My journey to the path of nursing school started with my mother's diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Our family needed the assistance of hospice during my mother's terminal fight. The nurses that cared for my mother were professional, compassionate and amazing resources. They not only tended to my mother, but my father and myself as caregivers - providing holistic family support through one of the most emotional times of our lives. This experience had a profound impact on me and changed my opinion about what is most important not only in life, but in a career. I felt strongly called to the field of nursing so that I could care for others during some of their most vulnerable moments as part of Hospice myself. In this way, I feel I can honor the valuable contributions and carry on the legacy of the phenomenal medical care we had when we needed it most. After working side by side with me to care for my mother, my father himself is the one who needs the TLC now. Shortly after my mother's passing, my father had a mental breakdown from the loss, which then lead to a heart attack. He hasn't been the same since. He has expressed strongly that he does not want to go to assisted living. In honoring his wish, he now lives with me, my husband and my 13 year old daughter. Though he's mostly independent with basic life skills, he has lost the ability to remember to do things - like eat, shower or take his medicines. So, I look after him here at home. Admittedly, entering college again after being away for over 20 years, I doubted that I would be able to do well academically. But, by some miracle (and perhaps a great deal of persistence and tenacity), I've been honored on the President's List at Galen College. A mindset of "I can do this!! Look what I've already done!" keeps me motivated. I have had the chance to experience long term care and med-surg care facilities during my clinical rotations as a student nurse. I find caring for others immensely fulfilling. Each time I can make someone feel better physically or more at ease emotionally, it makes me feel good deep in my soul. When I have free time, I volunteer with the PTO at our local school district to help with events and to help with fundraising efforts. We also take time out as a family to do some shifts at Matthew 25 Ministries in Blue Ash, Ohio when disaster relief efforts are needed. I'm so passionate about this field of study and working in healthcare that I gave up a rather comfortable full-time career in Market Research. I'm currently halfway through the BSN program at Galen College. I took on a part time position at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio in the Heart Failure Unit as a Unit Coordinator/CMR to help with life expenses as I attend school, but it's only a small portion of what I used to make in Market Research. This in addition to college expenses and providing care assistance to my father have made it a bit challenging for us to navigate as a family. But, if I can help change the lives of just a few people during my time being a nurse after graduation, then it will all be worth it.

My journey to the path of nursing school started with my mother's diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Our family needed the assistance of hospice during my mother's terminal fight. The nurses that cared for my mother were professional, compassionate and amazing resources. They not only tended to my mother, but my father and myself as caregivers - providing holistic family support through one of the most emotional times of our lives. This experience had a profound impact on me and changed my opinion about what is most important not only in life, but in a career. I felt strongly called to the field of nursing so that I could care for others during some of their most vulnerable moments. In this way, I feel I can honor the valuable contributions and carry on the legacy of the phenomenal medical care we had when we needed it most. After working side by side with me to care for my mother, my father himself is the one who needs the TLC now. Shortly after my mother's passing, my father had a mental breakdown from the loss, which then lead to a heart attack. He hasn't been the same since. He has expressed strongly that he does not want to go to assisted living. In honoring his wish, he now lives with me, my husband and my 13 year old daughter. Though he's mostly independent with basic life skills, he has lost the ability to remember to do things - like eat, shower or take his medicines. He also is now unable to drive, so we make sure he gets to the store and to his medical appointments. With strategic scheduling, we make sure that a family member is home with him at most times - my husband and my daughter look out for my father while I'm either at school or working, and then I take over when I get home. Though it's my privilege in many ways to be able to do this for him, there are days when it's a bit exhausting, both physically and mentally. But, we are 18 months into this endeavor and taking the challenge on as a family team - dedicated to doing the best we can for Dad while getting me through nursing school. I'm so passionate about this field of study and working in healthcare that I gave up a rather comfortable full-time career in Market Research. I'm currently halfway through the BSN program at Galen College. I took on a part time position at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio in the Heart Failure Unit as a Unit Coordinator/CMR to help with life expenses as I attend school, but it's only a small portion of what I used to make in Market Research. This in addition to college expenses and providing care assistance to my father have made it a bit challenging for us to navigate as a family. But, if I can help change the lives of just a few people during my time being a nurse after graduation, then it will all be worth it.

