As a working parent, Cora Jenkin’s college journey – balancing school, work, and family life – hasn’t always been easy. With her passion for helping people pushing her to persevere, Jenkins is graduating from NWTC on May 20 with an associate degree in nursing.
“My goal is not only to build a better future for myself but also to set an example for my sons,” she said. “To show them that no matter what obstacles life may place in your path, with faith, hard work, and determination, anything is possible.”
After graduation, Jenkins plans to continue her education at UW-Green Bay and obtain her bachelor of science in nursing. Her future goals include earning a master’s degree and teaching nursing.
She recently shared her inspiring story with attendees of NWTC’s annual State of the College event. Below are her full remarks from the event.
My name is Cora Jenkins, and I am a student in the Nursing-Associate Degree program at NWTC. It is an honor to stand before you today and share my journey – a journey that has been shaped by passion, perseverance, and purpose.
I chose this profession because helping people has always been something I have felt the proudest doing. My passion for nursing grew even stronger after my mother passed away. During one of the most difficult times in my life, I witnessed firsthand the impact that compassionate nursing care can have on patients and their families. The way the nursing staff supported us, offering not just medical care but also comfort and empathy, left a lasting impression. There was one nurse in particular who provided comfort, offered her guidance, and listened to our fears. Her kindness and empathy left a lasting impact on me and solidified my decision to pursue a career in nursing.
When deciding where to pursue my nursing education, NWTC stood out for several reasons. Its career-focused curriculum, hands-on learning opportunities, and flexible class options made it the perfect choice. As a working parent, balancing school, work, and family life has not always been easy, but NWTC has provided the resources and support necessary to help me succeed. The availability of online, evening, and weekend classes has allowed me to stay on track without placing additional financial strain on my family.
Jenkins recently shared the story of her higher ed journey with attendees of the annual State of the College event. Recalling the “why” behind her decision to become a nurse, she mentioned the comfort and empathy provided by the nursing staff during the final stages of her mother’s life.
“My passion for nursing grew even stronger after my mother passed away. During one of the most difficult times in my life, I witnessed firsthand the impact that compassionate nursing care can have on patients and their families.”
One of the things I love most about NWTC is the strong network of support it offers students. From academic coaching to career services and counseling, the college is committed to helping students not only succeed academically but also grow as individuals. I have personally benefited from career services, which guided me in refining my resume and cover letter, and academic coaching, which provided me with the additional guidance I needed to master complex nursing concepts. NWTC provides an environment that fosters both personal and professional growth, and I am grateful to be part of it.
Reflecting on my academic journey, one class that stands out as particularly impactful is Complex Health Alterations (CHA). This course challenged me in ways I had never experienced before. It not only strengthened my technical knowledge but pushed me to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills which are essential in nursing. Applying what I learned in this class to my clinical experiences has been incredibly rewarding. It reinforced the importance of looking beyond symptoms, understanding the bigger picture of patient care, and making informed decisions under pressure.
NWTC is laying the foundation for me to become a skilled and compassionate nurse, and my instructors have played a crucial role in this journey. They encourage me to think beyond the textbook, to approach patient care holistically, and to work collaboratively as part of a healthcare team. Their mentorship has been invaluable, and thanks to their guidance, I feel confident that I will be well-prepared for the NCLEX and my role as a future nurse.
Earning my degree is not just about career advancement – it is a symbol of my hard work and dedication. As a teen mom, I was unable to attend college right after high school, and for a long time, I questioned whether I would ever have the opportunity to further my education. Today, I stand here as the first person in my family to earn a college degree. This journey has been filled with challenges, but it has also been a testament to the power of perseverance. My goal is not only to build a better future for myself but also to set an example for my sons – to show them that no matter what obstacles life may place in your path, with faith, hard work, and determination, anything is possible.
NWTC has nursing programs for every experience level. Learn how to elevate your healthcare career.
Chris Meidl turned a moment of uncertainty into a launchpad at NWTC – discovering his passion, building a standout marketing career, and earning the 2025 Soaring Recent Alumni Award.
Mike Hagel didn’t come to NWTC just for a degree – he came to build a better life for his wife and five children. He now serves as NWTC’s 2025 WTCS Student Ambassador.
Samantha Mirkes found the support she needed at NWTC to pursue her education. Now thriving in her career, she’s a passionate advocate for the college that helped her achieve her goals.