There is a quiet revolution happening, one that’s not only shaping the futures of Meridian’s students but the very fabric of healthcare in the community and beyond. Through a partnership with Shawnee Community College, a group of determined juniors and seniors are learning the ropes of the healthcare industry by becoming Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). While the path to a career in healthcare might seem daunting to some, for these students, it’s about more than just a job—it’s about purpose, opportunity, and a desire to care for others.

Each student in the CNA program has their own reasons for signing up, but they all share a common belief in the strength of the program and the lives it can improve. "This feels like the start of my whole nursing career," says Meegan Long, a junior, with a calm confidence that belies her age. Meegan’s inspiration comes from her mother, a Registered Nurse (RN), and she’s already thinking ahead. "Right now, my goal is to become an MRI tech, but I’m also interested in neonatal nursing and radiology." Meegan has big dreams, and the CNA program is giving her a solid foundation to start building them.

Jazzale Mackins, another junior, shares Megan’s excitement but is still figuring out her next steps. "I’m exploring right now," Jazzale says. "I feel like I want to do this, but I’m still iffy." Despite the uncertainty, Jazzale sees the value in gaining experience early, noting that the program helps her understand the realities of working in healthcare. "This is a chance to decide if it’s really for me," she adds.

While Meegan and Jazzale are in the exploratory phase, Nyriah Overton, a senior, is laser-focused on her future. "I’m going to work as a CNA, and then I’m going to get my LPN [Licensed Practical Nurse] certification," she says confidently. For Nyriah, the CNA program isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s part of a carefully crafted plan to move into healthcare while continuing her education. "I want to take it one step at a time," she explains, with the eventual goal of caring for others in a significant way.

But it’s not just about the technical skills for these students. As they embark on their CNA journeys, they’re learning something even more vital: the importance of empathy and compassion. "You’ve got to empathize with people and put yourself in their shoes," says Lailah Hite, a junior, reflecting on what it takes to be in healthcare. For Lailah, working with elderly patients in nursing homes has been a particularly eye-opening experience. "A lot of them don’t have anybody else," she says. "When you take care of them, they’re always looking forward to seeing you. You have to be a nice human being with an open heart."

Kylaya Wiggins, also a junior, nods in agreement. "If you don’t care about people, you can’t do this job," she says simply. Kylaya has seen firsthand the impact of caring for others through her aunt, who is a travel nurse. "She’s been out of the country caring for different people. That’s huge to me," she says. For Kylaya, the idea of combining her love for travel with her passion for helping others is an exciting prospect. "Being a travel nurse means you get to do what you love while seeing the world—and your expenses are covered!" she laughs.

While the students may have different motivations, they all understand that the CNA program offers something far beyond the classroom: real-world experience that can shape their futures. "There are so many things I want to do, and this is just the start," Megan says, summing up a sentiment shared by her peers.

Yet, it’s not just the students who are benefiting. For the Meridian community, the CNA program represents a vital investment in its future. In a world where healthcare workers are more in demand than ever, having a program like this in their own backyard means that Meridian students can enter the workforce with the skills and certification they need to make an immediate impact. "We need more caregivers," says Jazzale. "Some people are in it just for the money, but for me, it’s about making a difference."

As the students prepare to enter a field that is as challenging as it is rewarding, they’re learning that healthcare requires more than just technical know-how. It requires heart, patience, and an unshakeable sense of responsibility. "You have to be careful with everything you do because you’re dealing with people’s lives," says Lailah. "If you’re careless, you could take someone’s life. That’s a weight I know I’m prepared to carry."

For these students, the CNA program isn’t just about earning a certification—it’s about discovering who they are and what they’re capable of. "We’re strong," says Kylaya. "We care, and we’re driven to do some amazing things in this world."

And while many of the students expressed a desire to eventually leave the region to seek bigger opportunities, they’re quick to acknowledge the foundation that Meridian has given them. "There are teachers and people in the community who really support us," says Nyriah. "They push us to be our best, and that’s something I’ll always carry with me, no matter where I go."

At the heart of the program is their instructor, Ms. Jill, who has become a mentor to each of the students. "Ms. Jill forms a bond with every person," says Lailah. "She knows how to teach us as individuals, not just as a class." The room lights up when they talk about her, and it’s clear that her influence extends beyond the classroom. "She’s the reason I know I can do this," says Meegan. "She’s always there to help, even if you don’t ask."

There’s plenty to be proud of in the CNA program. It is giving students the tools they need to build meaningful careers while serving humankind in one of the most important ways possible—by caring for others. And as these students look ahead to bright futures, whether they stay close to home or travel the world, they’ll always have Meridian’s foundation beneath them.