Passionate. Driven. Dedicated. These words are exactly what I think of when I think of Laurabeth West. Laurabeth has been a mentor throughout my life: as a mom, as my neighbor, as a nurse practitioner, as a business owner, and ultimately as my aunt. Her journey has inspired me to fight for every goal I create with confidence that I can do whatever I dream.
Passionate. Laurabeth’s passion for life is unmatched. For as long as I can remember, Laurabeth has been the loudest person in the crowd. Whether at elementary school academic bowls, middle school science fairs, or high school football games; she has been the biggest cheerleader. Not only in my life, but in pretty much every kid’s life: she is always there, passionately cheering. As a nurse practitioner, Laurabeth also displayed passion: constantly running up to her clinic to meet a patient in need, never quitting until she knew she had done everything she could to help. Seeing her passion has truly inspired me to pursue my career in pharmacy with the same enthusiasm Laurabeth continues to have. She taught me that to be successful, I must also be passionate about my choices.
Driven. Laurabeth had a drive like no other. After high school, she attended Dyersburg State to earn her nursing degree while working at a jewelry store to pay for school. She then attended Union University to earn her RN degree while still working. After graduating, she quit the jewelry store and began working night shifts in the emergency room. After 2 years in the ER, she decided to go back to Union to earn her Masters in Family Nurse Practitioning. She took classes during the day and continued to work in the ER at night. Laurabeth’s drive taught me to never give up when things get tough, giving me the confidence to keep pushing through hard times, knowing that with perseverance, I will succeed.
Dedicated. In 2018, Laurabeth bought a building where she planned to build her own clinic. Her husband, friends, family, and herself began everyday after finishing their 9-5 jobs working late nights to get the clinic built. In 2019, as everything was going well, she was diagnosed with Leukemia. Forcing her to stop working on the clinic and move 600 miles away to receive her treatment, she was devastated. This diagnosis didn’t stop her, she continued her legacy of dedication as she continually supported her friends, family, and patients, only through Facetime and Telehealth meetings instead. After beating cancer, she finished up her clinic and finally got to work in her hard earned clinic. Her dedication gave me the confidence to pursue my goals of one day owning my own pharmacy, knowing that no matter what life throws at me, I can overcome it.
Laurabeth’s drive, dedication, and passion are easily recognized in everything she does. Her example has inspired me and given me the confidence to pursue and achieve my own goals knowing I can overcome, persevere, and succeed.