Student Spotlight: Frank Grubbs pursues nursing degree with RRANN
by Jessica Degnan |
Frank Grubbs, a School of Nursing student, shares his gratitude for the support he’s received from the Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN) program. With RRANN’s guidance, he’s pursuing his nursing degree and planning to serve rural and underserved communities in Alaska as a travel nurse.
Name: Frank
Major: BS Nursing
Anticipated graduation date: 2025
Unit: School of Nursing
Hometown: Wasilla
What brought you to the UAA College of Health?: I was a combat medic in the united states military and decided to further my education eventually nursing in the Alaska Native communities in the villages of Alaska.
Why did you choose the degree you are pursuing? What would your dream job be?:
Traveling Nurse in the Villages of Alaska. Me and my wife have had dreams from God to pursue this direction believe it or not.
What are you involved in on campus (IE: Clubs, student organizations, etc.)? How have they contributed to your personal and professional growth?:
I am connected with RRANN (Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Natives into Nursing). They have helped me out tremendously to pursue my nursing career. I have been getting connected with mentors in Bethel, AK and the scholarship provided by RRANN has helped me to be able to pay for college.
What words of wisdom do you have for underclassmen or youth who are still considering their options after high school?:
Once you find your calling in life. Follow it with all your heart and you will find the grace of God to not only provide the means to get there but the strength indwelling to fulfil that call day by day and test by test.
What did you want to do when you were 10? Why?:
I wanted to be a professional hockey player. I was so immersed in hockey.
What was your favorite class while here at UAA, and why?:
I have really enjoyed Pathophysiology. I enjoyed learning about the body and how things work correctly and I have been fascinated on how the body goes haywire and how medications we give as nurses remediate those effects!
What is a cause you care about?:
Me and my wife desire to build an orphanage one day and help sex-trafficked children heal from their trauma.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?:
I enjoy the Nursing LAB
Who is your favorite professor or staff member and why?:
All of my professors are excellent.
What is your favorite memory from your time here at UAA?:
I love the feeling when I am finished with my last Final each semester. Its a relief to have gone through that much learning and then take a deep breath of relief that another semester is over.
What is your plan after graduation?:
Traveling nurse or going to get my DN
What is your favorite quote? Why?:
The whole entirety of scripture. Possibly what Jesus said to Nicodemas in John 3 where he said You must be born again to see the Kingdom of Heaven.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?:
Piano and guitar and playing with my baby girl.
Tell us about an obstacle you overcame.:
When I was alot younger I overcame addiction through the Love and intervention of Jesus Christ
What is your secret to college success?:
Study. Study. Study.
What has been your happiest/proudest moment?:
To see my daughter walk and laugh and dance and play
What was the best advice you were ever given by a professor, staff, or classmate while here at UAA?:
Never to give up on your dreams.