Graduation day is always a special occasion that brings families and friends together to celebrate the achievements of their loved ones. But for one extraordinary mother-daughter pair, this celebration was doubly significant.

A mother and daughter recently graduated together from the registered nurse program at East Carolina University, an unprecedented feat for the university. Jessica Van Wagenen, a retired marine, shared how people often mistook them for sisters at first. But she proudly explained that not only were they family, but they also accomplished this incredible feat together.

For Jessica, becoming a nurse meant pursuing a dream she had put on hold to raise her daughters. She wanted to provide stability for her children, so she decided to forgo her own college education and focus on being there for them. However, fate had other plans, and when the time was right, she decided to resume her education. Her daughter, Keelin, was inspired by her mother’s determination and supported her every step of the way.

Keelin expressed her immense pride in her mother for not giving up on her goals. She admired her mother’s resilience and would frequently share how proud she was of her. Both mother and daughter have already begun their nursing careers, with Jessica working in the operating room for Carteret Healthcare and Keelin serving in pediatrics for ECU Health.

The journey of attending nursing school together has created a bond that they will forever cherish. Jessica expressed her excitement and joy about sharing this experience with her daughter. They will always have this incredible accomplishment to look back on, a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Keelin, beaming with pride, feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to go to nursing school with her mother. While some students attend school with their siblings or significant others, Keelin can proudly say that she shared this special milestone with her mom.

The story of this remarkable mother-daughter duo serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Jessica’s decision to prioritize her children’s stability was admirable, but she also showed them the importance of never giving up on your passions. Their journey together exemplifies the strength and determination that people of all ages can possess when they set their minds to something.

Congratulations to Jessica and Keelin on their well-deserved success. They have not only achieved their dreams but have also become an inspiration to others who aspire to follow their own paths, no matter their age.