Ashley McDonald is a senior at Shawnee High School. She also attends Gordon Cooper Technology Center, where she is in the Health Careers Program.
“I chose Gordon Cooper’s CNA program because I knew that I wanted to go into the health field but I wasn’t sure what part,” she said. “Gordon Cooper helped me find my future career path through a research project. I first heard about GCTC through my counselors and then my school toured it during my sophomore year.”
As she finishes up her time at Gordon Cooper, McDonald knows that it has been a valuable resource for her and it will play a big role in her successful future.
“GCTC has given me the opportunity to learn the foundational skills that I will need in my nursing career,” she stated. “I will be able to use the skills that I have learned while working with my CNA in my career path as a RN. If you are thinking of going into the medical field, do the program. The program teaches skills you will need and helps you get a jumpstart in your career. If you end up not thinking it is the right path for you, it is better to learn it now than when you are halfway into college.”
“ ”After graduation, Ashley i s going to the University of Wyoming to major in Nursing.
“After earning my BSN and testing for my RN, I plan on working in Med-surg so I will know my medications and what to do in case of an emergency,” said. “After working in Med-surg for a year, I plan on transferring to Labor and Delivery. While working in Labor and Delivery, I plan on going for my MSN to work as a Nurse Midwife.”
At Shawnee, McDonald is a member of the swim team. She says that throughout her career, there is one moment that stands out to her.
“My most enjoyable moment from swimming would be pushing my coaches in when we won state,” she recalled.
Ashley is also involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, and Shawnee Advanced and Gifted Education.
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