Oak Creek Hometown Hero Has 'Determination Of A Lion'

OAK CREEK, WI — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Niki Agg in Oak Creek, who nominated Julia Rodell.

Where the nominee lives:

Oak Creek

Name of the nominee:

Julia Rodell

Name of the person who nominated the hero:

Niki Agg

Is the nominee considered an "essential worker"?:

Yes

What does the nominee do for work?:

Certified Nursing Assistant for St. Luke's South Shore

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?

My daughter has always been a hard worker and continually strives to better herself. She received her CNA license in December 2019 through the program at Oak Creek High School when she was 16 and began searching for jobs.

She applied for a CNA position at St. Luke's South Shore and was hired to work weekends while she is still in high school. She was asked at that time to shadow workers on various floors to see where she might fit in best and decided on the non-emergency surgical floor.

As her first day approached in March she was excited to begin her new journey. When she arrived she learned that all non-emergency surgeries had been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and that her floor had been turned into the COVID-19 unit. She was asked at that time if she wanted to stay or if she still thought this was still a good fit.

Without hesitation she stayed.

Because school hours had been cancelled she was asked if she could cover 12-hour day shifts instead and again without hesitation she agreed. She like other healthcare workers has had to take extra precautions just to keep those around her safe at home.

She has since been accepted to MATC's nursing program as part of Oak Creek High School's dual enrollment program and will be attending her Senior year at MATC paid for by the Oak Creek-Franklin School district.

A huge SHOUT-OUT to my daughter and all the essential worker's (young and old) putting themselves at risk for the sake of strangers and for helping put a stop to this deadly virus.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:

Julia is a STRONG (soon-to-be) woman and a fighter with the determination of a lion and the heart of a lamb.

>> Do YOU have a hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here