At 52, Annie Peck is embarking on a new career, one she didn\u2019t see coming until about seven years ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe moved to Austin, and suddenly I realized it was time for a change,\u201d she says. \u201cI spent 20 years as a claims adjuster. I didn\u2019t hate my job, but I knew I wanted more.\u201d<\/p>\n
Peck enrolled at Austin Community College with her hoped-for destination of ACC\u2019s Nursing Program. The mother of three started taking classes part time.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hear so many people talk about the ACC nurses, and they all say ACC nurses are by far some of the most prepared,\u201d she says. \u201cThat makes me feel good.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nI didn\u2019t hate my job, but I knew I wanted more.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
In December, Peck\u2019s family watched as she crossed the stage and accepted her associate degree in nursing. She\u2019s now preparing for the registered nurse licensure exam and has already accepted a job as an intensive-care nurse at University Medical Center Brackenridge.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a long road,\u201d says Peck. \u201cI think it\u2019s been good for my family to see that if you work hard you can do anything you want to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Learn more about\u00a0ACC’s Nursing Program<\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n
Peck credits her family and professors for their encouragement and support.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were several times along the way when balancing family and school felt overwhelming. I thought \u2018I don\u2019t know if I can do this,\u2019 \u201d she admits. \u201cBut my instructors made sure I never got lost. They knew my goals and helped me achieve my dream.\u201d<\/p>\n
Annie graduated with a 4.0.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had to prove to myself I could do it,\u201d she says. \u201cI did, and it feels great.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
At 52, Annie Peck is embarking on a new career, one she didn\u2019t see coming until about seven years ago. \u201cWe moved to Austin, and suddenly I realized it was time for a change,\u201d she … Continue reading