​​Heather Smith began rigorous prerequisite classes online during the COVID-19 pandemic. She juggled classes, volunteering and working as a part-time certified nursing assistant (CNA) for two years before being accepted into CSU Channel Islands’ nursing program. She is now a proud Gamma Beta Phi member representing academic excellence. 

Before earning her CNA license, Heather volunteered for more than 200 hours, providing companion care to end-of-life patients at Serenity House, a hospice care center. She also has volunteered as a medical scribe at Doctors Without Walls, serving homeless people in Santa Barbara. In addition, she is a member of the National Charity League and donates her time at Kellogg Elementary—her children’s school—as a math club leader and by serving on the Gifted Learning Committee. 

Heather, a mother of three, hopes to work in a neonatal intensive care unit. In the years ahead, she plans to pursue her master’s degree at CSU Channel Islands in the health and wellness field. ​