Persistence Pays Off
Mariyah Bland, RN, credits Rappahannock Community College (RCC) for her success in nursing. “I learned so many great things while at RCC. Not just about nursing itself but about life overall and how to be well-rounded person,” said Bland.
Mariyah shares that the biggest obstacle she had to overcome as a student at RCC was her own lack of confidence and feeling intimidated about applying to the nursing program. Instead of talking herself out of applying she finally decided it was worth it and if she wasn’t accepted, she could “get back up and try again.”
"Every instructor I crossed paths with wanted me to not just remember the material but to really understand it and how it would make me a better nurse," she said. This holistic commitment to education highlights RCC’s dedication to nurturing not only competent professionals but well-rounded individuals. “The nursing program is very challenging, but I met with staff and fellow classmates to make sure I understood the information. I still use everything I learned in the program.”
Beyond academic and professional achievements, Mariyah acknowledges the formation of lifelong friendships that have evolved into a supportive family. “Graduating from RCC has brought me so many opportunities that I never saw coming,” said Mariyah. “I’ve been blessed to work in the two fields of nursing that I’ve always wanted to experience, one as a school nurse and now as a pediatric primary care nurse.”