Thursday, August 1, 2019

Outstanding Scholarship Student Series: Kiersten Echols

150 Scholarships. 427 Awards.

One Application. You can do this.


Last year the Reynolds Foundation funded approximately 150 scholarships, and made awards to 427 students of all ages, backgrounds, and academic standing and interests.

We believe in you. Just like we believed in Kiersten Echols, Janeen McNeish, Katherine Alloway-Roof, and Mark AlexanderThey got scholarships to help fund their education. You can, too.


Kiersten Echols


“I didn’t know there were so many scholarships available at Reynolds. I really had no idea I would even be eligible for one. I thought scholarships were only open to A students, or athletes, or special students. I’m not any of those things. Then I found out I was actually eligible for two scholarships. I received an award from the Nursing Endowed Scholarship. It will help me finish my last two semesters at Reynolds and get my AAS in Nursing.” Ironically, Kiersten’s grandmother and the donor of the scholarship went to Johnson Willis’s nursing school and worked together at Johnson Willis hospital as nurses.

Reynolds was a perfect choice for Kiersten. Many of her family members are involved in nursing, patient care, or emergency medicine, so nursing is, so to speak, in her blood. Perhaps most important, once she decided on nursing, she visited other larger schools and knew they weren’t for her.

“Reynolds was close to home and affordable,” she says. “Just what I wanted. The small class size and personal attention are just what I need. I have loved all of my teachers and the experience has been great. Everyone has been very helpful and they always try to work around your schedule.” In addition to classes, Kiersten works a lot of hours as a Patient Care Coordinator in a local hospital. Her work is an excellent introduction to her field.

Kiersten claims to, “not be an interesting person,” but this isn’t true. She is quiet and thoughtful. When she talks about becoming a trauma nurse, and about her current job caring for cardiac patients, it’s clear she is both interesting and interested. She cares about people and improving the quality of their lives. She is already a nurse at heart, now she just needs her education and credentials.

And, after Reynolds? Kiersten plans to continue her education at VCU and earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).  She says going in to VCU’s program will open doors for her, and with their reimbursement program, she can afford to take the next step in her education. 


And after that? The otherwise quiet Kiersten gets animated when she confesses: “VCU’s Emergency Room is my dream job!” Spoken like the true trauma nurse she is working to become.



Want to apply for a Reynolds scholarship?

The Scholarship Application opens Sunday, December 1, 2019 and closes Sunday, March 1, 2020.

You can apply for a scholarship through the Reynolds General Scholarship Program or through the Community Highlight: Reynolds East End Scholarship Program. 

The Scholarship Application opens Sunday, December 1, 2019 and close Sunday, March 1, 2020. A wide variety of scholarships are available. Some are general, others are for specific programs of study, or are for students living in a particular locality. Current and prospective students can complete and submit one common scholarship application to be considered for all available scholarships. For more information visit: http://www.reynolds.edu/scholarships.

Reynolds General Scholarship Program
Reynolds Community College offers a variety of scholarships to students with diverse interests and backgrounds. Each year the Reynolds Scholarship Office awards more than half a million dollars in scholarships to eligible students. Awards can range from $100 to $4,000, with the average award being $1,500.  Reynolds scholarships are established by gifts to the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Educational Foundation and awarded by the Reynolds Scholarship Committee.
  
Community Highlight: Reynolds East End Scholarship
If you live in the East End of the City of Richmond or Henrico County you may be eligible for a scholarship this scholarship. With more than 90 degree and workforce programs, including culinary arts, healthcare, and other credentials for immediate employment or 4-year transfer, Reynolds has a program for you. There is no age limit. Reynolds staff members are available to help with your admission and financial aid applications.