Caroline Olsen has a dream she hopes will make a difference for people less fortunate than her. It is the driving force behind her decision to study dentistry at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash.
"I’ve always had a dream of being a dentist," said the recent graduate of Briar Woods High School. Olsen hopes to be able to provide mission dentistry in Africa upon completion of dental school. Her desire to help those less fortunate than her stems from mission trips she has taken with a youth group at Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church in Ashburn. For her accomplishments, hopes and dreams, Olsen received a $1,000 scholarship from Reston Hospital Center June 7.
She was one of 13 students to receive the Medical Staff Scholarship from the hospital. Six of the 13 winners were students in Loudoun County schools. Another three students were recognized with a Volunteer Services Scholarship.
"I am pleased you are looking forward to an education in health care," said Bill Adams, president and CEO of Reston Hospital Center. He told the scholarship recipients at the ceremony that there would be a job waiting for them anywhere in the country, and probably anywhere in the world, when they complete their studies.
The hospital’s president of medical staff, Daniel Turgeon, said the students should consider returning to the area after college, because it is a great place to live and a great place to work and raise a family. "I hope you consider returning here when you start your career," said Turgeon.
Of the 16 scholarship winners, three were recognized with the volunteer service scholarship. "Our objective is to foster volunteering as a service of caring," said Susan Dailey, director of volunteer services for the Reston Hospital Center. She said the three students awarded the scholarship volunteered 1,100 hours to the hospital.