Shareholder Graduates as CMA with Goal to Help Those in Need
Storyknife, July/August 2025 edition
Sharlene Paukan, a Calista Shareholder from St. Mary’s, graduated in April with goals to continue learning and help people as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Paukan graduated from an accelerated course via Alaska Career College in Anchorage. Her program also included an externship at Alaska Trauma & Acute Care Surgery.
“You have different patients and situations every day,” says Paukan. “I saw how the doctors, surgeons, CEO and medical staff work together. I chose an organization outside of the Native medical facilities because I wanted to focus on my learning without distractions from family.”
Paukan is certified nationally as a CMA. She plans to continue growing in her career through continuous learning. Paukan says she’s grateful for the scholarship and the opportunity to learn but will always keep an open mind to expand her expertise in her goal to help those in the Region.
“Medical knowledge does not stop here, it’s a process of continuous learning,” Paukan says. “There are new things every day. I will forever be learning.”
Paukan received the Calista Education & Culture (CEC) scholarship, along with other scholarships, to help turn her educational ambitions into reality. Paukan says the scholarships funded her education and boosted her confidence. Being awarded the scholarships showed her that others believed in her.
“You have to be dedicated and tell yourself to keep up with your goals and studies,” Paukan says. “I had to discipline myself by limiting my time with family and friends. It was hard, but I had to keep telling myself, this is what I want.”
Paukan’s program qualifies under the Career & Technical Education Scholarship from CEC. Applications for this vocational scholarship opportunity are open year-round and provide funding up to $2,500, depending on eligibility and requirements.
College isn’t for everyone. Vocational school is out there. Not everyone has an 8 to 5 schedule. Our people need to be exposed to the type of work that’s available.
Sharlene Paukan, Calista Shareholder and Scholarship Recipient from St. Mary’s
Beyond working as a CMA or in the medical field, Paukan suggests the youth and Shareholders who are looking to start a career to explore what they like to do.
“Look into welding, being an electrician, or any other skilled work,” Paukan says. “Growing up we pictured ourselves as a teacher or police officer, but those are not our only options. You just need to find what you like and go for it. Gain some training.”