With a clear vision for her future, Kaitlynn Grinder (10) is already building a path toward a career in health care. Her drive doesn’t come from just a classroom or a textbook. It comes from personal experiences and the people who supported her during tough times.
“There were a lot of nurses who went through similar challenges like what I went through,” Grinder said. “They were the ones I felt most comfortable with. Like, they really got it, and I really connected with them.”
Those connections inspired more than comfort. They sparked a goal. Grinder wants to be the kind of nurse who truly understands what others are going through.
“Then there were others who tried to support me emotionally, but they couldn’t empathize,” Grinder said. “They meant well, but they couldn’t give the same kind of support, because they didn’t understand what I went through. I want to be the kind of person who can understand.”
Grinder is currently part of the health care pathway at school, where she’s exploring the field and figuring out what works best for her. She’s taken Biomedical classes and is using those experiences to shape her future plans.
“I’ve been experimenting with things, and I think the biomed classes are exactly for me. This health care path has inspired me to keep working hard. It showed me that this is something I definitely want to do with my life.”
Even when things feel overwhelming, Grinder keeps her focus on the long-term goal. She knows that the effort she’s putting in now will make a difference later.
“It’s hard right now, but in a year or two, when I’m applying to colleges, it’ll be easier because I’m putting in the work now,” she said. “I won’t have to struggle as much later.”
For Grinder, it’s about more than grades or a resume. It’s about becoming the kind of person others can count on when they’re going through something tough.
“I’m working toward becoming the kind of person someone else might need one day. Someone who’s been through it and came out stronger.” Grinder said.
Whether in class, through personal growth, or by learning from those who helped her, Kaitlynn Grinder is preparing herself for a future where she can make a real difference.
