Annika Asling has always had her eyes on the prize as she’s worked diligently through the rigorous nursing program at Pierce College. It hasn’t always been easy, particularly as a military spouse. Her husband was deployed during her second quarter in the program, and juggling school with other unexpected life events eventually became too much to handle. She failed out of the program, but believes this experience transformed her into a better student.
She had to wait six months before joining the next cohort of nursing students, and says this time gave her the perspective she needed to confirm her desire to become a nurse. “I asked myself if this is really what I wanted or not,” she said. “It turns out, I absolutely love helping people in every stage of life. I want to be able to make a difference.”
Although the experience of starting over was not easy, Asling wouldn’t have it any other way. “My cohort now has some of the most supportive, wonderful people in it,” she said. “I have a great support system.”
Her hard work in the program has paid off immensely, as she was selected as one of Pierce College Puyallup’s All Washington Academic Team scholars. “I think this proves that if you put your head down and work hard, anything is possible,” she said.
Asling plans to continue her education and pursue her bachelor’s degree in nursing after completing the program at Pierce. In the future, she hopes to work as a nurse in the emergency department of a hospital. Earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing will further open her career possibilities.
Reprinted, with permission, from the Pierce College website.