Kendaisha Price, a fourth-semester nursing student at Meridian Community College (MCC), has been awarded the prestigious Mississippi Nurses Foundation Scholarship. The announcement came as a surprise to Price, who expressed her joy after completing an exam when Associate Degree Nursing Program Instructor Dr. Holly Crain delivered the news. “Look at God, you’re kidding me,” Price exclaimed upon hearing of her selection.
The scholarship, valued at $1,000, is awarded to students enrolled in associate or baccalaureate nursing programs in Mississippi. It recognizes those who demonstrate professional character, leadership, scholarship, and community service. Dr. Crain highlighted Price’s perseverance, stating, “You deserve it. You work so hard, and you’ve overcome so many things.”
Price’s journey in nursing began in the ninth grade, inspired by her stepmother. A pivotal moment came when a teacher advised her that her grades would significantly impact her future. This encouragement motivated Price to excel academically, leading to scholarships after high school. Initially enrolling at Dillard University in New Orleans, she later returned to her hometown to continue her nursing education at MCC.
Despite facing personal challenges that temporarily halted her studies, Price remained determined. After taking time away to work and start a family, she returned to MCC just days after the birth of her child in 2023. “It felt like coming home,” she reflected, recalling the support from faculty she had known previously.
As she prepares for her graduation in December 2025, Price has set her sights on a career in psychiatric nursing. She believes this path allows her to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. “It’s where I think I can do the most good,” she stated. Her passion for nursing extends beyond a specific field; she enjoys connecting with patients in any capacity.
Receiving the Mississippi Nurses Foundation Scholarship holds significant meaning for Price. “I’m blessed. I’m thankful. I can’t wait to frame it,” she shared. She emphasized that MCC is not just an institution to her; it is a community that recognizes and supports each student as an individual. “I’m not just a number here, they know my name, they support me, and they care.”
Price hopes that future nursing students will view MCC in the same positive light she does, as a place of preparation, encouragement, and belief. “Who wouldn’t want to find their wings at MCC?” she concluded. “I’m finding mine every day.”
For more information about the nursing programs at MCC, interested individuals can visit meridiancc.edu/nursing.
