My name is Maryana Lazurko, and I am a recipient of the Billi Odegaard Scholarship Fund, for which I am deeply grateful. This scholarship allows me to reduce my work hours and focus fully on nursing school. It serves as a catalyst at the beginning of my nursing career, helping me grow continuously and fulfill the mission of the scholarship by becoming a leader and advocate for underserved and minority populations in Oregon.

I was born and raised in Ukraine in a large family of seven children. As life there became unstable due to political disturbances, my family immigrated to the United States. My parents worked tirelessly to support us, but it was challenging. I began working in high school as a dishwasher in a nursing facility. Along with financial struggles, I faced language barriers, as I did not speak English at the time. Balancing work, learning English, and attending college was not easy, but I remained committed. After ten years of perseverance, I earned both my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, graduating from Portland State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science.

Since 2011, I have worked as a nursing assistant at Adventist Health. This experience gave me an inside view of healthcare and helped me realize that nursing is the profession where I can best live out my values. As a first-generation student and immigrant, I have seen firsthand the barriers underrepresented populations face in healthcare. These experiences fuel my determination to advance my education, so I can serve as both a caregiver and an advocate for patients who often feel unheard.

Outside of school and work, I enjoy exploring Oregon’s natural beauty through hiking. I am also a coffee enthusiast who loves discovering new coffee shops. At home, I cherish time with my small dog, Fluffy, who brings me joy and comfort.

With the generous support of the Billi Odegaard Scholarship Fund, I am beginning an exciting new chapter in nursing. I am eager to see how far I can grow, and I am honored to carry forward the legacy of this Fund by dedicating myself to improving healthcare accessibility and equity in Oregon.