By Stephanie Johns
Staff Writer

Rutledge resident Pam Jones has decided to “Dream Big” and become a registered nurse.
Jones has created a video in support of her pursuit of the Achieving the Dream Scholarship Challenge.
She explained that only the top 10 vote getters will be considered for one of three scholarships being offered.
First place gets $1,500, second place $1,000, and third place $500.
She shared that the scholarship would “be an answer to prayers” and help with gas and other commuting costs.
“It’s very expensive,” she said.
Jones closed her shop, Barn Raising Antiques, and auctioned off the contents in April 2011. The proceeds from that sale sustained her college expenses through August of this year.
Jones decided to pursue her dream of becoming an RN after her husband, Paul, suffered burns from a kitchen accident around Christmas two years ago. Third degree burns covered over 21 percent of his body.
“I knew I wanted to follow that dream and also know what I wanted to specialize in, helping other burn survivors like Paul get over their burns,” she shared.
She added that her experience will benefit future burn patients and their families.
“I would also love to help the families as I work with their loved ones get through this crisis, because I do know what they are and will be going through since I have walked in their shoes,” she shared.
The Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta taught her how to care for her husband’s wounds.
“It’s one of the number one burn units in the United States,” she said, adding that her time there with her husband gave her a chance to get to know some of the nurses and doctors.
They told her that she had a talent for burn care and should work with them.
“I’ve talked with the head of hiring there,” she said. “She told me to get my RN and they’d hire me.”
While a student at Athens Technical College she has been inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Chapter of the Honor Society there and has been named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.
“I’m working very hard to maintain a 4.0 average,” she said.
To watch her video and vote for her, visit http://dreambig.maker.good.is/projects/rndreamer. Voting closes Nov. 28.

Printed in the November 22, 2012 edition