Our family needed the assistance of hospice during my mother's terminal fight with cancer. The nurses that cared for my mother were professional, compassionate and amazing resources. They not only tended to my mother, but my father and myself as caregivers - providing holistic family support through one of the most emotional times of our lives. After this experience, I felt called to go into Hospice nursing so that I could care for others during some of their most vulnerable moments. In this way, I feel I can honor the valuable contributions and carry on the legacy of the phenomenal medical care we had when we needed it most. There is also another reason I've decided to attend Nursing School - COVID19. Nurses were heroic during peak times of the pandemic, but the long hours and stress caused burnout within the profession. This resulted in a deficiency in the number of nurses in the field as many chose to take early retirement, drop to part time practice and/or switch job fields. While the impacts to nurses and their subsequent life choices for their own health and welfare are understandable, it has changed levels patient care and the ability of medical facilities to function at an ideal capacity. These challenges are present in almost every area of the medical arts - from hospitals to family practice. I've personally experienced it at my doctor's office as hours and availability have been reduced due to staffing shortages. With every new nurse that starts working, patient care gets better. Additionally, every new nurse entering the field reduces the patient to nurse ratio, which decreases workloads and improves job experience for practicing RNs. Both the medical community and patients need support. These facts are additional drivers for my decision to attend nursing school. I see the need, and I want to help. I'm so passionate about this field of study and working in healthcare that I gave up a rather comfortable full-time career in Market Research. I'm currently halfway through the BSN program at Galen College. I took on a part time position at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio in the Heart Failure Unit as a Unit Coordinator/CMR to help with life expenses as I attend school, but it's only a small portion of what I used to make in Market Research. This in addition to college expenses have made it a bit challenging for us to navigate as a family. But, if I can help change the lives of just a few people during my time being a nurse after graduation, then it will all be worth it.

Our family needed the assistance of hospice during my mother's terminal fight with cancer. The nurses that cared for my mother were professional, compassionate and amazing resources. They not only tended to my mother, but my father and myself as caregivers - providing holistic family support through one of the most emotional times of our lives. After this experience, I felt called to go into Hospice/Palliative Care nursing so that I could care for others during some of their most vulnerable moments. In this way, I feel I can honor the valuable contributions and carry on the legacy of the phenomenal medical care we had when we needed it most. There is also another reason I've decided to attend Nursing School - COVID19. Nurses were heroic during peak times of the pandemic, but the long hours and stress caused burnout within the profession. This resulted in a deficiency in the number of nurses in the field as many chose to take early retirement, drop to part time practice and/or switch job fields. While the impacts to nurses and their subsequent life choices for their own health and welfare are understandable, it has changed levels patient care and the ability of medical facilities to function at an ideal capacity. These challenges are present in almost every area of the medical arts - from hospitals to family practice. I've personally experienced it at my doctor's office as hours and availability have been reduced due to staffing shortages. With every new nurse that starts working, patient care gets better. Additionally, every new nurse entering the field reduces the patient to nurse ratio, which decreases workloads and improves job experience for practicing RNs. Both the medical community and patients need support. These facts are additional drivers for my decision to attend nursing school. I see the need, and I want to help. I'm so passionate about this field of study and working in healthcare that I gave up a rather comfortable full-time career in Market Research. I'm currently halfway through the BSN program at Galen College. I took on a part time position at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio in the Heart Failure Unit as a Unit Coordinator/CMR to help with life expenses as I attend school, but it's only a small portion of what I used to make in Market Research. This in addition to college expenses have made it a bit challenging for us to navigate as a family. But, if I can help change the lives of just a few people during my time being a nurse after graduation, then it will all be worth it.

