Rex and Gladys Memorial Scholarship

My name is Ashlyn Montgomery, and I am currently pursuing my Associate Degree in Nursing with the ultimate goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. My path to this point hasn’t been easy, but every challenge I’ve faced has shaped me into the determined, compassionate, and resilient person I am today. I grew up with limited support my biological father was incarcerated when I was young and chose not to be a part of my life after his release. I was later adopted by my stepfather at age 12, but even then, I was largely expected to figure things out on my own. Once I started college, any financial or emotional support from my parents stopped, and I had to take full responsibility for my education and future. Despite the financial and emotional strain, I remained focused on my goals. I earned a full athletic scholarship to Bossier Parish Community College as a softball player, where I began my college journey. Later, I transferred to Lamar Institute of Technology to complete the prerequisites needed for nursing school. I earned my LVN license and am now enrolled in the Upward Mobility LVN-to-RN program. Throughout this journey, I have balanced my studies while working two jobs to support myself. It’s exhausting at times, but I know that everything I’m doing is an investment in a better future not just for me, but for the people I’ll care for as a nurse. I chose nursing because I want to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. I’ve always had a natural instinct to care for others, and being in the medical field allows me to do that every single day. Whether I’m holding a patient’s hand during a difficult diagnosis, advocating for them when they feel unheard, or stepping up during emergencies, I want to be the nurse who brings calm, clarity, and comfort. I’m especially passionate about working in emergency or critical care settings, where quick thinking and advocacy can be the difference between life and death. Through my medical career, I plan to serve not only as a healthcare provider but as a voice for those who don’t always have one. I want to challenge biases, fight for equitable care, and never forget the value of human connection in healing. This scholarship would relieve some of the financial pressure and allow me to continue chasing this purpose with everything I have. Thank you!