Sixteen-year-old Nykia Merriweather ’s ultimate goal is to pursue a career in nursing, with a focus on trauma care. Inspired by family members already in the medical field, she envisions herself helping patients in critical conditions. “I want to be a nurse so I can help people,” she explains. “I’ve thought about working in trauma, maybe doing triage or emergency care.”

Nykia is already preparing for her future. She plans to join the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program next year and is exploring opportunities to accelerate her journey into nursing through technology centers and early training programs. “If I could start my LPN training while still in high school, I’d be ahead by the time I graduate,” she shares enthusiastically.

Beyond her professional aspirations, Nykia values independence. She dreams of owning her own home and car after high school. “I want to feel like I can do things myself, without needing to rely on anyone,” she says, underscoring her determination to build a stable, self-sufficient life.

Nykia’s days are packed with school, extracurriculars, and family responsibilities. She has participated in volleyball, softball, and cheerleading during her time at Meridian. While she couldn’t cheer this year, she plans to return next year, making it her busiest year yet. “I’ll be doing cheer, volleyball, softball, and focusing on my CNA program,” she says.

In addition to sports, Nykia is an active member of FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), where she participates in community service projects like food bank assistance and leadership conferences. “FCCLA has given me opportunities to help people and talk about my future goals,” she explains.

Nykia has also served on the student council, helping organize events like prom and homecoming. Though her schedule sometimes conflicts with meetings, her contributions reflect her commitment to her school community.

As the oldest of five siblings, Nykia has taken on a leadership role at home. Her brothers and sisters range in age from kindergarten to high school, and she often helps guide them through their own educational journeys. “I’m the oldest, so I feel like I need to set a good example,” she says.

Nykia’s family is rooted in the Meridian community. Her parents and grandparents attended the school, creating a legacy of connection and pride. Though she moved to the district in fourth grade, she quickly embraced the close-knit environment.

“I like that it’s a small school,” Nykia says. “You get to know everyone, and there’s not as much drama as in bigger schools.” However, she wishes the school offered more opportunities, such as additional field trips and science classes with hands-on experiments.

Nykia’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles, but her positive outlook and support system keep her focused. Whether it’s balancing her extracurricular activities or navigating the challenges of a small-town school, she approaches every situation with determination.

“My math teacher, Ms. Justice, has been a big help,” Nykia shares. “She explains things in a way that makes sense to me and has helped me feel confident in my abilities.” World history is another favorite subject, thanks to Ms. Burton’s engaging teaching style.

Nykia’s honesty about her experiences at Meridian reflects her desire for improvement, not just for herself but for future students. “I wish we had more classes, more sports, and better food options,” she says candidly. “But overall, it’s a good school, and the teachers care about us.”

As she approaches her senior year, Nykia is preparing to take the next steps toward her dreams of nursing. “I know it’s going to be hard,” she says, acknowledging the rigorous training and long hours required in the medical field. “But I’m ready for it. I want to help people, and I want to make a good life for myself and my family.”