Amber Startzman

After working 15 years as CNA Amber Startzman chose to pursue her nursing degree at EvCC. She said she chose EvCC in part because of the “Alumni, I’ve worked with thousands of nurses over my many years in healthcare and the ones who have made the most impact on my growth and the ones who have been the best mentors and friends have come from EvCC.” Amber received the David and Janelle Beyer Scholarship, the Donna Dombek Memorial Scholarship as well as Foundation emergency funding to help with medical needs. She said it all “helped ensure that I could physically and mentally continue pursuing my nursing degree.”

Tell me a little bit about yourself, including the degree or certificate you are working toward at EvCC.

I'm currently enrolled in the Associates in Nursing program at EvCC, and I'll be going into my 4th quarter this coming Fall 2022. I'm 30 years old and have lived in Snoohomish most of my life. I spent two years living in Toronto, but home always wins! I've been a CNA for almost 15 years and have spent my last 6 at Providence as a HUC CNA. 

Why did you choose EvCC? 

I picked EvCC fora  couple of reasons. Location, it is very close to home nad therefore more based and focused on the community I live in. Alumni, I've worked with thousands of nurses over my many years in healthcare and the ones who have made the most impact on my growth and the ones who havemade the best mentors and friends have come from EvCC. 

What interested you about your area of study? 

I've been a natural caregiver since I could walk. I've taken care of hundreds of animals and I was helping to take care of my great grandmother at 10 years old. I started as a CNA at 16 years old and worked at Delta Rehab through high school. 

What do you plan to do next? 

I have a lot going on with my health, so my plan after I finish school lis to pass my NCLEX and have another hip surgery. I've had so many struggles over the years with my hip and I am looking forward to some pain relief and the ability to use my skills. I hope to start working in hospice once I am recovered!

How is your Foundation Scholarship helping you succeed in reaching your education and career goals? 

Not only have I received scholarships through the foundation,  I received money from the foundation to help towards an important, expensive medication that I needed to help my bones heal after my most recent hip surgery in August 2021. This helped to ensure that I could physically and mentally continue pursuing my nursing degree. 

Describe the best experience you had at EvCC so far.

Honestly, the best experience I've had at EvCC is just the overall kindness and empathy that I have received from my instructors and fellow classmates. It has made my stressful life a little less so.

Who has helped you succeed at EvCC? What did that person do to help you?

My former supervisor and now mentor and more importantly, friend, Jenny Flowers, has helped me more than anyone, mostly due to her unwavering confidence and being a rad hype woman!

What advice do you have for new students? 

The best advice I have for new students, and everyone is to never be afraid to ask questions. Not asking questions is dangerous, and it's better to be sure you are doing something correct and safely to prevent any miscommunications!

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

The only thing I'd like to add is advice for future students. That advice is this; just start. Time is going to pass no  matter what, so you may as well have a degree in a couple of years!