A Place That Felt Right From the Start: JALC is Home for Makayla Collins
Published on March 31, 2026
For Makayla Collins, a career in health care has always been the goal.
From a young age, she knew she wanted to help people. At first, that dream looked like becoming a heart doctor. But as she explored her options and learned more about the field, she found her path in nursing.
“It felt like something I could do so many things with,” she said. “Once I found nursing, I just kept going with it.”
That path led her to John A. Logan College, a place that already felt familiar.
Growing up in Marion, Collins spent time on campus attending events, visiting with her sister and getting a glimpse of college life before she was even a student. By the time she reached her senior year of high school, the decision felt natural.
“I didn’t really think I was going anywhere else,” she said.
Staying close to home, managing costs and finding the right environment all played a role, but it was the feeling of the campus itself that made the choice clear.
At JALC, she found more than a program. She found a place where she could grow.
“I love it here,” Collins said. “I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.”
That sense of connection has shaped her college experience. Instead of feeling like something she had to do, coming to campus became something she looks forward to each day. She is more engaged in class and more invested in what she is learning.
“I’m excited to go to class,” she said. “I’m engaged. I love what I’m learning.”
That engagement is especially important in a program as demanding as nursing.
Collins describes the program as challenging but rewarding. The pace, expectations and hands-on experiences have pushed her to grow not only academically, but personally.
“It’s shaping me as a person,” she said. “It’s made me more reliable and more disciplined.”
Through her coursework and clinical preparation, she is building both the skills and mindset needed for a career in health care.
“I feel like when I step into the real world, I’ll be ready,” she said.
Outside the classroom, Collins has taken full advantage of campus life. As a Student Ambassador and president of her LPN program, she has stepped into leadership roles that have strengthened her connections and allowed her to give back to the college community.
“I love coming here and saying hi to everyone,” she said. “The community is my favorite part.”
She also points to campus resources as an important part of her experience. From the relaxation room, where she found a space to reset during stressful days, to programs like PATH and Perkins that helped cover supplies and expenses, Collins said those supports made a real difference.
“There are so many resources here that people don’t even realize,” she said.
For Collins, community college has been more than a starting point. It has been a place to grow, lead and prepare for what comes next.
After graduating from JALC, she plans to continue her education, earn her bachelor’s degree and pursue a career as an ER or ICU nurse, with hopes of eventually working in a larger city. Still, her path always comes back to where it began. For Collins, choosing John A. Logan College was never really a question. It was simply the right choice from the start.