Latest 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Grad Proves It鈥檚 Never Too Late to Chase a Dream
After years of working in tech and real estate, raising a family, and even earning a pilot鈥檚 license, one might say that Allison Baker of Little Rock has done it all.
With the completion of her fourth degree at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Baker has proven that it鈥檚 never too late to pivot toward a lifelong calling.
Now working as a pre-op nurse at Arkansas Surgical Hospital, Baker鈥檚 journey to become a nurse was anything but straightforward. She originally enrolled at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 1992 to pursue a nursing career, but life took her in a different direction.
Baker graduated from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 1994 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in international studies and went on to work for Alltel as an IT project manager for 11 years. During that time, she also earned a Master of Public Administration from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. She became a stay-at-home-mother after her second son was born, eventually moving into real estate. However, the desire to become a nurse is something that stayed with her.
鈥淎bout seven years ago, I finally had the time and space to go back to school,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 wanted a career that felt more fulfilling. I鈥檓 not one to leave things unfinished, and I knew I needed to go back and do this for myself.鈥�
In 2019, Baker entered 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 accelerated associate degree program in nursing and graduated in 2020. On May 17, she will complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 RN-to-BSN program. This is her fourth degree from the university spanning more than three decades of history with the institution.
鈥淚鈥檓 elated,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a long journey, and I鈥檓 really excited to finally have my BSN. I鈥檝e always been a big fan of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. It鈥檚 local, affordable, and has a great nursing program. I was well prepared for the NCLEX and the profession itself.鈥�
Baker鈥檚 passion for nursing is matched by her drive. She juggled two part-time jobs鈥攐ne at the hospital, one in real estate鈥攚hile taking six classes a semester, all while raising two sons, Kristian and Tristan, who will be seniors in high school and college next year. She also holds membership in Sigma Theta Tau, an international nursing honor society, and somehow finds time to play competitive tennis on four teams as well as pickleball.
鈥淚 treat school like a job so I can be present for my kids after hours,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey play soccer, so we travel a lot, but they鈥檝e been really supportive. I hope it鈥檚 helped them see the value of education.鈥�
Even as she balances so much, Baker has an eye on the future. She hopes to transition into clinical research, managing projects where new drugs, equipment, and treatment protocols are tested. With her combined experience in nursing and project management, she sees this field as a perfect fit. She also can鈥檛 confirm whether she鈥檚 done with college for good, admitting she鈥檚 also considering pursuing a nurse practitioner degree someday.
鈥淚鈥檒l never say never,鈥� she said.
Her success wouldn鈥檛 have been possible without support from family, instructors, and mentors like Dr. Heba Sedaka, who helped guide her decision to return for her BSN.
鈥淪he鈥檚 an amazing instructor and person,鈥� Baker said. 鈥淪he鈥檚 very responsive and treats everyone fairly. I really appreciated her support.鈥�
As someone who鈥檚 changed careers while raising a family and returned to school later in life, Baker encourages others to embrace the unknown.
鈥淒on鈥檛 skip classes. Stay organized. Sit at the front and be a leader,鈥� she advised. 鈥淕roup projects are a great way to stay involved and make sure everything gets done. And if an opportunity comes your way, don鈥檛 pass it up.鈥�
For Baker, every twist in her journey helped prepare her for a meaningful second act.
鈥淚鈥檝e added something valuable to my life by going back to school,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 an easy task at my age, but it鈥檚 been worth it.鈥