Nancy B. Shirley Memorial Nursing Scholarship

My name is Tyana Creekmore, a current junior at Virginia Commonwealth University, pursuing a degree in Nursing. I am also a proud member of the Theta Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In 2023, I joined this sorority with the hopes of expanding on both my leadership and networking skills within a strong sisterhood embedded based on good morals and values. In addition to my sorority, I work as a patient care technician at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. This job has provided me with wonderful experience and educational opportunities, preparing me to become a well-rounded nurse. By working with both children and adults, I have gained confidence in my learning to deliver safe and effective care across various age groups. Outside of school and work, I am profoundly committed to community service and volunteering within my local community. My passion for becoming a nurse stemmed from my deep desire to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals through leadership and community building. After witnessing the impact nurses had on my grandmother who recently passed. Although this is a sensitive topic for me, I will never forget the nurses who were taking care of my grandma. They were so kind and reassuring to me and my family even up to her last day with us. Regarding my focus, I believe nursing offers a great platform to help strengthen and mentor the younger generation. Working as a patient care technician in Richmond, I have seen how a lack of education and healthcare literacy can negatively affect the results of recovery. It is important to educate our younger patients and their parents about healthcare resources and more, to lessen the risks of ongoing hospitalizations. When receiving my degree in nursing, I hope to specialize in the pediatric field. I have always enjoyed helping the younger generation through service and leadership throughout my high school and college years. In the future, I aspire to receive my Master’s in Nursing to become a Nurse Practitioner in family medicine. Primarily, I hope to focus on working in areas with a high prevalence of underserved communities. Residing in Richmond for the past 4 years, I have witnessed firsthand how limited access to healthcare disproportionately affects disenfranchised communities. These disparities fuel my passion to become a nurse, as I hope to aid in outsourcing equitable resources for healthcare, which is often not allocated. Improving access to quality resources and care, coupled with healthcare educational opportunity programs, will make a great difference. Through these means of intervention, I know that I can make a true difference in the lives of the underserved children of Richmond. In the future, I would like to expand beyond the city limits as well. In turn, I hope to utilize both my talents and leadership abilities to put this plan into action in hopes of breaking these barriers. My vision regarding goals of expansion includes partnering with local organizations to create educational opportunities and mentoring programs that help underserved children obtain information about nutrition, sexual health, hygiene, and mental health. As schools may only cover these topics to a certain extent, I would like to ensure that these opportunities will be effective in providing the most updated information. I also envision the use of leveraging outreach programs and social media platforms to expand further healthcare networks. Doing so will help to cultivate and amplify this initiative on a greater scale. A little about me, I have grown into a very well-rounded student by participating in various activities, volunteer opportunities, and leadership roles. One I am most proud of was serving as a student panelist at the 2023 Board of Visitors meeting at VCU. Here I was able to advocate for stronger collegiate resources and support, while also addressing student concerns in front of influential university leaders, including the president of VCU. In 2024, I attended two impactful conferences, one of which included a leadership event hosted by my sorority, which provided workshops on life skills, leadership development, networking, and educational advancement opportunities. My leadership involvement also included being an active member of the Transform Living and Learning program at VCU, where I held a Social Engagement leadership position, and served as a member of the LEAD Explorers program. Throughout my involvement from Freshman to Junior year, I have accumulated over 70 hours worth of community service, taken on various leadership roles, and contributed meaningfully to the Richmond community with the help of these programs. In conclusion, receiving this scholarship would serve more than just financial help, but would be an opportunity to help me achieve my dreams of empowering the futures of younger people. Moreover, it would be monumental to be able to positively serve on behalf of the lives of others, as the nurses served while caring for my grandmother. In honor of Ms. Nancy B. Shirley for her dedication to nursing and service to our country. I would like to also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the donors and everyone involved in providing this opportunity. Your support helps to strengthen the hope of students like me with a dream to pursue a brighter future and influence the generations beyond.

