Major: Nursing
Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana
High School: East Allen University
Elany chose IU Indianapolis due to its strong academic reputation and commitment to community engagement, specifically in the nursing field. The ample opportunities for volunteerism on and near campus also stood out to her. To Elany, being a Bepko Scholar means committing to academic excellence, leadership, and service. She also believes it provides room to grow as both a student and an individual.
A social issue Elany is very passionate about is the language barrier in healthcare within the Hispanic and/or Latino communities and its impact on health disparities. In high school, she served as a Spanish and English translator at her local elementary school in the mornings. When reflecting on this volunteer experience, Elany said, “Many students came from immigrant families and struggled with language barriers, which often left them feeling isolated or discouraged in the classroom. By translating instructions, helping with assignments, and even just offering encouragement in their native language, I was able to bridge that gap and create a safer, more welcoming environment for them.” Elany’s favorite part of this experience was the increase in the children’s confidence in communication by the end of the year.
While at IU Indianapolis, Elany plans to help foster connections, promote engagement, and inspire others through leadership and volunteerism.