Pathway to Making a Difference

Like many high school seniors, Makaya Hanberg is counting down the days to graduation. But unlike most high school students, Makaya is on track to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Surgical Technology from Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) just six months after receiving her high school diploma.

Thanks to the Metallica Scholars Initiative, Makaya has been excelling in SLCC's Surgical Technology program while completing her high school classes. Passionate about music, she’s also staying busy performing in her school’s marching band as the head drum major. In this position, Makaya leads her high school’s marching band in local parades as well as The Days of ‘47 Parade, and out on the playing field.

Makaya credits her older brother with inspiring her to take on the challenge. “My brother studied surgical technology in high school and really enjoyed it,” Makaya said. “That’s what initially sparked my interest in becoming a surgical technologist. And SLCC’s surg tech program is flexible yet challenging, but it’s all worth it. I have learned so much and I’m excited for my future.”

Makaya first learned about the Metallica Scholars Initiative through her SLCC professor. “At the beginning of the program, my surg tech instructor encouraged everyone in the class to apply for the scholarship,” said Makaya. “When I found out I had been awarded the scholarship, I was so excited and incredibly grateful. With the demands of school and work, this financial support allows me to focus on achieving my goal of becoming a surgical technologist.”

The Metallica Scholars Initiative, through Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands, helps students who take early enrollment classes at SLCC and those who take the traditional college path pay for tuition, school fees and the tools needed to complete the surgical technology degree program.

After graduation, Makaya is looking forward to joining the workforce. “I’m excited to start working as a surgical tech in any specialty but I’m focusing on pediatrics,” she said. “Making a difference in a child’s life feels like the perfect pathway for me.”

Makaya expressed her gratitude for the scholarship and support she has received. “I want to thank Metallica for this amazing opportunity. Music has always been a huge part of my life and I’ve grown up listening to Metallica—my dad is a huge fan! To think a band as big as Metallica is helping me become a surg tech is amazing.”