From Summer Learning to a Future in Nursing

This summer, several LINK Scholars took an early step into the college experience by participating in dual enrollment courses, giving them the opportunity to explore their interests, experience college-level learning, and begin earning experience connected to their future goals.

For one LINK Scholar, that opportunity meant getting an early start on a future career in healthcare. Amaya enrolled in the Basic Nursing Assistant course at Kennedy-King College, choosing the program because of her long-term goal of becoming a nurse.

“I want to become a nurse in the future, and becoming a CNA is just the beginning for me.”

Through hands-on labs and weekly experiences in a nursing home, she was able to begin developing practical skills while getting a glimpse into what studying nursing could look like in college.

“This experience made me so much more excited for college. We did so many hands-on labs and got to work at a nursing home each week, so it felt like I was getting an early clinical experience and a preview of being a nursing major.”

The course also reinforced an important lesson about the role relationships can play in the learning experience. She shared that her class became close over the summer, making the experience both more comfortable and enjoyable.

“One lesson I learned was to always try to connect with those around you. My class was very close, and we all felt like friends. It made the class better and more enjoyable.”

For other LINK Scholars considering dual enrollment, her advice is simple: explore the opportunities available and choose something that genuinely interests you.

“I would recommend dual enrollment because there are a lot of options, and it’s nice to get a head start on college. Pick something you’re interested in so you can make sure you have an enjoyable experience.”

Dual enrollment gives Scholars an opportunity to explore possible career paths, build confidence in a college environment, and begin thinking more intentionally about what they may want to pursue after high school. For this Scholar, the experience provided an early look at nursing and another step toward turning a future career goal into a reality.