Hello, my name is Krystalynn Thompson. I am currently enrolled at Northern Arizona University, pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). I am 41 years old, and I am very excited to be in school for this degree. I am a mother of four with 2 children also attending college. I have been a medical assistant for 21 years and put off returning to school for a Nursing degree while my kids were very young. I want to become a nurse so that I can care for patients at a higher level. It is important for people to be taken care of with the attention to detail that I strive to give when I become a nurse. I want to be able to care for someone in their most vulnerable state and advocate for them when they need it. I was raised within a family that didn't have much at all, except each other. We learned to survive on very little and I have made it my life goal to provide a better future for my children. As an adult I have not had any family support except the family I made with my husband. I grew up on a reservation for most of my life and as a person that was exposed to culture and diversity from another state, I was not treated well. I had to overcome adversity with the people I went to school with. For many years of not being treated well as a child and teenager, I think that I have done pretty well for myself, my kids and my husband. I knew that returning to school would not be easy. It was not going to be easy financially for my family of six. My husband has been a great support system for me and even more over the past 2 years since I enrolled at Northern Arizona University. I remember feeling intimidated when I was enrolling for my first semester of classes. I also had one online class. I grew up at a time when we didn't have computers, laptops, and internet instantly at our fingertips. I had to quickly figure out a completely new way of learning. Lectures, the fastest note taking I've ever done in my life, downloading, uploading, and submitting everything on the school platform. These were all new to me. I've also had the opportunity to speak in front of people, maybe I'll get used to it one day. While I am attending classes at Northern Arizona University I have learned more about myself. I have been able participate with the much younger peers in my classes. We get to compare our perspectives. Myself as a 41 year old, and my peers being anywhere from 18 into their twenties. My classmates are in the same age group at my daughters. To become a nurse I had to go on this life journey to get where I am at today and to be the person that I am today. Becoming a nurse has been a goal of mine for at least 10 to 15 years. I am excited for what the future has on hold for me. I have always worked hard for myself and my family. Being able to show my kids that this can be done is important to me. However, I am encouraging them to go to college right after high school. I like to talk to them about how important it is for them to have their own independence as they get older and become young adults. Over the years, working as a medical assistant I have been able to experience working in different specialties. My favorite thing to do has been wound care and injuries. I would always ask to do the wound care, wound dressings (bandaging). I have gained so much experience in chronic health as well. I have learned how to educate patients with their medical conditions, treatment, and medication. I have also had the opportunity with working at campus Health medical clinic at Northern Arizona University. Working at various places over the years has taught me so much about medicine. I am looking forward to completing the nursing program at Northern Arizona University in the next two years. People have been asking me since I enrolled, if I know or have an idea of what type of nursing I want to go into. At this time I want to go into Trauma. People are so vulnerable in those conditions. I want to learn the skills that will be fast and efficient in case it is needed for a rapid response to a situation. I want to learn to provide the highest level and quality of care that people should have while receiving medical care. I'd like to say thank you for this opportunity and thank you for your time and consideration. Always my best, Krystalynn Thompson

My hands start to feel clammy as I stand over the frail and emaciated woman. Gospel plays softly off a CD in the background. She uses all of her strength to fill her lungs with air, each one appearing as if it will be her last. It's drear, I know, but it's reality. All I could think of in the moment was what she was thinking, or dreaming, or nothing. Nobody really knows what one experiences on the brink of death. Do a flood of life moments appear before your eyes as if you're in a roaring thunderstorm, each depiction becoming more and more vivid? Do you think about all the things you wish you had done, or things you wish you hadn't? Some would say you'd meet God or loved ones who have passed. Maybe even dreams filled with your favorite candy, petting puppies, and watching your favorite nightly sitcom. I have learned a lot during my journey to becoming a nurse, but nothing could have prepared me to look at death through the eyes of another person. On that day my urge to become the best nurse that I could possibly be was strengthened further than I could have ever imagined possible. We may never truly understand what happens cognitively in those final moments, but as nurses we can create an environment that is nurturing and atmospherically positive for our patients to spend their final moments. My mission as a future nurse is to always foster warm, supportive, and relaxing conditions for all patients, but especially those who spend their final moments in my presence. Oftentimes our purpose in the world may seem unclear but nursing has allowed me to see life through a different lens. From a young age, I knew I wanted to make an impact on our world, but I was never certain how I would accomplish this. That is until I turned 16 and a pulmonary embolism put my then girlfriend in