Hannah Havick, 2024 NIACC Graduate
I have loved my time at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC). Over the past two years, I’ve navigated through the campus with ease, thanks to its welcoming layout and the incredible support from the staff. The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, in particular, drew me to NIACC after hearing glowing reviews from a friend. The dedicated PTA staff have significantly enriched my experience, reinforcing my decision to advocate for both the program and NIACC at every opportunity.
The path to becoming a PTA felt natural to me, stemming from a lifelong interest in healthcare and personal experiences with sports-related injuries. The exceptional care I received during my own recovery inspired me to pursue a career where I could offer the same level of support and compassion to others. The thought of helping people through their most challenging times fuels my passion and excitement for this profession.
Receiving the Future Ready Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship has been a game-changer. It allowed me to focus on my studies without the overwhelming stress of financial burdens. The scholarship has been instrumental in paving my way towards graduation without the daunting prospect of student loans. This support has not only benefited me but has also been a crucial factor for many of my peers, potentially influencing future students’ decisions to pursue their education at NIACC.
Looking ahead, I am eager to graduate this spring and pass the PTA board exam. My goal is to remain in central Iowa, where I aspire to work with patients at an inpatient rehabilitation facility, specializing in neurological conditions. The opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of those recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries is the driving force behind my career aspirations.
I cannot overstate the importance of the Last Dollar Scholarship; it has provided me and many of my classmates with invaluable assistance, making our educational pursuits more accessible. I hope that our legislators continue to recognize and support this program, ensuring future students have the same opportunities that have been afforded to us. The scholarship is not just financial aid; it’s an investment in the future of healthcare and the well-being of our community.
