DURHAM

Principal Joshua Brown believes that success doesn’t come from talent alone—it comes from showing up, staying committed, and believing in your ability to grow. This is his assessment of Senior Jessica Serrano Rivas, a standout student at the Durham Early College of Health Sciences. 

The National Honor Society student is a self-proclaimed introvert who has attended three high schools toward her goal of earning her Associate’s degree– an experience she considers both a challenge and an opportunity.

“Constantly starting over and meeting new people was not easy, but it helped me grow stronger and more confident. Graduating with both my Associate in Arts degree and my high school diploma is a huge accomplishment for me because not everyone is given that opportunity,” said Jessica, who has earned a 4.26 GPA. 

She credits her older sister, Yajaira Serrano Rivas, with setting the bar for her.

“She has always set an amazing example for me. Being the first daughter is never easy. You have to figure out everything on your own, and most of the time you do not have anyone to guide you. Coming from an immigrant family, there were also language barriers, so my parents were not always able to help her with homework or school-related things. Even with those challenges, she graduated high school with her Associate in Science degree and accomplished so many great things. Watching her push through every obstacle has motivated me to keep going, no matter how hard things get,” said Jessica of her sister. 

Jessica plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and major in Social Work with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. She then plans to work toward a Master’s in Social Work, saying that she’s always been interested in that career field, gaining her experience, she says, right at home by helping her sisters with whatever they needed.

“Choosing my career path was never difficult for me. Ever since middle school, I have always said that I wanted to become a social worker. I love the idea of working with kids and families, helping them find solutions, and supporting them in building better lives. Growing up, I was always the one helping my sisters whenever they needed something. I was their emotional support whenever they felt sad or overwhelmed. Knowing that people felt comfortable coming to me for support made me realize that helping others is something I truly enjoy.”

Going to college pays homage to her big sister as well. Yajeira was not able to attend the college of her dreams, so Jessica wants to make her proud.

“When I graduate from college, it will not just be my accomplishment—it will be ours. I will be finishing what she started and making both of us proud. My sister has always been there for me. Whenever I needed help with homework, applications, or anything else, she was the first person I could count on. She has always been my number one supporter. Every time I accomplish something, she is the first to tell me how proud she is of me. She constantly reminds me that I am capable of doing great things, and that kind of support means everything to me,” she said.

Her aim is to pay it forward, as she’s been taught to take nothing for granted. “Not everyone has the same opportunities, so I feel grateful for mine and want to take full advantage of them to make my family proud,” said Jessica.

She also enjoys volunteering, and does so at her church frequently. She served as a youth program coordinator and also visits nursing homes to bring cheer to older residents.

“As I get older, I want to continue being there for people, especially for those who feel like they have no one else to support them. One of my biggest motivations is knowing that my accomplishments are not just for me. I am doing this for my family and for loved ones who were not given the same opportunities to continue their education,” said Jessica. “Being able to graduate with both degrees is truly an honor, and I am proud of how far I have come.”

Mikayla Nguyen’s trajectory is just as she has planned, and she believes that staying on track is one of her biggest accomplishments. The City of Medicine Academy (CMA) Senior will graduate from Durham Technical Community College with an Associate’s degree in the Spring. 

She doesn’t plan to let any grass grow under her feet after earning that degree: she’ll matriculate to UNC Greensboro into the School of Nursing, where she has been accepted as a direct nursing admission.

Mikayla is driven by her family’s inspiration– her grandmother, whom she says is the primary reason she enrolled at CMA– and her parents, who migrated from Vietnam nearly 40 years ago to make a better life.

During the pandemic, Mikayla was her grandmother's caretaker. She realized how fulfilling it was to take care of others so she chose to pursue healthcare. 

Now, her career goal is to become a registered nurse or nurse practitioner and specialize in pediatrics or labor and delivery.

“What motivates me is to be able to make my parents' sacrifices worth it,” said Mikayla. 

She’s now a certified CNA, and also enjoys hobbies outside of school, like doing nails.