2024 - Meet Nichole Drab

Nearly 20 years after graduating high school, Nichole Drab is following her passion for nursing.

“I truly believe if you put your mind to something, you can accomplish your goals,” said the Elgin Community College nursing student. “God has made this work for me so far, so I feel like everything has lined up for me to do it. I’m supposed to be here.”

“I would not be able to do what I’m doing now in the nursing program ten years ago,” Drab said. “I was not prepared or mature enough, and I have way more determination and ambition than ever. I’ve had other things happen in my life, and now it’s just the right time, and it’s really worked out.”

One major part of Drab’s life is her daughter. As a single mom, balancing being a full-time student with her other responsibilities isn’t always easy. Still, with support from her mother and her strong desire to inspire her daughter, Drab finds her drive and keeps moving forward.

“My daughter inspires me to make sure I do good so when she has goals, she’ll meet hers, too. We motivate each other,” Drab said.

Drab’s interest in working as a nurse came at 12 years old when she had a ruptured appendix and nearly died. During her stay in the hospital, she was touched and inspired by the care the nursing staff provided her.

Now, in ECC’s nursing program, Drab pushes through its difficulty, seeing her dream become a reality with each passing day. “I always used to say that the hardest thing is having a baby,” Drab said. “This is a lot harder! If I can get through this, I can literally do anything.”

Drab is on track to graduate in May 2025. Learn more about this hard-working, dedicated student and future nurse.

Share one thing you do outside of ECC. I try to spend as much time as possible with my daughter. Otherwise, I’m pretty big on going to the gym and exercising to help my mental health. Last semester, I definitely dropped off more than I should have on that, and I kind of suffered. I’m really big on pushing to be healthy, hit your goals, and take care of yourself mentally.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? I wanted to be a doctor, but then I was like, well, that might be a little too much for me. So, nursing was a happy medium, and I plan on going further into it. I remember always wanting to be a pediatric doctor. I like kids.

What’s your favorite social media channel and why? I don’t have a favorite, but the whole algorithm on my channels is nursing stuff now!

Dogs, cats, or house plants? I have a dog and a cat. I’m more of a cat person. I’ve always grown up with cats, but I do have a dog. I now feel like my animals are meant to be with me. I connect so well with them. My cat is Bruce, and he is a grey, blue Russian. My dog, I have a pit bull, and she’s named Coco.

What’s your favorite meal to cook or eat out? I just love all food. I don’t discriminate! If I had to choose, though, probably Mexican food.