Touching Thousands of Lives

by Ellen Swift

Francisca Osei Wusu, a third-year BSN student at the College of Nursing, was recently granted the Susan Patzakis Endowed Nursing Scholarship. From the time Osei Wusu was a toddler, her parents knew she would make an impact helping others. “My dad tells me that when someone gets hurt, I run to them … Back home we play outside a lot, so it’s easy for someone to fall and I’m always the one to be there,” she said. Osei Wusu was born in Ghana, Africa, but in 2017, her American father decided to move his family to Columbus, Ohio. She knew this move was critical for her education, gaining experience to become a registered nurse.

Her impressive grit and determination allowed her to face many challenges and still maintain a 4.0 cumulative grade point average. When granted the Susan Patzakis Endowed Nursing Scholarship, Osei Wusu was overjoyed. “I was quite upset that day, and then I saw this letter, and ‘Oh, I got the scholarship!’” she said. Osei Wusu said the scholarship has helped her in so many ways. She no longer has to work part-time in addition to being in school full time to supplement her tuition, fees and books. “It has also of course helped to improve my wellness,” she said. Now, “I feel relieved … I work less hours, concentrate on school and have time to take care of myself.”

Osei Wusu was able to thank her scholarship donor, Michael Patzakis, MD, in person at the scholarship ceremony last fall. “He was very motivational,” she said. “He inspired me to one day give back to the College of Nursing.”

Meet Susan Giokaris Patzakis – whose legacy continues through this scholarship.

While working in her Medical/surgical rotation for obstetricians, Osei Wusu found a passion for helping women and infants. “On the OB unit the nurses were just so different, they just seemed so happy to be doing what they do,” said Osei Wusu. “I want to be a nurse like that – really kind.” Her devotion for children and women is one of the driving forces for her lifelong goals. “I am passionate about women, children and minorities,” she said. “Being a minority myself, I want to advocate for patients of color and be an example to little Black girls … if there is more representation, it is easy to see yourself in a higher position … ‘She looks like me, I can be like her.’” In the future, Osei Wusu has the dream of helping the community that raised her in Ghana, and she plans to inspire young girls. “I really want to be a spearhead to get something like [Nationwide Children’s Hospital] back home for the kids,” said Osei Wusu. With the help of the scholarship, Osei Wusu plans to be a nurse with an influence that can touch a large audience. “The scholarship is not just for me. It’s going to touch thousands of lives.”

To learn more, contact:

Courtney Shaul
Senior Director of Development
shaul.8@osu.edu
614-688-1089

When you give to the College of Nursing, you touch thousands of lives. Thank you!