In Texas, we’re raised to believe in the strength of community—neighbors helping neighbors, strangers stepping up in times of crisis, and young people growing into leaders through service. I’ve carried that belief with me through every chapter of my life, from earning badges in Girl Scouts to standing at attention in my Air Force Junior ROTC uniform. These experiences didn’t just shape who I am, they ignited my hope for the future and inspired my dream of becoming a trauma nurse. As a Girl Scout, I learned early that leadership begins with compassion. Whether I was organizing birthday boxes for local shelters or leading younger scouts through their first overnight camp, I saw how small acts of service could ripple outward. I remember one project in particular—serving Thanksgiving Dinner to thousands of less fortunate families. That moment planted a seed: I wanted to be someone who shows up when others are in need and I want them to feel loved and valued. That seed grew at Brennan High School in San Antonio, where I proudly wear the black and gold as a member of the Bears community. Through our AFJROTC program, I found a second family—one that taught me discipline, resilience, and the power of unity. But it was through the AFJROTC mentorship program that my path truly came into focus. I was paired with a younger student, a girl with behavioral challenges who had recently been in a serious car accident. She was bright, funny, and full of potential—but she carried the weight of being misunderstood and felt unseen. She told me about her experience in the emergency room, where a doctor dismissed her pain and treated her with impatience and judgment. Her story shook me. I realized that in her most vulnerable moment, she needed compassion—and didn’t receive it. That conversation changed everything for me. I didn’t just want to serve; I wanted to heal. I wanted to be the kind of nurse who listens, who sees the whole person, and who treats every patient with dignity, no matter what their background or behavior. I wanted to be the calm in the chaos, the steady hands in an emergency room, the person who brings hope when it’s needed most. That’s why I’m pursuing a career as a trauma nurse. I want to serve my Texas community not just in moments of celebration, but in moments of crisis. And I know that the spirit of service I’ve cultivated through Girl Scouts and AFJROTC will guide me every step of the way. This scholarship represents more than financial support. It represents a shared belief in the power of community and the promise of hope. I carry that promise with me every day, and I’m ready to turn it into action. Because here in San Antonio, and across Texas, we don’t just dream of a better future—we build it, together. And this GIRL is ready to lead the charge.

Hello there! I'm Abigail Patterson, but you can call me Abi. I was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and I've been living in San Antonio since 2015 when my dad’s job took us here. I'm in the middle of five kids—I've got an older brother, an older sister, and two younger sisters. My family has had its fair share of struggles. My parents haven't always been financially smart, and they've battled with addiction. There was a time when my siblings and I were taken away and placed with other family members. Both of my parents have been incarcerated, but they're working hard now to create a better life for us. Ever since I can remember, I've wanted to work in medicine. When I was eight, I was all about being a vet, then it shifted to surgery when I turned fourteen, and finally, by sixteen, I decided on nursing. The only thing I couldn't figure out was what specialty to choose. That is, until I met this amazing young girl. During my sophomore year, our AFJROTC program volunteered with students from a local elementary school who were having behavioral issues. One of the kids I mentored was a 5th-grade girl who felt invisible because of her tough family situation, and she struggled a lot with confidence and anxiety. I connected with her because I knew what it felt like to be unseen. One day, she got into a serious accident and needed lots of medical care. When I saw her, she shared her hospital experiences with me. One story stuck with me: her first encounter with a rude and dismissive doctor. She was already terrified and injured, and this person who was supposed to help her made her feel even worse. Hearing her story made me realize that my dream and purpose is to work in trauma care, helping people at their most vulnerable moments. I want to help people and their families in their greatest time of need. Nursing isn't just about medical skills; it's about empathy, support, and making a real difference when it counts. My dream is to become an Emergency Room Nurse who specializes in pediatric trauma. Financial support has always been a challenge for my parents, and I've seen them struggle with student loans from trade schools. The idea of going into debt scares me. I'll be the first in my family to attend a four-year college, and I need help with the financial part. Schreiner University has offered me the most scholarship money, so I'm hoping to go there. This scholarship will help bridge the gap in funding my education. I've worked super hard in high school, and I'm driven to achieve my goals. I have completed 4 years in health sciences and will be graduating as a certified Medical Assistant. I have also taken all AP classes and will graduate with 6 dual enrollment college credits. I'm ready for the next step, and I'm prepared to hit the ground running. Every bit of assistance I receive will be put to good use as I work towards serving my community in my future nursing career. Thank you so much for considering me!

