Nominations

Nominated by Cassandra Berry

“Arlonda Berry not only is excelling while training for the Colorado National Guard at Fort Belvior, VA, but she is also a loving big ister and a caring peer to those she comes into touch with. Arlonda plans to continue to protect the state of Colorado while being with the Colorado National Guard and later enlisting as an officer in the United States Army. Her dedication to the field of Phlebotomy and Disease Research will most definitely lead to big and amazing things.”

My Black Colorado Interview

What do you think others would say that they like the most about you? 

I think people enjoy my attitude and perspective on the world. I tend to approach situations with an open mind, and comfort when needed. I tend to be very nice and friendly, which would make it easier for people to be comfortable around me.

When you are not in a class, what are the things you enjoy being involved with? 

I am very family orientated so anything my family members have going on; I love to be there to help in any way possible. Since I just got out of training, I haven’t gotten the chance to do much but have been interested in joining a local tennis club and helping out there as well!

What is the best advice someone has given you recently?

I have been told that in order to succeed I must want it more than anyone around me because no one is going to care or support me as much as I can.

What is one thing you want to get better at?

Time management, for the perspective of workload. I tend to want to do everything in one day, and hardly take breaks in between until the task is complete, ultimately tiring me out. I feel it would be better to break up something, especially those that don’t need as much attention or can wait a day or two.

What do you think is one piece of advice adults need to hear to help them connect with the younger generation better?

Stop comparing us to your generation. We are being raised and learning from two entirely different generations, so it is not fair that we are constantly reminded of the things your generation might not have been exposed to. We live in a world that they created, so it is important that they listen to us to understand what kind of impact they are leaving on us, which will affect how the next generation is treated.

What accomplishments or awards are you most proud of?

My biggest accomplishment is graduating high school and doing exactly what I’ve dreamt of doing. Not gonna lie, I struggled a bit in high school and realized about the beginning of my junior year there is more to life than just the town I’m from. I became determined to then not only graduate but to already on track for my next adventure in life. That landed me in the recruitment office, where I enlisted in the Colorado Army National Guard, and got my dream job as a medical laboratory specialist, in which I’m continuing my education to one day earn a Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science.

What impact have you made in the community that you are most proud of and why?

The biggest impact I’ve believe I’ve had on my community is showing them a possible option for what to do after high school. I joined the military, and through them I have earned an associate degree (within one year instead of two), an accredited certificate in medical laboratory science, and a service achievement medal, all within a year and a half after graduating.

What do you think you want to do for a career and why?

I want to do medical/clinical laboratory science as my career. It is so intriguing and rewarding to be able to not only perform work in the lab (analyzing and testing patient specimens), but to apply my knowledge of results to help a patient and physician out. Being able to read lab results is like doing a puzzle, to figure out if there is something wrong or if everything is normal, knowing how important it is to accurately report.

What role did your family play in where you are today?

The biggest role my family had supported. I know I’ve changed my mind about certain things countless times, but every time I did, they were always by my side to help in any way possible. If it were not for their extra push when I needed it or showing me by their actions that “life can be worth it if you make it worth it” attitude, I would not be where I am today.