Nursing school is hard. It’s something that takes a lot of work, dedication and determination. These attributes are something that every ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ graduate shares, but for Jessica Amador, she had to be even stronger.

About eight months ago, Amador’s life was forever changed when she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma during the last year of her bachelor of science of nursing program. Instead of giving up, she worked even harder in school and in life.

“I did six rounds of chemotherapy. It was definitely really tough, but I had everybody supporting me and loving me through it,” she said. “It’s that support that helped me work through it and stay in school.”

No matter how hard life got, she continued to push forward.

“I’ve never really been the type of person to kind of give up on something that I really loved or really cared about,” she said. “That was never an option for me.”

On the day of her pinning, a day that she feared might never come, Amador was selected to be her cohort’s speaker. Amador told her class that if you really want something, it’s there for you — no matter how hard life gets.

“Today, I am proof that if you really, really want something, it’s there for you to have,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who supported me throughout this journey and congratulations Class of 2018!”

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.