Congratulations to the Winners of the 2021 CIA Medical Scholarship!
2021 marks the fifth year of the CIA Medical Scholarship program. The ten recipients of the 2021 award submitted inspiring essays about a “heathcare hero” who has touched their lives. We’re proud to award the winners with a scholarship towards their post-secondary education.
We wish the scholarship winners all the best in their academic and professional endeavors.
CIA Medical Scholarship 2021 Top Award Winners
In alphabetical order.
Janira Campos Cortes
Janira Campos Cortes
Oregon State University Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
“I focus on Clinical Mental health Counseling because I have seen the success in collaborative work. As a Family Support Specialist, I support those with high risk factors through parent education and by connecting to community resources.”
On the healthcare professionals who treated her mother, Janira writes, “I think of those who were there in the tough moments when my mom fought cancer and how their empathy and compassion made a difference for me and my family.”
Read Janira’s winning essay here.
Denzer Foster
Denzer Foster
Central Michigan Univeristy Mental Health
“I am fully committed to work in fields of PTSD, Adverse Childhood Experience and overall mental health advancements. I have volunteered with organizations that seek to improve moments or long-term conditions for others.”
On Mr. Jardin, his school psychologist when he was in elementary school, Denzer writes, “When I think of a true therapist, I think of Mr. Jardin. I think of dealing with truths to try to give people the ability to regain control of their situations. Mr. Jardin took the time to understand me, he really truly understood me.”
Read Denzer’s winning essay here.
Lindy Mitchell
Lindy Mitchell
AT Still UniverityDoctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
“I have been an RN for 12 years and a DNP student. I would like to advance my education so that I can have a bigger impact in nursing education and help our new nurses enter the profession and be ready for our healthcare system.”
On Maria, the nurse who mentored her, Lindy writes, “Maria is the type of nurse I strive to be, one that is giving, patient and empathetic to everyone. I try to emulate her kindness and hardworking attitude every day, and if I am worthy someday maybe another nurse will write something like this about me.”
Read Lindy’s winning essay here.
CIA Medical Scholarship 2021 Award Recipients
In alphabetical order.
Jenna Basile
Jenna Basile
The Ohio State UniversityZoology
“Growing up, I was always surrounded by exotic animals. I own many reptiles including various species of lizards, snakes, and even different arachnid species. I frequently visit the Goddard school in Toms River during their safari weeks where I teach the students about different reptiles.”
On the doctor who helped her, Jenna writes, “Doctor Sulton has impacted both myself and my families life more than I can ever describe. He is such a caring person.”
Shayla N. Eslampour
Shayla N. Eslampour
University of California, BerkeleyScience
“Growing up seeing members of my family endure medical health problems, I wanted to understand the science behind the health issues and how to solve them. Aiming to pursue biological sciences, I have maintained a position for volunteering at my local hospital for the past year, as well as an internship.”
On Cindy, the certified nursing assistant whom Shayla shadowed at her hospital internship, she writes, “She was a bundle of warmth, comfort, and intelligence – all characteristics I envision in a health care worker.”
Bethany Haensgen
Bethany Haensgen
University of Cincinnati
“I was a CNA for about 7 years. I met a client of mine that changed my life. Although I am suppose to writing about how a care worker changed my life I feel that it is just as equal when a client changes a care workers life.”
On Jonathan, Bethany’s client, she writes, “When I met Jonathan, he was a 13 year old boy. He had cerebral palsy, epilepsy, was non-verbal, and had many other disabilities that affected his way of living. I think about how many lives this little boy has changed not by his words or actions but by the smile on his face. Jonathan had been through so much pain in his short life but kept fighting. He could do nothing for himself yet had light in his eyes.”
Michelle Keller
Michelle Keller
University of KentuckyDoctorate in Social Work
“My passion has always been with mental health and giving back to the profession that has given me so much. Obtaining my Doctorate will help me with the next step of my career, improving my skills set and helping me connect through leadership and writing for the next generation of providers. I want to lead others and teach, while staying grounded with my private practice clients.”
On the healthcare professional that changed her life, Michelle writes, “Her words that day had power for both myself and my children and for that, I will forever be grateful.”
Alexis Dress Moran
Alexis Dress Moran
Western Governors UniversityBusiness
“A degree in business and leadership, coupled with my experience in healthcare will allow me to apply for positions in which I have a say in who we can help, how we can help pay for their healthcare needs and how to continue to keep our doors open.”
On Jackie, the nurse who cared for her family member, she writes, “Jackie is a front-line worker who worked seven days a week to be able to treat the massive influx of patients coming through the hospital doors. She saw death every day, but she didn’t let that stop her from caring deeply about each and every one of her patients.”
Megan Thorne
Megan Thorne
Oregon State UniversityMasters in Fisheries and Wildlife Management
“I love working with animals and am working hard to pursue my dreams of working to help rehabilitate and release our wildlife. I have volunteered my time at local wild life rescue sites and have helped several animals.”
On the nurse who cared for her family, Megan writes, “Sharri was more than just an on-call nurse, she was a pillar of the community. She helped bring families together. If ever there was a superwoman Sharri was definitely her. Going the extra mile for our family really left a lifelong impression on my family.”
Zoe Van Gyseghem
Zoe Van Gyseghem
The Ohio State University
“As a young, working professional I have worked with myriad demographics of people on their health and wellness through Health Coaching. I am returning to school with the end goal of working in Public Policy to create equity and increased access to health services for marginalized communities. My hope to contribute to mental and physical health within these communities.”
On the nurse who cared for her family, Rebecca writes, “This Hospice nurse gave me a gift I can never repay: wisdom and presence. She had the courage to say what was needed, and hold the heartache. And she forever changed my life.”
Apply for CIA Medical’s Scholarship Today
CIA Medical is committed to supporting students on their educational and life journeys. We love reading the stories of how healthcare workers are continuing to go above and beyond to help their patients and their families, and thank our scholarship applicants for sharing their experiences.
For more information and to apply to the CIA Medical Scholarship, click here.
