Pangeta & Ivory Nursing Scholarship

Funded by
$7,000
7 winners, $1,000 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jun 1, 2025
Winners Announced
Jul 1, 2025
Education Level
Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Undergraduate student
Field of Study:
Nursing

Pangeta McGrowther Ferguson and Ivory Riley were two incredible women who inspired their children and grandchildren. They have helped transformed the lives of everyone around them. Both Pangeta and Ivory were nurses and were highly regarded among their peers and their patients. They were mentors to many and as a tribute to their lives, we will help those who also have the passion to pursue a career in nursing.

This scholarship aims to honor the lives of Pangeta and Ivory by supporting students who are pursuing degrees in nursing.

Any undergraduate student who is studying nursing may apply for this scholarship opportunity.

To apply, tell us what made you consider pursuing a career in nursing.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Published December 19, 2024
Essay Topic

What made you consider pursuing a career in nursing?

400–600 words

Winning Applications

Vade Reese
North Carolina A & T State UniversityChicago, IL
From a young age, I have always loved to help people no matter what and have been captivated by how healthcare professionals help others. Also, I learned how healthcare professionals have been a source of comfort and relief in people’s lives. My journey and unwavering passion for making a difference have fueled my desire to pursue nursing care. This essay explains the inspiration behind my decision, highlighting my strength and determination to provide compassionate care as a surgical nurse, and explains how this scholarship will help me achieve my goals. Growing up, I always had an innate tendency to care for others. Whether it be helping a student, listening to someone if they needed it, or helping to get something for somebody else, this love and joy that I have for helping others has played an essential role in my decision to pursue a nursing career. Furthermore, it has been a driving force behind my aspiration to be a surgical nurse, where I can combine my passion for healthcare with my commitment to providing compassionate and specialized care to patients during critical moments of their lives. The complexity and precision of surgical procedures and the opportunity to directly contribute to a patient’s well-being have always fascinated me. The core values that inspire me to pursue a career as a surgical nurse are the call to compassion and the desire to be present and ensure that people are being treated correctly. Witnessing the impact of transformative care when I had scoliosis solidified my dedication to nursing and ignited a profound fascination with the surgical field. The ability to actively participate in lifesaving surgeries while supporting families and patients embodies the essence of compassionate care. I believe that surgical nursing presents an opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals by providing a unique blend of technical expertise, empathy, and resilience. Obtaining a nursing degree focusing on surgical nursing is critical to achieving my goals. This scholarship provides financial assistance and affirms my potential to excel in this specialized field. With this support, I will have the means to access quality education, clinical training, and invaluable resources specific to surgical nursing. This scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of higher education, allowing me to dedicate myself fully to my studies and practical experiences. By seizing this opportunity, I can acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities to excel as a competent and compassionate surgical nurse. My goal as a future surgical nurse extends beyond providing direct patient care. I want to ensure everyone gets the best care possible, no matter who they are. Also, I want to ensure everyone has a voice and can advocate for themselves, especially regarding surgery. I also aim to create a comforting environment for patients, easing their fears and fostering trust during a time of vulnerability. Additionally, I envision myself becoming a mentor to aspiring surgical nurses, sharing my passion and knowledge to inspire the next generation of compassionate healthcare professionals. This scholarship will provide me with the necessary resources and opportunities to develop the skills and expertise required to realize these ambitions. In conclusion, my journey and unwavering dedication have inspired me to pursue a career as a surgical nurse. This scholarship represents a significant opportunity to propel me on this path, enabling me to acquire the specialized education, skills, and resources needed to excel in this field. I am grateful for the chance to share my story and for the support offered through the scholarship. With this assistance, I am committed to embracing the responsibility of being a surgical nurse.
Yosolajesu Olujide-Ajibade
Arizona College of NursingAkron, OH
Sarah Cassidy
Quinnipiac UniversityBrewster, NY
I am a freshman at Quinnipiac University, pursuing a career in nursing with the goal of furthering my education beyond my bachelor’s degree. During my first semester, I made the Dean’s List, which reflects my strong work ethic, dedication, and drive to succeed academically. As I continue my studies, I am focused on gaining the knowledge and experience needed to become a compassionate and effective nurse, specifically in the field of pediatric nursing. Being part of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority has been an important aspect of my college experience, as it has taught me the value of community, leadership, and inclusivity. Through this organization, I’ve learned how to foster an environment where everyone feels welcome, heard, and supported. I believe that these qualities are essential, not only in personal relationships but also in the professional world, especially in healthcare. As a future pediatric nurse, I will be working closely with children and their families, and