Kayla Serrano's Success Story

Learning, Leading, and Lifting Others: A Journey Through SCC Continuing Education Toward a Nursing Career

For many students, the path into healthcare begins with a goal or an idea. For Kayla Serrano, it began with a calling to care for others. Whether supporting patients as a CNA, tutoring young learners, or managing a full academic load, she approaches every commitment with sincerity, purpose, and deep compassion. Her journey reflects someone who does not simply aspire to help others. She already does.

Kayla was already known to us as a dedicated SCC student, but we were pleased to learn about another part of her journey through HIS-OC. HIS-OC is a nonprofit that provides transitional housing, case management, and support services for homeless families across Orange County. The team shared that Kayla had been named their May 2025 Volunteer of the Month and spoke warmly about the meaningful impact she had on the families they serve. Their admiration aligned with what we had seen from Kayla as a student who brings both heart and purpose to her work.

As a full-time pre-nursing student at Santiago Canyon College, Kayla still found time each week to volunteer, offering free academic support to children who needed help in subjects ranging from math to science. That commitment to others guided her decision to take on even more by enrolling in SCC Continuing Education’s Certified Nursing Assistant program. She wanted hands-on experience to strengthen the care she hoped to provide in the future. “Education is such an important thing to go through life and understand the world around you. I wanted to help give that to others,” she shared.

Wanting to deepen her ability to care for others and turn her compassion into real-world skill, Kayla chose to pursue SCC Continuing Education’s Certified Nursing Assistant program. The weekend schedule and thoughtful pacing allowed her to continue full-time coursework while completing her clinical training. “I was a full-time student, but the way the program was paced and offered on weekends made it possible for me to do everything without feeling overwhelmed,” she said. Through her clinical experiences, she cared for patients from many different backgrounds and saw firsthand how meaningful it is to support someone during vulnerable moments. She often reflected on how these interactions opened her eyes to the diverse needs of patients and shaped her understanding of what compassionate care truly means. She also formed close friendships with peers pursuing similar goals, creating a community of support that continues well into their pre-nursing studies today.

The foundation she built through Continuing Education prepared Kayla well for her current role as a CNA at Global Medical Center. Working alongside nurses each day has strengthened her skills and affirmed her long-term goal of becoming a nurse. Kayla came into UCLA’s Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) already grounded by her CNA experience, which made the program even more meaningful. “It helped me a lot with knowing that I want to be a nurse,” she shared, reflecting on how both experiences strengthened her passion for the field.

Kayla is now preparing applications for Fall 2026 transfer and continues to explore the programs that best align with her goals in nursing. Her academic drive and her compassion for others continue to guide every step she takes. She plans to return to her volunteer work next semester, carrying forward the same commitment that has defined her journey from the beginning.

When asked what advice she would give to future SCC students, Kayla emphasized passion and perseverance. Nursing, she explained, is rigorous and demanding, yet deeply rewarding for those who love it. “If you are passionate about it, give it your all,” she said. “Ask for help, step out of your comfort zone, and do not be afraid of your first experiences with patients. You grow so much by caring for others.” Her words reflect the determination she brings to her own journey, a blend of wholehearted dedication and sincere care for the people she serves.

Kayla’s story continues to unfold, and SCC Continuing Education is proud to be part of where it began. She is building a strong foundation for a future in nursing, guided by compassion, discipline, and a belief in the transformative power of education. It is clear that the lives she touches along the way will be better because of her care.

SCC Continuing Education continues to strengthen its healthcare pathway, with program enhancements underway and new opportunities on the horizon. Students like Kayla reflect the growing momentum of this work and the future we are building together.