I recently had the opportunity to interview Jarrell Hadley, a fellow schoolmate who is interested in being a pharmacy technician. Our conversation provided a fascinating glimpse into the future of healthcare, as seen through the eyes of a driven young man. Jarrell hopes to work in a hospital after graduation.
He spoke passionately about his coursework, emphasizing the importance of understanding not only the medications themselves but also the intricate details surrounding their administration. Before switching to a program called Project Search, Jarell was at Newtech Skills Center. He described how he learned about drug interactions, side effects, and the vital role of accurate patient information while there. Inspired by his mother’s work in the nursing field, this undoubtedly played a significant role in inspiring his interest in healthcare.
One notable aspect of Jarelle’s learning journey through these programs is the emphasis on real-world application – a clear contrast to traditional high school. He particularly valued the focus on developing essential professional skills such as communication, teamwork, and workplace etiquette, lessons he believes will definitely serve him in the future.
Midway through his senior year, Jarelle transitioned into Project SEARCH, a better fit for him. Like Newtech, this program aims to support students pursuing careers through hands-on experience and on-site training. He shares more about this opportunity in the interview below.
Q: Tell us about Project SEARCH.
A: Project SEARCH is a great way to start your career, especially if you’re interested in working in a hospital setting. They reach out to students during their senior year and guide you through the process. You get to explore different roles in the hospital, go through interviews, and figure out what path you want to take. Once you graduate, you go through about two weeks of paid training. If everything goes well and they like how you perform, you can get hired on the spot.
Q: How did you find out about Project SEARCH?
A: One of my teachers at Shadle told me about it and encouraged me to apply. The Project SEARCH team came to our class during advisory and talked about all the opportunities available. Since I was already interested in being a pharmacy technician, they explained how I could continue that path through the hospital or even transition into other roles like nursing later–all while getting paid.
Q: Do you see Project SEARCH as a good opportunity after high school?
A: Definitely. It really helps students who want to work in health care get a head start. Project SEARCH puts you into hands-on training right after graduation. If they like how you work, you can get hired quickly.
Q: Do you think Project SEARCH is a good fit for you?
A: Yeah, it is. It lines up with my goals and gives me the support I need to move forward.
Jarrell exudes a quiet confidence as he envisions his future in health care. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that education should not merely impart knowledge but also equip students with the skills and mindset necessary to succeed in the real world.