Today, it is our privilege to recognize the achievements of Ednifah Caraway, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration in January 2024. Drawing on support from her loving family and her faith, Nifah persisted through the rigors of college as a working adult, punctuated with some intense lows and highs!
In 2014 I received my associate’s degree and was eager to continue towards a bachelor’s degree, but life got in the way. In 2021 I found Aspen University on LinkedIn, and went to the website to learn more. What drew me to Aspen was the low tuition and affordable monthly payments. I spoke with an advisor and enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program, and I knew my life would change for the better. I had to learn how to juggle being the mother of my 13-year-old son, having a fiancé, and completing schoolwork. I remember staying up until two in the morning to finish papers and respond to discussion questions, knowing I had to wake up in three hours. There were moments when it felt like I couldn’t handle all the pressure from school, work, and home life and I truly considered giving up. My family’s encouragement and love motivated me to press on with my quest.
In 2022 I visited my ophthalmologist who encouraged me to follow up on a brain tumor that I had since elementary school. In high school I had my right eye removed due to being blind in that eye and was later fitted for a prosthetic eye. For years I knew I needed to follow up with a specialist, but the trauma from my childhood had left an emotional scar and kept me from doing so. I finally mustered up the courage to see a Neurological Surgeon, and thank God I did so. Some scans revealed that the tumor had indeed grown into my entire orbital eye cavity and was close to my left optic nerve. If left untreated, the tumor could cause me to go completely blind, and I knew at that moment I would have to have surgery. In my mind I was thinking about my family, school, and how I would manage everything with the upcoming surgery. But GOD! I had to put my faith in the Lord and trust Him with all things. On August 4, 2022, I packed my bag and laptop and headed to the hospital for a 12-hour brain surgery. The doctor was able to remove 90% of my tumor and I felt good. After recovering in the hospital for 2 days, I knew an assignment deadline was approaching and I did not want to fall behind. I opened my laptop, wrote my paper, and was able to submit it. I knew I couldn’t let the surgery hold me back from my ideal graduation date, so my motto was “Business as usual, complete your assignments without any delays,” and I did just that. With the support of my family and fiancé, my recovery was great. I can finally say that’s one big hurdle that has been checked off my list.
Almost a year after my surgery I found out that I was with child, and boy did that shock me! With 3 months left until I finished school, the timing was perfect. I had the same motto as with my brain surgery, “Business as usual with no delays.” On New Year’s Day at 1:00 AM central time, I submitted my final assignment, which felt GREAT! I had finished with no delays despite life hitting me with some eventful moments. I’ve obtained my bachelor’s degree and graduated with honors. Thanks Aspen!
Thank you, Nifah, for your amazing story!