Nursing Student Focused on Making the Best of Scholarship

"The 2nd Chance Scholarship has really been a blessing. I appreciate it very much, and I'm not going to waste this opportunity. I want to make Ms. Beam proud." 
- Shavonia Johnson

Shavonia Johnson is a 44-year mother of four children. She has been working as a Certified Nursing Assistant for the past 19 years, but her goal is to become a registered nurse. She is enrolled in the Associate in Arts program at Richmond Community College and hopes to be admitted into the Associate Degree Nursing program in fall 2022.

"My kids are grown. My life is steady, and I'm in a place now to put my full focus on becoming an RN," Shavonia said. "Working in this field is a calling, and I love what I do. But I want to be a bigger asset. I want to learn Spanish and sign language so I can better serve my current and future residents."

Shavonia is employed at a private assisted living residence in Southern Pines. She works a 12-hour night shift Monday through Thursday. When she leaves work at 7 a.m., she drives straight to RichmondCC in order to make it to her classes.

"I want to motivate others," she said. "I want them to say, 'She did this at age 45.' I want them to realize they can do it too."