Graduation day is a momentous occasion for anyone who has worked tirelessly to complete their education. It is a time when loved ones gather to celebrate the achievements and dreams of the graduate. But for one exceptional mother-daughter team, graduation day had a meaning that went beyond the ordinary. Their journey to becoming registered nurses at East Carolina University was not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the unbreakable bond between a mother and her daughter.
Jessica and Keelin Van Wagenen’s story is one that inspires us and reminds us of the enduring power of determination and support in the family. This extraordinary feat of mother and daughter graduating together in the same program marked the first time in East Carolina University history.
Mother and daughter from the same household graduated from East Carolina University’s registered nurse program. According to the institution, something comparable has happened for the first time.
At first, they mistook us for sisters and I had to clarify that I am a mother and that according to Jessica Van Wagenen, we work together.
A former Marine, Van Wagenen, who is now retired, said she put her goals on hold to raise her daughters. As luck would have it, she started working on these goals again and her daughter followed suit.
We were always picking up and moving and their dad was kind of in and out all the time, so I always believed that kids needed some form of stability, the mother said. That’s why I decided to give up college give the kids as much stability as possible and stay at home.
Her daughter Keelin Van Wagenen acknowledged her admiration for her mother for not giving up on her goals.
“I tell her every day that I’m proud of her and she’s continued to do what she wanted,” added the delighted daughter.
Both women have already started their professional careers. While Jessica works as an OR nurse for Carteret Healthcare, her daughter Keelin is a pediatric nurse at ECU Health.
Both women agreed that they will always remember the time they spent together in nursing school. It’s a lot of fun. To be able to share this with my daughter is beyond beautiful. Jessica laughed, “We’ll always have that together. It’s refreshing. I have to say I went with my mom when some individuals traveled with their siblings or significant others,” Keelin noted with pride.
It’s great to see this mother-daughter pair pursue their goals. Come help us support them as they transition into the workforce!
Their remarkable journey not only inspires those who hear their story but also reminds us of the importance of never giving up on our dreams, no matter the obstacles we face. It is a testament to the enduring family bond, the power of support, and the beauty of shared success.
As Jessica and Keelin Van Wagenen enter the workforce as registered nurses, their story continues to inspire and uplift those who hear it. Their determination, resilience, and unwavering support for one another serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder that with dedication and love, remarkable dreams can be achieved. It is a story worth sharing, a testimony to the extraordinary power of maternal love and unbreakable family bonds.