“Mommy, you can’t give up now. You’ve come so far.” Eight years ago, those words changed everything for Becca Huff.
At the time, Becca was a nursing student at MiraCosta College working hard to complete her requirements. She was committed to her goal of becoming a nurse but each day was a struggle because of the growing demands in the classroom and at home.
“It became harder and harder to balance my schoolwork with family and other responsibilities,” recalled Becca. “One day when I was at my lowest, I just said I wanted to give up.”
That’s when Becca’s son chimed in. He reminded her of how much she had already accomplished, as well as their dreams of buying a house and getting a dog. Shared Becca, “His words helped me to keep going.”
When Becca was just three months pregnant, her husband was killed while serving in the Marine Corps. As a single mother, Becca worked hard to support herself and her son, and she always instilled in him the value of hard work and perseverance.
“Ever since he was little, I taught my son to never give up and believe in himself,” said Becca. “So when he turned around and said that same thing to me, it was the reminder I needed to finish what I started.”
From that point on, Becca grew more and more confident in the classroom. “If I wasn’t picking my son up from school or cooking dinner for him, I was studying,” recalled Becca. “Thankfully, the MiraCosta College instructors knew my situation and they were there to help every step of the way.”
If Becca was pushing herself too hard, her professors would notice and urge her to take a little break. If she needed extra support on a subject, her instructors were there to give her a hand.
“There are no words to describe the MiraCosta staff and how amazing they are,” beamed Becca. “
Nursing school can be overwhelming, especially for a single parent, but they made the experience manageable.”
Now a Registered Nurse in Oceanside, Becca looks back on her time at MiraCosta College with pride and amazement.
Despite struggling early on, Becca grew to become a top student. She also graduated debt free because she always made time to apply for scholarships that fit her background.
Best of all, she is currently living in her own home with her son and their two dogs. “I’m so glad I didn’t give up,” noted Becca. “I know how easy it is to get discouraged by day-to-day struggles. In the end though, all that work and sacrifice has paid off.”
