Whitney is in the BSN program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She says, “I knew I wanted to do nursing, but I thought I’d be selling myself short if I didn’t go for the full four years. I knew I had the personality traits that lined up with being a BSN, potentially in a managing position in the future.” After graduating, Whitney wants to work in an emergency room or med-surg in the Mat-Su to get emergency medical care experience, but her ultimate goal is to work at a birthing center. She says, “I would love to be a part of natural child birthing.”

When asked about her best tip to other students, Whitney said, “If you are in school, always be on! During the semester, never turn off school. Work at schoolwork everyday little by little. You can take a break when the semester is over. If you take a break during the semester, you fall behind. Don’t quit!” Outside of school, Whitney enjoys crafting, reading, meditating and spending time outside with her son.

Of her MSHF scholarship, Whitney says, “As students, we have so many things to worry about in our personal lives, aside from our hectic school lives. Money, time, family and health are usually at the top of my list. The MSHF scholarship has taken nearly all of the burden of school off my shoulders. With one less thing to worry about, I focus on my schoolwork!”

Click here to learn more about Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarship programs.