Shoshana Providence, a nursing major at the Brooklyn Campus, is thankful for the opportunity to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse for communities in need — without having to juggle a full-time job in addition to her studies — thanks to generous donors and an SJNY scholarship.
“I want to become a pediatric nurse and spend time in communities that suffer the most, giving back to them,” Providence, vice president of the Student Government Association, said.
“I was born in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, where you must be in the top 10 of the class to become a nurse or doctor,” she continued. “I’d like to go back to countries like my own and provide a scholarship or opportunities like I have gotten.”
But first, Providence plans to join the military and work as a pediatric nurse overseas.
“I have always liked the military because of how disciplined the program is,” explained Providence, who is interested in joining either the U.S. Army or Air Force. “I never had a family member in the military, but my family raised me on discipline. I want to go to different places for a small amount of time and be a helping hand in any way possible.”
Finding Inspiration
Providence, who was raised by a foster family when she came to America, takes inspiration from her experience in the foster care system and applies it to her job as an ambassador at the Center for the Study of Social Policies.
“I represent New York City and identify ways I and others can change the foster care policies to benefit the youths aging out of care,” the 22-year-old said.
“There are a lot of foster kids who age out of care and need support or resources that will help them with their future ambitions,” she explained. “I help find those resources for them, research the policies already in place, and try to rewrite them for the younger children in care.”
Providence is excited to join the three percent of foster children who earn a higher education degree and make a difference in the world of healthcare once she graduates in May.
“I love working with children because I don’t think they should suffer the way some of them do,” the Kingstown native said. “I want to know that someone cares for them even through the pain they endure.”
Her passion for the field of nursing stems from caring for her elders when she was younger.
“I was always curious about their medications and why they took them,” she said. “I didn’t want my knowledge to stop there, for I also found joy in giving them care. My grandfather passed away because he couldn’t receive the proper medications due to financial circumstances. I have buried this question in my heart ever since: ‘What can I do to help others like my grandfather?'”
Succeeding at St. Joseph’s Thanks to a Scholarship
Providence decided to attend St. Joseph’s because of its location, values, tight-knit community and the nursing program’s reputation for excellence.
“My favorite memory would have to be at Orientation Leadership training this year,” she said. “Some leaders and I gathered around the piano and mellowed through familiar songs. It bonded us, keeping us in touch.”
An active member of the BSN Club, Providence is enjoying all the time she’s spending with her nursing cohort during their senior year.
“We’ve been through this journey together in nursing school: the ups and the downs, the crying, and even some sleepless nights,” she said.
Providence expressed her deep gratitude to the donors who made her journey at St. Joseph’s possible.
“Thank you for recognizing the needs of students like myself and being generous to support my academic success,” she said. “Thanks for allowing me to stay focused in school while worrying less about paying the balance. This scholarship has lifted a major burden, and I can now focus on my studies this semester while also getting the chance to attend meetings and events on campus, and even join the University’s dance team.”
