College has always been something that I've looked forward to my entire life. Ever since I was young, I’ve known that I want to pursue a career that allows me to serve others. But while my passion for learning and helping others is strong, the financial road to get there has proven difficult. As a low-income student from a single-income household with four kids, raising enough money to go to college will be extremely difficult. While they’ve given me all the love and encouragement in the world, we simply don’t have the financial resources to cover the rising costs of tuition, books, housing, and other college expenses. That’s why this scholarship would mean everything to me—it would not only help make my college dream possible, but it would also allow me to focus on my studies and future rather than worrying constantly about money. I’ve been homeschooled my entire life, which has taught me the value of discipline, independence, and creativity. My education hasn’t just been about textbooks; it’s been about learning how to ask questions, explore my interests, and work hard even when no one is watching. These values helped me maintain a 4.0 GPA and get accepted into college, where I plan to pursue a degree in nursing. I’ve chosen this path because I want to be a hands-on helper in people’s lives—to be there when they’re hurting, to offer comfort, care, and hope. Becoming a nurse isn’t just a career goal for me; it’s a mission rooted in compassion and faith. In addition to academics, I’m passionate about extracurricular activities like volleyball, drama, and American Sign Language. I plan to continue being involved in college, especially on the volleyball team. These experiences have shaped my leadership skills, my confidence, and my ability to connect with others—skills that will be invaluable in nursing and in life. Despite my determination, college is expensive. I’ve been searching and applying for as many scholarships as I can, because I know every dollar counts. My parents have supported me every step of the way, but financially, they simply can’t shoulder the cost. I’m prepared to work during school if needed, but I don’t want that to take away from the time and energy I need to dedicate to classes and clinical work. Receiving this scholarship would relieve a huge burden and give me the freedom to focus fully on becoming the best student, nurse, and person I can be. I believe in working hard, staying hopeful, and making the most of every opportunity. This scholarship would be more than just financial help—it would be a vote of confidence in my dreams, my character, and my potential to make a difference in the world. Thank you for considering me.

What captivates our minds when loved ones are on the verge of death? Or when disease spreads rapidly and everyone is sick? What do we focus on? Health. Health is important because it affects every aspect of our lives, from physical well-being to mental and emotional stability. Good health enables us to perform daily activities, pursue our goals, and enjoy life to the fullest. Nurses are there to assist others in maintaining good health throughout their life, and play a crucial role in helping society through serving others. From a young age, I have always naturally cared for others. Growing up with many younger siblings, and lots of friends, I have always had a heart to server others. Whether through taking care of siblings, or comforting a friend in need, I have always found fulfillment in being a source of support. As I grew older and became more aware of the impact healthcare professionals have on individuals and families, my desire to become a nurse only deepened. Nurses are more than medical professionals; they are advocates, caregivers, and sources of strength in some of the most challenging moments of a person's life. I want to be a nurse because I believe that compassionate care can make all the difference in a patient’s journey to healing. One of the defining moments that influenced my decision to pursue nursing was witnessing the care my grandfather received after he suffered a stroke. Visiting him several times in a nursing home gave me firsthand insight into the responsibilities of nurses and the impact they have on their patients. I saw how a kind nurse could completely change someone's day, offering not only medical care but also companionship and encouragement. The compassion and dedication of those nurses left a lasting impression on me, reinforcing my desire to pursue this profession. Additionally, my experiences on mission trips to Mexico, Morocco, and Honduras have further shaped my passion for nursing. During these trips, I had the opportunity to visit addiction centers, disability centers, and schools, where I was able to care for the many people there. Many people need care, not only in the United states, but also around the world. Seeing the lack of access to proper healthcare in some of these communities was eye-opening, and it made me even more determined to be part of a profession that brings healing and hope to others. These experiences taught me the value of service, resilience, and the importance of treating every individual with dignity and respect. Many of my friends have told me that I would make a great nurse because of my caring and compassionate nature. Their words of encouragement have reinforced my belief that nursing is the right path for me. I am committed to making a difference in the lives of my future patients. Despite the challenges that come with the job—long shifts, emotional demands, and high-stress situations—I am prepared to meet them head-on because I know the reward of helping others far outweighs the hardships. This scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve my goal of becoming a nurse. As I prepare to enter college, I am eager to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional care to those in need. I am committed to using my education and experiences to be a source of light for my future patients, just as so many nurses have been for others. Nursing is more than just a profession—it is a calling to serve, to heal, and to make a meaningful impact. I am ready to answer that call.

