June 10, 2025

Southwestern University Student Receives Caregiver Scholarship

News Summary

Brittany Braswell, a dedicated student at Georgia Southwestern University, has been awarded the John and Betty Pope Caregiver Scholarship. This scholarship provides vital financial support for caregivers, enabling Braswell to balance her studies with her responsibilities caring for her grandmother with dementia. The award alleviates her financial burden during her final semester, allowing her to focus on her education and caregiving commitments while pursuing her aspirations in long-term care management.

Americus, Georgia — Brittany Braswell, a 21-year-old student at Georgia Southwestern University (GSW), has received financial assistance through the John and Betty Pope Caregiver Scholarship, which supports students managing caregiving responsibilities. As part of her routine, Braswell frequently travels home to Oglethorpe to care for her 76-year-old grandmother, Pearlie Williams, who has been diagnosed with dementia since 2017. The scholarship will significantly aid her during her final semester, allowing her to balance her educational pursuits, part-time job, and caregiving duties.

The caregiver scholarship provides a full tuition covering undergraduate recipients for an academic year, and typically awards between seven to ten students each year. It also allows for partial reimbursement of related expenses such as books. This financial relief helps students like Braswell avoid the difficult decision between attending school and fulfilling caregiving obligations. RCI Chief Operating Officer Karl Bond noted that the scholarship eases the dilemma caregivers face as they strive to handle both their studies and family responsibilities.

Brittany’s commitment to her grandmother began at the age of 14 when she first recognized signs of dementia in Pearlie, including forgetfulness and a decline in her ability to care for herself. Over the years, the condition progressed, leading to Pearlie losing her independence regarding driving and daily activities. As a dedicated caregiver, Braswell often steps in to provide relief for her mother, Moneka, who is the primary caregiver. She spends nights with her grandmother, managing tasks such as feeding and administering medication to ensure Pearlie’s comfort and well-being.

Braswell’s caregiving responsibilities come with many challenges. Balancing a full course load, a part-time job at the GSW Florrie Chappel Gymnasium exercise and fitness program, and her duties at home presents significant pressure. Notably, the costs associated with traveling home multiple times a week—including gas and vehicle maintenance—add to her stress. The family has opted for in-home care for Pearlie, supported by professional nurses, rather than placing her in a nursing home, which further emphasizes their dedication to family-centered care.

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, which administers the scholarship, was established in 1987 and aims to raise awareness of the vital role that family caregivers play. The organization highlights the importance of providing support to those who dedicate themselves to caring for others, like Braswell, who aspires to eventually establish nursing home facilities that prioritize intentional care.

With her education focused on long-term care management, Braswell is preparing for a future in which she can better serve individuals in need of care. She recognizes the delicate balance of prioritizing her academic goals while ensuring her grandmother receives the highest quality care possible, revealing the profound impact family caregiving has on both personal and professional development.

As she continues her studies and caregiving journey, the assistance from the John and Betty Pope Caregiver Scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens but also provides a path towards achieving her career aspirations in the realm of long-term care. Brittany Braswell’s experience illustrates the challenge faced by many student caregivers and the essential support systems that can help them succeed.

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