Growing up in a small community like Vandalia has a way of shaping a person’s values, aspirations, and sense of identity. For Sierra Stewart, these elements have combined to form a powerful story of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Sierra’s journey began in Mulberry, where she spent her early childhood surrounded by the love and support of her close-knit family. “We lived on a road where my grandparents, uncles, and cousins all had homes. It was a really cool experience,” Sierra recalls with a smile. This family-oriented environment laid the foundation for Sierra’s strong sense of community and her desire to contribute positively to the lives of those around her.

When Sierra was in second grade, her family moved to Vandalia, where she has been ever since. As the only child, she quickly found her place in the community, making her mark in both academics and extracurricular activities. “I’ve always been a hard-working student,” Sierra says. “I strive to make my parents proud, and they’ve always supported me in whatever decisions I wanted to make.”

Sierra’s love for volleyball began in seventh grade, and it has been a defining part of her high school experience. Although she initially played basketball as well, she decided to focus on volleyball, a sport that has brought her both joy and valuable life lessons. “I wanted to focus on volleyball, so I started playing in club teams, traveling to tournaments in places like Kentucky and Indiana,” she explains. “It’s been a big part of my life, and I hope to continue playing through my senior year.”

But Sierra’s aspirations extend far beyond the volleyball court. From a young age, she was drawn to the idea of helping others, particularly children. This passion was sparked by her interactions with her uncle Joe, who had a disability and required the care of a night nurse. “I learned about nursing and fell in love with the idea of helping people,” Sierra shares. “I’ve always loved babies and kids, and I’m planning to pursue a career in pediatrics, possibly working in the NICU.”

Sierra’s dedication to her career path is evident in her academic choices. She plans to earn her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification through OKAW and continue her education at Kaskaskia College. “I want to stay close to family and get on my own two feet before moving out,” she says. Sierra’s commitment to her education and career is matched by her desire to serve her community in meaningful ways.

Her path is not without its challenges. Sierra recognizes that the field of pediatrics, particularly working with vulnerable infants in the NICU, will involve moments of heartache. “It will be hard, but I think it will be so worth it,” she says with determination. Sierra’s ability to balance her academic and extracurricular commitments with her passion for nursing is a testament to her resilience and drive.