Video: Excellence within reach: Naomi King

Naomi King ’26 began her informal nursing training inside her childhood home in Wilson, North Carolina. Naomi talks directly to camera about her experiences attending UNC-Chapel Hill. Naomi is shown in a medical simulation lab, walking around campus, as well as in photographs from her childhood.

“I am from Wilson, North Carolina. Wilson is a very rural area. Everyone knows each other. All my immediate and extended family are all in Wilson. When I think of Wilson, I think of family. I have 11 siblings, it’s a very active household. My mom is a first-generation college student. My dad, he is a Marine Corps veteran. My parents definitely instilled a work ethic in all of us. They always told us just to work hard if you want to get something out of life.”

“One time, my mom asked me to go across the street to get sugar from my neighbor, and my neighbor would just ask me questions about my plans after high school. I just told her I know I want to go into medicine, I just don't know what though yet. Then she was like, have you considered nursing? I went back to my laptop and I started researching nursing, and I was like, I could see myself in this field.”

“What made me truly come to UNC is just the fact that they had my back. Through financial opportunities, through academic opportunities, just kind of reminded me that there is a place for you here at UNC. Carolina has truly surprised me with how much financial assistance they provided me. I am a Carolina Covenant scholar. When I first got into UNC I was also a Women's Leadership scholar, and I'm also a Vetter Military scholar as well.”

“The Vetter Military scholarship did a service to my dad by honoring me with something that my dad truly values, that they honor me through his service. So many years ago my dad probably didn't realize just him being in the Marines will make an impact on my life and my education years later.”

“When I first got on campus I definitely had a sense of accomplishment. It was just a very welcoming environment. The summer after my first year, I decided to become a certified nursing assistant and I work at UNC Medical Center. As a nursing student I felt more confident going into nursing school because there are some skills that I already know, and when I came to nursing school a lot of those skills, it just needed to be enhanced.”

“That truly helped me to realize that this is my purpose. After I graduate, I hope to work as a labor and delivery nurse. I do see myself making an impact in North Carolina, specifically on rural communities. Carolina is definitely a place for everyone. They made a pathway for me as someone that was having financial trouble, as someone that wanted to become a nurse. Some way, somehow, they made a path for me, a very individualized path for me, and I am grateful for that.”

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Carolina is home to nearly 3,650 veterans and military-affiliated students, faculty and staff.

No. 9 Best Colleges for Veterans (U.S. News & World Report)

Nearly 70% of undergraduate students graduate without student loans.

Excellence within reach. Visit: excellence.unc.edu.