Nursing passion drives educational comeback

Nearly three decades after earning her associate degree in nursing from Alvernia, Sonya Naugle ’25 returned to the classroom and proudly crossed the graduation stage again on May 10, 2025 — this time with her bachelor’s degree.

“Giving up was never an option,” the current nurse manager and new graduate said. “Re-enrolling at Alvernia showed me that a comeback is possible. Even when a setback occurs, it is a setup to cultivate resilience, which, in time, breeds success.”

Going back to school was always in her mind, but it took a backseat as she focused on raising her four children, even homeschooling them for a time.

Later came a new, cherished title, “Mimi,” a role she warmly welcomes for her six grandchildren.

Her caregiving didn’t stop there as she also stepped up to care for her aging parents and worked part time in nursing at the Berks Career and Technology Center, a private family practice, and a women’s health clinic.

All this time, the thought of returning to school never vanished from her mind. She still had a heart for caring for others through her professional career as a nurse.

The seeds for her comeback were planted while hiking with her brother in Santa Barbara, Calif., in June 2022. (See photo above.) The pair hiked to the top of a mountain during the hottest part of the day. That perseverance set the stage for her return to Alvernia.

She drew additional inspiration to return from her youngest son, Samuel, who earned his bachelor’s degree in 2023. If Samuel could earn a four-year degree, Naugle figured, so could she.

“Time passed quickly. Days turned into years, and my children developed their wings to fly from the nest,” she said. “With the college graduation of my youngest son in the spring of 2023, I sensed it was time for me to return to school to receive my BSN.”

She admits that she wasn’t entirely sure how she could balance school with the many demands of being a mom, grandmom, caregiver and wife. To that end, her conversation with an academic advisor was a turning point, reminding her that while there may never be a “perfect” time to return, it’s always possible to make it work with determination and the proper support.

Naugle also had encouragement from a special Alvernia connection: Karen S. Thacker, Ph.D., RN, a professor of nursing and health science at the John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing.

Thacker was an instructor during Naugle’s first degree pursuit at Alvernia and had stayed in contact with her during the ensuing three decades. She also guided Naugle as she transitioned back to the role of student.

“Alvernia was the only place on my list when I thought about returning to school,” Naugle said. “I found some challenges with using so much technology, but Dr. Thacker, other faculty in the nursing school, and the academic resource center took time to not only guide me in the new programs, but also how to be the best returning adult, non-traditional, nursing student that I could be. I appreciated the accessibility of the faculty and staff at Alvernia. As a commuter or returning student, I never felt like I was falling through the cracks; they were always there, always a phone call away.”

With the encouragement of Thacker, whom Naugle describes as a dear friend and mentor, she found the inspiration to complete her degree. After two years, Sonya’s journey came to fruition. She achieved her degree thanks to her determination, her family’s support, and Alvernia’s strong support for adult learners like her seeking to advance their careers.

“Just do it,” Sonya shared to encourage others seeking a comeback, “No matter how old you are, the struggles you’ve faced, or the setbacks you’ve experienced, always remember this: it is NEVER too late for a comeback!”