How EICC’s High School Equivalency Program Helped One Young Mom Keep Moving Forward
When Mekayla Peters looks at her life today—deep into her third semester of nursing school with just one to go—it feels almost surreal.
“Sometimes I feel like I have imposter syndrome,” she said. “Like I just can’t believe I was able to get this far.”
Her journey didn’t begin in a college classroom. It began in a hospital room, as a teenage mother who had to leave high school at 16. Determined not to let that be the end of her story, at 18, she earned her high school equivalency diploma at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC). Her milestone came with more than a certificate—it came with a door-opening scholarship: a free, three-credit-hour class.
She used it to enroll in Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training.
“Had it not been for that class, I would not have been able to get my CNA license,” she said. “And that opened everything for me.”
For Peters, that single class wasn’t just about covering tuition. It was the first step toward a career—and a future—she could build for herself and her children.
Building a Better Life for Her Kids
Mekayla’s determination was rooted in her role as a mom. Her first child was born with serious health issues, and she soon found herself caring for two young children.
“My son was really, really sick when we had him,” she said. “We were going through so much. And then we had another baby. So, getting that class paid for—it helped out a lot.”
She didn’t stop at a CNA. After earning her license, she moved to Georgia and began working in hospitals, gaining firsthand experience in patient care. “I saw what it was like. That made me want to just keep going,” she said. “Especially knowing that I could come back home and there was a college that I knew would have the resources available for me to keep going.”
She returned to the Quad Cities, enrolled at Scott Community College, and continued her momentum—first becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and now nearly completing her Registered Nurse (RN) training.
Her kids, now nine and five, have grown up watching her pursue her goals. “They’re getting older, they understand more,” she said. “And I want them to see that you can go through hard things and still come out strong. That you don’t have to stop just because life gets messy.”
From Patient to Nurse
As part of a recent healthcare simulation event at SCC, Peters was cast in a different role: the patient. The scenario involved pregnancy and domestic violence, and even though it was fictional, the experience was eye-opening.
“It was kind of like, ‘Wait, what’s going on? Where am I going?’” she said. “Even though I know it’s a simulation, it’s actually really nerve-wracking.”
That moment changed how she sees her role as a nurse.
“There are a couple things you don’t think about when you’re the nurse, like explaining everything,” she said. “But I noticed how much that matters. I’m going to start telling people exactly what I’m doing and why we’re doing it. Because that makes a difference.”
A System That Supports Success
From the beginning, EICC provided the support Peters needed. In addition to the free class offered through the high school equivalency program, she received financial aid and scholarships. She also found a critical support network through the TRIO program, which helps students with tutoring, résumé assistance, and other resources.
“TRIO is where it’s at, honestly,” she said. “They help with anything you need.”
Peters is now preparing to finish her final semester and begin her preceptorship. After that, she’ll officially be an RN—something she once couldn’t imagine saying out loud.
“When I came back [to Iowa], I was like, ‘What’s going to be the fastest, most affordable way I can get through nursing?’ And it was always EICC for me.”
Her path—from young mom to a high school equivalency graduate, to CNA, LPN, and now soon-to-be RN—is one that inspires her children and the community around her.
“It’s kind of crazy,” she said. “But I am here. I am thankful to EICC and everyone else who’s helped,” she said. “It meant everything to me and still does. I’ll never forget it.”
About EICC’s High School Equivalency Program and Free, Three Credit Scholarship
Through the generosity of the EICC college foundations, all students who earn their High School Equivalency Diploma through Eastern Iowa Community Colleges are eligible for a scholarship equivalent to three credit hours at Clinton, Muscatine or Scott Community College. Students have up to two years to use the scholarship after completing their diploma.
This scholarship can be applied to credit or non-credit classes, including programs in Certified Nurse Aide, EMT/Paramedic, Welding, CNC Machining, and many more. Whether you’re exploring short-term training or a degree pathway, this is a great opportunity to take your next step—just like Peters did.
Explore our diverse range of programs and discover the path that aligns with your goals and interests. Learn more at eicc.edu/hse