Bound for UofL: New grad manages illness, guardianship
For student Nakeira Steele, earning her Associate in Arts is about more than just the degree. It檚 about moving to that next step to become a medical social worker caring for epidemiology patients.
淚 feel like it檚 my calling and where I need to be, she said.
Steele has sickle cell disease and believes that her experience on that medical journey will provide a unique perspective in her future career. She will continue her education at the University of Louisville. She chose UofL because of its proximity to her doctors. As a sickle cell patient, Steele must travel to Louisville every four weeks to undergo apheresis blood exchanges.
淚t檚 like a transfusion but more intense, she said. 淪ickle cell is a lifelong condition that I檝e had to manage since I was a kid.
As a mostly online student, Steele was able to have flexibility not only for her medical treatments, but also to parent her 3-year-old niece, whom she has cared for since she was a newborn. That and working in the college檚 nursing program office has meant that staying on track has been difficult at times, but overcoming those obstacles has created a sense of pride.
淚檓 proud that I showed up, Steel said. 淚檓 proud that I completed school while being a full-time mom and that I put my best foot forward.
has become a place Steele could count on. Assistance from her professors, along with the college檚 support services like the Student Success Hub, tutoring and Family Scholar House, ensured she could achieve her goals.
淚 loved being an student, and I don檛 really want to leave, Steele said. 淭he classes are so good, the professors are easy to talk to, and there are so many resources to help.
The Foundation檚 new Going Pro Fund helped Steele with transportation the lack of which could have derailed her progress. The fund covered the cost of driving school and obtaining a license. Plus, she was gifted a car that was donated to the college.
淚檓 so appreciative of what檚 been given to me, she said. 淭he support system I檝e had, both with and my family, has helped me navigate through college and made sure I was able to succeed.
