Called to Care

When Jonathan Reed enrolled in the Nursing program at North Central State College, he came with a clear purpose: he wanted to become a nurse. What he didn’t expect was how supported, prepared, and connected he would feel along the way.

“My experience has been great with North Central,” Jonathan says. “The instructors are dedicated to helping you succeed with your goals, and the program itself is outstanding.”

From day one, Jonathan noticed how invested the faculty were in each student’s success. Senior instructors, he explains, have been “nothing but helpful,” consistently offering guidance and encouragement as students work their way toward the clinical setting.

Just as important as the instruction, though, is the classroom environment. Jonathan describes a team-centered atmosphere where students rely on each other, lean on each other, and push each other to grow.

“We all like to help each other,” he says. “We’re all here to work together and, at the end of the day, all become nurses. That’s the goal.”

As he approaches the completion of the program, Jonathan feels confident about stepping into the nursing workforce. “I feel quite prepared,” he explains. “I still have some learning to do—but we all do.”

“I’d recommend it because the teachers genuinely want you to learn. They have a real passion for what they do. And the classroom environment? We all just want everyone to succeed.”

Jonathan’s path to North Central was driven not only by his career goals but also by the needs of someone very close to his heart, his grandmother. She lives just 30 minutes from campus, and for the past two years, Jonathan has stayed with her several days each week, helping care for both her and her 23-acre property.

“Learning medicine means I can help her,” he says, “as well as other family members.”

Balancing school, caregiving, and life is no easy feat, but Jonathan approaches all of it with the same commitment that drives him to nursing a desire to serve, support, and make a difference.

Jonathan Reed is well on his way to becoming the nurse he set out to be, and North Central State College is proud to be a part of that journey.

For Shaya Montgomery, choosing the Nursing program at North Central State College felt like the natural next step in a healthcare journey.

“It’s been really positive,” Shaya says of her experience in the program. “I’ve met a lot of people, and we all have so much in common. There’s always something we can talk about.”

That sense of connection extends well beyond casual conversation. Shaya describes the NC State nursing instructors as consistently positive, deeply supportive, and always available, whether students need guidance, advice, or reassurance.

“I live in Ashland, so it’s only about a 20–25-minute drive,” she explains. “And I work over here, so it just made sense.

With years of experience as a nursing aide, pharmacy technician, and now phlebotomist, Shaya entered the program determined to bring real-world skills into her studies. “I tried to build up experience before applying,” she says. “Just so I had some things in my back pocket.”

Inside the classroom and during clinicals, Shaya found a strong bond forming with her classmates. Working together through simulations and real clinical experiences has created a team dynamic she values deeply.

“When you picture yourself in a serious situation, everyone knows what they’re there to do,” she explains. “Everyone’s there to help each other. Just teamwork.”

Some of her favorite memories from the program come from moments outside the classroom, like when her clinical group would grab food together after their shifts, often with their instructor joining in. “That was a bonding experience for all of us,” Shaya recalls. She also cherishes study sessions with her “one study friend,” where they grab coffee, hit the books, and build a friendship that extends beyond school.

When asked why she would recommend the NC State Nursing program to someone considering it, Shaya doesn’t hesitate.

“I would say that you can’t ask a dumb question,” she says. “Our instructors are so helpful. Even outside of class time, they’ll help you. They make sure you’re confident before they let you go out. You get all the help that you need.”

From hands-on experiences to a close-knit community of students and instructors, Shaya is building not just a career in nursing but a foundation of confidence, teamwork, and lifelong relationships.

When Brynnae entered the Nursing program at North Central State College, she quickly realized she was stepping into one of the most demanding journeys of her life. “The first year was definitely quite difficult,” she admits. “But as we continued through the program, I found myself learning more thanks to the instructors and the structure of the program itself.”

Now a senior nursing student, Brynnae has gained confidence, clarity, and a deeper understanding of what it truly takes to thrive in the field. The transition from freshman to senior year has been a transformation in every sense. “First year was a struggle for me, adapting to a new program,” she explains. “But now that I’m in senior level, I feel like our instructors have given us so many more materials and opportunities to learn and grow.”

With every semester, Brynnae has discovered just how much knowledge she’s retained—and how much she’s capable of applying. “It’s overwhelming,” she says. “But being a senior, it’s easier to take in more information because you already have that foundational level from freshman year.”

Among the entire experience, one part stands out as her favorite: labs with instructor Anna Plank. “I love her so much,” Brynnae says with a smile. “She works with students personally.”

Brynnae faced health challenges during the program, and Plank became a vital source of support. “She hasn’t given me leniency, but she has given me the help I needed to continue succeeding. The instructors here are understanding. They work with students who are dealing with difficulties, kids, or other responsibilities that make the program harder.”

“I want to work in the NICU, and we haven’t covered that topic yet.”

Her passion for neonatal care comes from a deeply personal place. “My brother was in the NICU when he was little with a collapsed lung,” she explains. Watching her brother fight through those early challenges—now a healthy 19-year-old who still excels in sports—left a lasting impact on her. “Infants have always drawn me in,” she says. “My brother is definitely my inspiration.”

When asked whether she would recommend the NC State Nursing program, her response is immediate and heartfelt:

“Absolutely. Nursing is such a challenging program. I believe nurses are born—not just made. It takes more than hard work and dedication. There’s a huge emotional factor. But if you’re looking for a close-bonded family to grow with over the next two years, nursing is the way to go.”

Brynnae embodies what it means to grow academically, personally, and professionally at North Central State College.