the hospital. I watched passionately and curiously as the nurses used medical jargon with one another. They created an atmosphere most would consider impossible once taking the circumstances into account. I felt welcomed and taken care of even though I was only but a visitor. Not only was I filled with a deep urge to know more, but I was also struck with a stark sense of self. I saw myself in them. Compassionate, curious, hardworking, and above all else, heart led. Finally, my prayers had been answered. A profession where I am fueled with knowledge and perseverance to make a difference in others' lives. It was here that I knew my fate had been sealed to the nursing career. From here I immediately began creating a plan for myself. I enrolled in a certified nurse assistant (CNA) program through my high school's integrated trade school. Here I would obtain 62 clinical hours, including 22 voluntary hours and build valuable lifelong connections with patients. All the while, I was able to maintain a 4.2 GPA, be involved in three different clubs, earn over 45 community volunteering hours, and work a part-time job. Managing this was not easy, though I was able to create a balance. My active engagement and work ethic has allowed me to efficiently navigate through my nursing degree and has helped me become a better student nurse. As I began working as a young CNA I was quickly met with an abundance of genuine connections between my patients and me. It was everything I had ever hoped for and more. I got to go to work, learn something new each day, and come home knowing I made an impact on multiple people's lives. For example, a resident and I would converse regularly about her sons and grandchildren, in which she stated, " I haven't had a listening ear in ages”. This meant the world to me. The fact that I was able to make a resident feel like she was being heard by simply taking the time out of my day to talk about the people she loves. This put an everlasting stain on my will to forever provide a listening ear to all of my patients. It is moments like these that not only fuel my passion, but my purpose in pursuing nursing. Although this profession has many remarkable attributes, its formidable hardships do not go unnoticed. Behind every compassionate act and clinical skill lies a person who is often running on little sleep, carrying emotional weight, and navigating the demands of a high-stakes environment. Amidst holding the hands of the dying and absorbing the pain of families, nurses continue to show up with strength and grace, even on the hardest days. This stands as something I attempt to represent in every moment as a CNA, student nurse, and human being. All in all, if the nursing career has taught me anything, it's that no matter what, you show up for those around you. You become that listening ear, you become their hand to hold, and most importantly you become the heart behind the healing. This is something I want to be a part of forever. Not because it’s easy, but because the heart of nursing is built on resilience, compassion, and a relentless dedication to others.

When I was just two years old, I came face to face with a life-threatening experience that would unknowingly shape the direction of my future. It started like any other ordinary day. My parents had left me with a trusted babysitter while they stepped out for a few hours. But during that short time, the babysitter unknowingly fed me peanut butter—a food I was severely allergic to. Within minutes, my body went into anaphylactic shock. My breathing grew shallow, my lips turned blue, and panic overwhelmed the room. My parents rushed me to the emergency room, their hearts heavy with fear and their eyes filled with tears, terrified of what the next few minutes might bring. Although I was too young to remember what happened, my parents never forgot the nurses who were there that day. While the doctors focused on keeping me alive, it was the nurses who stood by my parents’ side. They explained what was happening with compassion and clarity. They held my parents’ hands when words failed. One nurse in particular stayed by my side throughout it all, whispering comforting words even though I was unconscious. My mother often repeats the phrase she remembers most from that day: “She’s strong. We’re going to do everything we can.” And somehow, I was strong enough. I made it through. That day didn’t just mark a moment of survival—it planted a seed. As I grew up and learned about what happened, I began to understand just how critical those nurses were in my story. They weren’t just performing a job; they were the calm in the storm, the light in the darkness, the strength when my family was at their most vulnerable. Their presence, their skill, and above all, their humanity inspired me. I realized early on that I wanted to be that kind of person for someone else. I wanted to become a nurse. Now, as a student at Virginia Commonwealth University pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I find myself reflecting on that moment often. It reminds me why I’ve chosen this path and why I remain committed to seeing it through. Nursing is not easy. It demands a unique blend of scientific understanding, emotional intelligence, compassion, and courage. But that’s exactly why it speaks to me so deeply. It’s not just a profession—it’s a mission. It’s a promise to show up for others, especially when they’re at their lowest. Of all the specialties in nursing, pediatric care has always held the deepest place in my heart. I was once the frightened child in a hospital bed, surrounded by tubes and monitors, too young to understand what was happening. And I remember how my parents leaned on the strength of the pediatric nurses who cared for me. I want to be that nurse now—for the child who is scared and hurting, and for the parent who doesn’t know what to do. Pediatric nursing is more than just treating small bodies. It is about recognizing the resilience and sensitivity of children, and nurturing them with patience, warmth, and understanding. Children may not