Kylie Kerwin is one of 59 students graduating from St. John’s, but she shares a unique bond with the school that spans three generations.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - For one graduating family, this year’s commencement at St. John’s College of Nursing is more than a ceremony — it’s the continuation of a decades-long legacy.

Kylie Kerwin is one of 59 students graduating from St. John’s, but she shares a unique bond with the school that spans three generations. Kylie’s mother, Kimberly Kerwin, graduated from the same school 26 years ago.

"It's been a quarter of a century, and it's crazy that time just flies by," Kimberly said. "I can remember so much of this from my time here." 

Now, Kimberley is getting the chance to relive one of nursing school’s most emotional traditions — pinning her daughter during graduation. She says waterproof mascara won't be enough to hide her tears. 

Watching from the audience will be another St. John’s graduate, Kylie’s grandmother, Janice Kerwin. She graduated 50 years ago in 1976. 

"I thought I was going to be the only one in my family that was going to be a nurse," Janice said. "I had no idea that anybody, least of all my grandchildren, one of them, would decide to be a nurse and then go to the same school I went to. It's a surreal experience." 

When Janice's son told her he was dating a St. John's nurse, she was ecstatic. Nursing is a sisterhood, she said, and anyone who can survive the career is special. 

Growing up, Kylie was surrounded by what the family calls “nurse talk” or conversations about blood, IVs and other medical topics. While Kylie never openly said she wanted to become a nurse, her mother saw the signs early on.

"If someone injured themselves, she wanted to be there," Kimberly said. "So it was kind of neat to see that, and I was like, she's probably going into the medical care field." 

Kylie said she did not officially decide on nursing until high school, but choosing St. John’s came naturally.

“I knew it was a school with great history, great instructors, and just being able to apply everything at clinicals and everything here is just amazing,” Kylie said.

The three women now share the same alma mater, matching nursing pins and a passion for helping others. The family legacy will continue beyond graduation. 

Just like her mother and grandmother before her, Kylie will begin her nursing career at St. John’s Hospital.

“I start actually on Monday," Kylie said. "I will start in the cardiovascular ICU over at St. John's." 

As Kylie prepares to start her career, Janice provides a piece of advice to her and other new nurses. 

"Take it all in and enjoy the ride, because it is a ride," Janice said. "Embrace what comes your way and just take it all in because it goes so fast. It's amazing how fast it goes."

Kylie wants to make sure the women who came before her know the impact they have had on her. 

"I just want to thank my grandma and my mom for inspiring me and for paving such an open pathway for me and so many opportunities," Kylie said. "I've just had so many doors that have opened for me because of them." 

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