"One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency."
— Maya Angelou
A new trailblazer is making her mark at CTLA. Ninth grader Maria Merdano Valle has earned a place in the highly competitive Duke Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP)—a significant achievement that highlights her passion for healthcare and her drive toward a future as a nurse aide.
The HPREP program is a dynamic, hands-on experience designed to introduce high school students to health careers, connect them with medical professionals, and prepare them for college. When asked about the program, Maria shared that it offers valuable insight into a wide range of medical professions and provides scholarship opportunities for students pursuing health-related studies. Through workshops, networking events, and interactive activities, participants gain real-world exposure to the field of healthcare.
“At first, I felt pretty lonely—I didn’t really have anyone to talk to,” Maria recalled. “But then I started conversations with people, and I got to know my peers, even though we were from different schools.”
One moment stood out: “The best part was getting to hold a real brain. Just seeing it in person—it’s such a fascinating thing to learn about.”
Her time in the program not only deepened her understanding of the human body, but also helped her build friendships and confidence. What began as a nervous experience turned into an inspiring journey of learning and belonging.
Looking ahead, Maria plans to apply what she’s learned directly to her future in the nurse aide pathway. “This experience gave me insight into what the nursing field has in store,” she said, adding that she’s incredibly thankful to those who supported her along the way—especially Mrs. Jones, Ms. Lennie, and most importantly, her Mom.
CTLA is proud to celebrate Maria’s achievements and can’t wait to see where her journey leads next.
Great job, Maria!
By Caleb L. Nease
Date: April 7, 2025