always be able to advocate for themselves, so I want to be their voice, their support, and their source of safety in uncertain times. To prepare for this journey, I have been intentional about every academic and personal decision I make. I’ve dedicated myself to my studies, focusing on biology, chemistry, and anatomy to build a strong foundation for clinical excellence. Outside the classroom, I’ve volunteered in healthcare settings where I’ve gained exposure to the realities of patient care. I’ve spent time shadowing nurses and engaging with pediatric patients, and each experience only confirms that I am exactly where I’m meant to be. I’ve worked to build not only my knowledge but also the resilience, compassion, and humility that nursing demands. In reading about Nancy “Nana” Shirley’s incredible life and legacy, I found myself in awe of her journey. Her commitment to nursing, her service in the Army, her dedication to children in need, and her deep love for her family are all qualities that I aspire to embody in my own life. Like her, I come from a family that cherishes community, selflessness, and perseverance. Her path—from an immigrant child to an Army pediatric nurse, to a devoted aunt and guardian angel—is a beautiful reminder that nursing goes far beyond hospital walls. It is about touching lives, building relationships, and showing up for others no matter what. Her story reminds me of why I’m doing this. It isn’t about accolades or job titles. It’s about impact. It’s about making sure that when someone needs help the most, you’re ready to give them everything you can. Just like the nurse who stood beside me as a toddler. Just like Captain Nancy Shirley, who served children with a heart full of purpose. This scholarship would be more than financial support—it would be a piece of her legacy passed on to someone determined to carry that legacy forward. It would allow me to continue my education with less worry about financial strain and more focus on becoming the pediatric nurse I was meant to be. One who makes children feel safe and strong. One who lifts up parents in their hardest moments. One who sees nursing not only as a profession, but as a calling of the heart. I am determined to honor the opportunity I’ve been given—to live, to learn, and to serve. I want to be the nurse who gives back the same hope and care that once saved me. And through this scholarship, I would carry a part of Nancy Shirley’s spirit with me into every patient’s room, every sleepless night, and every life I touch.

My entire life I’ve always had an interest in medicine, but when my ex-girlfriend was put in the hospital, I knew it was what I wanted to pursue. After watching the PICU nurses give incredible care, I recognized something very familiar in their actions. That would be the same compassion and abundant curiosity in the nurses that I saw in myself. They then allowed me to administer a blood thinner injection, which I would continue to administer daily for months after the hospitalization. I was extremely fascinated by patient care and inspired by the nurses' friendliness. They went out of their way to build a genuine connection with not only my ex-girlfriend but also me. Experiencing the kindness and compassion of the nurses contributed to me being able to provide that for someone else. I began my nursing journey by first completing a nine-month CNA course. During my highschool CNA program I was able to obtain 62 clinical hours (22 of which were voluntary) and build valuable lifelong connections with patients. All the while, I was able to maintain a 4.2 GPA, be involved in three different clubs, earn over 45 community volunteering hours, and work a part-time job. Managing this was not easy, though I was able to create a balance. My active engagement and work ethic has allowed me to efficiently navigate through my nursing degree and will help me be a better nurse. One of the most amazing things about the nursing profession is the sheer number of genuine connections you are able to build with your patients. In the time that I have worked as a CNA, I have been fortunate enough to come across hundreds of beautiful souls that have motivated me to be the student and CNA I am today. With that being said, I have also been able to make an impact in my patients' lives. For example, a resident and I would converse regularly about her sons and grandchildren, in which she stated that she, "hasn’t had a listening ear in ages”. This made me feel so special. The fact that I was able to make a resident feel like she was being heard by simply taking the time out of my day to talk about the people she loves. These experiences will help me with my future career in the nursing profession because it allows for my patients to be more comfortable with me and provides an increased satisfaction in patient care. Now that I am finishing up my second year as a nursing student, I can confidently say that this is my calling. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time learning about healthcare's unique atmosphere and all of the intricate details that come with it. I am incredibly passionate and excited to continue my professional career in nursing. Each time that I get to go into work or clinical I get reminded of why I chose to go down this path. Experiencing the bond that I have created with my patients is like no other, and I have a hard time imagining myself in another profession. I believe that I have been called to this profession for many reasons. To start, I am a very compassionate person. I care about each and every one of my patients and go above and beyond to ensure that they are properly cared for. For example, I have picked up hours when we were short-staffed to ensure that my residents were taken care of accordingly. Constantly checking up on my residents to make sure they were comfortable was one of many things I was complimented on by visiting family. Secondly, I am enthusiastic and full of charisma. One of the best feelings is when you get a nurse, or anyone for that matter that brings a positive attitude to