LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Julie Huffman was nominated by her principal, Chris Titus.

Ms. Huffman typically has about 100 students each year. Ninety-eight percent of her students earn the CNA credential by passing the exam at the end of her course. Utah's average pass rate on the CNA exam is between 78% and 81%. Topping the state average by at least 17 percentage points a year is incredible. Ms. Huffman achieves this rate of success every year.

"Julie is the best teacher I know, and no one surpasses Julie's instructional practices," said Titus.

Part of her program includes teaching students medical terminology. Many students struggle with vocabulary because the words are entirely new and unrelated to familiar words. Ms. Huffman frequently dedicates her time to working with struggling students long after the end of the day. One of her students said, "Julie makes class fun and interesting even when we are just learning new vocabulary words."

Ms. Huffman ensures all her students are competent and proficient in the skills needed to be CNAs. She will only allow students to participate in clinical experiences once they have earned 100% on all laboratory work. This commitment helps her ensure that students are confident and believe they are intelligent and capable. Every student knows that Ms. Huffman trusts them completely. She loves the world of nursing and instills that love in her students. All her students leave her class knowing that nursing is a calling, not merely a career. 

Lessons in her class are about more than just the facts and procedures of nursing. She carefully weaves life skills into the fabric of her curriculum. Students learn to interview, prepare for new job opportunities, and internalize the ethos of being a caregiver. Ms. Huffman uses the Future Health Professions student organization to develop her students' leadership skills. For example, one young man in her class could save a patient's life in an emergency because of the confidence Ms. Huffman instilled in him. 

Ms. Huffman profoundly impacts the lives of her students and co-workers. Countless students continue to be a part of her life for years after graduation. She helps many young men and women maintain their nursing licenses, find jobs, and earn recognition within the healthcare community. One young lady who completed Ms. Huffman's program ten years ago regularly drives by the JATC and sees her car in the parking lot after 6 PM. She knows Ms. Huffman serves her students by holding tutoring groups for struggling students.

The love Ms. Huffman has for students touches their lives. Multiple former students drop by to check in with her every week. Ms. Huffman knows each of these past students and remembers their names and details about their lives. One of her students had to leave the CNA program because of academic dishonesty. She made sure to drop by the student's home with a small gift and words of encouragement later during the year. It is essential to Ms. Huffman that students know they are good people with many excellent qualities. It takes a caring person to help students realize a few poor choices don't have to define an individual. 

"Students become part of her life," said Titus. "One young man was struggling with the recent death of his father. Julie ensured he had the support to negotiate such a challenging life event. She empathized with his struggles by sharing that she had also lost her father when young. This young man went out of his way to tell me what a difference Julie's compassion made to him."

Mentoring and helping others come naturally to Ms. Huffman. She is the official mentor to at least one teacher every year. The habits learned by new teachers are excellent when their guide is Ms. Huffman. She is also active with the veteran members of the faculty and staff. Many fun social events are planned each year with her help. 

"I will be heartbroken the day Julie decides to retire. She is the best instructor I have met, and I have been privileged to watch her work at something she has mastered and loves," said Titus.