Nursing Graduate at 72: A Journey of Resilience and Dreams Fulfilled in Goose Creek

Goose Creek, South Carolina: Inspiring Journey of a Nursing Graduate at 72

It’s never too late to chase your dreams, and Nicole Louis-Jacques is a dazzling example of that. At the incredible age of 72, she recently walked across the stage at the University of South Carolina-Aiken to earn her nursing degree—a dream that she sparked over three decades ago when she first gained her diploma at Christ Hospital Nursing School in New Jersey.

The beautiful milestone was celebrated just five days after her birthday, on December 12, 2024, and you better believe she’s not slowing down anytime soon! I had the joyous opportunity to meet Nicole at her charming home, nestled in a quiet neighborhood off St. James Avenue in Goose Creek. As my photographer and I arrived, a spark of delight lit up her face. She greeted us as if we were long-lost relatives, exclaiming, “Hello, my sister!” with her sweet Haitian accent.

A Warm Welcome

As we stepped onto her porch, Nicole playfully mentioned that her home was still a work in progress. But trust me, there was no need for apologies! Her home was wonderfully inviting—everything shines with natural light, paired with an impressive collection of plants that could make any avid gardener green with envy. “My goodness! You have quite the green thumb,” I couldn’t help but exclaim.

Her familial pride was evident as she directed my attention toward a vibrant family photograph. In it, her grandson was just a 10-year-old little guy; now, he’s blossomed into a 16-year-old, already hitting the 5’9″ height mark and making a name for himself as a budding photographer!

A Life Story Rooted in Resilience

Nicole’s story is extraordinary, beginning in the lively land of Haiti, where she was born as the sixth child in a bustling family of thirteen. Her mother had big dreams for her children, pushing against the odds to create a better life. “She wanted to give us a life,” Nicole shared, with a glimmer of respect in her voice. Her mother eventually moved to New York, paving the way for the family to join her, driven by a determination that Nicole has inherited.

After a deep reflection, Nicole humorously recounted her mother’s belief that she was destined to be a nurse. “But she never explained how hard it would be!” Nicole chuckled, reminiscing about the many late nights spent studying biology and human anatomy.

A New Beginning in South Carolina

Nicole fell in love with South Carolina, noting that she wished for her daughters to have a peaceful and beautiful upbringing. However, life took a turn, and Nicole found herself staring at a medical gap—not working in the field she had trained for. It was her daughter, Stacie, who waved a reminder flag about her unfulfilled dream of pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Talk about sparking a flame!

Though concerns about her grades clouded her confidence, her daughters encouraged her, reminding her to take on the challenge headfirst. Eventually, they settled on the University of South Carolina-Aiken.

Challenges and Triumphs

Adapting to modern technology proved to be a bit challenging, but Nicole handled it with grace. Her kitchen transformed into a classroom, where she channeled her mother’s advice to “keep tunnel vision.” As she studied, she cherished moments outside, peeking at the beauty of spring from behind closed blinds, promising herself it would be worth the wait.

Faith played a significant role in keeping her strong through the struggles. Her living space is adorned with religious symbols—like a lovely Madonna statue and a cross atop an electronic piano—each reminding her to stay grounded in her spiritual journey.

Looking Forward

Her inspiring tale does not end here! Nicole has bold dreams of continuing her education, with plans to pursue a master’s degree soon. “Two years from now, I’m still gonna be alive, so I might as well have another degree!” she quipped, a smile illuminating her face.

With Nicole Louis-Jacques as an emblem of resilience and inspiration, it’s clearer than ever that no matter your age, you can always reach for your dreams. So, whether you’re a young student or someone who believes they’re all out of time, remember Nicole—because age really is just a number!