FITCHBURG — The Class of 2023 has been busy at Sizer School, finishing up their Senior Projects and setting their final intentions. For Sizer Senior Jaiden Killion of Templeton, there is a common theme between her future goals and the topic of her senior project.
Recently, Killion committed to the Solomont School of Nursing at UMass Lowell.
On April 13, Sizer’s College & Career Access Counselor Jessica Burris announced Killion’s intentions, adding, “The nursing program is one of six nursing school partners of the Boston VA Healthcare System in Boston and Bedford and will provide limitless opportunities as Jaiden moves through the program. We are so proud of her and excited to see the places she will go!”
Killion will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while also working as a part time medic.
“Labor and delivery is my main goal, while being a part time medic. I will be an EMT hopefully by July 14, which will be before I enter college. I will work as an EMT through college,” said Killion.
It is no wonder Killion has been researching answers to the essential question: “How can we better improve the mental and physical health of 911 and healthcare workers in an easily accessible way?” as her Senior Project.
At Sizer School, in order to demonstrate skills as an independent learner, all seniors must present evidence of their ability to problem solve, research, organize time and reflect on themselves as learners. These Senior Projects are opportunities for seniors to research an issue, or topic and create a final project that reflects their findings as well as evidence of the abovementioned skills. It is a graduation requirement.
“I first got interested in nursing because my dad is a paramedic,” added Killion. “Hopefully on May 2 I will start my EMT course and do that through college to hopefully then get my Paramedic [certification]. After college I would like to work at Emerson Hospital in Labor and Delivery or in the ER department at Lahey Burlington Hospital.”
Killion, who has been a Sizer student since the seventh grade and is currently second in her class, says she’s grateful for the independent learning skills she’s been taught.
“Sizer taught me how to advocate for what I needed individually and to be the voice for my class while on student council. It taught me not to rely on others too much and to work hard to get where I want to go. This school has taught me to see the world outside of the classroom and put my free time to use,” she said.
As a junior and senior, Killion has been splitting her time between Sizer’s classrooms, and those at Fitchburg State University, participating in Sizer’s Early College High School program.
“I quite enjoyed doing ECHS because it gave me the opportunity to be independent and in control of my education. I felt free to grow and be responsible,” she said. “I will be graduating with 12 college credits: Writing 1 and 2, Intro to Criminal justice and an Intro to Life Development class.”
“I am into the science aspect of the criminal justice system. There is so much that goes into a scene … I might minor in Forensic Anthropology to still be a part of law and justice but focus on the aftermath of a crime,” she added.
Killion had her pick of schools before deciding on Umass Lowell. Accepted at Mount Wachusett Community College, Fitchburg State University, Salem State University, Wheaton College, Umass Lowell, the University of Vermont, Franklin Pierce University, Quinsigamond Community College to name a few, Killion made her decision based on accessibility and recommendations.
“I made my decision based on the nearby hospitals I could learn from for clinical in proximity to where I wanted to work during college, and then on all the good reviews I have heard from other nurses,” she said.
Killion’s academic achievements have also awarded her financial aid assistance through a scholarship for excellence on the MCAS test and through the Dean’s Excellence Scholarship.
When asked if she had any advice for upcoming seniors, Killion said, “Get your work done early or on time because you will feel so much less stress in the long run, and could potentially finish a class early like my college ones.”
“Being ahead shows responsibility and maturity. That’s a good image to create for yourself in high school. It pays off,” she added.
Sizer School will reopen its application window to seventh grade students only on May 1. To apply, visit tinyurl.com/SizerSchool.