creating an atmosphere of trust and care is essential to building strong connections with patients. My desire to become a pediatric nurse stems from my deep passion for working with children. As a survival swim instructor and certified lifeguard, I have always felt a natural connection with kids, and I am eager to support them through some of the most challenging times in their lives. Pediatric nursing requires a unique combination of technical skill, emotional intelligence, and patience, all qualities I strive to develop every day. I am excited to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives by providing care that goes beyond physical healing, ensuring that they feel comforted and understood. Throughout my academic journey, I have learned the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. As a college freshman, I have created my own personal community, surrounding myself with people who have the same goals as me. Whether it’s tackling a difficult subject in class or taking on new responsibilities in my sorority, I am committed to overcoming obstacles and learning from them. I am someone who rises to difficult challenges, and I am eager to apply this resilience and problem-solving mindset to my nursing career. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in both my academic and professional journey. Becoming a pediatric nurse is not just a career goal; it’s a passion I’m excited to pursue, and I am committed to making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of children and their families.
Benjamin Eshun
Berkshire Community CollegePittsfield, MA
Atarah Warlick
Georgia Gwinnett CollegeLawrenceville, GA
My decision to pursue nursing was profoundly influenced by my experience during my third childbirth, which opened my eyes to the disparities women of color face when seeking a natural birth process. I was deeply troubled by the way my desires were disregarded simply because I had previously undergone a cesarean section. This experience fueled my passion to advocate for women like myself and to ensure that they receive the care and respect they deserve during such a pivotal moment in their lives. As a mother of three who is currently not working, this scholarship is a tremendous support in my journey to complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. It also brings me closer to achieving my dream of becoming a labor and delivery nurse and a midwife. The path to where I am today has not been without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles I faced was being denied admission to nursing school on my first attempt. At the time, this felt like a major setback—a rejection of my dreams. However, with reflection and the guidance of supportive mentors, I came to see this not as a rejection, but as a redirection. I realized that what we often perceive as failure is sometimes life's way of guiding us toward a better path. I used this experience as a means to challenge my mentality towards getting accepted into nursing school and persisting in the knowing that I will achieve the goals I set for myself. This shift in perspective also allowed me to adopt a better understanding of determination and resilience. I took this opportunity to earn essential certifications, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - Basic Life Support (CPR-BLS) and continuous doula training for all stages of pregnancy, wellness, and mental health. These experiences deepened my understanding of the compassion and empathy needed in healthcare and strengthened my commitment to the nursing profession. Your scholarship will lift a significant financial burden, allowing me to focus entirely on my studies and my passion for serving others. It will not only bring me closer to achieving my academic and career goals but also reinforce my belief in the power of perseverance and the importance of remaining open to life's unexpected turns. I am determined to honor your support by making a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare and by advocating for the well-being of all women, especially those whose voices are too often unheard.
Emilda Desir
Liberty UniversityCasselberry, FL
My mom was a nurse back in her home country but because of financial burdens, language barrier, lack of transportation and a many different factors, when she came to the US she was not able to go to school to continue her career. Now she’s is living her dream through me. Also if you think about it, everyone has something negative to say about nurses and healthcares and workers, but everyone ages and will eventually need a nurses help. It takes someone who is selfless and loving to do this type of work. And just like God is to me and my family, I want to give back in the same way. Nursing is an immensely rewarding field because it combines the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives with personal and professional growth. At its core, nursing is about compassion and care, offering a chance to provide comfort and healing during some of the most vulnerable moments in a person’s life. This direct connection to others creates a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. One of the most rewarding aspects of nursing is the ability to witness the impact of your care firsthand. Whether it’s helping a patient recover from an illness, easing someone’s pain, or providing emotional support to families, nurses play a critical role in shaping positive health outcomes. The gratitude and trust from patients and their loved ones often reinforce the deep satisfaction of the profession. Nursing also offers immense versatility and opportunities for growth. From working in hospitals and clinics to schools, research institutions, and global health organizations, nurses can specialize in areas that align with their interests, such as pediatrics, oncology, or critical care. The continuous learning inherent in the field ensures that nurses are always evolving, staying at the forefront of medical advancements. Nursing creates strong interpersonal relationships. Collaboration with a diverse team of healthcare professionals creates a dynamic work environment. Nurses also become advocates and educators, empowering patients to take charge of their health. Finally, nursing provides financial stability and job security, given the global demand for healthcare professionals. Yet, its rewards go far beyond monetary compensation. It’s a field driven by empathy, resilience, and dedication, offering a unique blend of challenges and fulfillment. For those who are passionate about helping others, nursing is more than a career—it’s a calling that leaves a lasting impact on both the nurse and the community they serve.
