Age 31, single + one daughter.
Vered is enthusiastic about sharing her experiences over the past few months.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and is pursuing her Master’s in Health Systems Administration at the Max Stern Jezreel Valley College.
Vered chose this particular Master’s degree program following career advice from the center for young adults in Afula, where she resides. Initially, she hoped to study social work, however, due to her need to raise her young daughter, she decided to study closer to home and decided on public health instead. In conversation, she mentioned that a Master’s in Public Health could help her progress to an administrative position, either at the hospital or elsewhere.
As a nurse at the Orthopedics Unit of the hospital, she is responsible for the patient wing: orthopedic, bandaging and patient follow-up. Vered very much enjoys the field of patient care and nursing.
When COVID-19 first broke out, she was constantly checking the news and reading everything related to the pandemic, which made it difficult for her to communicate with those around her. As time went on, she realized that this was making it more difficult for her to cope with the situation. She was anxious about her position in terms of personal safety, yet felt an even greater sense of desire to assist her patients at such a crucial time. She decided to also dedicate her energy to spending time with her daughter. Vered notes that this was very good for her, and she was able to spend  quality time with her little girl. In addition, she believes that this period brought calmness into her life and strengthened her relationship with her daughter.
In terms of employment, she is working less than her usual hours. There are less patients at the unit and therefore less hours of work. She takes on the hours she does have with pride and conviction and of course empathy.
In terms of her studies, Vered notes that the transition to online learning has been quite challenging. The notes lack detail and the recordings of the classes are messy (and can’t be used as notes). The frontal interaction with the lecturer is also absent. In addition, the dependence on the college’s computer system has made things difficult for her.
She feels torn; for on the one hand, she feels like this profession could be even more significant in these complex times and on the other hand, is concerned about the smaller number of hours she is given to work. We salute Vered’s optimism and dedication to her studies and profession as she faces the challenge of raising her daughter on her own.  Despite any difficulties which may arise, Vered is determined to make a better life for herself and her daughter and succeed in her Master’s degree program. 
KHA’s help has given her piece of mind and support as she wades through these complexities. She is grateful for the continued generosity and guidance.