KINGSTON, Jamaica — A final-year University of Technology (UTech) nursing student from western Jamaica was awarded a US$1,000 scholarship from the Jamaica Nurses Association of Florida (JNAF) recently.

The scholarship is usually presented to registered nursing students who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need.

This year’s recipient, Sheena Thorpe, who attends UTech’s Caribbean School of Nursing (CSON) Western Campus, was awarded her cheque on December 15.

Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Adella Campbell, highlighted the resilience of nursing students at the Western Campus, recalling instances where students excelled in national examinations despite natural disasters such as Hurricane Melissa and limited resources.

Campbell congratulated student nurse Thorpe on being this year’s recipient noting,

“We are extremely proud of you, and we look forward to what you will produce as a nurse.”

Dr Kevin Brown, president of the University of Technology, Jamaica, commended the Jamaica Nurses Association of Florida for its continued commitment to Jamaica’s development.

Congratulating student nurse Thorpe, Brown said, “You should feel proud.”  He emphasised the importance of scholarships to students, noting that many come from low-income backgrounds.

“Where we can get scholarships to offset those costs, it is truly appreciated,” he shared.

Expressing her gratitude, Thorpe shared her excitement about receiving the award. “I’m super happy and I’m very grateful,” she said, noting that the scholarship came at a crucial time during her final year, particularly after expenses incurred following Hurricane Melissa. “It came at the right time, so I’m very thankful for the scholarship.”

She also shared her motivation for pursuing a career in nursing.

“I love to care for people, especially when they’re sick. I have a passion for it,” she said.