Everyone has a story to tell, and I was incredibly honored when Gigi asked me to share mine...until I sat down to write it.
It isn't easy to talk about yourself in terms of personal achievements and overcoming obstacles; in a way it feels like bragging on yourself. But I have overcome a lot in my life, and I am proud of the woman I have become because of my challenges. So.....#thisisme.
I grew up in Lindsay and graduated in 1983. I came from a family that didn't put a lot of value on education. I had a full-time job at 15, working 40 hours a week while going to school. I watched the things that went on around me and knew I wanted a different life; I wanted to achieve something. Life was difficult at times, and my oldest sister was my saving grace. She was, and still is, the person who I go to for advice. Without her, I don't know where I would be.
I went to college right after high school, but dropped out after one semester. I got married, had my first son when I was 21, and worked while I took care of my family. A second son was born 7 years later. Even though I had a job I liked, I never stopped thinking about a career in medicine.
When I was 30, my husband got a job that allowed me to chase my dream.
I started college, working days and taking classes at night. It wasn't easy. There were times I stayed up all night studying. Seven years after I started, I graduated from College of the Sequoias with an Associate Degree in Nursing. I was a Registered Nurse working in the Intensive Care Unit and I absolutely loved it. And I still wanted to continue my education.
As the years passed, things changed, My sons grew up. The oldest one joined the Navy, married an amazing young woman, and moved away. My marriage ended after 29 years. My youngest son got viral meningitis and almost died. There were days that I just wanted to stay in bed and pull the blankets over my head.
But I didn't. I worked two full-time jobs for 5 years. I paid off all my bills. My son recovered, my oldest son and his wife were happy and expecting their first baby in January of 2017. I was finally able to go back to school. I started a three and a half year Masters Degree in Nursing program in November of 2016. During the first quarter of school, I had surgery three times, but I kept up with my studies. On January 11th, 2017, my grandson Seamus Hunter was born, and slept in my arms his first night of life while I did homework. Seventeen months later, his baby brother Isaac James was born on June 15th, 2018. I was on track to graduate in May of 2020 at 55 years old.
While good things were happening, bad ones were too. I had health issues that affected my education and job, dealt with the grief of a horrific accident
that affected many people I love, had an unexpected job change, and dealt with more stress than I could ever imagine. The Covid outbreak very nearly prevented the completion of my degree, but I was fortunate enough to have what I needed and I graduated May 10th with a Master of Science degree in Nursing.
Today I am Lori West, RN, MSN, CCRN, WCC, and in a few weeks I will be adding FNP-BC (Family Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified) to those initials behind my name. Every set of initials signifies a commitment to my profession and hours of work to obtain and maintain the certifications they stand for. Despite every obstacle, I made it, and I've been told I have inspired others to not give up on their dreams too. August 31st I start a Doctor of Nursing program. My son Josh and his wife Cassie, my grandsons (known collectively as The Sirs or Nana's Best Babies), and my son Brandon are the motivation to do what I do. Even though we are divorced, my ex- husband continues to encourage me and be proud of what I have accomplished.I want them to see that if you believe in yourself, you can make anything happen. I want you to believe it too.💖
By Lori West, RN, MSN, CCRN, WCC