Valor scholar stories: Olivia Schilz
When Olivia Schilz began her chiropractic studies at Cleveland University–Kansas City, she knew the journey ahead would be demanding. Board exams, long clinic hours, and hands-on patient care filled her days and left little room for anything else. Thanks to support from the Valor Partners Foundation, Olivia was able to focus fully on her education and her dream of helping families live healthier lives.
“Chiropractic school is full-time, and I’m there all the time,” Olivia shared. “To get a part-time job would be really hard. The scholarship helped me focus on school and passing my board exams instead of worrying about how to make ends meet.”
Originally from Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Olivia was inspired to pursue chiropractic care after seeing firsthand how it transforms people’s lives. What began as an interest in health science became a calling to promote whole-body wellness—helping families prevent pain and disease, not just treat them.
Olivia’s path has been shaped by resilience. When she was just ten years old, she lost her father, a U.S. Army veteran, in a service-related incident. His legacy of courage and dedication continues to guide her work and her sense of purpose today.
Now in her final year, Olivia is preparing to join a family chiropractic practice in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she’ll specialize in pediatric and prenatal care. Her passion for helping mothers and children has shaped her education. She even co-founded a new Pediatrics Club on campus to give fellow students more opportunities to learn about family chiropractic care.
“I love being around kids and families,” she said. “It’s rewarding to help parents and children live healthier lives together.”
For Olivia, the Valor Scholars program has meant more than financial relief. It has connected her to a community of people who believe in her potential and honor the service of her family.
“It means a lot that Valor recognizes my dad’s service and supports students like me,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without it.”
As she looks toward graduation next spring, Olivia carries forward not only the lessons she’s learned in the classroom, but the values of service, perseverance, and gratitude that define every Valor Scholar.
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