The American Association of University Women recently awarded National Park College student Aura Loarca a $1,500 scholarship as she works to become a registered nurse.
Loarca is one of eight young women who have received $1,500 scholarships from AAUW this year.
As a student who initially did not like school, Loarca said in an AAUW news release that she was inspired by her two sisters and the sacrifices they made in order to receive their education.
"After working so her two sisters were able to focus on their education, Aura finally decided it was time for her to fulfill her dream of becoming an RN," the release said. "With two small children -- ages 3 and 4 -- and a full-time job as a medical assistant, Aura has carried a 4.0 GPA for the last three semesters and intends to keep working hard to maintain her grades."
Loarca has worked as a medical assistant at Genesis Cancer Center the last three years and describes her job as gratifying and compassionate. It was there she began to consider becoming a registered nurse as it would help her better take care of her patients receiving chemotherapy.
She said she believes education is essential to success in life and wants to show her children that even nontraditional students can be successful no matter what obstacles are in their path. She continues to pursue her education while being a mom and employee until she graduates with an Associate of Science degree in May 2024.
AAUW Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village said in the release it is proud to be able to help her achieve her life goals.
AAUW empowers women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. To find out more about supporting local women in their pursuit of education, email the Hot Springs/ Hot Springs Village membership chair, Jeanne Ginnaven, at [email protected].