Our family needed the assistance of hospice during my mother's terminal fight with cancer. The nurses that cared for my mother were professional, compassionate and amazing resources. They not only tended to my mother, but my father and myself as caregivers - providing holistic family support through one of the most emotional times of our lives. After this experience, I felt called to go into Hospice/Palliative Care nursing so that I could care for others during some of their most vulnerable moments. In this way, I feel I can honor the valuable contributions and carry on the legacy of the phenomenal medical care we had when we needed it most. There is also another reason I've decided to attend Nursing School - COVID19. Nurses were heroic during peak times of the pandemic, but the long hours and stress caused burnout within the profession. This resulted in a deficiency in the number of nurses in the field as many chose to take early retirement, drop to part time practice and/or switch job fields. While the impacts to nurses and their subsequent life choices for their own health and welfare are understandable, it has changed levels patient care and the ability of medical facilities to function at an ideal capacity. These challenges are present in almost every area of the medical arts - from hospitals to family practice. I've personally experienced it at my doctor's office as hours and availability have been reduced due to staffing shortages. With every new nurse that starts working, patient care gets better. Additionally, every new nurse entering the field reduces the patient to nurse ratio, which decreases workloads and improves job experience for practicing RNs. Both the medical community and patients need support. These facts are additional drivers for my decision to attend nursing school. I see the need, and I want to help. I'm so passionate about this field of study and working in healthcare that I gave up a rather comfortable full-time career in Market Research. I'm currently halfway through the BSN program at Galen College. I took on a part time position at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio in the Heart Failure Unit as a Unit Coordinator/CMR to help with life expenses as I attend school, but it's only a small portion of what I used to make in Market Research. This in addition to college expenses have made it a bit challenging for us to navigate as a family. But, if I can help change the lives of just a few people during my time being a nurse after graduation, then it will all be worth it.

Our family needed the assistance of hospice during my mother's terminal fight with cancer. The nurses that cared for my mother were professional, compassionate and amazing resources. They not only tended to my mother, but my father and myself as caregivers - providing holistic family support through one of the most emotional times of our lives. After this experience, I felt called to go into Hospice and Palliative Care nursing so that I could care for others during some of their most vulnerable moments. In this way, I feel I can honor the valuable contributions and carry on the legacy of the phenomenal medical care we had when we needed it most. There is also another reason I've decided to attend Nursing School - COVID19. Nurses were heroic during peak times of the pandemic, but the long hours and stress caused burnout within the profession. This resulted in a deficiency in the number of nurses in the field as many chose to take early retirement, drop to part time practice and/or switch job fields. While the impacts to nurses and their subsequent life choices for their own health and welfare are understandable, it has changed levels patient care and the ability of medical facilities to function at an ideal capacity. These challenges are present in almost every area of the medical arts - from hospitals to family practice. I've personally experienced it at my doctor's office as hours and availability have been reduced due to staffing shortages. With every new nurse that starts working, patient care gets better. Additionally, every new nurse entering the field reduces the patient to nurse ratio, which decreases workloads and improves job experience for practicing RNs. Both the medical community and patients need support. These facts are additional drivers for my decision to attend nursing school. I see the need, and I want to help. I'm so passionate about this field of study and working in healthcare that I gave up a rather comfortable full-time career in Market Research. I'm currently halfway through the BSN program at Galen College. I took on a part time position at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio in the Heart Failure Unit as a Unit Coordinator/CMR to help with life expenses as I attend school, but it's only a small portion of what I used to make in Market Research. This in addition to college expenses have made it a bit challenging for us to navigate as a family. But, if I can help change the lives of just a few people during my time being a nurse after graduation, then it will all be worth it.