David Jr Osunde
The University of Texas at ArlingtonCedar Hill, TX
Sometimes it feels that nurses are underappreciated in this current day and age. Nurses are the caretakers that every patient needs in order to feel welcome and safe when their health is in danger. When I become a future RN, I would hope to be able to help as many people as I can. I would also hope to one day open up my own health clinic that provides help to the less fortunate so that they can receive quality healthcare despite not having the appropriate resources. Having this scholarship would allow me to further my own goals whilst being hopeful for the future of nurses in America. As for the area of interest that I have for nursing, it would most definitely be mental health. In this current day and age, mental health problems have been running rampant and having RNs with good mental health qualifications against disorders like anxiety, schizophrenia, or depression can really help to improve the lives of suffering patients. As someone who has suffered through depression, I believe having more nurses that can understand the turmoil that these types of patients go through is beneficial for their treatment. Another reason as for why I would specifically want to work in mental health is due to my mother. My mom is a big inspiration to me and is one of the sole reasons of why I want to work as a mental health RN. My mom is a registered nurse who created her own mental health clinic that has been thriving in helping patients for at least the last 4 years. She took her own nursing skills and utilized them to create a business that has been helping patients with their mental disorders for years. I would like to one day be just a great a nurse, if not better, like her. The impact I would like to make on the world in regards to mental health would be to one day open up a clinic that specializes on the mental health needs of the underprivileged. We can never forget that there are those who are so unfortunate that they cannot afford the standard health practices of a regular clinic. In this world, the "little man" is forced to fend for themselves and while there are current government agencies that attempt to mitigate these problems, there is always room for improvement. I want those that are underrepresented to have the healthcare they need especially if they suffer from a mental disorder.
vondell nelson jr
Rasmussen College-FloridaPt Charlotte, FL
The decision to pursue a career in nursing has been a deeply personal and multifaceted journey, shaped by a combination of personal experiences, values, and aspirations that have guided me towards this rewarding and meaningful profession. One of the primary factors that influenced my decision to pursue nursing was my innate desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others and to serve as a compassionate advocate for those in need. From a young age, I have been drawn to roles that involve helping and caring for others, whether it was volunteering at a local hospital, assisting family members in times of illness, or simply offering a listening ear to those in distress. These experiences ignited a passion within me to pursue a career that would allow me to channel my compassion, empathy, and desire to make a difference into meaningful and impactful work. Additionally, my interest in healthcare and the human body further solidified my decision to pursue nursing. I have always been fascinated by the intricacies of the human body, the science behind illness and disease, and the ways in which healthcare professionals work together to promote healing and well-being. Nursing, with its emphasis on holistic care, critical thinking, and hands-on patient interaction, seemed like the perfect fit for me—a profession that would allow me to combine my love for science with my passion for helping others in a tangible and meaningful way. Furthermore, my own personal experiences with healthcare professionals played a significant role in shaping my decision to pursue nursing. I have been fortunate to have received care from compassionate and dedicated nurses who went above and beyond to ensure that my needs were met and that I felt supported and valued as a patient. These experiences left a lasting impression on me and inspired me to follow in their footsteps, to become the kind of nurse who makes a positive difference in the lives of patients and their families every day. Moreover, the diverse opportunities and career paths available within the field of nursing were also appealing to me. Nursing offers a wide range of specialties and settings, from bedside nursing in hospitals to community health, research, education, and beyond. This flexibility and variety appealed to my desire for lifelong learning, professional growth, and the opportunity to explore different areas of interest within the field. In conclusion, the decision to pursue a career in nursing has been a deeply personal and transformative journey, driven by my passion for helping others, my interest in healthcare and the human body, and my desire to make a positive impact in the lives of patients and their families. Nursing aligns perfectly with my values, aspirations, and strengths, and I am excited to embark on this rewarding and fulfilling career path that allows me to serve others with compassion, empathy, and excellence.
Fidelia Nguembou
University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmaha, NE

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jun 1, 2025. Winners will be announced on Jul 1, 2025.