Becoming the Best
Julia Morier understands firsthand the impact healthcare support can have on a person’s life. In 2009, she moved with her family from California to West Valley City, Utah, to be closer to her ailing grandfather. “My grandpa became extremely sick and needed heart surgery in 2013,” said Julia. “His surgery ended up giving him eight more years of life.”
In 2021, Julia’s brother was in a car accident. “At only 18 years old, he sustained multiple injuries and had to be put into a medically induced coma; his surgical team gave him back his life,” said Julia. “These skilled and caring professionals not only impacted the lives of my grandpa and brother, but they also impacted the lives of our entire family.”
These experiences inspired Julia to pursue a career as a surgical technician. “My family and I have received so much help from healthcare professionals,” she said. “That’s what’s pushing me to become a surgical technician—I want to give back.”
At 24 years old, Julia is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Surgical Technology while working at Intermountain Health, a role made possible by an industry partnership with the Metallica Scholars Initiative. Julia is part of an Intermountain Health cohort, where the organization, in collaboration with the Metallica Scholars Initiative, supports student tuition and provides paid, hands-on experience within their facilities. This allows students to support themselves and their families while in school. In turn, Intermountain Health gains skilled employees who commit to work for at least a year after graduation.
“On the first day of the Fall cohort, I found out my tuition was going to be fully paid through the Metallica Scholars Initiative,” said Julia. “I was so excited! Being able to focus entirely on becoming the best surgical tech without worrying about how I’m going to pay for my education is invaluable. I am essentially getting paid to go to school, which gives me time to dedicate myself 100% to my training because, in this field, you need to be 100%.”
Julia earned her associate’s degree in general studies from SLCC in 2023 and is on track to complete her AAS in Surgical Technology by August 2025. “After graduating, I hope to work in the Operating Room as part of the neurological team at Intermountain Medical Center,” said Julia. “I’m also looking forward to earning a Certified Surgery First Assistant (CSFA) certification to further my career.”
“Thank you, Metallica, for helping people like me pursue an education,” Julia said. “I have a mortgage and I am helping to support my family. This assistance lets me focus on my dream of becoming the best surgical tech I can be and making a difference for others.”