Our family needed the assistance of hospice during my mother's terminal fight with cancer. The nurses that cared for my mother were professional, compassionate and amazing resources. They not only tended to my mother, but my father and myself as caregivers - providing holistic family support through one of the most emotional times of our lives. After this experience, I felt called to go into Hospice/Palliative Care nursing so that I could care for others during some of their most vulnerable moments. In this way, I feel I can honor the valuable contributions and carry on the legacy of the phenomenal medical care we had when we needed it most. There is also another reason I've decided to attend Nursing School - COVID19. Nurses were heroic during peak times of the pandemic, but the long hours and stress caused burnout within the profession. This resulted in a deficiency in the number of nurses in the field as many chose to take early retirement, drop to part time practice and/or switch job fields. While the impacts to nurses and their subsequent life choices for their own health and welfare are understandable, it has changed levels patient care and the ability of medical facilities to function at an ideal capacity. These challenges are present in almost every area of the medical arts - from hospitals to family practice. I've personally experienced it at my doctor's office as hours and availability have been reduced due to staffing shortages. With every new nurse that starts working, patient care gets better. Additionally, every new nurse entering the field reduces the patient to nurse ratio, which decreases workloads and improves job experience for practicing RNs. Both the medical community and patients need support. These facts are additional drivers for my decision to attend nursing school. I see the need, and I want to help. I'm so passionate about this field of study and working in healthcare that I gave up a rather comfortable full-time career in Market Research. I'm currently halfway through the BSN program at Galen College. I took on a part time position at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio in the Heart Failure Unit as a Unit Coordinator/CMR to help with life expenses as I attend school. While it's a flexible position and a wonderful learning opportunity, I earn only a small portion of what I used to make in Market Research. This in addition to college expenses have made it a bit challenging for us to navigate as a family. But, if I can help change the lives of just a few people during my time being a nurse after graduation, then it will all be worth it.

Our family needed the assistance of hospice during my mother's terminal fight with cancer. The nurses that cared for my mother were professional, compassionate and amazing resources. They not only tended to my mother, but my father and myself as caregivers - providing holistic family support through one of the most emotional times of our lives. After this experience, I felt called to go into nursing so that I could care for others during some of their most vulnerable moments. In this way, I feel I can honor the valuable contributions and carry on the legacy of the phenomenal medical care we had when we needed it most. There is also another reason I've decided to attend Nursing School - COVID19. Nurses were heroic during peak times of the pandemic, but the long hours and stress caused burnout within the profession. This resulted in a deficiency in the number of nurses in the field as many chose to take early retirement, drop to part time practice and/or switch job fields. While the impacts to nurses and their subsequent life choices for their own health and welfare are understandable, it has changed levels patient care and the ability of medical facilities to function at an ideal capacity. These challenges are present in almost every area of the medical arts - from hospitals to family practice. I've personally experienced it at my doctor's office as hours and availability have been reduced due to staffing shortages. With every new nurse that starts working, patient care gets better. Additionally, every new nurse entering the field reduces the patient to nurse ratio, which decreases workloads and improves job experience for practicing RNs. Both the medical community and patients need support. These facts are additional drivers for my decision to attend nursing school. I see the need, and I want to help. I'm so passionate about this field of study and working in healthcare that I gave up a rather comfortable full-time career in Market Research. I'm currently halfway through the BSN program at Galen College. I took on a part time position at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio in the Heart Failure Unit as a Unit Coordinator/CMR to help with life expenses as I attend school, but it's only a small portion of what I used to make in Market Research. This in addition to college expenses have made it a bit challenging for us to navigate as a family. But, if I can help change the lives of just a few people during my time being a nurse after graduation, then it will all be worth it.

