"All Fired Up"
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"I took my first steps toward a career in nursing in 1999 when I walked into a volunteer fire station in my hometown of Harrisonburg, Virginia" recalls Jonathan Yoder, a BSN student in the Class of '08.  "Serving as a volunteer firefighter and later as a professional firefighter and emergency medical technician, I learned to value teamwork, problem-solve, and operate effectively under pressure."

 

"I left my firefighting career in 2004, in a large part because we were only called once a situation had progressed to the point of disaster.  Even when we performed optimally - extricating someone from a vehicle crash or extinguishing a fire - tremendous damage had already been done.  Observing our reactive approach to emergencies got me thinking about the importance of prevention, something that nursing emphasizes." 

 

"I began an internship as a clinic assistant at Samaritan House Clinic, which serves the residents of one of Denver's largest homeless shelters.  I worked with several nurses who exhibited a genuine dedication to their patients' welfare and were willing to do more than was expected to provide the best possible care.  I was impressed with the opportunities that nursing offered to get involved and effect real change for individuals or populations." 

 

"I believe that a Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing education will equip me to care for the needs of marginalized people and find ways to improve their quality of life."

 

"The Dorothy McIlvain Scott Scholarship is a tremendous gift that will alleviate my concern for financial compensation in the future and allow me to work where there is the greatest need."

 

-Jonathan Yoder, Traditional 2008