Megan Deel
Age: 25
Hometown: Hopewell, VA
Region: Philadelphia
Center: Blue Ridge
Dates enrolled: 8/14/2012-4/3/2014
Training: Certified Nursing Assistant

Megan Deel graduated high school early at only 17 years old. She says that she first heard of Job Corps from her guidance counselor, who urged her to apply. Megan had always had dreams of becoming a nurse, so the health care training at Blue Ridge really stood out to her as she made her way through the application process. Once she arrived, Megan hit the ground running, and her classmates and instructors alike could see how motivated she was to complete her training. In only a year’s time, she had completed Certified Nursing Assistant and passed her state boards, and she was already looking toward the next steps, by enrolling in the Advanced Career Training program at Virginia Highlands Community College, where she was able to get some key classes under her belt.
Megan was very involved in center life, both on campus and in the community. She served as a member of the Student Government Association, which allowed her opportunities to participate in a variety of events.
Megan is currently working as a dialysis technician at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, where she makes $22 an hour. She has decided not to stop there, as she is currently enrolled as she will begin courses at UVA in the fall become a registered nurse. She also spoke briefly about what it has been like as a health care professional during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that it can be scary at times with all of the unknown, as she knows she may be risking her own health, but she is proud to still be able to be there for her patients during this time.
“Blue Ridge really helped me to grow up,” Megan stated. “I came in at a very young age, and I had so much to learn.” She went on to say that, while it wasn’t always easy, if she had the choice she would make the same decision to come to Blue Ridge Job Corps over and over again. “Remember not to lose sight of what brought you there, work hard, and keep the faith. I have achieved so much since I stepped foot on the Blue Ridge campus at age 17, and the truth is that I would not be where I am today without that program.”