Nikkita Blair

Student

“People should really look at SMC before going to a university. It’s the exact same education but with a lot more attention.”

“I’m in my second year at SMC and it’s all going fine so far,” says Nikkita Blair who has enrolled in the Nursing Program. “I’ve volunteered at the hospital, and I like it a lot when I can help someone. But I’m only 19 and not exactly sure of what I want to do,” she says. “Basically I need to continue my education. I think I’ll go into nursing, then work for a couple of years and get to know myself. And the medical field is a good place to work because people are always going to need help.” But Nikkita is well aware that medicine isn’t all about just riding to the rescue.

“It’s really tough, and I’m constantly in the library reading. And what you read, you really have to know, because people’s lives may depend on it.” She plans to transfer to UNLV next summer and reports that she’ll miss many things about SMC. “I think the teachers here are great. They really spend more time with you individually, and it makes for a better learning relationship,” she says. Among her best learning experiences, Nikkita counts some moments of glory on the SMC women’s track team where she competes in discus, shot put, and javelin.

“We’re currently 7 and 0, and we’ve got a meet coming up this Friday,” she says excitedly. “My coach is Tommy Smith, and he really works us hard to make sure we do our best. He treats us like his own children and whatever we need, we always know we can go to him for support and advice. He really stresses that athletics keep both your mind and your body in shape,” says Nikkita. “And these years you spend in college, you need to take every advantage you can get.”

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