February 2009
 Vol 2, Issue 2



NC-HCAPnews
a monthly update from the
NC Health Careers Access Program
at Chapel Hill
The Director's Corner

Traditionally, Black History Month is a time when many reflect upon the numerous contributions made by African Americans. These contributions range across many disciplines, including the health sciences. From Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performing the first successful open heart surgery to Dr. Ben Carson being the first to successfully separate Siamese twins joined at the back of the head. For many Americans from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds, receiving health care would not have been possible without the services provided by African American practitioners. Despite societal constraints, these practitioners persevered and became heroic icons to many.
 
As we fast forward to the present, we are reminded that although improvements have been made, there are still individuals who lack adequate health care. Literature informs us that minority health care practitioners are more likely to serve the underserved. However, there continues to be an underrepresentation of minorities employed in the health professions and, as such, we must persist in our efforts to address work force diversification. I believe that there are more accomplishments to be achieved and history will continue to be made in so many areas of the health care arena.

Patrena N. Benton, Ph.D.
Director
In This Issue
Director's Corner
NC-HCAP News
Pre-college Initiatives
College Initiatives
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We are updating our contact database and need additional information from you. Please follow the Update Profile/Email Address link found at the bottom of this e-mail to submit your current contact information, so that we may continue to provide you with the latest information about our activities and services.


Do you need something - or someone - to motivate and "charge up" your audience so that they reach success  this year? NC-HCAP is here for you.
In addition to our programmatic offerings, we offer customized workshops and motivational speeches to a variety of audiences on a myriad of topics: making dreams come true, dressing for success, writing personal statements, study skills, and more! We can tailor or create a workshop or speech to suit your needs.
 
Contact us today at (919) 966-2264 or via our Web site.


What people around the state are saying about NC-HCAP:
"Without [NC-HCAP], the goal of bringing more disadvantaged students into the health care professions and actually providing them with the openings through which they can do so will be lost."
First year pharmacy student, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy

"NC-HCAP helped me prepare academically - and mentally - for the challenges of pursuing a career in dentistry. When I first went into the program, I was clueless about the challenges I would face and the demands that would be placed upon me. If I had not attended this program, I sincerely do not believe I would have accomplished as much as I have throughout my dental career."
Dentist and SEP alumnae

"I loved your presentation because it inspired [those of us] in attendance to believe students can succeed no matter what their race, culture, or economic status is.  I believe this is important for my generation to hear so we can form a diverse healthcare workforce."
a NC-HOSA President

"I am sure they enjoyed learning about setting goals and planning for their futures.  You helped the students see that you can do lots of different things in life. That learning can be fun is an obvious message that you send. Again, thanks for taking time to share your knowledge and expertise with our students."
Career Development Coordinator
 
 Pre-college Initiatives
Koyah Rivera busy on the local speaking circuit
Pre-college outreach coordinator Koyah Rivera has been busy speaking to students around the area. She is being called upon regularly by school administrators and other organizations statewide to offer words of inspiration and motivation on a number of topics.

Graduation address
On Thursday evening, January 29, she delivered the commencement address to the mid-year graduates at Sanderson High School in Raleigh. She discussed the importance of finding one's passion and life purpose, overcoming obstacles, and persevering to make one's dreams a reality. Excerpts from her remarks are below.

Excerpts from commencement remarks:
 
As I stand here before you tonight, my question is: "Are you ready to make your mark on the world?" I want you to ask yourself where you really want to go in life? There are great big doors of opportunity waiting for you, and the possibilities for what you can do in your life are endless. Each of your unique gifts, talents, and abilities can be used to reach success and make your mark on the world.
 
As you depart from Sanderson High School tonight, I encourage you to find your true passion and let that be your guide in life.  Know that there may be some obstacles positioned along the way. But, as Jack Penn stated, "One of the secrets of life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks."  Just don't let anyone or anything stand in the way of your dreams.
 
Remember that all things really ARE possible if you believe, but that faith without being willing to work hard doesn't amount to much. So, be willing to utilize your full potential as you passionately pursue your future education, your career, and a lifetime of dreams!
 
I will close by dedicating the words of an anonymous poet who wrote "I Hope" to the graduates:
 
I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles,
To the highest of your hopes,
To the windows of your opportunities,
And to the most special places your heart has ever known.
 
Senior assembly
She also addressed the Chapel Hill High School senior class at an assembly on Friday, January 30. Ms. Rivera was asked to bring words of encouragement and motivation in light of several tragic losses recently suffered by this class. During her presentation, Rivera encouraged students to make their dreams a reality. Insisting that "goals are merely plans with deadlines," she helped the students identify their strengths, abilities, and passion in life, and emphasized the need for accountability and persistence. She also pointed out potential "dream stealers" to avoid, and shared her personal story for achieving her own dreams.


"Pathways" newsletter
If you are interested in "Pathways to a Health Career," our pre-college newsletter, please visit our Web site. You can read our current edition as well as previously archived editions.
College Initiatives
SAVE THE DATE: 2009 Health on the Block
The NC-HCAP Health Careers Club will host the 6th annual Health on the Block community health fair on April 4, 2009 at the Hargraves Center. The fair offers complimentary health screenings and other important health-related information to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community. Please plan to join us!
Give to NC-HCAP
Pave the way for a future health professional by giving to NC-HCAP.

You may make a gift online or contact Dr. Patrena Benton, director, at pbenton@unc.edu or (919) 966-2264.

When using Online Giving, please be sure to choose "NC Health Careers Access Program" under the University Designation List, then select "NC Health Careers Access Program (3894) " from the Select a University Fund menu.

Or, mail Check or Money Order Payable to "UNC-CH"to:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Office of University Development
PO Box 309
Chapel Hill, NC 27514-9931

PLEASE Write In "Designation #3894 - NC Health Careers Access Program" on the "FOR" line of your check.
North Carolina Health Careers Access Program
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Student & Academic Services Building South, Suite 3307
CB #8010
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8010
T: 919-966-2264
F: 919-966-6109
nchcap@email.unc.edu
http://nc-hcap.unc.edu

For editorial comments or questions, contact Renee Harris at rharris@unc.edu.