A Dream within Reach: Lander Freshman Turns Adversity into a Future in Nursing

For many students, the journey to college is marked by excitement and anticipation. For Lander University freshman MaKenzie Kirksey, of Greenville, the journey also has been marked by extraordinary resilience.

Despite living with sickle cell disease and enduring years of personal loss and responsibility beyond her age, Kirksey never lost sight of her dream of becoming a nurse. This fall, that dream begins to take shape as she begins her studies at Lander as a nursing major, determined to transform the hardships she has experienced into compassionate care for the smallest and most vulnerable patients as a future neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse.

Before arriving at Lander, Kirksey endured challenges that might have caused others to abandon their goals. She has persevered through her mother's incarceration, the devastating loss of an uncle to gun violence and the death of a sister, age three, who had been her strength and support. Despite her sadness, Kirksey remained focused on going to college and building a future dedicated to serving others.

Her determination and strength have inspired others to invest in that future.

After learning of her story, United Community awarded Kirksey a $4,000 scholarship to help launch her college journey. Kirksey came to the attention of the bank through the organization Beauty Marks for Girls, which assists young women whose mothers are incarcerated by opening doors to higher education. The organization shared Kirksey’s story for a segment on FOX Carolina News. Later, during a television interview, the news station’s Surprise Squad appeared with United Community representatives to award the scholarship.

 

Lander Donor Inspired to Respond

The generosity of United Community inspired one of Lander University’s alumni, who has a history of philanthropy and compassion, to cover all remaining expenses for Kirksey’s first year. The donor and the gift amount, which remain anonymous, will ensure that financial barriers will not stand in the way of Kirksey pursuing her education.

"Stories like MaKenzie's remind us why the generosity of our donors is so important,” said Taylor Cook, Lander’s vice president for University Advancement and executive director of The Lander Foundation.

“Their investment goes far beyond scholarships: it opens doors, removes barriers and gives talented students the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Lander is blessed with some of the most generous and compassionate donors anywhere,” he said. “Their belief in our students changes lives every day. Because of their support, students like MaKenzie can focus on building a future filled with hope and service to others."

 

Struggles, Setbacks No Match for Student

Kirksey’s struggles began with a childhood diagnosis of sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder that causes pain, fatigue, weakness, infections and organ damage. As Kirksey was becoming adept at dealing with the problems associated with the disease, her mother became incarcerated. Then came the deaths of her uncle and sister, born prematurely at 24 weeks. Kirksey helped with the baby’s tracheostomy tube that assisted with breathing and a gastrostomy tube that supported feeding and nutrition.

“Malaysia was only three years old when she died. I was devastated. But caring for her made me want to work with NICU babies,” said Kirksey, who recently graduated from Legacy Early College, a public charter school in Greenville.

She admits the struggles were overwhelming, sometimes leading to depression. “I grew from my challenges by not giving up and staying motivated. I wanted to continue what I was doing when they were here,” Kirksey said.

She credits Beauty Marks for Girls for the mentorship and emotional support to help her realize her dream of attending college. “I got involved because of my mother being incarcerated,” Kirksey said. “But once I was part of the program, I found a very supportive group of women who helped me get through high school and wanted to help me go to college.”

 

The Strength of Resilience

Jennifer Jones, founder of Beauty Marks for Girls, grew up in Greenwood and is a graduate of Emerald High School. Drawing on her own experience of having an incarcerated mother, Jones created the organization to ensure that young women affected by parental incarceration can reach their true potential.

“Even with the trauma that MaKenzie had experienced, we realized that she had an inner strength and determination to succeed,” Jones said. “It was up to us to provide her with the mentors and encouragement she needed to help her achieve her goals. We are proud to be able to help her, and we look forward to seeing her take this next important step in her life.”

In fact, when Kirksey moved into her new residence hall at Lander, Beauty Marks for Girls provided her with transportation and a mentor for the trip. “We are so eager for her to have this college experience,” Jones said. “It will change her life.”

Kirksey’s resilience and compassion are the very qualities that make exceptional nurses, said Dr. Holisa Wharton, dean of Lander’s College of Nursing, Human Performance and Health Sciences.

“MaKenzie has persevered through challenges that would have discouraged many people. Yet she has remained focused on serving others through a career in nursing,” she said.

“We are honored that she has chosen Lander University, and our faculty and staff are committed to providing the academic support, mentorship and encouragement she needs to achieve her goals,” Wharton said. “We have every confidence that she will make a meaningful difference in the lives of her future patients."