C ome fall semester, Paige Coleman of Mansfield will be a first-generation college student.

Her background as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) fueled her passion for helping people. Ultimately, she wants to become a registered nurse.

She’ll begin her journey in Georgia College & State University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Coleman will do so as a Lettie Pate Whitehead Nursing Scholar, which provides her with a full, four-year nursing scholarship.

The scholarship is named for Lettie Pate Whitehead Evans, a notable philanthropist and businesswoman, and Coleman will now follow her footsteps. She plans to serve her community by partnering with GCSU’s Center for Health and Social Issues and the Simulation and Translational Research Center. Plus, she’ll participate in activities and events that encourage personal and professional development. 

Q: Why did you choose Georgia College & State University? 

A: I chose Georgia College because it has a good nursing program. The classes are hands on. It’s also not too big of a school for me. I learn better in a smaller class than a larger class. Georgia College is also close to where I live.

Q: Why do you want to major in nursing?

A: I love helping people. I also like learning about medicine.

Q: When did you develop a passion to become a nurse?

A: I’ve known that I wanted to be a nurse from a young age. I’ve always liked going to doctors because they make me feel better. Since then, I’ve wondered how I can help people.

Q: What do you want to specialize in and why?

A: I want to specialize in pediatrics because I love working with kids.

Q: What are you most looking forward to as a Lettie Pate Whitehead Nursing Scholar?

A: I’m excited to participate in the events Georgia College offers and getting more involved in the community. 

Q: Why is this important to you?

A: Since I'm going to live somewhere new, it’s important to me to make new connections, so that I feel more comfortable. 

Q: Why and when did you become a CNA?

A: I wanted to get some experience in before nursing school. I was 17 years old when I became a CNA. I work around 20 hours per week as a CNA. I have at least nine patients to take care of every night. Patient care includes feeding and changing them, making sure they're in their proper clothes at bed time, getting them up and putting them back into bed. I tend to their basic needs.

Q: How will this experience help you in your studies and career?

A: Being a CNA helped me learn how some nursing homes work and what to expect when I go into the healthcare field.

Q: Which clubs, organizations and/or sports do you want to participate in at GCSU?

A: I plan on joining a sorority and youth group. Joining these organizations will allow me to meet new people and get involved in school.

Q: What’s one way you can make a difference in nursing?

A: I feel I can make a difference by being nice to people.