On May 10, a remarkable mother and daughter duo will walk across the stage together at Alcorn State University’s Spring 2025 commencement ceremony, each earning her nursing degree. Nekita Ellis and her daughter Kel’Necia Ellis embody perseverance, faith, and unwavering support — a shining example of the transformative power of education and family bonds.

Nekita Ellis, a dedicated healthcare professional with 17 years of experience, has always harbored a dream of becoming an RN. Her journey wasn’t straightforward. As a teenage mother fresh out of high school, Nekita faced the many challenges that life threw her way. She worked tirelessly to provide for her family and be a dedicated wife, earning her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification first, and then her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 2008. Yet, deep inside, she always knew her true calling was to become an RN.

“Becoming a nurse has always been my passion,” Nekita said. “But life had other plans. I had to put my dreams on hold to take care of my family. I never lost sight of that goal, though. I just had to wait for the right moment.”

That moment arrived years later, when her daughter Kel’Necia, inspired by her mother’s example, began taking college courses in high school with aspirations of becoming a nurse herself. Kel’Necia’s early exposure to healthcare and her mother’s stories motivated her to pursue her dreams with determination.

The road to graduation was fraught with obstacles. Nekita recounted her initial struggles to get into the nursing program at Alcorn State. She failed her first entrance exam but refused to give up. With her daughter’s encouragement and her own resolve, she studied tirelessly, retaking the exam until she achieved the scores needed to gain acceptance.

“I remember feeling so discouraged after that first failure,” Nekita admitted. “But Kel’Necia believed in me. She kept telling me I could do it. That push, that faith, kept me going.”

Once enrolled, Nekita faced yet another hurdle — financial hardship. She struggled to secure financial aid and faced the daunting task of paying tuition out of pocket while working full-time and managing family responsibilities. There were moments she felt overwhelmed and considered quitting.

“I was exhausted — physically, mentally, emotionally,” she recalled. “Working 36 to 48 hours straight, then going straight to school.  I didn’t know if I could keep going. But my faith in God and the support of my family kept me anchored.”

Her daughter Kel’Necia, who was also navigating her own academic journey, became Nekita’s biggest supporter. Kel’Necia’s determination and her mother’s resilience became intertwined, inspiring both to push through adversity.

“I saw how hard she was fighting,” Kel’Necia said. “That made me want to work even harder. We were in this together.”

Despite the hardships, Nekita credits the faculty and staff at Alcorn State for their support and encouragement. She reached out to the Dean of Nursing during her struggles, and her perseverance was met with understanding and help.

“They’re very supportive,” Nekita said. “They understand the challenges students face. I’m grateful for their kindness and willingness to help.”

As they prepare to graduate, Nekita and Kel’Necia’s story is a powerful reminder that with faith, hard work, and unwavering support, dreams can be realized regardless of age or obstacles.

“Never give up,” Nekita emphasized. “It’s never too late to chase your dreams. Pray, stay positive, and surround yourself with people who uplift you. God has a plan for all of us — you just have to trust Him and keep going.”

Their journey is not only a celebration of academic achievement but also an affirmation of the strength of family bonds and the importance of perseverance. As the Ellis’s step onto the stage together, their smiles reflect a shared victory — proof that faith, love, and determination can move mountains.