From Student to Success: CNA Program Offered by Tennessee DHS Grantee Daughters of Zion Showcases Terika Walker’s Success Story
MEMPHIS TN — Daughters of Zion, a Family First Grantee with the TN Department of Human Services, is pleased to play a role in the lives of the program participants on their journey to become certified Nursing Assistants and beyond. The process is just as important as the product, with the CNA license being the product and the steps to obtain the license being the process. This article will feature Tarika Walker, who has completed the program and is a licensed Nursing Assistant.
Interviewer: Are you originally from Memphis?
Tarika: I am originally from Chicago, Illinois. I moved to Memphis when I was about 18 years old.
Interviewer: What was your life like when you moved to Memphis?
Tarika: I studied Mortuary Science, but the field was male-dominated and discouraging. I ended up leaving and started working in various jobs in administration, warehousing, and shipping.
Interviewer: What was a breaking point in your life?
Tarika: A life-changing event was when my grandmother developed Alzheimer’s, which progressed into dementia, and she had to move to Memphis. As one of her caregivers, it was very stressful, and I felt empty after she passed away. I wanted to help other families who experienced this trauma, so I started searching online for opportunities.
Interviewer: Is that how you came across Daughters of Zion?
Tarika: Yes, that’s how I found the program. I called, and someone responded immediately. I had to move quickly to gather all the paperwork. I got everything together in two weeks, and it felt like it was meant to be.
Interviewer: What was your class experience?
Tarika: It was different – you have to apply yourself. I had to study even though I had other things going on in my life.
Interviewer: What was the effect on your life from the Daughters of Zion experience?
Tarika: The program is a stepping stone to many opportunities. I saw what I could accomplish in a short time – the program pushed and motivated me. After the class, I enrolled in a Phlebotomy course and became a licensed Phlebotomist. I also had the opportunity to tutor a CNA class at Daughters of Zion, where I was glad to impart my knowledge and experience to the students.
Interviewer: What’s next for Tarika?
Tarika: Thanks to the Daughters of Zion, I have increased my income-earning potential. I actually have two jobs – one in administration and the other at a nursing home facility. I also plan to open a CNA Staffing agency to give recent graduates a chance to gain experience in the field.
To enroll in Daughters of Zion’s William & Johnson Career College CNA program call 901-570-3220
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