From the very beginning, Christina Collins knew she wanted to work in health care. Going to work with her mother and watching her care for patients inspired Collins to do the same – and that goal became more of a reality when Collins, a West Hall High School graduate, was recently awarded the Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) Partners in Education Healthcare Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship will help offset the cost of her education at the University of North Georgia, as she pursues a degree in nursing in the fall.
“I grew up around healthcare, so this means a lot to me,” said Collins, an Oakwood native. “I really want to help people, more than anything, so this will help make sure I’m able to do that.”
Collins stayed busy while she was in high school. She was the color guard captain for two years, a varsity basketball cheerleader and a member of the Senior Beta Club, as well as HOSA-Future Health Professionals. And she didn’t take it easy outside of school, either. She teaches karate – she’s a red belt herself – and did Work-based Learning at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) a few times each week. While at NGMC Braselton, she worked in urology, pain management and rehabilitation. While at NGMC Gainesville, she worked in the emergency department.
That experience in the emergency department helped confirm she was heading down the right track. Collins wants to go into pediatrics, caring for children inside the hospital or in the emergency department.
“Christina is deserving of this scholarship because of the hard work she’s put in through high school, and the hard work we know she’ll put in throughout her time in college,” said Amy Poole, workforce development coordinator at NGHS. “Her passion for excellence and her determination to be empathetic to her future patients and their families is something to be admired. We can’t wait to see all she accomplishes.”
This is the 14th year the scholarship has been awarded. Given in partnership with the NGHS Auxiliary, as well as Professional Development and Competency at NGHS, the Partners in Education Healthcare Scholarship requires applicants to have a strong interest in pursuing a career in health care, be recommended by a teacher or counselor and be in good academic standing at their school.
To learn more about the NGHS Auxiliary and how you can become a member, visit nghs.com/auxiliary.