Beginning on May 6, 2006, Devon Hall attributes his growth in Fort Worth, where he was raised as “family-oriented and assertive.” As an African American and Native American, Hall has learned to embrace his identity, navigating life with pride and Baptist values. His upbringing has shaped him into being confident and deeply connected to his faith and family.
At Young Men’s Leadership Academy, Hall attributes math to his favorite subject, not only because it came easily to him, but also Mr. Parker, a teacher he remembers as “a fun guy (sometimes).” His greatest accomplishment during high school has been building confidence in himself. Moreover, this was shaped by his involvement in Student Council, where he began developing both confidence and leadership. Hall points to his greatest strengths: assertiveness, and bluntness. The advice he would give his Freshman self would be to “embrace yourself, walk with confidence, and speak your mind.” It’s a lesson he stands by with his saying, “Y’all stay safe.”
Beyond school, Hall is an active community leader of his church’s youth department and outreach committee. Hall dedicates his Sundays to helping elders in his community. It is through these experiences that he found his passion for geriatric nursing, realizing that older adults often lack adequate support. “Helping them makes me feel valued,” he says.
Hall’s prominent influence is his grandmother, Debra Cunningham, who truly inspired him. Hall shares that his conversations with her have motivated his pursuit of nursing. “She’s the reason I hope to remain humble,” he says. Hall spends his time helping his elders with everything from appointments to meals, and this hands-on care.
In the future, Hall plans to work at a clinic after graduation with an immediate focus on building generational success for his family. In five years, he sees himself working as an Licensed Vocational Nurse or pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Currently, he is practicing home health care and working toward a phlebotomy certification. When asked if he’s ready for adulthood, Hall responds with “Yes and no,” and further elaborates that he is “ready to experience the unknown” by “walking by faith and not by sight.” Although, he says no because he fears the “curiosity of figuring out the essence of life.”
Hall’s story is one of purpose, compassion, and confidence. As he prepares to graduate, one thing is certain: his impact is only just beginning.