Lincoln South Rotary Club presented a $5,000 scholarship to Skylie Baker for attending Bryan College of Health Sciences in May 2023. Click Read More to see the impact of that scholarship on Skylie and our communities.
Valerie Hunt, Bryan Foundation Executive Director, sent us an email:
Good morning I wanted to let you know your previous scholarship student, Skylie Baker is doing amazing things in the Nebraska nursing space!
She went through a leadership nurse residency program with Bryan and also a clinical research project to help improve care for labor and delivery.
She is currently working bedside at Grand Island Regional Medical Center (which I know she shared at graduation with you a couple of years ago) in the maternity department.
I think it's safe to say, Rotary's scholarship changed her life and broke the cycle of poverty, drug abuse and domestic abuse in her family. Thank you!!
From the May 2023 story - about Skylie:
She grew up in Missouri in an abusive environment. She lost her mother at the age of 7 due to violence. Even living with others she did not have a nurturing environment. She was determined to break the pattern of her upbringing. She pushed herself through high school and had a goal of going into nursing. She knew she would need scholarships so worked hard to get good grades - not quiet 4.0 but high enough to get some funding.
She chose Bryan because of the clinical opportunities. She was very excited after her first clinical experience. She said each one made her even more excited about her decision to go into nursing. What got harder was which area she might like to focus on - with each clinic she got excited about that field.
She said the clinical experiences are truly positive - the more experienced members are not harsh - they give positive criticism and suggestions. Skylie intends to practice in Nebraska.