Graduation day is a momentous occasion for anyone who has completed their education. Friends and family gather to celebrate the achievements of their loved ones. But for one extraordinary mother-daughter duo, this day held even greater significance as they had accomplished their goals together.
Jessica Van Wagenen and her daughter, Keelin, both graduated from East Carolina University’s registered nurse program. This is a remarkable milestone, as it is the first time something like this has happened at the institution. “They initially mistook us for sisters, and I had to clarify that I was the mother and we were working together,” Jessica shared.
The Sacrifices of Motherhood
For Jessica, a former marine who is now retired, pursuing her dreams meant postponing them to raise her daughters. She made the selfless decision to forgo attending college in order to provide stability for her children. “We were always picking up and moving, and their dad was kind of in and out all the time, so I always believed the children needed some form of stability,” Jessica explained.
A Proud Daughter, A Proud Mother
Despite the challenges and sacrifices, Keelin expressed her immense pride in her mother for never giving up on her aspirations. “I tell her every day that I’m proud of her, and she continued to do what she wanted to do,” Keelin beamed.
Both women have already embarked on their nursing careers. Keelin works as a pediatric nurse at ECU Health, while Jessica is an operating room nurse at Carteret Healthcare. Reflecting on their shared journey, both mother and daughter treasure the memories of attending nursing school together. “Being able to share that with my daughter is extremely lovely,” Jessica said with a chuckle. “We’ll always have that together.”
A Tale That Inspires
The story of this mother-daughter team working towards their goals is truly heartwarming and inspiring. It serves as a reminder that it is never too late to pursue our dreams and that with determination and support, we can achieve anything. Let’s spread the word about this uplifting tale and bring joy to others.
Join Us in Supporting Their Journey
Come and support Jessica and Keelin as they embark on their new careers. They have shown us the power of determination and resilience, and now it’s our turn to assist them as they enter the workforce. Together, we can make a difference in their lives and uplift their spirits.
Share this remarkable story with your friends and loved ones, and let’s celebrate the accomplishments of this extraordinary mother-daughter team. Their journey reminds us all to never give up on our goals and to support one another in achieving them.
