Josiah Foncham

For nearly two decades, I have dedicated myself to the medical field, guided by a deep-rooted passion for patient care and service to my community. My journey began 18 years ago as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), where I gained invaluable experience in direct patient care. Those formative four years shaped my commitment to nursing, allowing me to witness the challenges faced by patients and their families firsthand. Their resilience inspired me to dream bigger and pursue further education to make a broader impact.

Despite my ambition, financial obstacles were a constant barrier. Although my goal was to become a registered nurse, tuition costs made that path unattainable at the time. Instead, I enrolled in a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) program, determined to advance my career in any way possible. I worked diligently and in 2007, proudly earned my LVN license. Over the next 17 years, I developed strong clinical skills and built lasting relationships with patients and colleagues. My love for nursing deepened, but I always knew I had more to offer.

As life unfolded, new challenges emerged. Starting a family and raising my children made returning to school seem insurmountable. Balancing demanding work hours with family responsibilities often left me exhausted and doubting my ability to continue my education. Still, I remained steadfast. My desire to provide a better life for my family and serve as a role model for my children fueled my perseverance.

In 2022, after years of dedication and saving, I enrolled in an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. The journey was incredibly demanding—late nights spent studying, juggling work and family obligations, and constant financial worries. Yet, my determination never faltered. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA, earning Dean’s List honors and ranking in the top 1% of my class at Texas State Technical College. Becoming a registered nurse was a dream realized, and it reignited my commitment to lifelong learning and service.

In 2023, determined to expand my knowledge and skills, I enrolled at West Coast University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Supporting a child in college while raising three other children made affording tuition a daunting challenge, but I remained resolute. I balanced rigorous academics with family and financial responsibilities, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA, earning Dean’s List recognition, ranking in the top 1% of my class, and being inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. These achievements affirmed my belief in the power of perseverance.

Despite ongoing challenges, I completed my Master of Nursing in Leadership at West Coast University, again graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA and earning Dean’s List honors. Currently, I am pursuing a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) at West Coast University, maintaining a strong GPA and continuing to receive Dean’s List recognition. While the path remains demanding, my commitment to impacting my community and setting a positive example for my children is unwavering.