Hi, my name is Lauryn. I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and I am currently working part-time as a medical assistant at Froedtert Hospital while enrolled full-time at Milwaukee Area Technical College for an associate degree in Healthcare Service Management. Balancing work, school, and motherhood is not always easy, but every long day reminds me exactly why I am doing this. I am a single mom of one, and she is the greatest blessing I could ever have. Watching her grow up seeing her mother chase her goals is something I hope shapes who she becomes. I want her to know that no circumstance is too heavy to carry when your purpose is bigger than your challenges.
I first started in the healthcare field as a dietary aid at a nursing home before COVID. That role may seem small on paper, but it changed me in ways I did not expect. Walking those halls every day, delivering meals, and stopping to listen to a resident tell a story they had probably told a hundred times — that was where I found my calling. Working there and building genuine relationships with the residents really shaped my passion for people, especially the elderly. They have so much wisdom, are seen as mentors, and play important roles in people's everyday lives as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and community pillars. That kind of influence is something we can never have too much of.
Then COVID hit, and I watched how vulnerable we truly were. I saw how quickly isolation, understaffing, and lack of oversight could strip dignity away from people who had spent their entire lives giving to others. I realized that my passion was not just about showing up with a warm smile — it was about making sure the systems around these individuals were working the way they should be. I have a lot of respect for our elders and believe they deserve protection, love, compassion, and a helping hand at the very least. That belief is no longer just personal — it has become my professional mission.
That is what led me to pursue my degree in Healthcare Service Management. I wanted the knowledge and credentials to not only work within these systems but to improve them. My current role as a medical assistant at Froedtert has given me hands-on clinical experience, but my coursework is helping me understand the administrative, regulatory, and operational side of healthcare that I know will be essential to my long-term goals.
My plans in the healthcare field are to own or manage my own nursing home and, beyond that, to launch an inspection agency specifically for nursing homes and group homes. There is a real gap in accountability across these facilities, and families often have no reliable way of knowing whether their loved ones are being treated with the care they deserve. I want to be part of closing that gap — creating a layer of oversight that protects residents and holds facilities to a higher standard. Neglect in long-term care is not just a policy issue; it is a human rights issue, and I intend to treat it that way.
I also want to keep showing up as myself throughout all of it. My personality has created so many meaningful relationships already, and I want them to continue to grow and flourish. I believe that leadership rooted in genuine connection is what this field needs more of — and that is exactly the kind of leader I am working to become. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to making that vision a reality.
As a mother and adult student, returning to school to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse is both a professional and personal decision that reflects my deep commitment to both my family and my community. After several years of working as an eye technician, I realized that I wanted to broaden my skill set and expand my ability to care for others. Nursing offers an opportunity to make a more significant impact on people’s lives, and I am eager to take on the challenges and rewards that come with this important role.
Being a mother has shaped how I approach my education in profound ways. I understand that the best way to teach my children the importance of perseverance, hard work, and education is to lead by example. When I balance my responsibilities as a mother, wife, employee, and student, I practice self-discipline and focus. I know that the example I set now will not only help me succeed but will also inspire my children to value their education and continue their learning beyond high school. I want them to see that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passions and that education is a lifelong journey, no matter the challenges we face.
As an adult learner, I have developed a deep sense of responsibility and motivation. Unlike traditional students, I approach my studies with a clear understanding of how they will shape not only my future but also the future of my family. Balancing work, motherhood, and school is undoubtedly demanding, but I view every challenge as an opportunity to grow and improve. I know that my ability to manage these responsibilities will only serve to enhance my skills as a nurse, where time management, compassion, and resilience are essential qualities.
Nursing has always felt like the right career path for me. My experience as an eye technician has given me a solid foundation in patient care, but I am eager to expand my knowledge and take on more responsibilities within the healthcare field. As a registered nurse, I will have the opportunity to make a more significant difference in the lives of my patients, offering comfort, support, and medical expertise in their times of need. I am especially interested in working in patient care where I can provide both physical and emotional support to individuals navigating difficult health challenges.
This scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve my goals. It will allow me to continue my studies without the added stress of financial strain, and enable me to focus on what truly matters—acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to become a competent and compassionate nurse. With this education, I will not only be able to provide for my family but also contribute meaningfully to the well-being of others in my community.
Ultimately, I hope that my journey back to school serves as a reminder to my children—and to others in similar situations—that it’s never too late to follow one’s dreams. The hard work, sacrifices, and resilience required to balance family, work, and education are the very qualities that will make me a compassionate and dedicated nurse. I am excited about the opportunity to give back to my community and be a positive role model for the next generation.
Thank you for considering my application. This scholarship will play a vital role in helping me achieve my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse and making a lasting impact on the lives of others.
