Until recently my friend Ori was on target to become a nurse--the kind of nurse we would all want to have at our side when ill or injured. She has always had a drive to help and care for others, and for some years she thought she would become a social worker. For the past 7 years she worked as a mental health counselor while completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Smith College.  Fortunately, she discovered her passion for science and medicine while taking a requisite biology course.

Earlier this year Ori was elated to be accepted into the accelerated BS in nursing program at UMass Amherst. Ori’s many years of hard work and determination were coming to fruition. When the pandemic hit, more than ever she felt called to become a nurse.

Everything was looking good until Ori received her financial aid package several weeks before classes began.  She was devastated to learn that financial aid for a second bachelor’s degree is significantly less than for a first bachelor’s program. Ori was offered a limited amount of aid in the form of federal student loans--not nearly enough to get her through the program. Attempts to borrow private student loan money have not been successful. The uncovered expenses are tuition at $40,310, living expenses at $8,500, and fees and program costs of $6,400, including practice expenses, nursing exams, uniforms, etc. Due to the intensive and accelerated nature of this program, students are discouraged from working. 

 Ori is a natural helper with a passion for science and medicine. She has a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, the capacity to sit with folks who are suffering, and an ocean of patience. Please give what you can to enable my friend to receive the training and education she needs to become a skilled and compassionate nurse. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.