Perseverance Triumphs: Jaclyn MacDonald My CBU Story

Bachelor of Science, Nursing graduate, Jaclyn MacDonald, has not had an easy journey over the past several years. But as she makes her way across the stage at this year’s convocation, she is ready to celebrate the perseverance and hard work that has gotten her to this day. 

Born and raised in Glace Bay, Jaclyn earned her Licensed Practical Nursing diploma from NSCC in 2013 and worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for eight years before deciding to push herself further and enrol in the LPN-Pathway at CBU in hopes of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). 

Jaclyn’s journey has had its fair share of ups and downs, but she says the life-long connections and acceptance she encountered during her time at CBU have helped her keep pushing forward. “Some of the choices I made in life were leading to self-destruction, but who doesn’t make mistakes?” says Jaclyn. “It’s how we learn and grow, and your mistakes shouldn’t define who you are as a person. I’ve worked through my mental health, sobriety, postpartum depression and lots of transition in life but each challenge I’ve overcome makes this accomplishment mean so much more.” 

During the clinical section of her education, Jaclyn was eight months pregnant with her daughter Brielle, but she didn’t let that slow her down. In fact, it was motherhood that inspired Jaclyn to keep working hard and accomplish her goal of becoming an RN. “Having my sweet baby girl was the best thing that could have ever happened to me,” she shares. “It’s proof that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to if you apply yourself and put in the work.” 

In addition to her daughter, Jaclyn’s parents Heather and Edward MacDonald have supported her through every step of the journey. Through both the good times and the bad, Jaclyn says her parents were always there for her and she hopes to continue to make them proud in all that she does. 

Jaclyn says the mentors she has had during her time at CBU truly believed in her, which made her even more determined to succeed. “Being a nurse isn’t just a title to me,” says Jaclyn. “I know I was born to do this and put here to make a difference by caring for others.” 

Jaclyn says she is excited to have accepted a full time position in the Glace Bay Operating Room, which she looks forward to starting after writing her NCLEX exam. She plans to continue to work toward being the best mother, daughter, friend and coworker she can be. 

To those thinking about starting their journey at CBU, Jaclyn’s advice is to jump right in. She says being true to yourself and doing whatever it takes to achieve your goals is the key to success. “There are so many people rooting for you, never forget that,” adds Jaclyn. “Good luck to everyone on their future endeavours!”

 

Congratulations to Jaclyn and the entire graduating class of Fall 2023!