I have chosen to pursue a degree in healthcare because I believe serving others through compassion, skill, and dedication is one of the most meaningful paths a person can take. Healthcare is more than a profession, it is a calling that combines science with humanity. For me, that calling began eight years ago when I started working in the healthcare field. Every patient I cared for, every challenge I encountered, and every lesson I learned solidified my desire to continue advancing in this field. Pursuing a degree in radiology is the next step in expanding my ability to provide quality care and make a difference in people’s lives. During my years in healthcare, I have witnessed how crucial accurate information and patient-centered care are in the healing process. Patients often arrive anxious, uncertain, and vulnerable. Being able to comfort them, listen to their concerns, and ensure they feel supported has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. These moments inspired me to continue my education so that I could play a more direct role in patient outcomes. Radiology stood out to me because of its vital role in diagnosis and treatment. Imaging allows providers to detect conditions early, often before symptoms worsen, giving patients the best chance for recovery. To me, becoming a radiologic technologist is not only about working with advanced technology but also about being part of a team that changes and even saves lives. As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to make a positive impact by serving as both a caregiver and a role model. Women have always played an essential role in healthcare, often balancing strength, empathy, and resilience in ways that inspire trust and comfort in patients. I want to carry that tradition forward by providing care that combines technical expertise with genuine compassion. Patients remember how you made them feel just as much as the treatment they received. I want each patient I encounter to feel respected, understood, and cared for. Beyond patient care, I also hope to use my journey to inspire other women, especially those who may feel uncertain about their ability to succeed in healthcare or higher education. Balancing long work hours, financial responsibilities, and the decision to return to school has not been easy, but it has shown me the power of perseverance. By sharing my story and supporting others, I hope to encourage more women to pursue careers in healthcare, reminding them that their voices, talents, and compassion are needed now more than ever. Ultimately, my decision to pursue a degree in healthcare comes from a deep desire to serve and uplift others. I see my education not only as a personal achievement but as an investment into the lives I will touch in the future. Whether it is through providing accurate imaging for a diagnosis, offering comfort to an anxious patient, or mentoring another young woman entering the field, my goal is to leave a legacy of care, compassion, and empowerment. Healthcare is where my passion meets purpose, and I am committed to making a lasting impact both in my community and in the lives of the patients I serve.

I plan to make my community and the world a better place by using my education and experience in healthcare to improve access to quality care, support patients’ well-being, and inspire others to pursue their dreams. For the past eight years, I have worked in the healthcare field, supporting patients with compassion, guidance, and advocacy. Through these experiences, I have seen firsthand how meaningful care can transform someone’s life, not only physically but emotionally. Every patient I’ve assisted has reminded me that healthcare is not just about treatment,it’s about empathy, understanding, and being present for someone during vulnerable moments. My goal is to expand this impact through my education in radiology. By completing the radiology program at Coastal College of Georgia, I will gain the skills needed to provide accurate diagnostic imaging, which is essential for timely and effective treatment. Imaging plays a critical role in modern medicine, allowing healthcare providers to detect conditions early and make informed decisions that can save lives. With this knowledge, I hope to contribute to a healthcare system that is not only skilled but also patient-centered, ensuring that everyone receives the care and attention they deserve. Beyond my clinical work, I am passionate about mentorship and community support. As someone who has balanced long work hours, night shifts, and pursuing higher education, I understand the challenges many students and young professionals face. I want to share my experiences and guidance with women and first-generation college students who may feel unsure about pursuing careers in healthcare. By mentoring others, I hope to empower them to overcome obstacles, pursue their goals, and contribute to their own communities in meaningful ways. In addition to mentorship, I plan to engage in community health initiatives, such as health screenings, educational workshops, and wellness programs. Educating the community about preventive care, healthy lifestyles, and available resources can help reduce disparities in healthcare and improve overall quality of life. I believe that small, consistent actions—like providing guidance, advocating for patients, or sharing knowledge can collectively create a healthier, stronger, and more connected community. Ultimately, my vision is to combine my skills, compassion, and leadership to make a lasting impact. By improving patient care, mentoring future healthcare professionals, and promoting health education, I hope to create a ripple effect of positive change. Each person I assist, each student I guide, and each community initiative I support brings me closer to my goal of making healthcare more accessible, compassionate, and empowering for everyone.My commitment to service, learning, and advocacy will continue long after I graduate, shaping not only my future but the well-being and opportunities of those around me.

