When Aaliyah Windley-Parker was younger, she spent a lot of time in hospitals. Now, the Colonie Central High School graduate hopes to be the person helping children through those same experiences.

Aaliyah recently completed the Two-Year Sequence of Health Careers program through Capital Region BOCES and plans to continue her education this fall with the goal of becoming a pediatric nurse.

"I was in the hospital a lot when I was younger, and I want to give back to other kids," she said. "I want them to know they are being cared for like I knew I was."

During her time in the Health Careers program, Aaliyah gained hands-on experience in healthcare settings while earning certifications that will help her begin her journey in the medical field.

She said the program gave her a realistic look at what a career in healthcare is like.

"The program teaches you a lot with its hands-on work and prepares you well for the real world," Aaliyah said.

This fall, she will attend college in Oklahoma and work toward her goal of becoming a nurse. She hopes to one day work in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), caring for newborns and their families during some of their most challenging moments.

"I feel that's where I can have an impact," she said.

Health Careers instructor Anita Devanandan said Aaliyah's compassion stands out.

"Aaliyah is hardworking, caring and compassionate — she is everything a great caregiver should be," Devanandan said.

Aaliyah is one of several Colonie students who participated in Capital Region BOCES career and technical education programs this year, gaining valuable skills and real-world experience while preparing for future careers.