My name is Amarachi Onuagha, and I am currently enrolled in a Masters' Entry Program into Nursing at DePaul University Chicago. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship because it will alleviate the financial burden that comes with studying as an international student in the United States of America. My desire to switch careers and become a nurse was influenced by many reasons, primarily the rare opportunity to interact with people and make a positive impact in their lives and the desire to make a difference in improving access to healthcare for people living in developing countries like mine. I believe that this degree will enable me to gain the necessary skills to bridge the healthcare gap between Nigeria and other developed countries with excellent healthcare systems. Growing up in Nigeria, exposed my family and me to a healthcare system that is completely worlds apart from what I have experienced here in America. For instance, with no health insurance or health benefit package provided by the government, people are only attended to in hospitals or health facilities if they have cash or demonstrate that they have the means of paying their bills. This situation affects a good number of people in my community especially those with low financial capacity. By studying and living in a different country, I have been exposed to a healthcare system that operates differently. Equipped with this knowledge, I plan to advocate for people to have unlimited access to primary care irrespective of their financial status. As a nursing student, I have had the opportunity to engage in community-based service as a volunteer, encouraging people to swab and join the National Marrow Donor Program, which is a global registry where people with life-threatening conditions such as leukemia can search and get a matching donor that might save their lives. Initiatives like this are non-existent in my country, and I also look forward to setting up something similar that can support people living with life-threatening conditions holistically. By studying in the USA, my experience as an international student is fostering a deeper understanding of the healthcare challenges my local community experiences, and I envision myself collaborating with the government, other healthcare professionals and international organizations to develop more cost-effective ways of educating and providing care to people in my community. I plan to focus on an approach that prevents the onset and spread of communicable diseases, by prioritizing access to clean water, improved sanitary conditions and unlimited access to primary care before health conditions deteriorate. In conclusion, the invaluable opportunity this scholarship will provide me will create a ripple effect not just in my education but in my community. I am working hard towards leveraging my international education, experience and cultural understanding to become a compassionate nurse who can serve people from diverse communities and contribute to helping people live healthier and longer lives.