Kaneesha Jackson
Age: 25
Hometown: Manassas, VA
Region: Philadelphia
Center: Blue Ridge
Dates enrolled: 10/25/2016 – 7/19/2018
Training: Clinical Medical Assistant. Advanced Career Training

Kaneesha Jackson comes from a loving family, led by one of the strongest people she’s ever known, her mother. Unfortunately, her mother became sick when Kaneesha was in high school, so she had to take over a lot of responsibilities within her family. Kaneesha worked at a restaurant, City Grille, and was the primary and took caretaker for her mother until she passed away in 2014. “While taking care of my mother, I always knew that I wanted to be a nurse who could take care of individuals when they are in need,” Kaneesha said.
Kaneesha had planned to go to college after high school, but once her mother passed away, Kaneesha and her family decided that Job Corps would be a better fit and something her mother would have been proud of. Furthermore, Kaneesha welcomed the chance to get away from home and start a new chapter. She knew that she wanted to pursue health care, and at that point in her life, Job Corps came as a welcome opportunity.
While at Blue Ridge, she achieved a First Aid and CPR certificate along with a Phlebotomy certification as a part of the Clinical Medical Assistant trade. She also began a job at Valley Health Care in Chilhowie, VA through the work-based learning program. “I loved the environment and the individuals that I worked with,” Kaneesha explained,” and I became attached to many of the patients that were in the facility.” She knew then that was the type of environment where she wanted to work. To gain some further knowledge and college credits, she enrolled at Virginia Highlands via the Advanced Career Training Program.
Since returning home, Kaneesha has begun working caregiving company in Ashland, VA called Helping Seniors of Virginia. She does hands-on care as a CNA at this facility. Kaneesha stated, “I have been working with the elderly and doing what I love to do, and I am also making plans to get back into college and further pursue my future career.”
In the future, Kaneesha would love to continue caring for individuals, while still progressing in her career. She is looking into options to become either a registered nurse or an occupational therapist.
Kaneesha was very pleased offer advice for current and future Job Corps students. “I would tell them not to give up on their dreams or goals no matter what comes your way. This is a great program and a great opportunity to help you succeed. I would have not made it as far as I have without the program and the amazing people that I have met along the way who helped motivate me,” said Kaneesha.