ANC Student Snapshot - January 2020 - Nikki Pearson

ANC Student Snapshot recipient for January 2020, Nikki Pearson

𝗔𝗡𝗖 𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗘
𝗡𝗜𝗞𝗞𝗜 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡, 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮

Arkansas Northeastern College is proud to announce Nikki Pearson as one of its
Student Snapshot recipients for January. Pearson, a Manila native, is majoring in
nursing and was nominated by ANC Nursing Instructor Dr. Kim Weathers.

“Nikki is always very well prepared for class and presents herself in a professional
and thoughtful manner. She continuously thinks of new and innovative ideas of ways
the class can reach out to the community,” said Weathers.

Pearson says she chose the Associate Degree Nursing Program because she wants
to help people and because nursing is ingrained in her as she has generations of
nurses in her family. Still, she has explored other interests and nursing will become
her third career. She became a hairdresser at 17 followed by a career as a flight
attendant for United Airlines before deciding to become a nurse.

She is excited about this new phase in her life, and enjoys her time outside of the
classroom. “I am a married mother of two fantastic boys. I love adventure, meeting
new people, and yard work.”

Arkansas Northeastern College was the perfect choice for Pearson. She
cites its closeness to home, affordability, and small class sizes as her
primary reasons for choosing to attend ANC, which is the beginning of her
new career goals. “I plan to continue my nursing education to possibly
earn a master’s degree. I am unsure of which exact field I’d like to work in,
but so far I have enjoyed the Post Anesthesia Care Unit and Labor and
Delivery. I plan to work at St. Bernard’s,” added Pearson.

Pearson touts ANC faculty for providing excellent instruction that really prepares
students for wonderful careers. “My favorite classes so far at ANC have been
Anatomy and Physiology I and II. Mrs. Rayder provided the foundation on
the study of the human body, which has proven invaluable to me in the
nursing program.”

While Pearson admits that the program is rigorous, she acknowledges that the
instructors care about students. “My advice to those considering college is to
start at ANC. The faculty care so much about their students’ success.”

In addition to her studies, Pearson is actively involved in the ADN Student Nurse Club
and has participated in free community health fairs as well as being a part of fund-
raisers for worthwhile organizations such as the Humane Society and LeBonheur
Children’s Hospital.

Overall, Pearson has had a great experience as a student at Arkansas
Northeastern College. She is preparing for an excellent career and understands
the struggle of being a parent and a student, but recognizes the future rewards
to her current sacrifices.

“To anyone who thinks they are too old, or too busy to get an education; I have
to say if I can do it you can. It’s hard work but it’s attainable. I like to will things
into existence so I’m a firm believer in making a claim on your future and it WILL
happen!”