OFTC’s Alexandria Bryant Proves Perseverance Pays Off on Path to Nursing Career

Alexandria Nicole Bryant’s journey to becoming a nurse wasn’t a straight path, but her determination never wavered. Today, she’s a graduate of Oconee Fall Line Technical College’s (OFTC) Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Bridge Program and is preparing to begin her career as a registered nurse.

For Bryant, nursing has always been about serving others.

“I always wanted a career where I could make a difference during some of the hardest moments in a person’s life,” she said.

Eager to begin pursuing the career she dreamt about for years, Bryant enrolled in OFTC’s Practical Nursing (PN) program in 2022. The program’s high-quality reputation and local campus made it the perfect fit.

Finding Resilience

After enrolling in the program, Bryant faced academic setbacks which led to an unsuccessful first attempt to complete the program. Because of this, she made a difficult decision to step away.

“My journey wasn’t perfect, but I never gave up on my dream,” she said.

A year later, Bryant returned and earned another opportunity to pursue the program.

“I couldn’t imagine giving up on becoming a nurse,” she said. “Even after experiencing a setback, I came back because I knew I owed it to myself to finish what I started.”

Returning to the classroom taught Bryant more than nursing skills.

“Returning taught me resilience, humility, and determination,” she said. “I learned that success isn’t about never failing—it’s about having the courage to begin again.”

Bryant graduated from OFTC’s PN program with honors in 2023, an accomplishment she still considers one of the proudest moments of her life.

“That moment reminded me that perseverance truly pays off.”

Building on Success

Graduating from the PN program wasn’t the end of Bryant’s journey, though; It was the beginning of the next chapter.

After passing the NCLEX-PN licensing exam and becoming a Licensed practical Nurse (LPN), Bryant spent a year working in-field. The experience confirmed what she always knew: nursing was exactly where she belonged.

“Working as an LPN strengthened my passion for nursing and inspired me to continue growing into the best nurse I can be by becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).”

Ready to take the next step, Bryant returned to OFTC and was accepted into the ADN Bridge Program, an accelerated pathway for LPN’s and paramedics with at least one year of in-field experience who want to become RNs.

“The ADN Bridge Program challenged me academically and personally while helping me become a more confident, compassionate and knowledgeable future RN,” she said.

Having the program close to home made the journey possible.

“It allowed me to continue working, stay close to my loved ones, and pursue my education without leaving my community.”

While the program strengthened her academically and professionally, Bryant says the support she received along the way made the difference.

“Without the support from my family and instructors, truly none of this would be possible,” she said. They always believed and encouraged me through every season of this journey, constantly reminding me of what I was capable of when I doubted myself.”

“It takes a lot of determination to keep going through a program like this and having instructors who truly care about your success means everything,” she added. “They push you when you need it, support you when you struggle, and help you believe in yourself even on the hard days.”

Perseverance Rewarded

Looking back on her time at OFTC, Bryant says the college became much more than a place to earn a degree.

“OFTC has been more than a college—it has been the place where I discovered my resilience, built lifelong relationships, and gained the confidence to pursue my dreams.”

She says the challenges she faced along the way ultimately shaped her into the nurse she is becoming.

Now Bryant is preparing to begin her career as a RN while continuing to learn, serve her community, and grow professionally.

She hopes to continue advancing her education, expand her clinical knowledge, and one day step into a leadership role where she can help guide the next generation of nurses.

“My story isn’t one of perfection; it’s one of perseverance,” she said. “I hope it encourages someone else to believe that setbacks don’t define them. With hard work, support, and determination, dreams really can come true.”

Her advice to future students is simple.

“Don’t be afraid of the detours,” she said. “They aren’t stopping you—they’re shaping you into the nurse you’re meant to become. One day you’ll look back and be proud that you never gave up.”

For more info on OFTC’s Nursing Programs, visit OFTC.edu.
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