Student of the Month: Miracle Haislip of Howard County

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is proud to recognize Miracle Haislip as our September Student of the Month.

This summer, Miracle graduated from Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansasas a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Finishing in the top three of her class, she was inducted into the national honor society Phi Theta Kappa for her academic excellence.

Miracle’s journey to nursing began with her grandmother, who raised her and inspired her passion for caregiving.

“We were like two peas in a pod,” Miracle said. “With her being in and out of the hospital, I got to see a lot and learn a lot from such a young age. Of course, I wanted to take care of my grandmother the way she always took care of me. My passion for helping others — nursing others to good health — sparked then, and ever since, I knew nursing was for me.”

When Miracle learned she was pregnant with her daughter, Kenedi, now 2 years old, she decided to return to her hometown in Howard County and pursue her education.

“I knew going back to school would motivate me to work harder,” she said.

Miracle first received an ASPSF scholarship in Spring 2023, after learning about the program through Cossatot’s Career Pathways Program. The scholarship and ASPSF’s wraparound services supported her through her studies as she balanced motherhood and school.
She used her scholarship checks to pay for utilities, nursing supplies, and child care for Kenedi. ASPSF’s workshops taught her new information, and she appreciated the extra resources they provided.

Today, Miracle is working as a full-time geriatric nurse at Little River Nursing & Rehab and works as needed at The Blossoms Rehab & Nursing Center in Nashville, building the career she once only dreamed of.

But her journey hasn’t been without challenges.

“A big challenge I overcame was ‘mom guilt,’” Miracle said. “During nursing school, I missed a lot of big moments — first steps, new words, birthdays. I felt terrible, but I knew in the end I was doing this for her, so she can have a great life.”

Already, Miracle’s sacrifice is reaping rewards for her daughter, Kenedi.

“My daughter is only two, but I have noticed when I would study my textbooks at home, she would be more interested in her books and learning new things!” Miracle said. “She’s recently moved up an age level at her day care due to her doing so well.”

ASPSF is honored to walk alongside Miracle in her educational and career journey. By providing flexible scholarships and wraparound services such as mentoring, workshops, and community connections, ASPSF empowers single parents like Miracle to stay in school, graduate, and build brighter futures for their families.