In this Fuel Your Future series, we profile six motivated students on their educational journey and learn how Davenport is igniting their passion and fueling their future.

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Bailey Diaz, a mother of four, crossed the stage at Davenport University’s spring commencement, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and achieving a dream that began before she could speak.

At just three months old, Diaz underwent open-heart surgery — an experience that, although she doesn’t remember it, left a lasting impression and inspired her lifelong goal of becoming a nurse. 

“The nurses who cared for me left a lasting impression, and from that point forward, I knew I wanted to become a nurse,” said Diaz. “I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life, just like the nurses who cared for me had done.”

Diaz, a Lansing native and graduate of the former Eastern High School, first enrolled at Davenport in 2015 to complete her nursing prerequisites. A year and a half later, she paused her education after learning she was pregnant with her first child. Over the next five years, she focused on raising her family and working in pediatric dentistry, earning a dental assistant certificate during that time.

Her desire to return to nursing never faded. After conversations with her manager and her husband, she reached out to Amy Stahley, dean of Davenport’s College of Health Professions, and learned she could apply to the nursing program for spring acceptance. She quickly drafted her essay, collected recommendations and completed the application. To prepare, she also changed career paths and took a nursing assistant job at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital.

Throughout her academic journey, Diaz juggled school, work and parenting, often studying late into the night and caring for her children, now ages 8, 7, 5, and 1 — during the day. 

While at Davenport, Diaz learned that during difficult moments, it’s okay to ask for help, whether it is from a fellow classmate, professor or family member. “You are never truly alone in this journey,” she said. This was especially helpful when, during Diaz’s junior year, she found she was expecting her fourth child. 

“I don’t know how I’m going to do this,” she told her friends. But she did, delivering her child during winter break. She took a few weeks to recover, then was back in the swing of things.

“There were moments of exhaustion, physically and emotionally,” she said. “But my kids were my biggest supporters. They always asked how I did on my exams. They kept me going.”

While at Davenport, Diaz served as vice president of the Student Nursing Association for the Lansing campus, where she helped organize blood drives, fundraisers, and community outreach events. 

“This position taught me how to communicate, work with others and problem solve. It also taught me that a leader doesn’t give out orders or have all the answers, it’s about listening, and understanding other perspectives and collaborating to find a solution that benefits everyone.”

Diaz credits Davenport faculty, including Professor Michelle Stimson and Simulation Lab and Clinical Coordinator Samantha Wilber, for their flexibility and support during her pregnancy and clinical rotations. 

“They made a stressful time for me more manageable, especially as I was getting ready to deliver,” she said. “Whenever I had questions, they were right there to answer them and keep me on track.”

During her last year of nursing school, McLaren offered Diaz a nurse intern position alongside another registered nurse in the emergency department. That opportunity has now turned into a full-time position as an RN. Her long-term goal is to work in labor and delivery.

“Being a mother doesn’t take away from my ability to be a nurse—it enhances it,” Diaz said. “The patience, empathy, and multitasking I’ve developed as a mom make me a better caregiver.”

Diaz encourages other parents and non-traditional students to believe in themselves. “It is possible,” she said. “You may have to work harder, but it’s worth it.”

To learn more about Davenport University’s nursing program, visit https://www.davenport.edu/academics/areas/college-health-professions/nursing