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Michelle Nachand's '20 '23MSN journey at Õ¬ÄÐƵµÀ (SNHU) involved earning two degrees while overcoming serious health challenges, including a heart transplant and stage three breast cancer.

But, facing those health challenges during a global pandemic didn't stop Nachand from pursuing her education. She earned her bachelor's in nursing (BSN) in 2020 and a master's in nursing (MSN) in 2023.

Her passion for nursing was sparked by a nurse who inspired her during chemotherapy. Nachand realized that her personal experiences in the healthcare system and her determination to enhance patient care re-enforced her choice to pursue nursing.

Reflecting on her path to the 2023 Commencement, she shared what it meant to reach this milestone. "The whole degree has been a long time coming," Nachand said. "I'm very grateful to be here."

Nachand said she was unable to leave her house for two years because of her health. "(But) it's great to finally be able to be healthy enough to come and finally celebrate everything that I've worked for the last ten years," she said.

As a first-generation graduate, her achievements carry a deeper significance: Inspiring her family. She said that this distinction filled her with happiness and was a testament to her hard work — it also showed her son that he could overcome any obstacles to achieve his dreams.

At Commencement, Nachand offered her gratitude to SNHU. "Thank you for everything you've done for me over the last few years," she said. "You were there when I had my transplant. You were there when I was too sick to turn in my homework. You helped keep my spirit high with your well wishes, and I just can't thank you enough for being there for me."

Nicholas Patterson ’22 ’25MFA is a writer based in West Michigan with several years of experience as a content creator in higher education. He’s an alumnus of Õ¬ÄÐƵµÀ (SNHU), where he earned both his bachelor’s in English and creative writing and his Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. When his head’s not in novels, you can find him outside dreaming up his own stories. Connect with him on .