Lucia Jackson is turning a lifelong passion for helping others into a future in healthcare.

Originally from Liberia, the Bemidji State University nursing major and her family relocated to Blaine, Minnesota, in search of safety and opportunity. She transferred to BSU in the fall of 2024 and expects to graduate in May 2027.

Her journey toward nursing began years earlier, shaped by personal hardship and global perspective.

“I always knew I wanted to work in the health care field,” she said. “But it wasn’t until my grandmother had a stroke that I saw how important compassionate, quality care really is.”

Jackson became her grandmother’s caregiver, helping with daily activities, medications and doctor visits. The experience changed her perspective and helped her discover a deeper purpose.

It was her early life in Liberia, however, that planted the first seed of interest in health care.

“I saw how deeply communities suffer when care isn’t available,” she said. “That’s when I knew I wanted to be part of the solution.”

After beginning college in the Minneapolis area and completing prerequisite courses at colleges in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud State University, Jackson applied to Bemidji State.

“BSU had always been my top choice,” she said. “I didn’t get in at first, but I stayed determined.”

She was accepted into the pre-licensure baccalaureate nursing program and transferred in fall 2024. Despite a few initial challenges, Jackson said the transition went smoothly thanks to support from BSU’s nursing department.

“Michael Simpson, the nursing student services coordinator, helped me through every step,” she said. “He made sure I had what I needed to succeed.”

Jackson credits much of her progress to a strong support system at home and on campus. Her mother and aunt, who is also a nurse, have supported her every step of the way. At Bemidji State, assistant professor of nursing Ashly Bliss has played a similar role.

“She always takes time to encourage me,” Jackson said. “She believes in me and that gives me confidence.”

Bliss said Jackson stands out as a future nurse.

“Lucia is an exceptional nursing student, consistently demonstrating remarkable dedication and excelling in both her academic studies and critical clinical applications,” Bliss said. “Her ability to provide holistic care with a calm, proactive and critical thinking approach truly sets her apart.”

Hands-on lab experiences, small class sizes and meaningful faculty interaction have helped make BSU feel like home.

“The professors care about our growth and success,” she said. “I’ve learned so much, not just as a student but as a future nurse.”

After graduation, Jackson hopes to work on a medical-surgical unit as a gastroenterology nurse, a specialty inspired by personal experience. Eventually, she plans to pursue public health nursing with the goal of returning to Liberia.

“I want to help improve healthcare access and disease prevention in underserved communities,” she said. “That’s where I can make the biggest impact.”

Jackson, who came to the United States with her family in search of safety and opportunity, said that while her journey hasn’t been easy, it has shaped her strength and resilience.

“Fleeing from a third-world country wasn’t easy. My family and I came to the United States seeking stability and a future we could build together. Adapting to a new culture and education system wasn’t easy,” she said. “But every step brought me closer to this dream.”

Her advice to students following a similar path is simple: Your story matters.

“Your past doesn’t limit you. It gives you purpose,” she said. “Transferring to BSU helped me find the right direction. Now I’m on my way to giving back the care that once seemed out of reach.”

Story by: Emily Dukek-Haasken, assistant director of communications & marketing.