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!”
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.
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.
Sarah is working on her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Creighton University. She says, “I love that a career occupational therapy gives me the unique opportunity to enable people across the lifespan who have been affected by illness, injury, or disability do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of activities.”
Moriah is in the Master of Nursing Practice program at Frontier Nursing University and plans to pursue a Doctorate of Nursing Practice once she completes this degree. She chose this particular program because it’s mostly based online and she only needs to visit the campus in Kentucky for one week out of the year. She says, “I enjoy the flexibility of being able to work full-time as a nurse here in Alaska and go to a top rated school with an affordable program.”
Kailey is working toward an MD at Yale School of Medicine. She says she was drawn to the program because, “The environment at Yale is very inclusive, and they have opportunities to pursue essentially anything you may be interested in.” Kailey is hoping to work in rural primary care once she graduates as she wants to help reduce the disparity in primary care in those areas.
Desiree Hacker is studying nursing at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She says she was drawn to the program because she loves people and, even more, loves to help people! Desiree plans on working as a nurse in corrections, a recovery center or as a nurse in the beauty industry once she completes her program.