Nursing Student Finds Her Calling Early in Life

Sept. 29, 2025 - Hanna Chavis was in elementary school when she found her calling to care, to comfort and to heal.

A nursing student at Richmond Community College, Chavis discovered this calling when her nephew was born with congenital heart disease and spent most of his first year in the neonatal intensive care unit at UNC Children’s Hospital.

“I visited him almost every week, and each visit left a profound impact on me,” the Wagram native said.

At the same time, Chavis’ grandfather faced numerous health challenges that required frequent hospital stays and doctor’s appointments. During summer breaks, she took on the role of his caretaker.

Chavis found herself asking questions during this early journey into the world of healthcare.

“Why did the doctors choose that surgery? Why is this medication necessary? What would I do if I were a nurse? These questions sparked a flame in me, one that continues to burn with passion and purpose,” Chavis said. “I realized then that I didn’t just want to be a nurse; I needed to be one.”

She also knew she wanted to be a neonatal nurse because of the time she spent with her nephew in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“Because I saw firsthand that what brings you the most joy can also be your greatest fear. I feared losing him, and in that fear, I found my calling,” Chavis said.

Chavis worked hard to prepare for this career path throughout middle and high school. A student in the Scotland Early College High School program, she took 16 classes when she was in 11th grade, and she took classes during the summer. She completed Nursing Assistant I and II while in 12th grade.

Her hard work paid off. She was accepted by several universities, including Wingate, St. Andrews, East Carolina, Campbell University, UNCP, North Greenville University, Elizabeth City State University, Gardner-Webb University, Western Carolina University, Lenior Rhyne University, North Carolina Central University, and Barton College.

“But the opportunity that mattered most was Richmond Community College, a place that aligned with both my goals and my values,” Chavis said. “With the help of my college liaison in the SEARCH program, I recognized that RichmondCC would give me not just a strong academic foundation, but also an affordable and accessible start to my nursing career.”

Chavis is in her first year in the Associate Degree Nursing program. She received the Joseph W. Grimsley Memorial Scholarship and the Mary Edna Millikin McInnis Health Science Scholarship.

“These awards have not only lessened the financial burden of pursuing my education, but they have also served as a reminder that others believe in me and the future I’m building. For that, I am truly grateful,” Chavis said.

Chavis was recently selected to speak at RichmondCC’s Foundation Fall Board meeting. She thanked the board members for the work they do to support students.

“On behalf of all nursing students at Richmond Community College, I want to express our heartfelt thanks. Your belief in us gives us strength as we strive to become the compassionate, skilled nurses our communities need,” she said.