What happens when a nursing student is one semester away from graduating but cannot afford to finish school? Shaina Este is working multiple jobs while navigating depression, anxiety, and the pressure to honor her family’s sacrifices. Despite her determination, she needs thousands of dollars before she can register for her final semester.
Call Me Friend Podcast host Daryn Kagan and Just One More Foundation founder Richard Rogers invite Shaina to share her journey, including how counseling helped her manage her mental health and why she dreams of becoming a nurse. What Shaina does not know is that this conversation is about to change her life.
Listen as Daryn and Richard surprise Shaina with a $7,259 grant to help her finish school and pursue a future in nursing. Her story proves that one second chance can create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond one person.
What You Will Learn
✅ How Shaina continued pursuing her nursing degree despite financial hardship, depression, and anxiety.
✅ Why seeking mental health support can help break cycles of isolation and challenge cultural stigmas.
✅ How the Just One More Foundation provides grants to individuals who need a second chance.
✅ Why helping one future nurse can positively impact countless patients, families, and communities.
Timestamps
00:00 A nursing student faces a $10,000 financial obstacle
00:57 Daryn introduces Shaina’s second-chance surprise
04:37 Richard Rogers joins the conversation
05:24 The story behind Shaina’s name
07:14 Why Shaina wants to become a nurse
09:05 Honoring her parents and helping others
11:24 Shaina opens up about depression, anxiety, and counseling
16:04 One semester from graduation but unable to register
17:50 The $7,259 grant request
19:26 Richard surprises Shaina with the full grant
20:42 Graduation plans and making her family proud
22:05 Daryn reveals the interview was actually a surprise
22:56 How one second chance creates a ripple effect
23:35 Shaina’s interest in emergency and pediatric nursing
27:15 The power of encouragement and second chances
Key Takeaways
🔹 Asking for help is a strength. Counseling helped Shaina manage depression and anxiety while continuing to pursue her goals.
🔹 Financial barriers can threaten even the most determined students. Despite working multiple jobs, Shaina needed additional support to complete her final semester.
🔹 A second chance can create a lasting ripple effect. Supporting Shaina’s education also supports the people she will care for throughout her nursing career.
🔹 Purpose can help you keep going. Shaina’s commitment to honoring her parents and helping others motivated her to continue pursuing her dream.
About Shaina Este
Shaina Este is an aspiring nurse committed to honoring her family’s sacrifices and helping others through a career in healthcare. Her experience includes supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and working as a hospital technician. After navigating depression, anxiety, and financial hardship, Shaina received a grant from the Just One More Foundation to help complete her final semester of college.
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