MARIETTA, OHIO —After years of searching for the right path in the medical field, Haley Flowers has found her home at Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO). Currently completing her general education courses, Flowers plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Before coming to WSCO, Flowers worked as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While she loved the experience, she wanted to take her passion for helping others a step further by working more closely with patients. That calling ultimately inspired her to pursue a degree in nursing.
Her educational journey has been anything but easy, a true testament to her perseverance, growth, and determination. After leaving high school at 17, Flowers earned her GED and began exploring the
healthcare field through Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) classes, graduating at the top of her class. In the years that followed, she applied to five different nursing programs in search of the right fit, trained twice to become a dialysis technician, and even considered pursuing social work. Through every challenge and change in direction, she never lost sight of her goal, or her drive to succeed.
That persistence paid off when she discovered WSCO. Encouraged by her sister, a WSCO Business
Management graduate, and her cousin, who currently attends the college, Flowers decided to take a
chance on a new start. “I had no idea about the college or what it offered, and I couldn’t be happier,”
she shared. “It had the perfect step-by-step program for me to follow at a great pace,” continued
Flowers.
At first, the transition to college life was overwhelming, but with the guidance of her advisor, Amanda Stilgenbauer, Flowers quickly found her footing. “When I first started, I was overwhelmed with the whole process,” she said. “Amanda helped me with everything and always communicated with me when I needed her.”
Now in her second semester, Flowers has mastered the art of balance, juggling coursework, personal responsibilities, and future goals. She stays organized by using Better Canvas, an app that syncs with her course assignments and deadlines, along with her phone calendar to keep everything on track. “My biggest strength as a student is that I’m passionate,” she said. “I know what my end goal is.”
That goal? To become a cruise ship nurse, a role that combines her love for travel and her dedication to patient care. “I want to take care of people while seeing the world,” she said, adding that a trip to the Bahamas is at the top of her travel list.
Flowers’ hard work and positive attitude have not gone unnoticed. Her advisor, Amanda Stilgenbauer, praised her dedication and thoughtful approach to learning. “Haley stands out because she’s not in a rush, she’s building her career one step at a time. From STNA to PN and eventually ADN, she’s committed to learning and growing at every level, truly embracing the value of each stage along the way,” said Stilgenbauer.
Looking back on how far she’s come, Flowers reflects on her journey with gratitude and pride. “Imagine if I had given up,” she said. “I wanted to so many times, but I’m proud to say I found my perfect school at last.”
