Justin is enrolled in the nursing program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He says, “I was drawn to the medical field because I find it rewarding helping and caring for people. The pandemic has made me more passionate about this field.” After completing his program, his goal is to work at Mat-Su Regional Center so he can serve his community.

Justin says COVID has definitely impacted his approach to studying since classes moved online. He says, “The best tip I’ve picked up during my time spent studying and doing homework is to take lots of breaks. Breaks are important for the brain to catch a break and rest.” Outside of school, he enjoys playing guitar, kayaking and foraging for berries and other edibles.

Of his MSHF scholarship, Justin says, “I do not do well with online classes. The Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarship helped me immensely during the difficult transition to online classes because of Covid. With the scholarship, I excelled in my classes because I was able to use the scholarship for technology needs that I would not otherwise have been able to afford. In addition, books are incredibly expensive. The scholarship allowed me the financial ability to purchase books. Overall, the scholarship has allowed me to invest in my future and set me up to give back to my community.”

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