Sylvain Farrel, a recent Horace H. Furness High School graduate, is hoping to turn his temporary position at a local clinic into a pathway to a full-time nursing career, writes Wakisha Bailey for CBS News Philadelphia.

Farrel’s primary responsibility at Unity Clinic, which is part of Villanova in South Philadelphia, includes registering patients.

“It kind of controls who is in the building and who is not in the building also to really advocate for walk-in patients,” he said.

Originally from Indonesia, Farrel and his family moved to Philadelphia in 2021. His native language is Indonesian, which is also the only language that many of the patients can speak.

His various roles make him a vital part of the clinic’s daily operations.

In addition to dealing with patients, Farrel, who serves as an intake specialist, advocate, and translator, also often interacts with Villanova University nursing students, which is something that is in his future, as well.

Just six months ago, Farrel was studying for his AP classes at his former high school. Now, he is preparing to attend Villanova in the fall, which he hopes will bring him one step closer to becoming a nurse.

Read more about Sylvain Farrel and his professional aspirations in CBS News Philadelphia.

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