Balancing Motherhood and Medicine: Kadeshia Cooper Reaches Nursing Milestone

For Kadeshia Cooper, the road to becoming a nurse has been anything but easy. From raising a child as a single mom to balancing long clinical hours and coursework, the North Little Rock native relied on determination and perseverance to reach this milestone.

Cooper will earn her Associate of Science in Nursing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in May. She earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts and sciences from Pulaski Technical College in May 2024.

Cooper followed a strategic academic path to achieve her nursing degree.

“I did 2+2. I did two years of prerequisites at Pulaski Tech and the two-year nursing program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock,” she explained. “I plan to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing by December 2026.”

Although nursing ultimately became her passion, Cooper said circumstances initially required her to think practically about her future.

“Becoming a mother at 18 motivated me to pursue a stable career, which led me to nursing,” she said. “During my journey, I developed a true passion for the field, and this experience has shaped both my career and who I am today.”

Beyond academics, Cooper managed parenting and household finances.

“Balancing school while raising a child and handling bills on my own made it even more challenging,” she said. “I spent long hours studying, and the library truly became a second home for my son and me. I am very thankful for the support I received along the way.”

She received an Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship and used resources such as the CARE Team, the Academic Challenge Scholarship, and the campus food pantry at UA Little Rock.

Her coursework and clinical experiences allowed her to develop practical nursing skills that strengthened her confidence in patient care. Throughout her college experience, Cooper said family support – especially from her big sister, Shacora Cooper – played a key role. 

“She is like a second mother to me without the title, as well as a sister, friend, and my personal therapist,” she said. 

During her time in college, Cooper has built community and celebrated personal milestones. She was on the Little Rock Dance Team during her first year of college.

“I enjoyed being at the games, being loud, and cheering on the basketball players,” she said. “My son also enjoyed coming with me to the games, which made the experience even more special.”

Cooper also pushed herself physically outside the classroom.

“I ran my first 10K in February at the Little Rock Marathon,” she said. “That was a big accomplishment for me, and it showed me that I can push myself to do things I did not think I could do.”

Cooper said graduating with her associate’s degree in nursing and later earning her bachelor’s will mark a historic moment.

 “I hope I’ve created a cycle of education and financial stability that continues with my son and future generations,” she said.

After graduation, Cooper wants to spend more time with her son and involve him in activities he enjoys. She also plans to celebrate her accomplishment.

“My first plan is to take a vacation and get some rest, maybe even a week-long nap,” she said. “After that, I plan to work as a registered nurse in the operating room while also finishing my remaining bachelor’s coursework.”

Cooper said her university experience helped her prepare for professional success and personal growth.

“While going through nursing school, I was able to build meaningful connections with people and network,” she said. “I also had the opportunity to volunteer and gain valuable hands-on clinical skills. I learned how to be punctual, organized, and how to manage my time wisely.”

Cooper hopes her story encourages others to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.

“Everyone has a story or something in life that can hold them back, but I encourage people to find their purpose and stay determined,” she said. “Don’t make excuses for why you cannot do something, make reasons for why you should.”