Focusing on the journey, not the destination

Briana Ortiz is a junior at UH Hilo majoring in exploratory health sciences, with plans to apply for the nursing program in November. She is a recipient of the Walter Francis and Mary Dillingham Frear Scholarship. This is an excerpt from her thank-you letter to her scholarship donors.

I am doing my coursework online at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, although I reside on O‘ahu, diligently completing my prerequisites for the nursing program.

I chose UH Hilo specifically for its well-regarded nursing program, and the unique cohort they started here in O‘ahu. I believe when I attend this special program it will provide me with a solid foundation in healthcare, preparing me to make meaningful contributions to the medical field.

The flexibility of online courses allows me to balance my studies with full-time work. I am an oncology liaison working with cancer patients, and I’m gaining practical experience and insights into patient care.

In my free time, I love to work in the lo‘i and learn about sustaining our culture – it’s all about nutrition and sustainability.

One day I would like to be a nurse on the cancer unit that I currently work in, helping one person at a time through their tough journey with cancer.

One of the best pieces of advice I've received is to “focus on the journey, not just the destination,” which has helped me appreciate each step of my educational path. As I continue in my education, my goal is not only to excel academically but also to engage in health-related community service projects, further enriching my college experience at UH Hilo and life experiences in general.

Impact on me – and the people I serve

Thank you for the award you have generously provided, which greatly supports my educational journey at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. As I work through the online prerequisites with the goal of entering the nursing program, your financial assistance will be instrumental in reducing the burden of my tuition costs.

This award will allow me to focus intently on my studies without the distraction of financial stress. The field of nursing, particularly oncology nursing, is more than a career choice for me; it is a calling. My aspiration is to provide compassionate care and support to cancer patients, a commitment that grows stronger with each step I take in my education. The scholarship you awarded me is not just a gift of funds but a great source of encouragement that reinforces my determination to succeed and excel in this challenging and vital field.

Your support not only fuels my personal academic goals but also impacts the lives of those I will serve in the future. It is because of donors like you that students like me can pursue our dreams of making a difference in the world. Thank you once again for your incredible generosity and for playing such a pivotal role in my journey to becoming an oncology nurse. I am eager to honor your investment by contributing to advancements in cancer care and patient support, aspiring to touch the lives of my patients with the same kindness and generosity you have shown me.