Being diagnosed with ADHD this past summer was like finally finding the missing puzzle piece to my educational journey. For years, I knew I learned and focused differently from my peers, but I didn’t have the language to explain why. When I finally received my diagnosis, everything started to make sense—the late nights trying to focus, the constant battle to stay organized, and the rollercoaster of motivation that came with every new project. At first, the diagnosis was overwhelming. I had to rethink how I approached learning, time management, and self-compassion. But in that process, I also felt a sense of relief and clarity. I realized that ADHD wasn’t a personal failure, it was simply part of how my brain works. That understanding became the first step toward learning how to succeed on my own terms. Over the past few months, I’ve started developing strategies that work with my brain rather than against it. I use color-coded planners, set alarms and timers to keep myself on track, and break large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. I’ve also learned to celebrate progress instead of perfection. Therapy and mindfulness have helped me manage the mental clutter and keep my focus grounded, while also teaching me to give myself grace when things don’t go perfectly. Rather than holding me back, ADHD has encouraged me to become more creative, empathetic, and adaptable. I’ve learned to find new ways to engage with material—through visuals, discussion, and hands-on practice—and I’ve grown more understanding toward others who struggle silently with their own challenges. My diagnosis has become less of a label and more of a key to self-awareness. These lessons are also shaping the kind of nurse I hope to become. As a student of Integrative Health Nursing, I believe deeply in treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. My experience with ADHD has reinforced my belief that every individual deserves care that recognizes their unique needs and ways of thinking. In the future, I want to advocate for patients who, like me, have felt misunderstood or overlooked in traditional systems. Being diagnosed with ADHD has been both humbling and empowering. It hasn’t made my academic path easier, but it’s made it more authentic. I’ve learned that thriving isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about discovering how to make your differences work for you. ADHD may make my path a little more winding, but it’s also made it brighter. It’s taught me creativity, persistence, and the power of self-acceptance. Most importantly, it’s shown me that success isn’t about being perfect—it’s about continuing to show up, grow, and sparkle in your own way.

My experience with mental health began when I was sixteen, when I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. At that age, I did not yet understand what it meant to live with an invisible illness. Over time, I learned that mental health challenges are not signs of weakness, but opportunities to build resilience, self-awareness, and compassion. These lessons have shaped not only my personal life but also my academic and professional goals. Last semester, I lost my college roommate, Ellery, to an overdose involving her mental health medication. Ellery was a dance major, a creative and passionate person who brought light to every room she entered. Her loss was devastating and forced me to confront grief in a very personal way. It also deepened my understanding of the importance of mental health awareness, access to care, and supportive community. Living with anxiety and depression while processing this loss was extremely challenging. There were times when maintaining focus on my education felt difficult. However, I made a conscious decision to continue moving forward and to seek the support I needed. I began therapy, practiced meditation, and incorporated herbalism into my daily life as part of an integrative approach to healing. These methods helped me find balance and control, and they also reinforced my belief in the value of holistic care. Through these experiences, I have become deeply committed to the field of Integrative Health Nursing. I believe that healthcare must address both the physical and emotional dimensions of a person’s well-being. Too often, mental health is treated as separate from physical health, when in reality they are closely connected. My goal as a nurse is to advocate for approaches that recognize the full complexity of each patient’s experience, integrating mindfulness, lifestyle practices, and evidence-based care to support healing. My academic focus reflects this belief. I am pursuing nursing with an emphasis on integrative and preventive care, aiming to develop both clinical expertise and a strong foundation in holistic wellness. I plan to continue my education through specialized training in mental health nursing and integrative therapies. Professionally, I want to work with women and underserved populations, where stigma and limited access often prevent people from seeking mental health support. Managing my own anxiety and depression is an ongoing process, but it has made me stronger and more empathetic. It has taught me patience, persistence, and the importance of community support. My recovery is not about eliminating challenges but learning to live in a way that acknowledges them while continuing to grow. Ellery’s death was a painful reminder of how essential it is to create a system where mental health struggles are met with understanding and accessible care. Her memory motivates me to contribute to that change. I want to use my education and lived experience to help others find stability, hope, and confidence in their ability to heal. This scholarship represents more than financial assistance to me—it symbolizes recognition of the strength it takes to persevere through mental health challenges and transform them into purpose. I hope to honor that mission by continuing to pursue my education, expanding awareness of mental health care, and using my nursing practice to support others on their own paths toward healing and recovery.

