Sunlake’s CNA program gives the student Seahawks that have a passion for the medical field a place to go and learn more about their interests. They get the chance to go to real medical locations and see what they are like first-hand from actual medical professionals. Senior Zoe Van Putten, a member of the CNA, described how, “…all the staff we meet at the clinicals are very accommodating and eager to teach, and we are just as eager to help.” Zoe went on to explain how the program is like a supportive community with all of its members uplifting one another. She continued that “…everyone is very supportive and we have fun Thanksgiving and Christmas parties and help each other with college decisions and applications. The white boards are full of notes announcing people’s successes and college acceptances.” Everyone apart of the club had different reasons for joining; some wanting to be surgeons, nurses, or have their own private practices, while others just joined with the goal of seeing if they were truly interested in the medical field. Zoe stated how she, “…knew I was interested in the medical field and I wanted more exposure to the healthcare environment. I figured if I enjoyed doing such close one on one patient care, then going through all the training and medical school would be worth it,” which led to her decision to join the CNA. Zoe has thoroughly enjoyed the program, giving her first-hand medical experiences, an inviting club community, and the ability to learn more about what she wants to do with her future. The CNA program is a place for those both sure and unsure of their medical field desires; a place for people to set up their goals for the future and give people an idea of what is to come if they continue down a medical job route.
