For Diana Haney of Battle Mountain, being a role model meant graduating together as a family – a profound accomplishment. Haney and two of her children, Isela Ragland and Erick Haney, all walked the stage together as a family to receive their diplomas from Great Basin College.
Diana Haney received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, cum laude; her son, Erick Haney, 22, received his Associate of Applied Science degree in industrial millwright technology; and her daughter, Isela Ragland, 25, received her Associate of Applied Science degree in radiology technology.
Diana Haney said it wasn’t easy, but they graduated together, and their entire family is very proud of them.
Sometimes studying together, Haney offered support to both her son and daughter throughout the process.
Haney stated when she first went through the nursing program to get her associate degree, it was the hardest thing she had ever done. “I would question myself, ‘What am I doing? I am starting a career at 40 years old?’ And that alone right there gave me my answer. Finish it.”
Haney stated, “I am a role model. My children praise that in me. I have two younger children, ages 13 and 15. They’ve got dreams and aspirations, and if it wasn’t for them seeing what we’ve gone through, that’s a big factor.”
Erick Haney lived in a college dorm in Elko, studying at night and on the weekends, simultaneously working for Lynx Enterprises. Haney stated Lynx Enterprises were very supportive and helped with his schooling. Haney said he gives special thanks to them for their continued support and said, “It’s a great company to work for, a lot of good people.”
Isela Ragland, 25, will work for Elko Spine and Rehabilitation Institute as a radiology technician, and she plans on starting GBC’s ultrasound program.
Diana Haney said she will continue doing what she loves, emergency nursing at Battle Mountain General Hospital. “In emergency nursing, you deal with many aspects of patient care. You deal with patients and their families on a day-to-day basis, helping them through what is often a difficult time. It’s a rewarding profession,” stated Haney. “It was definitely a long time coming for me, because I decided to be a stay-at-home mom for many years, and then I thought I’d go back because my dream of being a nurse was still there. The support I had from my family was great.”
