Merelyn’s Story: From Her Love of Helping Others to Becoming a Nursing Assistant at a Top County Hospital

Many young people dream about making a difference but don’t always know how to start. For Merelyn, that dream was rooted in a desire to help others—something she admired in her mother’s passion for healthcare. However, like many students, she found it challenging to gain the real-world experience needed to turn that inspiration into a real job. 

Merelyn’s journey changed when she joined  Skyrocket’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Nursing program. Through hands-on training, supportive instructors, and practical experience, she discovered not only the realities of nursing but also the confidence to pursue it as a lifelong profession.

When Merelyn joined the program at 17, she was eager to learn and exploring career options between nursing and ultrasound technology. Thanks to the unique opportunity provided by her school, Options for Youth, she was able to gain valuable experience early on. Now, at just 18, Merelyn works as a Nursing Assistant at one of the top rehabilitation hospitals in her county.

“Being part of the CTE program gave me the chance to really see what nursing is about. Seeing patients in the rehabilitation hospital get better and light up. It warms my heart.” Merelyn says. “I always knew I wanted to help people,” she adds. “Now that I'm getting the exposure that I am, it's definitely not an easy field. It's a lot to deal with, but it's very rewarding. 

She dove into hands-on training—everything from taking blood pressure to practicing patient care. The CTE Nursing program offered a hybrid support which meant students received boxes of program equipment to help with their coursework and do virtual classes on camera with a CTE teacher. 

Students dive into real-world skills during 'Hands-On Day' in the CTE Nursing program, where they practice sutures, wear PPE, and step confidently into their future careers.

The program also included hands-on days for in-person demonstrations and direct teacher support, along with working alongside peers. 

“The program gave us these boxes with everything we needed—stockings, blood pressure cuffs, PPE—so we could practice at home and in person,” she explains.

One lesson from her CTE teacher, Ms. Lakeysha, still stands out: “She told us that nursing should come from the heart, not for just the money. If it’s not about the patient, you won’t be happy. That advice hit home for me—because now that I’m working in the field, I see how true it is.” Ms. Lakeysha also encouraged Merelyn to enroll in a second nursing program to earn the certifications needed for the next step in her career.

During 'Hands-On Day,' students in the CTE Nursing program practice taking vitals with guidance from supportive teachers, blending real-world skills with expert mentorship.

When Merelyn enrolled in the subsequent nursing program, she had to repeat certain courses to meet licensing requirements. However, thanks to the foundation she gained through the CTE program, she was already familiar with much of the material and felt well-prepared.

“The CTE program definitely helped me. For the nursing program that I did after for my official license and everything, because I kind of already knew everything”, she admits.

Skyrocket’s CTE program also takes their students’ success seriously and provides a graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievements and accomplishments within the program. Balancing schoolwork and hands-on training, and not always making it to every in-person session, taught Merelyn resilience. 

“I’m really proud of graduating,” she says. “Even though it was a virtual ceremony, seeing everyone’s photos and hearing our names—it felt like such an accomplishment.”

By recognizing students’ milestones, the CTE program not only honors their progress but reinforces the confidence and resilience that carry them forward in their careers.

For Merelyn, the CTE program served as a critical foundation, preparing her for a meaningful and purposeful career in healthcare.

“I would tell anyone thinking about joining a CTE program to definitely do it. It helps you figure out what you really want. You get to test the waters and see if it’s the right path for you.” She adds.

Reflecting on her journey, Merelyn feels grateful for the opportunities and support she received. 

“Overall, it was such a good experience. It’s not always easy to get this kind of hands-on experience, especially in a competitive field like nursing. I’m so glad I took that first step.”

Thanks to the Skyrocket CTE program, Merelyn gained both the confidence and practical experience she needed—such as hands-on exposure to nursing tools—to successfully apply for advanced training programs and real-world jobs. While the journey wasn’t always easy, the support and practical training helped her push through challenges and solidify her passion for nursing.

Merelyn’s story is just one example of how Skyrocket’s CTE pathways open doors for students to explore careers, gain real-world experience, and prepare for the future with purpose.

If you or someone you know is interested in building a career through hands-on learning and expert guidance, learn more about the CTE program offerings by Skyrocket here.