Meet Zakiah.

Zakiah Bailey, a senior nursing student at West Virginia University, hopes to use her career to become a women’s healthcare advocate. But without financial assistance for her undergraduate education, her dreams may not have had a chance to become a reality.

“Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school,” she shared. “It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.”

Bailey will graduate from the WVU School of Nursing in May 2025 with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She said finances were an important part of her college decision-making process.

“WVU was also the most cost-effective option since the university and the School of Nursing offer many scholarships,” said Bailey, a native of Fairmont. “I chose the Morgantown campus because it wasn’t my hometown, but it wasn’t too far away. All the factors like location, price, and program lined up perfectly.”

Bailey chose to pursue a career in nursing because of the versatility of the profession, and she aspires to become a women’s healthcare advocate.

“I hope to work as a Labor and Delivery nurse at WVU Children’s Hospital,” Bailey said. “Eventually, I plan to become a midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner.”

For her, the WVU School of Nursing was an easy choice when selecting an undergraduate program.

“I chose the WVU School of Nursing because it is a reputable program that was very organized,” Bailey said. “When I was researching programs, it was very easy to find information about the WVU SON.”

Her time in nursing school has been memorable throughout, and she noted how much she has enjoyed working with all her professors and clinical instructors.

“All of the faculty and staff are kind and helpful. Everyone I’ve encountered is genuine and wants the best for the students. The clinical opportunities are so helpful and versatile.”

One of her favorite memories from nursing school came from her very first patient during a clinical experience on the neurological medical surgical floor.

“I was assigned to an elderly patient with dementia. She was very sweet, and she sang ‘Amazing Grace’ to her family and me,” Bailey recalled.

To prospective donors to the WVU School of Nursing, Bailey says your generosity is greatly appreciated.

“It means so much to me and many others. The impact is truly boundless,” she said. “Scholarships lift a weight off of my shoulders and I have so much gratitude.”

To learn how you can make an impact for future nurses, contact WVU School of Nursing Development Director Dr. Kim Colebank at kcolebank@wvuf.org.