For years, Brittney Thompson held a dream that at times felt out of reach. As a single mother raising two daughters while balancing work, financial hardship and the demands of college, the path to becoming a nurse was anything but easy. But on May 2, 2026, Brittney walked across the platform at MidAmerica Nazarene University’s commencement ceremony to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree — a moment she once wondered if she would ever see.
Her journey reflects the heart of MNU’s emphasis on finding and living one’s calling. For Brittney, purpose did not begin at MNU, but she says it was cemented there.
“My purpose was solidified here,” she said. “It was confirmation that nursing is what I’m supposed to be doing.”
Brittney first discovered MNU while completing prerequisites at Johnson County Community College. Though she initially believed MNU might be financially and academically out of reach, conversations with nursing faculty quickly changed her perspective. Professors helped guide her into the traditional BSN program, which fit her life as a mother of two college-aged daughters, Aaliyah and Alisha.
Along the way, Brittney faced significant obstacles. After being accepted into nursing school, she was laid off from her job. What felt devastating at the time ultimately opened a new door. She accepted a position at The University of Kansas Health System, where she now works as a nurse associate. Now that she has graduated, she will soon start a new position at Advent Health as a nurse in the Psychiatric Unit.
This spring, Brittney also received an unforgettable surprise. During a special presentation covered by FOX4 News Kansas City, she was awarded a $6,000 scholarship from Mom’s Going Back2School, a program of The Worthy 1’s Foundation established by Xavier Worthy of the Kansas City Chiefs. The scholarship arrived during a difficult financial season and helped relieve the burden of tuition costs as graduation approached.
“There was a time when I didn’t know what I was going to do,” Brittney said. “Then the Worthy 1 Foundation came in and said, ‘We got you.’”
But Brittney says the support went far beyond finances. Foundation representatives checked in regularly, encouraged her through text messages and even offered to help with graduation expenses.
At MNU, Brittney found the same kind of support from faculty members who invested deeply in her success. She credits professors for helping her grow academically and personally. Once a self-described “B-ish student,” Brittney earned Dean’s List honors twice and was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the international nursing honor society.
She also experienced significant spiritual growth during her time at MNU, including being baptized at Foundry Church in December. Brittney says the encouragement, prayer and care she experienced from MNU faculty and staff strengthened her faith in life-changing ways.
Now, as she begins her nursing career, Brittney hopes her story encourages others who may feel their dreams are too far away.
“The journey is tough, but it’s doable,” she said. “I don’t care how old you are — just keep going for your dream.”
Learn about MNU’s wide range of nursing programs at mnu.edu/pgs-nursing.
