Kaija Johnson is a four-year recipient of a Lifespace Foundation Scholarship. She graduated from Concordia College—Moorhead, Minnesota, with a biology and Spanish major and a chemistry minor. Kaija is working toward becoming a physician assistant (PA). She worked at the campus library while in college and at Friendship Village of Bloomington during her school breaks.
“The scholarships I received helped lessen the financial burden of college so I could focus on learning and engage in new experiences,” says Kaija, adding that she was active with the college’s pre-health club, athletic band, and intramural volleyball team.
Here’s Kaija’s story:
Kaija began working at Friendship Village of Bloomington in Minnesota in 2017 as a Culinary Server and Dietary Aide. It was her first job, and she believes her experiences helped shape who she is today. She learned the importance of teamwork, exemplified by organizing two blood drives at Friendship Village. In 2018, she was honored with the Bright Idea of the Year Award for her initiative to reduce food waste, an idea that is still being implemented today.
She also improved her communication skills by having tableside conversations with the residents. Many residents checked in with her during the college application process and offered their support. Her managers understood her student-work balance and provided flexible scheduling, allowing her to work after track or marching band practice.
“The skills and financial support I received from Friendship Village prepared me to succeed in college,” says Kaija.
During college, she volunteered at Hope Blooms, where she discovered her love for arranging flowers. When COVID-19 hit, she temporarily moved back home, took classes online, and resumed working at Friendship Village. She delivered meals directly to the residents’ doors.
“The skills and financial support I received from Friendship Village prepared me to succeed in college,” says Kaija.
During college, she volunteered at Hope Blooms, where she discovered her love for arranging flowers. When COVID-19 hit, she temporarily moved back home, took classes online, and resumed working at Friendship Village. She delivered meals directly to the residents’ doors.
“I enjoyed seeing all their friendly faces again. I even met some of their pets,” Kaija smiles. She also became a Certified Nursing Assistant and started working as a CNA in the Maple wing. Here, she learned how to provide care, support residents’ independence, and work as part of a healthcare team—skills she will use as a future PA.
Kaija also studied abroad in Spain. After graduation, she worked as a clinical assistant at an ear, nose, and throat clinic and encountered several Friendship Village residents as patients. She still makes flower bouquets for fun and volunteers as an English as a Second Language teacher at an adult basic education school.
She is continuing her education to become a PA and is expected to be certified in 2027.
“I knew I wanted to go into healthcare long before I started work at Friendship Village. I chose to work there in part to start experiencing aspects of healthcare,” concludes Kaija, who worked at Friendship Village from 2017 to 2022. “I am grateful for the support of the Foundation Scholarship; it has helped make my college and career path possible.”
