A Season of Achievement: Daughters of Zion’s Family First Cohort Set for a Transformative Thanksgiving
By: Staff, October 21, 2024
MEMPHIS, TN—— As autumn deepens and Thanksgiving approaches, a transformative moment is on the cusp of realization for six of the 14 aspiring individuals at Daughters of Zion. These students, who comprise the final cohort of the Tennessee Department of Human Services’ Family First program, stand at the threshold of completing their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training. This graduation marks not just an end, but the beginning of ambitious new journeys in healthcare—a sector in which they are poised to make significant impacts. Their personal narratives, each as distinct as they are inspiring, offer a window into the diverse motivations and aspirations that have propelled them through the rigors of the CNA program at Daughters of Zion.
Marco Love has been in the caregiving field since he was eighteen and sees the CNA program as a vital stepping stone. “So I have been caregiving for like 5 years since I was like 18 years old, and all I want to do is move up, so my mom motivated me to come do CNA then I want to move up so what I expect to do after I still want to move up. Then I want to be in the medical field I want to be an RN,” Marco shared, his ambitions set firmly on advancing to a registered nurse as he climbs the career ladder.
Shundra White looks to expand her skills and impact through education and eventual leadership in the nonprofit sector. “I do plan to gain the knowledge and understanding. I definitely do believe knowledge is power and I do like to help people so I took a certified medical assistant class years ago back in 2006 and kind of realized that a lot more places do hire CNAs so I do definitely want to get the knowledge on that. Afterwards the direction I’m planning on going in to actually I’m starting a nonprofit so I wanted to kind of have that kind of medical background, as well as other things so that’s what I plan to do that and possibly elevate in the program,” she explained, underlining her commitment to both personal advancement and community service.
Jade Nikole Self, already experienced as a patient care technician, sees the CNA certification as an opportunity to enhance her qualifications and income. “Well for starters I’m already a patient care technician, I’ve been that for like 10 years, so it’s about time to go up another notch and so that’s really why I’m here, I started in June, stopped going now we’re back and of course after my certification hopefully my pay rate goes up that’s really the plan for right now and of course in January the plan is to also enroll in LPN school,” Jade plans to continue her education further into practical nursing.
Shanticka Davis returned to the program following a family tragedy with a clear vision for her future. “I am a returning student, I had a death in the family when I recently came which was the last class, so I had to start over. But coming in I hope to finish gaining what I started on my previous journey and once I graduate I plan on owning my own facility. Where I can hire RNs’, LPNs’, CNAs’ you know where I can help the community and give back,” she stated, highlighting her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community health.
Annet Jones rejoined the program to support her friend Shanticka and has personal plans that extend beyond her imminent graduation. “I came back because I wanted Shanticka Davis to come back, that’s the reason I ended up stopping, other than that I would’ve kept going forward but I wanted my friend to succeed. But when I do get my CNA license I am going to travel with my sister, my sister and I will partner up she’s already there she’s just waiting on me,” Annet revealed, illustrating the strong bonds and mutual support that characterize the student community at Daughters of Zion.
Kimberly Harris values the interpersonal aspects of the caregiving profession and sees it as a natural fit for her personality. “Going into the program I’m looking forward to learning the techniques and I have a daughter that’s already in the field of CNA and I have a knack for caring for people. I’m a people kind of caring person, I interact well with people. I’m not the type of person who works well in a private sector like a cubicle, enclosed or off to myself I like to interact with people. And I have a caring disposition about myself and going forward after receiving my certification, I will work in the field to gain some experience and then by me being a little more seasonal than other young ladies that will be participating in the program with me going forward perhaps I’ll elevate myself from CNA to LPN if the lord will permit me and approve me to do so. We’ll see what the lord has in plans and in store for me coming soon,” she stated, looking forward to a future where her caring nature can be fully realized in a professional setting.
These six narratives not only reflect individual aspirations but also epitomize the impact of Daughters of Zion’s CNA program, which stands as a catalyst for personal and professional transformation, setting the stage for these students to make significant contributions to their communities.
To enroll for Spring 2024 and to receive your Commissioner’s Scholarship call 901-570-3220
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