FORT SMITH (KFSM)--The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery continues to afford thousands of people the chance to attend college by helping them pay tuition.
Fernanda Dobbins, 21, is one of more than 20,000 men and woman in the Natural State to receive the scholarship.
“It just has given me that free opportunity to fully focus on school and not have to stress about working, paying certain bills,” said Dobbins a, nursing student at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith.
Over the past three and a half years, Dobbins said UAFS’ nursing program has been challenging yet personally gratifying.
The degree requires students to spend countless hours in a classroom and a hospital experience to develop a multifaceted skill set.
“It's so humbling to be able to serve people like when they’re in their lowest moments, and I've learned a lot,” said Dobbins.
Dobbins’ will graduate this May, but will have to go through her busiest and most academically rigorous semester to get there.
She said she’s grateful to have the security from the scholarship to finally start her desired career, ideally treating expectant mothers, as well as mothers and children.
To learn more about the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, click here.