Shalyn Connolly wins nursing scholarship
Shalyn Connolly had a promising career as a cosmetologist, and then realized nursing was her true calling.
“I always felt a pull toward the medical field, but it just never felt like the right time to go back to school,” recalled Connolly. “But when hairstylists had to stop working during the COVID-19 pandemic, I returned to school to become a certified medical assistant. I fell in love with patient care, and after about a year as a medical assistant, I decided that nursing was my calling. I’m so glad I made this decision.”
Winner of HFC Nursing Scholarship through Rotary
Connolly was one of two students in HFC’s renowned Nursing program (with Diana Towfeeq) to win the HFC Nursing Scholarship through the Rotary Club of Dearborn. The scholarship was established in 2002 in conjunction with the Henry Ford College Foundation.
“I was doing my homework when I found out I won,” said Connolly. “I was excited and surprised. It was one of the first scholarships I have applied for. I’m very grateful.”
"Dearborn Rotary is happy to help support Shalyn's and Diana's goals of becoming registered nurses through HFC," said Rotary President David H. Smith. "Their plans to continue advancing their nursing education are commendable. Their goals of serving their patients, community, and peers reflect Rotary's principle of 'Service Above Self.'"
Learn4ward guaranteed transfer program makes a bachelor's degree attainable
The youngest of four, Connolly was born in Royal Oak. She lives in Woodhaven with her husband and daughter, 11.
Connolly graduated from Oscoda Area High School. She will graduate from HFC at the end of 2025 and earn her associate degree in nursing. She will then transfer to Eastern Michigan University through the Learn4ward partnership to complete her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2026. She also earned her cosmetology license from Bayshire Beauty Academy in Bay City and her medical assistant certification online from the U.S. Career Institute in Fort Collins, CO.
“HFC’s partnership with EMU and their experienced and knowledgeable professors have completely set me up for academic success,” she said.
Making sure fellow students are heard and supported
Connolly works as a nurse extern at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital. She is also a member of the Nursing program’s Student Faculty Committee.
“The Student Faculty Committee is a communication bridge between students and professors,” explained Connolly. “Students are able to share experiences, ideas, concerns, and solutions from other students with the faculty. It really helps the students feel heard and supported.”
“I’ll leave HFC feeling confident to become a nurse!”
Connolly chose HFC due to word of mouth and its location.
“HFC has amazing professors! I’ve been inspired by all of them, and I felt most encouraged by Christie-Marie Buck and Shannon Hasper,” said Connolly. “I’ve been able to build relationships with so many faculty and staff, even the security guard and his dog who spend time on East Campus with us.”
"Shalyn is a dedicated and hardworking nursing student who has consistently demonstrated her passion for the profession in clinical and classroom settings," said Buck.
Connolly's career goal is to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
“HFC’s Nursing program is known to be tough, but you have so much support. The teachers here want you to succeed. I’ve enjoyed this program. In my opinion, the courses prepare you for real-life situations. I would recommend HFC’s Nursing program to anyone,” she said. “HFC’s clinical placements have taught me what it’s like to be a professional nurse. They’ve sent me to wonderful hospitals where I’ve been thrown right into the world of nursing. I truly do feel like I’ll leave HFC feeling confident as a nurse!”