In 2015, Shelia Meabon Brooks accomplished a goal that had been in the back of her mind for 20 years; she finished her bachelor of science in nursing.

Brooks had graduated in 1994 with an associate degree in nursing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. From there, she began her career as a nurse and started a family.

Currently, Brooks works at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Orthopedic Clinic at a staff nurse. She has been married for 24 years and has two sons.

Brooks said that she always had planned to earn her BSN, but the timing was never right.

“It was a goal for me, initially. But, of course, life happens—having children, having to work,” she said. “So, I had the opportunity to go back now that my children are older.”

Brooks said if the RN-to-BSN program wasn’t available online, then she would probably still only have her associate degree. The online program was convenient for her lifestyle.

“It’s very doable, simply because you’re able to work full time and go to school. The classroom setting just does not allow you to work an eight-to-five job through the day because you have to be in class.”

Brooks said that doing the program online made it much easier for her; however, she was a little concerned about the technology gap.

“I am not a techie-type person. I’m kind of old school,” she said.

In spite of that, Brooks said, the staff and faculty at UA Little Rock were really accommodating of her lack of knowledge with technology. With their assistance, she was able to complete the online program.

“So, if someone is kind of questionable about the online process, if I can do it, you can too.”

Brooks’s success story doesn’t stop here. She’s now working toward her doctorate of nursing practice.