Sara Jane Memorial Scholarship

My interest in nursing began with a deeply personal experience that changed my life. My best friend since kindergarten, Allison, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer when we were 14. Throughout her treatment at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, I watched nurses become her anchor. They celebrated victories, comforted her through setbacks, and brought light to even the darkest days. Witnessing the compassion, skill, and unwavering presence of her nurses showed me that nursing is far more than a profession—it is a calling. Their compassion, presence, and love left a lasting impression on me; I aspire to become a pediatric oncology nurse and care for children and families with the same dedication. Since then, I have dedicated myself to preparing for that calling. I am currently a senior at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, where I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Beyond the classroom, I work as a Student Nurse Technician on an acute medicine floor at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, where I continue developing the skills needed to serve patients. One of my proudest accomplishments has been serving as a biology teaching assistant and tutor at St. Louis Community College. After being recommended by one of my professors, I tutored introductory biology, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology, working with students from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels. Watching students experience those “aha!” moments, celebrating their successes, and encouraging them through setbacks sparked a love of teaching that I never expected to discover. Those experiences taught me that education, whether in a classroom or at a patient’s bedside, has the power to change lives. While my long-term goal is to build my career as a pediatric oncology bedside nurse, I also hope to one day earn a Master of Science in Nursing Education and serve as an adjunct nursing instructor. Teaching would allow me to share my love of learning while helping prepare the next generation of safe, competent nurses. Even then, I envision teaching as an extension of my bedside career rather than a replacement for it, because I believe my greatest impact will always come through direct patient care. Outside of school and work, I continue to serve others. For the past two years, I have volunteered at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, where I read to children, play games, and support the developmental growth of patients with complex medical needs. Through this experience, I have developed a passion for improving childhood literacy. The children at Ranken Jordan have hospital stays ranging from months to years, often missing critical opportunities for learning and developmental growth. This places them at risk of falling behind their peers. I hope to help bridge that gap by fostering a love of reading and supporting children’s cognitive development during hospitalization. Inspired by this passion, I am implementing a literacy program at my public health clinical site, Almost Home, a residential and educational center that supports pregnant adolescents and young mothers living in poverty. Nursing is not simply a career choice for me; it is the calling God has led me toward. Allison’s life and the nurses who cared for her inspired me to pursue nursing. Her story is interwoven with mine. It changed my life. It gave me purpose. I would be honored to carry Sara Jane’s legacy forward by caring for pediatric oncology patients and their families with the same compassion, selflessness, and unwavering dedication that defined her 48 years of service. If, through my own career, I can inspire and serve others as she did, I will consider that a life well lived.

The nursing industry interests me because it combines science, compassion, and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives every day. I’ve always wanted to help others, but my passion for nursing grew deeply during my mom’s battle with thyroid cancer. Watching her go through surgery and radiation treatment was a frightening and emotional experience for my family. What stood out most to me were the nurses who cared for her. They didn’t just provide medical treatment; they also offered comfort, reassurance, and kindness. Their compassion helped my family stay hopeful and strong during a difficult time. Seeing their impact inspired me to pursue nursing as a career, where I can support patients and their families both physically and emotionally. My goal for a successful nursing career is to become a skilled and empathetic healthcare professional who provides excellent care and makes patients feel safe and heard. I want to continually learn and improve so I can adapt to new medical advances and the diverse needs of patients. Ultimately, I hope to specialize in a field where I can make a lasting difference, such as oncology or pediatrics, and become a leader who helps improve patient care practices. To prepare for this career, I have volunteered at UNC Rex Hospital, where I assist with tasks like delivering meals and helping patients navigate the hospital. This experience has given me insight into the healthcare environment and the teamwork it requires. I’ve seen firsthand how small acts of kindness, offering a smile or a listening ear can make a patient’s day better and ease their anxiety. Volunteering has strengthened my communication skills and confirmed my desire to work in healthcare. Additionally, my personal experience supporting my mom during her cancer treatment taught me resilience and patience. I learned the importance of emotional support in healing and the value of empathy in nursing care. These experiences have shaped my commitment to becoming a nurse who not only treats illness but also cares deeply for patients as individuals. My goals for my nursing career include serving in the U.S. Navy for a few years after I graduate from college. I want to combine my passion for healthcare with my desire to serve my country, and the Navy offers a unique opportunity to do both. Serving as a nurse in the military will allow me to gain valuable experience in a variety of medical settings, often in challenging and fast-paced environments. After my service in the Navy, I hope to further my education through their advanced programs to become a Nurse Anesthesiologist. This scholarship would help me cover educational costs and allow me to continue gaining the skills and experiences needed to achieve my nursing goals. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to pursue a career where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.