March is National Women’s History Month, and Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) is proud to celebrate by spotlighting some of our exceptional female students. Today’s Student Spotlight features Nonkululeko Waters, a dedicated Protective Services student at EASTERN and a driven senior at Upper Moreland High School. She is pursuing a future in the medical field while excelling in cheerleading, working a part-time job, and staying actively involved at both EASTERN and Upper Moreland.

When she reflects on National Women’s History Month, she thinks about how far women have come—especially in education, the workforce, and even in their ability to run for president and hold political office. “Women throughout history have inspired young women to grow and not be afraid to pursue their dreams,” said Nonkululeko.

Nonkululeko admits she was initially nervous about joining the Protective Services program at EASTERN, knowing it is a predominantly male field. Despite her concerns, she pushed forward, driven by her long-standing passion for helping others and, at the time, her goal of becoming a police officer. She even attended a police and military training program for teens the summer before enrolling at EASTERN. “At first, some of the males in my program wanted to help me with tasks, like dragging a victim,” said Nonkululeko. “But I told them—as a cheerleader, I throw people in the air all the time. There needs to be more women in the protective services industry.”

“I like the variety of education that Protective Services offers,” said Nonkululeko. “We learn about mental health, law enforcement, and firefighting, and we recently had an attorney speak with our class. Anything related to community service, giving back, and helping others is part of what we learn. This program has helped me figure out what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

At EASTERN, Nonkululeko is a student ambassador who represents her program at marketing and recruitment events and volunteers at school activities such as the Designer Bag Bingo Fundraiser, Craft Fair Fundraiser, and Open House. She also serves as a Sergeant in her Protective Services class. At Upper Moreland High School, she is a member of the cheer team and was selected as Suburban One Athlete of the Week earlier this year. She also serves as a New Student Ambassador and is a member of the Diversity Club and Athletic Leadership Club. In the community, she is involved with Morgan’s Message, a national organization that raises awareness about mental health in athletics. Through Upper Moreland High School, she helps share this message by speaking with local schools and hosting informational tables at both home and away games. In addition, she works part-time at Burger King.

Nonkululeko’s advice is to follow your passions and pursue your goals. “I am the first in my family to go to college. When I first told my family about my decision to take Protective Services at EASTERN, some did not agree with it, but now I am one of the top students in my class. Do not let anyone knock you off your path.”

The next step for Nonkululeko after graduation is to return to school to become an EMT and attend Western New England University, where she was recently accepted into an accelerated program that will allow her to earn her Physician Assistant license, along with degrees in Biology and Medicine.