I'm a 47 year old Market Research Professional and mom of 2 daughters returning to college after a 25(ish) year hiatus from academia, this time hoping to get a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. I feel called to do so in response to the national Nursing Shortage that has resulted from the COVID epidemic. I've come to a point in my life where I question who I'm really helping with my current career in Market Research. While it's a fascinating field to work in, it's not really helping my community in any way. To reach my goal of getting that BSN, I've been working full time while going to school full time. Being an adult student who already has 1 college degree, there are very few grants/ financial programs available. So, I have to work a day job in order to make this goal a reality. Even with working full time, I'm coming up a bit short month after month. College is expensive! Any funds from things like grants or scholarships are deeply appreciated for this reason. Once I graduate, I hope to work in Hospice, Family Practice, Women's Health and/or Case Management. The reason for Hospice, Women's Health and Case Management all relate to personal experiences that I had while my mother bravely fought breast cancer. I was part of her support team, and really appreciated the great care we received from the medical professionals involved. I want to give back in honor of those that gave us great care by supporting people during some of the most challenging parts of their lives. In the case of Women's Health specifically, I would like to be be part of the preventive screenings and measures that could be life saving. If there's any way I can prevent a woman from having to go through what I mom did - I want to play a role. Family Practice appeals to me because I would like the variety of needs each patient would have during the day - it seems like every day would bring new learning and experiences. As far as volunteer efforts, I enjoy helping out our local school district. Being part of what makes the school system engaging, fun, safe and a great place to learn brings me so much fulfillment. My husband and I also give time to Matthew 25 Ministries to assist with relief efforts to people that need it. Where I can't always provide time, I also donate to City Gospel Mission to help people who may be experiencing homelessness or having trouble finding food to sustain themselves. I also give to St. Vincent DePaul that does tremendous work within the community for helping people and families that are struggling with making ends meet. Anything I can do to make this world a better place to live in does my heart good. Thank you for offering this scholarship. I'm sure it will greatly benefit any student that receives it. This is going to make a big difference in the life of someone trying to manage the financial challenges of attending college.

I’m a 47 year-old Market Research professional currently in the Nursing program at Galen College in Cincinnati. Though I've wanted to be a Nurse since I was a child, I found the curriculum daunting when I first went to college in the 1990s. I doubted myself. As a result, I decided to go the course that I felt was a "sure success", and went the path of Communications. My degree did serve me well - I've been working in the Market Research community for over 20 years. But, I've always wondered what would have happened had I done what my heart told me I should have. A few years ago I started asking myself "Who am I really helping in Market Research? Am I just pointing the way for companies to get richer?" Something was missing. My heart was already yearning for a vocation that was more soul-fulfilling and questions were starting to churn in my head. In the aftermath of COVID, a direction became clear. Medical Professionals are needed now more than ever. If I am ever going to do this, NOW is the time. And so, with my family's support, I'm taking a leap of faith and giving this a try. I'm a natural caregiver. I've been at the bedsides of every friend or family member who has been ill over the past 20 years. And now I tend to my 75 year old father who lives with me. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing someone in my care improve. If someone is sick or hurting, I want to make it better. And if the situation isn't one where improvement CAN happen, I stay right by that person until the end. It's just who I am. It's my calling. And now I'm answering it. My goal through this is to not only provide medical care to those in need, but to provide compassion as well. I want to not only care for a patient's physical needs, but their emotional ones as well. I want to be that source that people trust - not only to provide medical treatment, but also to confide in with their personal details. I want individuals and their families to know the professional tending to them not only is invested in their physical well-being, but in what's truly best on a holistic level. I want to be there supporting people and their families through the most vulnerable and challenging times of their lives. And through the program at Galen College, I hope to achieve this. Going back to college later in life after already attaining a Bachelor's Degree really put me at a disadvantage with the amount of financial aid I am eligible for. Those funds are prioritized for first time students, and typically those younger than myself. Other than having a small Nursing grant from the state of Ohio that pays $1,650 for a year's worth of education, my husband and I are pretty much paying this out of pocket. Nursing school is NOT cheap. I'm working full time on top of a full time school schedule because I can't afford to keep the family going without full time income. Money is tight, as well as my time and energy capacity. I'll be frank and say that we're barely making ends meet. But, we're trying to make the best of this, and we're dedicated the end goal. Any scholarships or grants that can chip away at the cost of classes is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration in advance.

