---
title: "Turning Adversity into Purpose: Valentine Abebe’s Mission-Driven Nursing Journey"
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/valentine-abebes-mission-driven-nursing-journey/"
type: post
date_published: 2025-06-02
date_modified: 2025-12-11
schema:
  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 992
reading_time: 5 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/valentine-abebes-mission-driven-nursing-journey/"
featured_image: "https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Valentine-Abebe-Nursing-School-Scholarship-copy.webp"
categories:
  - Nursing School
---

# Turning Adversity into Purpose: Valentine Abebe’s Mission-Driven Nursing Journey

![Nursing School Scholarship Recipient Valentine Abebe](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Valentine-Abebe-Nursing-School-Scholarship-copy.webp)

_This is a multi-part series celebrating Arizona College of Nursing students, their stories, and their embodiment of the AZCN values._

_In 2023, Arizona College of Nursing established the AZCN Values Scholarship Fund as a way to celebrate our values with our colleagues, our students, and the communities in which we serve. Each time an AZCN colleague recognizes another colleague for demonstrating our values, $5 is added to the scholarship fund. These add up to $5,000 scholarships awarded to students the following year who have demonstrated our values within their communities. _

_Join us in celebrating 2024 AZCN Values Scholarship recipient **Valentine Abebe** as she shares some of her journey to nursing:_

---

AZCN has focused on expanding scholarships available to students, including
giving out the Arizona College of Nursing Living Values Scholarship and other
scholarships to more recipients. To see more scholarships available to students,
[see our AZCN scholarship page here](https://arizonacollege.edu/admissions/scholarships/)
.

## Valentine’s Story: From CNA to AZCN Nursing Student with a Mission

Meet AZCN Values Scholarship Recipient, Valentine Abebe, a Nursing Student at
the
[AZCN Las Vegas Campus](https://arizonacollege.edu/las-vegas-nursing-school/).
Valentine grew up in a refugee camp and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant
(CNA) and Red Cross Volunteer.

![Nursing Degree with NCLEX Prep](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/swatch.jpeg)

---

## In Her Own Words: Valentine Reflects on Her Nursing Journey

My journey through nursing school and beyond has been deeply influenced by the
core values cherished by the Arizona College of Nursing: excellence, integrity,
accountability, and inclusion. These values, which I hold, have guided my
pursuits and professional endeavors, reinforcing my dedication to the nursing
profession. Originating from a refugee camp, I have encountered obstacles that
have only strengthened my determination to uphold these values and become the
nurse I aim to be.

![nursing program scholarship winner](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Valentine-Abebe-Nursing-Program-Scholarship.webp?w=683)

I have shown my dedication to doing in situations through my achievements and
real-life experiences. Keeping a GPA of 3.6 demonstrates how determined I am to
succeed in my nursing studies. Apart from studying, I have been fortunate enough
to use what I have learned in situations during clinical rotations. These
hands-on opportunities have helped me improve my skills and deepen my
understanding of patient-centered care and the importance of providing
high-quality services.

For years, integrity has been my core value, shaping my path as a CNA. In
rehabilitation healthcare for over two years, I have consistently prioritized
honesty, ethical behavior, and building trust with my patients. My time in a
refugee camp underscored the significance of integrity in fostering connections
and building trust in the healthcare sector. Volunteering with organizations
like the Red Cross and my church has further reinforced the importance of
openness, compassion, and demonstrating respect in all my interactions.

Taking responsibility involves accepting my actions and recognizing how they
affect others. In my
[nursing school](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/) and
professional life journey, I have shown accountability by being dependable,
hardworking, and proactive in carrying out my responsibilities. Accountability
is crucial for ensuring the well-being of patients and providing high-quality
care.

Embracing inclusion means valuing diversity and fostering an environment where
everyone feels accepted. As someone from a different culture and world, I bring
a unique perspective to the nursing profession. Inclusivity is a value that
resonates deeply with me. Growing up in a refugee camp exposed me to cultures.
Taught me the significance of embracing diversity. I have always felt welcomed
at Arizona College of Nursing, which actively works to prevent bullying, and I
am grateful for the teachers who constantly care for the students. Additionally,
interacting with groups has broadened my cultural understanding and heightened
my sensitivity towards different backgrounds. My past experiences have prepared
me to provide care that respects and acknowledges each patient’s perspectives
and needs.

Furthermore, receiving this scholarship will enable me to increase my
involvement in community service projects in underserved regions, where I aim to
tackle healthcare inequalities and advocate for health education. The Arizona
College of Nursing Values Scholarship goes beyond assistance; it represents my
commitment to maintaining high standards of excellence, integrity,
accountability, and inclusivity. This backing will support me in becoming a
nurse who excels in environments and makes an impact on society. I am grateful
for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and am excited to continue
pursuing my aspiration of delivering care to individuals from all backgrounds.

---

## Q&A with Valentine

**Q:** Tell me about your experience with the AZCN Las Vegas Campus?

**A:** My school [AZCN], we have very good teachers. They’re just like a
family, to be honest. Every teacher, they were so caring, supportive and they
[are] there for us. They want us to succeed. They’re [more] like a family
than teachers.

I’m in my 9th semester and I’m graduating this semester. Words cannot explain my
happiness…I’m achieving this.

**Q:** Why did you choose Arizona College of Nursing?

**A:** [AZCN] is inclusive and…there’s a lot of students from different
backgrounds… so you feel like you belong here. And I’m thankful for everybody
here.

**Q:** How has AZCN prepared you for nursing?

**A:** The school really helps out so much. The Las Vegas campus has very good
teachers. Like parents, they really care. They’ll text you to study, giving you
information and what you need to succeed in the class. My background was a Bio
Chem Major, so when I came to nursing school and started core, I’m not saying it
was easy, but it’s not impossible. The teachers are very caring.

**Q:** What advice would you give to other nursing students?

**A:** My advice for new students is to have a purpose. When they say nursing is
a calling, that is true. I really encourage you to have a purpose of serving
others.

**Categories:** Nursing School