Paving The Way
Paving the Way: Building Future Healthcare Leaders by LaRonda Johnson
We are thrilled to highlight and celebrate the exceptional achievements of the 2024 Lowcountry AHEC Summer Interns. This program, designed to foster the next generation of healthcare professionals, exemplifies the impact of pathway development initiatives in shaping the careers of South Carolina’s future healthcare workforce. Four of our distinguished interns are graduates of the Orangeburg High School for Health Professions (HSHP), a testament to the school’s dedication to preparing students for successful futures in healthcare.
Our interns come from diverse backgrounds and have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their educational and career goals. Here, we share a small piece of their individual stories, which provide a glimpse into their motivations and aspirations.
Aspiring Traveling Epidemiologist: Shekinah Washington discovered her passion for healthcare in elementary school and pursued it through high school, taking various healthcare-related courses. Now a Public Health major at Benedict College, she aims to become a traveling epidemiologist. Shekinah’s high school experiences, including certification as a nursing assistant and involvement in service-learning programs, have equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve her career goals.
Future Endocrinologist or Emergency Medicine Physician: Growing up with anemia and working as a medical assistant sparked Brevie Holiday’s commitment to healthcare. Now a first-year student at Spelman College on a pre-medical track, she is dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities. Brevie’s involvement in healthcare clubs and rigorous coursework prepares her for medical school and a future career as an endocrinologist or emergency medicine physician.
In a recent interview with the program coordinator of the summer internship program, Mrs. Jalacy Green, she shared her excitement about supporting students’ dreams of becoming health professionals. “We will sustain the progress of increasing the health professions pipeline in South Carolina, through exposing students to real world experiences. We are thrilled to work with such outstanding students on their healthcare journey.”
Dedicated Future Nurse: Driven by a deep sense of compassion, Genesis Fields has always aspired to be a nurse. Graduating from HSHP with a strong academic record and dual enrollment credits, she continued her education with an Associate degree in Business Administration. Her faith and experiences as a cheerleader and AHEC intern have further solidified her resolve to make a positive difference in people’s lives as a nurse.
Aspiring Plastic Surgeon: With a full-ride scholarship and a major in biology pre-med, Kennedi Graham’s journey is marked by academic excellence and hands-on experience. From rigorous coursework to roles as a medical assistant and lifeguard, she has developed a solid foundation in healthcare. Her goal is to become a plastic surgeon, driven by a desire to impact lives positively. Kennedi’s proactive approach to seeking research opportunities and internships demonstrates his commitment to his future career.
We also seized the opportunity to speak with Mr. Derwin Farr, Executive Director and Principal of Orangeburg High School for Health Professions (HSHP). He shared that he is looking forward to growing the partnership with Lowcountry Area Health Education Center. “We at HSHP are committed to producing the future healthcare workforce that will help close the health disparity gap in our communities.”
These inspiring stories demonstrate the power of pathway development initiatives in shaping the future of healthcare. Our 2024 Lowcountry AHEC Summer Interns are not only achieving academic excellence but are also committed to making meaningful contributions to their communities. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to witnessing their continued success in the healthcare field.