by Jeremiah Hatcher
The Paducah Sun
October 10, 2023
Used with permission.
“If I can make others feel better while putting a smile on my face, I can only imagine the possibilities of curing needs through medicine,” Murray State University Teen of the Week Weslyn Durfee said.
Durfee, a senior at Paducah Tilghman High School, is passionate about pursuing a degree in health care and following in her grandmother’s footsteps.
She is involved in multiple school clubs and organizations, including the Beta Club, Soccer, Student Council, Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), and Fellowship Christian Athletes (FCA).
Durfee said HOSA offers her real-world experience in her desired occupation.
“HOSA is my favorite because I want to work in health care,” she said. “Getting the opportunity to learn the jargon and skills needed gives me a great head start.”
After she graduates, she will have enough school credits to become a Patient Care Technician. She plans to gain hands-on experience by working at Baptist Health Paducah during the summer.
Durfee intends to study nursing at Western Kentucky University (WKU). She said she hopes to one day become a traveling missionary nurse.
“I want to be able to do two things I love,” she said. “Spreading the gospel while caring for others.”
She credits her grandmother for her intense love of health care.
“My grandma has been a nurse all my life,” she said. “She’s inspired me, because I loved the way she’s been able to compassionately help others physically and mentally, which inspired me to want to pursue the same.”
Julie Price, a counselor at Paducah Tilghman High School, said Durfee is someone she knows is always genuine.
“One thing that always impresses me is when I meet students, and they are completely genuine,” Price said. “That’s Weslyn, and she’s a good soul.”
Price said Durfee is always ready to assist others when needed and shares her personal stories to connect.
“A teacher spoke about a group of girls she was in charge of in FCA Camp,” she said. “She was still engaging, meeting with them, and using some of her challenges to relate to and encourage them.”
Durfee said to be successful, surround yourself with like-minded individuals or people you know will help you advance.
“It will make or break how you will continue high school,” she said. “My first two years, I wasn’t on set to be where I am, and I changed who I was hanging out with, and I have had a complete re-due.”
Durfee advised that one can always change for the better, regardless of their grade. She recommended having a game plan, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and taking time to reset.