Laura McKinley Langford
Name: Laura McKinley Langford
High School: LaFayette High School
College (Current or Future): Georgia College & State University
Major/Intended Major: Nursing
Financial Aid Program(s): Dual Enrollment, Zell Miller Scholarship
Successful outcomes are always promoted; the results seemingly difficult to reproduce. However, the foundation of Laura Langford’s scholastic successes is rooted in options accessible to any student.
“I studied hard and used the resources I had available to me,” said Langford, who goes by her middle name – McKinley.
By any name, her achievements required hard work and perseverance. Not difficult to expect from the daughter of two educators.
“My parents are my ultimate inspiration,” said McKinley. “They have done nothing but support and encourage me throughout my journey.”
That journey gained focus during a health sciences class at LaFayette High School when McKinley recognized a calling for the health care field.
“My first option was the pharmacy track, but I soon noticed that I enjoyed the direct patient care that is involved with nursing,” said McKinley. “I realized that caring for people in need was my passion.”
To get that passion on track, McKinely used Dual Enrollment as a high school junior to take courses at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC).
“I highly recommend Dual Enrollment to any high school student,” said McKinely, who finished three semesters at GNTC. “I was able to get a taste of what real college classes were like while also getting college credit.”
The college credits counted towards her high school GPA, one that saw her finish as the salutatorian of the Ramblers class of 2017. As a result, McKinley qualified for much-needed assistance.
“Being a recipient of the Zell Miller Scholarship has greatly benefitted my entire family,” said McKinley about the merit-based scholarship that provides full tuition. “We were able to save money. It has helped me attend college without financial stress. We are forever grateful for this opportunity!”
It is an opportunity she has done well to maintain, earning Dean list honors at Georgia College & State University for three semesters and the President’s List for two.
“While college has been more challenging, Dual Enrollment allowed me to earn credit for core classes, allowing me to focus on my major,” said McKinely. “I have continued making A's and B's because obtaining a college degree puts me in the best position to have a long, successful career in the field that I love.”