Education Equalizer Foundation Students Explore Careers in Healthcare at AdventHealth University

Gainesville, FL (EEF News) — This summer, Education Equalizer Foundation (EEF) students had the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and into the future during an immersive campus experience at AdventHealth University (AHU).

Designed to expose students to careers in healthcare, the visit allowed participants to explore one of Central Florida’s premier health sciences universities while engaging in hands-on learning experiences that brought healthcare education to life.

Throughout the day, students rotated through interactive demonstrations, including CPR training, occupational therapy activities, and the university’s state-of-the-art simulation labs. Rather than simply hearing about healthcare careers, they experienced them firsthand—building confidence, asking questions, and imagining themselves in professions they may have never considered before.

For many students, the interactive experiences transformed healthcare from something they simply observed into something they could envision themselves pursuing.

“What I enjoyed most about my visit to AdventHealth was the hands-on experience with the simulated patients. It gave me reassurance that when I go to the hospital, the staff performing procedures and caring for patients are highly trained.”
— Mekhi Brown

“I really enjoyed AHU because I liked the different aspects of the hospital—from doing CPR to learning about the simulation room and how it helps with patients.”
— Zaire Francis

“I learned about different career paths, discovered CPR, and saw how there could be a future for me in the nursing profession.”
— Yunel Alexander Rojas

Some scholars arrived with little interest in healthcare but left with an entirely new perspective.

“Healthcare has always been a no for me, but after visiting AHU and seeing their programs and what they offer, I’m now considering it as a future career path.”
— Camaria Enoch

“Despite me not having the biggest interest in healthcare, it was still beneficial for my future career in public policy around healthcare. My favorite part was the CPR demonstration and learning how to someday save someone’s life.”
— Javarious Morant Jr.

For others, the visit reinforced their existing dreams.

“What I enjoyed about AdventHealth is all the medical fields and opportunities they have to offer. I have the biggest interest in being in the medical field, and seeing everything made me excited about becoming an AdventHealth student in the future.”
— Makayla

Students also appreciated AdventHealth University’s commitment to experiential learning.

“It’s nice to see how different AHU is compared to other universities in the state. For example, how they blend both learning with experience through simulations.”
— Tatyana Coleman-Hubbard

“I really enjoyed learning about the different programs and being able to physically walk the campus.”
— Torianna Wilson

The visit also highlighted that healthcare is about much more than clinical care. Students were inspired by the university’s faith-based mission, diverse leadership, and welcoming environment.

“AdventHealth opened my eyes to so many opportunities. It made me feel at ease knowing there was a place for me from college to the workforce. I was inspired by people from different backgrounds who became successful, and I loved that AdventHealth is a faith-based organization that pays attention to the needs of every patient.”
— Zaylen Williams

“I loved the experience AHU has given me because it had many interactive activities that taught me about healthcare and college life while allowing me to have fun at the same time. Even though I don’t plan to go into healthcare, I saw opportunities where I can use my IT skills to contribute in the future. Everything around me was related to Christianity, which strengthened my faith, and I appreciated how considerate AdventHealth is of the people they serve.”
— Jocari Monet Livingston

Representation also made a meaningful impact.

“I really enjoyed my time at AdventHealth. Although my future career is not related to healthcare, it was nice to see all of the opportunities available. My favorite part was seeing how diverse AdventHealth was. I’m glad to see African Americans in such high positions and knowing their worth.”
— Journei Anderson

Students were equally inspired by the university’s leaders.

“What I enjoyed most was hearing from the different leaders and learning about leadership. This experience helped me understand the responsibilities and obstacles physicians face every day. Thank you for this opportunity.”
— Chayce Lynum

The experience left a lasting impression not only on students but also on parents who attended alongside them.

“As a parent, I’m glad that our kids got to experience AHU. I had no idea of all the programs that were offered, and I was impressed.”
— Matt Bowman

A chaperone shared how the visit opened their eyes to educational opportunities they never knew existed—even with a family connection to AdventHealth.

“My husband works for AdventHealth, and I didn’t know there was a university like this here. I will definitely spread the word about this place.”
— LaRaven Temoney

Experiences like this are at the heart of the Education Equalizer Foundation’s mission: helping students see what is possible before they have to decide what is next. Exposure creates opportunity, and opportunity fuels purpose.

We are incredibly grateful to the faculty, staff, and leadership of AdventHealth University for welcoming our students and creating an engaging experience that inspired curiosity, confidence, and ambition.

Many of our students left campus with something more valuable than information—they left with a vision of themselves in healthcare, education, technology, leadership, and service.

The Education Equalizer Foundation looks forward to continuing to build partnerships that expand access, increase awareness, and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals and leaders.

Thank you, AdventHealth University, for investing in the future of our students. Together, we are creating pathways to purpose—one experience at a time.

Thank you to the following organizations for sponsoring The Education Equalizer Foundation.