the plate and brightens your day. I face all my patients with a positive and uplifting attitude. This can be very beneficial in both direct patient care and leadership roles. Charisma enhances communication, mood, and overall environmental status. Lastly, I have good decision-making skills. All nursing have the responsibility of making good decisions when it comes to their patients, time management, and self-management. I can weigh out options, plan them out, and effectively implement them if needed. These are just a couple reasons why I know I was, “made” to be a nurse. This scholarship would allow me to finish school and continue chasing my dream of being a nurse. Growing up with my parents being Brazilian immigrants, I have watched them sacrifice everything they could to give me a good life. Even still, we are struggling to give me the education that I want and need. This scholarship would allow me to better focus on my studies and relieve some of the financial pressure that comes with schooling. I will be able to devote more of my time and energy to my coursework and extracurricular activities, which would benefit me greatly. Being able to stay involved in extracurricular activities will allow me to develop new skills and make valuable connections. Without the financial burden, I will develop a deeper understanding of the nursing career. Although I have had lots of past experiences, I am always looking forward to new ones. For this reason, I have already begun engaging myself in healthcare clubs, workshops, and involving myself in the community by volunteering. Overall, my compassion, work ethic, and abundant curiosity will take me extremely far in my nursing career and I am immensely excited to be able to apply these characteristics to make a difference in lives.

I was born and raised in Tondo, Manila, and migrated to the United States at the age of 9. My father worked abroad to afford a comfortable life for his family back home. My mother cared for and raised three daughters on her own. Being a single mother in one of the toughest parts of Manila is not an easy task. She strived to provide us with the best of what she could give at the time, and with the grace of God, her prayers for reuniting her family were answered in 1991. Living in the U.S. was particularly hard on my father as he struggled to keep a job. My mother saw the hardship and decided to apply as a CNA. Back then, all I remember is my mother working back-to-back 16-hour shifts to make ends meet. My mother soon became the breadwinner of our family as my father continued to struggle with employment. This frustration turned into blame, which quickly escalated to depression. My father was diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus in the late 90's which he completely disregarded. As his health deteriorated, my mother noticed mental changes that also took place. My father would forget what he was talking about mid-sentence and misplace his phone often. I sometimes found my father sleeping in my room as I came home from work, thinking it was their bedroom. I was not one to look to my parents for approval when I was younger. I obtained my GED 6 months after I was supposed to graduate because I chose to miss classes to hang out with my friends. I then took a year to work on accumulating enough money to pay for my college tuition as I knew my parents could not help me. I worked at a Neurobehavioral facility in activities as I took my pre-requisite to apply for the RN program at Ohlone College. As I was checking my laundry list of prereqs, I decided to apply for Mission College's LVN program as my best friend suggested. I was accepted on the first try and did not shy away from the opportunity. I finished my VN in 2006 and passed the NCLEX one month later. In 2011, my father was diagnosed with Dementia and soon after, was placed in hospice care. It was then that I saw my mother physically, mentally, and emotionally drained. She worked double shifts and then came home to take care of my father. She did this for as long as she could until she agreed to have my father placed in a skilled nursing facility for 24-hour care. I knew I wanted to be a nurse from the moment I saw the compassion and patience my mother has shown, not only her family but her patients. She enjoyed the friendships that she built with her co-workers and the culture that existed between them, almost like they were family. This connection and trusted relationship are what inspired me to be a nurse. I want to be able to connect with my patients so that years down the line, they will still remember that one nurse who helped their healing journey in an unimaginable measure. I worked as an LVN for years until I was ready to try and get into an RN program again. I had to re-take my core science classes as recency requirements differ for each school. Some have a 5-year recency, some 7 years and a few have no recency requirements at all. I've applied only at Mission College for years and kept getting rejected. I then started looking into more programs around the Bay Area and took the necessary classes to be eligible for each nursing program. I have taken both the TEAS and HESI exam so that I would be eligible for as many nursing programs as possible. I have to say, I was deterred by a lot of nursing counselors applying to their specific programs. As competitive as the programs are, most went by a lottery system in which, like the lottery, I would probably have a higher chance of getting struck by lightning than getting in their program. As I started to lose hope in getting into an RN program, I decided to apply to just one more, De Anza College. I was lucky enough to get on their waitlist at the end of 2019, only to have COVID hold me back another 2 years. I finally started the nursing program in 2021, being the only one with children in my whole cohort. At the time, my boys were 3 and almost 2 years of age. Everyone was so amazed at how I could manage to be a mother, work part-time, and still do nursing school. My reply to them was always "I'm in it to win it!"

