It’s how you finish

As the 2025 fall semester began, Heidi Wilson was wrapping up the licensed practical nurse program with LLCC in Hillsboro and accepting the Outstanding Nursing Student award.

“I was honored to be recognized for my journey and hard work,” Wilson says. “My dream has always been to become a nurse.”

Growing up, Heidi was a natural caregiver, helping take care of her mother. For the past 17 years, Wilson has been a dedicated employee of the Memorial Health team. She began her career as a certified nursing assistant, later transitioned to a unit secretary and is now preparing to start as an LPN on 2B, the hospital’s medical/surgical floor.

Wilson began her LLCC nursing journey right out of high school, but life’s challenges led her to put her dreams on hold. Once her daughter graduated and began nursing school herself, Wilson jumped back in. During another brief setback, she watched her daughter, Capria Fields, graduate from LLCC’s registered nursing (RN) program.

“I was so proud of her. It brought tears to my eyes,” Wilson says. “All through nursing school, Capria worked full time as a certified nursing assistant on the night shift, so she could attend classes during the day. She pressed through it all and is now an RN.”

Motivated by her daughter’s perseverance, Wilson decided to pursue nursing school again. She took the nursing Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), was accepted to LLCC’s licensed practical nurse program and committed fully to her goal.

“This was my goal, my dream, and I am making it come true. Nothing is stopping me now.”

Balancing work, classes and study time was no easy feat. Wilson worked weekends and attended classes during the day and spent every spare moment studying. She credits LLCC’s instructors and staff for their support and encouragement.

“The program was demanding. There were some topics I struggled with, but the support I received along the way made all the difference,” Wilson says. “LLCC even offered NCLEX preparation, which helped me get ready for my licensing exam.”

The NCLEX is a standardized test required for nursing licensure, and she passed it with flying colors. LLCC’s pass rate is 93%, which is higher than both national and state pass rates.

In a full circle moment, Fields proudly pinned her mother during the time-honored LPN pinning ceremony — a symbolic rite of passage marking Wilson’s official entry into the LPN nursing profession.

Fields calls her mom her biggest inspiration. “I admire her determination in continuing her education. I watched her study hard, apply herself and push herself through each semester. I motivated and encouraged her every step of the way, like she did for me when I was in the RN program.”

And Wilson’s journey isn’t over yet.

After passing her LPN NCLEX exam, she is preparing for LLCC’s LPN to RN bridge program. Successful completion of the transition course allows licensed LPNs to enter the second year of the RN program.

LLCC nursing programs have more enrolled students than any other nursing program in Springfield. The college offers certificates in basic nurse assistant (CNA) and practical nurse (LPN) and degrees in LPN to ADN transition and associate degree nursing (RN).

Wilson’s advice to others facing setbacks? “Don’t give up on your dreams. It’s not how you start; it’s how you finish.”