Meet Grace Phiri, Nursing student at SCC. Grace’s nursing journey starts well before her time at SCC, though. She studied nursing and midwifery in her home country of Malawi, graduating in 2019 and continuing to work in healthcare until she moved to the US in 2023. Grace knew that moving to the US was a new chapter and meant starting over in her educational journey. Even so, she longed to return to what she loved – caring for people in a time of need as a nurse.

Committed to her path forward, Grace became a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked for two years to establish herself and her plan to become a nurse in the US. She learned quickly how expensive education can be in the US and was unsure how to balance working to financially support herself, while also focusing on her nursing studies. Grace eventually came across SCC’s nursing program and realized it was possible to put herself through school, especially with the help of a scholarship from the Foundation.

“My experience here has shown me that when you are willing to take the first step, there are people who are willing to help you move forward. I have found a place where I have been challenged, supported, and given the opportunity to grow,” Grace shared.

Grace has pushed herself academically to a 3.9 GPA and earned a spot on the President’s Honor Roll every quarter of her four so far. Moving to the US and starting over in her nursing education has made Grace highly aware of the value of education, and potential made possible by scholarships.

Grace shared, “Coming from Malawi, education is not always easily accessible, particularly for girls, and I have never viewed the opportunity to continue my education as something I could simply take for granted. For me, education represents possibility, the possibility to change the direction of your life.”

To Grace, receiving the Kiwanis Joe Scholarship was more than just monetary support, it was support that helped her on the path forward. “I know that behind every scholarship is someone who chose to invest in a student’s education and future. That gives me an even greater responsibility to work hard, stay committed, and make the most of the opportunity I have been given,” Grace said.

We can’t wait to see you reach your dreams, Grace! We’re honored to be a part of your journey.

To our donors, thank you for believing in students like Grace and making potential possible!

You can demonstrate your belief in students like Grace by making a gift to the Foundation.