Loss has a way of changing everything. When my roommate died by suicide last semester, it was as if time stopped. The routines that once felt ordinary—class, meals, sleep—suddenly became monumental tasks. The silence that followed her passing was heavy and unrelenting, and anxiety quickly settled in as an unwelcome companion. I had to relearn how to live in a world that no longer made sense, and in doing so, I discovered the quiet kind of strength that comes from simply continuing to show up. At first, I didn’t recognize this as perseverance. I just knew I wanted to honor her memory by continuing to move forward, even when that meant taking very small steps. Over time, those steps began to lead somewhere. I reached out for therapy, which helped me understand that grief is not something to “get over” but something to carry differently. I began practicing meditation and herbalism, finding peace in stillness and purpose in nature. These practices didn’t erase my pain, but they helped me rebuild a relationship with myself. My loss also changed the way I view health and healing. I had already been studying nursing, but I found myself drawn to Integrative Health, where the focus extends beyond treating symptoms to caring for the whole person; mind, body, and spirit. In the wake of my roommate’s death, I had a personal experience show how mental and emotional well-being are inseparable from physical health. I want to be the kind of nurse who understands this connection, who sees her patients not just as cases, but as human beings carrying their own stories of struggle and resilience. Grief has taught me empathy in a way nothing else could. I know what it feels like to sit in the depths of loss, to struggle with anxiety, to feel uncertain about the future, and I also know the profound impact that kindness, understanding, and genuine care can have in those moments. That knowledge shapes the kind of nurse I hope to become. I want to bring compassion into every interaction, to remind people that healing takes many forms, and to be a calm presence for those going through what feels unbearable. Balancing school, grief, and my own healing has not been easy. I’ve learned that even after loss, life can be rebuilt, piece by piece, into something new and beautiful. My experiences have given me a deeper sense of purpose, both in my education and in the kind of future I want to create for myself and others. Losing someone changes you, but it doesn’t have to end your story. My roommate’s memory continues to guide me in my work, reminding me of the importance of empathy, connection, and hope. Through nursing, I want to help others rediscover those same things—to show that even in the face of deep loss, there is always a path forward. In many ways, this scholarship’s mission, to honor loved ones through the perseverance of those left behind, mirrors my own journey. I know firsthand that moving forward after loss requires courage. But I’ve also learned that it opens the door to extraordinary growth, compassion, and strength. I carry that understanding with me every day, both as a nursing student and as a person who believes deeply in the healing power of love, resilience, and purpose.

My interest in nursing comes from a deeply personal place. Like many women and AFAB (assigned female at birth) individuals, I struggled for years with reproductive health concerns that were quickly dismissed or met with one-size-fits-all solutions. I was prescribed hormonal birth control as the default answer to my symptoms without conversation about the root causes or alternative options. Although birth control helps many people, I felt reduced to a protocol rather than seen as a whole person. That experience sparked my curiosity and ultimately led me to question how we approach healing in modern healthcare. Over time, this curiosity grew into a passion for women’s health and a commitment to becoming the kind of provider I once needed: someone who listens deeply, offers options, and empowers patients with education and not just prescriptions. I am currently majoring in professional nursing with a minor in integrative health to prepare for a career as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. My goal is to offer care that is inclusive, evidence-based, and rooted in a holistic understanding of the body and mind. I want to serve communities that have often been underserved, particularly women of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, by providing care that respects both identity and lived experience. To support this vision, I’ve actively pursued opportunities that reflect my values. One of my most impactful experiences was a course called Compassionate Care for Nursing, which integrated yoga, mindfulness, and emotional presence into clinical training. This course culminated in a service-learning trip to Puerto Rico, where I learned about culturally grounded healing practices and saw how community, spirituality, and tradition play essential roles in health. That trip expanded my understanding of what healing can look like beyond the clinical model and reaffirmed my belief in the importance of whole-person care. This summer, I am continuing my education with a course in plant-based healing medicine. I’m especially excited to learn about natural approaches to hormonal balance, stress management, and chronic illness prevention. I believe that understanding both medical science and natural remedies will make me a more versatile, responsive nurse who can meet patients where they are. Although I haven’t completed a formal hospital internship yet, I’ve engaged in several service-learning and experiential courses that have offered direct exposure to patient-centered care. These experiences, combined with my academic foundation and personal journey, have shaped me into a future nurse who is not only clinically competent but deeply compassionate. Ultimately, nursing is not just a career choice—it’s the intersection of my lived experiences, academic interests, and desire to serve. I’m pursuing this path to be a part of a healthcare system that honors the full humanity of every patient, and I’m committed to making that vision a reality.

