UA Little Rock Nursing Student Finds Purpose in Perseverance
Kai Ahn Harris, a nursing student from Dumas, will graduate with a deep sense of purpose as she earns her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from UA Little Rock on May 17.
“Graduating feels surreal. It’s a mix of excitement, pride, and reflection,” Harris said. “Nursing school has pushed me in every way possible, and crossing the finish line is proof that all the long nights, clinical hours, and sacrifices were worth it. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come.”
Harris’ path to nursing hasn’t been without obstacles. She once faced failure in a previous nursing program, a moment that made her question her chosen career path. Instead of giving up, she leaned into her faith.
“I gave it my all, but it didn’t work out the way I had hoped,” she said. “I tried taking a different route, thinking maybe nursing wasn’t for me after all. But in time, God realigned my path, placed purpose back into my heart, and reminded me of the calling I couldn’t walk away from. That moment of redirection taught me perseverance, humility, and trust in divine timing.”
Harris chose UA Little Rock based on strong recommendations from alumni and the flexibility the program offered, which allowed her to stay close to home and continue working while pursuing her degree. She credits much of her success to faculty members who supported her along the way.
“It’s hard to choose just one, but Mrs. Farren Moore, Mrs. Samantha Brosch, and Ms. Sharon Oglesby made a lasting impact on me,” Harris said. “Their dedication to student success and ability to connect classroom content to real-world practice helped shape the nurse I’m becoming.”
One of Harris’ most meaningful college memories came during her final clinical shift, which she considers a full-circle moment of growth in her path to becoming a nurse.
“I went from being nervous to even talk to a patient, to confidently giving a report and putting skills into practice,” she said. “It really showed me how far I’ve come.”
In addition to her academic and clinical work, Harris stayed deeply involved in the community through her service in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as well as volunteering at the Arkansas Food Pantry and participating in her church community.
“These experiences taught me the importance of servant leadership and staying connected to the people we care for both in and out of scrubs,” she said.
After graduation, Harris plans to begin her nursing career in a critical care setting, with future aspirations to earn additional certifications and eventually open her own medical spa practice.
She hopes her story will inspire others who might be struggling to see themselves in a white coat.
“To anyone who feels like they’re not smart enough, strong enough, or ‘perfect’ enough to make it, please know that you are,” she said. “Nursing school is about persistence, not perfection. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Some of us are caregivers, parents, full-time workers, and still pushing through. The compassion, grit, and heart you bring to the profession will matter so much more than a GPA ever could.”