OLEAN, N.Y. — Bradford, Pa., native Tonie Westlake describes balancing school, work and her personal life as “pure chaos.”

It’s understandable. In addition to being a mother to four children ranging from 10 months to 17 years old, Westlake is a full-time student in SUNY Jamestown Community College’s Nursing program and a healthcare employee who has worked overnights.

“It has been chaotic for the last couple of years,” Westlake said. “But honestly, my kids have probably been my number one supporter. They understand Mom needs to study. Mom is tired. Mom is going to work. They’ve been wonderful throughout all of it.

“But it was hard. It was very hard trying to balance work. I worked overnights for a couple of years and then went to school after working all night long. So exhaustion was definitely a factor in that, but very rewarding.”

Westlake, a student on JCC’s Cattaraugus County Campus, is set to graduate with the rest of the college’s class of 2025 at 7 p.m. today during a commencement ceremony at the Olean YMCA. Earlier that day, Westlake and her nursing program classmates will be recognized during a pinning

ceremony. Westlake has accepted a position on the third floor at Olean General Hospital, where she previously worked as a nurse assistant. She starts in a couple weeks.

“Nursing is something I’ve always wanted to do ever since I was little,” Westlake said. “I have plenty of family members that have become nurses or worked in the medical field.

“I have worked in the medical field since I graduated high school – nursing homes, Alzheimer’s homes, assisted living homes, hospitals. It’s just something that I really cherish and enjoy doing. It makes me happy.”

Westlake has earned dean’s list honors at JCC. She credits her instructors and classmates for providing support along the way. “My professors are wonderful,” she said. “Everyone became a family. If you ever needed anything, whether it be home life with your kids or school life, they were right there to help you, to reassure you, to take a deep breath.”

Now, thanks to the experience of earning an associate degree amid all the chaos life has thrown at her, Westlake is fully prepared for what’s next.

“Personally, it’s made me stronger,” she said. “It’s made me a better person. It’s made me a better mom, a better friend, a better caretaker.

“Like I said, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. My heart holds a big place to be able to take care of others and to help others when they are unable to do it themselves.”