Joseph Joshua Searor Memorial Scholarship

My educational and career journey has been a winding but purposeful path. I first earned my associate's degree in biotechnology and later completed my bachelor’s in Human Development in 2005. I began my professional life in youth community services and outreach, driven by a deep desire to support vulnerable populations and help people navigate difficult times. That early work taught me the importance of empathy, advocacy, and meeting people where they are. Eventually, I transitioned into biotechnology and medical engineering, focusing on surgical implants. While this role expanded my understanding of healthcare technology and innovation, I quickly realized I was missing the direct human connection that first drew me to community work. I wanted to be closer to the people I was helping, to support their healing in a more personal, hands-on way. In 2010, I returned to school for nursing and graduated in 2012 with my Associate of Science in Nursing. For 12 years, I worked outside of formal education, gaining not just professional experience but deep life lessons. I raised four children as a single mother, navigated my own autoimmune health challenges, and learned how to advocate fiercely for myself, my family, and my patients. After over a decade away from the classroom, I made the intentional decision to return to school and pursue advanced nursing education. It has been both a challenging and empowering experience, representing my commitment to align my career with my lifelong passion for caregiving, justice, and advocacy. My “aha” moment wasn’t one single event, it was the accumulation of many. My desire to help others began when I was nine years old, after my grandfather committed suicide. I watched my grandmother, devastated and alone, try to hold herself and our family together. There was no follow-up, no support system, just silence and shame. That experience never left me. A few years later, I became homeless at 13 and was legally emancipated at 16. Navigating that time without any safety nets taught me resilience, but more importantly, it taught me the vital importance of compassion, presence, and systems that truly serve people. Ironically, I initially resisted nursing. Every woman on both sides of my family was in healthcare, and I wanted to forge my own path. But life had other plans. I eventually realized that if I truly wanted to make an impact in my community, nursing was the vessel that could carry that vision forward. After COVID-19, everything changed. I had always said I wouldn’t go to graduate school, but the needs of my patients, the burnout of my coworkers, and my frustration with a system built on goodwill but functioning as a corporation pushed me to act. Moving to New Mexico only highlighted what I now understand to be a nationwide crisis: a healthcare system increasingly disconnected from those it’s meant to protect. If my life has taught me anything, it’s that complaining makes you part of the problem. Change only comes through action and vision. So here I am, putting one foot forward, showing up with my whole self, and working to become the change I want to see in healthcare. I have been accepted into the DNP program after bridging my earlier degree and ASN, plus three additional BSN nursing courses at UNM, and will start my graduate studies in the fall.

My educational journey has been anything but linear, but every turn has brought me closer to understanding my true purpose: becoming a nurse dedicated to making a meaningful impact. I’m currently a nursing student at Duke University, enrolled in their accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. This journey has been marked by a series of experiences and realizations that have continually guided me back to my passion for healthcare. I began my career as a medical assistant, a role I held for over 15 years, which provided a strong foundation in patient care. During this time, I also pursued education in nursing, first at Bon Secours School of Nursing. However, life threw a few curveballs, and I had to put my dream on hold. While working at the Veteran Affairs Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, I witnessed firsthand the importance of compassionate and informed healthcare. Although the VA didn’t offer tuition support for my longer program at Duke, my drive to make a difference never wavered. Instead, I decided to focus on self-funding my education, no matter how difficult that might be. My journey hasn’t just been about medicine; it’s also included a focus on insurance and advocacy. Witnessing the healthcare system’s gaps led me to start my own insurance business, Wise Provisions LLC. It became clear to me that many people in my community struggled to navigate healthcare and make the best choices for themselves. I realized I could combine my passion for nursing with my expertise in insurance, empowering people to make informed decisions. The moment that truly crystallized my desire to become a nurse came when I lost my father due to poor healthcare. Watching him suffer and realizing that, with better advocacy and informed decisions, things could have turned out differently lit a fire within me. That was my “aha” moment. I didn’t want other families to experience the same loss, and I knew I needed to be part of the change. I wanted to advocate for patients not just on an insurance or educational level but directly, at the bedside, where lives could be transformed through care and compassion. Returning to school has not been easy, especially now that I’m attending Duke University full-time for 16 months. Balancing finances, academic responsibilities, and life as an entrepreneur and future nurse has tested my resilience. But my passion for nursing has never been clearer, and the experiences that led me here have equipped me to face these challenges head-on. Even with financial hardships, such as loan denials and the lack of a cosigner, my determination only grows stronger. The “aha” moment wasn’t just about realizing I wanted to be a nurse; it was about understanding the kind of nurse I wanted to be. I want to be the one