Livingstone College Presidential Scholars are benefiting from valuable hands-on experience through internships at Atrium Health, and The A.M.E. Zion Church has played a significant role.
Emeglad Boakye-Yiadom, Emmanuella Nyarko, Daniel Frimpong, and Nana Adusei are four rising sophomore Biology majors from Ghana who found a home away from home in Zion. “Marable has been everything to us. Not only have we found a kinship in the congregation, but we have found commitment and love,” said Emeglad. A strong connection with Marable Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Kannapolis led to internship opportunities and transportation support for the four scholars as they secured positions at Atrium Health’s Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, gaining broad exposure to healthcare fields and working with medical professionals. Their placements provide exposure to a range of healthcare disciplines and educational settings within the evolving environment of a health sciences institution.
Moreover, junior Biology major Nahum Bullo of Ethiopia has been placed at Atrium Health Kenilworth Pharmacy as a student intern, and senior Biology major Thomyka Valcent of Saint Lucia is working as a pharmacy technician student intern at Atrium Health MCP Pharmacy in Charlotte. Both scholars aim to develop skills relevant to the role of pharmacy professionals, as they gain hands-on experience in a pharmacy setting, assisting with various tasks under the supervision of licensed professionals with direct tasks of medication interpretation and preparation, and distribution.
These internship opportunities aligns with the 13th President’s vision to create early opportunities for students for career readiness. President Anthony J. Davis, who is also a member of The A.M.E. Zion Church, developed the Career Readiness Institute to equip current students and recent graduates with the essential skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to successfully transition from education to employment and thrive in the modern workforce.
In an internship capacity, students gain practical experience that bridges the gap between academia and the professional world, enabling them to apply their knowledge and develop valuable skills. Internships also serve as a pathway for career exploration, allowing students to experience diverse roles and settings within an industry to inform their future decisions. Beyond experience, internships facilitate networking, mentorship, and résumé enhancement, significantly improving post-graduation job prospects.
Dr. Da’Tarvia Parrish who serves as the Director of the Honors Program and a member of New Hope A.M.E. Zion Church in Salisbury, said, “The invaluable support offered by The A.M.E. Zion Church to Livingstone College is firm, and our international Presidential Scholars are a witness of this framework through their summer experience. Rev. Tamica Robinson, Ms. Andrea Black, and all members at Marable Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church have provided exceptional care and guidance to these students. Additionally, Livingstone College employees such as Ranzeno Frazier, a member of Little Rock in Charlotte who has assisted with housing, and Miriam Rush, a member of Soldiers Memorial in Salisbury, have played a vital role in ensuring the success of our students in these internship positions. This experience and many more underscore the impact and illustrates the power of the church and school connection and what we can accomplish together as a collective. We are one.”
Livingstone College’s engagement with the church and Atrium Health provides crucial opportunities for students to gain valuable skills and experience, contributing to their academic and professional development. These opportunities not only benefit the students but also contribute to building a skilled workforce in the healthcare sector, a stronger Livingstone College, and a global Zion.
