Kishwaukee College Nursing student Tasha Kimble was honored with the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) Lifelong Learning Award at the ICCTA Annual Convention on Friday, June 6, in Normal. The ICCTA’s Lifelong Learning Award celebrates the accomplishments of Illinois community college students who have used their college as a resource on multiple occasions.
Kimble, of Cortland, recently completed Kish’s Registered Nursing program and graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in May. Kimble’s journey to becoming a nurse spanned several decades as she balanced raising a family with pursuing education. After dropping out of high school at 15 years old, she earned her high school equivalency and certifications as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Occupational Therapy Assistant. Later, she transferred to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Due to time commitments, her counselor recommended she switch to a degree in Community Health. For about 20 years, Kimble worked in various health care roles, but the goal of nursing never wavered.
“Once the kids were older and moving out of the house, I saw it was my time. I did not want to do menial jobs anymore. I had made up my mind. I was going back to nursing school,” Kimble said.
At the recommendation of local nurses and family, Kimble discovered the Kishwaukee College Registered Nursing program fit her budget, provided financial aid and resources, and was an accredited, well-respected program in the health care industry. After completing prerequisite courses, Kish accepted her into the Registered Nursing program in Fall 2023.
“It was the most blessed letter I have ever received. I gave up everything just to go back to nursing school. At Kish, the resources are everywhere you go to help you with what you want to accomplish,” Kimble said.
As she completed the program, Kimble’s instructors noted her positivity and dedication as she balanced school, work and home life.
“I am amazed every day at the level of perseverance Tasha shows. I returned to nursing school later in life and understand the complexity it brings while simultaneously trying to be a caregiver and a mother. Tasha always presents a positive attitude regardless of the obstacles before her and will spend hours supporting her peers in learning course content,” said Tara Tobias, Nursing Retention and Recruitment Coordinator.
Following her time at Kish, Kimble plans to work as an obstetrics nurse while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She also has an interest in earning a graduate degree and potentially teaching nursing at the college level.
Kimble is the third Kish recipient of the ICCTA’s Lifelong Learning Award, with JoEllen Kile and Minerva Sandoval winning the awards in 2020 and 2023, respectively.
Learn more about lifelong learning opportunities at Kish at kish.edu/adultlearners.