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 Virginia Whitely as she shares some of her journey to nursing:
From Military Service to Healthcare
Meet AZCN Values Scholarship Recipient, Virginia Whitely, a Nursing Student at the AZCN Tempe Campus. Virginia is a U.S. Army Veteran who served 20 years and was inspired to be a nurse midwife to work in conflict zones and underserved areas.
Virginia Shares Her Path to Nursing
As clichéd as it may sound, I often find myself in awe of the phrase “standing on the shoulders of giants.” As a minority, a woman, and an immigrant, I have been deeply inspired by those who came before me—particularly the women’s rights activists who paved the way for the opportunities and privileges I am fortunate to enjoy today. Their tireless efforts opened doors that I now walk through, giving me the freedom to pursue my passions and shape a meaningful career in service to others.
One of the most significant privileges I have had was serving in the United States Army. During my 20 years of military service, I learned invaluable lessons in discipline, work ethic, and respect. The Army was a transformative experience that strengthened my character and expanded my worldview. Throughout my deployments, I encountered regions where access to even the most basic necessities was a daily struggle. This exposure to global inequality ignited a profound question in my mind: what can I, as an individual, do to help make things better for those in need?
As I neared the end of my military career, I began reflecting on how I could continue to serve in a different capacity, one that would allow me to address the inequalities I had witnessed. I realized that the medical field offered me a way to contribute in a tangible and impactful manner. Motivated by this desire to help, I embarked on a journey to become a certified EMT and pharmacy technician. These roles allowed me to start building the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care to those in need.
However, it wasn’t until I stumbled upon the website for Doctors Without Borders that I truly found my calling. At the time, they were urgently seeking skilled midwives to work in conflict zones and underserved areas. I was struck by the realization that midwifery could be the key to making the difference for which I had been searching. In many conflict-strewn parts of the world, access to medical services is limited, and it often disproportionately benefits men when available. Women, particularly those who are pregnant, are left with few options for care, making them vulnerable to complications and poor health outcomes. I felt a deep sense of purpose in addressing this disparity.
Determined to pursue midwifery, I began researching the necessary steps and eventually enrolled in nursing school. This journey has been both challenging and immensely rewarding. Nursing school has given me the tools I need to become a skilled healthcare provider, and each day I feel as though I am getting closer to being able to serve women in some of the most vulnerable situations around the world.
Throughout this process, I have learned more than just clinical skills. I have gained a greater understanding of the strength and resilience of the human spirit, especially in the face of adversity. These lessons have only deepened my resolve to become a midwife and dedicate my career to providing care to women who are often overlooked by traditional medical systems.
Now, as I approach my final semester of nursing school, I find myself facing a financial challenge: my entitlement to the G.I. Bill, which has been incredibly supportive throughout my education, has run out. Without additional financial assistance, completing my degree will be difficult. This is why I am seeking a scholarship to help bridge the gap and ensure that I can finish my education without the added stress of financial instability.
Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous help in achieving my goal of becoming a midwife. It would allow me to focus on my studies and clinical training as I prepare to step into a role that is not just a career, but also a calling. I am committed to using the skills and knowledge I have gained to serve women in conflict zones and underserved areas, ensuring that they receive the compassionate care they need and deserve.
In many ways, I feel that I am standing on the shoulders of giants—those who fought for women’s rights, the mentors who guided me through my military career, and the people who have supported me along this journey. With their influence and support, I am determined to continue this legacy of service and give back to those in need. My journey as a midwife will not only fulfill my personal goals but will also honor the path that has been paved by so many before me.
Q&A with Virginia
Q: How has your experience been with the AZCN Tempe Campus?
A: I feel like the teachers, instructors, professors, are really trying to teach us the right thing.
They [have] specific experience on the subject they are teaching. So, they actually know the ins and outs…which I feel like is actually very beneficial. They actually feel very passionate, and they really want to help you be successful as well.
Q: What resources have helped you at AZCN?
A: I do have to say, I do appreciate the professor(s) [that] make it clear if we have trouble, we can always call a meeting. And I have met with plenty of professors after hours and it’s been really helpful.
I really appreciate [that] they are very passionate about what they do, and they try to make us do the right thing.
Start Your Future in Nursing Today
If you’re considering a career as a registered nurse (RN), Arizona College of Nursing is here to help you pursue your dream. Our BSN program enables you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 3 years or less with qualifying transfer credits. We’ve helped hundreds of students to earn a BSN degree and enter the nursing profession – and we’re ready to support you on your path to becoming an RN.
Why Choose Arizona College of Nursing?
- Earn a BSN degree in 3 years or less with eligible transfer credits
- Campus locations throughout the US
- Night classes for general education courses
- Hybrid Online/In-Person format for general education classes
- Nursing education is all we do
- CCNE-Accredited Program*
- NCLEX-RN success coaches and exam preparation class
- Financial aid available to those who qualify
Discover Your Path to a Career in Nursing
Information in this post is accurate as of August 5, 2025.
*The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/). All Arizona College of Nursing and Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (https://www.abhes.org/), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.