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Liyah Aqa

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

I am passionate about helping others and I hope to be a pediatric nurse! After my maternal clinical rotation, I became even more passionate about advocating for women's and neonatal health, and now serve as a board member for my school's ACORNH club. Women's bodies are truly incredible, yet women's health is so often overlooked. I'm excited to help create a space where we can learn from one another, support each other, and openly discuss our own experiences and stories. Family has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up in a big, loud family surrounded by lots of cousins, and that's where my love for babies and kids began. After witnessing four births during nursing school, I was reminded of just how incredible and precious life is. Those experiences solidified my dream of becoming a pediatric nurse, where I hope to make a meaningful difference for children and their families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. As someone with Afghan, Filipino, and Mexican roots, I'm passionate about providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care and advocating for every patient and family.

Education

Samuel Merritt University

Bachelor's degree program
2025 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • GPA:
    3.9

Clovis Community College

Associate's degree program
2022 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • GPA:
    3.5

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

    • Samuel Merritt University
  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      • Nursing
    • Dream career goals:

    • Busser

      Alfonso's Hideaway Mexican Restaurant
      2021 – 20221 year
    • Barista

      Zanders Coffee
      2022 – 20242 years

    Sports

    Soccer

    Junior Varsity
    2019 – 20201 year

    Awards

    • JV Defensive MVP

    Arts

    • Percussion and Show Band

      Music
      2018 – 2022

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Valley Children's Hospital — Oncology Patient Pal
      2023 – 2024
    • Advocacy

      Advocates for Childbearing, Obstetrics, Reproductive, and Neonatal Health — Social Media Director
      2026 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Kaiser Permanente — Surgery Waiting Desk
      2024 – 2024

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy