When does a calling become a career? For Grace U., that question was answered across continents, cultures, and years of giving care.

Raised in Nigeria, “caring for others was an integral part of daily life,” Grace explains.

Her mindset, rooted in values of service, responsibility, and compassion, was ingrained in her by her parents, and reinforced by her faith and culture. Those early lessons became the foundation for her professional journey when she returned to the United States and pursued a degree in nursing.

“I juggled roles as a wife, parent, student, and employee, all while staying grounded in my passion for healthcare,” she says.

For Grace, pursuing an advanced degree was the culmination of a lifelong commitment to serve and advocate for others.

While balancing her many responsibilities, a pivotal moment arrived during her work with Veterans Affairs. She saw the recurring pain of underserved patients and recognized the limitations nurses faced.

“As a nurse, there is only so much one can do,” says Grace. “A nurse can only carry out orders from doctors. They cannot suggest anything to anybody.”

Witnessing so many patients struggle despite repeated visits to pain clinics — and feeling constrained by her role — Grace realized further education was the key, wanting to “be within my rights” when suggesting alternative solutions to opioid medication and to help patients more directly.

“I was inspired to earn my degree to help others,” she says.

Her decision to return to school also came from a deeper place. Despite balancing full-time work, raising two teenagers, and her studies, Grace was determined to have her children see her accomplish her goals.

“The alternative of giving up on my dream of making a difference in healthcare and not being a role model for my children was not an option for me.”

Through long nights, missed family and church events, and moments of doubt, she kept going.

“A good education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about empowerment,” Grace says. “It’s about developing critical thinking skills, compassion, and leadership.”

Grace’s choice of Regis College was deeply intentional. She wanted an institution that would mirror her values of leadership, service, and academic excellence. For her, it was about more than just a name on a diploma.

“Regis College fosters a strong sense of community, supports nursing advocacy, and emphasizes holistic patient care, all qualities that matter deeply to me,” Grace explains.

She found support in mentorship, flexibility in scheduling, and the chance to serve in leadership roles as a GNSA (Graduate Nursing Student Academy) liaison, a leadership council member, and a GNSA advocacy leader.

“I always felt seen, heard, and encouraged. Most importantly, my opinion matters,” she says.

That holistic approach to education, where students are empowered, welcomed, and supported, shaped not just her career, but her entire outlook as a nurse leader.

Returning to school wasn’t just about theory for Grace. She was able to apply what she learned almost immediately.

Her coursework opened new ways to think and lead. “I assessed patients in the way I was taught, paying attention to details with a more critical lens, using therapeutic communication, and advocating for better care plans,” she shares.

The impact was quickly recognized — her clinical preceptor commended her “clinical reasoning and leadership potential.”

Each challenge affirmed her resilience: “I have grown in both knowledge and resilience. I understand the meaning of the word ‘perseverance’ because I have lived it every day.”

Grace’s ambition isn’t motivated by personal gain. “I plan to utilize my degree to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care to patients while advocating for health equity, particularly among older adults and underserved communities.”

Her story is a message of encouragement to others, especially women and working mothers, showing that passion and purpose can overcome even the most daunting circumstances.

She also wants to mentor incoming students. “I want to serve as a clinical preceptor to other students because I know what it is like to search for a preceptor and not find one,” she says.

What keeps her motivated? “Remembering the bigger picture: the lives that I would impact as a nurse practitioner, the example I am setting for my children, and the fulfillment that comes with pursuing my passion.”

Her advice to future students is informed by lived experience:

“Stay connected to your purpose,” she advises. “Let the word ‘perseverance’ be your guiding light. There will be hard days and long nights, but your ‘why’ will carry you through. Do not be afraid to ask for help, build a support system, and celebrate small wins along the way. You are capable of more than you think.”

Grace’s journey proves that perseverance, values-driven leadership, and a commitment to service can transform one’s life and inspire change in others. As she moves toward her degree as a nurse practitioner, Grace stays true to her roots, ready to make a lasting impact in her community and beyond.

If you want to learn more about Regis College and our offerings, check out our online master’s degrees, doctorate degrees, and certificate programs.