Raquel Merlini Pay it Forward Scholarship

As a devoted single mother to two sons, ages 13 and 21—the elder currently navigating college life—I have continually encountered and overcome various life challenges. My journey took an unexpected turn in 2020 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer amidst my demanding career as a 911 dispatcher. Despite the grim diagnosis, I underwent surgery and radiation while maintaining my full-time job, a testament to my resilience and unwavering commitment to my family. The dual pressures of my health battle and professional obligations were immense, but they did not deter my spirit. I remained a beacon of strength and positivity, ensuring my children saw in me the embodiment of perseverance and hope. Balancing over 40 hours of work each week with my medical treatments was daunting, yet I managed to preserve an optimistic outlook, ensuring I remained present and supportive for my sons. The challenges I faced solidified my resolve, and in 2021, I decided to chase a long-held dream: becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). This decision was not made lightly, considering my circumstances—working full-time and raising two boys single-handedly. Yet, I embarked on this educational pursuit with the same tenacity I applied to every other aspect of my life. My academic journey was arduous, yet fulfilling. In 2023, I achieved a significant milestone by completing my RN degree, a feat that filled me with immense pride and offered a glimmer of hope for a brighter future. However, my thirst for knowledge and dedication to my personal and professional growth did not stop there. I chose to continue my education, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to deepen my expertise and enhance my ability to care for others. This continued educational pursuit is not merely for personal achievement but serves as a living lesson to my eldest son and others around me: challenges, no matter how daunting, can be surmounted with determination and hard work. I aim to be a source of inspiration and support, particularly to other single mothers who face their own sets of trials and tribulations. By sharing my story and extending a helping hand, I hope to foster a sense of community and resilience among those who may feel isolated by their circumstances. The journey has indeed been fraught with difficulties, especially when it comes to managing the financial aspects of both my and my son's education. Nonetheless, I approach each day with a steadfast resolve and a smile, determined to provide a better life for my children and to show them the value of hard work, resilience, and compassion. Becoming an RN was a significant milestone, but pursuing my BSN is the next step in my journey to not only better our lives but also to contribute more effectively to my community. The hardships I've endured have only strengthened my commitment to helping others, particularly those who feel overwhelmed by the weight of their struggles.

Whether you feel alone in your desire to return to college, it can be terrifying. One thing that separates single parents from other nontraditional students in higher education is the multitude of challenges they must overcome. Parenting by yourself is a difficult job. Having to balance your personal life, career, finances, and parenting all by yourself takes a great deal of fortitude, endurance, and kindness. For me, as a single parent, getting financial support is one of the biggest obstacles. Money is a major resource for raising children, since it is needed for everything from their schooling and extracurricular activities to meeting their basic needs for clothing, food, and shelter. Single parents like me often struggle to make ends meet with just one income source. Ultimately, receiving this scholarship would be more than a blessing. It would allow me to provide additional care after hours that daycare cannot fulfil while I am in clinicals and class three days a week. As a pursing psychiatric nurse, there are several passions and interests that drive me in in my career choice and that will make my work fulfilling and meaningful. I want to be able to provide advocacy, crisis interventions, and empowerment to my patients who will face these defeats. Six years ago, I faced a battle I never thought I would. As a survivor of child sexual abuse, I masked my depression, anxiety & PTSD for many years. It wasn’t until I was in my mid 20’s that I knew I needed help. Throughout those six years I have had many, many, lows but also many great days. I know how it feels to feel like you’re at your lowest, that no one understands and maybe there are no better days but, there are. As a single mother to two young children, I knew that it was important for me to take back control of my life, for myself but more so for my children who still need me more than anything! My experiences with mental health have significantly influenced my career aspirations. Witnessing the essential role mental health professionals play in my recovery has inspired me to pursue a career in this field. I am motivated to become a mental health nurse who can provide guidance, support, & compassion to those in need. My personal connection to mental health challenges will serve as a source of empathy and understanding, allowing me to connect with patients on a deeper level. Furthermore, my encounters with mental health have also led me to recognize the broader implications mental health has on society, particularly within marginalized communities. This has directed my career aspirations towards advocacy work, striving to increase access to mental health services for underserved populations, & working towards social change and improved mental health policies. My experiences with mental health have undoubtedly shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. The challenges I have faced have instilled a deep understanding and compassion for those living with mental health conditions. Through my personal journey, I have learned that our struggles with mental health do not define us, but rather, they create an opportunity for growth, resilience, & a chance to make a positive impact in the lives of others. I want to be able to continue to further my education to not only pave a way for a better, more comfortable life but, to be able to show my two young children that regardless of any bump in the road you may face in life that through prayer, hard work, and perseverance anything is possible!