(Phoenix, Ariz., Oct. 25, 2003) — Piedad Blake, clinical nursing adjunct instructor at Phoenix College recently received a $6,000 grant from the Healthcare Institute of Arizona. Blake will use her grant to complete her master’s degree in nursing, with the goal of becoming a full-time nursing instructor at Phoenix College.

Meeting all of the qualifications for the Healthcare Institute of Arizona grant, Blake applied and was honored to be one of 10 grant recipients.

"I feel honored to have received this grant," said Blake. "It’s a great reward for my hard work over the years."

Moving from Spain to Arizona, Blake spoke very little English. She began taking courses at Phoenix College, embarking on her dream of becoming a nurse and picking up the English language at the same time.

Blake worked very hard to learn English and succeed in her courses. She graduated from Phoenix College with an associate’s degree in nursing and went on to earn her bachelor’s in nursing from Grand Canyon University. Currently, Blake is taking courses at the University of Phoenix to complete her master’s degree and is working at Phoenix College as a part time clinical nursing instructor. She hopes to continue teaching at Phoenix College upon graduation.

"Phoenix College is a big part of my life," said Blake. "I’m so happy to be working as a clinical instructor at the same place where my dream began."

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