Balancing Books, a Baby, and Nursing School at ECC Rolla

Chase and Haleigh Ray, of Rolla, have spent the past several years learning, working, and growing together.

And this summer, they added another shared milestone: graduating from East Central College’s Practical Nursing (PN) program in Rolla.

The married couple, who have been together for six years and married last November, both passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and officially became Licensed Practical Nurses. Chase was also named Outstanding Practical Nursing Student, a recognition of his dedication and leadership throughout the program.

This fall, they’re already continuing their educational journey. Chase is enrolled in ECC’s Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse (LPN to RN) Bridge program, with Haleigh planning to follow as soon as he completes his coursework.

The Rays said they chose the PN program not only because of their shared passion for nursing but also because it allowed them to learn side by side.

“We wanted to pursue medical careers together so we could both earn our degrees and begin working at the same time,” Chase explained. “We heard good things about the program from fellow students, and ECC Rolla gave us the opportunity to reach our goals as a team.”

Balancing Act

Completing the PN program while raising their 2-year-old daughter, Naomi, brought plenty of challenges. With help from grandparents and extended family for childcare, the couple balanced coursework, clinicals, and family life together.

“It was bittersweet at times,” Haleigh said. “If you stand strong in your marriage and remind each other of the end goal, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. It showed us the strength in our relationship and how balancing support for each other really pays off.”

Their home even became a full-time study hall, with walls covered in handmade study posters.

“We probably went through over 100 sheets of poster board making concept maps,” Chase laughed. “Friends and family would come over and joke about our ‘new decorations.’ We kept each other on track. it was like having a personal trainer for school, with no days off.”

Supportive Faculty and Staff

The couple credits ECC faculty and staff for guiding them through the toughest parts of the program.

“The instructors truly cared, not just about the profession, but about every student,” Chase said. “They encouraged us in difficult moments and always offered advice, whether it was about classwork or balancing school, marriage, and parenthood. They wanted everyone to succeed as long as we were willing to put in the work.”

Looking Ahead

Now, with Chase pursuing his RN credential and Haleigh planning to enroll once he completes his training, their motivation remains rooted in family and a desire to set an example for Naomi.

“Our daughter motivates us every day,” Haleigh shared. “We want her to see that no matter how many challenges you face, with determination you can succeed. Completing the PN program is just one of the many goals we’ve achieved together.”

Both graduates of local high schools — Chase from Cuba High School and Haleigh from Steelville High School (Class of 2020) — the couple first met while working at McDonald’s as teenagers. That shared experience, they said, also helped prepare them for nursing.

“Working in fast food taught us about communication, accountability, and making sure the job gets done,” Chase added. “Those skills are just as important in healthcare.”

Advice for Others

When asked what they would tell other couples or parents considering going back to school, the Rays didn’t hesitate:

“Make a schedule, hold yourself accountable, and rely on your support system,” Haleigh said. “It doesn’t matter how or when you reach your goals, just that you do. Being able to tell your kids you pushed through and gave it your all will motivate them to pursue their own goals.”

For more information about ECC’s nursing programs, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/nursing