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Growing up, we all have dreams. Some envision themselves as teachers, astronauts, or even presidents. For Judith Yartel, a Junior at CCBC pursuing a career in nursing, the dream of becoming a nurse was always on the horizon. “Among the many career goals I had as a child, including teacher, astronaut, president, being a nurse was one of them,” Judith reflects, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
As Judith neared the end of high school, the time had come to make serious decisions about her future. Surrounded by individuals in the healthcare field, the idea of nursing began to take root in her mind. “There were a lot of people around me who were in the healthcare field and many encouraged me to go into nursing, so I decided to give it a try,” she explains. And so, Judith embarked on her journey into the world of nursing, choosing to attend CCBC primarily for its tuition-free program.
But Judith’s aspirations don’t end with nursing. She harbors a dream of becoming a Nurse Anesthetist, a path she sees as more accessible than the prolonged route to becoming an anesthesiologist. “In my senior year, I seriously considered becoming an anesthesiologist, but I knew going to school for several years after high school wasn’t something I wanted to do, so I decided to become a nurse anesthetist instead, which takes less time,” she shares.
Currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Judith has a clear roadmap for achieving her career goals in the field of anesthesia. “I plan on working in the ICU to get experience. Then, I will get my Doctoral degree, get certified and start working as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist,” she outlines confidently.
Raised in Ghana for nine formative years of her life, Judith’s upbringing has profoundly influenced her career path and aspirations. “Having been raised in Ghana, I grew up with a strong sense of community, service, and compassion for others,” she reflects. These values instilled in her a desire to make a positive impact in the world, particularly in underserved communities. “My upbringing has influenced me to pursue a career that allows me to bring about meaningful change and help others,” she explains.
With her heart still tied to her homeland, Judith envisions a future where she can return to Ghana and contribute to healthcare in a significant way. “I would like to retire there when I am a lot older. The atmosphere in Ghana is very different from here. There is a sense of community and peace there that I will appreciate when I am old and frail,” she shares. Her ultimate goal? To build a hospital or clinic that caters to the needs of the less privileged, offering essential services such as diagnostics, surgery, ophthalmology, and rehabilitation.
Balancing her nursing studies with other interests, Judith also delves into the world of stocks and crypto trading. She sees this as a means of investment to potentially fund her future projects, including the hospital or clinic she hopes to build. “For now, I am working to become more financially literate by reading books and doing research on different types of investments,” she says, demonstrating her proactive approach to financial planning.
Despite the demanding nature of nursing school, Judith has mastered the art of time management, allowing her to pursue her passions outside of academics. From braiding hair to liturgical dance, she finds joy in various activities that enrich her life. “When I plan things out, I have extra time for my other interests,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of balance in her life.
Looking ahead, Judith believes that access to mentorship and networking opportunities will be instrumental in helping her achieve her career aspirations and personal goals. With determination and a clear vision for the future, Judith Yartel is well on her way to turning her dreams into reality.
