In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, advanced practice nurses play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. They enhance access to healthcare, particularly in underserved and rural areas, and contribute to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.
In this Q&A article, we speak with several Yale School of Nursing (YSN) students who are enrolled in the Community Scholars Program. The mission of the YSN Community Scholars Program is to cultivate a dedicated community of nurse practitioners and midwifery students who are committed to achieving better health for all by serving the underserved. Scholarships for these dedicated students allow them to focus on improving the health and mental health of underserved populations, reducing health disparities and enhancing equity in care.
These students share their journeys, aspirations, and insights into the impact they hope to make as advanced practice nurses. Join us as we delve into their stories and explore the significance of supporting future healthcare leaders.
If you wish to contribute to scholarship support for YSN students, please consider making a gift to YSN’s Next Century Fund, our scholarship fund for the future. Gifts to this fund support nurses’ education and also unlock a matching gift of equal size.
What would you like to say to the donors who made your scholarship possible?
I truly appreciate your generous support and belief in my potential. The scholarship has empowered me to pursue my passion for becoming a nurse practitioner in adult gerontology primary care. Thanks to your support, I can focus on my studies and enhance the health and well-being of older adults, who often face unique challenges in accessing quality care.
Your investment in my education is an investment in my future and the future of the older adults I serve. I am committed to providing exceptional care and advocating for policies that improve health outcomes for this population. My goals include enhancing healthcare access, addressing age-related disparities, and promoting better geriatric care practices. I plan to use my knowledge and skills to drive meaningful change that will benefit older adults, especially those living with dementia, in long-term care settings.
I am sincerely grateful for your generosity. This scholarship will allow me to positively impact the lives of many older adults and their families by providing patient-centered, holistic care. I will strive for healthier and more equitable health outcomes for the population I serve.
- Fenot Samuel Awalom
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donations, which are instrumental in funding my education. Your commitment to supporting my academic journey is not just a financial contribution, but a significant step towards my goal of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This training will empower me to advocate for individuals who are unable to advocate for themselves and provide assistance to those in need. Thank you for your invaluable support.
- Antoine Hunter
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to pursue a career in nursing?
I have chosen this career path because of my desire to effect real change in urban and marginalized communities across the country. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I will have complete autonomy to open a private practice in my community to expand access to mental health services for marginalized individuals who would not have the opportunity to receive affordable, high-quality mental health services otherwise.
- Antoine Hunter
Given my background as a gender-diverse and an Asian-American growing up in the USA, I had first-hand experiences of medical discriminations and faced barriers in accessing healthcare. Based on these experiences, I also felt that nurses had more direct patient care and were often responsible in shaping the healthcare experiences for many patients. The very first provider that I had a positive experience with was a nurse practitioner, and I decided to switch my track from premed to nursing, as it appeared to be more holistic and patient-centered. I felt that with this profession, I would be able to make more impact and changes to my patients’ lives and be able to treat them in a way that would allow them to feel heard and seen.
- Hyunseung (Austin) Lee
I was introduced to the nursing profession in 2020 when I worked as a nursing assistant in long-term care at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I knew I wanted to be a nurse after witnessing the kindness and dedication of my nurse colleagues and have since explored ways to unite my passion for health equity and nursing.
- Abigail Grimm
How did you feel when you learned that you would be a Community Scholar at YSN?
I was overjoyed. Being able to become a nurse midwife while not taking on student debt will enable me to take work that might not be the most lucrative but will be in service of underserved/vulnerable populations.
- Lara Paxton
What makes being a student at YSN special?
For me, it’s having access to all these connections and opportunities that I normally wouldn’t have if I’d gone to another institution. There’s a lot of brilliant minds here–both faculty and peers, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to learn from everyone here. To be able to connect to the other branches of medical sectors such as the Yale PA school and medical school provides an opportunity for connections as well, and I think it’s a valuable form of resources that we have here at YSN.
- Hyunseung (Austin) Lee
Being part of Yale means being part of a legacy of excellence. The Yale School of Nursing (YSN) is a unique institution that offers a rigorous education within a supportive environment, allowing students to develop as clinicians, advocates, researchers, and leaders. YSN has a distinguished history of producing leaders who have contributed nationally and globally to healthcare. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of this legacy.
- Fenot Samuel Awalom
What do you hope to accomplish in your career after YSN?
I hope to find a career in establishing gender-affirming healthcare and providing care for LGBTQ+ patients. However, I also would like to go into more specialized fields as well, such as oncology or in an OR setting, where these kinds of care for my patient population is not as well thought of or is often overlooked. I would also love the opportunity to provide education to future providers and nurses.
- Hyunseung (Austin) Lee
I hope to learn how to be a caring and efficient family nurse practitioner. I already feel very immersed in the nurse practitioner culture at YSN, and I know that this is the best place for me to learn. I also hope to add on the diabetes concentration.
- Muskaan Tahirkheli
If you would like to learn more about supporting the YSN Community Scholars Program, please contact Gail McCulloch (gail.mcculloch@yale.edu or 203-785-7920), Associate Dean of Development & Alumni Relations.