There are enough hurdles for students this age, but for this lowincome group there seems to be some more hurdles we are hoping to help them take out of the way. Jeff Rector, business partner manager for Step
Makalah Smith said she’s learning more over the summer than she would from years of sitting in a classroom.
On Thursday alone, Smith, a junior at East Hamilton Middle High School, learned how to use a dual stethoscope and worked with cardio rehab patients. This summer she’s also been able to observe surgeries and work in nursing administration at CHI Memorial Hospital.
Smith said she’s known for a while that she wants to be a doctor or nurse, and working in the hospital this summer is helping prepare her for that future.
“I’m seeing the whole medical experience from a different side,” she said. “From the inside.”