Leighton Carroll, 25

This interview is a little special to me because I had the opportunity to care for this precious young lady after her car accident when I was working at the nursing home here in Hohenwald.

She is such an inspiration, and a very strong young lady. The love and support of her family and friends brought her through one of the toughest phases in her life. I was so thankful to be a small part of that, seeing her smile when I would walk in her room was one of the reasons I enjoyed my job when I was working as a nursing assisent. Caring for her was kinda a plus for me because I got pulled from the back halls to work up front because she would request me for almost every shift I worked. It made me feel good that she trusted me to care for her.

Hope you all enjoy getting to know a little bit more about her.

Q.) Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

A.) I have lived here in Hohenwald my whole life. I recently graduated from nursing school at The University of Tennessee at Martin Parsons. My passion is caring for others and I hope with my education I will be able to give back to my community all it has given me.

Q.) Where did you grow up?

A.) I grew up right here in Hohenwald.

Q.) What is one of your fondest childhood memories?

A.) Some of my favorite childhood memories are camping at the Tennessee River with my family. I also loved the days when I was “sick” and got to hang out with my papaw Jack all day.

Q.) What did you want to be as a kid? What did you actually become?

A.) When I was a kid there were a few different things I wanted to be, however I knew from an early age I wanted to help people by being a nurse. After many long years I have finally reached my goal as a registered nurse.

Q.) Who was/is your biggest role model?

A.) When I think of a role model, I automatically think of the person I’ve strived my whole life to be like. If I had to choose I would say my late grandfather Jackie Skelton. He always loved people no matter what and that is my ultimate goal.

Q.) What are some of your favorite hobbies/ how do you like to spend your free time?

A.) I love traveling with my boyfriend, Brendan, any chance I get and spending any free time I have with my family. I especially love hanging out with my nephews, Wyatt, Ruston and Dixon Carroll. I also love gardening and spending Sundays with my nanny, Betty Carroll.

Q.) If you could go anywhere, in or out of the states, where would it be? Why?

A.) If ever given the chance, I would love to take a long trip out west. I would love to see all the beautiful mountains and scenery that our country has to offer.

Q.) What is your favorite type of music?

A.) I truly love all music, but there’s something about listening to some old country or Fleet-wood Mac.

Q.) What is one of your favorite things about living in Hohenwald?

A.) The best part about living in Hohenwald is the community. If anything ever happens the community always comes together to help. You don’t find that in every town.

Q.) What is your favorite time of year? Why?

A.) I love spring, because it feels like everything is new and fresh again. The days start getting longer and I start planting my garden, which is my favorite.

Q.) Let’s say you’re a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be? Why?

A.) If I was a color I would want to be something bright.

Q.) What do you enjoy most about your job?

A.) My favorite part of nursing is being able to learn something new every single day. I also love using knowledge to help someone in need.

Q.) Do you have a nick name?

A.) Yes, my nickname is “Bug”. Whenever I was a kid my family called me Lady Bug. As I got older and gained a nephew he couldn’t say Lady Bug so we shortened it to “Bug”.

Q.) Is there any life advice you could give to our readers?

A.) The advice I would give is to always be nice and love like Jesus. At the end of the day, nothing else matters in this world.

Q.) Is there anything you would like to add that my questions may not have touched on?

A.) I’m not sure who nominated me for this, but I am so grateful, because there are so many deserving people and I’m just blessed that someone thought of me for this recognition.