Alzheimer’s is a disease that no one wishes upon themselves, family members or friends. The person suffering often does not realize the life they are living or the road their family is traveling to assist them with the best possible care and lifestyle. If you are not close by the person suffering it can take quite some time to realize there could be a problem, even with frequent phone calls. For my family, my maternal great-grandfather, Hugh Allen Gourley, suffered from Alzheimer’s and related dementia. Years prior he and my great-grandmother asked my mother to be in charge of his healthcare if it ever became an issue. Grandpa Hugh had two children, Dennis and Patricia both that passed prior to him. He chose his eldest granddaughter to be his healthcare surrogate, and responsible for his end of life wishes years prior to his condition worsening. Around age 84 the family noticed he needed full care and help. Hugh loved his farm dearly and did not want to leave. Our family hired a full time caregiver to assist since we lived about 5 hours away. After about a year we found that he still was not getting the full care he deserved and moved him to stay closer at a memory care unit in Jacksonville, Fl. This allowed us to visit with him 4-5 times a week. These type of memory care facilities are a blessing and the biggest reason why I felt led to go to school for nursing. This scholarship will assist me to further my education to become one of these hero’s that helped my great-grandfather. Prior to the facility our family tried to accommodate him comfortably at home, but we found quickly that it was unsafe for him. The person I grew up with around the farm, that could tell us how to ride a horse, ride a tractor, fix a tractor, plant any vegetable and grow it had changed in so many different ways. At night he often didn’t understand where he was and would try to leave our home. He often didn’t understand why he could not drive or go back to the farm. We learned first hand what sundowners is and that no matter how much you read about it, it is much more terrifying in person. Through so many obstacles in over a month of my family was able to find a safe, clean memory care unit. He had his own personal room and bathroom that we were able to decorate to help remind him of the farm. He came to think that room was the farm after a few weeks of settling in. So many pictures and memories hung on those walls. During our visits he would sometimes tell his own stories of the pictures. We would read the Bible to him, bring his favorite foods and bring many things to keep him comfortable. He often would attend their art classes and Bible study’s. He really enjoyed their outdoor garden. He passed away fall of 2022 but my family was forever changed at the experience of seeing first hand the difference this disease can make. We only felt comfort realizing that we provided him the safest environment to help manage his disease.

Anyone can become a teacher but not everyone can impact students for a lifetime. In my years I have come across many remarkable teachers and so many have touched my life and made an impact. Reading about David Foster two teachers come to mind that really make me passionate about my life and future. Mrs. Tammy Roberts is in charge of many clubs, organizations, and internships at West Nassau High school. Mrs. Brianna Bishop also is involved in many classes, internships, and clubs along with coaching the West Nassau girls bowling team.  While Mrs. Tammy Roberts is involved in many clubs, organizations, and internships. She has impacted my life by opening my mind up to new ideas, challenging me as a student, and creating a bond of going above and beyond for me always. Mrs. Roberts is my advisor for Key Club, Chick Fil La club, and my advisor for the West Nassau VyStar Internship program. Throughout my time at West Nassau Mrs. Roberts has always been a kind and supportive teacher that I could come to in time of need or advice on any given situation. She has always been one of my favorite teachers that has continuously created a lifelong impact on my life and future. From the times of running for vice president in key club, to becoming color guard captain for 3 years, and even applying for my schools Certified Nursing Assistant program for senior year she has been there every step of the way. Even though Mrs. Tammy Roberts is retiring this year. I know if I ever need anything I could come to her for advice and assistance. Just as David Foster Mrs. Tammy Roberts has changed the lives of thousands of students and made forever impacts. Last but definitely not least Mrs. Brianna Bishop while being involved in countless clubs, classes and internship and being a coach for the girls bowling team has made a huge impact on my life and future goals. Mrs. Bishop is the advisor for Future Business Leaders of America, Chick Fil La club, Future Christian Athletes, and the new advisor for the West nassau highschool VyStar Internship program. I had Mrs. Bishop as a teacher starting in the tenth grade in my college class from there on I knew Mrs. Bishop was going to play such an important role in my life. She has always had a friendly and welcoming classroom to anyone who walks through her door and has changed the lives of so many students. Mrs. Bishop has always been there for me whether it was personal problems going on in my life, a leadership application I was applying for, or even a Senior opportunity I was trying to get into. Mrs. Brianna Bishop has never once said no to writing me a recommendation letter or putting in a good word for me as a person. She is an amazing coach who is always uplifting the girls even when we aren't bowling as well as usual and has never once discouraged us. Mrs. Bishop has created a vibrant environment for not only me but other students and has created  a tremendous impact on my life.  She has made such an impact on students' lives and their futures just as David Foster. Both Mrs. Tammy Roberts and Mrs. Brianna Bishop has supported and encouraged students in everything they do including myself. Without these two teachers my high school life and even my future may not be what it is today. These two ladies have made a forever impact on my life, career, and future goals to come.