As a first-generation college student, born and raised in Anchorage with Hawaiian roots, Leah Pacarro’s college experience has been dedicated to her jobs as a 40-hour employee and full-time student, but as a 2020 AHAINA Students of Excellence scholarship recipient, her student experience is about to change.
Alina Shen always dreamed of working in health care. After high school, she still wasn’t sure what path she should take, but a chance meeting with an advisor sparked her interest in dentistry. Now she’s taking her first big step toward her future career: earning a dental assisting certificate at UAA.
This summer, 11 students and two professors headed out from the end of Nabesna Road to circumnavigate a mountain, raft to Cordova and cap off their coursework in outdoor leadership at UAA.
This spring break, a small group of students traveled between backcountry lodges via dog sled, fat bike and snowmachine as part of a unique two-credit course designed by physical education major Robert Forto.
Thanks to assistant professor Maryann Hoke, exercise science students now have an opportunity to work alongside heart health professionals across the street at Providence Hospital.
