A Calling to Care
Named the 2026 recipient of Phoenix College's $15,000 Diane H. Thomas Transfer Scholarship, Alyssa Harney is preparing for the next chapter of her journey toward becoming a nurse. Long before Alyssa Harney stepped into a college classroom, she knew she wanted to become a nurse. Inspired by her grandmother, a healthcare professional, Alyssa discovered early that caring for others was more than an interest. It was a calling. "Since I was young, my goal has always been to become a nurse," Alyssa said.
"My grandmother, one of the people I care for most in the world, is a healthcare provider and has inspired me to live a life of service to others."
She knew becoming a nurse would require hard work and determination. What she didn't know was that some of the experiences that would shape her future would happen long before nursing school. As a freshman in high school, Alyssa's mother was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that left her paralyzed. While her grandmother worked to support the family, Alyssa became her mother's caregiver, helping with everyday tasks while watching someone she loved face a devastating illness.
Just two months after her diagnosis, Alyssa's mother passed away. The loss shook Alyssa's confidence. She struggled academically and failed her freshman year, uncertain whether college was still within reach. "These circumstances made my path more difficult," Alyssa said, "but they also instilled in me the motivation to work harder and build a stable future for myself." Fortunately, there were people who believed in her before she believed in herself. One of those people was her high school teacher, Mrs. Perry. With Mrs. Perry's encouragement and the support of other teachers who recognized her potential, Alyssa retook her classes and earned A's and B's.
Finding Her Footing
That renewed confidence led her to Phoenix College's Hoop of Learning program. Designed to help Indigenous students earn college credit while still in high school, Hoop of Learning introduces students to college in a supportive environment while helping them build confidence and the academic foundation needed for future success. Participating in Hoop of Learning gave Alyssa more than college credits. It gave her confidence.
"Participating in the Hoop of Learning program at Phoenix College helped me establish a sense of discipline that I still carry to this day," Alyssa said. "I proved to myself that I had what it took not only to do well academically, but to excel."
From that point forward, Phoenix College became more than a place to earn college credits. It became the place where Alyssa rebuilt her confidence and rediscovered the future she had always imagined for herself. "Phoenix College has played a huge role in getting me to where I am now," Alyssa said.
This past May, Alyssa graduated from Phoenix College with an Associate of Applied Science in Community Health. Her strong academic performance prepared her for the next chapter: transferring to Arizona State University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Like many transfer students, however, reaching that milestone comes with financial challenges. After losing her mother, Alyssa has largely navigated college without parental financial support. Her grandmother remains her greatest source of encouragement despite facing her own health challenges. Alyssa also works as a patient care technician, balancing long shifts with the demands of being a full-time student as she prepares for nursing school. Then came a phone call she wasn't expecting.
The Next Chapter
Phoenix College Interim President Dr. Heather Kruse called to share the news that Alyssa had been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Diane H. Thomas Transfer Scholarship. Established in memory of Diane H. Thomas, the scholarship awards $15,000 each year to an outstanding Phoenix College graduate transferring to a four-year university, helping remove financial barriers as students pursue a bachelor's degree. Alyssa was at work when the call came, picking up extra shifts to help pay for nursing school. "I felt incredibly happy and encouraged," Alyssa said. "It was a big relief." The first person she called was her grandmother.
"Alyssa's journey reflects resilience and determination," said Dr. Kruse. "Students like Alyssa remind us why scholarships matter. They recognize achievement while making the next chapter possible."
The $15,000 scholarship will provide meaningful financial support as Alyssa begins nursing school, helping bring the next chapter of her educational journey within reach. "This scholarship is a pathway for me to continue pursuing my goals despite the obstacles I've encountered," Alyssa said. This fall, Alyssa will begin nursing school with the goal of becoming the kind of nurse who offers the same compassion and support that helped shape her own journey. "Nursing is more than a career for me," Alyssa said. "It's a profession I've always felt called to. I want to make a meaningful difference in people's lives and help those facing challenges like mine."
Learn more about the Hoop of Learning program and other Early College programs at Phoenix College? Explore opportunities that help high school students begin earning college credit while preparing for careers and transfer.