Scholarship Makes Nursing Dreams Come True
Ever since she was a little girl, Autumn Dewitt can remember coming to work with her dad, Masonic Homes Kentucky Vice President of Facilities Shane Dewitt. In many ways, Autumn grew up here.
Now working toward her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a recent recipient of the Walters – Judy Nursing Scholarship, Masonic Homes Kentucky isn’t just her dad’s workplace anymore, it’s also hers.
Autumn always knew she wanted a career where she could help others. “I have always loved helping people, even when I was little,” said Autumn. “I knew I wanted to further that passion, and felt like nursing was the career for me.”
She started researching nursing in middle school and asking others for advice.
“I got the idea of gaining experience working in long-term care during a conversation with my mom’s friend, a nurse practitioner. I looked at different options and then my dad suggested I apply at his work,” said Autumn.
Now, she works as a certified nursing assistant at Crescent Grove Personal & Memory Care on the weekends while attending nursing school at the University of Louisville during the week.
“I love working here. I love putting a smile on the residents’ faces. I love knowing I’m making a difference in their lives.” Autumn added, “Nursing is the perfect fit for me.”
Pursuing a degree and working full-time can be very stressful. Supportive of employees furthering their education, Masonic Homes Kentucky offers a variety of programs including nursing scholarships.
“I was often stressed, worrying about how I was going to fund everything,” she said. “Then I found out I got the Walters Judy Nursing Scholarship, and it took the stress off of me so I could just focus on my schoolwork.”
She does find working at the same place she grew up very special. “I wouldn’t say I’m following in his footsteps but I am, in a way, because we’re working in the same community,” said Autumn. “And, it’s the same community I grew up in so I feel like that makes him, and me equally excited.”
For her next steps, she’s grateful for Masonic’s support, and in her words “making my goals in my life come true.”
Training and supporting the educational endeavors of our next generation of caregivers is critical to Masonic Homes Kentucky’s mission. Click below to donate today!
