Future Leader

National Foundation Awards Scholarship to Nursing Student

Despite being one of many of non-traditional students, Amber Freed knows she’s a unique case at The University of New Mexico College of Nursing.

After an “atypical” upbringing and various life circumstances prevented her from completing high school, she was able to obtain her high school equivalency diploma in her 20s.

“To be honest, I never considered myself ‘worthy’ of being admitted to a university,” Freed said. “For quite some time, I concealed this aspect of my life, fearing that others would judge my character based on it.”

“However, I hope my story encourages someone not to hesitate as long as I did in pursuing their passions,” she added.

In May, Freed will attend a virtual awards ceremony to accept a scholarship from the Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA). The $2,500 Future Nurse Leader scholarship will allow Freed to continue in the nursing program with less financial stress.

Since its founding in 1969, FNSNA has awarded scholarships annually to qualified undergraduate nursing students to assist them in completing their education.

When Freed initially enrolled at a community college, she said it was difficult juggling a full-time job, attending classes, and parenting two young daughters under the age of five.

“As a single parent lacking guidance within the college system, I faced numerous challenges in selecting courses and balancing full-time work with raising two little ones by myself,” she said.

Eventually, Freed had to withdraw mid-semester due to childcare issues. As a result, she accumulated a slew of incomplete or failed courses, dropping her grade point average.

Once she gained some stability, she decided to enroll at UNM. She was determined to meet the minimum requirements to apply to the College of Nursing.

I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to study at UNM and consider it an exciting part of my journey

— Amber Freed, Nursing Student

“With the support of my UNM academic advisor, I was able to raise my GPA to my program’s requirement,” she said. “I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to study at UNM and consider it an exciting part of my journey.”

“We could not be more proud of Ms. Freed and her accomplishments,” said College of Nursing Dean Carolyn Montoya, PhD, RN, CPNP. “This scholarship just shows how resilient our students are in answering the call to care for others and the dedication of the nursing community to help them achieve their goals.”

“The support and guidance from the university's administration have been invaluable in helping my family and me work towards achieving my goal of obtaining a BSN,” Freed said.

Freed’s nursing ambitions lie in the realms of neurology and surgical procedures.

We could not be more proud of Ms. Freed and her accomplishments. This scholarship just shows how resilient our students are in answering the call to care for others and the dedication of the nursing community to help them achieve their goals.

— Carolyn Montoya, PhD, RN, CPNP, College of Nursing

“Over the coming decade, I aspire to acquire extensive knowledge in these captivating medical and scientific domains, and to motivate others to embark on their educational pursuits at the earliest opportunity,” she said.

She said she hopes her story encourages others and expresses interest in becoming a mentor to incoming students.

“I aim to inspire others by demonstrating that if I can achieve success, so can they,” she said. “This unparalleled educational experience is something I wholeheartedly endorse for others. I couldn't have asked for a better learning journey.”