"My experience as a student in the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing gave me the opportunity to incorporate critical-thinking skills, evidence-based research and the integration of human diversity – all of which afforded me the chance to positively impact the public health of my beloved island." (Photo: Catherine "Cie" Stroud)

—Sonja "Sunny" Semidei, BSN '15

The Cornerstone: Lifelong Learning Strategies course will provide you with the tools for a successful academic experience. Take a sneak peek at the course.

Sacrifices and Scholarship Support

Sonja "Sunny" Semidei's dream of earning her degree may have remained exactly that, had it not been for a flexible academic program and scholarship support that made it possible.

"Returning to school so late in my career was overwhelming," said Semidei, a 2016 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program graduate. "I attended a diploma nursing school more than 30 years ago and have been living in Puerto Rico since 1984. I returned for my degree as a grandmother and soon became aware that this was the beginning of a new chapter in my life."

Semidei admitted that her degree pursuit required personal sacrifices, but said unexpected scholarship support provided the fuel she needed to see it through.

"I felt encouraged to continue my studies when I found out I was awarded the University's Julia Cadiz Negrón Endowed Scholarship," she said. "I never thought I would receive a scholarship at my age. It wasn't just the financial support that was significant; it was proof that others believed that I could complete my degree. I was finally able to apply myself in ways I could not as a young adult and feel that I am now a better-prepared nurse."

She recently began her role as a public health educator focusing on teaching pregnant women and their families about the prevention of the Zika virus in Puerto Rico. Agencies mobilized to curb the spread of the virus include the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Puerto Rico Department of Health. Semidei noted that the WIC program, with which she's affiliated, offers free education to pregnant women as well as their children and serves as a valuable foundation for related healthcare initiatives.

"My experience as a student in the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing gave me the opportunity to incorporate critical-thinking skills, evidence-based research and the integration of human diversity – all of which afforded me the chance to positively impact the public health of my beloved island," she said.

She espouses the positive effects scholarship awards have on those receiving them.

"If someone is on the fence about donating to the University, and they have the resources to do so, I would say in giving, we receive so much more," she noted. "Nursing is a lifelong commitment and, to me, that means a lifelong learning process supported by scholarships."

The University offers a number of scholarships to assist students in meeting their financial commitments. Learn more about available scholarship programs and upcoming award cycles or email us with questions.

Insights Home »