Eddie Hankins Medical Service Scholarship

The journey that led me to nursing was not a straight path but rather one shaped by loss, resilience, and a profound desire to make a difference. My father’s battle with drug addiction during my adolescence left deep scars, ones that took years to fully understand. As a child, I spent countless nights wondering what I could have done differently, blaming myself for something beyond my control. But through time and reflection, I learned that pain and hardship do not have to define a person—they can be catalysts for growth. This realization reshaped my perspective on life and fueled my passion for healthcare. My father’s struggles taught me that no one’s story is simple, and behind every patient is a human being carrying burdens that may not be visible on the surface. Because of him, I strive to be a nurse who not only heals but also sees, listens, and truly understands the people I care for. Despite the challenges I faced, I found purpose in giving back to my community. I immersed myself in service opportunities, eager to be the person my younger self needed during difficult times. Volunteering at my local nursing home was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. Many of the residents lacked regular visitors, and I saw firsthand how loneliness weighed on them. Sitting with them, sharing stories, preparing snacks, and assisting with daily routines gave me the privilege of offering companionship and comfort. I realized then that healthcare is more than just medicine—it is about human connection. Those afternoons at the nursing home confirmed what I already knew in my heart: I was meant to care for others. Beyond the nursing home, I found fulfillment in various community service projects. I participated in Breakfast for Santa and Trunk or Treat events, bringing joy to children and their families during the holidays. At my high school, I volunteered at Red Cross blood drives, ensuring donors were safe, hydrated, and comforted as they contributed to a cause greater than themselves. Walking dogs at the Huntington Cabell Wayne Animal Shelter gave me a newfound appreciation for advocacy and the impact that small acts of kindness can have on the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves. Through school clean-up days, I witnessed how collective efforts could create positive change in a community. These experiences instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility—not just to help when needed but to actively seek opportunities to uplift others. Service has shaped me into a person who leads with empathy. I have learned to meet people where they are, to listen, and to understand that a simple act of kindness can be life-changing. Whether it was holding an elderly resident’s hand as they shared a memory from their youth, reassuring a nervous blood donor, or making sure a child felt included during a holiday event, I saw firsthand how compassion can transform lives. These moments reaffirmed my commitment to nursing and my belief that healthcare is not just about treatment—it is about seeing people as individuals with stories, struggles, and hopes. My aspiration to become a nurse is not just a career choice; it is a calling that has been shaped by every hardship I have faced and every life I have touched. I want to be the nurse who provides not just medical care but also emotional support. I want to advocate for the vulnerable, be a source of comfort for families in distress, and create an environment where patients feel seen and valued. I want to be the person who lifts others up. I carry the lessons of my past with me into my future. I carry the resilience I built after losing my father to addiction, the empathy I gained from serving my community, and the commitment to making every patient feel cared for. I believe in being a nurse who not only heals but truly sees people for who they are, beyond their diagnoses or circumstances. My journey has prepared me for this path, and I am ready to dedicate my life to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through dedication, service, and compassion, I will honor not only the legacy of healthcare professionals like Eddie Hankins but also the people who shaped me into the person I am today.