At fifteen, I started weightlifting in a garage with a personal trainer named Brittany. I was anxious, uncertain, and afraid of being seen struggling. But each session taught me something essential: that showing up for yourself, even when it’s hard, is the first step toward healing. Lifting weights wasn’t just about building physical strength; it was how I began to take up space in the world, in my body, and eventually, in my purpose. That journey is what led me to a career in nursing. I want to pursue a degree in nursing because I believe healthcare should do more than treat symptoms – it should help people reclaim their bodies, their choices, and their confidence. I am especially passionate about women’s health because I know how frustrating and isolating it can feel to be told your concerns are “normal.” Living that experience made me curious, then determined, to learn more about the body and how healing can happen through both science and compassion. I am currently pursuing a major in nursing with a minor in integrative health. I aspire to become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner who provides care to AFAB individuals that is inclusive, informed, and grounded in holistic healing. I’ve taken courses that reflect this passion, such as “Compassionate Care for Nursing,” which included mindfulness and yoga training, and a service-learning trip to Puerto Rico where I explored culturally grounded healing practices. This summer, I’m continuing that education by studying plant-based medicine, deepening my understanding of how nutrition and herbal care can support hormonal and emotional health. My background in fitness has taught me that health is a deeply personal matter. Lifting helped me manage my mental health, conquer anxiety, and discover that struggle doesn’t equal failure. That same mindset now drives me academically and professionally. I want to help my future patients feel safe, seen, and empowered in their own healing journeys. That includes offering education about preventative care, listening without judgment, and advocating for people whose experiences may have been dismissed by the system. As a nurse, I hope to contribute to my community by offering a new model of care—one that blends the best of medical science with integrative approaches that honor the whole person. I want to be a provider who not only writes prescriptions but also provides options, tools, and long-term strategies for wellness. I envision working with underserved communities, particularly women of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, to provide access to respectful, culturally aware, and holistic health services. Nursing is more than a career for me–it’s the intersection of every lesson I’ve learned about strength, compassion, and advocacy. It’s where science meets soul. I’m not just pursuing a degree; I’m building the foundation to change the narrative for those who deserve better. I’m committed to making healthcare a space where everyone has the right to be heard, to heal, and to thrive.

I was fifteen the first time I picked up a barbell. At the time, I didn’t know I was starting more than a workout routine; I was starting a revolution within myself. Lifting weights became the way I learned to take up space. At a time when my mental health made me feel small, anxious, and out of control, strength training gave me something solid, something I could build on. Every push-up and deadlift helped quiet the voice in my head that told me I wasn’t good enough unless I was perfect. For the first time, struggling didn’t mean failing. It meant growing. It wasn’t easy: I used to sit in my car for twenty minutes before going into the gym, playing out every scenario where I might embarrass myself. But I made myself a promise: I would give myself one minute to get out of the car and walk in—no time to overthink. Just action. And that habit changed my life. I started showing up for myself. First in the gym, then in other parts of my life—at school dances, basketball games, spontaneous road trips. I no longer avoided challenges. I began living more fully, more confidently. That same commitment to showing up is what drives me today as I pursue a career in nursing. I am currently majoring in nursing with a minor in integrative health because I want to bridge the gap between physical, emotional, and preventative care. I believe wellness is more than symptom management; it’s about empowerment, education, and options. That belief is personal, especially as someone who was once told that hormonal birth control was her only solution for hormonal imbalance. It wasn’t. And I want to be a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner who helps AFAB individuals know they have choices, too. My academic journey reflects that mission. I’ve taken a class called Compassionate Care for Nursing, where I practiced mindfulness and yoga and traveled to Puerto Rico to study culturally rooted healing. That experience showed me how much power there is in blending science with compassion. This summer, I’m taking a course in plant-based healing medicine to deepen my understanding of how food and herbs can support the body holistically. Mental, emotional, and physical health aren’t separate. They are threads of the same story. My story began with one small act of courage, walking into a gym, and has grown into a life devoted to showing others how strong and whole they truly are. Wellness is about showing up for yourself when it’s hardest to. It’s setting boundaries, asking questions, lifting heavy, and believing you deserve to heal. This scholarship would help me continue building a future where I can offer that kind of care to others—care that sees them, honors them, and reminds them they’re allowed to take up space, too.

