This is the story of Dr. Bolanle Shekoni, who has just bagged a doctorate in nursing practice. Recently, CityPeople got her to reveal her success story.
How has the journey been so far? “My professional journey has been greatly shaped by resilience, ambition, and an unyielding pursuit of personal and professional growth.
I started my career as a Home Health Aide, which I consider a stepping stone to the remarkable professional growth that defines my life. Importantly, as I advanced through the professional journey, I did not fear to confront the obstacles along the way with tenacity and carving an inspirational path that others could follow.
My second job was in law enforcement. I remember bustling streets of New York City when I served as NYPD Traffic Agent II, mastering the intricate dance of traffic control.
My dedication and commitment to law enforcement saw me advance my ranking, propelling me to the position of NYPD Traffic Agent III, and donning the role of a tow operator from 2003 to 2015. Between 2015 and 2018, I served as an NYPD Supervisor I. These years in the NYPD were a crucible of experience, forging my character and instilling a sense of duty that would become a guiding beacon in my future endeavours.
In 2015, my dream to be back in the healthcare sector was difficult to resist. At this point, I was a single mother, and I had children who needed my presence. However, I had to make a massive sacrifice, which also increased my doubts about fulfilling my career objective. I am thankful to my children who took the adult role of caring for their baby sister. This allowed me to navigate my role as a full-time working mother and a full-time student. Between 2010 and 2012, I earned a License Practical Nursing (LPN) degree from Merit Technical Institute in New Jersey.
Undeterred by challenges that kept knocking on the door, I continued my educational ascent, attaining a Registered Nurse AAS Degree from Helene Fuld College of Nursing between 2012 and 2015. The pursuit of excellence propelled me to further studies at Helene Fuld College of Nursing from 2015 to 2017. In 2018, I undertook the arduous journey of acquiring a Master’s in Nursing and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Degree from Molloy University, solidifying my expertise in mental health.
After my master’s degree, I set my sights on the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). I am glad for all the time and moments dedicated to fulfilling my DNP journey at Chamberlain University in Chicago. I am happy that this remarkable dream has come to pass, considering I have now completed my DNP course, and I eagerly wait for my graduation next year.
To everyone who reads this, I want to encourage you to keep pushing your goals. It is never easy, but it can be done. We all are happy to fulfil something that may initially be thought impossible. I did not focus on the limitations that could have restricted me from achieving the big dreams I harboured. I want this story to serve as a beacon of inspiration, reinforcing the message of perseverance in the pursuit of our cherished dreams.”
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