Throughout my life, I have been blessed with several “Phoebes”, people whose encouragement, guidance, and support have lifted me up during times of doubt and struggle. They have been reminders that no matter how difficult my circumstances may seem, I am not alone and that perseverance always leads to growth. My Phoebes have shown me the value of resilience, compassion, and determination, and their influence has helped me stay committed to my dreams even when financial hardship or life challenges made the road ahead unclear. One of my earliest Phoebes was my mother. Though she did not always have much to give, she modeled strength and resourcefulness. Watching her manage responsibilities with limited resources taught me what it means to persevere. She instilled in me the belief that circumstances do not define worth and that education is one of the most powerful tools for creating change. Another set of Phoebes in my life has been the individuals I have worked with as a direct support professional for the past eight years. Caring for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities has shaped my outlook in profound ways. These patients may not have had the same opportunities as others, but their joy, resilience, and trust have reminded me why compassion matters in healthcare. They have been silent teachers, showing me that dignity and respect are as essential as any treatment or procedure. Their presence has given me clarity about the kind of healthcare worker I want to be someone who not only uses technical skills but also provides empathy, reassurance, and humanity in every interaction. I have also had professional mentors who became Phoebes in my life by encouraging me to keep moving forward. Whether it was a supervisor who reminded me of my strengths when I felt overwhelmed, or a coworker who shared her own struggles to show me that I was not alone, their words gave me the motivation to stay the course. These Phoebes helped me believe in myself and reminded me that setbacks do not define me, they only prepare me for greater opportunities. All of these Phoebes family, patients, and mentorshave guided me to the field of radiology. They are the reason I feel so passionate about this career. Radiology is more than just technology; it is about helping patients in vulnerable moments. If I am awarded this scholarship, it will not only help me continue my education but also give me the opportunity to carry forward the impact my Phoebes have had on me. Financially, it would relieve some of the burden I face balancing school, work, and bills, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies. But beyond financial support, it represents an investment in my ability to become someone else’s Phoebe. Just as I was encouraged, I want to encourage others patients who need comfort, students who feel uncertain, and community members who believe financial hardship will hold them back. My ultimate goal is to use my training in radiology to make healthcare more accessible in underserved communities. I want to bring not only my technical skills but also the compassion, patience, and resilience I have learned from my Phoebes into every patient interaction. By earning this degree and stepping into this role, I hope to make a lasting difference in people’s lives and to serve as a source of encouragement, just as others have done for me. In the end, my Phoebes have taught me that success is not just about personal achievement, it is about lifting others along the way.

At work, I learned that mental health is not just something we talk about in health meetings it’s something that touches every part of our lives. I’ve seen family, friends, and even myself struggle with stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. I realized that it’s okay to admit when we’re not okay, and that asking for help is an act of courage, not weakness. I’ve also learned that the smallest gestures a smile, a listening ear, a “you’re not alone” can make an enormous difference. As a society, I believe we end the stigma by talking about mental health openly and compassionately. We need to make these conversations normal, not something whispered about in private. Sharing real stories, offering resources, and educating people from a young age can help break down the walls of shame and misunderstanding. In college, I plan to be a voice for mental health awareness. I want to join or create student groups that provide support, host events, and connect people to resources. I hope to organize workshops, awareness weeks, and peer support circles where students feel seen, heard, and valued. My goal is to help create a campus culture where checking in on your mental health is as normal as studying for a test. Mental health matters to me because I’ve seen firsthand how deeply it impacts a person’s ability to thrive. I don’t just want to talk about change I want to be part of it. By bringing empathy, openness, and action into my college years, I hope to help create a community where no one feels alone in their struggle, and where everyone knows their well-being matter. On a personal level, I understand how easy it is to hide your struggles because you fear being judged or misunderstood. There were times when I felt the pressure to be “strong” even when I was overwhelmed, but I learned that true strength comes from honesty. I want to use my experiences to remind others that vulnerability is not weakness it’s the first step toward healing. I believe that if we can show each other more grace and compassion, we can build communities that lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. Whether I am working in my chosen career, volunteering in the community, or simply being there for a friend, I will continue to promote understanding and acceptance. I want to be someone who not only talks about change but actively helps make it happen. Mental health is not an afterthought; it’s the foundation for everything we do. At the heart of it, my passion for mental health awareness comes from wanting to create spaces where people feel safe to be their truest selves. I know what it feels like to carry a quiet burden, and I never want anyone to feel they have to face that alone. Whether it’s through listening without judgment, connecting people to resources, or speaking up about my own experiences, I will continue to lead with compassion and empathy. Small actions can create a ripple effect, and I believe that ripple can grow into real, lasting change. My hope is that one day, talking about mental health will be as natural as talking about the weather, and seeking help will be seen as a normal and brave choice. Until that day comes, I will use my voice, my actions, and my heart to break down barriers and lift others up. Because mental health matters, and every single person deserves to feel valued, understood, and supported.