In June of 2009 I began a journey that has now come to completion. In the months prior to that, a lot of prayer and searching of myself transpired that led me to the decision to quit my job and go back to school to fulfill another lifelong dream. Have you ever been in a place in your life where you were just comfortable and it was time to make a move? Well, this is where I found myself so when the opportunity presented itself I moved. I applied to the Union University Accelerated Bachelor of Science Nursing program. This program took two years of nursing and placed it into ONE. I had a few classes I had to take in order to start in January so in June of 2009 I began those classes. In August I received the letter that stated I had be accepted into the program. I was absolutely thrilled. Little did I know I was about to endure one of the hardest years of my life. I finished my classes in December and January 4, 2010 I started the program! This was a full time program Monday – Friday. Needless to say there were a few dates I was going to have to miss. The first, and most difficult, one was the cruise. Wow… there are no words to describe what it was like for me to leave my family in Florida to fly home. Thanks Jonathan for the ride home! That week was very tough for me. I remember finding this verse that I continued to hold on to throughout the program, “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised” Hebrews 10:36 NASB. I relied often on this verse to remind me to keep on even when it seemed impossible. There were several times I wanted to throw in the towel so to speak but I kept on. I had the opportunity to confide in one of my good friends, Pastor Mike and his wife Diana. He told me that some times not everyone understands the things we choose and what we choose might not be easy to accomplish, but to persevere because in the end it would be worth it. I can now honestly say he was right. I could not have done this without the prayer and support that you all have given over the past year and a half. I graduated on December 11, 2010. I took my boards on January 12, 2011. I have passed my boards and look forward to starting work on March 21 at Jackson Madison County General Hospital. I will be working on the orthopedic floor. God Is Good! There are a few people I would personally like to thank for standing by me during this time. Shawn, I could have never done this without you. You were constantly encouraging me to keep pressing on and you were always there! Logan and Kaela you never complained and you helped out here at home so much! Lastly to my Mom and Dad, Pat and Gerald, you were always there when I needed you. Thanks for always praying and supporting me 100%! I love you! I would like to share some pictures of my time in the program. Hope you enjoy them. If there is ever anything I can do for you, do not hesitate to write… I’m only a click away 🙂

LeeAnn