Faiza Abaroone
B.S., summa cum laude, Nursing, 2019
Registered Nurse, Diabetes Endocrinology Education, Seattle Children’s Hospital
Student, D.N.P. Program, Washington State University
“Everyone having a voice is so important in making civil decisions and having a functioning society. Having a voice and stepping up for those who don’t have an influence on society is very important to me because my life goal is to advocate and help bring up the voices of the under-represented.”
Faiza Abaroone, August 2017
Faiza was born in Somalia and has lived in Seattle for over two decades. The owner of a day-care business, wife, and mother of four children, Faiza was the first person in her family to earn a bachelor's degree. Her aspiration to be in the healthcare field started when her daughter became diabetic and when she did not receive adequate training to manage her daughter’s new condition. "From that day I realized the healthcare disparities are a real thing; I was determined to be part of this system so that I am able to make some changes even if it is a small change, to advocate for patients, and to inform the options that is available to them, which is something that we were not given."
Education: South Seattle College, Associate of Arts in Pre-nursing, 2014, and Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing, 2015
Service:
Licensed Practical nurse, Hallmark Manor healthcare facility, 11/2015–Present
Volunteer, yearly health fair, peer to peer training with healthy eating, and managing diabetes, Somali Health Board, 11/2015–Present
Volunteer, parent support group, Seattle Children’s Hospital, 2006–2016
Awards/honors:
Member, Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society
Member, Tau Sigma Honor Society
Vice President, Seattle University Nurses Association
Alfie Scholars, Seattle University, 2017
Xavier Scholarship, Seattle University 2017-2018
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Certificate of Academic Excellence, 2013-2014
Dean’s List, 2013
Goals: With my degree I want to impact the lives of children suffering with juvenile diabetes in a positive way. I want to advocate for these children to have the latest devices to control blood sugar, regardless of what type of insurance they have. With my degree and advocacy I want to be able to make a difference in someone’s life. My ultimate goal is to earn my doctorate of nursing in family practice and be a provider.
Civility:
Everyone having a voice is so important in making civil decisions and having a functioning society. Having a voice and stepping up for those who don’t have an influence on society is very important to me because my life goal is to advocate and help bring up the voices of the under-represented.
Autobiography:
I was born in Somalia, and I speak Somali and English. In a country that did not provide for women to be educated, I was fortunate that my father had the vision and courage to provide me with an education. When I was 21 years old, I was able to be reunited with my mother and came to her in Seattle.
I am the first person to earn a college degree in my family. I am a dedicated mother of four children, ranging from second grade to freshman in college. The challenges of parenting are extremely fulfilling and have increased my resiliency and strength of character. As a result, I believe that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I want my children to be inspired and know that they, too, can do whatever they desire in life if they set their mind to it.
To be able to raise my children and help financially support our family, I opened and now operate family childcare. I am aspiring to be a nurse. My aspiration for nursing was ignited by my daughter’s diagnosis with diabetes. She was only five years old, and it was very devastating for her dad and me. From that time, I have dreamed of becoming a highly qualified, experienced, and very competent nurse.
