Sometimes the best decisions begin with hesitation. When Shawquila Mintz enrolled at Herzing University, she planned to pursue a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program—until an Admissions Advisor encouraged her to aim higher. “I was skeptical at first, thinking I wouldn’t be able to finish or that I didn’t have the capability,” she recalls. “But the counselor saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.”
That conversation changed everything. Shawquila committed to earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing—and discovered along the way that Herzing was exactly the right fit. “It’s a more family-oriented school that truly cares about its students and wants to see them succeed,” she says.
Shawquila’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Financial struggles nearly forced her to withdraw, but a compassionate financial advisor stepped in to help. “He told me every student faces obstacles and that he had seen them all walk across that graduation stage,” she remembers. “He encouraged me to keep going—and I’m so glad I did.”
Her perseverance was rewarded when she received the HRSA scholarship, allowing her to continue her studies without added financial stress. With that support, she completed her clinicals, rotations, and academic work, ultimately earning her BSN. “It felt amazing to finally accomplish that degree after all the hard work,” she says.
Today, Shawquila pays it forward as a preceptor for nursing students—an opportunity she attributes to the strong foundation she received at Herzing. “I’m forever grateful to be a Herzing alumna. The education and experience I gained there prepared me so well for the real world,” she says.
To those considering Herzing, she offers simple but powerful advice: “Don’t let any self-doubt or negativity hold you back. You never know your full potential—especially with the amazing support system at Herzing.”
Shawquila’s story is proof that with the right encouragement and the right environment, even the most uncertain beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes.