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MEET LEAH
A.S. in Nursing (ASN) | Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine Scholarship

At an early age, Leah Shimp recognized her interest in helping others. After witnessing her father giving CPR to her brother, combined with the additional real-world exposure she gained due to her father’s longtime career with the Sheriff’s Office and her mother’s work as a certified nursing assistant, Leah knew she also wanted to be of service to her community.

"My mother taught me grace and how to nurture others," says Leah. "She is such a huge part of my story."

Leah’s ambition was just as evident from a young age. She left home after high school and began full-time employment in the retail industry, working hard and achieving great success. Through her work, Leah learned to challenge herself to achieve further educational and career growth, which led her to the pursuit of a nursing career.

Determined to reach her educational goals, Leah decided it wasn’t too late to return to school, and with the help of the Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine, she is making that dream come true. Leah is currently in her third semester at SJR State, working toward her Associate in Science in Nursing degree with an anticipated graduation date of August 2020.

Leah is a second-time recipient of the Woman’s Exchange scholarship and feels honored to have been chosen by such a prestigious group of women.

"Anytime someone wants to help you – as a hand-up, not a handout – it is an honor," says Leah.

In partnership with SJR State, the Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine annually awards multiple scholarships to women pursuing college studies. The Woman’s Exchange aims to assist traditional and non-traditional female students with preparing themselves for greater workforce opportunities

"This scholarship provides me with the financial freedom for my overall success in the program, more specifically, helping me buy books and other program materials."