Commencement Spotlight: Dannie Lackey

Dannie Lackey, from McArthur, Ohio, is graduating this spring with her Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degree after completing her coursework at Ohio University Chillicothe.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I plan to start my career as a Registered Nurse and continue my education to get my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I have plans past that but for now one step at a time. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
At the very end was when I felt that. This has been the toughest thing I have ever done. I've had plenty of late-night study hours, a lot of tears and stress, but even more encouragement and praise from family, friends, and professors.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
This campus is close to home and small. I'm from a small town, and this campus provided that same sense of small-town friendliness. I was able to get to know my peers and meet some amazing people. The relationships I had with most of my professors was something only a small campus setting can offer. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
I have several so it's hard to narrow it down to one, but my first positive and encouraging experience is from a chemistry course. I find chemistry intimidating but I am so thankful to have had Brenda Miller as my professor for the course. I was able to speak with her from the start and discuss my concerns about the course. She was so kind and encouraging and would stay after labs to break things down into more. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest challenge I faced was my lack of confidence. I was worried I was too old to go back to school, and that I would not be able to keep up with the information. My support and encouragement came from family, friends, fellow classmates, professors, and advisors. I would not have had enough confidence in myself to do this without them. 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
When I started this journey it was on campus, halfway through Covid kicked us all off campus and into virtual studies. I was so thankful when we went back to on-campus courses, that is my favorite memory. I never realized how being in a classroom setting right in front of the professor and having my peers surrounding me would make learning that much easier.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Don't miss out on bonding with your classmates. You spend a lot of time with these individuals, get to know them, and support and encourage each other. You will meet someone who is just your kind of person that makes every situation a blast.