For Kelly, college has always been part of the plan. A senior at Westview High School, she has viewed higher education as both a personal goal and a responsibility—one shaped by her family’s encouragement and her own determination to create more opportunities for herself.
“I’ve always wanted to go to college,” says Kelly. “My family has always pushed me to succeed and get a higher education. It’s always been a dream of mine to step foot on a college campus.”
That dream began to take shape through early exposure to the healthcare field which helped Kelly move from simply knowing she wanted to go to college to understanding exactly what she wants to study.
Exploring Healthcare Before College
Through the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) High School Alliance, Kelly is already taking college-level courses taught by doctors and healthcare professionals. These experiences give Kelly firsthand insight into a wide range of medical careers before ever enrolling in college.
Last semester, Kelly studied infectious disease and medical imaging. This semester, she’s taking anatomy and pharmacy classes—coursework that has allowed her to explore different roles within healthcare and evaluate what best aligns with her strengths and interests.
“I originally thought I wanted to be a radiologist,” Kelly shares. “But being exposed to different areas of healthcare showed me how many options there really are. It helped me figure out where I fit.”
For Kelly, that exposure has been especially meaningful as a first-generation student. Without family members who have navigated college or healthcare careers, learning about her options early has given her confidence and clarity as she plans her next steps.
She now plans to attend Metropolitan Community College to complete her prerequisites before transferring to UNMC to pursue a degree in nursing. Her long-term goal is to become a labor and delivery nurse. “I’ve read a lot about how different birth experiences can be,” she says. “Birth is beautiful, but it can also be really hard. I want to be there to support mothers and make them feel comfortable during that process.”
Kelly’s passion for healthcare is rooted in her upbringing. Growing up, access to medical care wasn’t always easy for her family, and those experiences motivated her to pursue a career focused on compassion and understanding. “I want people to feel comfortable going to the hospital and getting care without judgment.”
Outside the classroom, Kelly has continued to build on skills and experiences that align with her goals. She serves as vice president of Health Occupations Students of America, holds her CNA license, and participates in leadership initiatives that support younger students at Westview. Each experience reinforces her interest in nursing while preparing her for what comes next.
Still, navigating the college process initially felt overwhelming. “I felt really lost,” says Kelly. “I didn’t know anything about the FAFSA, Pell Grants, or scholarships, and my mom didn’t have that experience either.”
Building Confidence with Support From College Possible
Kelly joined College Possible during her junior year, where she found the guidance she needed. Through monthly group sessions and one-on-one coaching, she received support with college applications, resumes, personal essays, interview preparation, and scholarships, as well as tools to compare colleges based on cost and fit. “Before College Possible, college felt really far away. Now it feels possible.”
As she eases into her final semester of high school, Kelly reflects on how early exposure, structured support, and trusted guidance have shaped her journey. “College Possible has helped me grow and feel more confident,” she says. “I knew this would be hard, but having someone guide me has made a huge difference.”
With a clear understanding of her options and a strong sense of purpose, Kelly will enter the next chapter of her journey prepared and ready to care for others and pursue the future she’s been working toward.
