RRC Polytech student gives back to college

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/03/2024 (588 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A student nurse, whose studies were interrupted for two years by pandemic-related struggles and mental health challenges, is helping other students even before she graduates.

Sophie Walker, who is months away from completing her bachelor of nursing degree from Red River College Polytechnic, said she has created the Journey Award at the institution so future nursing students of Indigenous descent, who face obstacles as they enter their second or third year of the program, can have a chance to receive a minimum of $1,000.

Walker said over the next five years she and her family will annually match donations up to $1,000.

“This is for someone who is struggling, whether with a new diagnosis or mental health, or needs help with counselling and can’t afford it,” she said.

“If, after I’ve graduated, I wanted to fund it myself it would cost me $38 bi-weekly. If all it takes is $38 per paycheque and I can contribute $1,000 to take off of someone’s back, it is positive for me.”

The 24-year-old said she has wanted to be a nurse since an aunt, who is a nurse, told her more about the profession when she was in Grade 11 in Portage la Prairie.

She said after high school, she was accepted into the RRC Polytechnic nursing program and started her studies on Dec. 2, 2019.

Three months later, COVID-19 changed things for Walker and the world. Her classes for the better part of the next two years were virtual instead of in person.

Walker said the isolation, and the fear caused by the deaths and sicknesses around her, resulted in her dropping out of school in fall 2021.

“I’ve always had a high (grade point average),” she said. “I would have sailed through the program if the pandemic hadn’t happened.”

Then it got even tougher.

“I was hospitalized in July and August of 2022,” she said. “2023 was a year of recovery with psychiatric appointments.

“It has been smooth sailing ever since.”

Walker said the college allowed her to resume her studies at the same point where she had left off.

David Petis, RRC Polytech’s executive director of advancement, said what Walker is doing is “truly commendable.”

“It is heartening to see her drive to help Indigenous nursing students facing barriers, like the ones she experienced, in their own education journey,” Petis said.

“We know the alleviation of financial concerns helps reduce stress levels and allows students to focus on what’s more important: their health and their education. Young people like Sophie are stepping forward to show students facing these difficulties that they are not alone.

“A gift like this allows students to thrive and with the support of our donor community, we hope to see this gift matched for an even deeper impact to students who may need it.”

The successful applicant will be chosen by a selection committee with their contact information shared with Walker so she can call to congratulate them. The application deadline is Sept. 15.

As for Walker, even though she hasn’t graduated, she has set her sights on continuing her studies in the field of medicine.

“I want to go to med school and become a doctor,” she said.

“I don’t have any doctors in my family, but I’ve become interested in medicine during my studies to become a nurse.”

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca