Sterline Duffaut was preparing to enter nursing school when an unexpected discovery changed everything. Just weeks before starting classes at Galen College of Nursing’s Tampa Bay campus, Duffaut was diagnosed with a small, benign brain tumor. 

The news from her doctor brought fear and uncertainty, but Duffaut was determined not to let it stop or define her. Choosing confidence over doubt and perseverance over fear, she stepped onto the path she felt was always destined to walk. 

Duffaut’s path to nursing began long before she enrolled at Galen. It started at home, during one of the most difficult periods of her life, as her family cared for her grandfather. 

In 2012, Duffaut’s grandfather passed away from a brain aneurysm. At the time, she had just given birth to her son, and her family became her grandfather’s primary caregivers. Watching someone she loved grow ill and being part of the responsibility of caring for him left a lasting impression. As did the nurses who participated in his care. 

“The nurses who took care of him, it was just amazing,” Duffaut said. “Since then, I just felt like the Lord put it in my heart, that I have to start taking care of people. And here I am today.” 

In 2022, on the cusp of beginning her nursing education, Duffaut’s plans were upended by a life-changing diagnosis: a benign brain tumor near her pituitary gland. Even now, she continues to navigate the lingering effects of the condition, including persistent headaches and dizziness. 

Still, she refused to let the diagnosis derail her dream. 

In April 2024, she officially enrolled in Galen’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. At the same time, she gained hands‑on experience working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at a hospital in Tampa, Florida, while balancing family responsibilities and raising her two children. 

“Since 2022 until now, that has been my motivation, to push me to achieve my dream of a BSN,” Duffaut said. “And every single quarter that I experience an issue, as far as health‑wise, I will tell myself, ‘This is not the end. You need to keep going.’ No matter how many hospital visits I’ve had since I’ve been at Galen, no matter the headaches or episodes, I have a vision, and the vision is to be a Galen nursing graduate very soon.” 

Nursing school challenges even the most determined students, and self‑doubt is common as students grow their skills. Duffaut is no exception. 

“They have helped me to let it go, to understand that it’s okay to fail sometimes,” Duffaut said. “They’ve helped me accept that the lowest passing grade is okay. Sometimes, you’re giving it your best.” 

Rather than letting setbacks stop her, Duffaut learned to reframe challenges as part of growth.  

“Staying focused is really what I see for her,” Galen Tampa faculty member Deanna M. Sommers Ph.D., MSN, RN, PNP-PC said. “She’s very driven and knows what her goals are.” 

“She really owns her education,” Dr. Sommers added. “She did follow through and reach out to me, and she was very prepared.” 

She remained focused on her objective, even after a temporary academic setback required her to repeat a class.  

“I did not give up,” Duffaut said. “I did my best that I could for that class. But next quarter, I am going to be prepared for it. Failing rebuilds you as a person and makes you stronger.” 

As Duffaut progresses through the program, she moves closer to the goal she envisions daily: Walking across the stage at graduation. 

“I envision this every single day,” Duffaut said. “I know it will be one of the best moments of my life to walk up that stage, have my name called, shake hands, and have my family there to support me. It’s going to be epic. I’m going to be a proud Galen graduate.” 

That singular vision has helped her focus and reinforced her determination to finish what she started. 

Duffaut’s story is a powerful reminder that there is no single path to becoming a nurse. Each journey is shaped by personal challenges, determination, and the courage to keep moving forward—one step at a time.

At Galen College of Nursing, we offer multiple pre‑licensure nursing pathways designed to meet students where they are and help them move confidently toward their goals. Whether you are just beginning to explore nursing or looking to advance your education, Galen provides programs that combine hands‑on learning, faculty support, and real‑world clinical preparation.

These programs include our Practical Nursing/Vocational Nursing diploma, our Associate Degree in Nursing, and our 3-year BSN, the same program Duffaut is in. Apply today and start your nursing journey!