05/06/2026
For 14 years, this was my dream… and now I’m finally here. 🎓🩺
Sunday, was the first time in my life that I truly felt proud of myself for an accomplishment.
I’ve achieved so much before… but this was different. After my hooding ceremony for my Doctorate of Nursing Practice, I cried because, for the first time, I allowed myself to truly feel it all.
Every late night, every tear, every ounce of stress, exhaustion, heartbreak, setback, and obstacle along the way was worth it. The past two years tested me mentally, emotionally, and physically in ways I never imagined. There were moments I didn’t know how I would keep going. Moments I wanted to quit. Moments I felt doubted, unsupported, underestimated, and counted out… but I kept going.
Yes, I did this for my family.
Yes, I did this for myself.
But I also did this for the people who didn’t believe in me, who questioned me, and who never thought I would make it. To the one person that never supported my dreams… I did it!!
You unknowingly gave me the grit, strength, and determination to prove you wrong.
But through it all, I was never alone. My tribe carried me, supported me, prayed for me, and reminded me of my strength when I couldn’t see it myself. I will never be able to fully express how grateful I am for every person who stood beside me during the hardest seasons of my life.
And thank you to every patient who supported me, guided me, gave me reassurance, and believed in me along the way. You are the reason I love doing what I do. I not only enjoy caring for you, but I truly value the relationships and connections I have built with some of the most kind-hearted people I know. Your trust, encouragement, and support have meant more to me than you will ever realize.
You are the reason I continue to love my job and my purpose so deeply. Thank you for continuing to support me throughout this journey and for always being part of my cheering section. 🤍
This journey didn’t just make me accomplished… it transformed me. It shaped me into a stronger woman, mother, provider, and person.
And today, I proudly stand here and say:
Dr. Kayla Marie Stewart, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC 👩🏼⚕️🩺🥼🎓👩🏼🎓
The journey was hard, but the destination was worth every single second. 🖤🤍
Again, thank you for continuing to support me along the way through every journey, hardship, challenge, and success. Without all of you, none of this would have been possible. Your encouragement, loyalty, kindness, and belief in me carried me through some of the hardest moments of my life. I appreciate each and every one of you more than you will ever know. Thank you for being part of this journey with me and for continuing to stand beside me every step of the way. 🖤
Lastly, thank you to my team — Kari, Erika, Britney, and Kate… thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for always having my back and helping me through some of the hardest moments of my life. Thank you for stepping in, carrying the weight when I felt like I was drowning, and helping keep everything together when I didn’t know how I was going to keep going.
Without each of you, I truly would not be here today. You have been my saving grace through it all. Not only are you an incredible team and the greatest staff I could ever ask for, but even more importantly, you are some of my best friends. I am forever grateful for your loyalty, love, support, and believed in me through every challenge and every success. 🤍