Mother-Daughter Duo Catherine and Macy Simmons Pursue Nursing Degrees Together at LSCO
October 22, 2025
Catherine and Macy Simmons are a mother daughter pair enrolled in the Lamar State College Orange Nursing program. Catherine is in the LVN to RN transition program; her daughter Macy is in the dual enrolled LVN program at Lumberton High School.
Macy enrolled in the LVN program in her junior year of high school after seeing her mom begin her basic nursing courses. Watching her study course material ignited her curiosity in the nursing field.
“Macy watched me study and learn new things about health and the human body and it has impacted her to want to do the same thing,” Catherine said. “Throughout my studies, Macy has watched me learn about health and the human body, and it’s encouraged her to chase that same kind of growth.”
Catherine started her journey with a strong desire to help others. Her role as a mom has inspired her to take on her school and set an example for her kids. She strives to serve those around her, and she is excited for the chance to do that in the healthcare industry.
“What sparked my interest is that I have a desire to help and comfort others; I have always been drawn to help others and wanting to make a difference in someone's life,” Catherine stated. “As a mom I want to be a positive example and influence for my children and grandchildren.”
Going through the nursing program at the same time has made for lots of special memories for the Simmons. The late-night study sessions and hours spent doing homework have been made more enjoyable by having one another to work with.
“My favorite memory coming through the nursing program with my daughter wasn’t a single moment—it was watching our paths overlap in small but meaningful ways,” Catherine said. “It's in the evenings when we both sit at the table studying—me working through bridge coursework and her working on her LVN material. We'd quiz each other, swap flashcards, laugh about how we were pronouncing medical terms, and celebrate when one of us passed a test.”
The pair are looking forward to utilizing their future degrees to fulfill their career goals. Catherine hopes to work with kids of all ages to help support their physical, emotional, and developmental needs. Macy hopes to pursue a career as a CRNA nurse.