Editor’s note: Leading up to the Dec. 19 commencement ceremony, UALR will highlight stories about noteworthy graduate candidates who have interesting or inspiring stories to share.

Brittney Laster wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. She also had a strong desire to help children.

When she explored the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s nursing program, she discovered a fit for both passions.

“I just kind of fell in love with the program,” said Laster, 27, of Little Rock.

At the time, Laster was a single mother and was pregnant with her second child. She also was helping to meet the needs of her 10 younger siblings. Her second child was born the week after she was accepted into the program.

Many people suggested Laster should wait to pursue her degree.

She didn’t listen.

“Time is limited, but there’s always enough time,” Laster said.

During the past 1.5 years, Laster cared for her now 1-year-old and 4-year-old while also taking siblings to dance, cheer, and band practice as well as basketball and football games and church events.

In addition, Laster cooked dinner, shuttled her siblings to appointments and helped with homework, as her mother worked.

“Although she did all of this, at the end of the day, when everything was done and everyone was asleep, she would stay up studying and doing clinical paperwork,” said Dr. Charles “Preston” Molsbee, associate professor and chair of the UALR Department of Nursing.

Laster is on pace to graduate this semester with an Associate of Applied Science degree along with the rest of the December 2015 class. Commencement is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Jack Stephens Center.

“I’m super excited about it,” Laster said. “It’s been a long journey,”

After graduation, Laster plans to work with newborns in a hospital neonatal unit.

“I guess my passion lies with the children, and I want to do something for kids,” Laster said.

Molsbee said Laster’s story is inspirational and “proves that hard work still means something.”

“Over the past year and a half, Brittney has been the picture of perseverance and is living proof you can accomplish what you set your mind to,” Molsbee said.

Laster’s advice for others considering pursuing a degree while balancing busy life commitments: “Just stay focused and don’t get overwhelmed to the point where you don’t even give yourself an opportunity to succeed.”

“Don’t tell yourself ‘no.’ Go ahead and apply for the program.”