For Silvia, there is light
This Spring, Northwest Education Access student Silvia will graduate from Renton Technical College with her Associate in Pre Nursing degree with the goal of starting nursing school this Fall.
Silvia became interested in nursing while being her grandmother’s caregiver. At one point her grandmother was hospitalized. Silvia shared: “I was there with the nurses, and I asked how many people they take care of in a day, and one of them was like you can take a walk with me, and I can show you around. And that really sparked my interest so much, and I was like how do I learn how to do this, and they said I could join nursing school.”
With that dream in mind, Silvia came to the US from Kenya after finishing high school there with the hopes of becoming a nurse, but the cost of getting an education became a challenge. She shared, “My first quarter I was able to work overtime shifts and cover that, but in my second quarter I could only take one class, which was a bit slow for me. When NWEdA came into the picture, I could take three classes a quarter, which was better.”
Silvia, who currently works with Education Advocate Haley, said, “Haley ensures that my education goals are met and on time. She sends me resources, she helps me apply for financial aid, and she even got me a laptop.”
In the future, Silvia not only wants to be a nurse but also give back to NWEdA and let other students know that “there is hope for them, becoming a light when they are in their darkest moments.”
“Everyone has their own education plans— NWEdA has your back in getting there.”
She shared, “the organization came through in my darkest moment. I was almost giving up on my career, and I was like I can't do this, I can't afford this, there’s no light for me, and then the organization shed more light.”
Silvia concluded, “I can see myself graduating in the spring, and I’m excited to get an acceptance letter.”
