Empowering Future Healthcare Professionals' Independence
A conversation with 2024 Healthcare Studies Scholarship Recipient Kassydi Pankewicz.
For some students, pursuing post-secondary education often means moving away from home and facing additional financial burdens. This was the case for Kassydi Pankewicz, the 2024 Healthcare Studies Scholarship recipient. In her first year of university, she had to navigate living independently while managing her academic responsibilities. The scholarship significantly eased her financial stress, allowing her to focus more on her studies.
Kassydi describes receiving the scholarship as a turning point in her journey. Knowing she had support from her community reinforced her confidence and validated her aspirations to become a nurse.
"It instilled a sense of confidence and validation in my abilities to become a nurse, demonstrating that others believed in my potential,” shares Kassydi. “This motivates me to strive for excellence in my education and future career."
Kassydi views this scholarship as a reward for her hard work in high school and a motivator to excel in her university courses. "You never know what opportunities may arise," she adds.
Kassydi's decision to pursue nursing was deeply influenced by her grandfather. Her interest in the medical field was sparked at a young age, but it was her grandfather's post-surgical complications that solidified her desire to become a nurse. The unwavering support she witnessed from the nursing staff—not only towards her grandfather but also towards her entire family—played a crucial role in her decision to pursue a career in healthcare.
“To have the ability to provide compassionate care and support for patients and their families during some of their most daunting moments is a privilege that I wanted to have,” she explains.
For those considering a career in healthcare, Kassydi advises that while the training may seem daunting, the experience of working directly with patients makes it all worthwhile. She also emphasizes the importance of having supportive friends during studies, as they can significantly enhance the experience.
Learn more about the Foundation's Scholarships and Awards.