When Theresa Peterson stepped to the podium at Rasmussen University’s Tampa Commencement Ceremony, her words carried more than inspiration—they carried the strength and honesty of her journey.
As an Associate’s Degree in Nursing graduate from Rasmussen’s North Orlando campus, Theresa delivered a heartfelt, deeply personal message that captivated the entire audience. As more than 400 graduates crossed the stage, Peterson reminded everyone in attendance that success is built through struggle, and that every setback can become a setup for a comeback.
“Every single gown in this room tells a story of late nights, sacrifices, and obstacles you’ve overcome,” Peterson told her fellow graduates. “You didn’t just earn a degree—you fought for it.”
From GED to degree
Raised by a single mother from Nigeria who could not read or write English, Peterson learned early on that determination will open doors. Despite dropping out of high school and earning her GED, she never gave up on her dream of becoming a nurse.
“I went from GED to degree,” she declared to the crowd, drawing cheers and applause.
Before her program, Theresa was working a full-time job, running her own hair salon on the side, while raising two young children. Exhausted and at a breaking point, she made a life-changing decision.
“When I realized I was about to be fired for falling asleep at work, I quit, walked out, and drove straight to every nursing school in the city,” Peterson shared. “Then I found Rasmussen University.”
Overcoming setbacks with strength
Nursing school isn’t easy. When Peterson applied, she failed the nursing entrance exam multiple times. But she kept trying and earned her acceptance into the program. While in school, she became pregnant and had to take a term off after giving birth to care for her newborn child. Watching her classmates graduate ahead of her was difficult, but it didn’t stop her.
Each setback, she said, became fuel for her determination.
“Success is on the other side of struggle,” she told the crowd, a phrase that quickly became the rallying cry of her speech.
“I had to take time off. But I knew in my heart that I was destined to become a nurse, and nothing was going to stop me,” Peterson shared. “So, I embraced those setbacks as steppingstones to reach my goal.”
Creating her opportunities
When Peterson graduated, she didn’t just find a job, she made history. She became the first new graduate hired at a brand-new hospital—built directly across the street from the workplace she quit years earlier.
That moment, she said, brought her journey full circle.
“You don’t wait for opportunity—you create it,” Peterson said.
After Peterson’s story, the event’s Keynote Speaker, Tra Williams, speaker, author & entrepreneur, paused before beginning his prepared remarks.
“I have a script here that I am going to step away from for a minute,” he said, turning toward Peterson. “You are a hard act to follow. I’m going to tell you something. You make me want to go buy a hospital just so I can hire you. Seriously, that was incredible.”
Her story reflects the stories of Rasmussen students everywhere
Peterson's perseverance reflects who Rasmussen students are at their core. Like so many of her peers, she embodies the strength, balance and determination it takes to juggle work, family, and education in pursuit of a meaningful career.
“Theresa Peterson’s speech reminded us why we do what we do in nursing education,” says Dr. Mimi Steil, Dean of nursing at Rasmussen’s Central Pasco campus.
“Her resilience, determination, and heart for others perfectly reflect the spirit of Rasmussen nurses,” Steil says. “I even told her as she crossed the stage and shook her hand that I would love to hire her as an educator someday.”
As the crowd rose to their feet, Peterson closed her speech with a simple yet powerful reminder.
“This degree is not just paper—it’s power. It’s proof that every sleepless night, every doubt, every setback didn’t stop you—it made you stronger.”
And with that, she led the Class of 2024 and 2025 in one final affirmation:
“Success is on the other side of struggle!”
Learn more about Rasmussen University’s School of Nursing programs and take the next step toward creating your opportunity.
