Transformational Impact

Laly Ailyn Noriega, BSN

Dear Donors,

It is because of your generosity that I was able to make impactful and lifelong memories in Italy this summer. I am a first-generation student with quite unusual family circumstances; my parents had abandoned me, and my oldest brother took me in while he was only 17 years old at the time. Based on the life I was given, I never expected to be where I am now: in my last year of the nursing program with so many bright opportunities in front of me.

I also never imagined studying abroad to be a possibility for me, both financially and logistically, due to nursing school having so many commitments throughout the school year. So, when the opportunity presented itself to study abroad in Italy for the summer term to explore public and global health issues, I was hopeful yet worried about the cost. One of my professors informed me about this scholarship opportunity specifically for nursing students, so I eagerly applied.

Without this scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to participate in the program, and for this I am immensely grateful. Knowing that the School of Nursing and UW donors have supported me in every facet of my college career makes me immensely proud to be a Husky. I hope to one day be able to donate and provide the same support to others.

Entering the workforce at the end of this year, I anticipate I will be able to bring what I’ve learned about the impact that diet, environment, and community can have on health into my nursing practice, allowing me to be the best nurse I can be and to approach my patients’ health from a fully encompassing, holistic view.

I just want to say thank you again for your contribution; it means more than you all know.

Jen Calsado, DNP

Dear Donors,

I am deeply honored to be a UW School of Nursing scholarship recipient. As a first-generation college student and a Filipino immigrant, I find this award profoundly meaningful. My journey in nursing has been one of resilience and determination. Nursing has always been my calling. I have been a dedicated nurse for nine years and have always wanted to do more for the community. I am passionate about family practice and caring from all the health and wellness spectrum, from birth to the end of life. I hope to help many families with vigorous advocacy. I am a proud parent to two children, one of which has special needs and a disability. In my role as a mother and recipient of disability care for my son, I have learned many gaps in the care for the disability still exists. I hope to bridge this gap and be a vessel to the community to aid families in providing access to health care regardless of location, time, and urgency.  
 
Receiving this scholarship not only alleviates the financial burden of my education but also strengthens my resolve to continue making a difference in my patients’ lives. Your kindness is a reminder that support, and mentorship can change the course of someone’s future. I hope to honor this gift by serving my community with compassion and excellence.  
 
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your generosity and for believing in students like me. I will carry this support with me throughout my career and hope to pass it forward and help the next student in need of financial assistance.

Amal Juma Al-Hadabi, PhD

Dear Donors,

You have my deepest gratitude for your generous support in funding my dissertation data collection. This award has had a profound impact on my academic journey and personal life.

I chose the University of Washington because of its strong commitment to global engagement, interdisciplinary research, and fostering diverse perspectives. These values align closely with my own aspirations to contribute meaningful scholarship that addresses global challenges.

Receiving this award means a great deal to me both personally and financially. It has alleviated significant financial stress, allowing me to focus fully on conducting rigorous research rather than worrying about resource limitations. On a personal level, it reinforces my conviction that there are individuals and organizations that care deeply about empowering students to make a positive impact in the world.

Your generosity is not only helping me complete my dissertation but also inspiring me to carry forward the spirit of global responsibility in my future work.

Thank you again for investing in my success and for making such a positive impact on my life. I look forward to honoring your support by producing research that reflects the ideals of global citizenship and academic excellence.