Featured photo: Practical Nursing student Baylee Young in the Health Sciences Center. Photo by Emily Gill.
Emily Gill, Marketing & Communications Dept.
Practical Nursing student Baylee Young knew from a young age that she wanted to study healthcare.
In high school, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant. Later she began further studies at Blue Ridge Community College but had unexpected challenges arise that led to a break in her higher education pursuits. She was worried that she wouldn’t be able to complete her program through Blue Ridge, but following years of hard work and determination, Young will graduate with her Practical Nursing diploma this December.
“All my previous courses at Blue Ridge counted towards my diploma, which made it very helpful to know where to start,” Young said. “I was scared when I thought I would have to start all over. To realize I could keep going from where I left off made it more doable and made me more confident.”
Pursuing a higher education always requires dedication and hard work, even more so for parents. As the mother of a six-year-old and a 16-month-old, Young knew she had to communicate with her instructors. Their understanding and assistance proved crucial to her success.
“The instructors were always willing to work with me, and Blue Ridge has an abundance of resources,” she said.
Young encouraged anyone considering going back to school to take the leap.
“If you are thinking about it, you should absolutely go for it. Questions and doubts are always going to be there regardless of your situation,” Young said. “Don’t doubt yourself. Be upfront with instructors, and use the resources Blue Ridge has that will be extra help along the way.”
Learn more about healthcare programs at Blue Ridge Community College at www.blueridge.edu/healthcare and about practical nursing at www.blueridge.edu/practical-nursing.
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