Faye Lewis is a determined woman whose inspiring story went viral all over the internet. she shared photos of all the nametags she had worn throughout her journey to becoming a registered nurse. The pictures only tell half the story of what she went through as she was pursuing her doctorate.

The 27-year-old attributes most of her success to her mother who encouraged her to keep on working and never give up. Her mother, a certified Nursing assistant was one of the reasons, she always wanted to be a nurse. Her favorite subject in school was science and grew up in a family that fully supported her.

“I had been through a lot, and I knew I could do this too. I didn’t post it for attention. I just wanted to have this photo to motivate me through my Doctorate program,” said Lewis.
“I just needed to remind myself how far I’ve come,” she said. “I never in a million years would think it would also motivate other people to go for what they want.”

Faye Lewis -Via

Faye was 16 when she landed her first job as a team member in KFC. She hoped to help out her parents and have some spare cash for herself. She eventually went off to college but continued to work for KFC as a way of fending for herself. While in college, things didn’t go exactly as planned, young Faye, got excellent grades in almost all of her classes except for two where she was awarded B’s. This led to rejection from nursing school. furthermore, at the end of freshman year, she also became pregnant with her son AJ and moved on to live closer with her family.

Faye Lewis -Via

“My family really supported me and helped me make it possible,” she says. “When I had him, it gave me even more strength to pursue my dreams so he can do the same.”

Faye Lewis -Via

Lewis enrolled in a community college to try and complete her studies but the nursing program was not accepting new applicants. Her job at KFC was doing well and she got promoted to manager and also obtained a position at an assisted living facility. In 2010, with the assistance of a government program called New Step, Lewis completed her certified assistant training and started working at Memorial Medical Center.

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Finally, her dream was a stone throw away. She was able to work in a hospital setting surrounded by Registered nurses who were her role models. This environment solidified her desire to become a Registered Nurse. She enrolled into a Licensed Practical nurse (LPN) program which she completed in 9 months juggling between school and work. Determined to make the best out of her life, she went on to pursue her Associate’s degree in Nursing.

Faye Lewis -Via

“Many students lose their loved ones while in nursing school,” Lewis recalls a Professor saying. At the time, she hardly paid the comment any mind. Tragically, Lewis lost his father, three cousins and family dog to a house fire just three days after her professor said the words.

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“One of my best friends called me hysterically crying,” Lewis recalls. “When I heard the news, I dropped to my knees. My mom made it out alive just by a miracle of God.”

Faye Lewis -Via

It was a rough time for Faye. She, however, received overwhelming support from friends, family, and co-workers. Such tragic death is hard to process all at once and most people break at this point but not Faye.“My faith and relationship with God helped me get through that dark time. I prayed a lot and asked God to guide me. I had a supportive family and I knew my Dad wouldn’t want me to quit,” said Lewis.

Faye Lewis -Via

Life was tough as she worked as an LPN during the day and at KFC in the evenings- all while raising a young son and going to school. Even the overwhelming grief did not hold her back and she eventually obtained her AND in 2014. She enrolled in a bachelors degree program, which she graduated from in 2016.

Faye is currently pursuing her doctorate programme and hopes to become a family nurse practitioner. Her determination has inspired thousands to pursue their dreams.“Keep trying. Never give up and stay positive through all of it,” she says.

People all over the internet have shared their own journeys:
“Mine was from Security to Cargo to Physician. All by his grace.”
“HHA, a Waitress, owned an Adult Care Home for 15 years, EMT, RN with Associate, BSN, MSN. Now working on my Nurse Practitioner.”