Scholarships are Transforming Outstanding Young People in Miami County
Nurses play an integral part in healthcare in any community as they are one of the pillars of the medical care system, caring for vulnerable people who need help. This noble profession is something that Regan Badders, a resident of Miami County, chose to pursue in her higher education.
“I first heard about the D.O. Smith Scholarship in one of my college prep classes,” said Badders. “I had been told a couple of times that high school students don’t get it, but I was determined to apply for every scholarship, so I went ahead and applied.”
Badders comes from a family of nurses, where her mother and sister are practicing nurses. However, the ever-rising cost of college education made it seem like becoming a nurse would be an almost impossible task. That was the case until Badders learned of the D.O. Smith Scholarship for Miami County students.
The D.O. Smith Scholarship is offered by the Miami County Community Foundation for Miami County students who are enrolled in a nursing program. This is why it was a surprise to her and her schoolmates when she was awarded the scholarship.
“When I realized that I got it, and I was the first one in high school ever to get it,” explained Badders. “It just felt like such a great accomplishment.”
Thanks to the scholarship, Badders doesn’t have to worry about the financial aspects of her college years. Instead, she spends her days focusing on her studies, determined to become the best nurse she can be.
As she does this, she doesn’t forget the opportunity awarded to her by the Miami County Community Foundation and the anonymous donors; she is forever grateful to them. “Thank you so much,” said Badders. “You’re allowing me to make my dreams come true.” Badders continues to pursue her major in nursing at Pittsburgh State University.
Were you inspired by this story? Learn more about scholarships and how you can help by visiting the MICOCF Scholarships webpage.
For more information about MICOCF, feel free to visit the Miami County Community Foundation website.
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