Student Success Story: La’Dereka McCray

Student Success Story La’Dereka McCray

Prior to moving back to Shreveport, where she was raised, La’Dereka McCray was living in Sacramento, California working as a hairstylist. Upon her return to Shreveport, she decided to pursue a new career path knowing that she wanted to create a life for her and her child that would provide stability and a consistent income. Once enrolled at SUSLA, McCray felt slightly out of place due to being older than most of the students she saw on campus.  “Honestly,” she recalled, “I felt out of place. Most of the students in my classes were fresh out of high school so I felt like the ‘old student’ on campus”. After passing her Science courses, however, McCray felt a boost in her confidence and made the decision to apply to the Nursing program. While in the program McCray was inducted into the National Honor Society, an accomplishment she is very proud of.

During September 2020, the Office of Career Services (OCS) hosted a Job Outlook Seminar Series that focused on a different topic each week. McCray attended all four sessions and stated, “I was provided all the tools, resources and soft skills needed to get the job I wanted”. McCray believes attending SUSLA was a great steppingstone in her academic journey. Currently employed at Baylor Scott & White Health, McCray’s next steps are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing, joining the SUSLA Alumni Association, and donating to the Legacy Scholarship Fund.