When Nye first began college at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), she had a clear plan: complete her prerequisites, transfer to the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), and earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Three years later, after navigating challenging coursework, retaking a class she needed for admission, and gaining confidence in her goals, she made that transition and is thriving.
Now wrapping up her first semester at UNMC, Nye is enrolled in the traditional two-year nursing program. Her schedule is filled with classes, labs, and clinical rotations, along with alternate experiences in areas like pediatrics, mental health, the operating room, newborn care, and the VA hospital. These experiences have helped her gain confidence in her future career. One moment that stood out came early in her clinical work, when a resident told her, “Every time I see you in your red scrubs, it brings a smile to my face.” Nye says, “That made me feel like I belong in this field.”
Finding Her Voice in Healthcare
Nye is majoring in nursing and hopes to specialize in pediatric care, and her motivation is deeply personal. “Growing up, I didn’t see a lot of representation in healthcare,” she says. “I want to bring that representation to my community and show kids what’s possible.”
Though pediatrics remains her top interest, she’s open to exploring other specialities as she continues through her program. Eventually, she hopes to return for her master’s degree once she finds balance in her nursing career.
Outside of school, Nye focuses on staying grounded. After experiencing burnout working during her sophomore year, she chose not to work while at UNMC. Instead, she volunteers when she can at a senior center, assists with Sunday school at her church, and stays active in programs that have supported her throughout her journey. “It’s been good to connect with different parts of the community, not just the one I hope to work in professionally,” Nye says.
Support, Persistence, and the Impact of College Possible
Nye first learned about College Possible through Partnership 4 Kids (P4K). P4K’s scholarship requirements included joining a college preparation program, and College Possible felt like the best fit for her goals. Her junior year coach played a significant role in her transition from high school to college. “She helped me with resumes, recommendation letters, applications, and scholarships,” Nye says. “She showed me sample schedules and time management tools. Those visuals helped me so much when I started at UNO.”
Through support from College Possible, P4K, the Goodrich Scholarship Program, the Reaching Your Potential Scholarship, FAFSA, and state grants, Nye secured the financial resources she needed to pursue her degree. “The encouragement from my coach during all of the applications really helped me get by,” she reflects.
Persistence has also played a major role in Nye’s journey. During her time at UNO, she didn’t earn the grade she needed in a prerequisite course required for admission to UNMC. The setback extended her timeline and was discouraging at the time, but it became a powerful lesson. “New college students are sometimes scared of failure, but it happens,” she says. “You learn from it and move forward.” Retaking the course and passing it reinforced her belief that progress comes from persistence, not perfection.
As a first-generation student, Nye has had to navigate college without the guidance of those before her. “As a first-gen student, my support system looks different,” she says. “My parents never went to school, so they don’t understand what college is like. It can make motivation harder when they don’t know what you’re experiencing.” Over time, her friends and mentors have become her strongest support network.
Nye hopes other students know they’re not alone. Her advice: “Impostor syndrome is real, but everyone feels it. Don’t compare yourself to others. You belong here.”
Reflecting on her journey so far, she describes College Possible as, “An opportunity that never stops giving.”
