April Wilson

My name is April Wilson and my ultimate goal is to be a flight nurse for our area.  I have maintained a high GPA throughout all my years of schooling and as a nurse I realize that school never really stops.  My area of choice requires several years of experience in areas such as trauma, pediatrics and an exceptional understanding of advanced life support. I know that all my hard work and sacrifices will be worth the end result, which is to help others in their time of need.

Tawnya Laughlin

My name is Tawnya Laughlin.  I am a Native American woman of the Navajo tribe. I am a proud mother of five beautiful daughters. Presently I am in my first semester of the UNM-Gallup nursing program. I have volunteered at the Gallup Indian Medical Center during summer and winter breaks.

To be needed and help others is rewarding. I have faced many challenges, balancing my family and school. My goal is to become a registered nurse so that I can perform tasks that clients cannot do for themselves I would one day like to give back to my community by becoming an RN. I will be able to provide something meaningful to all of the patients.

Jaron Yazzie

My name is Jaron Yazzie.  I am an American Indian (Navajo). My future plans are to pursue my BSN degree in Nursing and to continue on for my MSN to become a Nurse Practitioner.  I also hope to receive my PhD and take part in nursing research.  I believe that nursing is an important undertaking and that it will open up opportunities for years to come.

Kathy Dickson

Currently I reside in Fort Defiance, AZ. with my two youngest children who are still in high school. Being a single parent with six children has been difficult at times. But it was my children that insisted and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. I have always wanted to go into Nursing since I was in high school. I plan to go on for my Bachelors Degree and work in the field of Mental Health. Having witnessed some difficult situations and having experienced some of these situations myself, I want to try and make a difference by being there for someone in their time of need.

Nicole Tom

I am a member of the Navajo tribe. I am of the coyote Pass-Jemez clan born for the Meadow People clan. Upon completion of this program it is my full intention to complete my BSN. I have decided to pursue a nursing career so that I may come back toe h reservation lands and serve the Navajo people and other locals of this area. I am looking forward to providing the best possible care for my future patients.

Valerie Walker-Ben

I am half Cochiti Pueblo and half Navajo. My clan is the Cottonwood for the Turquoise Kiva and born for the Water’s Edge People. I am married and have two boys. I am a military wife and the separation was strenuous when my husband was overseas, but we did it. Now my husband is home and I am able to go to school. I hope to continue my education and pursue a BSN. Thank you.

Kristin Rae White

I am a 28 year old Navajo from Cornfields Arizona. My maternal clan is Black Wood Streak People and my paternal clan is Big Water Clan. Gaining acceptance into the nursing program has been an accomplishment for me and I am very thankful for being a student in the nursing program. While in the program I am devoted to my studding and learning, expectations of the nursing program are high. I am not able to work a full time job, expenses of attending school are high and the scholarship is of great assistance to me. The community I come from is located 80 miles west of Gallup. I travel three times a week to attend classes. Thank you for assisting me in pursuit of my dream of becoming a registered nurse.