I'm returning to college after a 20+ year hiatus from academia in response to the national Nursing Shortage that has resulted from the COVID epidemic with the intent to get a Nursing Degree. I've come to a point in my life where I question who I'm really helping with my current career in Market Research - it's not really helping my community in any way. I've been working full time while going to school full time. Being an adult student who already has a college degree, there are very few federal programs available. I've taken several loans out, but they don't cover everything. And quite frankly, working 40+ hours a week while keeping up with school is very challenging and I don't get a lot of sleep. But, it's happening...and goals are being met! Through this experience, I've learned the value of time and making the most of it. Each moment is not to be taken for granted. By giving up the more frivolous things in my life (doing crossword puzzles, watching TV, reading about celebrity gossip, etc), I have more time for productive things that really matter. Secondly, I've also learned the importance of team work. I could not be doing this without my family having my back. My daughter and my husband have both taken on more responsibilities at home so that I have more time for school. Additionally, and most importantly, I've learned that "I CAN"! For years I had a nagging feeling that I wanted to go back to school for Nursing, but I always doubted that I could handle the curriculum. With much encouragement from those around me, I finished my first quarter at Galen College with a 4.0 GPA! I had the ability all along - but I doubted myself. Professionally, I'm finding that I'm changing and growing in tandem with my academic progress. Firstly, I have more confidence. I have a stronger presence in calls with upper management. Where sometimes I would shy away from conversations, I'm now diving in with authority as I feel my input is valuable. I also have been able to utilize some of the same time management concepts I've learned from school in my work day. By time blocking, I'm reducing the amount of daily interruptions so that I can do more with focused energy in less time. In addition to all this - I'm taking chances that I wasn't before. I'm suggesting new strategies and open to trying processes in ways I wasn't previously. Trial and innovation can be key to business success, so having the personal strength and comfort with seeking answers in alternative ways has really helped me grow.

I am a 47 year old graduate of Northern Kentucky University looking to change careers later in life. I’ve been successful in the field of Market Research for over 20 years now, but I feel called to return to college for my Nursing degree. I'm currently in the BSN program at Galen College in Cincinnati. Though I'm just finishing my first quarter at Galen, with my transfer credits taken into consideration, I'm about 1/6th of the way to getting my degree. I've always wanted to be a nurse - even from a young age. When I was a little girl, I remember wrapping people in toilet paper bandages and telling them that I would make them all better. I went pre-med in 1994-1995 at Miami University, and my world just fell apart while I was there. My maternal aunt, who I adored, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. And in an unfortunate series of events, my Grandmother, upon hearing this news, had a heart attack which left her not in full function. I didn't do very well in my studies at Miami University for this reason - I was too distracted. I ended up transferring to Northern Kentucky University so that I could be home with family. One of the decisions I made during that transfer of schools was to change my field of study to one with a less challenging curriculum so that I could still attain a degree while both working and helping out with my aunt and grandmother. While the decision to change schools and majors made sense at the time I did it, I always wondered what would have happened had I continued my pursuit of a medical degree. For decades now, I've had the nagging sensation that I wasn't on the vocational path I should be. My "a-ha" moments happened in sequences. The first happened during and as a result of the COVID epidemic. Nurses are needed now more than ever before. Nursing positions at local facilities now go unfilled/administrators aren't able to fill the staffing needs of their departments. Medical care is declining as a result. Medical practices are begging for nurses. This all got my mind thinking. The final moment of "This is the right path!" happened during a vacation this past summer. My husband had been ignoring a growing abscess because we were traveling with family. It evolved to a point where it became an urgent medical concern. I ended up having to do minor surgery on him at our vacation home with hot water, towels, a kitchen knife and whatever antiseptic substances were available. I got him to medical care the next day. The attending nurse practitioner was so impressed with my efforts that she said she didn't need to do anything but prescribe an antibiotic to prevent possible infection. At that time, she asked if I was an RN. I said, "No...but I was in a nursing program once. I didn't finish." She encouraged me to try again. She then shared her own story of being derailed on her path to a medical degree, but going back later in life to finish. From that point, my husband and I started having discussions on how to make it happen. We both reached out to some nursing schools and off things went! This is probably one of the most challenging things I've ever done, as balancing a full time work schedule and a full time college curriculum has been a struggle. But, I'm looking forward to finishing this program sometime in 2026 and serving my community in this way.

