Announcing our 2023 PBKACA Scholarship Winner – Juliza Ariza
This year’s winner is Juliza Ariza, a senior at Lane Technical High School. She will be attending Hobart and William Smith Colleges in the fall to become a nurse‐practitioner.
Juliza Ariza, 2023 PBKACA Scholarship Winner
To PBKACA Members:
My name is Juliza Ariza and I am extremely thankful to be this year’s recipient of the Phi Beta Kappa Association of the Chicago Area Scholarship. I am appreciative of the financial support I have received, as it will enable me to continue my education at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
During my time in Hobart and Williams Colleges, I plan to receive my master’s degree with a major in nursing and a minor in psychology. In addition to my academic pursuits I was a member of the Palestinian Dance Club and the Words to Smiles Club during my time at Lane Technical High School. I am a very dedicated student, despite having worked consistently at numerous part time jobs and having joined numerous extra‐curricular activities throughout my high school career.
I plan on accomplishing my goals of becoming a nurse‐practitioner and developing into a powerful source of the nation’s healthcare system. I was inspired to become a nurse‐ practitioner because I am a first generation Latina student. Latinos, altogether, contribute only 4.9% of medical and health professionals. Latina women represent less than 2% of those in healthcare requiring advanced degrees and I plan on adding to that percentage. Thanks to your generosity, I will be able to work with more determination and perseverance.
By awarding me the PBKACA scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden and allowed me to focus primarily on academics. I plan to excel in all my academic endeavors. I hope that you understand how extremely thankful I am to have received this scholarship. It was a delightful meeting with members of the PBKACA Scholarship Committee and I look forward to another meeting with you soon. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Juliza Ariza