Doyon Foundation alumna Nicole Monroe graduated in 2006 with a degree in accounting from the University of Alaska Southeast. Originally from Nenana, Alaska, Monroe currently lives in Fairbanks, where she works as a loan officer at Residential Mortgage and is studying for the National Mortgage License Exam this fall.
For Monroe, the biggest challenge she faced as a student was going to school full-time and working part-time.
“It is a lot to take on, but I found that staying organized helped keep my life in order. Staying on top of my work and not procrastinating helped me meet my deadlines. I also made time to do things that I enjoyed to help relieve stress,” said Monroe, who enjoys painting and running in her free time, and plans to run a half-marathon this summer.
The financial assistance she received from Doyon Foundation also helped during her schooling.
“I applied for a scholarship in the fall and was one of the many students Doyon picked to receive their scholarship. The scholarship helped pay for tuition and books. Every little bit helps when you are a college student,” she said.
Speaking from experience, Monroe advised current Foundation students to “maintain a good work ethic. Overachieve – it does get noticed. Never overpromise and be honest.”
Monroe is the daughter of Nicholas J. Monroe and Carol J. Rutledge, and the granddaughter of Emily and William Monroe.