Liz & Wayne Matson Jr. Caregiver Scholarship

My journey to the path of nursing school started with my mother's diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Our family needed the assistance of hospice during my mother's terminal fight. The nurses that cared for my mother were professional, compassionate and amazing resources. They not only tended to my mother, but my father and myself as caregivers - providing holistic family support through one of the most emotional times of our lives. This experience had a profound impact on me and changed my opinion about what is most important not only in life, but in a career. I felt strongly called to the field of nursing so that I could care for others during some of their most vulnerable moments. In this way, I feel I can honor the valuable contributions and carry on the legacy of the phenomenal medical care we had when we needed it most. After working side by side with me to care for my mother, my father himself is the one who needs the TLC now. Shortly after my mother's passing, my father had a mental breakdown from the loss, which then lead to a heart attack. He hasn't been the same since. He has expressed strongly that he does not want to go to assisted living. In honoring his wish, he now lives with me, my husband and my 13 year old daughter. Though he's mostly independent with basic life skills, he has lost the ability to remember to do things - like eat, shower or take his medicines. He also is now unable to drive, so we make sure he gets to the store and to his medical appointments. With strategic scheduling, we make sure that a family member is home with him at most times - my husband and my daughter look out for my father while I'm either at school or working, and then I take over when I get home. Though it's my privilege in many ways to be able to do this for him, there are days when it's a bit exhausting, both physically and mentally. But, we are 18 months into this endeavor and taking the challenge on as a family team - dedicated to doing the best we can for Dad while getting me through nursing school. I'm so passionate about this field of study and working in healthcare that I gave up a rather comfortable full-time career in Market Research. I'm currently halfway through the BSN program at Galen College. I took on a part time position at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio in the Heart Failure Unit as a Unit Coordinator/CMR to help with life expenses as I attend school, but it's only a small portion of what I used to make in Market Research. This in addition to college expenses and providing care assistance to my father have made it a bit challenging for us to navigate as a family. But, if I can help change the lives of just a few people during my time being a nurse after graduation, then it will all be worth it.

As a child of an immigrant mother, my upbringing was already steeped in responsibility. That responsibility intensified when my mother’s health struggles began abruptly. When I was in eighth grade, a series of strokes that resulted in a coma left her disabled. I became not only my mom's daughter, but her advocate, translator, and primary support system. My identity was shaped in those moments, as I navigated doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, and the countless small tasks that allowed my mother to maintain her dignity and independence. These early caregiving experiences shaped my character, instilling empathy, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. Over the years, I supported my mother through multiple recoveries, including her most recent stroke this past August, where I recognized symptoms of aphasia and helped secure timely care. Sitting in on her therapy sessions gave me first hand exposure to the work of speech-language pathologists and inspired me to pursue a career that helps individuals like my mother regain their communication abilities and confidence. At the same time, balancing full-time work, full-time school, and full-time caregiving tested my limits and strengthened my resilience. Managing these responsibilities taught me discipline, organization, and perseverance. My academic achievements and experiences reflect my resilience and determination. Transitioning to SDSU in Fall 2023 marked a significant milestone in my journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to grow and excel here. Balancing my education with caregiving for my mother through In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) has deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with communication disorders while strengthening my resolve to contribute to this field. Growing up biracial, I was also exposed to the unique challenges that historically marginalized communities face, particularly within healthcare and education. This early awareness motivated me to address the disparities that persist in these systems. People of color and other underserved groups have long encountered systemic barriers to accessing equitable care and support. This reality fuels my passion for increasing diversity and representation within the field of speech-language pathology. I believe that representation matters- not only in building trust, but also in fostering genuine understanding between professionals and the communities they serve. Ultimately, my goal is to work in a medical setting where I can combine my personal experiences and professional training to provide compassionate, culturally responsive care to individuals from all backgrounds. I am confident that my personal journey, combined with my academic and professional background, has prepared me to succeed in graduate school and beyond. I am eager to bring my empathy, resilience, and dedication to the field, advancing my understanding of speech-language pathology and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, like my mother.