who not only cares for patients but also ensures they feel empowered, informed, and respected. My background in medical assistance, insurance, and personal loss has given me a unique perspective, and I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Five years ago, at 37 years old, my life took an unexpected turn. I suffered a heart attack that completely changed my perspective on life, health, and my future. For two years, I lived with fear and uncertainty as doctors worked to figure out why this had happened. Eventually, I was diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare genetic condition that affects the electrical rhythm of the heart. While the diagnosis was frightening, it also became a turning point that led me to where I am today. Before my diagnosis, I had spent nearly a decade working in education, primarily with special needs students. I loved caring for the children and helping them navigate not only their academic challenges but also their medical and emotional needs. Over time, I became certified as a phlebotomist and worked briefly in the medical field, but I never imagined that healthcare would become my true calling. Even though I always had a heart for helping others, I had not yet realized where my path was leading. My “aha” moment came as I began to learn more about my heart condition. As I navigated appointments, procedures, and ongoing care, I saw how complex cardiac conditions can be, not only physically but emotionally. I realized how much patients rely on knowledgeable, compassionate nurses to help them understand their diagnosis, manage their care, and cope with the fear that often comes with heart disease. That realization sparked my passion to pursue nursing and inspired me to specialize in cardiac care, where I can support patients facing the same challenges I have lived through myself. At 42 years old, I have made the brave decision to return to college and pursue my nursing degree. Balancing school, work, and family has not always been easy, but it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made. Today, I am a full-time nursing student maintaining a 4.0 GPA while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and paraeducator. I continue to care for special needs students and assist the school nurse, which allows me to gain valuable hands-on experience while deepening my passion for nursing every day. My ultimate goal is to specialize in cardiac nursing. I want to be there for patients facing heart-related diagnoses, offering them both excellent clinical care and the kind of emotional support that made such a difference in my own life. My experiences have taught me how important it is for patients to feel truly seen and heard. That is the kind of nurse I want to be, someone who brings comfort and confidence to patients when they need it most. Returning to school later in life has given me a renewed sense of purpose and determination. My journey may have taken unexpected turns, but every step has brought me closer to the career I was meant to pursue. This scholarship would help me continue this journey and bring me one step closer to becoming the nurse I aspire to be, providing care, support, and hope to those who need it most.

My journey to nursing didn’t begin in a classroom—it began in a war zone. I served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, where I led combat patrols across Iraq and Afghanistan. My military career came to an abrupt and life-altering end when I survived an IED blast in Helmand Province that claimed the lives of two of my closest brothers-in-arms. The physical injuries were visible; the psychological trauma less so. In the aftermath, I was medically retired and left to redefine who I was and what purpose I could still serve. I didn’t know it at the time, but that experience would ultimately lead me to a career in nursing. For a while, I struggled to reconcile the life I had with the life I was now forced to live. I was a father, a veteran, a survivor—but I felt adrift. What brought me stability and healing during that difficult transition wasn’t just surgery or medication—it was nursing care. It was the ICU nurse who held my hand during moments of panic. It was the night shift nurse who took time to explain things when I was too proud to ask. It was the mental health nurse who helped me begin the long process of recovering not just my body, but my spirit. That was my “aha” moment—not a sudden epiphany, but a slow, steady realization: I wanted to be *that person* for someone else. I wanted to be the nurse who shows up when everything falls apart. That quiet calling became louder with time, and at 42 years old, I decided to return to school to become a nurse. I am currently a graduate student at Elmhurst University, enrolled in the Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice (MENP) program. This is my second career—a deliberate, values-driven decision to serve again, this time in scrubs instead of uniform. As a nontraditional student, the journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve juggled academics, clinicals, parenting, and managing a combat-related disability. But I’ve also brought something invaluable to this experience: perspective. I understand the privilege and responsibility of caring for someone in their most vulnerable moments. I know what it feels like to be the patient—and that makes me fiercely committed to being the best nurse I can be. Joseph Joshua Searor’s story resonates deeply with me. Like him, I returned to nursing education later in life, driven by passion and purpose. His legacy as a dedicated nurse pursuing advancement in his 40s mirrors my own goals. I hope to follow in those footsteps—first as a registered nurse, and eventually as a nurse practitioner specializing in trauma-informed care for veterans and underserved communities. This scholarship would help relieve the financial stress that comes with full-time graduate studies, allowing me to stay focused on clinical training and long-term impact. More than that, it would honor the legacy of someone who, like me, believed it’s never too late to answer the call.

