Scholar Stories: Shalinka

From a young age, Shalinka understood how deeply compassionate and competent medical care can change lives. After witnessing the loss of her father due to inadequate treatment, she made a promise to herself to become the kind of nurse who listens, advocates, and shows up fully for her patients. She proudly dressed as a nurse every career day, already stepping into the future she dreamed of.

Pursuing her nursing degree meant making difficult choices and stepping far outside her comfort zone. The early days of her journey were emotional and overwhelming. “I cried a lot my first two weeks,” she remembers. “I needed something positive to focus on.”

Everything started to shift when she became a New Futures Scholar in spring 2023.

Wanting connection and encouragement, she began attending New Futures events — and found exactly what she needed. “It did so much for me. It allowed me to create connections in and outside of school, network with like-minded people in other fields, and make friends.”

Her early challenges uncovered something powerful: the strength she could draw from community. “The community aspect has been the most beneficial and meaningful — it’s very motivating. People at New Futures always want to know what’s up and what’s next, which motivates me to go out and make you all proud. Oh, and my mom, too,” she laughs.

New Futures also empowered her to stretch herself in new ways — speaking at the 2023 gala, taking on leadership opportunities, and stepping boldly into her potential. Today, as the newly elected student government president at UDC-CC, she’s advocating for her peers and building connections across campus.

“I’m proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone. New Futures helped me learn that challenge brings opportunity,” she shares.

Looking ahead, her goals reach high. “I definitely want to go as far as I can. Probably a doctorate. I feel really proud of what I’ve done so far, and I’m excited for my future. I’m ready to conquer whatever comes next.”