On May 10, twelve students from the Maricopa Community College District were admitted into this year’s Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars Program. The Nina Scholars program offers full tuition coverage, living stipends, mentorship opportunities, and books/supplies to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. One of this year’s worthy Nina Scholars is Rio Salado College’s Josslyn Kurt.
Originally hailing from Nashua, New Hampshire, Kurt lives in Tempe with her young son, Timo-Cruz. Kurt attended Gateway Community College, eager to pursue a career in nursing.
“I hoped to work in Ambulatory Surgical Care as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurse for outpatient surgeries,” Kurt said.
Over time her plans changed; she’s still pursuing a Bachelor’s degree with an eye toward a future in medicine but with a different focus.
“I want to go into healthcare marketing,” Kurt said, who currently works in an ophthalmology office. “Having a career that I love will change the quality of my life and my child’s life.”
At Rio Salado College, Kurt flourished in her online classes.
“RioLearn made things easy for me,” Kurt said, praising the college’s online learning platform. A working mother, Kurt also appreciated the flexible scheduling of her Rio classes.
When asked what advice she would give to new students at Rio, Kurt said not to underestimate the institutional support on offer: “The support the college offers can really make a difference,” Kurt said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
As an adult learner with dependents, Kurt qualified for the Nina Scholars program. Kurt is effusive about the impact that receiving the Nina has had on her future prospects.
“I wouldn’t be where I am now without it,” Kurt said. “It opened up a world of opportunities for me.”
Kurt is excited to continue her studies as she works toward earning her Bachelor’s degree. For Kurt, finishing her education isn’t just about unlocking career opportunities—it’s about being the first member of her family to finish college.
“I will have the opportunity to set an example for my son to look up to so he can be motivated to follow in my footsteps,” Kurt said. “To continue his education after high school in something he is passionate about.”
Article by Austin Brietta