Earlier this year, Artem Pinkhasov focused most of his energy working as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and studying for his nursing degree at SJC Brooklyn. But there was a change in plans when the COVID-19 pandemic began to take a foothold in New York City.
The SJC Brooklyn sophomore needed to move up caring for his sick family to the top of his priority list.
Artem Pinkhasov ’22
“As the primary caretaker, it has been stressful paying my own bills, helping with my parents’ bills, focusing on my studies, and trying to save up for the next semester,” said Pinkhasov, one of more than 100 SJC students who have received grants of up to $500 from the College’s recently established COVID-19 Student Emergency Assistance Fund.
“Although this has been a heavy weight on my shoulders, this is what you do for your family when times get tough,” added Pinkhasov, whose story is part of OnCampus’ “Supporting Our Students” series.
Pinkhasov’s father and brother have both been sick from the coronavirus. His mother is a nurse, but is temporarily out of work because of an injury. Pinkhasov is also financially assisting his younger sister.
St. Joseph’s College established a COVID-19 Student Emergency Assistance Fund to help students like Pinkhasov, who have been adversely affected most by the pandemic. The fund has raised more than $35,000 from over 100 donors.
A Passion For Nursing, Helping Others
Pinkhasov is devoted to his family and has a natural passion for caring for others.
The future nurse spent years of uncertainty trying to decide what he wanted to do professionally. It turned out that his source of inspiration was right in front of him the whole time.
“My mother, who is a nurse, motivated me to be an EMT,” said Pinkhasov, who lives and works in Queens. “I kept switching majors, so I took some time off from school. My mom suggested I get into pre-hospital care for the time being, to see if I would like it. I did just that, and here I am today.”
When Pinkhasov followed that inspiration and began diving into his nursing classes at St. Joseph’s, the field felt like a natural fit. The classes are an intellectual challenge, his professors are supportive, and it’s opening a door to a career where he can continue helping others.
The COVID-19 Student Emergency Assistance Fund will give Pinkhasov the extra boost he needs to finish his studies as a nurse and follow his dreams.
“I am grateful and appreciative of the COVID-19 Student Emergency Assistance Fund,” Pinkhasov said. “It feels great to know that I am receiving much needed support from SJC during this unprecedented time. I am looking forward to returning to campus for the fall semester.”
