earned college credentials for her dream career—before even finishing high school!
That’s right. Before the Northrop senior officially closed the chapter to high school, she already walked the stage at Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and Kosciusko County’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony.
“I wanted to get a feel for what college is like and get a head start in the medical field to see if I truly fit in,” she says.
The 2025 grad received a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) certificate, the first step in her long journey to becoming a gynecologist. Before even beginning to pursue a bachelor’s, let alone medical school, Rayyan’s experience at Ivy Tech allowed her to explore different areas of healthcare, leaving her feeling more assured she’s headed down the right path.
“My time at Ivy Tech helped me realize that I prefer working directly with patients rather than doing administrative work. It helped me focus on the type of healthcare career I want.”
With the support of her parents, Rayyan pushed through challenges and came out stronger. She answered our questions about her dual enrollment experience and offers advice for anyone interested in the program
Your career choice is respectable! What’s inspired this career path?
“I am passionate about women's health. I want to provide compassionate care and support during significant moments in life, such as pregnancy and reproductive health, and ensure that women feel heard and respected.”
Do you remember the moment you found out about the CNA course at Ivy Tech? What went through your mind?
“I came into the school year late and was initially excited to join Anthis Career Academy for Surgical Technology. However, I had to miss a significant amount of time because I was out of the country, which led to me being kicked out of the program due to too many absent days. When I found out that CNA registration was about to close, I quickly signed up as soon as I could. It finally gave me the opportunity to gain healthcare experience before graduation, and despite the setbacks, everything started to fall into place.”
How did your expectations of Ivy Tech compare to the reality once you started taking classes?
“Before starting at Ivy Tech, I had high expectations for both the quality of education and the support I would receive. Once I began my classes, I found that reality exceeded my expectations. The courses were challenging, but the professors were supportive and dedicated to helping students succeed. The hands-on experiences and resources available made the learning process even more valuable than I had imagined.”
What kept you motivated when things got tough? Were there moments you thought about giving up?
“It wasn’t easy. I was taking seven classes at my high school, five days a week, including AP and dual credit courses. Then, I’d come home around 2:45 pm and head straight to my Ivy Tech classes from 5 to 9 p.m. Balancing two schools with different homework loads was stressful, and there were times when I thought about quitting because the stress was overwhelming. I questioned whether I could handle it all at 17, but I kept pushing through because I knew that what I was learning now would help me in the future.”
What helped you push past that uncertainty and gain confidence in yourself?
“What helped me push past that uncertainty was realizing how much I was learning and how much I was growing. Every time I completed a tough assignment or made it through a long week, I gained a little more confidence. I also reminded myself why I started this journey — to get experience in healthcare and to prove to myself that I could handle college-level work. Over time, that belief in myself grew stronger, and I realized I was capable of more than I thought.”
If you could give one piece of advice to a younger student just starting this dual enrollment path, what would you say?
“Take it one day at a time and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. It can feel overwhelming at first but remember why you started. Stay organized, manage your time well, and most importantly, believe in yourself. You’ll face tough moments, but if you trust in your abilities and keep going, it will all be worth it in the end.”
Rayyan is one of the growing number of students attending their college graduation before their high school one. In 2024, the Indiana Department of Education reported that 64% of Hoosier students earned at least 13.5 college credentials while in high school. 5% of those students earned enough to receive certificates and degrees, with thousands more not realizing they’re just a few credits away.
Dual Enrollment benefits include saving time, money, and allows for a smooth transition into college. Students can even earn credentials that allow them to begin their careers right after high school.
To learn more about dual enrollment options at Ivy Tech, visit our website.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
