Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadely Abdalla
Nadely, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My interest in medicine was sparked at the age of 13 after a trip to Venezuela that quickly went south. I fell severely ill with bacterial pneumonia and struggled to breathe properly on my own. This harrowing hospital visit made me realize the stark differences between healthcare systems in underdeveloped countries and the U.S. The difficulty in obtaining simple antibiotics was eye-opening. This experience ignited a passion to ensure no child would endure what I had and fueled my desire to advocate for better healthcare systems in these countries.
In high school, I was fortunate to attend a program that offered medical assistant certification. I began taking the prerequisite courses at 14 and, at 16, became the youngest person ever certified in my program. Just a week into the summer of my junior year, I started working as a medical assistant in a pediatric office. This hands-on experience was invaluable, as I quickly learned the significant difference between textbook knowledge and real-world application, especially when working with children.
I began sharing my story by creating content about my experiences as a medical assistant, and to my surprise, my TikTok videos resonated with a large audience, amassing over 5.8 million views. Sharing my journey and offering guidance on gaining clinical experience became a way to help other students prepare for college and professional schools.
This inspired me to establish a platform dedicated to providing aspiring healthcare professionals with guidance, encouragement, and practical advice. Through social media and community engagement, I began sharing my experiences, tips, and resources to help ease the journey for others following a similar path.
Building this platform has been an enriching experience. It has connected me with countless individuals who share my passion for medicine and my drive to make a difference. The overwhelming support and positive feedback I’ve received have reinforced my commitment to helping others achieve their dreams.
I continued documenting my journey through my senior year of high school and my transition to College Station, where I’m now pursuing my nursing degree at Texas A&M University. I’ve kept sharing my experiences in the medical field, and my platform has opened up numerous exciting opportunities to collaborate with brands I adore. This has allowed me to blend my creative side with my professional aspirations while continuing to share my journey with the world. Along the way, I’ve also grown my small photography business, which has been a fulfilling way to cultivate further and express my creative passions.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has certainly not been smooth. I’ve encountered numerous obstacles and challenges that have shaped me into the resilient individual I am today. It wasn’t easy; many medical professionals were hesitant to accept a 16-year-old working with patients the same age as I was. I went through countless interviews until a compassionate doctor, who saw her younger self in my ambition and potential, offered me the chance to work and learn under her guidance.
I remember my first day vividly—I was thrilled to start my first job ever. But during my lunch break, I broke down in tears. The reality of working as a medical assistant in a real medical scene hit me hard. The steep learning curve between theoretical knowledge and practical application was overwhelming. Adapting to the fast-paced, high-pressure environment was tough, and nothing could have fully prepared me for the challenges of dealing with crying and kicking children, despite my practice with fake skin and veins.
These experiences were challenging, but they taught me valuable lessons in perseverance and adaptability, shaping me into who I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a certified clinical medical assistant, I’m known for sharing my medical journey through engaging TikTok videos. I combine my clinical expertise with creativity, offering valuable insights and advice to aspiring healthcare professionals.
I take pride in the positive impact my content has made and the opportunity to collaborate with various brands. Showcasing my creative side through social media has allowed me to connect with a wider audience and bring a unique perspective to both medicine and content creation. I also have my own photography business, which has been a rewarding way to further explore my artistic interests further and integrate them into my professional journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Helping others brings me immense happiness. As a first-generation student who navigated the educational journey without educational parental guidance, I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to figure things out on your own. Providing support and sharing valuable information through social media fills me with a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that I’m making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Additionally, I find immense joy in expressing myself artistically, even in a field as scientifically focused as medicine. Being able to infuse creativity into my work and share that with others brings a unique sense of satisfaction. It’s gratifying to blend my passion for science with my love for art, creating a space where both can thrive.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadelyabdalla22/profilecard/?igsh=bTlmaTJocWJncmxr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadelyabdalla?_t=8ogU9XC3J0B&_r=1
Image Credits
Zahira Sandoval