When reading the details of this scholarship, I was struck heavily by the words "inflammatory breast cancer". It took the lives of two women very close to me: my mother, and my maternal aunt. The incidence of inflammatory breast cancer is so very low - accounting for only 1-5% of all breast cancers. Those who have experienced the unique struggle with this type of fast-growing, invasive cancer are a small community, but we are here. Thus is the reason I'm applying for this particular scholarship. As a woman with inflammatory cancer running in my family, I've personally made breast health a priority in my life. On top of getting regular screenings from my OB/GYN, I see a breast specialist/surgeon once a year for more thorough checks. In fact, I use the same breast specialist group that my aunt did. They know our family and they know our challenges. Though my background is in Market Research, I'm currently going back to school in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Watching my aunt and my mother struggle with cancer is a huge reason why I'm doing this. My aunt did NOT receive good care when going through her diagnosis and treatment. She knew something was very wrong with her body, but she struggled to be heard by doctors. She had inflammation in her chest region which was dismissed on multiple occasions as something minor. Then she developed a chest cough and breathing problems. Seeking help from her primary care physician, she was treated for pneumonia - which wasn't the issue. The cancer had moved into her lungs. With inflammatory breast cancer, every day counts. She had lost months of treatment time because of incorrect diagnoses. By the time she switched doctors and found one that accurately assessed her situation, it was already too late. They treated it aggressively, and she fought bravely. But, the cancer took her. At the time my Aunt Betty was diagnosed, I was already mostly finished with my college program. So, I proceeded on the path to getting my Bachelor of Arts in Communication. But, that experience stirred something in my heart. Then my mother came down with the same symptoms a few years later. While my Aunt's struggles with navigating health care were heartbreaking and challenging, they taught my mother and me how to better advocate. For that reason, we were able to bypass the long waits and misdiagnosis that prevented my Aunt from getting timely treatment. Unfortunately, the end result ended up being the same, but my Mom at least was able to enjoy almost a decade of life before the cancer came back. Advocating for better healthcare in general is a passion of mine. But, more specifically, advocating for WOMEN'S healthcare is something I feel strongly led to help with. Often women get caught up in supporting roles focused on children, the household, encouraging spouses, etc...and they deny themselves self-care that is important. And sometimes, just like what my aunt experienced, when there is something unfortunate that pops up, they don't know what to do, and aren't able to get the care they need. I want to be part of community outreach efforts that teach women the importance of preventative care, but to also know how to identify when something is wrong early. And to go further to help women understand how to be their own healthcare advocates. Knowing where to go for help and recognizing the difference between good and bad healthcare and when it's time to change course could be key to survival for some women. I also want to be one of the professionals at the medical office or hospital making things go as smoothly as possible for women who need vital care - making sure insurance gets the information required, that follow ups or referrals are set up, medicine ordered, etc. Every effort to support a woman during challenging times can change the outcome of their fight.

To be a nurse providing compassionate, quality healthcare to individuals during the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

I’m a 46 year-old Market Research professional currently in the Nursing program at Galen College in Cincinnati. I'm in the BSN program with the intent to take the step into the next level of study as a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner after I pass the NCLEX. Though I've wanted to be a Nurse since I was a child, I found the curriculum daunting when I first went to college in the 1990s. I doubted myself. As a result, I decided to go the course that I felt was a "sure success", and went the path of Communications. My degree did serve me well - I've been working in the Market Research community for over 20 years. But, I've always wondered what would have happened had I done what my heart told me I should have. A few years ago I started asking myself "Who am I really helping in Market Research? Am I just pointing the way for companies to get richer?" Something was missing. My heart was already yearning for a vocation that was more soul-fulfilling and questions were starting to churn in my head. In the aftermath of COVID, a direction became clear. Medical Professionals are needed now more than ever. If I am ever going to do this, NOW is the time. And so, with my family's support, I'm taking a leap of faith and giving this a try. I'm a natural caregiver. I've been at the bedsides of every friend or family member who has been ill over the past 20 years. And now I tend to my 75 year old father who lives with me. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing someone in my care improve. If someone is sick or hurting, I want to make it better. And if the situation isn't one where improvement CAN happen, I stay right by that person until the end. It's just who I am. It's my calling. And now I'm answering it. My goal through this is to not only provide medical care to those in need, but to provide compassion as well. I want to not only care for a patient's physical needs, but their emotional ones as well. I want to be that source that people trust - not only to provide medical treatment, but also to confide in with their personal details. I want individuals and their families to know the professional tending to them not only is invested in their physical well-being, but in what's truly best on a holistic level. And through the program at Galen College, I hope to achieve this. Though I don't know for certain where this new educational path will take me, I hope to make a difference. If I can make life better for a few people, then it all will be worth it. Thank you for your time and consideration in advance.

