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NEDERLAND — Katelyn Patterson is on the right track to a successful medical career.

The Nederland High School senior has dreams bigger than herself of becoming a doctor and continuing her family’s legacy.

Patterson’s mother, Shaunette, and her grandmother, Christie Still, were nurses.

“My mom was really my inspiration,” Patterson said. “I enjoyed listening to my mother explain nursing techniques and the tasks of her daily job. I want to be a doctor for her, because she would’ve been a great one. I want to fulfill a legacy that she could not because of all the things, and time, she sacrificed for me to have the greatest life she could give me.”

Patterson said from a very early age her mother instilled in her a responsibility, focus and drive for education.

The 18-year-old is now president of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), a volunteer for a local nursing home and is a certified nurse’s aide.

“Education is a means to a successful life,” Patterson said. “I adore being president of HOSA because I am on track to a medical career, and being able to share my love and knowledge of this organization to others gives me joy.

“Volunteering at local hospitals and nursing homes is something I always wanted to do, to not only gain further knowledge in my career path, but to enhance my love for helping others.”

Nederland High School Health Science and HOSA teacher Kim Nelson said Katelyn is an outstanding student, not only academically, but also as a peer to others.

“She makes sure others are included and she is always willing to help,” Nelson said. “She is a leader in the classroom and goes the extra mile. She maintains an impressive academic performance while balancing multiple club participations, many of which she holds an officer position in. It’s been a pleasure to teach her the past two years.”

Patterson is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. She is secretary of the Terrific Nederland Teens, in the top three percent of her class and maintains a 4.0 GPA.

Patterson will graduate high school next month and move to Waco, where she will attend Baylor University to work toward a degree in health science studies.

Before graduating, her top priority is enjoying time with her family before going off to college.

“I want people to know that I am truly grateful for everything I have and all the people around me today,” she said. “People need people, and I am so grateful for my inner circle.”

Patterson’s greatest accomplishment is her positive attitude.

The Nederland native lost her father, James, in a car accident in 2010. Her mother raised her and her sister Kristen, alone.

“I have gone through many obstacles, and while mine are no greater than anyone else’s, there were so many times I felt like I wanted to give up,” she said. “It is only because of the love and support of my family, and my relationship with God, that I have managed to not only survive, but thrive.”