Major: Nursing
After high school, Bailey Svoboda attended a large out-of-state college to pursue a degree in forensic psychology.
Health Science Admissions at COD
Unfortunately, after experiencing difficulties that required her to move home after one year, she decided to step away from higher education.
“I spent a few years feeling very lost, not sure what my place in this world was supposed to be,” she said. “I always wanted more for myself but was scared to take the leap. It was one day, while working a job that I absolutely hated, a customer came in and said, ‘I like you. Do you want to work for me?’”
The customer was the manager of the food department at a local hospital. Svoboda made the change, and she found herself idolizing the nurses and patient care technicians.
“The job involved interacting with patients and getting a small look into what nurses do every day,” she said. “I fell in love with patient care almost instantly and knew it was what I was meant to do in this world. After a few years of feeling confused about my path, I was finally certain and moved forward full speed ahead.”
Taking out loans to restart her education did not sound realistic, so Svoboda enrolled at College of DuPage, where the tuition was far more affordable. In addition to transferring her previous credits, she could continue working full time at the hospital and pay for school herself.
Starting in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, Svoboda knew she was in the right place, although she was nervous about being too old to take classes.
“Going back to school and starting over at 22 was initially very scary,” she said. “I knew it was going to be a challenge working full-time while being a full-time student, but my goal was to embrace the fresh start and do the absolute best I could. I wanted to prove to myself that it was not too late to completely change my life.
They prepared us for the real world in health care rather than just teaching us the basic information that we needed to learn.
Bailey Svoboda
“On the very first day, I expected to be the oldest in class, as so many people my age were graduating with their bachelor's degrees when I was starting fresh. Upon walking into the building, I was immediately surprised to see that the campus was full of such a variety of people. In my first class, I sat between a 19-year-old and a mother of three. I was instantly hit with the fact that I was not alone in this journey.”
Svoboda completed the CNA program and transitioned into the associate degree program for nursing while still working full time. At the hospital, she is a preceptor for newly hired PCTs in her unit and was the opening speaker for an event for high school students, sharing her story about finding purpose in a health care career.
“Underprivileged students considering careers in health care were invited to learn about what each role looks like,” she said. “I was nominated by my supervisor to be the opening speaker, and I was able to share my unconventional story of finding my purpose in this world and discovering the world of health care. I reminded these students that even though their paths may not be as clear-cut as some of their classmates, they have the power to take their lives into their own hands and turn them into anything they wanted them to be.”
For her accomplishments, Svoboda was named one of the College’s two outstanding graduates.
“On my first day in class, I told myself, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool to be the top of the class?’” she said. “I set high goals for myself and worked hard to be successful, but nothing is guaranteed. So it’s truly surprising and humbling.”
Svoboda plans to work as an oncology nurse, pursue a bachelor’s degree at Purdue University, obtain her chemotherapy certification and then become an OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse). She is thankful for all that she received at COD and praises the faculty, including Assistant Professor of Nursing Meenu James.
“I remember being in her office after my only failed exam and felt defeated,” she said. “She was so motivational and told me that she thought I would make a great nurse. She, along with all my professors, not only taught but also instilled in us that we can do great things. They prepared us for the real world in health care rather than just teaching us the basic information that we needed to learn.
“My path was far from linear, but I have learned from each twist and turn that every step of it was part of a greater plan. I think that is the most beautiful part of COD—it gives so many people from so many different backgrounds a chance to come together and make our dreams come true. I have found my purpose and am finally where I am supposed to be.”
Learn more about the Nursing program at College of DuPage