The path of service is often filled with moments of profound reflection, growth, and purpose. My journey as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) over the last 11 years has been no exception. It has been a time of immense learning, unyielding commitment, and an unwavering passion for healthcare. From responding to emergencies in the dead of night to comforting patients in their most vulnerable moments, this career has sculpted not only my professional skills but also my character. Stepping into the role of an EMT was no small feat. It was an immersion in a world where quick thinking, compassion, and resilience are indispensable. Over the years, I have faced countless challenges and triumphs. Whether it was stabilizing a critical patient after a traumatic accident or easing the fears of a family during a moment of crisis, each experience taught me the value of human connection and the importance of working under pressure. Emergency medical work requires adaptability, and the unpredictability of the role sharpened my ability to respond effectively to diverse medical scenarios. It also cemented my belief in the transformative power of healthcare that has guided every decision I’ve made since embarking on this career. While I am proud of the work I have done as an EMT, I always knew that my aspirations extended beyond this realm. I wanted to grow, to learn, and to contribute in deeper ways to the lives of those I cared for. With a desire to expand my knowledge and abilities, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management. Balancing the demands of full-time work as an EMT with the rigors of academic study was a challenge, but it was a challenge I embraced wholeheartedly. Earning my degree was not simply about advancing my career—it was about laying the groundwork for a future where I could make an even greater impact. Healthcare Management provided me with invaluable insights into the organizational and administrative aspects of medicine. It deepened my understanding of how systems function, how policies affect patient outcomes, and how leadership can drive meaningful change. These lessons broadened my perspective and fueled my ambition to continue learning and growing. But even as I celebrated my graduation, I knew that my journey was far from over. With my bachelor’s degree in hand, I am ready to take the next step. My goal is to return to school through a second-degree program that will allow me to obtain my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This path excites me because it represents the intersection of my passion for direct patient care and my desire for deeper clinical expertise. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner is not just a career aspiration—it is a calling that aligns with my values of service and compassion. The versatility of a Nurse Practitioner role appeals to me greatly. It is a position that offers autonomy, the ability to diagnose and treat patients, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with those under my care. The thought of being able to provide holistic care and address the nuanced needs of patients motivates me to push forward. I am eager to embrace the challenges and rewards of advanced practice nursing, knowing that every step brings me closer to fulfilling my purpose.

