Persistence Pays Off: Joshua’s Journey to Becoming a Nurse

For Joshua, becoming a Registered Nurse was not a goal he achieved overnight—it was a dream years in the making.

After working as a Patient Care Technician at MyMichigan Health for several years, Joshua quickly discovered a passion for nursing. However, financial barriers repeatedly stood in the way. Despite enrolling in nursing school multiple times, the cost of education forced him to withdraw on three separate occasions before he could complete the program.

As a single father raising two young children, Joshua balanced the demands of parenthood while working 12-hour night shifts and picking up overtime whenever possible to support his family. Determined to create a better future, he decided to give nursing school one more try and re-enrolled in the spring of 2025. When he was denied financial aid, it seemed like history might repeat itself.

Instead, Joshua reached out to Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium.

Through tuition assistance and support with required program supplies, Michigan Works! helped remove the financial barriers that had prevented him from finishing school in the past. With the burden of educational expenses eased, Joshua was finally able to focus on his studies and pursue the career he had wanted for so many years.

His hard work quickly paid off. Joshua earned Dean’s List honors in Spring 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026, became a member of the Student Nurses Association, and received both the Holistic Nurse Award and the Excellence in Nursing Theory Award.

In May 2026, Joshua achieved a milestone he had worked toward for years—graduating from nursing school and becoming a Registered Nurse. Shortly after graduation, he began working as a Graduate Nurse at MyMichigan Health in Midland, earning $28.78 per hour, with an increase anticipated after passing the NCLEX exam.

Reflecting on his journey, Joshua shared, “No matter what your situation is—whether you're 18 or 58, rich or poor—there is always a way to get that degree. It may be hard and it may take a lot out of you, but with determination and heart, it is possible. No matter how hard it gets, keep your eye on the prize because it’s worth it in the end.”

Joshua also expressed his gratitude to Michigan Works! staff for the encouragement and support they provided throughout his journey.

Today, Joshua and his children are looking toward a brighter future—one built through perseverance, hard work, and the belief that it's never too late to achieve your dreams.