SCC Phi Theta Kappa Student Olivia Braley named 2021 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar

Published: 08/04/2021

During the pandemic, Silex-native Olivia Braley has been working on the frontlines as a patient care technician. It’s partially what inspired her to continue her education in healthcare.

“Watching the nursing staff come together at my hospital during the peak of the pandemic has been so impactful,” Braley said. “They have worked extremely long hours caring for the sick and dying.”

She enrolled at St. Charles Community College to become a nurse. She knew SCC had affordable tuition and was close to home. When she started classes, she realized the college was so much more.

“I love that SCC is so connected to and concerned about their students,” said Braley. “Faculty members have reached out many times during my time here to ensure I’m doing well and provided me with resources to better myself in my studies.”

She was a model student, and it’s why several faculty members encouraged her to join Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) – the international honor society of two-year colleges whose purpose is to recognize and promote academic achievement. Students are invited to become members upon completion of 12 or more college-level credits with a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA.

“My involvement with PTK has greatly boosted my confidence to try for scholarships and get involved with student affairs,” explained Braley. “I would highly recommend PTK to other students! Being a part of a community that's sole purpose is to help students achieve their dreams is such a privilege.”

This year, Braley was selected as a 2021 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. The Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program was launched in 2001 to assist new Phi Theta Kappa members in obtaining an associate degree and encourage participation in Society programs. The award comes with a $1,000 scholarship, which Braley intends to use for her next semester of nursing school at SCC.

“I was honored and excited when I received the award and scholarship,” beamed Braley.

Recipients are selected based on outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated leadership potential. Braley was selected by a panel of independent judges from more than 900 applicants.

“In my application, which focused on healthcare and the current nation-wide nursing shortage, I was honest and sincere,” explained Braley. “I believe my passion for my chosen career path is what helped set me apart from other applicants.”

Braley is currently pursuing an associate’s degree in nursing, with hopes of graduating in December 2022.

After SCC, Braley plans to apply for a telemetry/neurology RN position at her current hospital and possibly become a traveling nurse in the future.