My name is Alexis Meiers, and I am in the process of transforming my professional journey after more than a decade in the healthcare field. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of serving others during some of the most vulnerable and meaningful moments of their lives—whether it was holding a hand during a diagnosis, offering comfort during recovery, or simply being a calm presence in times of fear. These experiences have shaped me in profound ways, instilling in me a deep sense of empathy, resilience, and purpose. Healthcare taught me how to show up for people—not just physically, but emotionally. It gave me the ability to read between the lines, to listen with intention, and to be a source of support during times of uncertainty. And while I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to care for people in this way, over time I began to feel a pull in a new direction. I realized that while I was helping people heal on the inside, I also wanted to help them shine on the outside. I wanted to be part of their joy, their self-discovery, and their confidence. That realization led me to cosmetology. For many, cosmetology may seem like a simple career centered around beauty, but for me, it represents something far more powerful. It is a way to connect with people on a deeply personal level—to help them feel seen, celebrated, and empowered. Whether it's through a fresh haircut, a color transformation, or just a warm conversation in the chair, I want to create a space where clients feel safe to be themselves and leave feeling renewed. This career shift is more than just a change in profession—it’s a calling. It combines my passion for human connection with a creative outlet that allows me to express care and artistry in every detail. My ultimate goal is to open a studio that reflects my values: authenticity, kindness, and inclusivity. I envision a space that welcomes people from all walks of life, where beauty is not defined by trends but by confidence and self-love. Pursuing a new path as an adult comes with its own set of challenges. Leaving behind a steady career to start something new requires courage, planning, and a leap of faith. That’s why the support of this scholarship means so much. It would not only help relieve some of the financial burden of education, but it would also serve as an investment in my vision and commitment to serve others in a new capacity. I am ready to bring everything I’ve learned in my healthcare career into this next chapter—from my ability to connect and communicate, to my dedication to making others feel valued. I believe that beauty services, when offered with care and intention, can be transformative. With the help of this scholarship, I hope to gain the tools, training, and confidence to create meaningful change—one client, one conversation, and one moment at a time.

My name is Alexis Meiers, and I am in the process of transforming my professional journey after more than a decade in the healthcare field. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of serving others during some of the most vulnerable and meaningful moments of their lives—whether it was holding a hand during a diagnosis, offering comfort during recovery, or simply being a calm presence in times of fear. These experiences have shaped me in profound ways, instilling in me a deep sense of empathy, resilience, and purpose. Healthcare taught me how to show up for people—not just physically, but emotionally. It gave me the ability to read between the lines, to listen with intention, and to be a source of support during times of uncertainty. And while I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to care for people in this way, over time I began to feel a pull in a new direction. I realized that while I was helping people heal on the inside, I also wanted to help them shine on the outside. I wanted to be part of their joy, their self-discovery, and their confidence. That realization led me to cosmetology. For many, cosmetology may seem like a simple career centered around beauty, but for me, it represents something far more powerful. It is a way to connect with people on a deeply personal level—to help them feel seen, celebrated, and empowered. Whether it's through a fresh haircut, a color transformation, or just a warm conversation in the chair, I want to create a space where clients feel safe to be themselves and leave feeling renewed. This career shift is more than just a change in profession—it’s a calling. It combines my passion for human connection with a creative outlet that allows me to express care and artistry in every detail. My ultimate goal is to open a studio that reflects my values: authenticity, kindness, and inclusivity. I envision a space that welcomes people from all walks of life, where beauty is not defined by trends but by confidence and self-love. Pursuing a new path as an adult comes with its own set of challenges. Leaving behind a steady career to start something new requires courage, planning, and a leap of faith. That’s why the support of this scholarship means so much. It would not only help relieve some of the financial burden of education, but it would also serve as an investment in my vision and commitment to serve others in a new capacity. I am ready to bring everything I’ve learned in my healthcare career into this next chapter—from my ability to connect and communicate, to my dedication to making others feel valued. I believe that beauty services, when offered with care and intention, can be transformative. With the help of this scholarship, I hope to gain the tools, training, and confidence to create meaningful change—one client, one conversation, and one moment at a time.