Back in June, Layla thought she had it all figured out. She had just been accepted into a cadet program. It felt like the first big step into her future.

“I was excited, a head start to my future career,” she said. “I was gonna be a cadet!”

But when the program actually started, something didn’t feel right. The excitement quickly turned into doubt.

“It was as if my brain and my heart were arguing with each other… I started to question if this was really what I wanted, or if I should stick with a more logical approach—not everyone gets a chance like this.”

She didn’t feel like she could talk to anyone about it. That’s when she came across CareerVillage.org.

“I don’t quite remember how I found out about CareerVillage, but I do know that I felt so conflicted and trapped, that I just wanted someone to help me go down the right path. When I created my profile, the first question I asked was about becoming a nurse,” and got thoughtful answers from all kinds of nurses!

From crime solving to caregiving

Helping people has always driven Layla. At first, she imagined herself solving crimes and bringing justice as a homicide detective. But over time, that passion shifted from solving problems to saving lives.

“I looked at helping people from the side of bringing people to justice, but I wanted to look more into saving lives. The first thing I thought of was nursing.”

Still, she felt overwhelmed. With two years left until graduation, she didn’t know who she wanted to be, and the weight of her uncertainty was overwhelming.

Finding relief and real advice

Posting on CareerVillage.org was the first time Layla really talked about her career path, and the response she received changed everything.

“It was as if weight was lifted off my chest,” she said. “It felt comforting, and most of all relatable. I’ve talked to so many teachers, counselors, but none helped me understand as much as I understood those who gave me advice on CareerVillage.”

She realized she wasn’t behind or stuck. She wasn’t alone.

“After receiving advice, it was comforting knowing what I could do and that I was not falling behind.”

Shifting paths: from nursing to neuroscience

Layla not only read the advice, she acted on it. She started researching careers in nursing and the mental health field. She wrote everything down and kept those notes close. And that exploration led her somewhere unexpected but exciting: neuroscience.

“After the advice I received, I did extensive research. I also wrote down all the helpful advice so I could have it with me wherever I went!”

Her career goals shifted. By seeking nursing information, she discovered neuroscience.

She began diving deep into career options in neuroscience and looking ahead to college and beyond with the CareerVillage.org community continuing to guide her.

What Layla wants others to know

If she could speak to other students who feel stuck or unsure, she’d tell them not to be afraid to ask for help.

“Many are scared to leave behind their young self, but to grow, you need help and support from people around you,” she said.

Layla is now a 10th grader doing everything she can to get a head start on her future. She says CareerVillage.org isn’t just for students, it’s for anyone who wants to grow.

“I think this is a really nice website for not just younger people but even older people. If you’re scared to communicate with people around you, it’s a good website to get information. It’s a nice website for everyone to have.”