Kylee Govoni Memorial Scholarship

I remember how the Nurse’s Office was always the farthest away in every school I attended. There were days when my blood sugar would drop so low (down to fifty) where I could barely function. My body felt like it was shutting down, my hands trembling uncontrollably, and my head pounding as if it might burst. I could feel the energy draining from me with every step as I struggled to walk down the long, empty hallways to the nurse's office, which always seemed like a marathon away. There were no friends by my side, no one to lean on, just me, battling my own body as it betrayed me. By the time I reached the nurse, I could barely speak, desperate for anything; juice, crackers, a single piece of candy to bring my blood sugar back up.These experiences weren't rare, they were part of my daily life, a constant reminder of my illness. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at five years old, and even though I was young, I had to grow up fast. The challenges of managing my condition were relentless. I had to learn to measure my carbs meticulously, calculate my insulin doses, and anticipate every little thing. Ranging from what I ate to how I felt, could send my blood sugar soaring or crashing. There were days when I’d inject my insulin and pray that I got the dose right because a slight miscalculation could send me spiraling into Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a dangerous fatal condition. The journey of living with diabetes as a child was incredibly isolating at times. I would often wonder, "Why me?" as I sat in the nurse's office recovering from another low, feeling weak and alone. But these moments, as tough as they were, shaped me. They instilled in me a sense of resilience and determination that has guided me throughout my life. These experiences deeply influenced my decision to become a nurse. The care and compassion I received from the nurses who helped me manage my condition were completely lifesaving. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be that source of support for others, especially children who, like me, were facing overwhelming medical challenges. I was drawn to the field of nursing because of the intimate, hands-on care it allows, and because I know firsthand how critical that support can be. Balancing my health while pursuing my education and working two demanding jobs has also required immense strength and determination. As a first-generation college student, the burden of student loan debt with high-interest rates has made every financial decision a desperate balancing act. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner through NYU’s dual BSN/MSN program, specializing in pediatrics and eventually working in acute settings like the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) or the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). My personal experience with a chronic condition has given me a profound understanding of the vulnerability and resilience of young patients. I want to be the nurse who is there for them in their most critical moments. The one who not only provides the best possible medical care but also offers comfort, compassion, and understanding to both the children and their families. I know what it feels like to be on the other side of the stethoscope, to face a health crisis as a child and feel utterly helpless. I want to use that experience to connect with my patients, to let them know that I understand, and to fight for them with every ounce of determination I have.