A Dream
20 Years
in the Making

A Dream 20 Years in the Making: Kristin’s Journey Through Carteret’s Nursing Program

A dream delayed but never forgotten, Kristin’s story shows how dedication and support at Carteret Community College can change the course of a life and a career.

For Kristin, becoming a nurse was never just a career goal. It was a calling that patiently waited for the right moment. A mother of three boys and part of a blended family, Kristin returned to college more than two decades after first setting her sights on nursing, determined to finish what life once interrupted.

After graduating high school in 2004, Kristin began college with plans to pursue nursing. Her life took an unexpected turn when she lost her mother and, shortly after, her father was diagnosed with a terminal illness. During that time, she worked two jobs to support herself and help care for her father, ultimately stepping away from school. She later moved to North Carolina, where she spent more than 12 years working as a civilian at Cherry Point.

Though years passed, her desire to become a nurse never faded.

“With my husband’s encouragement, I knew it was finally time,” Kristin said. “I left my job and dedicated myself to finishing what I started 22 years ago.”

Choosing Nursing and Carteret Community College

Kristin says she does not remember choosing nursing. It has always felt like part of who she is.

“I have always felt a need to help people,” she shared. “Nursing feels like the most meaningful and fulfilling way I can make a difference.”

Her passion for labor and delivery was shaped by personal experience. After struggling with infertility and giving birth to her son, she found empowerment through education. Birthing classes and breastfeeding courses helped reduce fear and anxiety and gave her confidence throughout the experience.

“I want to give that same sense of understanding and reassurance to my patients,” she said. “Education can make all the difference.”

Kristin chose Carteret Community College’s Nursing Program for its smaller class sizes, supportive environment, and convenient location.

“Seeing the sound every day was an added bonus,” she added. “But what truly stood out was the support. Carteret is more than a school. They genuinely believe in their students and want them to succeed.”

Finding Her Footing in the Program

Kristin entered the Nursing Program fully aware of the challenges ahead.

“I expected it to be hard, and I knew it would be worth it.”

From the first semester, the program set clear expectations and provided a strong foundation through orientation, faculty support, and practical guidance on how to succeed. While the workload and time management were initially overwhelming, Kristin found her rhythm and began to build confidence.

After her first exam, she admits she cried, convinced she had failed. When she learned she had passed, everything shifted.

“I realized I could do this.”

Perseverance Through Life’s Biggest Challenges

Just as Kristin was finding her stride, life presented another unexpected challenge. At the end of her first semester, she learned she was pregnant, despite being on birth control.

“I knew nursing school with a pregnancy and a new baby would be hard,” she said. “But I decided to push forward.”

The pregnancy came with complications, yet Kristin never missed an assignment and missed only one day of class, the day she gave birth. She exclusively breastfed while continuing her studies, carefully managing time to pump, attend class, and care for her family.

One of the most difficult moments came three weeks postpartum, when she returned for her first twelve hour clinical day.

“My heart sank when I walked through the doors,” she said. “But my kids are watching me. I knew I had to keep going.”

With encouragement from her instructor and support from her classmates, Kristin pushed through and emerged stronger.

“That day taught me so much about who I am and what I am capable of.”

Learning Through Hands On Experience and Support

Kristin credits Carteret’s clinical placements, simulation labs, and student support services with building both her skills and confidence. Applying classroom knowledge to real patient care, such as managing chest tubes, helped solidify her understanding and preparedness.

“The simulation labs prepared me for real situations,” she said. “Seeing what we learned come to life made everything click.”

She also utilized TRIO, financial aid services, and CCAMPIS, support that proved essential during her time in the program.

“CCAMPIS alleviated the burden of daycare costs and allowed me to focus on my education,” Kristin shared. “Ms. Marti’s encouragement kept me going when things were hard.”

Faculty Who Teach With Purpose

Kristin describes the nursing faculty as supportive, approachable, and deeply invested in student success.

“They encouraged me instead of criticizing me,” she said. “When I made a mistake, they helped me understand how to improve.”

Instructors asked thoughtful questions, shared real world experiences, and guided students through critical thinking, preparing them for the realities of nursing while building confidence.

“They helped me see both my strengths and areas for growth,” Kristin said. “Because of them, I believe in myself as a future nurse.”

Becoming a Nurse and More

Through the program, Kristin discovered strengths she is most proud of, especially her confidence in patient education and advocacy.

“Compassion and patient education are at the heart of nursing,” she said. “Helping patients understand what is happening gives them power.”

Her defining moment came after her first hospital clinical day.

“That is when I knew I am exactly where I am meant to be.”

Looking Ahead

After graduation, Kristin plans to celebrate, then sit for the NCLEX and enter the workforce. She is currently enrolled in ECU’s aRIBN program, where she will work full time while completing her BSN. Long term, she hopes to become a midwife.

She is especially passionate about labor and delivery and supporting mothers who are struggling with substance use by helping connect them to community resources.

“In five to ten years, I hope to be a midwife,” she said.

A Journey Worth Every Step

Reflecting on her experience, Kristin describes her journey simply.

“A dream, 20 years in the making, is coming true.”

She offers this advice to future nursing students.

“Get organized. Take care of yourself. Ask questions. Support each other. Always be kind to yourself and remember why you started.”

Kristin’s story reflects the heart of Carteret Community College’s Nursing Program, where dedication, compassion, and support come together to help students turn long held dreams into reality.

Interested in learning more about our Nursing program?

Contact Tammy Kavanaugh at tamarab8346@carteret.edu or visit carteret.edu