Virginia Peninsula, as a community college, helps prepare students for academic success prior to transferring over to a four-year college.
Raven Washington's passion for the medical field stems from her childhood. When nurses provided in-home care for her grandmother, Washington helped. "I always knew that I wanted to be in the medical field. Whether it was being a nurse or being in an office setting, I already had an idea of what I wanted to do," Washington said.
After high school, Washington turned to Virginia Peninsula Community College to take the first steps toward her dream career. She completed a pre-nursing career studies certificate in 2016 and is now pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Support Technology with specialization in Medical Office Administration. Poised to graduate in 2018, she plans to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Health Services Administration at Old Dominion University. "Virginia Peninsula, as a community college, helps prepare students for academic success prior to transferring over to a four-year college … It also creates a great learning environment for students who prefer smaller [class sizes] and face-to-face interaction with their professors," Washington said.
A 2017 National Engaged Leadership Award recipient, Washington serves as a Virginia Peninsula student advisor and president of The National Society of Leadership and Success. The aspiring healthcare administrator also volunteers with Riverside Diabetes Services, has participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life and plans to establish a nonprofit organization to boost the self-esteem of people who have surgical scars. "I am proud of all of my accomplishments, but the one that I am most proud [of] is the growth that I have [experienced] over the past year to be able to accomplish all of the goals that I [have] set for myself," Washington said.