South Central IL AHEC | SIUE Nursing | Class of 2026
Hometown: Edwardsville, Illinois
Why Dirk Chose Healthcare
Dirk’s journey into healthcare began with nonprofit work that put him alongside families experiencing disability, poverty, and disaster. As a team lead with AmeriCorps and the Rockford Park District, he often stepped in “when support systems fell short.” Those experiences showed him how meaningful care becomes when service and clinical knowledge intersect—ultimately guiding him toward nursing.
What He Values About AHEC Scholars
Dirk says AHEC Scholars feels like “the bridge between my nonprofit leadership…and the clinical, prevention-focused work I want to do as a healthcare worker.”
Through the program, he’s taken part in hands-on community outreach such as blood pressure checks, breast cancer screenings, and teaching high school students about health careers—experiences that continue the mission-driven work that first inspired him.
Career Goals
Dirk hopes to work closely with patients who need the most support. His ICU intern experience has been especially influential, and he can see himself pursuing ICU nursing after graduation. At the same time, he’s open to roles that blend clinical care with teaching, community health, or advanced training.
Advice for Future AHEC Scholars
Dirk’s message to future Scholars is clear: lean in and engage fully.
“Go beyond what is familiar and actually put yourself in the spaces that make you a little uncomfortable.”
“You do not grow by staying where you are comfortable. You grow by showing up for people in situations that aren’t predictable or easy.”
“Don’t just complete the modules. Go to the screenings, talk to the families, mentor other students, and learn from community members who’ve been doing this long before you started.”
He believes that the more you engage, the more you realize that “underserved care isn’t a topic—caring for the underserved is a relationship.”
AHEC Scholars Program
If you’re ready to make a meaningful difference in healthcare and deepen your service impact, consider applying now for the Illinois AHEC Scholars Program — a competitive, two-year opportunity for health professions students focused on rural and underserved communities.
Apply here: AHEC Scholars Program – Illinois Area Health Education Centers
Don’t miss your chance to engage in service-learning, community clinical experiences, interprofessional training — and prepare to become a leader in healthcare.