I have always felt a calling to serve others and impact their lives for the better. One of my earliest memories was helping and befriending a deaf girl at my preschool. I remember watching her mother and older sister drop her off and pick her up, seeing them use sign language and physical touch to communicate with her. I noticed how her sister was fiercely protective of her, and then I noticed how once her family left she would usually sit by herself, other kids coming and going once they realized she wouldn’t talk to them. I wanted to help and take care of her, and protect her as her sister did. I quickly became friends with her by sitting near her, and sharing toys, and pulling her up by her hands whenever music played to dance with her in the classroom. I’ve noticed how this desire to seek out and help others has continued to follow me throughout my life. Because of this, for the longest time, I believed I wanted to be a teacher. I have been lucky enough to have teachers who have been fun, patient and kind. But what stuck out to me about my teachers was the impact they have on their students. The connection they are able to make with their students can be one that changes the trajectory of their lives, that makes or breaks that time of their life. I want to be that person for others; support the ones who need it the most and be a warm and light presence in the lives of everyone else. My focus began changing from wanting to teach, to wanting to care for and support others through nursing after my freshman year of high school. 3 days after the school year ended, I had open heart surgery to replace a heart valve. I was born with a congenital heart defect that was corrected when I was 2. I have seen a cardiologist at least once a year since then, waiting until I needed surgery again. While I have always been intrigued and liked my cardiologists and the work that they would do, it wasn’t until after my surgery that I seriously considered working in healthcare. During my stay in the hospital, I was shocked at how uncomfortable, homesick and scared I was staying in the PICU alone at the “old” age of 15 years old. My mom is a single mom who works full-time to support my older sister and I, so she couldn’t stay at the hospital all day to be with me. I had my nurses for company. While I was very healthy going into my surgery, and therefore only spent 4 days there, I remember wanting to go home every single morning and night. I would watch the clock to see when my mom would be back. I can’t imagine how difficult and terrified I would be had I been sicker, or had I had to stay longer. The one positive of being in the hospital was my nurses (and fixing my heart of course). Each one was so very different, but they were all so amazing, patient, and kind. I still remember all of them very distinctly. My favorite nurse was named Jeanie. I liked the name because my grandma shared her name. In the beginning, I remember disliking her because she was direct. She would come into my room and scold me for not using the spirometer to help my lungs or come in insisting that I drink something of substance (like milk, not just water). At night, she sat at my bed and took the time to explain everything she was doing and what it’s used for because I was curious. I asked about her tattoo and she told me more about her life and family. She wouldn’t get upset when she would suggest I drink Sprite, bring it to me, and then have to go back for a different drink because I didn’t like the Sprite. She was only forceful because she was so invested in my health and wanted me to get better. When my family couldn’t be with me, the nurses were. Yet they didn’t just do their job, administering medicine and following doctor’s orders, they would stay longer than necessary to keep me company and check in at random times and give me encouraging words of support. The positive impact they made in my life and the care they gave me during my time of need is the reason why I want to be a nurse. To me, nursing has a similar, if not stronger, impact than teaching. Nurses have the privilege to comfort and care for people in their most vulnerable state. I will be able to walk out of my work every day knowing I helped someone and that I made a difference. And that is exactly what I hope to achieve in the profession that I chose. I hope to get to work in pediatrics. I would like to be able to build a relationship with my patients and know them intimately enough that I know exactly what I can do to make them smile and be a friend in an otherwise difficult and scary situation. For this reason, I am interested in working in inpatient oncology, as these patients are most likely the patients who will stay in the hospital for longer periods of time. While pediatric oncology will be heartbreaking to work with, I feel that I am called to help these people the most. Lastly, I have worked in different jobs in healthcare to support myself and be able to pursue an education in nursing. In high school, I got my caregiver and nursing assistant certifications so that I could work in different healthcare facilities throughout college and explore a career in the nursing field. In both jobs (caregiving and being a nursing assistant), I have worked with different minorities. Sometimes I would work with residents who only spoke one language, making it impossible for workers to communicate with these people without family members present or others who know the language. These residents would become withdrawn and isolated as they couldn’t communicate and socialize with others. When family came to speak to these residents in their language, their whole demeanor would shift and their faces would brighten. This is part of the reason that I am double majoring in Nursing and Spanish. I want to be able to connect with as many people as possible, and one of many barriers between myself and others can be language. By studying Spanish, this barrier can be eliminated and allow me to care for, and advocate for these minorities. I am very excited to pursue a career in such beautiful work and get the opportunity to care for patients and support their families.

