My name is Joyce Ekamrak, a Yup'ik from the Kuskokwim River region and I first came to UAA in 1995. However, I returned home after having completed only one semester and during that time, I felt like such a failure. But nursing never left my thoughts, so one husband and three kids later, I returned to UAA and this time, I was armed with my husbands support and my children looking up to me with high hopes. It was Fall 2002 and I was determined to achieve a Bachelor's degree minimum.

With everything said and done, the struggle was worth it. I passed boards in July '06 and I'm now a Registered Nurse working full-time at Alaska Native Medical Center. I feel so proud when one of my kids say, "my mom's a nurse."

RRANN was there for me each step of the way - whether my concerns were school or personal. The best part was knowing I was always welcomed in their offices, if only to say 'hi.'

To all students, I know what it feels like to just want to give up. School won't last forever, so hang in there. Keep moving forward, even if you have to repeat a class (I did!). And whatever you do, it really does help to keep a positive attitude towards whatever you're facing - whether it be an exam, a meeting or a 10 page term paper.

Good Luck Everyone and God Bless!