Called to Make a Difference: Scholars Pursue Vocational Training in Medical Fields and Aviation
Scholarship Winners: Nia Jefferson, Tkeyah Sanders, Jeffrey Prejean
Nia Jefferson
Seeking a Medical Assistant Certificate to Make a Difference for Her Patients and Her Family
Nia Jefferson is working toward a Medical Office Assistant certification from Blue Cliff College in Metairie with the goal of making a difference for her patients.
A legacy scholar whose grandmother, Sandra O’Neal, graduated from The Adult Education Center, the school that inspired the creation of The 431 Exchange, Nia is a single mother of two children. She says her children have given her life special purpose and focus.
“They inspire me to go my hardest so they can have everything that life has to offer,” she says, noting that she has discovered the power of maintaining her positive attitude in approaching her work, school and raising children. “As a single mom I go through a lot of challenges but I show up and (am) present for my two. I have the desire to do anything I can dream of. Just that perspective makes me want to make a difference,” says Nia, a confident and well-spoken student, who is a graduate of Helen Cox High School in Harvey. Nia worked in the fast-food industry and had other jobs, and this motivated her to get more education to improve her job prospects.
Working as a medical office assistant will allow her to have regular work hours and have the time needed to be there for her children as well as “being able to help my patients in the ways they need me.”
Nia praises The 431 Exchange’s commitment to helping participants achieve an education for a better life, just as The Adult Education Center helped her grandmother.
“I appreciate this program for women like me who are having a hard time financially but still gravitating towards a better life,” she says. “My grandmother is the perfect example. She graduated from school and then made sure that we stayed on the right path to have a better life as well. Being a legacy is such an honor. The program helping our family is very inspiring.”
Tkeyah Sanders
Pursuing a Respiratory Therapy Degree to Give Back
Tkeyah Sanders has been on the receiving end of respiratory care, and her experience as a patient is what led her to seek an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy.
A graduate of Thibodaux High School, Tkeyah works as a stocker at Lowe’s while studying at Fletcher Technical Community College in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
“What inspires me is being able to help my community by furthering my education. I am determined to become a respiratory therapist because I grew up having respiratory problems. I know that aspect of healthcare very well,” says Tkeyah, a thoughtful and well-presented student who shows tremendous gratitude for the opportunities she has received. “Becoming a respiratory therapist will allow me to help the community. I want to give back to those who have helped me.”
Tkeyah recently did clinicals at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge and is now preparing for her board exams. She graduates later this year.
She commends The 431 Exchange for its “diversity, furthering the community from all backgrounds of life and age,” and emphasis on education, “the pathway to a better life.”
Jeffrey Prejean
Seeking an Aviation Maintenance Technology Certificate to Find a New Trajectory
Jeffrey Prejean is beginning a new chapter in his life and brings great enthusiasm to his pursuit of a career in aviation maintenance.
He graduated from A. M. Barbe High School in Lake Charles in 2000 and will be studying at SOWELA Technical Community College in Lake Charles. Jeffrey said the strength he cultivated in overcoming prior challenges increased his confidence and determination to begin this two-year program to become a mechanic and work on airplanes and helicopters.
A “methodical, hands-on learner” who enjoys working with tools and “understanding how different components come together as a whole,” Jeffrey is excited about the aviation field and its opportunities for growth. He looks forward to learning about every aspect of aircraft maintenance.
Jeffrey, a polite and thoughtful student, praises The 431 Exchange for providing valuable support for students who return to school later in life. “It can immensely help nontraditional students like myself who cannot afford to pay full tuition costs,” he shares. “Receiving this aid will reduce the burden and allow me to invest more time and energy in my academics.”