Shaledra Turner says it was her “best friend” who motivated her to work hard, focus, study and strive for success in life.That “best friend” was Turner’s grandmother Doris Wade. And even though she died in December 2014, her words of wisdom and support inspired Turner to further her education, scholarships, training and a career in the medical field.
“She (Wade) was a strong force in my life, and me and my mom stayed with her most of my life. Between her and my mom, they are the reason I am what I am today,” she says.
Turner, 26, is currently enrolled in Polk State College Lakeland’s Respiratory Care program. She started the program in August 2020 and hopes to complete her courses and graduate by spring 2022.
The Lakeland native has a lifelong history of asthma, so as a child she would often end up in the hospital emergency room. Those experiences allowed her to see and experience firsthand what respiratory therapists do to help those who are struggling.
“As a kid, you know someone is there to help you, and you learn the difference between the different medical fields. That made me want to help kids the way the therapists helped me when I was younger,” says Turner.
“When my grandmom died, I hit rock-bottom. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and I was always angry and upset,” says Turner.
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Denne historien er fra September 2021-utgaven av Central Florida Health News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Skin Cancer Screening a Necessity For Floridians
HEALTHY SKIN - It should come as no big surprise that simply living in Florida puts you at an increased risk for skin cancer. The reason for this is simple: The biggest cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV light) from the sun.
Youths and Suicide: Spot the Warning Signs
Many health experts have noted that the pandemic has wreaked havoc on mental health as of late. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to focus on how to help those who are suffering.
The Age of Entitlement
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Robotics Help Refine Hip, Knee Replacement
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Packing a Nutritious School Lunch May Call for Some Stealth
We want our families to have a healthy diet, especially the youngsters going back to school. We give them a good breakfast and plan a nutritious dinner, but what about lunch? We can pack a healthy lunch for our children, but will they eat it?
Protect Yourself, Your Family From The Flu
Polk County schools are back in session which means your child is likely encountering many viruses every day. To protect their health and that of your family, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County encourages people 6 months of age and older to seek a flu shot on a yearly basis. The flu shot is the best way to protect families and communities against the spread of influenza.
NEW DOCTORS IN A NEW ERA
Pandemic Offers Unique Education for Medical Residents Starting Their Careers
DETERMINATION & DREAMS
Polk State Respiratory Care Student Works Hard To Reach Her Goals
Happiness Happens… In the Sun!
HEALTHY AGING
DEEP DIVE INTO THE DELTA VARIANT
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