Bright Futures Blog: Aleena Shahbaz’s Journey to Nursing School

For many students, the journey from high school to college is filled with obstacles, personal growth, and defining moments. For Aleena Shahbaz, a 2023 graduate of Hixson High School and a Public Education Foundation (PEF) Gateway Scholar, one of those moments arrived at the White Coat Ceremony at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). This milestone marked not just the beginning of nursing school but a powerful affirmation of her dedication to her future.

As a PEF Gateway Scholar, Aleena was paired with a College Advancement Mentor (CAM) during her junior year of high school. Her mentor, Anne Choyce, along with Dr. Michelle Caldwell, PEF’s Director of College and Career Success, attended the White Coat Ceremony on Wednesday, February 12th to celebrate this important step in Aleena’s journey.

Aleena's White Coat Ceremony on February 12th marked the start of her nursing journey, symbolizing commitment to professionalism, ethics, and compassionate care. From left to right: Dr. Michelle Caldwell, Aimen Shahbaz, Aleena Shahbaz, and Anne Choye.

Overcoming Challenges, Embracing Opportunity

When Aleena and her family emigrated from Pakistan in March 2020, she faced a rocky start to high school. Navigating a new country and a global pandemic at the same time was no small feat. But with the unwavering support of her family, Anne, and other mentors, Aleena tackled every challenge head-on.

Aleena attended PEF's Camp College in 2022

At Hixson High School, she embraced rigorous academic and leadership experiences. As a Health Ready Institute student and a member of the Air Force JROTC, she built a strong foundation in healthcare and discipline. Graduating with honors, Aleena was already charting a course toward a career in medicine. But her commitment didn’t stop in the classroom—she actively sought experiences that would shape her future, including participating in PEF's Camp College and interning through PEF’s STEP-UP Chattanooga, which served over 1,800 students before concluding.

A Heart for Cardiology

Aleena’s passion for healthcare crystallized when she joined UTC in the fall of 2023 as a nursing major. Her goal? To specialize in cardiology as a nurse practitioner and provide compassionate, expert care to heart patients.

"Hearts are delicate. Sometimes they break. But seeing it heal, witnessing a second chance at life, that’s my purpose. I want to give families more time, more heartbeats, and more moments together," said Aleena.

Her dedication is evident in her work ethic. While balancing a full course load, Aleena works part-time at CHI Memorial as a Patient Care Technician and at Erlanger as a Patient Service Representative. Her commitment to patient care is already making an impact—one that PEF President Dan Challener experienced firsthand.

Last year, when Dan’s wife, Melinda Challener, underwent knee replacement surgery, they were surprised to see Aleena as their Patient Care Technician! Melinda was deeply moved by Aleena’s professionalism and care.

“Aleena was so compassionate, knowledgeable, and prepared,” Melinda shared. “I felt proud knowing that PEF’s programs support this excellent young woman in her dreams.”

Aleena’s dedication to her career is mirrored by her elder sister, Aimen, who pursued a path in information technology. Aimen was part of the inaugural BlueSky Institute cohort and is now a professional in IT at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, demonstrating how PEF’s programs help students thrive across diverse career fields.

The Power of Mentorship

While Aleena’s dedication and perseverance set her apart, she didn’t navigate this journey alone. The PEF Gateway Scholars program provided a vital support system, guiding her through career exploration, college applications, and the transition into higher education.

Anne Choyce and Dr. Kristin Labs, Aleena’s mentors, have been with her every step of the way—from high school graduation to college enrollment and now to the start of nursing school.

"Watching Aleena step into her future with such confidence and determination is what the Gateway Scholars program is all about,” Anne shared. “She has worked incredibly hard to get here, and I have no doubt she will be a force in the field of cardiology,” said Anne.

For Aleena, the program’s impact extended far beyond academic support:

"Having Anne Choyce’s support as a PEF CAM was invaluable. The path to cardiology is demanding, and her guidance kept me focused, both practically and emotionally. She opened doors I wouldn’t have found on my own and encouraged me every step of the way," said Aleena."But it wasn’t just Anne—Dr. Kristin Labs, Dr. Michelle Caldwell, Dr. Dan Challener, and the entire PEF team provided resources, financial support, and constant encouragement. Everyone at PEF pushes me to believe in myself and do more, and I’m incredibly grateful for their impact on my journey.”

Aleena graduates from Hixson High School in 2023. She is pictured with her parents whose "constant encouragement and love were the foundation upon which [she] built her new life."

Finding Community, Building a Future

At UTC, Aleena is thriving. She is actively involved in Mocs Lead, the Public Health Student Association, the Muslim Student Association, the Student Family Engagement Team, and the Student Nursing Association. These organizations provide her with leadership opportunities, mentorship, and a strong sense of community.

Her White Coat Ceremony was more than just a formal event—it was a symbol of her commitment to the profession, her future patients, and the dream she has pursued with unwavering determination.

As Aleena continues her journey, the PEF Gateway Scholars program remains a steadfast source of support—reminding her and students like her that they are never alone in their pursuit of higher education and career success.

Congratulations, Aleena! Your PEF family is incredibly proud of you, and we can’t wait to see all the lives you’ll touch as a future nurse practitioner in cardiology.