For many high school students, graduation marks the beginning of planning for the future. For Alaina Lindert, that future has already begun.
The Lomira High School student will begin her senior year this fall while earning college credits through Moraine Park Technical College and working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Hope Health & Rehab Center in Lomira. She plans to graduate high school early, allowing her to begin Moraine Park’s Nursing program ahead of schedule.
“What inspired me to get my CNA was that I knew I wanted to go into nursing, and it would be a great start into patient care,” Lindert said. “I also love helping people.”
Working as a CNA has given Lindert firsthand experience caring for residents while reinforcing that nursing is the career she wants to pursue.
“Something that helps me know that I’m in the right career path is being able to have the opportunity to be by people’s sides as they’re passing,” she said. “As sad as it might seem, it’s incredible to be with them, knowing the life they lived and getting the opportunity to support them during their last moments.”
Balancing high school, college coursework and several work shifts each week takes commitment, but Lindert said the opportunity to graduate early makes it worthwhile.
“When I graduate high school, I will have all my gen eds done for nursing school and be able to start the nursing program as what would be the second semester of my senior year,” she said. “Graduating early has saved me both time and money.”
She encourages other students to consider earning college credit while still in high school.
“If I can complete college courses during my high school career, I am confident that I will have a strong future,” Lindert said. “If you are considering graduating early or taking college credits while in high school, I would strongly suggest it because it gets you a great start to your future.”
Looking ahead, Lindert is excited to continue her education at Moraine Park and build a career in emergency medicine.
“I am excited to start the nursing program next year because they are building a new space for nursing, and I am excited to learn new things and advance in health care,” she said. “When I finish my nursing degree, I want to work in emergency medicine, and eventually I would like to get my nurse practitioner certification and work in a hospital.”
Learn more about Moraine Park’s dual enrollment opportunities.