Driven by Determination

Brittney McBride knows what it means to keep moving forward when the path ahead feels overwhelming.

A mother of three, nursing student, and someone who had already faced more than her share of challenges, Brittney had plenty of reasons to wonder if college was possible. Financial hardship, housing challenges, long days, and a two-hour drive to Mid Michigan College were all part of her journey.

But giving up was never part of the plan.

Originally from California, Brittney describes her life as one filled with challenges. There were times when she lost everything and had to start over. Through those experiences, she learned an important lesson, one that would serve her well at Mid: asking for help isn't a weakness.

“I was able to overcome the challenges I faced by doing one of the hardest things, and that’s putting my pride aside and asking for help,” Brittney said.

That lesson became especially important as she worked toward her nursing degree. Balancing school with raising three children while managing financial and housing challenges often meant taking life one day at a time.

Brittney learned not to focus on everything that still had to be done. Instead, she focused on what was directly in front of her: one week, one assignment, one exam, one challenge.

Making it halfway through a semester became a milestone. So did every completed clinical, every exam passed, and every day she made the drive to campus.

“I worked hard and found myself up before the sun came up plenty of times to get a jump start,” she said. “I drove two hours each day to come to school; I was not going to give up.”

And she didn't.

Finding a Community at Mid

Along the way, Mid became more than the place where Brittney would earn her degree. It became a community that helped her keep going—and helped her see what she was capable of.

Her classmates became an important part of that support system.

“My experience at Mid was like no other. My classmates became my family. We laughed together, cried together, and celebrated together,” Brittney said.

Her instructors pushed her academically while also recognizing the person behind the student. Brittney appreciated that each instructor brought a different teaching style and helped her discover new ways to learn, adapt, and grow.

Most importantly, she felt comfortable being herself.

“I love the culture and the ability to be myself. I have never felt judged at Mid,” she said.

When Brittney needed help, she says she found people willing to help her find a way forward. Whether she needed support in the classroom or guidance beyond it, she was met with encouragement.

“Mid has helped shape my future by opening up so many doors for me. I am forever grateful and lucky to be a Laker,” she said.

Taking the Next Step

Brittney first heard about Mid from a coworker who had attended and spoke highly of the experience. As she explored her options, Mid stood out for its opportunity to start without a waitlist while earning a high-quality education close to home.

It turned out to be more than a practical choice. It was the place where Brittney found a community, discovered her own resilience, and took another step toward the future she wanted for herself and her family.

Now, she hopes to build a nursing career that continues to grow alongside her—and to show others that their circumstances don't have to determine their future.

Obstacles like being a parent or caregiver, financial obligations, and self-doubt are common. None of them have to be the end of the story.

“It took me a long time to believe in myself and believe that I could do anything I set my mind to. This school believed in me even at times when I didn’t believe in myself,” Brittney said.

Her advice to anyone considering college is simple: take the first step. Ask for help. Keep going. You don't have to have everything figured out before you begin. Sometimes, moving forward simply means focusing on what comes next, and trusting that each step is taking you toward your goals.