Enrolling in health science helped give her a head start for the LPN program.  Ashley applied for the LPN program and then got accepted into the program. 

Ashley’s father is a diabetic and she was always interested in the medical field and ultimately wanted to help others.  Ashley found out about the medical Exploring program through a flyer distributed at Apollo and she jumped at the opportunity to learn first-hand. 

In the Exploring program, student participants get the opportunity to learn while doing hands-on lessons and activities, and in Ashley’s case, she received the experience to help her confirm her childhood dream that being a nurse was for her.

One of her favorite meetings was when they explored the ER.  They spent some time on cardiology and learning about the heart.  They also got to learn how a stent is placed within the heart. 

Meetings were held once a month at the hospital and hands on activities which included the phlebotomy laboratory, suturing, nursing, and physical therapy.  One of her favorite meetings was when they explored the ER.  They spent some time on cardiology and learning about the heart.  They also got to learn how a stent is placed within the heart. 

Once she graduated from school and she received her LPN license she then got hired by Lima Memorial Hospital in September 2020.  Ashley was so happy the program is available and thankful Lima Memorial sponsors it.  Being able to see patients smile and getting better is what keeps her smiling and making a difference to others.  Ashley advice to middle school and high school students is to “keep fulfilling your dream, and it will all be worth it.”