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Straughn High School alumna Elizabeth Veasey knew that she wanted to become a nurse after an experience she had giving birth to her first daughter.

“I had my first baby when I was 17 years old,” Veasey said. “I had no idea what I wanted to do at that point, but my whole experience in the hospital, especially in Andalusia, made me want to become a nurse.”

The best part of nursing school to Veasey was being able to learn from her mistakes.

“Being able to learn and make mistakes before I was thrown into the real world was important to me,” Veasey said. “Being able to make mistakes comfortably.”

Veasey has worked as an LPN for the past year while she has been in nursing school for her RN degree.

“It has been hard to have extra time for my kids and my husband,” Veasey said. “I also have to find extra time to study at home. It has definitely been a struggle.”

Being able to participate in a program so close to home was extremely important for Veasey.

“I think it gives young mothers an advantage to further their education and their careers,” Veasey said. “It was great being able to be so close to home.”

Veasey said the best part about being a nurse is the feedback she gets from her patients.

“I haven’t really been a nurse that long, but hearing feedback is great,” Veasey said. “I am already receiving great feedback from my patients saying that they have enjoyed me as a nurse and that I actually made a difference.”

For any students that are looking to go into the LBW Community College LPN or RN program, Veasey said it is worth it.

“Honestly, it is really, really hard,” Veasey said. “But in the end, it is going to be so worth it.”

Now that she is done with school, Veasey said she is excited to spend time with family and friends.

“I think my family is extremely excited that I am done with school,” Veasey said. “Mostly because they know that I will have more time with them.”

Eventually, Veasey plans to enroll in a bachelor’s degree nursing program and become a midwife.