Emma Patterson

I am currently a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Indiana University Bloomington. My goal is to become a Registered Nurse on an orthopedic unit, where I’ve already had experience working closely with older patients. Ultimately, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in nursing education. I believe that educating current and future nurses about the often-overlooked aspects of geriatric care is one of the most powerful ways to advocate for this population.

By becoming a nurse educator, I will work to dismantle ageist bias, promote compassionate care, and advocate for structural changes that prioritize the well-being of our aging population. I can help future nurses unlearn harmful assumptions and adopt respectful communication strategies that honor the autonomy and intelligence of older patients.  The relationships I formed at the assisted living center changed my trajectory. Now, my greatest aspiration is to improve the lives of older individuals. I am extremely passionate about advocacy and the serving of the geriatric community. I truly believe that becoming an educator can have a wider breadth of impact than I can as an individual. True change is not rooted in one individual, it driven by a passionate community. 

Emily Schrock

As an aspiring speech-language pathologist dedicated to serving Indiana’s older adult population, I am driven by a deep passion for helping individuals maintain and regain their functional communication, cognitive-linguistic abilities, and safe swallowing. I believe that every older adult—regardless of prognosis—deserves access to high-quality, personalized care that prioritizes dignity, independence, and quality of life.

Whether supporting expressive language to improve connection with loved ones or managing swallowing difficulties to ensure nutritional safety, I aim to advocate for each client’s voice and well-being.
Receiving this scholarship from the Indiana Geriatric Society will be foundational in both my educational and professional journeys. It will allow me to fully immerse myself in academic and clinical training, attend professional development events like the Indiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association conference, and explore specialized resources to better serve the geriatric population. Most importantly, it affirms my commitment to a future where age never lessens the quality of care.