Emotional Graduates Reflect on Life Lessons at Family First Grantee – Daughters of Zion’s Final CNA Graduation of 2024
By: Staff, November 21, 2024
November 2024 CNA Graduation Class
MEMPHIS, TN—- Tuesday evening, November 19, 2024 with the colors of fall still lingering in the air, the Daughters of Zion’s Williams And Johnson Career College last graduation of 2024 was filled with an air of celebration and reflection. The event marked the final Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) graduation of 2024, where thirteen graduates prepared to transition from students to healthcare professionals. Among them, three speakers—Cora Stucky, Shundra White, and Kamesha Williams—stood out, not just for their achievements, but for the powerful stories they shared, embodying the spirit and challenges of their journeys.
Cora Stucky
Cora Stucky began with words of encouragement, her voice steady and hopeful, resonating through the hall: “Okay, I’m Cora, and I just want to leave to my classmates some words of encouragement that I jotted down. The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” Her speech wove a rich tapestry of wisdom, with reflections on the perpetual journey of learning and the endless possibilities that education unfolds. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams,” she urged her peers, echoing the ethos of the Daughters of Zion program.
Shundra White
Following Cora, Shundra White shared her personal transformation, acknowledging the program’s role in providing her a new direction. “Before I got here, I didn’t have a lot of direction—I had tried a little bit of this, a little bit of that,” Shundra recounted. Her testimony was a narrative of finding a community that resonated with her, a place that offered both challenges and support. “God sent me somewhere, and I found people that are like me and they like me,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and mutual support.
Kamesha Williams
Kamesha Williams offered the final speech, a poignant tale of personal loss and perseverance. Having faced significant adversities—including the loss of loved ones and employment—Kamesha’s journey to and through the CNA program was marked by resilience. “I lost people, I lost loved ones, I lost friends, lost my job, and that’s how I was actually able to get here in this school,” she revealed. Her story highlighted not just her struggles but also her determination not to give up, an attribute that Daughters of Zion strives to instill in all its students.
The ceremony was more than a simple graduation; it was a celebration of the personal and collective trials and triumphs of its students. Each speaker, through their own unique experiences, illustrated the transformative impact of the Daughters of Zion’s program—how it not only trains but also empowers individuals, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
As the graduates stepped forward to receive their certificates, the event underscored a larger narrative of empowerment and hope. These new CNAs are set to enter the healthcare field not just with skills, but with stories and experiences that speak to the heart of caregiving—compassion, resilience, and a deep-seated desire to make a difference.
As the evening drew to a close, the graduates left with more than just certifications; they carried with them the lessons, memories, and friendships forged during their time at Daughters of Zion, ready to bring their newfound skills and insights to the world beyond the classroom.
To enroll in Daughters of Zion’s William & Johnson Career College CNA program call 901-570-3220
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