Author: Ahliil Saitanan

Chae’ is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biological science at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She chose this program in preparation for medical school and says, “I’ve spent my personal and professional life naturally connecting with others, aspiring to improve their quality of life. Upon becoming a physician, I will get to incorporate the skills and knowledge from my psychology degree with the complex concepts of biological science to serve the community in an incredibly significant way.”

After graduating, Chae’ plans to work as an emergency room medical scribe and continue volunteering in the community at organizations like the Downtown Soup Kitchen, Hope Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Alaska Health Fair. Her best study tip is to read the textbook chapter for each class both before and after the lecture. She says, “Getting the chapter read before lecture ensures that you’re prepared and any questions that you ask in lecture will help you build on your existing knowledge rather than learning on-the-spot with no frame of reference.”

Outside of school, Chae’ practices yoga every day for mind and body wellness. She also enjoys live music, including occasionally performing vocals, and spending time camping and generally in the outdoors with friends. Of her MSHF scholarship, she says, “The MSFH scholarship has provided the benefit of working less. Thereby, allowing me more time to study and focus on my medical school application requirements. It has also served as a great networking resource to connect me with other likeminded students interested in medicine.”

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

Alana is enrolled as a first-year student at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She says, “Being a non-traditional student tat the age of 34, I was at first unsure if I would ever attend school due to time, energy and money.” She decided to pursue a degree in psychology because of a strong desire to be part of the community that uplifts the hearts and minds of both youth and adults. Alana’s ultimate goal is to contribute to eliminating suicide in Alaska.

She has two pieces of key advice to give incoming students, saying, “First is to have clarity and desire for what you are wanting to achieve. Focus on the
outcome, then everything else will follow,” and, “Secondly, for those who are unsure of themselves, remember, there is no time but the present if you truly want to achieve something regardless of your age and circumstance! Practice giving yourself grace and kindness when pursuing or learning something new.”

When Alana isn’t in school or working, she loves spending time with her family. They like getting active and trying new things, and partake in activities like hiking, camping, fishing or even painting classes. She says, “We just enjoy being together!”

Of her MSHF scholarship, Alana says, “I want to thank the Mat-Su Health Foundation for this scholarship! They have been incredibly helpful with my pursuit on achieving wellness for our community. I feel both thankful and humbled to receive such a generous award! This has helped alleviate some of the obstacles and stress on both myself and family being a student. Thank you Mat-Su Health Foundation for all that you do. I am so grateful!”

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

Bonnie is currently a medical student at the University of Washington School of Medicine and was able to enroll through the WWAMI program. She pursued the WWAMI program because it allows Alaskan students to have access to an affordable and high quality medical education and was drawn to the diverse academic and clinical experiences UWSOM offers. After graduation, Bonnie plans to attend a residency and fellowship in a medical specialty. After completing that training, she plans to use her education to take care of her fellow Alaskans.

Her best tip for others on their academic journey? She says, “I cannot stress the importance of time off and away from your studies enough! I wouldn’t be able to tackle the demanding work load of medical school if I didn’t balance it with dedicated friends and family time.” Outside of school, Bonnie loves to paddle board, bike, run, hike with her dog, Cleo, camp, read, cook and play cards with friends.

Of her Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarship, Bonnie says, “MSHF has supported my journey to medicine for several years now. The MSHF scholarships alleviate some of the financial pressures of medical school and allow me to focus on my studies.”

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

Remmington is pursuing an MBA in healthcare management at Western Governors University. He says, “I’ve been very interested in the healthcare field since high school. After spending a few years as a clinical administrator I discovered I have a passion for the business and customer service side of healthcare. I have met so many providers who are excellent healthcare practitioners but who struggle with developing and implementing business strategies and policies. I want to be that little help that moves them from great to extraordinary.”

After completing his program, Remmington plans to shadow his mentor who is a C-suite executive to several hospitals and start his own medical business consulting firm. He wants to apply what he learns to help healthcare providers in Alaska to operate more efficiently so they can keep quality up and costs down for Alaskans, especially among small practices and rural areas.

His best study tip is to first figure out what you ultimately need to understand or do, and then structure your study plan to accomplish that. When Remmington has time oustside of school, he enjoys spending time with his family or practicing martial arts. He also enjoys playing his Okinawan sanshin (three-string banjo) to relax and wind down.

