Ashley Spearing earns nursing degree while undergoing cancer treatment
Ashley Spearing is no stranger to challenges. This spring, the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) nursing student completed her associate degree while undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer.
Now, she is already working toward her next goal.
“I've started the bachelor's now,” she said. Her plan is to graduate in a year and begin her nursing career locally, where she hopes to gain experience before deciding what comes next. “I like Tifton a lot,” she said.
Spearing remembers the date of her thyroid cancer diagnosis well.
“Back on Christmas Eve in 2024,” she said.
About every six months, Spearing travels to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, for cancer treatment. “Thankfully, it's spaced out.” Her health is stable now.
Throughout her treatment, Spearing said the support she has received from her ABAC instructors has helped her keep moving forward. Her instructors have been “very accommodating” during the process.
“I try not to miss class,” she said. Balancing her coursework with cancer treatment has not always been easy, particularly when clinical requirements and medical appointments compete for her time.
A native of rural Oglethorpe County, Spearing lives in Arnoldsville and chose ABAC after deciding to attend college with a longtime friend. She already knew nursing was the career she wanted, but learning more about ABAC's nursing program helped confirm her decision.
“I knew I wanted to do nursing,” she said. “Then I found out how good ABAC's program was.” She described the nursing department as “amazing.”
Her commitment to caring for others extends beyond the classroom. Spearing works part time in emergency medical services with an ambulance service, where she has worked both 12- and 24-hour shifts.
“My heart is in emergency medicine,” she said.
Her experiences with cancer, however, have also given Spearing a unique perspective on patient care because she has undergone treatment herself.
“I've been through what they're going through,” she said, “and it's easier to relate.”
Her interest in nursing began long before she enrolled at ABAC. Spearing's mother is a nurse, and watching her work inspired Spearing to pursue the same profession. Her mother has also been by her side throughout her cancer journey.
“I'm very fortunate to have her take care of me through all of this,” she said.
The support Spearing has received has extended to the ABAC community, where she has formed friendships that have helped her through the challenges of the past two years.
“The friends I have made at ABAC have been wonderful as well,” Spearing said.
Spearing has had a strong impact on her classmates too. One of her professors, Dr. Yvonne Smith, spoke about how Spearing has inspired others.
“What stands out most about Ashley is her determination,” Smith said. “Completing nursing school requires discipline and sacrifice. To do so while battling cancer and navigating ongoing treatments is remarkable. I would say her courage and resilience are an inspiration to her classmates and faculty.”
Ashley’s story is one of many as the School of Nursing, Health and Natural Sciences looks forward to its 60th anniversary Sept. 23. More historical information and plans for the future will be shared in upcoming releases.