My name is Abi, and I am pursuing nursing because I believe healthcare should be compassionate, empowering, and deeply rooted in understanding the whole person. My ultimate goal is to become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner who combines clinical knowledge with holistic healing to support AFAB (assigned female at birth) individuals in reclaiming their health, not just managing symptoms, but healing at the root. My interest in women’s health is both personal and purposeful. Like many others, I was once told that hormonal birth control was the only option for managing reproductive health issues. While birth control can be helpful for many, I was frustrated by how quickly it was offered as a one-size-fits-all solution, without exploring alternatives or looking at the bigger picture of my well-being. That experience sparked something in me. I started asking questions about hormones, nutrition, stress, trauma, and how all of these affect our bodies in ways medicine doesn’t always address. I didn’t want to silence my symptoms, but instead understand them. Since then, I’ve committed myself to becoming the kind of nurse who gives patients more than quick fixes. I want to provide education, options, and real partnership in healing. That’s what led me to nursing—and more specifically, to a future in holistic women’s health. To prepare for this path, I’ve pursued both academic and experiential opportunities within my integrative health minor that expand my understanding of whole-person care. I recently completed a course called "Compassionate Care for Nursing," which included a service-learning trip to Puerto Rico. There, I witnessed how culture, environment, and community shape our approach to health and healing—lessons that profoundly influence how I want to practice nursing. This summer, I’m taking a course in plant-based healing medicine to learn more about natural remedies, nutrition, and prevention. I’m especially excited to use this knowledge to support hormonal balance, menstrual health, and stress management—all areas where many AFAB individuals feel dismissed or misunderstood in conventional care settings. What excites me most about nursing is the ability to combine science and compassion. As a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, I aim to develop a care model that respects individuals' autonomy, centers on their stories, and provides tools for healing that extend beyond prescriptions. Whether it’s helping someone understand their cycle, supporting fertility naturally, or creating care plans that include both evidence-based medicine and herbal support, I want my patients to know they have options. This journey isn’t just about me becoming a nurse; it’s about helping others feel seen, supported, and empowered in their bodies. Thank you for considering my application.

Receiving this scholarship would have a profoundly positive impact, both financially and personally. As I pursue a career in nursing, I am committed to expanding the definition of healthcare, one that not only treats illness but nurtures wellness. This funding would alleviate the financial burden of tuition and enable me to fully engage in experiences that are shaping me into the kind of nurse I aspire to be: one who listens deeply, honors the whole person, and offers more than a prescription to cover symptoms. This past year, I took a class called Compassionate Care for Nursing, which integrated mindfulness and yoga with a focus on emotional presence and holistic healing. The course culminated in a transformative trip to Puerto Rico, where I learned about culturally rooted healing practices and saw firsthand how community, tradition, and spirituality are vital components of health. That experience reinforced my belief that true healing goes beyond biology—it includes breath, balance, and belonging. This summer, I am continuing my journey by enrolling in a course on plant-based healing medicine. I'm excited to explore the medicinal properties of herbs, foods, and natural remedies, especially as tools for prevention and chronic care. Understanding how nature can support the body’s natural ability to heal will be essential to the kind of nurse I want to be: one who offers patients options, guidance, and preventative measures, not just a list of medications to mask their symptoms. This scholarship would not only support my coursework but also allow me to seek out workshops, certifications, and clinical experiences that emphasize integrative care. I hope to work in settings where I can combine evidence-based medicine with complementary practices like breathwork, nutrition counseling, herbalism, and patient education. So many people feel unheard or misunderstood in traditional healthcare settings; I want to change that. I want to be the kind of nurse who sees the full picture and helps patients feel empowered in their own healing. Ultimately, I hope to make holistic care more accessible, especially for communities that have been historically marginalized or underserved. Wellness should not be reserved for the privileged; I firmly believe it should be woven into all levels of care, from prevention to treatment to long-term well-being. This scholarship is more than financial assistance; it's an investment in a new vision for healthcare. With your support, I can deepen my education, serve my community with greater knowledge and compassion, and help build a system where healing is not just reactive but deeply rooted in care, connection, and choice. Thank you for considering me.

