It’s a Hard Knock Life Part I with Naida Rutherford

Trigger Warning: While this episode is in no way graphic, we do discuss abuse, sexual abuse and homelessness. Please note that if these topics are in any way triggering for you, listen with caution. 

We are diving straight into this discussion with Naida Rutherford. Naida is the new Richland County Coroner. Richland County is in South Carolina and not only is she the first person of color to have been elected to the position, she is also the first woman. Listen as she shares her story from her earliest years until college in this first half of our conversation. 

To say that Naida has had a difficult journey is an extreme understatement. She grew up in foster care and suffered a range of abuses in her early years. The moment she turned 18 she was turned out of her house and was living on friend’s couches and porch fronts. 

A stroke of luck and a ton of hard work is what got her into college at a time when she was just trying to find her next meal and a safe place to sleep at night. 

Listen as she shares her story and why her ability to see the good in people and in situations is what helped her to survive her early years. She is also adamant that no matter your background or history, when you’re handed an opportunity, take it. 

Want to know how she found herself on the road to becoming the Richland County Coroner? Listen to Part II.

In this episode:

[00:28] Naida starts the conversation by sharing her experiences in foster care. 

[02:44] Two days after graduating from high school, she was homeless. 

[04:41] Be kind. Work hard. No matter what you choose to do, kindness will get you further. 

[07:18] Did she have any mentors during her early years? 

[10:19] We circle back to Benedict College and how she got into college despite her situation. 

[13:22] How was her interest in the health sciences sparked? 

[15:24] Why did she switch from the medical school route to health sciences? 

[19:43] You may not get to your passion in the way that you think you will. Keep going. 

[22:03] When you talk about success with others, you need to give the blueprint as well as encouragement. 

[25:25] When did she decide to move from nurse practitioner to dealing with the deceased? 

[28:03] What she found during nursing school was that she was great in a crisis. 

[30:33] How she knew she was going to become a coroner.

Links and Resources:

Connect with Naida: 

Richland County Coroner’s Website
Naida on Instagram
Now & Then Store

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