I’m about to begin an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN-RN) program at College of the Redwoods this Fall. I grew up in a rural, working-class community where people value hard work, loyalty, and taking care of one another. Like many in my town, I went straight into the workforce after high school instead of going to college. At the time, pursuing higher education didn’t seem financially realistic. But over the years, I realized that nursing is my true calling, and I’m now committed to building a career that allows me to serve the people who shaped me. My ultimate goal is to specialize in critical care and become a flight nurse. I’m drawn to this path because it combines fast-paced, life-saving medical care with service to those in the most urgent and vulnerable situations. In rural areas like mine, access to emergency care is limited, and flight nurses often serve as the critical link between patients and lifesaving treatment. I want to be one of those providers who brings hope and care to people when they need it most. I believe deeply in the importance of bridging the gap between patients and the healthcare system. In small towns, patients often feel more comfortable and supported when they’re cared for by someone who understands their lifestyle, their struggles, and their values. Healing is about more than treatment—it’s about trust. I want to be a nurse who not only provides excellent medical care, but who also helps patients feel seen, heard, and understood. To prepare for this next step, I’ve been intentionally building experience and knowledge in the healthcare field. I currently work night shifts as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at my local hospital, where I’ve been learning how to care for patients with compassion and attentiveness. I’ve also started volunteering with my local fire department to gain hands-on experience working alongside first responders in emergency situations. Both roles have confirmed that I’m on the right path, and they’ve helped me develop the discipline, adaptability, and communication skills that are vital in nursing. While I’m excited and ready to take this step, it hasn’t been easy to get here. Because I’ve been working full-time for several years, I don’t qualify for traditional federal financial aid. At the same time, once my nursing program begins, I’ll need to reduce my work hours to part-time in order to keep up with the demands of school and clinicals. Receiving scholarship support would make a meaningful difference in helping me stay focused on my education and achieve my long-term goals. Becoming a nurse isn’t just a career choice for me—it’s a way to give back to the people and place that made me who I am. I’m grateful for the opportunity to pursue this path and to one day make a real difference in my community.