Author: Ahliil Saitanan

Elise is attending the University of Alaska Anchorage to complete a Bachelor of Science in dietetics with plans to graduate in 2023. She plans to continue her education and pursue either a Master of Science in dietetics and nutrition or Master of Public of Health program to be able to take the Registered Dietitian Examination. Elise says that while location was a factor in choosing her current program, the instructors are so dedicated to their students and are encouraging resources that make her excited to enter this field that she feels deserves more recognition. Of her post-grad plans, Elise says, “I have many ideas, but I hope to start my career in community nutrition where people see the most disparities and need the most help as access to nutrition can be a key preventative measure towards good health. I have plans to pursue other educational opportunities to be Board Certified in Obesity and Weight Management and Pediatric Nutrition and I’m researching new certifications in Culinary Medicine.”

Her best tip for others pursuing their educations? Elise says, “I’ve learned as an older student not to be a perfectionist and to take breaks from studying to enjoy family time or just go outside for a while to recharge. You can’t absorb anything on a low battery.” Outside of school, Elise enjoys being outside during our incredible Alaskan summers and spends time hiking, kayaking and sitting around a campfire enjoying good company. During the winter, she loves cross country skiing.

Of her MSHF scholarship, Elise says, “Without the MSHF, I can’t say it would have been fully possible to continue my educational goals without the burden of student loans. It’s a fantastic feeling to know that this organization believes that I can do something with my education, and I plan to put it right back into the community.”

Whitney is in the BSN program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She says, “I knew I wanted to do nursing, but I thought I’d be selling myself short if I didn’t go for the full four years. I knew I had the personality traits that lined up with being a BSN, potentially in a managing position in the future.” After graduating, Whitney wants to work in an emergency room or med-surg in the Mat-Su to get emergency medical care experience, but her ultimate goal is to work at a birthing center. She says, “I would love to be a part of natural child birthing.”

When asked about her best tip to other students, Whitney said, “If you are in school, always be on! During the semester, never turn off school. Work at schoolwork everyday little by little. You can take a break when the semester is over. If you take a break during the semester, you fall behind. Don’t quit!” Outside of school, Whitney enjoys crafting, reading, meditating and spending time outside with her son.

Of her MSHF scholarship, Whitney says, “As students, we have so many things to worry about in our personal lives, aside from our hectic school lives. Money, time, family and health are usually at the top of my list. The MSHF scholarship has taken nearly all of the burden of school off my shoulders. With one less thing to worry about, I focus on my schoolwork!”

Click here to learn more about Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarship programs.

Tiffany is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She says, “I want to have the opportunity of positivily impacting people’s lives and being able to provide resources to allow them to work through tough family illnesses and tragic accidents. More importantly, I thoroughly enjoy working with people of all backgrounds and cultures.” After graduating, Tiffany wants to work as an RN and continue her education to become a CRNA or flight nurse, and give back to Alaskans by serving rural villages or areas where nursing is in high demand.

Her best study tip? “I’ve found printing out powerpoint slides with images to be incredibly helpful when trying to memorize and retain terminology, and creating Quizlets before taking exams that consist of multiple chapters to be efficient when studying.” Outside of school, Tiffany enjoys international travel, going to the gym, hiking with her dog, Lily, and spending time with her friends and family.

Of her MSHF scholarship, Tiffany says, “In the short time I’ve been a MSHF scholarship recipient, this scholarship has allowed me to take on a larger course load, as I am not solely stressed about how I am going to financially work towards my degree. More courses means I am able to become an RN in lesser time and give back to the people of Alaska.”

Click here to learn more about Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarship programs.

Shannon is studying nursing at Carroll College in Helena, Montana. She always knew she wanted to go into the medical field and care for those who are sick or injured and says, “I was drawn to nursing because I want to be at the patients’ bedsides and be a source of compassion and strength for them and their families as they navigate uncertain or scary diagnoses.” After completing her program, Shannon plans to work as an ICU or ER nurse so she can become a flight nurse in the future. She would also like to work with pediatric patients in an oncology unit at some point.

“The best study tip I’ve picked up is to make a list of each step in a big project so that even if you aren’t able to complete the whole project at once, you can still cross something off your list,” Shannon says. Outside of school, she is very active in church and also enjoys taking walks into downtown Helena with friends, rock climbing, hiking, kayaking and downhill skiing in the winter.

Of her MSHF scholarship, Shannon says, “The Matsu Health Foundation scholarship has significantly helped ease the financial burden so that I can further my education. It gives me so much confidence to know my community believes in me and is willing to invest in my education.”

Click here to learn more about Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarship programs.

Sarah’s program of study is occupational safety and health at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She says, “Providing the workers in my community with the necessary skills and training to go home healthy to their friends and family is very rewarding.” Sarah accepted a position with a regional airline to begin after completing her program. She also plans to work toward her bachelor’s degree.

Sarah’s best study tip? “Literally write everything down!” Outside of school, Sarah enjoys hiking and fishing. She also adds, “My family is expecting our first child in February! We are very excited.”

Of her MSHF scholarship, Sarah says, “Without the MSHF Scholarship, I would not have been able to complete my associate degree. It is an amazing program for the community and I am very grateful to have been apart of it!”

Interested in learning more about Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarship programs? Click here to register for an upcoming virtual MSHF Scholarship Info Session!

Rachel is a full-time student pursuing a major in nursing and a minor in psychology from Mat-Su College. She says, “I am very drawn to the variety of career opportunities nursing provides. I am also inspired by my mother who is a licensed nurse practitioner for the PHS.” After completing her programs, she plans to gain experience at one of the local hospitals in the Mat-Su or Anchorage areas, and eventually pursue travel nursing.

Her best tip is to make an organized schedule of assignment due dates and class times that remains at the front of your desk. Rachel says, “Write out your designated study time for each day of the week and stick to it; if you fail to plan – plan to fail!” Outside of school, she spends the majority of her time reading and studying, but she also enjoys hiking, fishing and all the typical outdoor activities familiar to Alaska.

Rachel says of her MSHF scholarship, “Being awarded with my MSHF Scholarship has eased the stress of my journey through education. It is helping me spend less time working for school funds and more time actually studying so I can succeed in school!”

Interested in learning more about Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarship programs? Click here to register for an upcoming virtual MSHF Scholarship Info Session!

Margarita is studying to become a RN at the University of Alaska Anchorage and Matanuska-Susitna College. She is currently in the pre-major program and completing her prerequisites. Margarita’s 14+ years working as a direct support provider for special needs kids and adults and caring, some that require 24-hour total care, as well as working as a ward clerk at the hospital locally inspired her to pursure the program. After graduating, she plans to continue working with special needs people and work as an RN at the local hospital.

Her best study tip is to have a study buddy! Margarita says, “Having another person to quiz each other and discuss the class and subjects is really helpful, especially during this pandemic and a lot of classes aren’t in person. Plus, if you need help, having someone to work problems through with is great!” Outside of school, she enjoys spending time and doing activities with her husband, three kids and their dog.

Of her MSHF scholarship, Margarita says, “MSHF has helped me achieve my educational goals by allowing me to continue my education so that I can achieve my dream of being an RN and give back to our community that we’ve lived in for many years.”

Interested in learning more about Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarship programs? Click here to register for an upcoming virtual MSHF Scholarship Info Session!