But Demetria did not stop there. That exact same year, she finished from Lincoln High School, already halfway through her college journey. From an early stage, she had actually constantly known she wanted a career in the medical field.
At first, she imagined becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon, however over time, her passion progressed. However along the line, she faced a terrible loss.In November 2020, Demetria lost her mom, Elicia Coley, to ovarian cancer. Her mother, a NICU nurse, had actually been a strong impact in her life. That loss was not just psychological; it improved her purpose.Instead of dissuading her, it deepened her desire to pursue a profession in health care. “I decided to follow in my mother’s footsteps and make her proud,”she shared.After completing her early college credits
, Demetria proceeded to Florida A&M University, where she invested two years completing her prerequisites. By the end of 2024, she had built a strong scholastic and practical structure for her next action. She then transferred to Florida State University to pursue her
Nursing degree. During her time there, Demetria not only concentrated on academics, however she also immersed herself in real-world experience.She dealt with the Florida Firm for Health Care Administration, offered in the emergency situation department
at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, and completed a preceptorship at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Healthcare Facility for Women and Babies.These experiences played a crucial function in forming her career choice. While she as soon as considered becoming a cosmetic surgeon, her clinical exposure assisted her recognize that nursing offered something she valued more: much deeper, more individual interaction with patients.”Cosmetic surgeons repair the problem, but nurses truly get to look after clients and get in touch with them,”she explained.All her years of preparation caused a defining moment.
On May 1 2026, Demetria strolled across the stage at Florida State University, formally earning her Nursing degree at just 18 years of ages, making history as the youngest graduate from the university’s College of Nursing.”I’m simply thankful I have the ability to walk across the phase,”she stated, reflecting on the minute. Behind her success is likewise a strong support system. Her daddy, Demetrius Coley, was a science teacher and department chair who instilled in his children the worth of education from an early age.He motivated them
to take extra classes, consisting of summer programs through Florida Virtual School, guaranteeing they stayed ahead academically.Looking ahead, Demetria plans to start her career as a NICU nurse, continuing the legacy of her late mother while making her own effect in the lives of newborns and their households.”I’m happy that I can continue to make history and make my mother proud,”she stated.