Certified Nursing Assistant Licensure Class of 2028

 This summer, I completed a Certified Nursing Assistant course and earned my licensure. I aspire to become a midwife because I am fascinated by the creation of life and committed to protecting and comforting women and infants during their most vulnerable moments, especially bringing a child into the world and taking that first breath. As a Black woman, I am especially focused on serving minority mothers and babies, who face disproportionately high rates of severe maternal morbidity and mortality compared with white women. 

Because Spelman does not offer a nursing major, I sought a direct path into patient care. After returning from study abroad, I enrolled in a CNA program to begin working in the field from the ground up. It took a lot of work and many personal sacrifices, but I am more committed to learning as much as possible at the bedside for my future patients. Now licensed, I am actively seeking CNA roles and pursuing another maternal-related licensure where I can serve my community, develop clinical skills, and build the foundation for a future in midwifery. 

Janiah Collier