On Campus: Anna Oltman

How does it feel to be a Presidential Scholar?

I was very excited to receive the Presidential Scholarship. It's a great opportunity to have hands-on learning at Georgia State, a chance to study abroad, do undergraduate research and have great access to faculty. The scholarship covers full tuition all four years, books and expenses, housing and a one-time study abroad trip, as well as other perks. It's an honor that motivates me to do well and to make a difference.

How did you decide to major in nursing?

Since the 6th grade, I've wanted to go into pediatric nursing. My aunt and uncle, who are surgeons, used to do mission work. They would come back with all these stories and pictures, and it really interested me. I volunteered my senior year of high school at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and it has been an affirmation of what I want to do with my life. I got a first-hand look at how the health care field works every day.

Where would you like to go on your study abroad trip?

I'm interested in Georgia State's "Medical Virology in Argentina" study abroad program. You get to do research and work with the Argentinean equivalent of the CDC [Centers for Disease Control]. I want to study Spanish and incorporate that as well.

Recently, I've been thinking about getting a master's degree in public health to be able to do clinical research in disease prevention in third-world countries. I want to be able to give back to the world community.

What is your University Assistantship, which is part of the Presidential Scholar Program?

I'm assigned to the Atlanta Regional Geriatric Education Center, which is just starting up at Georgia State. It was recently funded, and the center's goal is to expand geriatric education for health professionals in the Atlanta area, particularly in the area of late-life depression. I'm gathering existing geriatric educational materials and exploring creative ways to reach health professionals.

How do you plan to be involved at Georgia State and in the Atlanta community?

I'm really interested in Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life and Campus Crusade for Christ. I would like to get involved over at Grady Memorial Hospital or volunteer again at Children's. I swam competitively since I was 5, so I'd like to join the GSU swim club. I would also like to participate in the GSU alternative spring break program, where I can combine traveling and giving back to the community. Atlanta is great because the CDC is based here and so many other organizations in public health. I'm sure I won't have trouble finding my niche.