American Dream Scholarship for Nurses

Hello, my name is Carol Arrue. I'm from Guatemala. I have goals in mi life and my first goal for 2027 is that I can to graduate of nursing from FVI school. Currently, I work as assistant grower in a company of South Florida. I am an immigrant in the United States. My biggest challenge was leaving my home country because of the fear of violence there, giving up my goals in the country where I was studying medicine, and above all, leaving my family, whom I love and miss. It took me time to adapt to this country, but I am very grateful because it opened doors for me and gave me a new beginning full of peace and good opportunities. Starting over caused me to go through an existential crisis, especially being alone without my closest family. At first, I suffered from a lot of anxiety and became very sensitive; all of that affected me deeply, and it took me a while to heal and focus on moving forward with my life. I believe many people are pursuing scholarships because they're essential for covering educational expenses. For me, this scholarship could be a huge help and a real support, since I'm not eligible for federal student loans and I have a private loan that I'm paying off with a lot of hard work and sacrifice. This scholarship could help ease my monthly payments. Thank you so much for your help, and thank you for being so supportive and helping those in need.

​My journey in healthcare has taken a unique path: from analyzing X-rays as a radiology resident in Cuba, to serving coffee as a barista in Florida, and now, to the classroom at FVI School of Nursing and Technology. While my environment has changed, my dedication to the medical field has remained the constant thread in my life. ​The greatest challenge I have overcome was the decision to leave my established career and my family behind to build a new future in the United States. Starting over required me to set aside my title and my previous achievements. However, this experience has not dampened my spirit; instead, it has given me a profound sense of humility and purpose. I do not view my current job as a barista as a setback. It is honest work that allows me to support my family and fund the dream I am rebuilding. ​This transition has affected me deeply. It has taught me that a true healthcare provider is defined by their heart and work ethic, not just their credentials. While I miss the diagnostic puzzle of radiology and CTs, I have discovered a passion for the hands-on, patient-centered care that nursing provides. I am learning to combine the scientific precision I developed as a resident with the compassion and service I practice every day at the restaurant. ​I believe I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because I am fully committed to this profession. I have the medical background to succeed academically, but I also have the life experience to understand the value of this opportunity. Financial assistance would allow me to focus less on the number of shifts I need to work to pay tuition, and more on becoming the best nurse I can be. I am ready to serve, and I am grateful for the chance to continue my education.

The greatest challenge I have overcome began in 2022, when I became a single mother after my daughter’s father died in a tragic car accident. Overnight, my entire world changed. I was grieving the loss of someone I loved, adjusting to the responsibilities of being a first time mother, and suddenly carrying every responsibility on my shoulders alone. There was no partner to lean on, no shared parenting, and no time to fully process the pain. I had to become both mother and father, protector and provider, all while teaching myself how to raise a child for the very first time. That experience forced me to grow in ways I never expected. I learned how to be emotionally strong even when I felt broken. I learned how to plan, organize, and make every decision with my daughter’s best interest in mind. I learned how to celebrate her milestones alone, create memories with just the two of us, and answer questions that no mother ever expects to answer. Most importantly, I learned how to keep moving forward even when the weight of grief and responsibility felt overwhelming. This challenge shaped my purpose. I decided that the best way to honor my daughter’s father and to secure a strong future for my daughter was to pursue a career that would provide stability, fulfillment, and the ability to make a difference. That is why I chose nursing. I want my daughter to see that her mother fought through pain, adversity, and hardship to build a better life. I want her to grow up knowing that she can achieve anything, no matter what she faces. Balancing motherhood, school, work, and grief has not been easy, but it has made me more resilient, disciplined, and motivated. These experiences are what push me to become a nurse specifically an Emergency Room nurse and mental health advocate so I can serve my community and be a role model for my daughter. I believe I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because I am dedicated, hardworking, and committed to creating a brighter future for my family. Financial support would allow me to continue my nursing education without sacrificing time with my daughter or working excessive hours. This scholarship would help me reach my goals, support my child, and ultimately become the nurse and mother I aspire to be.