Graduation day is an important event that marks the end of years of effort, commitment, and endless study hours. For most, it’s a day of pride and joy as loved ones get together to celebrate their accomplishments. But for one unique mother-daughter pair, this graduation day meant something more than words could express.
There, at East Carolina University, was a singular tale being told. As they graduated from the university’s registered nurse program, a mother and her daughter—who were from the same family—walked over the stage together, wearing their caps and gowns with pride. It was a time that celebrated both their individual accomplishments and their extraordinary friendship.
East Carolina University couldn’t help but acknowledge the remarkable accomplishment because it had never seen a family milestone like this one. When talking about their experience, the mother, Jessica Van Wagenen, said that initially, people thought they were sisters. Then she would clarify that they were starting this educational adventure together and that she was, in fact, the mother.
Jessica, a retired former Marine, had put her own goals on hold in order to give her daughters security and support. Her life had been filled with ups and downs, and she believed that providing her kids with a sense of security was crucial. She recalled, “We were always uprooting and moving, and with their dad kind of in and out all the time, I always thought the girls needed some sort of stability.” She made the decision to put off her own plans to attend college in order to focus on raising her girls.
Her daughter, Keelin Van Wagenen, emphasized her mother’s unwavering perseverance in pursuing her aspirations with great pride. She encouraged her mother at every turn and respected her for her unwavering will to achieve her long-held goals. Keelin spoke admiringly, “I tell her every day that I’m proud of her and she continued to do what she wanted to do.”
Both women had already started their jobs after receiving their nursing degrees. Jessica obtained employment as an operating room nurse for Carteret Healthcare, while Keelin worked as a pediatric nurse at ECU Health. Along with giving them invaluable knowledge and skills, their time in nursing school had improved their relationship as mother and daughter.
They will always treasure the memories they made throughout those trying years of nursing school. Jessica declared, “It’s pretty exciting,” expressing her happiness. To be able to share something with my kid is truly pleasant. Together, we’ll always have that.
With equal pride and excitement, Keelin exclaimed, “It feels cool.” I merely get to say that I went to school with my mom, but some people went with their siblings, and some with their significant others.”
Their narrative served as a touching reminder that one can always pursue their aspirations. It demonstrated the enduring link between a mother and her daughter by showing how they helped one another succeed on their own paths. Their tale of tenacity, fortitude, and unshakable support motivated everyone who heard it.
This mother-daughter team’s shared experiences shaped their empathetic approach to patient care, and they were prepared to make a difference in the nursing field as they entered the job. Their tale offered as a stunning illustration of the strength of tenacity and the unwavering love that exists between a parent and their kid.
Thus, let’s unite to honor this incredible mother-daughter combo as they enter the workforce and positively influence the lives they encounter. Their narrative serves as a heartfelt reminder that goals are worthwhile to pursue at any point in life and that having the support of close ones may make all the difference in the world.
Remind everyone that ambitions are achievable with perseverance and steadfast support by sharing this inspirational story with others. It will inspire and make them happy.