My name is Candace Pugh, and I am honored and profoundly grateful to be a recipient of the Billi Odegaard Nursing Scholarship. This scholarship not only alleviates my financial burdens but also empowers me to pursue my dream of becoming a registered nurse, excel academically, and give back to my community.

I grew up in a single-parent household taking on responsibilities that have shaped who I am today. I’ve witnessed first-hand the challenges of caring for loved ones at the end of life and the difficulty, emotional toll, and helplessness families may experience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw the selflessness, compassion, and love the healthcare professionals put into caring for my family members. The actions of these real-life superheroes ignited my passion for nursing and my desire to serve and care for those in need.

I currently am a Certified Nursing Assistant and work predominantly with the geriatric population at a skilled nursing facility. This role has granted me invaluable patient care experience and solidified my commitment to the nursing profession. It has also led to me taking action to improve the lives of those I work with by leading the unionization of our facility, being a member of the Bargaining Committee, and being a Union Advocate.

In my personal time, I enjoy making lasting memories with my children, crafting, reading, spending time in nature, and watching movies.