Four years at Methodist, and just getting started

Ayrulan Moore was born with spina bifida and kidney issues. As a child, she spent a great deal of time in hospitals. As her mother put it: "Doctors said she would never walk. Look at her go now."

"Because of the time I spent in hospitals, I know first-hand how important all the staff are within a hospital," Ayrulan says. "I've known for a very long time that I wanted to work at a hospital and make sure other patients have as good an experience as possible. It's my way of saying thank you and giving back for all the quality care I received over the years."

Her teacher, Mrs. Cobb at Roosevelt High School, introduced her to the Bridges program. Her Bridges counselor, Jasmine Washington, helped her build a resume, fill out applications, talk through which jobs would fit her, and practice selling herself in interviews.

In March 2022, her senior year, Ayrulan was hired by Aramark in the Environmental Services Department at Methodist Hospital. "Working at Methodist Hospital during my senior year of high school was a dream job for me," she says. "Not only did I have a really good job, which allowed me to help out my family financially, but it also gave me the opportunity to give back to others."

Four years later, she's still there, with more responsibilities, more hours, and a higher wage. "I have grown personally and professionally," she says. "I have taken on new responsibilities at work and see myself working in the healthcare industry for a very long time."

One of her stated goals: continue her education in healthcare.