A Journey of Resilience: My Path to Becoming a Registered Nurse at George Mason University Born and raised in a rural part of my homeland, where modern medical facilities were sparse and the local clinic was perpetually overwhelmed, I witnessed the stark realities of healthcare disparity from an early age. My community’s daily struggle, compounded by the lack of access to adequate health services, instilled in me a profound determination to seek change. This resolve led me to the United States—a place I envisioned could equip me with the skills and opportunities to make a substantial difference. The journey has not been straightforward. Adapting to a new culture was daunting. Language barriers initially made academic and social interactions challenging. However, these hurdles only deepened my commitment and adaptability, traits that are indispensable in the nursing profession. At George Mason University, I have found a nurturing environment that celebrates diversity and fosters academic excellence, allowing me to thrive and move steadfastly towards my goal of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). My academic journey at George Mason has been rigorous and enlightening. Courses in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology have provided me with a solid foundation in the sciences, while classes in patient care and ethics have prepared me for the human side of nursing. The comprehensive curriculum is designed to mold competent nurses who are not only skilled in healthcare practices but also attuned to the emotional and ethical dimensions of patient care. Clinical rotations have been particularly transformative. Each rotation, whether in geriatrics, emergency care, or pediatrics, has offered unique challenges and learning opportunities. For instance, during a rotation in the pediatric unit, I cared for a young girl with chronic asthma—a condition all too familiar from my childhood experiences. Teaching her and her family about asthma management not only helped improve her health but also empowered her family with knowledge, an experience that highlighted the broader impact nurses can have beyond direct care. My commitment extends beyond the hospital walls. Volunteering at local health clinics and participating in community health drives has allowed me to apply my skills in real-world environments. These experiences have not only been crucial in understanding the challenges of healthcare delivery in underserved areas but have also reinforced my resolve to pursue a career in community health nursing. Here, I can focus on preventive care, health education, and advocacy—key elements that can drive systemic health improvements. Further, these volunteer experiences have exposed me to the multifaceted role nurses play in health advocacy and education. One memorable project involved organizing a community health fair, where we provided basic screenings and health education. The overwhelming community turnout and the genuine gratitude of participants reinforced my belief in the critical need for proactive health outreach, especially in communities similar to where I grew up. In looking towards the future, I am particularly interested in how public health policies are crafted and implemented. My goal is to not only serve at the bedside but also contribute to policy discussions that aim to make healthcare more equitable and accessible. With this in mind, I have taken additional courses in public health and healthcare management, areas that I believe are crucial for the next generation of nursing leaders. The path to becoming a nurse is filled with challenges, especially as a first-generation college student and immigrant. Financial obstacles, in particular, have been a constant concern, threatening to derail my progress. This scholarship represents a critical lifeline that would allow me to continue my education without the overwhelming stress of financial constraints. More importantly, it would enable me to engage in additional learning opportunities such as attending nursing conferences and participating in advanced training workshops, which are indispensable for my professional growth. Winning this scholarship would not only alleviate financial burdens but would also affirm my hard work and dedication. It would provide the means to further immerse myself in community service and advanced studies, enhancing my ability to contribute effectively to the nursing profession. It would also be a beacon of hope and encouragement for my family, proving that perseverance in the face of adversity can lead to transformative opportunities and success. In conclusion, my journey to becoming a registered nurse at George Mason University is driven by a passion for healthcare born out of early life experiences in a part of the world where medical help was a privilege. It is fueled by the desire to bring about positive change in healthcare delivery through both direct patient care and broader public health initiatives. As I continue to advance my education and clinical training, I am committed to embodying the highest standards of the nursing profession, striving to make an impactful difference in the lives of individuals and communities alike. Winning this scholarship would be a pivotal step towards achieving these goals, empowering me to continue my journey with fewer financial worries and a strengthened resolve to succeed.