Ariah Hughes, a junior at Lawrence Central High School and a recent participant in Ivy Tech Community College’s Summer Healthcare Academy, found herself using her newly acquired skills in a real-life emergency situation at her workplace. Just hours after learning how to respond to a choking incident, Ariah successfully applied her training to save the life of an infant in distress.
“I had just learned the Heimlich maneuver in class that day,” Ariah shared, reflecting on the experience. “I was in Dr. Terry Flemings’ Basic Life Support and CPR training class, and we were watching a video from the American Red Cross that showed us how to perform the Heimlich on different people. Little did I know I would be using that knowledge so soon.”
While working in the infant room at her job, Hughes quickly recognized the signs of choking in one of the children. Drawing on what she had learned earlier in the day, she immediately stepped in to help. “I remembered from the class that you shouldn’t give water to someone who’s choking. I got down on my knees and started doing the Heimlich maneuver. After a couple of tries, it worked, and the baby was able to breathe again.”
When I heard about this program, I knew it would be a great opportunity for her. And when she came home every day excited to share what she’d learned, I knew I made the right decision.
– Arie Hornbeak Martin, Hughes' mother and Ivy Tech employee
Hughes’ mother, Arie Hornbeak Martin, who also works at Ivy Tech, had encouraged her daughter to join the Summer Healthcare Academy. “She’s always been interested in healthcare and dreams of becoming a sports medicine doctor,” Hornbeak Martin said. “When I heard about this program, I knew it would be a great opportunity for her. And when she came home every day excited to share what she’d learned, I knew I made the right decision.”
Reflecting on the moment her daughter’s training was put to the test, Hornbeak Martin expressed gratitude for the program’s impact. “For her to learn something at Ivy Tech and then use it to save a life just a few hours later—it’s truly amazing. I’m so grateful for the opportunity she had and for the incredible instruction she received.”
The Ivy Tech Summer Healthcare Academy, a pilot program designed to give high school students a hands-on introduction to healthcare careers, aims to inspire the next generation of medical professionals. Hughes is just one of the many students who have benefited from the program’s life-changing curriculum.
“I would recommend it to any student interested in healthcare,” Hughes added. “Not only do you learn vital skills, but you also meet people who will become lifelong colleagues. The professors really care about you and your success.”
This inspiring story is a powerful reminder of the real-world impact that Ivy Tech’s programs can have on students and their communities. As Hughes looks ahead to a future in healthcare, she’s already making a difference in the lives of others.
For more information about Ivy Tech’s Summer Healthcare Academy and our School of Health Sciences, please visit our Programs by School page.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
