CNA Program

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 Meegan’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.