Higher education once seemed impossible for someone who left school in the eighth grade, but with each success, Mandy Bohl's ambitions grew.

"It all pretty much started with having my daughter and wanting to build a solid foundation for her," Bohl said. "Getting my GED made me feel like I might be capable of going to college. It gave me the confidence I needed."

At 38, Bohl earned her GED through a program at Linn-Benton Community College, making the transition to higher education feel more accessible and affordable.

"I was told there was a grant available if you start college after getting your GED," she said.

She applied for several other scholarships that helped her continue her education despite personal responsibilities that could have halted her progress, especially if she also had to work full-time. Bohl has been able to maintain a high GPA, while going to school, being a single parent and fulfilling recovery commitments.

"The main application qualifies you for certain scholarships," Bohl said. "Some of the donors have extra questions. It's so nice to only have to do one application. I have been so blessed. I recommend everyone apply to scholarships; it has been a life saver for me."

Bohl focused her studies on nursing, an interest that started in childhood.

"When I was seven, a registered nurse, the kindest woman I have ever known, would take me to church with her on Sundays," Bohl said.

That offered Bohl a stability she said she didn't have at home and set the stage for her early interactions on the provider's side of healthcare. When Bohl was 13, she volunteered every day at a care facility with her dog.

"Those afternoons taught me how meaningful it is to bring comfort, connection and dignity to people who need it," Bohl said.

Bohl's personal experience with the healthcare system was mixed but increased her desire to be a nurse.

"As a child, stigma came with my parents' addiction," Bohl said. "I often felt judged or dismissed during medical visits, and I promised myself that if I ever worked in healthcare, I would treat every patient with respect and empathy."

At 21, Bohl became her father's caregiver when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cirrhosis of the liver.

"During his time on hospice, I witnessed the profound impact nurses had on his final days," she said. "Their compassion, presence, and skill brought comfort to both of us. That experience solidified my desire to become a nurse."

Now as Bohl is working her way through school, her daughter is near the same age Bohl was when she first thought about nursing.

"She's starting to realize more what school is," Bohl said. "What it means when I'm like, 'I gotta do my homework.' She's understanding."

Bohl has felt supported by other LBCC students who also have young children.

"I have connected with the most amazing group of women," Bohl said. "I'm so grateful for the connection I made with them."

She participates in a study group and tries to maintain a consistent routine with her online classes. The Math Café, LBCC's drop-in resource center for math support, has been a helpful resource as well.

On her own, Bohl does practice tests, flashcards and rewrites her notes in her own words so she's able to explain a concept even if it's only to herself.

She takes opportunities throughout the day to practice terminology, sometimes including her daughter in the process.

"I'll be getting her dressed and going through all the bones that I need to know," Bohl laughed.

Bohl is a certified Peer Support specialist, completed her CNA training, was a resident manager in an adult foster care home and is on her way to becoming a registered nurse.

"Becoming a mother strengthened my commitment to this path," Bohl said. "I am raising my daughter on my own, and she has been the driving force behind every step I have taken."