Paolina Juan-Sebastian

Paolina Juan-Sebastian is a recipient of the Goodman Family Nursing Scholarship from the Florida Nurse Foundation (FNF). She is a junior Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student in the Freshman Direct Track program who will graduate in May 2024.

“Being a FNF Scholarship recipient is a huge honor for me,” Paolina said. “As a first-generation student, every dollar I receive from a scholarship means a lot and is life changing. It will allow me to get the textbooks and supplies I need for classes and be better prepared to learn and succeed.”

The Florida Nurse Foundation provides funds to registered nurses and students for educational expenses. The Foundation was established to promote professional development and the advancement of nursing through education and research.

Paolina is an active member in several student organizations, including Sigma and Nurses Christian Fellowship (NCF). She also serves as Student Nurses’ Association’s (SNA) Fundraiser and Merchandise officer and the Student Nurse Ambassador Program (SNAP) secretary.

She credits recent College of Nursing graduate Brooke Nicholas as her role model at Florida Atlantic University (FAU).

“Brooke inspired me to be active at school and to do my best to learn and master the material we need to become great nurses one day,” Paolina explained.

After graduation, Paolina hopes to work as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Labor and Delivery (L&D) nurse.

“As a first-generation student, before coming to FAU, I was never aware of graduate school and the possibilities to grow from being a Registered Nurse (RN),” she commented. “But through the advice of our nursing professors, I have expanded my plans to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP).”