Starting over isn’t easy. For Jailyn Johnson, her dream of becoming a registered nurse felt out of reach after challenging experiences at previous colleges left her feeling defeated. She questioned everything — her path, her potential, and even her purpose. But deep down, she knew she wasn’t ready to give up.
Then her journey at Goodwin began.
Before Goodwin
After struggling to bridge the gap between coursework and real-world application, Jailyn questioned her next step in her nursing career. “I couldn’t learn to think like a nurse,” she said. And after multiple setbacks, she found herself asking, “Is it me? Maybe I’m not meant to be a nurse.”
She faced a hard decision: walk away from her dream or take a leap of faith and try something new.
Finding a new direction
A Goodwin graduate encouraged Jailyn to consider the University as her next move. That one mindset shift made all the difference: “Maybe it’s not who I am, it’s where I am.”
Transferring to Goodwin was a bold step for Jailyn. Even after being accepted, she questioned if it would be worth it, but something in her refused to quit.
At Goodwin, she was able to start fresh — retaking courses and even tackling BSN-level classes before formally entering the Nursing program. She covered her walls with Post-It notes that read: I am going to be an RN.
Her confidence began to rebuild.
When she initially didn’t have enough points to begin the RN program, she took one more class to boost her chances. She was all in — and she wasn’t turning back.
“A fresh start”
From day one at Goodwin, Jailyn felt the difference. “It was a fresh start,” she said. “A new beginning where possibilities were limitless.” Even small moments, like getting her student ID, were filled with warmth and encouragement. Goodwin’s staff didn’t just point her in the right direction; they walked her there.
The welcoming environment reminded her that she belonged. Her past didn’t define her here — her future did.
“This was one of the best decisions I could have made for my future career in nursing. Goodwin exudes a positive, supportive, caring atmosphere.”
What made Goodwin different
At Goodwin, Jailyn found the support she had been missing. Professors took time to understand how she learned. If she stumbled, they helped her correct and grow — not start over. “Goodwin made it happen,” she said. “They helped me make it happen.”
The shift Jailyn felt in herself was transformational. Where she once struggled, she now thrived, earning honors grades and surprising herself with how much she could retain and apply. “It was a new light, a new energy, a new vibe,” she recalled.
Goodwin’s inclusive and student-centered approach made all the difference for Jailyn. “Everyone learns differently,” she explained. “Goodwin met me where I was and helped me become who I wanted to be.”
Reaching the finish line
Jailyn graduated in December 2024, and the pride in her voice is unmistakable. “I can’t believe I get to say I graduated.”
Goodwin helped her rebuild her confidence and recognize her strength. She grew academically, mentally, and spiritually, learning to handle challenges and trust her ability to rise.
“I became my best self at Goodwin,” she said. “They helped me crawl, walk, run, and finally, soar.”
Ready to start your own success story?
If you’re unsure about your path or starting over feels overwhelming, Jailyn encourages you to take time to reflect, seek guidance, and trust your gut. “Make the decision for you, because you’re the one who will take the steps.”
Jailyn calls transferring to Goodwin “one of the best decisions” she’s ever made. It gave her the push, the courage, and the tools to not only succeed, but thrive.
Chart your future in healthcare at Goodwin University. Explore our wide range of nursing and healthcare programs designed to get you career ready. Apply today and take the first step toward a meaningful, rewarding future!
Grace Kuraska is a marketing content writer at Goodwin University where she combines her passion for creativity and storytelling to craft engaging content that resonates with readers. She graduated from University of Connecticut, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Sociology. Grace brings years of experience in writing, editing, and proofreading to craft compelling narratives that connect with audiences and inspire action.