First-year nursing student Rikki Weaver shares how Worker Retraining funds helped her focus on nursing, not finances.
Growing up, medicine was a huge part of my life—there were so many personal experiences that drove me to want to become a nurse. Working as a volunteer EMT with Clallam 2 Fire and Rescue (C2FR) was my first real experience in the medical field, and it pushed me to take that next big step into nursing. C2FR career staff and fellow volunteers inspired me to help improve people’s quality of living and show them encouragement and support in their worst moments.
I chose to attend Peninsula College because of the reputation of their Nursing Program, and because I live only 20 minutes away.
I first heard about the Worker Retraining Funding (WRT) from a nurse whose daughter received financial aid through the program. I told her how worried I was about paying for nursing school and coming out of college with a lot of debt. I didn’t want the pressure of having to find a job as soon as possible in order to start repaying college loans. Not only did WRT help me with tuition, but it also paid for my nursing books and supplies, such as a stethoscope, scrubs, etc.
Director Brian Kneidl was very helpful, as was the rest of the WRT staff. The thought of financial aid was nerve-wracking for me based on how little I knew about the process. The WRT team was always so kind and patient, and they didn’t make me feel like any question was silly.
Without the help of WRT, school would have been an option for me… but it would have been accompanied by debt. I’m very thankful to be able to come out of school debt-free. I know how uncommon that is and I’m very grateful to Worker Retraining for funding my additional expenses. My education was funded throughout this year, and I am in the process of reapplying for next year.
Elizabeth Griswold in the Peninsula College Financial Aid Office really guided me through the aid process in a helpful and positive way. In addition, my nursing professors are all extremely supportive and are so positive and encouraging. Faculty have optional scheduled meeting times throughout the quarter when we can sit down with them and get additional help or clarification on assignments.
I’ve had a lot of people ask me, “why are you still living at home?” and to be honest, staying home has been my biggest blessing. Family support has kept me sane these last few months. When you are certain that you are exactly where you are meant to be, the struggle and the sacrifices feel less significant and more worth it. Just focusing on that finish line has really kept me going.
In the nursing program, they really encourage all of us to communicate and study together. We’ve all developed strong support relationships quickly.
I started out rough on my first exam then I brought my grades up to straight A’s. I would tell other students not to overthink their own study methods and to just be confident in themselves. Everyone eventually finds what works for them through trial and error, the trick is just not getting too discouraged along the way.
I’ve also realized over time how important it is in nursing to take a break. Learning to make time for hobbies is actually a reason my grades improved, and has helped me deal with the stress of nursing school. I remember when I first started school, I was literally sick from the anxiety, and I was surprised to see how much my performance improved through learning healthy habits to deal with the anxiety and stress.
I love the nursing program because it’s a challenge. One of the best feelings is challenging yourself and discovering that you can achieve your goals and thrive in stressful or difficult situations. I also love learning. Medicine was a great fit for me because it never gets boring. There’s always something fascinating around the corner. I love the feeling that there’s always more to discover and accomplish.
About the author
Rikki Weaver is a first-year nursing student at Peninsula College. When she is not studying she enjoys dirt biking, volunteering with C2FR, singing, songwriting, drawing, painting, and making handmade jewelry.
Learn more at pencol.edu, or on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
