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.