Sarah Jenkins received the scholarship while in Elon’s intensive 16-month ABSN program with a unique journey into the field of nursing
Before she decided to enter nursing, Sarah Jenkins was teaching students with dyslexia while also raising her two children in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Jenkins graduated with a bachelor’s in English and Italian from Wake Forest University in 2003 before receiving her master’s in teaching from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“I never thought I would go into nursing the first time around, I was fully an English major,” she explained. When she made the decision to undergo a career change, Jenkins decided Elon’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program was naturally the best fit for her.
“I applied to other programs and was leaning toward a different one, but when I looked at Elon, I just felt comfortable,” she said. “When I walked in the building, it felt really welcoming. Once I spoke to other people involved with the program, I decided to go with Elon, and I’m so glad that I did.”
As an educator herself, Jenkins has a special appreciation for the professors in the program.
“I understand that teaching can be really challenging,” she said. All of our professors who have come from nursing, so they have that experience and that background, which is necessary, but just having the experience doesn’t mean that you’re going to be a good teacher. Being able to put those pieces together is really helpful for us as students, and I am grateful for each of the professors I’ve had.”
Since joining the program, Jenkins has applied for different scholarship opportunities. Through Meghan Renfroe, program assistant for Elon’s department of nursing, Jenkins learned about the $1000 National Student Nurses Association scholarship.
“She sent out an email with several scholarships through this organization,” Jenkins explained. “And this particular scholarship, the Tina Filoromo Scholarship, was intended for people who are either taking care of elderly parents or children with medical issues, and I fit in that category, taking care of my children.”
Jenkins son is a type one diabetic; a journey she discussed in her application essay, in addition to sending letters of recommendation.
“I was so excited to receive that scholarship,” she said. “The money piece of it is certainly helpful. Every bit helps when you’re in school. But to get the recognition, encouragement, and just the honor of receiving a scholarship like that, really meant a lot to me. I appreciate the people who took the time to read my essay, look at my recommendation and my history, and chose me.”
As she begins to enter the home stretch of the program, Jenkins is most excited to begin working in the field, aiming towards a position in pediatrics. She is excited to become a source of support for her future patients.
“When I think of my son being diagnosed with type one (diabetes), and the times my daughter has had different health issues as well, the nurses made a huge difference to our family,” she said. “They were the ones who walked us through these difficult times. Having the chance to help another family when they’re walking through something challenging is something I’m especially looking forward to.”