Heather Yuill is celebrating her 40th birthday by finishing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, marking a major milestone in her life and career.
Yuill will graduate in spring 2025 from Georgia Southern University, completing a journey that started nearly 20 years ago. She admits her first attempt at college failed because she prioritized socializing and fun over studies.
After taking some years off, Yuill never gave up her dream to become a nurse. Inspired by family members in health care, she earned a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree from Savannah Technical College, which she has held for almost 13 years. “An LPN was at least something — it was starting,” she said.
Around age 35, Yuill decided it was time to pursue her BSN. Reflecting on her future, she wanted to ensure she could take care of herself. “I thought, ‘You know what, I need to take care of me,’” she said. Turning 40 was the perfect reason to give herself the degree she always wanted.
Yuill began her studies by completing core classes online before moving to in-person major-specific courses on Georgia Southern’s Armstrong Campus in Savannah. As the oldest student in her nursing group, she took on a mentor role, offering guidance and encouragement to younger classmates. “I liked stepping into that caring, motherly role,” she said. “I told them, ‘You will get through it.’”
Helping others is what Yuill loves most about nursing. She enjoys providing comfort during difficult times and treating patients as whole people.
Balancing full-time work as an LPN in a Savannah medical office with school was challenging, but support from her employer and a strong mindset kept her going. “I knew it was going to be hard, but only for a short time,” she said. “Two years is a short timeline compared to the benefits I’ll get from finishing.”
Yuill feels proud of completing a tough nursing program. “It’s a big accomplishment because nursing is challenging,” she said. “We need to be the best because it’s an important profession. Finishing my degree shows I could do it — I always knew I could.”
