Evan James Vaillancourt Memorial Scholarship

I have been dreaming of the day that I become a nurse. Ever since I was little, it has been one of my main goals in life. Everything I have done, whether in or out of school, has in some way prepared me for my future nursing career. I have taken multiple extra credit health science classes and will graduate this year with a Certified Medical Assistant title. I planned out this course with my counselor when I was a freshman and couldn't be happier with where it has led me. I will be able to graduate with a well-paying job in the medical industry, one that will help me afford for my college. I have to pay entirely for my own college, so any money through both work and scholarships will lead me one step closer to my goals. I know that I will be able to make this goal of nursing a reality with hard work and perseverance. Once I have my BSN, I plan to branch out and find my niche in the industry. I love that nursing is so broad and allows a person to find what they really love and the spot they fit in best. I would love to become a travel nurse and get travel all over the world while I am still young. Traveling is something I have always wanted to do, however, I have never had the money for it. Becoming a travel nurse would merge the best of both worlds and give me the experiences of a lifetime. I could also be an ER nurse or a labor and delivery nurse. The possibilities are endless, and I am really looking forward to figuring out where I belong as a nurse. I am sure that there are many other possibilities of what I could do with my BSN, and I know that as I learn more I will become more confident in where I belong. My dad is the biggest hero to me and has been alongside my goal of nursing from the very beginning. He is such an inspiration, and one of the most humble and hardworking people I know. He was a Navy S.E.A.L. earlier in his life and later still served in the Reserves. He has taught me and my brother a love for this great country as well as a respect for all active duty members of service and veterans. I have an immense appreciation for those who serve this country and what they sacrifice for us citizens every day. I wouldn't be the person I am today without my dad, and cannot thank him enough for teaching me all he has. My work effort, perseverance, and dedication, it has all come from him. These qualities will allow me to achieve my goals in nursing and make my dreams a reality. I will do everything to fulfill the wishes of the little girl I used to be.

My ultimate career goal as a nurse is to provide care for the most vulnerable of patients; children. Spending time with children is something that makes me happy. Helping children will assist me in another one of my goals; giving back to my community. My years in NJROTC have opened my eyes to another world of giving back: the military. This summer, I interned at my local hospital. Going into it, I was not sure what to expect. On my second day of my internship, I was in the PAC-U and I shadowed a nurse named John. He was the perfect example of how a nurse should care for a patient’s individual needs. He exemplified the importance of giving patients direct, sympathetic attention and care. Watching John interact with his patients and bring smiles to their faces, even when they were very ill, made me want to be a nurse. Spending this summer interning in the intensive care unit, emergency department, and the operating room, I saw all of the incredible things nurses do. Nurses impact not only a patient but entire families. I know that nursing is the right career path for me. In the future, I would like to work in pediatrics. I have always wanted to work with kids. This desire comes from being the oldest sibling and caring for my much younger brother, along with having many younger cousins that I frequently spend time with. Nurses provide essential care when people need it most and I would love to provide this support and compassionate care to the most vulnerable of patients: children. As a member of NJROTC (Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps), I have been made more aware of the high demand for nurses. My goal in life is to give back to my country by serving as a nurse in the United States Navy. Through four years of NJROTC, I have learned that I strive in the structure it provides. NJROTC is only the beginning of my service journey, and I know that for me, serving as a nurse in the United States Navy is my ultimate career goal. The structure and demands of NJROTC have not only boosted my confidence, but sharpened my skill sets. Having to balance drill practice with homework, sports, clubs, and other extracurriculars, has taught me how to efficiently manage my time. I am a two-sport athlete, President of Ambassadors club, Secretary of the student body, Secretary of the Environmental club, and I regularly babysit. Being able to balance all of these demands with NJROTC and maintain high honor roll academic status and a balanced lifestyle has absolutely better prepared me for my future as a Naval nurse. Through my internship at the hospital as well as my years in NJROTC, it has been made clear that serving as a nurse in the United States Navy is my ultimate career goal.