From staff reports
No matter our age, most of us look to our moms for encouragement, support and strength.
Two moms, both Beaufort Memorial PATH (People Achieving Their Highest) graduates, are offering that strength and support to their daughters as the two high school seniors follow in their footsteps.
Sabrina Cooler and Celless Anderson both entered the PATH program on the Patient Care Technician track, aspiring to take on direct patient care roles within the organization.
Cooler graduated in December and received her national certification pin in April. It was a surprise to the Collins Birthing Center employee, she said, when her youngest daughter Rihanna, a Battery Creek High School senior, entered the PATH program – an opportunity made possible by the nonprofit hospital’s partnership with the Beaufort County School District (BCSD), established earlier this year.
“I really had no clue that she was doing the PATH program,” Sabrina said. “I thought it was a wonderful opportunity.”
Anderson began at Beaufort Memorial almost two decades ago in the Food & Nutrition department, eventually taking on a housekeeping role in Environmental Services.
“When I used to work in housekeeping, I’d see how the people in the nursing roles would take care of the patients,” she recalled. “I thought, ‘I need to come up here and do this!’”
Anderson graduated from the program’s third cohort in April 2023 and was also recognized with the “Most Compassionate” award for her commitment to putting patients first.
When her daughter Ja’Miah, a senior at Beaufort High School, told her that she wanted to enter the program, Celless told her it was “a great way to get your foot in the door.”
Sharing some of the PATH experiences with her mother has been “fascinating” and rewarding for Rihanna. Medicine has held her interest since eighth grade, and the PATH program has allowed she and Ja’Miah to explore different avenues and expand their clinical knowledge.
Having moms who understand the process doesn’t hurt.
“I don’t just have a teacher, but I have my mom, too,” Rihanna said. “She knows how my brain works.”
Ja’Miah has always been drawn to a career in healthcare, and her mom has also been a huge support.
“My mom also taught me a lot about the program,” she said, “helping me with some of the things that I didn’t really catch on to. It was really great.”
The duos showcase the importance of working hard and going for what you want, whether you’re a high school senior or a 20-year employee, a mom or a daughter.
“I don’t want my kids to think that they just have to stick to one thing,” Celless said. “I want them to keep going, keep pushing themselves.”
Their time in the PATH program has allowed Rihanna and Ja’Miah to gear up for “what’s next.”
“This puts us ahead, so we could already be prepared for college,” Ja’Miah explained. “Plus, it gives us the opportunity to actually get a job after we finish with the program.”
Sabrina said that she hopes her daughter comes away from her experience with determination, passion and the knowledge that her family is behind her.
“There are people out there who are willing to help you achieve your dreams if you put the time and effort toward it,” Sabrina said. “I am thankful that these seniors were given this opportunity prior to stepping foot into the real world.”
Rihanna, Ja’Miah and 11 other high school seniors from around the county will be graduating from the PATH program in a ceremony on May 13. Five of those seniors will begin in clinical positions at Beaufort Memorial immediately following their high school graduation.
The PATH program includes scholarships, clinical training, traditional education and non-traditional financial assistance to encourage individuals to advance their careers and support a better healthcare network in the Lowcountry. Anyone interested in learning how they can join the team at Beaufort Memorial and grow their career through the PATH Program should visit BeaufortMemorial.org/PATH.
