From KFC To RN: The Inspiring Story Behind This Photo Of A Woman's Work Badges

July 19, 2018

A registered nurse in pursuit of her doctorate posted a photo of the six employee badges she's worn since 2008 on her Facebook page and it's inspiring people from all over to keep going.

Credit: Faye Lewis / Facebook

Faye Lewis went from frying chicken to saving lives, but the complete story is truly extraordinary.

As a teenager, Faye began working at a local KFC to help out her parents. While in college, she became pregnant shortly after she found out she wasn't admitted to nursing school. At that point, she thought it was best to move closer to home.

"My family really supported me and helped me make it possible," she told People. "When I had him, it gave me even more strength to pursue my dreams so he can do the same."

After giving birth to her son, Faye enrolled in her local community college and continued working at KFC, eventually working her way up to manager. Things began looking up as she continued to pursue an associate's degree in nursing.

Then something tragic happened.

Faye's father, three cousins, and family dog were killed in a house fire during her first week of nursing school.

"When I heard the news, I dropped to my knees. My mom made it out alive just by a miracle of God," she said.

Despite the devastating loss, Faye tried to instead focus on her career. She achieved her bachelor's degree in nursing.

Now, she's working on her doctorate.

Faye posted the viral photo of her badges during the same week she started her Doctorate program.

"Over the years I've often called my mom, upset, saying things like I can't do this or, I'm just done," she told Nurse.org, "But, my Mom always encourages me and says, keep going, you've always made it work."

When asked how she feels about the viral post, she said, "I didn't know such a simple post would inspire so many. People are telling me that the post gives them hope. I owe that to God."