“Keep a positive attitude and take everything one step at a time”
Doyon Foundation scholarship recipient Wanda Burdick is the daughter of Irene Sadowski of Nulato and Edward Sadowski of Poland. Wanda’s maternal grandmother is Mary Amelia Demoski of Nulato and her paternal grandparents are Józef and Krystyna Sadowski of Poland.
A registered nurse at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Wanda completed the advanced degree of bachelor’s of science in nursing in 2019. She lives in Anchorage.
Wanda Burdick was working as a unit clerk at the Alaska Native Medical Center several years ago when she found herself paying close attention to the contributions made by nurses.
“I was looking for a career that would challenge me and make a difference,” Wanda said. She chose nursing for its commitment to patients and families when they need it most. “Helping people find comfort and understanding during a difficult time is satisfying.”
After earning her license as a registered nurse, Wanda went on to graduate with a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) in 2019 from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She has been a nurse at Anchorage-based Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium since 2018.
“Obtaining a BSN was important to me because I wanted to challenge myself and continue learning to provide the best outcomes for patients in my care,” she said. She’s looking forward to starting her next degree soon. “With nursing you never stop learning,” she said.
Wanda, who received Doyon Foundation scholarships while a student, also managed roles as an employee, wife, and mother of four young children. “To overcome these challenges, I worked hard and prioritized my responsibilities,” she said. “Financial support from Doyon Foundation allowed me to focus on my education.”
In her free time, Wanda enjoys spending time with family and pursuing hobbies, including biking, hiking and knitting. To succeed in school, she believes in planning ahead, setting aside time away from studies to keep from being overwhelmed, and breaking a big job into smaller tasks for steady progress.
“Set realistic goals and stick to the timelines that you set for yourself,” she said. “Keep a positive attitude and take everything one step at a time.”