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Woodson High School senior Jeremy Chao now moves calmly through emergency medical simulations, handling equipment, communicating with classmates and staying focused under pressure. It is a striking change for a student who once hesitated to leave his comfort zone.
“I used to be a lot more shy and introverted and didn’t want to talk to anybody,” Jeremy said. “Through all the activities I’ve been through [at the academy], it forced me to be more extroverted.”
Jeremy is enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician program at Falls Church Academy. He previously completed the Introduction to Nursing course and earned his Certified Nursing Assistant certification.
While finishing his senior year, he also works part-time as a nursing assistant at a local nursing and rehabilitation center, caring for residents under the direction of nursing staff.
The academy has introduced Jeremy to students from other schools while giving him opportunities to practice teamwork and leadership.
“All the friends,” he said when asked about his favorite part of the program. “Usually, we wouldn’t get to meet kids from different schools. It’s a good opportunity to meet other people that you wouldn’t meet otherwise.”
Jeremy said his instructors’ professional experience helped shape his career plans. EMT teacher Colin Flanigan brought years of firefighting and emergency-response experience into the classroom. Practical Nursing teacher Yasmin Todd, who has worked in prison nursing, operating rooms and emergency care, became an important mentor.
Todd encouraged Jeremy to enter the EMT program after his nursing course, explaining that the training can provide a foundation for students considering careers in critical care, emergency-room or pediatric nursing.
She said Jeremy’s commitment to caring for others quickly became apparent. Early in the school year, he volunteered to serve as a Superuser in the Simulation Lab.
In that role, Jeremy demonstrated procedures, calibrated mannequins, troubleshot equipment and organized the lab while helping instructors and classmates during practice sessions. Todd said his initiative, reliability and ability to lead by example positioned him to succeed in demanding academic and professional environments.
Jeremy has pursued additional healthcare and science experience beyond the classroom. He placed first in General Chemistry at the 2024 Health Occupations Students of America Leadership Conference. During a summer internship at Georgetown University, he worked with other students to develop public-health workshops for rural communities in Bauchi State, Nigeria.
He also believes employment can teach teenagers lessons they may not encounter in class.
“I think all students should work a job while they’re in high school,” Jeremy said. “It teaches you skills that you wouldn’t learn in school.”
His advice to younger students reflects his own transformation: “Do more. Do the most. Get out of your house.”
Along with his CNA license, Jeremy has earned certifications in CPR and AED, STOP THE BLEED®, Bloodborne Pathogens, FEMA Community Emergency Response Team training and Incident Command Systems training.
He plans to study for his National Registry EMT certification during the summer before enrolling in the University of Virginia’s School of Nursing, where he hopes to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
As graduation approaches, Jeremy is concentrating on a strong finish to his senior year while recognizing how much his healthcare training has helped him grow—both professionally and personally.