CFMC Scholarship Funding Through Workforce Investment Solutions Helps Millikin University Nursing Student Graduate Debt Free
When Naomi Hall made plans to transfer to Millikin University in the Fall of 2020, she had no idea how she was going to pay tuition. Wanting to avoid years' worth of debt from student loans, Naomi applied for every scholarship she could find. This ultimately led her to being a recipient of scholarship funds from Workforce Investment Solutions granted to them by The Community Foundation of Macon County.
When students receive scholarship funds through Workforce Investment Solutions, they are paired with a case manager who is there to support them throughout their college career, and step in if they experience any hardships or barriers that would affect them completing their education. Janean Garrett, Youth Career Planner for Workforce Investment Solutions, has served as Naomi's case manager for the last 3 years and has enjoyed working with her and watching her "grow up" through the program.
Throughout her time at Millikin, Naomi has had the opportunity to explore several different areas of nursing through her clinicals. From labor and delivery to wound nursing, Naomi experienced many of the ways you can utilize a nursing degree. The breadth of opportunities she has been exposed to has ultimately led her to develop her passion for critical care nursing (ICU). A year ago, Naomi began working as a tech in the ICU at a local hospital and enjoys caring for those who are in their most vulnerable state.
But for Naomi, being a nurse is more than a job. For her, she sees it as a blessing to be able to serve and give back to her community in this way.
When Naomi isn't busy with clinicals and studying, she serves as the President of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, a non-denominational, student-led organization on Millikin's campus that gathers to find community in their faith. She is also the President of Alpha Tau Delta, a fraternity for nursing students on the Millikin University campus.
“There are no words to describe how grateful I am. I have been able to attend classes for the past 3 years, & fully focus on learning and getting good grades. It is such a blessing to walk out of college completely debt free. - Naomi Hall”
Naomi is in her final semester at Millikin University and will graduate with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) this May. She will also graduate High Dean's List with a 3.72 cumulative GPA and top 5 of her class. She currently has offers from two local hospitals to work in the ICU, the department she is most passionate about.
