Media, Student Life, Student Stories, Underserved Populations
Shania: Succeeding through Perseverance and Support
May
One year made an enormous difference in Shania Stevens’ life.
Not that long ago, Shania enrolled in MaKami’s Health Care Aide program, nervous but eager to pursue her dreams.
“I knew I wanted to become a nurse but didn’t know in what form, so I figured this was the first step to going into that profession,” she says.
Although Shania was certain she wanted to work in healthcare, she had her share of struggles while completing the program.
“During college, the social anxiety I developed during Covid resurfaced, and that was hard on me.”
But Shania persevered despite this hurdle, making an effort to build close bonds with people in her class. “They really helped provide support and we were also able to go out, relax and have some fun.”
Shania also successfully navigated a learning disability that lowered her self-confidence from a young age.
“I was told in high school that I could never become a nurse because of my disability,” Shania admits. “But I was able to push myself, and I had a lot of support from the MaKami community. They really encouraged me to keep going when I wanted to give up.”
Family support has also been critical to Shania’s success in the program.
“We’re such a close-knit family and they’re here for me in any way possible, which I really appreciated when I was in school.”
In fact, Shania’s older cousin enrolled in the program with her, and they graduated together in 2026. “It’s amazing for us and it’s a big accomplishment.”
Shania says her mom is especially proud of her. “She was with me in elementary and high school when I was told I couldn’t achieve anything. I’m very proud of myself.”
Grateful for her experience at MaKami, Shania is looking forward to her future career in healthcare.
For anyone thinking of enrolling at MaKami, Shania says not to be scared. “Just take the risk and go for it because you never know what’s going to happen. You may have times where you feel like you’re going to fail but keeping going for a better future in the long run.”
