Sara Martinez* has a heart that just keeps growing. Despite the domestic violence in her own personal life that left her feeling invisible and insignificant in the past, she has sought out opportunities to embrace others, letting them know there was someone who cared. The Debra Coffman Howe Nursing Scholarship Fund from Palm Health Foundation was one bright point that gave her a new start in life and so much more after she left her marriage. “The scholarship gave me a sense of fulfillment, a chance to give back and the opportunity to focus less on my unfortunate experience, knowing it would lead me to be the most happy in my personal and professional life,” said Martinez, a first generation college student.

Martinez’s passion for nursing began eight years ago as a hospice clinical social worker specializing in mental health. While working in the field alongside hospice nurses, she noticed that the mentally ill often fall through the cracks because of lack of representation. Martinez sees her role as their advocate amplifying when she completes her BSN degree from Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing with a goal to achieve her masters in psychiatric studies. “I hope that one day I will be a voice in different ways and advocate for the patient who is mentally and physically ill,” she said.

Martinez knows her experience as a social worker in a hospice setting will give her a solid grounding for both patients and their families as a nurse, particularly with difficult cases, or in the event of death. “My role is to provide emotional support,” she said. “I tell my clients now to use me, I want to be there for you, whether it’s the patient, or the families who are struggling.”