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Mary Sorenson

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Bio

I am an incoming freshman at Grand Canyon University pursuing a bachelor of science in Health Care Administration. As I am 23 years old and from a small town with few opportunities, I decided to create my chance by going back to school 100% online. I am fully funding myself as I have been doing from a young age. I have the most significant support at home ( my husband and three cats); I know how crucial it is to have permission during school and work full-time to avoid burnout. Being in the healthcare field for close to seven years, working in different areas of food service, dental assistant, and receptionist-like roles, being a trainer in my current clinic, and being a part of the internal communications team for my hospital have been the most significant contributor to my career decision.

Education

Grand Canyon University

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Health and Medical Administrative Services
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Health and Medical Administrative Services
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Hospital & Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

    • Medical Scheduler

      Great Falls Clinic
      2021 – 20221 year
    • Barista

      Starbucks
      2020 – 20211 year
    • Dental Assistant

      Great Falls Pediatric Dentistry
      2019 – 20201 year
    • Call Center and Unit Host

      Benefis Hospital
      2016 – 20193 years
    • Patient Access Representative

      Bitterroot Health Hospital
      2022 – Present2 years

    Sports

    Volleyball

    Club
    2009 – 20112 years

    Arts

    • Great Falls High

      Theatre
      While the lights were out; Footloose; Hairspray; Radio Girls;( Helped in all productions)
      2013 – 2017

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Church — Youth leader (VBS; Children Programs; Youth events; Youth group)
      2010 – Present
    @normandiealise National Scholarship Month TikTok Scholarship
    Analtha Parr Pell Memorial Scholarship
    Tired, running on caffeine, and hoping for the day to be over, I get an unexpected phone call from a patient in distress. Talking on the phone with her, I noted everything she had been through and listened to her unmet needs before another office. I was listening and sharing reassurance in our providers and confidence in the upcoming surgery. After being thanked and her calling me by my name, all I could do was smile as I went home for the day. At that moment, I realized I love my job and the career path I want to pursue. As an incoming freshman, I will attend the online Health Care Administration program at Grand Canyon University. Being in the healthcare field for close to seven years, working in different areas of food service, dental assistant, and receptionist, being a trainer in my current clinic, and being a part of the internal communications team for my hospital. Being a part of the change and voicing concerns and needs for the hospital has been a privilege, and I have been growing in leadership, patient satisfaction, and overall knowledge. With my education in Health care administration, I want to invoke positive change and stand up for the patients when the battle seems out of their grasp. Being in higher leadership and shooting for a manager role/high-up role, I want to help build a bridge for those who need a connecting ground from patients to doctors to orders, etc. To help eliminate errors and create a positive overall experience for those who walk through the hospital doors for the first or last time. I don't come from much, and most of what I have today was all due to working thought out school as I will be working full-time as well as being a full-time student. Thus I do not receive any financial support from my family and trim from the federal government to fund my college education. Therefore my financial needs are very high. I am determined to have this workout and scrape the bowl of opportunities to help with the financial burden of college. For the past year or so, I have struggled to receive a scholarship or grant; I have solely relied on federal government loans. As a newlywed, that is scary to see what we will handle down the road. However, right here is putting oil on my fire of determination that we will make it, and I will graduate and lump some of the money we can handle over time.
    Growing with Gabby Scholarship
    This day changed my family and our lives forever. A year and a half ago, this situation occurred when my father was convicted and charged with the felony of child pedophilia. Hearing those words from the cop that came to search our house and question us, my heart sank, and I heard it hit the floor in disbelief that this was happening and that it wasn't a dream. Although my father is a pastor who was loved and is still loved, it showed that one mistake and one curious mind could get you into a lot of unwanted trouble. My father's court ended two weeks ago, and This man I spoke about is my hero and one of the blessings I got right from the start. This process took a long time, and during this whole fiasco, I learned to be mindful of others and that my actions can significantly impact others. One person made one mistake that affected more people than I can count with my two hands. If one person can do that and it impacts negatively. I thought about what I could do, just me, one person choosing to move people positively. Just that mindset alone can do so much no matter where in life that mindset makes all the difference because, mentally and physically, they are working as one for one goal and one purpose. In a world with only bad news and very few good people, this event taught me to seek Jesus more. What I mean by this is whatever the future hold, I do not get to hold the cards God does, and if I keep my eyes on Jesus, he will guide me in a way I would not have chosen myself. In a low time for my entire family, it was more crucial for me to cling to God and all his promises that he has for us, that he has spoken about in the bible. I grew more in love with my husband throughout all of this. He was always to hold my hand and refocus my eye, thoughts, and needs on God instead of the situation. Even though a lot can happen in a day, month, or even a lifetime showing up expecting change and joy instead of hurt and suffering is a gift that only some take advantage of, and some miss the opportunity. Every story is unique, and not all the chances are easy to grasp, but everything is possible, depending on your mindset.