Growing up with an engineer father and musician mother, I quickly learned of the differences between art and science. Although this gifted me with a very diverse and unique upbringing, come college I had difficulty figuring out which direction I wanted my life to go. It wasn't until my brother started his nursing degree that I found a glimpse of what I would soon desire to pursue. After completing my first degree in Digital Media with an emphasis in audio production, I started thinking more about making my life as meaningful as it could be and decided to pursue a degree in nursing. After completing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, it was a quick transition from classroom education to clinical practice. Being married to a Pediatric ICU nurse, my wife was the reason I chose to begin my nursing career in critical care. It wasn't, however, until the COVID-19 pandemic began that I found my desire to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. During the heaviest days of the pandemic, our intensive care physicians were stretched so thin, they turned to our hospital's anesthesia staff to help with patient care. CRNA's and anesthesiologists would help with intubation, proning, and sedation, all while updating and educating family members on their loved one's care. This sparked my interest in anesthesia and led me to shadowing multiple CRNAs in the operating room, showing me that the position combined the joys of personal impact with the experience and intellect required of critical care nursing. This desire continued to blossom over the past year, when my wife suddenly required an abdominal surgery. Although three years of intensive care experience provided me surgical knowledge and expectation, having my own loved one's care in the hands of anesthesia staff brought me a new perspective. Anxiety set in as I began to think of patients I recently took care of who had unexpected surgical emergencies during a routine operation, requiring life support for an extended period of time. This nervous feeling was quickly decreased as the CRNA who entered the room was unbelievably gracious and informative; she earned my trust within minutes of my wife being rolled into the operating room. This solidified my passion to pursue a degree in nurse anesthesia. As I complete these three years of school, I endure many sleepless nights of studying, financial struggles of being unable to hold a job, and disappointments of not being able to spend much time with my wife and our newborn daughter, but I embrace the awaited joy of being the individual who gains the trust of patients and families in their most vulnerable times. A nurse anesthetist plays a role rarely placed on a pedestal; their position behind the scenes of a surgical operation requires confidence dressed in humility. This is the reason I have chosen to pursue my Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice: to humbly give compassionate care in the most uncertain moments before, during, and after surgery. Although there are many different career options for anesthesia, the operating room is my goal. As I complete my program at the University of South Carolina, my desire is to strongly prepare myself for these moments: the moments where a family is worried about a procedure, or a child is scared of what it means to be put to sleep. However, compassionate care begins with proper preparation. The educational rigor and clinical training required is heavy, but I will choose joy in the difficult moments to come, as the eventual reward of giving strong and comforting care will be more than worth the struggle.

A mother's love is truly a gift; a realization that dawned on me after becoming a mother myself. My journey has been greatly influenced by my mother's unwavering strength, who became a single parent of 4 after tragically losing my father to a motorcycle accident when I was just 10 years old. She worked tirelessly, often juggling 2 jobs to support our family. Though I wished for more of her time, looking back, I’m amazed at how she managed it all. As the eldest of 4, I had to toughen up and take on new responsibilities, from looking after my siblings to cooking by age 12, even mowing the lawn with my brother during summer breaks. I was well equipped for the many challenges that awaited, even with regard to my emotional well-being. I can vividly remember one morning when my mother walked from her bedroom, and her once long hair had been unevenly, cut short. I sensed her mood shift and lack of motivation, as she isolated herself in her room. I know now that my mother was battling depression and thankfully she made it through. My own experience with depression began a few years ago with the onset of the pandemic. Like many others, my life was suddenly disrupted, prompting a significant shift that for me started with the closing of my warehouse in 2020. I knew immediately I wanted to continue pursuing Nursing, so I enrolled at my local community college and completed 2 of 3 semesters required. Shortly after, my husband began experiencing health issues requiring short-term disability from work and surgery. We also relocated from our home in the city to a small rural development 30 minutes away. It was a dark, tumultuous period as I had to figure out quickly how to contribute more all while maintaining my sanity. My son also graduated high school in 2020 with aspirations to pursue a Robotics Engineering degree, which was delayed until 2022 due to these unforeseen circumstances. I worked full-time to support him, but after completing his 1st semester, we were surprised by an unexplained balance of out-of-district fees. I felt so hurt, furious, and helpless, realizing how my shortcomings were impacting my family’s future. Because of our family dynamic, my son was fully aware of our situation and knew how much we valued his success. So he moved on to enroll in another program offering Networking Engineering with plans to finish by Summer 2024. We ensured this college