Meet Annmaria, a sophomore at Elmhurst University in Illinois, where she’s pursuing a major in nursing and a minor in psychology. As a first-generation college student, Annmaria is driven by a strong desire to be a support system for her community, particularly in navigating the challenges within the healthcare system.
On campus, Annmaria is a standout leader and active participant in several programs. She’s a proud member of both the United Scholars and Honors Programs and serves as the secretary of the Origami Club, a student-led group she helped establish with friends in 2023. Through the club, she’s honed communication and social skills that will serve her well in her future nursing career. She also works as a Student Ambassador in the admissions office, where she plays an important role in welcoming and guiding prospective students and their families.
Annmaria’s dedication to service extends beyond campus. Bilingual in Malayalam and English, she has volunteered at her church, teaching elementary students her native language. This experience sharpened her ability to explain complex ideas clearly, a skill she sees as essential for patient care.
After completing her BSN, Annmaria plans to gain hands-on experience as a registered nurse before pursuing advanced nursing degrees. Along the way, she continues to find balance through her creative passions: drawing, painting, dancing, and watching Mollywood movies with her family. One of her favorite classes so far is Printmaking Studio, a creative outlet that provided calm and clarity during intense pre-nursing coursework.
Annmaria credits Green Halo Scholars with being a steady presence in her academic journey. “Green Halo has been there every step of the way in my decision-making process. I am truly grateful to Green Halo for offering valuable advice that has helped shape both my college experience and my career path. Now that I am in college I have made a bigger network which wouldn’t have been possible with Green Halo’s support.”
Her advice to future Green Halo Scholars: “Green Halo is there to support you, so don’t be hesitant to ask for help. And definitely use the resources that are available to you, because one way or another, it will be useful in your career journey.”
