University: Oregon Tech (Oregon Institute of Technology)
Major: Nursing/Medical Sociology
Scholarships received from JCEF: Grants Pass Active Club and Grants Pass Clinic scholarships. I also received the Grants Pass Rotary Scholarship, HV Booster Club Scholarship, and a track and field scholarship from Oregon Tech.
Why I chose Oregon Tech: I chose Oregon Tech because it was the best fit for me. I’ll be on the track team but I love how academics come before athletics. The focus is really on classroom success. Oregon Tech has a positive atmosphere that encourages students to have fun while enjoying all that the campus has to offer.
What experiences drew you to the medical field? I have multiple family members who are nurses including two aunts, two cousins, and my mother who introduced me to the field of nursing. I’ve seen first-hand the joy they get from doing their job and how they are able to balance a family and a career. Volunteering in multiple units at the hospital really showed me what nursing is about and gave me a realistic understanding of the skills I’ll need to be a nurse.
Classes taken in high school that made an impact: Four classes really had an impact: AP composition, Spanish, psychology and sociology. AP Composition class was extremely difficult but so worth the effort. I learned how to write papers ranging from 2 to 10 pages. Because of this class, I am better prepared to write papers for college-level classes. I took Spanish classes in my sophomore, junior and senior years…I’ve seen firsthand the importance of knowing a second language when working with a variety of people in a hospital setting.
Volunteer or paid work I’ve had to learn about my planned career: I volunteered in Med-Surg, Emergency Room, Radiology, Post-Anesthesia Care and Intensive Care units in the Three Rivers Medical Center Youth Volunteer Program. Nurses work in all those units but their daily job activities are pretty varied. I learned that I am best suited for the ER because I love the fast pace, working with a variety of patient types, and the turnover of patients.
High school activities and leadership: I participated in rodeo, 4-H, track and field, cross country, student government, Sparrow Club, Interact club, and National Honor Society. I was Track Team captain for 2 years, Junior Class vice president, Sparrow Club treasurer my junior year and National Honor Society president as a senior. Through all of these activities, I learned the importance of leadership, dedication and time management.
Planned collegiate activities: I will be on the track team which has a competitive winter indoor season, a competitive spring outdoor season and year-round training. I also plan on participating in Oregon Tech’s outdoor club.