was in-district, however, financial aid covered all but $6000 for the program. Still determined, we devised a plan to split $625 monthly to pay the balance. Amidst the same period of 2022, I managed to complete my last semester of prerequisites, take the Nursing entrance exam, and earn acceptance into the program for the Spring of 2024, however, I deferred starting until Fall 2024 to ensure my son’s success. It’s a worthy sacrifice any proud mother would make, yet still leaves me to figure out how I’ll afford my own dream of earning my Nursing degree. My deepest aspiration is to gain prestige and become a servant of healthcare, utilizing my skills to enhance the lives of others. This scholarship is a crucial step toward that goal. Though my story may be unique, I know there are other capable individuals with similar stories. I hope within 5 years and because of your favor, I’ve become that confident Nurse restoring health & wellness, but also paying forward the same generosity to another student. Thank you for considering my story. Sincerely, Renee Daniels

God Said It Grandma said, “The best thing you can do is get your education. That way, no one can ever take that away from you.” I knew I was going to be a nurse when God said it. I was working in a well-known call center. I no longer felt challenged in my current position. As for my working goals, I either “met expectations” or “exceeded expectations.” I knew I had come to a crossroads when a supervisor position came open. I prayed and said, God, if this job is for me, I pray that you grant it. If it's not for me, I will trust you and your will, and I won't even be upset if I do not receive the position. I know that you have more in store for me. On the day of my interview, I dressed for success for my first managerial interview. However, once I got to the end of the interview, my nerves began to take hold of me, and I started to sweat bullets. In hindsight, after all, I got this: “We regret to inform you that you were not selected, and we've decided to move forward with other candidates.” So, I sought God after the disheartening news. Consequently, Mom always would go on about nursing school and learning about the positions of other roles in my job, stating I could become a licensed vocational nurse and work with the prescription team. I decided that this may be an opportunity to apply to nursing school. God had me apply to nursing school. So, I researched nursing programs, local nursing schools, and their requirements. Once I applied, God showed me a vision approximately three months earlier. I got accepted into the nursing program! As soon as May or June rolled around, I received notification I had met all the qualifications and was able to start nursing school. Mom and I jumped for joy when we received the news. At that point, I had no idea that life would change forever! I knew the moment God gave me nursing. It was my purpose. Now, I've been saving lives, healing others, and providing compassionate care. I've been a nurse for approximately three years now. I'm currently finishing up my bachelor's degree in nursing and need a financial blessing so I can graduate in March 2024. I plan to become an intensive care unit nurse and help those needing critical care.

My journey into nursing as a second degree was what shaped who I am today. It began with a series of decisions and experiences that have led me to where I am today. After completing my first bachelor's degree in Brain Behavior and Cognitive Sciences, my initial plan was to pursue either research or medical school. However, life took an unexpected turn when I moved to Florida for my fiancé's job after a year of a long-distance relationship. In order to stay close to home, I made the decision to switch tracks and enrolled in a practical nursing program. Choosing the practical nursing path allowed me to pursue my passion while avoiding the challenges of moving away and the financial burden associated with graduate school. The pivotal moment that solidified my desire to become a nurse occurred during my first clinicals in a nursing home within the practical nurse program. Witnessing the impact and importance of compassionate care during people's most vulnerable moments made me realize I wanted to be the person at the bedside with the patients. My journey continued as I successfully bridged to obtain my Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), followed by the pursuit of my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). As a registered nurse, I have gained valuable experience and insights into patient care in the Cardiac ICU. Currently, I am actively engaged in nursing education and work with ICU new graduate nurses to help them with professional development in their first 8 months. Despite the detours and challenges, I believe that every twist and turn in my path has provided me with a wealth of experiences and life lessons that have deepened my understanding of the human condition. Now, after twelve years of learning, I am hoping to obtain my doctorate, and become a nurse practitioner. While I want to work as a nurse Practioner my other passion is in teaching and education. I hope to further develop my ability to teach others and learn enough to be able to further other's educations as well. Today I am very glad I chose to stay close to home as we have been happily married for 11 years with two beautiful children. I now continue my education and my growth to give them the best future possible. I am hoping for a scholarship to help ease the cost of school and be able to continue to fund my children's future as well. While the road may have been longer than initially anticipated, I am grateful for the diverse experiences that have shaped me into the compassionate and dedicated individual I am today. These experiences have given me profound insights into the lives of those I aim to serve, reinforcing my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare as I work towards my terminal degree.