Meet Lindsey Fritz! She is one of the Council’s outstanding scholarship recipients for 2021 and is the subject of this month’s Student Spotlight. Congratulations to Lindsey as she receives $2,000 to support her ongoing education.
The 23-year-old from Madison is continuing her studies at Madison College this fall. Lindsey is working on her associate degree in nursing, with the ultimate goal of attending nursing school and becoming a registered nurse and obtaining a nurse practitioner’s license.
Lindsey has already made progress on the nursing path. She’s been a certified nursing assistant for more than four years and supports seniors in a residential setting.
Council writer Teri Barr talked with Lindsey to learn more about her plans and her interest in highlighting how a person with impaired vision can be successful in a medical field.
Teri: What drives you to continue your education?
Lindsey: I’m excited about continuing my education for many reasons, but especially to help our community and to be an advocate for the blind working within the healthcare community. I’m working hard to have a life I can be proud of and a future built upon my perseverance.
Teri: You have some big goals for your future. Would you tell me more about what you hope to do?
Lindsey: I’m planning on obtaining my associate degree in nursing and my registered nursing license from Madison College. Then I will transfer to UW Madison for a Bachelor of Science in nursing, and eventually my Master of Science degree in nursing. Ultimately, I want to work as a nurse practitioner at Meriter in the labor and delivery ward or neonatal unit.
Teri: What are you learning about life in general as you continue your nursing education?
Lindsey: I’ve learned that you don’t get anywhere just by knowing people. It’s really all about putting in the work and aiming for the top. It’s also about pushing past anyone and anything that tries to stop you.
Teri: You also wrote something very powerful in your scholarship application: “The attributes that set me apart from the typical nursing student will also blaze a path for other blind individuals who want to attend nursing school and work as a nurse.” Can you elaborate?
Lindsey: Many nursing students don’t work in the health field while they are in school. Shocking, right? I am finding my work as a certified nursing assistant is already helping me gain the knowledge other students may not have and I’ve been able to leap miles with my therapeutic communication because of it. My instructors tell me it is my hands-on work experiences that are putting me ahead of other students.
Teri: Is there one thing you hope those who read your story will remember about you?
Lindsey: I believe the end result will be more than worth any struggles along the way. No matter how hard it gets, you have to put in the effort to make your dreams come true. Always go for the gold!
