Name? Hollie D. Hope
Where are you from? Harrison, Arkansas
What degree/certificate are you getting? Associates of Applied Science in Registered Nursing
What interests you in your chosen field? Nursing is so much more than a career to me — it is something I truly feel called to do. I have always had a heart for helping others, and being able to care for someone during a vulnerable time in their life is something I do not take lightly. I want my patients to feel seen, heard, and safe, knowing that someone genuinely cares about their well-being. I am passionate about noticing the little things, advocating for my patients, and providing care that supports not only their physical health, but also their emotional and mental needs. I love working as part of a team that shares the same goal of helping others heal, and I am committed to continuing to learn so I can give the very best of myself to those I serve. Nursing allows me to live out my purpose by caring for others with compassion, empathy, and dedication, and I am truly grateful to follow this path that God has placed on my heart.
What is one thing you will never forget about your time at UA Northark? One thing I will never forget about my time at North Arkansas College is the growth I experienced both academically and personally while pursuing my Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing. The program challenged me to think critically, stay resilient, and step confidently into a career centered on compassion and patient care. I will always remember the support from my instructors, classmates, and the Career Pathways Initiative (CPI), whose encouragement and resources played an important role in my success. The hands-on clinical experiences strengthened my skills and confidence, and overcoming challenges along the way helped shape my dedication to becoming a compassionate, knowledgeable nurse.
What challenges have you faced before or during your college career? One of the greatest challenges I have faced during my college career has been balancing the demanding workload of the nursing program with personal and family responsibilities. The rigorous coursework and clinical hours required strong time management, perseverance, and resilience. Financial pressures were also a challenge, but the financial support, constant encouragement, and teamwork from my husband played a vital role in helping me stay focused on my goals. In addition, the support from programs such as the Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) helped provide stability during difficult times.
What are you most proud of accomplishing? I am most proud of persevering through the challenges of the nursing program and never giving up on my goal of earning my Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing. Balancing school, family life, and financial pressures were not always easy, but I stayed committed because I knew my children were watching. I want them to see that it is never too late to follow your dreams, and that life is truly what you make through hard work, faith, and determination. With God, all things are possible when it is His will, and I truly believe this path is my calling. I strive to make my children proud and encourage them to always push through difficulties, never quit, and believe in themselves no matter the obstacles. This accomplishment represents not only my dedication to becoming a nurse, but also the example I hope to set for my children about perseverance, faith, and resilience.
How have you changed since your first day of college? Since my first day of college, I have grown tremendously in confidence, resilience, and self-discipline. I have learned how to manage my time effectively, think critically, and remain calm under pressure while balancing the demands of the nursing program with family responsibilities. I have become more confident in my abilities, stronger in my faith, and more determined to pursue the calling God has placed on my life. Through challenges, support from my husband, encouragement from CPI, and the motivation to set a positive example for my children, I have developed perseverance and a deeper sense of purpose. I am no longer just pursuing a degree — I am stepping into a career and a calling that allows me to serve others.
What is one thing you wish you knew before starting college? One thing I wish I knew before starting college is how important it is to ask for help and lean on the support systems available to you. I have learned that success is not meant to be achieved alone, and that resources such as supportive instructors, classmates, family, and programs like the Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) can make a meaningful difference. I also wish I had known earlier just how much time management, persistence, and self-belief would be required, especially in a demanding program like nursing. Most importantly, I have learned that challenges are part of the journey, and with faith, determination, and the willingness to keep going, it is possible to accomplish goals that once felt out of reach.
What is next after graduation? After graduation, my next steps are to pass the NCLEX and begin working as a registered nurse, gaining hands-on experience and continuing to learn and grow on the floor. I plan to take this journey one day at a time and one season at a time, focusing on strengthening my clinical skills while prioritizing my family. In the future, I hope to continue my education and eventually become an APRN, following the path God has placed on my heart. I am committed to lifelong learning, serving others with compassion, and trusting the process as I continue to grow both professionally and personally.
What advice would you give to incoming students? My advice to incoming students is to believe in yourself, stay disciplined, and never give up, even when the journey feels difficult. Nursing school requires dedication, strong time management, and perseverance, but every challenge is helping prepare you for your future career. Do not be afraid to ask questions or seek support from instructors, classmates, family, and programs available to you, because you are not meant to do this alone. Take it one day at a time and one season at a time, focusing on learning and growing rather than striving for perfection. Stay grounded in your purpose, trust that with God all things are possible when it is His will and remember why you started. Most importantly, keep pushing forward, because hard work and sacrifices will be worth it when you reach your goal.