I see my future not only as a nurse, but as a mother and a woman of faith, living out a calling that is bigger than myself. Nursing has given me direction, but my vision extends far beyond simply earning a degree. It is about becoming the kind of nurse who embodies compassion, strength, and faith in every interaction. My faith as a Christian reminds me that service to others is one of the greatest callings in life, and nursing allows me to live that out daily. Caring for others is not just a skill I am learning—it is an extension of the values I carry in my heart. Motherhood has also shaped the nurse I strive to be. Being a mother has taught me patience, sacrifice, and the power of unconditional love. These qualities spill into every aspect of my nursing journey, from the way I approach my studies to the way I connect with patients. My child has been my greatest motivation to keep going, even when the road feels long and difficult. I want to be someone my child can look up to, someone who shows that hard work, perseverance, and faith can overcome even the toughest obstacles. Looking ahead, I envision myself working in pediatrics and labor & delivery. These areas of nursing hold a special place in my heart because they represent the very beginning of life and some of the most precious, vulnerable moments families will ever experience. There is something sacred about welcoming new life into the world and something profoundly meaningful about caring for children when they are sick or in need. My dream is to provide not only excellent medical care but also comfort and encouragement to families, helping them feel seen, heard, and supported in moments that matter most. My vision does not end with completing this nursing program. I see myself continuing my education in the future, possibly becoming a nurse practitioner or pursuing another advanced specialty. I believe in pushing myself to grow so that I can give even more to the patients and families I serve. Education, to me, is not only about personal success but also about opening doors for my child and leaving a legacy of strength and determination. This scholarship would ease the heavy financial burden of my education and allow me to focus more fully on becoming the nurse I am called to be. My vision is to serve with compassion, guided by faith, and to make a lasting impact on the lives of mothers, children, and families for years to come.

My journey into nursing began when I earned my CNA and later worked as a Patient Care Technician. At first, I pursued those roles as a way to provide stability, but what I found was something much deeper. Every patient I cared for, every small comfort I was able to give, sparked a passion in me. Nursing became more than a career choice—it became a calling. That passion was strengthened by the care my cousin received while battling leukemia. Even in the midst of his suffering, the nurses around him gave him dignity, compassion, and comfort. They showed me that nursing is about so much more than procedures or treatments—it is about humanity. Watching their dedication made me realize that I wanted to bring the same light into other people’s darkest moments. Motherhood added an entirely new layer to that purpose. I was not a mother in high school, and nursing was not a path I considered then. But becoming a parent gave me focus and drive that I didn’t have before. It pushed me to rise above every challenge and reminded me daily of why I have to keep moving forward. Motherhood has made me a better student nurse because it has taught me patience, empathy, resilience, and the ability to put someone else’s needs before my own. These same qualities are the foundation of great nursing. My child has given me a reason to fight harder for my goals, and that strength shows up in my studies, in my clinical work, and in the way I approach every obstacle. For me, nursing is not simply about choosing a career—it is about transforming my personal experiences into purpose. It is about honoring the care that made a difference in my cousin’s final days. It is about showing my child that with determination, anything is possible. And it is about dedicating myself to a profession that allows me to combine compassion, skill, and perseverance in service of others. This scholarship would be a vital part of helping me continue this journey. It would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and less on financial stress, giving me the opportunity to grow into the kind of nurse I aspire to be. Nursing is where my passion and my purpose meet, and I am committed to finishing this path—not only for myself, but for my child, and for every patient whose life I may one day touch.

Being a single mother while pursuing my education has been one of the hardest, yet most rewarding journeys of my life. Every day is a balancing act between being present for my child and pushing myself to succeed academically, and there are times when the weight of responsibility feels overwhelming. Long nights of studying often come after full days of working and caring for my child, and in those moments of exhaustion I remind myself that this sacrifice is not only for my future, but for my child’s as well. There are many challenges—financial strain, lack of time, and the constant pressure of doing it all alone—but through it all, I have found a strength within myself that I didn’t know existed. Even when the days are hard, it has always been so easy to put my child above my own needs. Being a mother has reshaped the way I see the world, and it has given me a purpose that runs deeper than anything else. Simple moments—my child’s laughter, a hug after a long day, or the joy of seeing them grow—make every hardship worth it. My child has been my greatest motivation, the reason I push through the sleepless nights, the reason I continue to move forward even when the odds feel stacked against me. Motherhood has shown me that love and responsibility can fuel determination more powerfully than anything else. At times, it feels like my journey is uphill, but becoming a mother has made life so much sweeter. It has shifted my priorities, grounded me in gratitude, and ignited a fire within me to not only dream but to achieve. Nursing school is not just about building a career—it is about creating stability, security, and a future I can be proud to share with my child. My experiences as both a mother and a CNA have deepened my compassion, taught me resilience, and reinforced why I want to become a nurse: to provide the same care, patience, and strength to others that I give to my child. Though the road is difficult, I know it is worth every step. I want my child to look back one day and see that no matter how hard life became, I never gave up. Instead, I pushed forward, not just for myself, but for us. Receiving this scholarship would ease the burden I carry and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and my role as a mother. More than financial support, it would be an investment in a future nurse and, most importantly, a better future for my child.