NAF Alumna Uncovers Her Potential in the Field of Health Sciences

My name is Kalyn McMillan, and I am proud to say that my life changed because I was a part of the NAF Academy of Health Sciences.

My educational journey did not have a smooth beginning. Starting in kindergarten, I experienced the harsh words and ridicule that come with a prejudiced world. While some people remember naptime, field trips and cool class projects, I just remember being sad.

Things didn’t get better in middle school. I was so disheartened from years of negativity that I started to lose faith in myself.

My self-esteem didn’t recover until I joined the NAF Academy of Health Sciences at P.D. Jackson-Olin High School. For a while I knew I wanted to work in the medical field – maybe a nurse, doctor, or therapist. I was a little nervous about the rigorous course work, but for the first time, I was optimistic – although that may be because my mom was the health science teacher – thanks, mom! The academy was my opportunity to conquer the fears that traveled with me since I was a young girl and shake away the hate that constrained me to the point of fearing I couldn’t succeed.

Not only did NAF provide me with a strong background in health sciences, but it also prepared me to be a competitive college applicant and a well-rounded student with a variety of extracurricular activities under her belt. With the support of my academy, I stepped outside my comfort zone and won an election to be statewide President of HOSA Future Health Professionals. As President of HOSA, I represented and spoke to more than 5,000 health professionals. Having honed my leadership skills, I traveled to Ghana to discuss educational gaps between cities with the US Ambassador, volunteer at the Rafaiki Village Orphanage, and attend school.

Now I am a college student at the University of Southern Alabama with the goal of becoming a neonatal surgeon. This summer, I am in a Medical and Dental Program at Duke University, where I am immersed in the medical field, even doing clinical rounds like a doctor would.

I also started my own small décor business, KaiDeco, and I use the proceeds to fund a scholarship for a young woman interested in pursuing a career in STEM or health sciences. There are numerous girls in the Birmingham City School district who are also using NAF as a pathway towards success. Because someone recognized my determination and motivation, I wanted to recognize other young girls who are exhibit that same promise.

I am deeply grateful for everyone involved with NAF – you have impacted my life physically, spiritually, and academically. I am beyond grateful to be a graduate from a NAF academy. Without my instructors and mentors, I do not believe I would have surmounted the many hurdles I was faced with growing up in a low-socioeconomic area. My academy helped me realize my potential and discover who I really am. NAF helped re-kindle my fire to become a doctor, and now I won’t let anyone extinguish it!

Read more about Kalyn’s honor on the Birmingham City Schools site.