Mentoring program shapes teen’s future

Amari Allen was 8 years old when she decided she wanted to go into nursing after watching an animated children’s television series about a girl who could heal broken toys and stuffed animals.

She just didn’t know where that dream would lead.

After participating in Baptist Health’s Tipping the Scale teen mentoring program, where she spent four years shadowing nurses and leaders throughout the health system, her goal has changed. Now, in addition to nursing, she sees her future as a hospital vice president or other health care administrator.

Through the program, she's not only learned various roles of nurses from pediatrics to adult care, but she’s participated in high-level leadership meetings and shadowed nursing administrators.

“Over the last four years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from and be mentored by so many incredible health care professionals,” said Amari, 18, who recently graduated from Andrew Jackson High School and is now a freshman at Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, where she’s studying nursing. “This program has had a tremendous impact on my life and has played a huge role in shaping the person I am today. I’ve been able to discover new interests, grow as a person, and gain a much clearer vision for where I want to go. Being able to see what goes on behind the scenes opened my eyes to how much leadership, teamwork and decision-making it takes to keep a hospital running. Seeing what all the leaders do and their journeys to get where they are also motivated me in how much they care for patients and their teams.”

She also personally saw the compassionate care provided by Baptist Health nurses and other team members when her uncle was hospitalized.

“I saw the care Baptist gave to him and I want to be able to do that when I have my own patients,” Amari said.

Lifelong mentor and friend

Amari has made lifelong friends, especially with mentor, Caryn Parkhurst MSN, NEA-BC, CCRN, director of Neurosciences & Oncology for Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville.

“She has taught me so many things. She made me feel like she cares and mentored me in a personal way,” Amari said. “Her encouragement and willingness to share her knowledge helped me grow in ways I never expected.”

Parkhurst started mentoring Amari toward the end of her junior year after previously mentoring another student. She plans to be there throughout college and in Amari's professional career.

“I hope to serve as a sounding board for her as she navigates college and begins preparing for nursing school in the coming years,” Parkhurst said. “I also plan to check in with her periodically so she knows I’m still here to support and encourage her. Keeping that connection is important to me because it reminds her that she’s not alone. A simple check-in, word of encouragement, or helping hand can give a student the confidence to keep going, especially when the road feels challenging.”

Help with college preparation

Parkhurst and others stepped up to relieve stress during Amari’s first year of college. They bought her supplies like books and items for her dorm, and provided recommendation letters for college and job applications.

“I know how much it matters to feel prepared and supported, and I want her to know that people believe in her and are willing to walk alongside her,” Parkhurst said.

Amari is grateful to Parkhurst and other hospital leaders who believed in her.

“They have become like family to me,” she said. “I’ve developed a close relationship with all of them where I feel I can ask them for anything and they will follow through. I know I wouldn’t be stepping into this next chapter with the same confidence without everything this program has given me over the last four years.”

Making a difference

Parkhurst remembered her parents, teachers and mentors that were there for her and she wanted to give back.

“Because others poured into me during important seasons of my life, I felt a deep responsibility and desire to give back in that same way,” she said. “Personally, mentoring has been incredibly fulfilling. It has allowed me to honor the people who once invested in me while helping another young person build confidence, explore their goals, and envision a successful future for themselves. That personal connection and one-on-one time can make such a meaningful difference in a student’s life.”

Amari is excited about what the future may hold in nursing and leadership and hopes to return to work at Baptist.

“This program has taught me so much more than what happens in a workplace,” she said. “It’s taught me professionalism, communication, teamwork, accountability and the importance of always being willing to learn and grow.”

To learn more about the work Baptist Health does in the community and investing in the future generation, go to BaptistJax.com/Community.