Our healthcare workers
Since the 1990s, Goodwin Connections has supported thousands of student parents with
childcare expenses, college tuition, and basic needs. Throughout that time, hundreds of current healthcare workers earned their college degrees. These moms and dads have been taking care of our community for many years including through the ongoing pandemic.
“Our student parents are incredibly resilient. They have come through the other side of whatever life has thrown at them and they are committed to finishing college and starting their careers,” says Rachel Sanchez, Program & Community Outreach Manager at Goodwin Connections. “Many have been moved by a caring nurse or social worker who got them through a challenging time and have been inspired to give back.”
As we look to the future, nurses, dental hygienists, respiratory therapists, mental health practitioners, and physical therapists will be in very high demand. It is more important than ever to support those who are going into these fields as the U.S. population ages and as healthcare workers retire.
“More than 50% of our current student parents will begin a healthcare-related career after graduation,” says Sanchez. “We’re honored to introduce this next generation—and we’re so inspired by what keeps them motivated, we’re dedicating this issue to hear straight from them. Please join us in thanking these future healthcare workers for their commitment to keeping us healthy and safe.”
“I have worked in the healthcare industry for 10 years now. My goal as a future nursing professional is to support my patients during their time of healing, and educate others to promote healthy lifestyles for our future generations.”
-Nicole, Pacific Lutheran University, Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
“I was unsure of what I wanted to do, so I became a nursing assistant while working on my prerequisites. During that time, I realized nursing was the right career for me. I love helping people, even if it’s something simple and small. Nursing is such a rewarding
job and I wish I would have done this years ago. I will graduate in March 2021, and I am beyond excited to start my career.”
-Gabby, Shoreline Community College, Associate Degree, Nursing Read more.