A little over two years ago, Randolph EMC member Nicole Bernabe Garcia’s world turned upside down. In August 2022, her four-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer.

The healthcare journey brought healing to her child and a profound sense of gratitude to Garcia.

"By the grace of God, she is nearing the end of treatment," said Garcia. "Throughout the entire process the nurses and physician assistants at Brenner’s Children’s Hospital became family. It’s because of their care and dedication that I was inspired to become a nurse myself."

Garcia enrolled at Randolph Community College (RCC) in Asheboro and became eligible for Randolph EMC’s endowed scholarship. REMC’s Empowered Scholarship seeks to honor a member or a child of a member-owner of the cooperative. To qualify, a student must have a grade point average of 3.0 or above and exemplify the values of the cooperative, including integrity, accountability, innovation and community involvement.

Garcia hopes to join the nursing program at RCC and eventually plans to transfer to UNC-Greensboro to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She hopes one day to work in the pediatric oncology unit so she can help other families during their cancer journeys.

REMC congratulates Nicole Berbabe Garcia on her outstanding achievement. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.