“I want to help other people,” is a sentiment I often hear from high school students when asked why they want to become a health professional.
One young student was on a flight and felt moved when the pilot asked if there were any medical professionals on board hoping someday she would be the one to step forward. Others are motivated by watching members of their own family struggle with severe medical conditions.
Whether their desire to help was a trait passed down from a family member or inspired by a health professional that cared for them - their goal is a noble one.
Through the MetroWest Health Foundation’s sponsorship of health career days and our health profession scholarship program, I’ve talked to hundreds of students about their dreams to give back to the community where they were raised by becoming nurses, doctors, social workers, dentists, physical therapists, and radiologists.
We talk about academic choices, the wide range of health careers and settings in which to work, potential salaries and benefits. We talk about the importance of networking, volunteering, and reconsidering that part-time job at the local fast-food restaurant for one in a health care setting. We also talk about the financial reality of pursuing a college degree.
“Have you given any thought about how you are going to pay for your education?” I ask.
Most of the time, I’m faced with a deer-in-the-headlights look indicating cost is one aspect of their education they have not considered. This year’s graduates walk away with more than just a diploma – they leave school with an average debt of $25,250 or 5 percent more than graduates in 2009, according to a recent
CNNMoney story.
The discussion turns to student loans, financial aid, scholarships, and tuition reimbursements. The students perk up.
The MetroWest Health Foundation offers up to $2,000 per year in scholarship assistance to students who live in our 25-town service area and are pursuing
eligible health professions.
While the health profession scholarship program has been around for almost a decade and last year surpassed $1 million in aid to local students, it’s one that students and parents generally find out about through word of mouth. If you know of someone who needs help paying for college, help us reach out to them. They may be the one that steps up to help you in the future.
For more information about our scholarship program and other financial resources, visit our website at
www.mwhealth.org and pass the word along. If you would like to share other financial resources with us, please contact me at cglover@mwhealth.org.