6 Motivational Stories from Herzing Graduates

We all love success stories because they remind us that no matter what challenges we might face, our dreams are still possible.

We asked several recent graduates to share success stories about how they navigated life’s ups and downs while never losing sight of their goals. Here are their tips for keeping your head up when times get tough.

1. Don’t give up

Growing up, Herzing University-Atlanta graduate Aminata Kuyateh always had a passion for helping people, especially the elderly and young. It wasn’t until she moved to America that she was able to start pursuing her passion, working as a dietary aide at an assisted living home. But she knew she wanted more.

“Working with the elderly made me think back to when I was a young kid who always liked to help people. I decided that I wanted to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Years later, I started pursuing my bachelor’s degree in nursing at Herzing University, and now here I am a nursing graduate!”

2. It’s never too late

Herzing University-Online graduate Juernene Purviance started pursuing her criminal justice degree in 1993. After taking several years off to raise her family, she decided it was finally time to go back to school. It wasn’t easy, but she achieved her goal and graduated in August 2018.

“I have five children, and my youngest has autism. I also have lupus and I work full-time. At one point, I was overwhelmed and ready to give up, but my advisor explained to me that I could take some time off and he would help me by creating a less strenuous schedule,” she said. “They created a schedule that worked for my lifestyle and allowed me to be successful.”

3. Don’t take “no” for an answer

LaTasha Carr, who graduated from Herzing University-Birmingham earlier this year, had been told that nursing wasn’t the right path for her.

“I have a passion for nursing and I knew that it was the right career for me. I figured it was worth another try,” she said, after learning about Herzing’s nursing program from a friend.

“The nursing program was hard, but fair. It was fast-paced, but I did it, and so can you if it is truly your passion. Embrace what you love and know that a nursing program should never be designed to be easy, especially when we have people’s lives in our hands. If nursing is something you want to do, then you must give it your all!

4. It’s okay to put yourself first

“You will absolutely know who is supporting you 100 percent when you haven't seen your friends or family in two weeks because the only extra time you have is spent studying, sleeping or working. Get a calendar and write everything down and take it one day at a time,” said Regina Schutlz, a graduate of Herzing University-Akron’s associate nursing program.

5. It’s okay to lean on others when life gets tough

“Going to school helped me through the hardest year of my life," remembers Kenya Lewis, a graduate of Herzing’s online MBA program.

While at Herzing, Lewis endured the deaths of a younger sister, cousin, great uncle and grandfather. But with the support of her instructors and advisors, she graduated on time and maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her program.

“My teachers were very supportive and my advisor was amazing in helping me through my struggles,” she said.

6. Remember that you will get through it!

No matter what life throws at you, it’s important not to lose sight of your goals. Rosalind Cruz learned how to find the right balance between school and work and graduated with honors from Herzing’s online MSN-FNP program this year.

Her advice: “Don’t give up, keep furthering your career and bettering your life, and work hard to fulfill your dreams.”