Which scholarship(s), fellowship(s), and/or financial aid are you receiving? 

I am receiving the Anita Mitchell Scholarship, Josephine Malone Scholarship, and Emory Advantage and Emory University grants. 

Why did you choose the Emory School of Nursing, and was our financial support a factor in your decision-making process? If so, how? 

I am from Ann Arbor, Michigan, and I initially applied to music schools with an emphasis in violin performance. I was accepted to and attended the University of Washington in Seattle for two years with the intent to study pre-nursing. Nursing combined the performative aspects of music with academic and STEM rigor. Growing up, I also saw the impact that my mom made as a night shift social worker in the ER. 

Emory was my top choice for nursing school because I am interested in public health policy, and the icing on the cake was their generous financial support. 

Another reason that I chose Emory is for its clinical immersions abroad. I am excited to provide health screenings in Mérida, Mexico during my spring break — thanks to a partnership between the Lillian Carter Center and Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán. 

I will never forget opening Emory’s acceptance letter to the BSN program in a museum bathroom; I screamed with joy! 

How did our financial support benefit your Emory Nursing journey? 

Emory’s financial support was a huge benefit. I have grown tremendously through my classes at the School of Nursing. Dr. Hagopian taught one of my favorite courses on professionalism in nursing. We explored the ethical boundaries of being a nurse, a lifelong learner, a patient advocate, and a care provider as well as our duties outside the nursing practice as a human being.

I’ve also grown through the Emory University Symphony Orchestra. We perform four concerts each year, and it is challenging to balance clinicals and my academic schedule with music. 

Lastly, from a care perspective, Atlanta is one of the best spots for foundational nursing learning. For example, access to the CDC has been fascinating to explore health care policy. The city provides an amazing canvas of which to learn from diverse patients and perspectives, and I love Atlanta’s history and culture.

What are your plans after graduating from Emory? 

I will graduate from Emory in 2026, then I want to pursue my DNP with a family nurse practitioner focus. Ultimately, I’d like to work in the ER and outpatient care. I am interested in serving people who are incarcerated, uninsured, underinsured, and experiencing housing instability.