Teen logs 150 hours as medical assistant with goal of becoming cardiologist
ST. LOUIS – An ambitious south St. Louis teen is proving that dreams and determination can take you far.
Ashanti Nurse, a high school junior at Kairos Academy, is making impressive strides toward her goal of becoming a cardiologist and getting national recognition for her efforts.
Over the summer, Ashanti balanced two full-time jobs and logged over 150 clinical hours as a medical assistant at St. Luke's Hospital's cardiology department.
"I really did feel a part of the team, and every day it was something new," she said. "Whether I was asking them for medications, I was helping perform an EKG and really being informed as the doctor did an EKG. I got to learn about the EKG. All of the patients were really receptive of my learning."
Inspired by anatomy books her mother gave her as a child, Ashanti set her sights on attending Stanford or Johns Hopkins for medical school. With the support of her family, mentor, and school, she's seeking full-ride scholarships to her top choices.
"At the age of three, she came to me, and she said, 'Mom, I want to fix children's hearts,'" Alexis Nurse, Ashanti's mother, said. "And I said, 'Oh my God, that would fit perfectly for you,' because she's already so nurturing. If anyone's sick, she's the first one to see what she can do to make them feel better."
Her dedication has now earned her a place in the prestigious Rising Leaders Initiative, recognizing her as one of 10 students nationwide advocating for change in education.
Ashanti's academic track record shines. She's been on the honor roll since kindergarten, earning numerous awards and accolades, including a recent certificate of participation from the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, presented by State Senator Angela Mosley.
