It’s been months since Qardriyyah Davis set foot inside Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) Adult Education Learning Center.

She’ll join more than 50 Adult Education alumni on June 13 for the Division’s Career Kickoff Day, which celebrates students who recently completed Adult Education workforce training, High School Equivalency (HSE, formerly known as GED) or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. The ceremony not only honors students completing coursework and earning certifications, but also some of Harris County’s top businesses for investing in HCDE’s mission to change lives.

That’s the case for Davis, despite her just turning 22 years old. After completing the certified nursing assistant (CNA) program, she landed a job at Tomball Rehab & Nursing in September.

With the goal of applying to nursing school by the end of this year, Davis followed her CNA certification with another as a medication aide and is currently in a medical assistant program.

“I’m very thankful for Harris County Department of Education,” she said. “Without this organization giving me the opportunity to take the CNA program, none of the other stuff would have even been a possibility.”

After graduating high school in 2022, Davis spent a year in community college studying architectural engineering. She changed gears and spent a few years working fulltime until her hours were cut to the point where she couldn’t cover her expenses.

Davis decided she needed a trade.

She started a CNA program at Houston City College last year but fell ill within weeks after starting. A trip to the emergency room uncovered ovarian cysts. More appointments conflicted with her studies, so despite having to step away, Davis knew she was in the right place.

“It just wasn’t the right time,” she said.

Over time her health improved and by the summer, she joined the CNA program at HCDE after hearing positive experiences. Flexibility made the difference – Davis could still work while attending classes in the evening. Davis excelled, was her class valedictorian and quickly found her job in Tomball.

“My job is very fulfilling,” Davis said. “I work with a lot of different people, and I like being able to come to work and put a smile on my patients’ faces, help them when they’re having a hard day and just be there for them.”

This week’s Career Workforce Day is another step in her journey. Davis has stayed in contact with a few classmates through social media, but she said she’s excited to see everyone again.

“This is a big accomplishment for a lot of people,” Davis said. “I’ve been thinking about the moment where everybody could be celebrated, and this is that moment.”