My community, Bethel, Vermont, has its share of people experiencing food insecurity. Growing up, many of my friends relied on school as their only meal. When Christmas came around, they never got any presents. With so many people struggling around me, I knew I had to make a difference. I started volunteering at the Bethel Foodshelf’s Project “Happy Holidays” in 2021. Starting in November, we would assemble and deliver Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. During that time, we would collect presents and put up donation boxes around the surrounding area. In December, we held an event where families could come in and pick out toys, decorations, and even a Christmas tree. It was so much fun being able to help these people pick out toys for their kids. I often knew the families, so I could find toys I knew their kids would like. When school was back in session, I heard kids on the bus talking about their Christmas presents, and the light in their eyes made me so happy. Ever since then, I have been volunteering for Project Happy Holidays. After volunteering over the holidays, I realized many of my peers struggled, especially in high school. I noticed that when snacks were available, my friends would take them home for their siblings (often not having any for themselves). A teacher of mine mentioned starting a food pantry at the school, and I was all for it. I became the student manager, advertising, stocking, and inventorying the pantry. I ensured my peers knew that the food pantry was available to them any time of the day, and it wasn’t limited to people who “needed” it. If someone was hungry, they could get food. This removed some stigma, and the food pantry became a hit. It will be offered this summer and the next school year. Seeing and experiencing food insecurity in my community has made me aware of how important access to healthy food is. I will continue to provide families with food wherever I am. Although food security is a big part of the service I provide to people, I am now also going into nursing. I want to work in women's health so that I can give back to other women that may not have provided the proper care they need. I was going to go into school for nutrition, but instead I am going to use a nutrition background to provide the patients I care for with everything they need. Whether that be food/nutrition assistance, physical care, or just someone to talk to.

I have learned to be a compassionate person, and I use that to make the world a better place. I learned to be compassionate when I was shown kindness by someone even though I was quiet and shut down. This person understood who I was, and I was able to open up and become a kinder person. I now follow in the footsteps of that person, making sure I go out of my way to make sure other people feel safe, happy, and understood. As I learned to be compassionate by being shown kindness and understanding, I hope that others learn as well, ultimately making the world a little bit kinder, one person at a time. In its simplest form, compassion is understanding people for who they are. When people feel misunderstood, they often become shut down or even violent. They don’t feel comfortable enough to be who they are or talk about their feelings. When they are given compassion, they tend to be kinder to themselves and others. In extreme examples, compassion can end a war. When people feel understood, they don’t have to fight for themselves and what they believe in. One large way I show compassion is through my volunteer work at a food-shelf and a horse farm. My volunteer work at the local food shelf is during the holiday season. I make decorations, deliver meals, and offer presents to those who may not have the time or finances to be able to. Over the past few years I have made a difference in so many childrens Christmas mornings just by volunteering a few of my weekends in November and December. Not only do I volunteer during the holiday season, but I also volunteer year-round at a horse farm. I do chores for the owners, but I also help facillitate camps and lessons to younger children. The farm I volunteer at is a non-profit, and though people can pay to do lessons and camps, they also have a needs-based financial program to allow any kids to come to the farm. For some kids connecting with the horses is the highlight of their day, and I am so grateful to be a part of it. Though it is hard work spending 3 hours 3 times a week at the farm, spreading the joy of connecting with animals and learning about them makes all of it worth it. Showing compassion in big organizations is important, but showing it everday is what really makes a difference in people's lives. Thought I volunteer with organizations, I try to spread my kindness every single day regardless of where I am. This might mean buying my friend her favorite coffee, offering a kid in my english class help with his essay, or just picking garbage up in public places. I don't care who I'm helping, because I don't need to be benefited by helping someone. I want to see the world become a better place, and I truly believe that by helping someone out with their job or suprising them with a kind gesture will make them a kinder person, too. By spreading my kindness to other people, I hope to inspire them to do the same.