ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — A Triad woman has graduated with a degree in nursing after overcoming a few challenges.
What You Need To Know
Angela Knight is legally deaf and started the nursing program at RCC in her late 50s
Knight previously worked as an LPN at Jacob’s Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Madison
Knight graduated from RCC in May 2021 and plans to continue her studies online
Angela Knight is a licensed practical nurse at Jacob’s Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Madison. She’s been taking care of her patients there for more than 20 years. Knight is also legally deaf, and wears a transmitter and hearing aid to hear. She still wanted a challenge; however, so she decided to go back to school for an associate degree in nursing at Rockingham Community College.
“I wanted to do this for myself to see if I can make it,” Knight said.
Knight needed special hearing aids that cost more than $4,000 in order to return to school. She and her husband weren’t sure how they would be able to cover the cost. Shortly after, Knight found out she was awarded The Dawn Neal Mann Nursing General Scholarship for the exact amount her hearing aids cost.
“Let me tell you what the Lord did for me! I don’t believe in coincidences,” Knight said.
Starting the program in her late 50s, Knight first had to take an English class for her studies. Instructors helped her use a laptop on her own for the first time.
Halfway through the program, the pandemic hit. Masks made it nearly impossible for Knight to communicate, since she is a lip reader. She thanks her instructors for helping her through the difficult time.
“I didn’t realize we’d be in the middle of this, and everyone’s mouths would be covered,” Knight said.
Knight graduated with her associate degree in nursing in May 2021 and returned to work at Jacob’s Creek. She’s eligible to become a registered nurse. Now, Knight plans to complete her bachelor’s in nursing online.
“Me being handicapped, you would think that there’s not many opportunities for a nurse who’s hearing impaired. There’s just so many different things that you can do,” Knight said.
For more information on Rockingham Community College’s nursing program, click here.