My father suffers from Schizophrenia and Depressive Disorder. After my mother passed away, his mental health issues intensified. This resulted in us moving him in with our family. Having a live-in loved one with mental health challenges makes you appreciate the good days - when you can sit and have a conversation and maybe even laugh a little. Because so many of those days are clouded with deep sadness, confusion and/or paranoia. There are times when I just get a one word answer to questions...or just a nod because communicating is just too taxing. I'm passionate about Mental Health Care. Years of my father ignoring the signs/symptoms of his psychological challenges led things to being way worse than they would have been had he reached out for help early on. And it was hard to get control over his symptoms as a result. There is shame and negative stigma about getting help...people are accused of being "weak" when they reach out to share their emotions. But, in my eyes, it's an essential part of health and wellness. As far as the Mental Health Industry, I feel there are multiple challenges. 1.) There just aren't enough providers to fill the need. When my father desperately needed to see a Psychiatrist, I called 15 offices before I found one that was accepting new patients. And even at that, there was a 6 month waiting list. For those in urgent need, this creates a potentially dangerous situation for the patient as well as their loved ones. 2.) I have found that mental health specialists and primary care providers don't interact as they should. The mind and body work together. When one falters, the other starts failing. When one improves, the other improves as well. Likewise, there are sometimes medical reasons for psychological events. For example, I know of someone who spent a month in a PSY hospital for a range of odd behaviors which ended up just being his diabetes being significantly out of control. If there had been collaboration with primary care, the solution to his symptoms would have been clear. Part of why I'm going back to school for Nursing is because of my father's journey. People need an advocate for them when they can't make decisions for themselves. They need someone who is compassionate and who they can trust to be honest with what they are experiencing. I would like to be that person for more than just my family.

I'm a 40+ year-old mother of two looking to make a rather drastic professional and life change by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Galen College in Cincinnati. Currently, I'm working in Market Research and as a Notary for the State of Ohio while I'm going to school. I'm determined and putting every ounce of effort that I have into making this goal a success for not only myself, but for my family. Since I was a little girl, I've had a dream and calling to become a nurse. I remember using toilet paper to cover people in fake bandages, telling them "I'm going to make you feel better". But when I got to college to pursue that dream and calling in the 1990s, I let some bad life experiences send me on a different path. While I did go on to graduate college in 1999, I ended up finishing with a Bachelor's in Communications instead of the degree in Nursing I was originally aiming for. I naturally fall into the role of caretaker/caregiver to those in my family who are ill. I was at the bedside of my aunt, my uncle and my mother as they bravely fought cancer and lost. And now I provide light "assisted living" to my father who resides with me. It's just who I am. I'm compelled to take care of people and try to make bad situations better. In the Spring, I was reading how the COVID epidemic has drastically impacted the number of nurses in the workforce and the downsides of how that is impacting patient care and medical outcomes. It struck my heart. There was something that went off inside of me that said "Now is the time - do it! You're needed." I called a few colleges in the area, and Galen College in Cincinnati took me on quickly. I was enrolled before I knew what happened! I truly believe this was meant to be. My goal is to provide caring, compassionate medical services to those when they need it most. In my personal life, Hospice was such an amazing organization to work with as mother passed away a few years ago. They were there for not only medical, but emotional support as we walked through those final months of her illness. The Hospice professionals who assisted my family made something overwhelmingly negative a little less awful. I hope that when I get my degree, I might be able to provide patients and their families the same type of comfort and assistance as they deal with the medical trials in their lives. It's my turn to give back. I'm answering the call.