“By being a mom, a student, and a future nurse practitioner, I am showing my kids that they can do hard things too.”

Camille Dolores Johnson, a mother of three, is currently pursuing a master’s degree at U-M to become a family nurse practitioner. Her experiences as a primary caregiver are deeply connected to her commitment to serving others and advocating for accessible healthcare. Camille’s day begins with caring for her children (aged nine months, five, and two), by managing their morning routines, providing nutritious meals, and engaging in enriching activities like reading and puzzles. Her responsibilities extend beyond childcare as she balances her academic pursuits, household tasks, and volunteer work at local low-income schools. Camille’s resilience shines through her ability to manage these demands while excelling in her studies​.

Camille has a life-long interest in serving others. Her interest in healthcare was ignited during high school when she volunteered at a local free health clinic. After high school, Camille supported homeless shelters and food banks in Miami. Later, while living in Provo, Utah, Camille writes that she “became intimately aware of the harsh realities of inadequate medical services” when she witnessed a dog bite a young girl. Camille helped clean the girl’s wound because her family didn’t have health insurance. These experiences fueled Camille’s determination to bridge healthcare disparities and provide compassionate care to underserved communities.

Despite the challenges of balancing motherhood and rigorous academic demands, Camille remains steadfast in her goals. As a family nurse practitioner, Camille will make a meaningful impact at personal, community, and global levels by advocating for the well-being of marginalized communities and participating in healthcare initiatives worldwide. Camille proudly demonstrates to her children that they can overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. As she states, “By being a mom, a student, and a future nurse practitioner, I am showing my kids that they can do hard things too.”

CEW+ is inspired by Camille’s passion and names her a Margaret Dow Towsley Scholar.