Harli Barker took full advantage of the opportunities Tacoma Public Schools has to offer. Stadium High School has a lot to offer, she said, if you follow your interests and are willing to try things. Barker’s interests led her to the Healthcare Careers Academy (HCA), a collaboration of TPS, industry, higher education, and nonprofits that prepares high school students for a wide range of careers in healthcare.
Here is what Barker shared about her experience at Stadium and her passion for healthcare:
What are your plans for next year?
I’m going to Washington State University in the fall to study nursing. Go Cougs! This summer, I’m going to get my home care aide certification to get some experience in preparation for that. Next year I’m looking forward to meeting new people, having fun, and growing as a person.
How has your school experience helped prepare you for that pathway?
HCA helped prepare me in a lot of ways. With HCA, my classes during freshman and sophomore year talked a lot about health issues. On top of that, we had health class, which laid the foundation for my interest.
In my junior year, I joined HOSA Club (Healthcare Occupations Students of America). I became our club secretary and now president. We went to state conferences both years where I got to talk to others with similar interests. School introduced me to M.A.S.H. camp (a MultiCare program), where I got to shadow two nurses and a speech therapist. Seeing what it is really like continued to grow my interest.
What's a challenge you've overcome?
Throughout high school, I’ve faced a lot of challenges, like many other students. One in particular is that my family life got overwhelming. Working through it and understanding that others go through similar things gave me a new perspective and taught me to treat others with grace.
What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of?
During my sophomore year, I got to volunteer at MultiCare at one of their local clinics. I got an inside view of direct patient care that made me appreciate that field. It sparked my interest in healthcare, and I found it really fulfilling. I’m proud of myself for putting myself in that position. It could be scary, but once I did it, it made me more driven to be more educated and passionate in that area.
Describe yourself in three words.
Passionate. Ambitious. Authentic.
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