Amanda Hill was in fifth grade when her mother died of cancer at the young age of 28, reports The Times-Picayune. After moving in with her grandmother, Hill never stopped studying and in 2007, decided to become a nurse. Living in New Orleans, Louisiana, her grandmother's home was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, and although the two were living in a trailer following the devastating storm, Hill never stopped taking classes.

Working as a waitress during her schooling, Hill managed to save up enough money to reduce her hours at the restaurant and focus on her pre-med classes. Recently graduated, she is currently looking for a job as a critical care nurse in the New Orleans area.

"The idea of graduating still seems surreal," she told the news source. "I'm ready to be happy and just live life, like my mom never got the chance to do."

According to the Louisiana Center for Nursing, there are about 1,300 nursing vacancies in Louisiana, most of which are for licensed practical nurses. Despite the economy, nursing positions are still popping up throughout the state.