Change is an essential part of life, and for me, one of the most significant changes I am pursuing is my journey to becoming a nurse. While I have always been more introverted, I am pushing myself to grow in confidence and communication so that I can better serve others. However, my deeper motivation for change is my desire to give people a second chance at life. Whether working in a local hospital or possibly serving in the military, I want to dedicate my time and skills to helping others recover from illnesses, injuries, or difficult situations. My passion for nursing stems from a deep sense of compassion for people who are suffering. I want to be there in moments of crisis, offering not only medical care but also reassurance and support. The idea that I could be a source of comfort to someone in their times of need, is something that is very special to me and it is what drives me forward. To bring myself closer to this goal, I have taken several steps. I have worked hard academically, ensuring that I am prepared for the rigorous coursework that comes with a nursing degree. I have also sought out opportunities to serve others, whether through volunteer work or assisting in community events. Additionally, I have. even on many missions trips, which have led me to grow more fond of helping others in need. These experiences have strengthened my determination and reinforced my belief that nursing is the right path for me. This scholarship would be a tremendous help in making my dream a reality. College is expensive, and pursuing a nursing degree comes with financial challenges. By receiving this scholarship, I would be able to focus more on my studies and less on the burden of student debt. It would allow me to fully commit to my education and clinical training, ensuring that I can become the best nurse possible for my future patients. However, I do not want to stop at just achieving my own goals—I want to pay it forward. Just as I am seeking support in my journey, I want to support others in theirs. In the future, I hope to mentor aspiring nurses, offering guidance and encouragement to those who are just beginning their own paths in healthcare. I also want to use my skills beyond the hospital walls, whether by volunteering for medical mission trips or helping those in underserved communities receive the care they need. My goal is to make a lasting impact, not just in the lives of my patients, but in the lives of future healthcare professionals as well. Change is never easy, but it is necessary for growth. My journey from an introvert to a more outgoing person is part of my larger mission—to become a compassionate, skilled nurse who makes a difference in the lives of others. This scholarship would not only ease my financial burden but also help me to give back to my community and beyond. I am committed to this path, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead to serve, heal, and inspire.

Wicked, the Broadway musical, captivates me in ways few other shows can. This reimagined story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good from The Wizard of Oz brings layers of emotion, perspective, and complexity to characters often painted as simply “good” or “evil.” For me, Wicked stands out for its storytelling, its moving music, and the way it reframes important life themes like friendship, identity, and acceptance. One reason I love Wicked is its nuanced storyline. Instead of showing Elphaba, the “Wicked Witch,” as purely villainous, the show delves into her experiences and struggles. Her “wickedness” turns out to be a misinterpreted series of events shaped by prejudice and misunderstanding, highlighting how easily people can judge others without understanding the full story. This complex portrayal reminds me that people are multi-dimensional and that our circumstances don’t always reflect our intentions. Although we might see someone as "bad" we haven't seen the entirety of their life or the struggles and trials that they have undergone. The music is another powerful element that makes Wicked unforgettable. Songs like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good” go beyond just great melodies—they connect deeply with emotions I’ve felt at different points in life. “Defying Gravity,” for example, resonates with the need to break free from others’ expectations, a theme that’s both liberating and inspiring. In contrast, “For Good” speaks to the impact people have on one another, reflecting on how friendships shape us and sometimes even change us forever. At its core, Wicked is a story about friendship, acceptance, and self-discovery. The relationship between Elphaba and Glinda begins in rivalry but grows into an enduring, transformative bond. Their friendship teaches the audience—and me—valuable lessons about seeing beyond appearances and embracing differences. The musical suggests that true friendships can thrive despite misunderstandings and differences, as long as there is empathy and growth. In sum, Wicked is more than just a musical; it’s a powerful narrative that speaks to our hearts about acceptance, individuality, and courage. It reminds me that people’s lives are rarely black and white and that each person has a unique story worth hearing. Wicked is a testament to the strength of friendship and the importance of not judging people for what they might look like on the outside.

Books have always been a welcome source of knowledge, inspiration, and guidance in my life. Whether I'm reading for school, for fun, or for relaxation, each and every book that I have read has offered me a new, unique perspective on life, helping me to shape my beliefs, values, and goals. Every book that I read opens up a new world of possibilities, and the blessing of having almost every book accessible to me at my public library is not something that I take lightly. Every book ranging from history to fantasy, and from theology to romance, has important information to offer to any reader willing to spend the time. One book that stands out as an influential part of my life, is Lies Young Women Believe by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth and Dannah Gresh. This book has not only provided me with spiritual insights, but has also profoundly influenced how I approach life in my pursuit of truth. This book digs deep into the lies that young women often encounter, such as false beliefs about their worth, identity, and purpose. Lies Young Women Believe emphasizes the importance of recognizing these lies as the work of the devil and encourages young women to seek the truth that can only be found in God's Word. This book has equipped me with the tools to combat all of the falsehoods that the devil tries to throw at women. It has also motivated me to anchor my identity and base my decisions off of Biblical truth rather than the ever-changing standards of the world. The lessons that I have learned from Lies Young Women Believe have significantly influenced my goals in life. One of my primary aspirations is to major in Biblical studies, a decision rooted in my desire to deepen my understanding of Scripture and equip myself to help other navigate the lies that can lead them astray. This book has reinforced my commitment to pursuing a degree in Biblical studies, and a life centered on God's truth. Books, such as this one, have encouraged me to know the importance of truth in my life, and have pushed me towards my goals in life. Additionally, this book has challenged me to be an example of truth for others. All women, young or old, struggle with the lies that swallow their lives. I hope to use my knowledge and experiences through reading, to guide others, helping them to discern truth from lies and to live out their God-given purpose. Beyond Lies Young Women Believe, the books that I've read have collectively taught me the value of knowledge. Whether through fiction or non-fiction, each story has offered me a new perspective in which to view the world and has contributed to much of my growth. From stories of characters who overcome adversity to theological works that challenge my understanding, reading has been a constant encouragement to me while continuing on my path of life. The books that I have read, have played a crucial role in shaping who I am today and who I aspire to become. They have taught me the importance of seeking truth, living with integrity, and setting goals that align with my faith. As I continue to read and learn, I am confident that the lessons I gain will continue to guide me toward a truth centered life.