Former teen mom credits Rockford nurse for inspiration to pursue a nursing career

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A mother who gave birth at 15 years old gave credit to a nurse who was instrumental in guiding her after pregnancy for inspiring her to become a nurse.

Cherish Adams, now a mother to three children, has completed her nursing degree. Adams said Jeannine Joseph, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurse, helped her realize she wanted to pursue the career.

The realization started to take shape when Adams gave birth to her oldest child and was thinking about giving him to the Swedish American Hospital in a shoebox.

Adams explained that this was the most terrified she had ever felt in her life.

“When I finally did go up to the hospital, I just remember being really scared and very overwhelmed because, again, I hadn’t told anyone anything about this,” said Adams.

Joseph was one of the first people to know how the situation was taking a toll on Adams personally.

“She’s in school, but this does not mean that you have to give up on your dreams,” Joseph explained to Adams. “You still can go to school, you still can graduate from high school, you still can go to college, and you can make the best life that you can for you and Allen.”

After 21 years, Adams is graduating from Rasmussen University-Rockford with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.

She gave Joseph credit for helping put her on this path through all the chaos and confusion.

“Honestly, it just makes me feel very excited and just very accomplished,” said Adams. “On top of graduating from nursing school, I’m actually getting to take a position in the same hospital where Jeannie inspired me. So, it’s really this a huge full circle moment.”

Adams can be seen telling her story at her graduation in hopes of inspiring others on Saturday.