Becoming the nurse you want to see in the world: An ABSN student's journey

Lealye Kamara, a Summer 2025 graduate of the University of Louisville School of Nursing’s Accelerated BSN program and Family Scholar House award recipient, was inspired to pursue nursing after a life-changing experience during the birth of her daughter. In this Q&A, she reflects on her journey, from realizing she wanted to be a nurse, to balancing motherhood during school, to what she’s taken away from her education at UofL."

Your journey to nursing began with a powerful moment during your daughter’s birth. Can you share how that experience shaped your decision to pursue nursing? 

L.K. When I first started college, I was initially on the path to becoming a nurse. But after struggling through anatomy and physiology and hearing comments that nursing was “just cleaning up poop,” I let the doubts get to me. I was young, and I didn’t yet understand the heart and soul of what nursing really was. So, I switched my major to Public Health because I knew I still wanted to serve and support people in some meaningful way. I graduated from the University of Louisville in 2017 with my degree in Public Health. 

Fast forward a few years, three years after graduating, I gave birth to my daughter, right as the world was shutting down from COVID-19. I went into labor just before a shift change, and that timing was a gift. The nurse who came on duty, Natasha, was my angel. She was present, gentle, confident, and so deeply human. She held my hand, encouraged me, made me feel safe, and reminded me, without ever needing to say it, that I was strong. Even with my mom in the room, Natasha filled a space I didn’t know I needed. I didn’t want her to leave. I told her, “You can’t go. I need to have this baby before your shift ends.” And wouldn’t you know it, my daughter was born right at 7:00 a.m. as her shift was ending. 

That moment changed everything for me. Nurse Natasha made me feel seen, supported, and empowered in one of the most vulnerable moments of my life. After becoming a mother, I realized I had so much love, compassion, and strength to give, and that nursing wasn’t about the tasks; it was about the heart. That experience reignited the calling I once felt. It took time to go back, especially in the middle of a pandemic, but I began researching, checking off prerequisites, and building a plan. Finally, in May 2024, I started nursing school, fully ready to become the nurse I was always meant to be. 

As a single mother and student, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced—and how did you overcome them? 

L.K. One of the biggest challenges by far was childcare. There were so many days when daycare wasn’t an option, whether due to illness, closures, or scheduling issues, and on those days, school had to wait. Sometimes that meant missing class. Sometimes it meant falling behind on assignments. It was a constant balancing act. 

Time management was another hurdle. Being a full-time student while raising a child on my own felt like a full-time job times two. I didn’t work during school, which made things even more difficult financially. There was guilt; guilt for missing moments with my daughter, guilt for not being able to provide more, and guilt for choosing school when she needed me. I experienced role conflict, stress, and emotional exhaustion. There were times I questioned whether I could really do it all. 

But I leaned into faith, resilience, and the small wins. I kept reminding myself why I started, why this degree mattered not just for me, but for her future. And little by little, I kept showing up. 

How did the Family Scholar House support you throughout your academic journey? 

L.K. Family Scholar House was a lifeline. They provided me with a family coach who checked in monthly, not just to talk logistics, but to truly see how I was doing. In many ways, she became like a therapist and mentor, someone I could go to without judgment, even though I often hesitated to ask for help. I don’t like to feel like I’m burdening anyone, but she never made me feel that way. Her presence was a quiet and constant support. 

They also connected me with an academic coach who guided me through everything related to school, from class schedules to applications to studying. They helped pay for my books, awarded scholarships, supported my school-related expenses, and even gave gift cards at times when I just needed a little extra. 

Most recently, they helped me apply for my nursing boards, a huge milestone. I am so deeply grateful. Their support wasn’t just practical. It was emotional, spiritual, and empowering. 

What does graduating from UofL’s Accelerated BSN program mean to you and your daughter, Estella? 

L.K. Graduating means everything. It’s more than a degree. It’s a generational shift. It means breaking cycles, creating opportunity, and showing my daughter what’s possible. It means she’ll grow up knowing that hard things are worth doing, and that her future is not limited by her circumstances. 

This is the beginning of a different life, not just for me, but for her. I did this so she could see that dreams take work, but they are never too far out of reach. 

What advice would you give to other parents or nontraditional students considering nursing school? 

L.K. You can do it. It won’t be easy, but it will absolutely be worth it. 

There will be days you question everything, days when you're exhausted or overwhelmed or wondering if you made the right choice, but don’t stop. Keep going. There is a community of support around you, even when you can’t see it right away. 

If you’re considering this path and need someone to talk to, I’m here. I can share checklists, talk through classes, and be a sounding board. You don’t have to do it alone. 

The professors in the program truly care. And if one doesn’t feel like the right fit, keep going. You will find your people. For me, the first semester was the hardest. But once I found my support system, everything shifted. You belong here. Nursing school isn’t just for one type of student. It’s for anyone with the heart and the will to care deeply for others. 

Looking ahead, how do you hope to make a difference in your nursing career? 

L.K. I want to show up for people the way Nurse Natasha showed up for me, fully present, fully human, and full of compassion. 

I want my patients to feel seen, not just treated. I want to meet them where they are, honor their stories, and care for the whole person, not just the symptoms. My goal is to bring love, dignity, and empathy into every room I enter.  

Because nursing, at its heart, is not about tasks. It’s about people. And I’m ready to serve with everything I have.