Throughout my life, I’ve been lucky to have people who have guided, challenged, and inspired me. From my cheerleading as a young girl to my 10 years in Girl Scouts to my 4-year high school involvement in ROTC, there have been people committed to shaping my character, instilling discipline, and encouraging perseverance in me. To me, a coach is not just a leader or instructor; they are a mentor, a motivator, and a believer in my potential even when I struggle to see it myself. One of my earliest memories of coaching come from my time as a young cheerleader. At just six years old, I stepped onto the mats, unsure of my own strength or ability. My cheerleading coaches taught me more than just routines and chants—they instilled teamwork, dedication, and the courage to perform in front of others. They also taught me about doing everything with excellence - from schoolwork to our routines to chores. A coach is someone who pushes others beyond their perceived limits. In Girl Scouts, I learned that leadership is not just about taking charge but about uplifting those around me. Whether it was engaging in community service or mentoring younger scouts, my troop leaders encouraged me to do my best, to think critically, and to always strive to improve. They coached me to embrace challenges, take responsibility, and be courageous in my endeavors. This guidance has shaped my values and helped me develop the courage, confidence, and character I carry today. Similarly, in ROTC, my instructors reinforced the importance of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. They did more than teach drills or physical training—they cultivated a mindset of determination and accomplishing everything as a unified corp. There were moments when exhaustion or doubt crept in, but my coaches never let me give up. Their unwavering belief in me taught me that strength is not just physical—it’s mental, emotional, and rooted in perseverance. They showed me that failure is not an endpoint but a steppingstone toward success. As I prepare for my future in nursing, I realize how much these coaching experiences will continue to influence me. Nursing requires empathy, dedication, adaptability, and a deep commitment to helping others - qualities that my coaches have nurtured in me for years. Nurses coach their patients through recovery, mentor new colleagues, and constantly refine their own skills to provide better care. A great coach sees potential even in moments of weakness, fuels growth through encouragement, and instills values that last a lifetime. To me, a coach is someone who helps shape who we become. Thanks to the incredible coaches in my life, I step forward into my future with confidence, knowing that their lessons will always be a part of me.

Hello there! I'm Abigail Patterson, but you can call me Abi. I was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and I've been living in San Antonio since 2015 when my dad’s job took us here. I'm in the middle of five kids—I've got an older brother, an older sister, and two younger sisters. My family has had its fair share of struggles. My parents haven't always been financially smart, and they've battled with addiction. There was a time when my siblings and I were taken away and placed with other family members. Both of my parents have been incarcerated, but they're working hard now to create a better life for us. Ever since I can remember, I've wanted to work in medicine. When I was eight, I was all about being a vet, then it shifted to surgery when I turned fourteen, and finally, by sixteen, I decided on nursing. The only thing I couldn't figure out was what specialty to choose. That is, until I met this amazing young girl. During my sophomore year, our AFJROTC program volunteered with students from a local elementary school who were having behavioral issues. One of the kids I mentored was a 5th-grade girl who felt invisible because of her tough family situation, and she struggled a lot with confidence and anxiety. I connected with her because I knew what it felt like to be unseen. One day, she got into a serious accident and needed lots of medical care. When I saw afterward, she shared her hospital experiences with me. One story stuck with me: her first encounter with a rude and dismissive doctor. She was already terrified and injured, and this person who was supposed to help her made her feel even worse. Hearing her story made me realize that my dream and purpose is to work in trauma care, helping people at their most vulnerable moments. Nursing isn't just about medical skills; it's about empathy, support, and making a real difference when it counts. Financial support has always been a challenge for my parents, and I've seen them struggle with student loans from trade schools. The idea of going into debt scares me. I'll be the first in my family to attend a four-year college, and I need help with the financial part. Schreiner University has offered me the most scholarship money, so I'm hoping to go there. This scholarship will help bridge the gap in funding my education. I've worked super hard in high school, and I'm driven to achieve my goals. I'm ready for the next step, and I'm prepared to hit the ground running. Every bit of assistance I receive will be put to good use as I work towards serving my community in my future nursing career. Thank you so much for considering me