Scholar Spotlight: Porche O’Neil

At age 36, Porche’s dream of a nursing career is finally in sight! Here’s her story.

After graduating with honors from Woodward High School, Porche attended Wright State University to pursue a nursing degree. It didn’t take long for her to realize she didn’t have the finances, transportation, or focus to stick with it, and she reluctantly dropped out.

With years of working in retail behind her, Porche was determined to get a degree. And she did – an associate degree in social work from Cincinnati State. 

“With that degree I was able to teach pre-kindergarten at a charter school that used to be in downtown Cincinnati,” she says. But while she enjoyed the work, Porche couldn’t shake the yearning to serve her community as a nurse. So, she enrolled, again, at Cincinnati State to get a nursing degree.

Although she was on the right track and her grades were good, complications of pregnancy meant three months of bed rest and the inability to finish her final semester. “I failed the course and just couldn’t believe that dream of a nursing degree had slipped away when I was so close,” she said.

Her baby boy was born healthy, and eventually so was Porche, who had health difficulties before and after her son’s birth. While she enjoyed the next three years of caring for her son and the baby girl that followed, she eventually felt like it was time to get back to school and work.

“I had the determination to return to Cincinnati State for the nursing degree I always wanted, but the finances were tight,” she says. That’s when a friend told her about The Chatfield Edge. “I met David Hesson and he really inspired me and assured me that Chatfield would help with a scholarship.”

To graduate, Cincinnati State required a 75% grade, but Porche wanted her goal to be higher, and decided to aim for 83%. “I set my standards really high because David is such a good mentor and believes in me. Now I believe in me too and want to show my kids what their mom can do.”

Porche feels incredible support from The Chatfield Edge as she pursues a degree that will lead to a job she enjoys. In addition to encouraging her to look beyond schooling to explore the type of nursing she wants to pursue, Chatfield is also backing her with the resources she needs to finish her education.

Today, Porche is just months away from the nursing degree she’s been dreaming of, and the ability to put LPN (licensed practical nurse) after her name. She’s considering a job in dermatology, cosmetic surgery, or as a home health nurse. And someday she may return to school to get her degree as a registered nurse. 

For now, Porche says, “I’m happy. I’m definitely headed in the right direction. My kids and I have a nice apartment and I’m able to manage the bills. I’m so grateful to The Chatfield Edge for their support in helping to make this happen.”If you need support on your educational journey, reach out to us today on our website (chatfieldedge.org) or call us at 513-875-3344. We look forward to helping you reach your dreams through education!