Faith is often spoken about in abstract ways, but for me, faith became the only bridge between where I was and where I needed to be. This is my story—a story of rejection, struggle, and the miracle that happens when you refuse to give up.

The Rejection That Stung

In 2004, I applied for study leave after three years of service at the hospital. I wanted to specialize as an operating room nurse. To my shock, the matron and administration denied my request. Instead, they gave it to another nurse who had only been working six months. Why? Because her father was a deacon in the Adventist church.

It was clear: when you don’t belong to the right circle, you’re overlooked. When you’re not active in the church world, you’re often treated as if you’re not “pure.”

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The Step of Faith

Disappointed but not defeated, I leaned on my faith. Unlike others, I didn’t pray on my knees. I prayed while sitting, walking, lying in bed. My prayers were conversations with God.

One day, I prayed:
“God, You see and know what has happened. I don’t have the money. But if You want me to go to school, You will have to find me that $90,000. See You better find it.”

And then, with no clear plan, I wrote my resignation letter.

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God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

Through the encouragement of Mrs. Eulalee White, a kind colleague, I wrote letters to ten doctors asking for sponsorship. It was terrifying, but God delivered.

My first cheque was $15,000 from Dr. Curtis, a strict and intimidating anesthetist. With God’s help, she said yes.

But I made a mistake—I spent it all. When tuition was due, I had nothing. Still, God opened another door. The University accepted my payment plan.

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The Struggle of Study and Survival

Studying was hard enough, but survival was harder. I had to leave my apartment and lodge on hospital grounds. Some days, I had no food unless classmates shared with me.

Then came the biggest blow: my sister died, leaving behind her young son, Greg. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a student—I was a caregiver to him and to my mother, fearing those who killed my sister might come back for them.

The weight was crushing. But faith kept me moving.

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God Sends Helpers

God never leaves His children without help. My OR instructor, Mrs. Williams, was one of those angels. She made space for me to live with my nephew and encouraged me when I thought I couldn’t go on.

By October 2005, the financial pressure was too much. On Mrs. Williams’ advice, I applied for a job at the hospital where I was training. I was accepted, and she arranged that my work there would also count as clinical hours.

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The Victory

In December 2005, I graduated top of my class, placing first overall and passing the oral exams.

And the nurse who had been chosen over me? She never finished the program. She dropped out before the final leg of the course.

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The Lesson

When I look back, I see God’s fingerprints all over my story. He didn’t make the road easy. He made it possible.

This journey taught me that faith is not passive—it is active. You pray, you move, and you trust.

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My Message to You

Whatever you’re facing—financial strain, rejection, grief, or fear—remember this:

• Pray. Talk to God as if He’s your closest friend.
• Have faith. Even when the odds are stacked against you.
• Never give up. God does not give us more than we can bear.

Faith carried me through, and it can carry you too.

—Michelle

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