessary resources and support to keep moving forward. This ability to fight through difficult periods and remain focused on my goal of providing exceptional, patient-centered care is the core behavior that defines my commitment.
I would tell future nursing students to make peace with the commitment before they even start. Healthcare education is intense, and you need to be prepared to be highly disciplined with your time—you can't just 'wing it.' For me, managing school with three kids and a job meant I had to be ruthless about scheduling and getting my support system in place. Before you even enroll, you need to clearly define your personal 'why.' There will be difficult days and overwhelming periods. That core reason—whether it’s a patient experience or a drive to serve—is what will get you through the long study nights and the challenging clinical rotations.
If I had to leave current and future nursing students with one thought, I'd share the wisdom of Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said: 'To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—that is to have succeeded.' That is the powerful, humbling mission that nurses sign up for, and keeping that purpose front and center is what will get them through everything.
–Brianna Timmons in a Practical Nursing student at the Columbus campus.