Nieto
A Columbus woman who is a two-time heart transplant recipient has received a financial scholarship from Indiana Donor Network Foundation to support her pursuit of a master’s degree in social work.
The foundation announced that Paulina Nieto, 25, was awarded a $3,500 scholarship earlier this month.
The education scholarships are funded by the foundation and contributions by Indiana Donor Network employees. Scholarships are awarded to family members of Indiana organ and tissue donors, transplant recipients, living donors and others. In turn, recipients of these scholarships often become advocates for organ and tissue donation in their communities. Those eligible for scholarships include traditional and non-traditional students who submit an essay describing their career goals, experience with organ and tissue donation and transplantation, and personal goals.
Nieto has received two heart transplants – one at age 2 and another one at 15.
“Being blessed twice with continued chances of life has given me an immense passion for life,” she said. “I am especially passionate about continuing to advocate about the increasing need for organ donors.”
Nieto frequently shares her transplant experiences at community events and conferences.
“I have compassion for parents of children facing the same situations as I did. I’ve spoken with young patients waiting for a heart transplant to help them feel more at ease and understand that their current struggles are not permanent,” she said. “With the blessings I’ve been given throughout my life, I feel called to advocate for those in need.”
Nieto graduated from Columbus East High School in 2017. She graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus in 2021. Today, she’s pursuing a master’s degree in clinical social work at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis while working part time as a Latinx coordinator at Love Chapel, a Columbus food pantry and homeless shelter.
“The cumulation of my Latinx descent, integrating myself into the U.S. and being a double heart transplant recipient has given me a variety of goals to look forward to,” Nieto said. “I have a strong drive to work with children and their families who are facing life-threatening illnesses. I want others to feel understood and to have a support system to guide them through their journey of life.
“I want to make the most out of my life and extend my hand and warmth to those in need,” she said.
Other scholarships awarded this year by Indiana Donor Network Foundation went to Tyler Hedgepath ($6,500), Emily Humphrey of Whitestown ($2,500), Kaylee Stewart of Greenfield ($2,000), Grace Medford of Elkhart ($1,500) and Reid Frame of South Bend ($1,000).
