GALESBURG — Helping family members in need gave Windie Moore the spark to find a greater purpose in a career supporting others.
Moore worked for nine years as a medical assistant, but after helping a cousin who had renal disease and her dad following his cancer diagnosis, she sought a professional position with larger responsibilities and more patient contact.
“I decided that with the knowledge I had, I could come back and do something with it and help somebody,” said Moore, 39, of Galesburg. “That’s where my journey really began.”
Moore enrolled at Sandburg in 2021, and the latest step in her journey was taking part in the college’s basic nursing assistant celebration Monday in the Science & Technology Center. The pinning ceremony recognized Moore and other students who completed the course to become certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
“Your role as a CNA is not just a job — it's a calling,” Dr. Emily Schaeffer, dean of nursing professions, told the students at the ceremony. “You're absolutely crucial in health care. You are the ones who are there, day in and day out, tending to the needs of patients with grace and dignity. Whether it's assisting with daily tasks, providing emotional support or simply offering a listening ear, your presence makes the world of difference in those that you care for.”
While the CNA course is only one semester, Moore spent previous terms working on prerequisites for other nursing programs and making sure she was prepared for the CNA class. She has her sights set on coming back to Sandburg for her practical nursing certificate and nursing degree.
“I'm ready for a leap of faith, but I know I have to take the baby steps first,” Moore said. “I don't like being told, ‘No.’ I'm really driven. I have five older brothers, so competitiveness was always a big thing. I don't know how to quit.”
Moore initially was interested in pediatric work, but her experience helping her father pushed her toward wanting to find a career in caring for seniors.
“Older people have gotten that hold on me,” she said. “Kids are going to go to school and make friends, but when someone’s in a nursing home, how many friends do they have there for them? When they're stuck at home, how many friends do they have? It just escalated from there. So that's kind of why I came back and decided to start my journey all over again.”
Another reason for Moore’s journey is her 17-year-old daughter, Ceanna. Moore first came to Sandburg after high school, but she didn’t finish her degree after becoming pregnant with Ceanna.
Ahead of Monday’s pinning ceremony, Moore tried to downplay the event’s significance. Ceanna, though, was quick to correct her that, actually, Mom, it was a big deal. As Moore was called up to receive her pin and certificate, Ceanna watched proudly in the audience.
“She sees me pushing myself to do better,” Moore said, “so I think it rubs off on her to push herself even more.”
Windie Moore receives her pin at Monday's basic nursing assistant celebration in the Science & Technology Center atrium.