Singer-turned-nurse Carol Banawa is now officially a Master of Science in Nursing, marking a new milestone in a journey that began nearly two decades ago.
On her Instagram post dated May 19, the former OPM star shared that she completed her Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine last May 10, 2025.
“It’s hard to put into words what this moment means to me,” she wrote, looking back at her nursing journey that started in 2005 when she worked as a Certified Nurse Aide in Arizona. “I earned my Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate. I continued my path in Virginia, where I completed my Associate Degree in Nursing in 2018 and my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2020.”
Carol began her master’s degree journey in the early days of the pandemic, all while pregnant with her youngest child, Bella.
“Balancing pregnancy, parenting, and a rigorous academic program during such uncertain times was far from easy,” she recalled. “There were sleepless nights, long study sessions, missed gatherings, and so many moments where I had to say, ‘not now, I have to study.’ There were also moments of doubt, exhaustion, and wondering if I could really keep going. But the dream was stronger — and I just kept going.”
Banawa credited her husband Ryan for being her rock throughout the entire process.
“Thank you for working so hard behind the scenes so I could focus fully on my studies. Your love, encouragement, and sacrifices made this possible.”
She also gave thanks to her children Chelsea, River, and Bella, as well as her mother and sister: “To my children… thank you for your patience and for all the times you understood when mommy had to study instead of play. (Especially you, Bella—hehe!) Your hugs and kisses were everything.”
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“Mama, your help with the kids during those critical times meant the world.”
Above all, Banawa offered her achievement to God: “To God Almighty—thank You for this journey. This was Your plan all along. You gave me strength when I had none, courage when I was afraid, and peace when I doubted. This achievement is Yours.”
The former singer also left a message of encouragement for others chasing their own goals: “To anyone who is on a long, hard road—keep going. One step at a time. Dreams take time, sacrifice, and faith. But they are worth it. To God be the glory!”
Carol Banawa, now based in the US, is known for her timeless hits including ‘Iingatan Ka,’ ‘Muntik Na Kitang Minahal,’ and ‘Bakit ‘Di Totohanin.’ She stepped away from the limelight in the early 2000s to focus on her family and her nursing career.
