Bridgette Thompson knew she wanted to be a nurse as a teen. Now, she is one.

Earlier in life, Bridgette was too busy with a husband and children to worry about college. But, when she was laid off from three jobs in one year, she decided it was time to go.

“I think I was more prepared for college. I was ready,” she said.

Ready might be an understatement. Bridgette graduated near the top of Walters State’s 2005 nursing class. A scholarship helped pay her way through Walters State.

A supportive family, including husband James, son J.T. and daughter Madison also helped.

Bridgette now works as a nurse at Smoky Mountain Home Health Care. While it was difficult at times to balance the needs of her family with the rigors of Walters State’s nursing courses, she’s glad she came back.

“I definitely think it was worth everything,” she said. “I love my job because I feel like I’m helping my patients and making a difference.”

While at Walters State, Thompson was very active in Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for community colleges. She served as vice president for service. That gave her the opportunity to meet many people in the community and practice her leadership skills.

Learn about other students who invested in themselves