News & Updates

Grossmont Healthcare District Student Spotlight

October 25, 2017 General

Noemi Avenido, Mount Miguel High School, Class of 2017

As part of its mission to address unmet healthcare needs in East Region communities, the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) provides scholarship opportunities to high school and college students pursuing careers in healthcare. The Board of Directors unanimously voted to continue offering these opportunities during the 2017-2018 school year, and we’re encouraging students to apply.

Grossmont Healthcare District Student, Noemi Avenido

We recently chatted with Noemi Avenido, one of last year’s high school scholarship recipients, to learn more about what motivates her as she explores health as a career pathway. A recent Mount Miguel High School graduate, Miss Avenido is a bright example of how health career pathway programs can help students understand and make the most of the health scholarship and career opportunities available to them. Today, she is continuing to build her career knowledge as a freshman at the University of California, Santa Cruz as a biology major.

What inspires you about a career in healthcare?
A career of service integrated with the complexity of the human body excites me! When I go to see a healthcare provider, I am inspired by the remarkably friendly, helpful and kind service I receive and am always in awe at their love for their career of service.

What are you most excited about in your college experience?
I’m certainly excited to learn how multiple disciplines intertwine with one another. For example, in my psychology class, a lot of the material correlates with biology, anatomy and physiology. Also, I’m excited about the challenge, because that fosters growth. I value growth and do my best to reflect and become the best version of myself I can be. Last, I’m excited about college helping me to be more informed and taking me one step closer on my path to becoming a healthcare provider.

What would you say to a student who is thinking about applying for a health scholarship, but might need some encouragement to take a chance?
Take your chances. You’re more than likely underestimating yourself as a candidate, at first I certainly did. But, I applied for many scholarships which increased my chances of receiving one. The worst that can happen is you don’t get it, but don’t let that discourage you; keep on applying! Start with this scholarship and don’t sell yourself short.

GHD has honored local high school students like Noemi with scholarship grants since 1999. Over the years, hundreds of local high school students have received individual scholarships totaling more than $1 million. For more information on criteria and deadlines for all high school and college-level healthcare scholarships available through GHD, visit our Scholarship Programs welcome page.

Miss Avenido, speaking at a recent San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce meeting about the benefits of Health Pathways Programs and related education opportunities.