Olivia Pate and Carrie Brazil, like most LLCC students, have faced challenges and hardships over the past two years as they worked to further their education.

When they learned that Molina Healthcare was offering several $10,000 scholarships to fully vaccinated college students with financial need, based on their creative responses to how they adapted during the pandemic, they decided to tell their stories. 

“Adapting during the pandemic was just as confusing for me as it was for everyone. It made me anxious, worried and overwhelmed 99% of the time,” said Olivia Pate, 28, mother of eight-year-old Jazmyn. “Given the opportunity to do LLCC online classes gave me the chance to still continue to work, go to school, further my career and parent my child.”

Months before the pandemic began, Olivia, a certified medical assistant, was adapting to becoming a single mom. “In July of 2019, we lost Jazmyn’s father in a motorcycle accident. We have been adapting to a new way of life since that date. After the passing of her father, I knew I had to go back to school to continue in the health care field to hopefully become a registered nurse, to make the best life for my daughter. I want to teach her that in life, adapting is key. I want to show her that hard work pays off, and that it’s worth the stress.” 

Olivia recalls her daughter’s reaction when she considered quitting school. “She looked at me with a puzzled look and said, ‘No, why would you stop now, when you have gotten this far? That would be a waste, Mom.’ That made me realize, I’m passing my classes, working my job and taking care of myself and a child alone. I’m actually thriving. How could I stop with little eyes encouraging me to continue? I have to be the best example for her and show her not to give up when times get hard.”

Olivia is currently taking a CNA course at LLCC-Jacksonville after completing several other required courses to be considered for the nursing program. She plans to enter LLCC’s licensed practical nurse program and eventually bridge over to the R.N. program. 

“The LLCC Center for Academic Success was a lot of help for me with virtual appointments. I think the online opportunities helped me follow through with going back to school. Balancing life, school and family is stressful but also rewarding. When I won this scholarship, I cried happy tears!”