An inspiring 35-year-old mother of 7 named Ashley Payne has bagged a nursing degree with distinction from Keiser University in the United States.
Ashley Payne is a Florida native who bagged a bachelor of science degree in Nursing with a perfect 4.00 grade point average from Keiser University, United States. She was awarded the best-graduating student of the institution.
This accomplishment adds to Ashley’s history of academic excellence, as she had previously been awarded as the best-graduating student during her high school graduation.
Ashley attributed her achievements to the unwavering support and love she received from her husband and children. In her valedictorian speech, she expressed deep gratitude to her family, describing them as a constant source of motivation.
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“Each step has been marked by the support and love of an amazing family who have been my rock and foundation throughout, my precious children, you are the reason I strive for greatness and I thank you for the motivation and inspiration you provide every day, ”Ashley wrote.
She recalled receiving a notes with some words of encouragement from her oldest daughter, Lorelai on her first day in college which she cherishes till date. “She sent me to school with a Post-It note in her tiny handwriting that had this phrase ‘Aim for the moon, if you miss, you may hit a star,’’ she said.
Ashley said she faced a major setback in her journey at the college. During the beginning of her freshman year , she experienced a pulmonary embolism, a sudden blockage in your pulmonary arteries, the blood vessels that send blood to your lungs.
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This happened when she was at the age of eighteen and with no apparent reason for blood clots, she had to be hospitalized in the intensive care unit for two weeks. She said the unexpected health challenge significantly affected her plans to pursue higher education.
Ashley dropped out of studying to manage her health, and focused on her growing family. She also joined her husband to manage their party rental business. In the course of finding a new life, Ashley said she found a new passion.
She became a non-clinical birth assistant which influenced her decision to return to school with the purpose of studying Midwifery.
“My array of birth experiences, after having seven babies, has put me in a unique position to be able to empathize with most women and has cultivated a passion for birth work as deep-rooted as the oldest Shepherd’s tree,” she said.
The Vice Chancellor of Keiser University, Dr. Arthur Keiser said the university was happy to celebrate Ashley and her impressive achievements. “We are incredibly proud of Ashley for being named valedictorian of her graduating class with a perfect 4.0 GPA,” Keiser said.
“Such determination is common among Keiser University graduates. We live to serve students like Ashley and the many other working parents who are determined to take their next steps toward professional growth. We wish Ashley all the best in the future and encourage her to keep reaching for the stars,” he added.
Furthering on in her academic pursuit, Ashley is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Nurse-Midwifery at Bethel University in the United States.
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