Of his Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarship, Remmington says, “Thanks to the MSHF scholarship, I have been able to do an accelerated masters program and to focus my time on that program almost exclusively, while still having a little time to spend with my family.”

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

Angie is studying nursing science in the BSN program through the University of Alaska Anchorage and will be a part of the Mat-Su cohort set to graduate next spring. She says, “Driven by my longtime dream of becoming a nurse, I pursued the UAA BSN program because it offered an affordable, accessible nursing program in a competitive environment where I could be sharpened by my peers along the way.”

After completing her program, Angie hopes to work in an acute care setting. She says she has a special interest in critical care. Angie’s best study tip is to, “Stay organized and one step ahead.”

Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking and playing board games. Of her Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarship, Angie says, “The MSHF scholarship has made an enormous difference in helping me to accomplish this goal by being a large piece to the puzzle that funds my budget as a student.”

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

Karo is pursuing a Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD) at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Karo says, “I’ve wanted to become a pharmacist since high school. I love science and wanted to use that passion to go into a career where I could help people, healthcare!”

After completing her program, Karo would like to work in rural Alaska helping underserved populations as a fellow Alaskan. Her best study tip is, “Treat school like it’s a 9-5 job. No playtime until you’re done with your worktime.” Outside of school, Karo enjoys beings outside, running along the coastal trail in Anchorage or cross-country skiing at Kincaid park.

Of her Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarship, Karo says, “It’s significantly helped pay off my undergraduate and now graduate education. It’s also offset the amount of student loans I have had to take out. This scholarship was the only one I got this year for my most expensive year of post-secondary education yet.”

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

Braden attends the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and is pursuing a DDS with an expected graduation in spring of 2025. He says, “Working at a dental clinic with a dentist who was a Colony High graduate opened my eyes to how in a few meaningful hours of work, a dentist can create radical change for his community. Not only is dentistry oral healthcare, but it impacts patients’ confidence, self-image, and many other areas of their health, along with helping build the community.” Braden chose the UMSoD program because “it has been the top ranked program for multiple years and specifically focus on making sure students do rotations across the state and give the opportunity to serve overseas.”  He believes it is important to not self-impose limits with the “I am just a student” mentallity, and that one can always make a difference.

After completing his program, Braden plans to open a private practice and provide care in underserved areas in the U.S. and overseas with free or reduced costs when possible. His best advice for studying is, “Staying rigorously organized is vital to success. You have to plan when you will complete tasks and schedule time for rest. Having balance and flexibility is important, but always start with a plan.” Outside of school, Braden enjoys hiking, slacklining and attending any and all levels of sporting events.

Of his Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarship, Braden says, “MSHF has given me the opportunity to not have to work during school with as much burden. By being able to  focus on my work and also have time to be involved in clubs and community service rather than work, I am able to develop into a more well rounded future healthcare worker. For example, I used some of that time to run for student government, and was elected the UMSoD Class of 2025 President where I will be able to have an impact by giving voice to my peers excitement and concerns about our dental education to administration and faculty.”

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

Alyssa attends Yakima Valley College and is majoring in nursing. She says, “I have always wanted to be in the healthcare field, just what part of it was always the question though.” After she completes the program, Alyssa wants to get her BSN and then dive into work.

A study tip she finds helpful is writing instead of typing can help students understand the content more. Outside of school, Alyssa enjoys playing softball. She currently plays for her school! She also enjoys spending time with friends and family – mostly with her brother and sister.

Of her MSHF scholarship, Alyssa says, “The MSHF scholarship is helping me pay for classes I need for the program, as well as books.”

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

Harrison is a DMD candidate at Western University of Health Sciences for the Class of 2024. He chose to attend Western because of their emphasis towards a hands on learning style and clinical based curriculum. After completing the program, Harrison plans to return to Alaska to pursue a career in dentistry.

He says, “The best study tip that I have learned to develop is to study every single night. Making small and attainable goals every day will give you a sense of accomplishment throughout your academic journey.” Outside of school, Harrison loves to play and watch sports – specifically the TCU Frogs! He also enjoys trying new restaurants and golfing.

Of his MSHF scholarship, Harrison says, “My MSHF scholarship has been a complete blessing and has allowed me to focus more on school and less on the financial burden that is higher education. I am very grateful to be selected as a recipient!”

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