Members of the California State University, Bakersfield 60+ Club, a group made up of people from all walks of life who are involved with their community and interested in lifelong learning, have chosen nursing student Annika Gonzalez as their scholarship recipient.
“I am incredibly honored," she said. "The club holds many values I share, including volunteering and community enrichment. I am grateful for this club to be a part of my journey through life."
Gonzalez learned of the opportunity through CSUB’s scholarship portal. She beat out 68 applicants for this coveted scholarship worth $1,500. She impressed the scholarship review committee with her passion for serving the community.
“The candidate gave us detailed information on the work she has been doing in her field to gain experience in working in the health field,” said Carla Stanley, a member of CSUB 60+ Club’s scholarship committee. She said that the review committee appreciated that Gonzalez’s essay was well thought-out and organized.
Gonzalez noted that the scholarship will support her goal of graduating with her Bachelor of Science in nursing from CSUB.
“I am eager to make connections with the members of the [60+] Club as well,” she said,
In her essay submission, Gonzalez highlighted her enthusiasm for volunteering and community service.
“The area I grew up in was an underserved community, and I understood that I wanted to provide the services to others that were accessible to me,” she said.
Gonzalez began volunteering in her community at Adventist Health Bakersfield’s surgical floor waiting room. She acted as a liaison between nursing staff and families who were waiting for updates about their loved ones in surgery. She was able to provide comfort and peace for families during a stressful period.
Gonzalez holds a distinct memory of a patient’s spouse thanking her for being available to talk to and provide emotional support. She said this experience solidified her desire to bring comfort to others daily and led her to become a nursing student.
Nursing has since opened several doors for community service, including her work as a member of the Community Preventative Health Collaborative Club. This group primarily focuses on volunteer efforts at local community events and provides free health screenings, education and resources, as well as blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose assessments.
“I especially enjoyed the relief that our community had when they realized our services are free,” said Gonzalez. She notes that there is an “immense need” in the community, with a large population of individuals who do not have access to healthcare.
Gonzalez also provides mentorship to high school students from the Registered Nurses Explorers group, educating students about careers in the medical field and offering guidance. She said this experience has allowed her to further develop her leadership skills and given her the opportunity to offer her skills, knowledge and resources to a community she loves.
Gonzalez plans to work in Kern County as a community health nurse after graduating from CSUB.
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)