FERRIDAY — With only one more month of practice left, 21-year-old Chelsea Crum has a lot to be excited about.

With a move to her career in the near future, the practical nursing student at Central Louisiana Technical College Shelby Jackson Campus hasn’t been slacking in her studies. She was recently named as one of 19 students in the state to the Louisiana Community and Technical College System All Academic Team.

Crum said she was honored to be one of the few students from the state to be selected for the team.

“I was really surprised because my dean nominated me for the award, and I didn’t know she was going to do it,” she said. “It was really surprising to receive such an honor.”

Crum said to be on the team a student must have a GPA of 3.3 or higher, and they must be involved in school activities.

Crum had no problem meetings those specifications with president of the Student Government Association and a 3.5 GPA on her list of achievements.

“I also like to do a lot of community activities,” she said. “I sometimes go back and substitute at Monterey High School, where I graduated.”

Sticking close to home is something Crum said has been a big help in her studies.

“When I first graduated (high school) I went to the University of Louisiana at Monroe for a year,” she said. “I just got tired of being another number and decided to come back home and go to CLTC.”

Since returning back home, Crum said her practical nursing training at CLTC has been an incredible experience.

“I have always wanted to be in health care. It has been my first choice for a while,” she said. “I am a big people person, and going into a field where it is my job to help someone is exciting.”

As part of her education at CLTC to become a nurse, Crum has to practice the skills at area hospitals before she can graduate.

“I love clinicals,” she said. “I have learned so much from all the hospitals in the area I have trained at.”

Crum also said her training at CLTC has been a great tool in preparing her for her future career.

“There is such a good student-to-teacher ratio,” she said. “There is always someone available for whatever you need. Everyone on campus is really close, and I really have enjoyed that.”

With graduation set for May 17, Crum said she isn’t quite sure where she wants to work, she just knows she wants to work close to home.

“There are a few places in the area that I would love to work at,” she said. “But I am keeping my options open. I am so excited about graduating and looking for a job.”

Chelsea Crum is the daughter of Rusty and Gayla Crum.