The Degree in Persistence

Graduation season is upon us, and the images of those standing proud in their caps and gowns are inspiring. Every person who’s achieved academic and personal success breeds infectious hope, don’t you think? I have several people in my extended family whose smiles of accomplishment are as wide as the mortarboard graduation cap resting squarely on their heads. I couldn’t be more proud of them.

While driving to Columbus for my niece’s graduation from The Ohio State University School of Nursing, my brother-in-law texted. He suggested we keep an eye out for his co-worker’s daughter, Sydney, who was graduating with her Master’s Degree in Nursing. The text read, “….she’s going to be a Nurse Practitioner.” I gasped with delight. Was this the same Sydney I met years ago?

Sydney has no idea who I am, but I remember meeting her and her story of grit which, I believe, is worth sharing.

At the age of 16, while still in High School, Sydney became pregnant. Think about it. One day she might have been pre-occupied with a Chemistry class lab report due next Tuesday, and the next day, her world as she knew it flipped due to the pink line on a urine dipstick. Scared, insecure, and jolted, this very young woman dug her heels into challenge. She gave birth to her son, redirected her priorities beyond homecoming and prom, and with baby in tow, graduated from high school. She persisted.

Sydney went on to pursue an undergraduate degree in nursing. While many of her peers were tailgating before Saturday afternoon football games, and having the luxury of Sunday morning  sweatpant lounging, this young working mom probably had study cards constantly in her hip pocket. There’s no idle time when a pathophysiology exam looms while simultaneously chasing a toddler. I don’t know how long it took, but Sydney graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and landed a job as a pediatric neonatal intensive care nurse. Yet, she wasn’t done. She now holds a Master’s Degree.

Although there are many who are gifted with the opportunity to attend college within a 4-year block of life designated for college, there are many who aren’t. The pursuit of education against a backdrop of unwelcome challenge is pretty admirable. Searching for the door that opens amidst a multitude of locks, and remaining focused despite the huge cargo of hardship provides encouragement to others; many who might find themselves in the thick of similar challenge. Every story of determination gives lift to hope that the rest of us can piggyback onto.

For young moms like Sydney who lean into perseverance, or those who navigate physical or socioeconomic challenges, realized dreams that reach far beyond the various conditions that discourage success are, quite simply, amazing. Each degree of success is worth noting, honoring, and celebrating.

The day following the OSU graduation, I serendipitously ran into Sydney’s mom. I tried to communicate how deeply inspired I was by her daughter’s journey. Words of esteem flowed from this mom as she talked about her daughter. This proud grandmother even pulled out her phone to show me a photo of her grandson, age 16; the same age her daughter learned she was pregnant with him. Sydney’s mom kept repeating, “It’s been a journey.” Her words were loaded with pride.

As I left my encounter, I reiterated how awed I was by her daughter’s unrelenting road to success. “Oh, she’s not done,” this mom said, insinuating there might be a Sydney, PhD someday. If so, I wouldn’t be surprised. After all, people like Sydney know how to persist. I salute each one of you. You know who you are.