My name is Amelia Taylor, and I am currently a nursing student at Berry College with plans to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. While nursing is often viewed through the lens of empathy and patient care, it is also grounded in science, mathematics, and analytical reasoning. I chose this field because it allows me to bridge both worlds: to use scientific knowledge in the service of others, and to bring humanity into spaces where data and decisions carry life-altering weight. The scientific questions that guide my academic work focus on the intersection of anesthesia, neuroscience, and genetics. I am currently completing an honors thesis that explores how individual genetic variations may impact patient responses to anesthetic agents. This research has deepened my appreciation for the complexity of the human body and the importance of precision in healthcare. I hope to contribute to the future of personalized anesthesia, using scientific insights to reduce adverse outcomes, increase safety, and tailor care in ways that reflect each patient's unique biology. My interest in science began early, shaped largely by personal experiences. My younger sister was born with Turner Syndrome, a rare chromosomal condition that required extensive medical treatment and intervention. I watched her undergo hormone therapy, cardiac monitoring, and surgeries, which were experiences that introduced me to the world of genetics and endocrine science far earlier than most children. These exposures didn’t just pique my curiosity; they created a sense of responsibility in me to understand and one day contribute to this field in a meaningful way. I also bring a perspective shaped by resilience. My first semester of nursing school was marked by academic setbacks and self-doubt. I struggled with a demanding course load and experienced imposter syndrome that made me question my future in the field. But I chose to confront that challenge directly. I improved my study strategies, sought mentorship, and reminded myself why I began this journey. Since then, I have maintained a 3.9 GPA and have earned a place in my school’s Honors Program. Those struggles taught me how to grow through difficulty, a lesson I carry with me into every lab, clinical setting, and research question I approach. Outside of academics, I’m committed to leadership and service. I serve as a Nursing Ambassador, mentor students who are new to the program, and help represent our department in outreach events. As Fundraising Lead for Partners in Health, I support global health equity efforts, and as Event Coordinator for Viking Fusion, I help create inclusive spaces for campus dialogue. These roles have refined my organizational skills, team leadership, and ability to communicate science and service in ways that are accessible and engaging. Looking ahead, I plan to work in an intensive care unit after graduation to build the clinical foundation necessary for CRNA school. Long-term, I hope to continue researching the molecular and neurological effects of anesthesia and contribute to evidence-based protocols that improve surgical outcomes. I am also preparing for a cultural immersion trip to Kenya next summer, where I will study healthcare systems and the challenges of global medical equity. This experience will enhance my understanding of how science must be adaptable, culturally informed, and applied with empathy. Science has given me the tools to think critically and problem-solve. Nursing has given me the purpose to use those tools in service of others. I plan to contribute to the field of science by continuing to ask questions that matter, conduct research that informs practice, and provide care that reflects the best of both scientific precision and human compassion.

Adversity has followed me in many forms, shaping not only the path I’ve chosen but also the person I continue to become. From early exposure to illness and addiction within my family to the academic and emotional challenges of nursing school, I have come to understand that resilience is not loud or dramatic. It is the quiet determination to keep going, to keep caring, and to keep believing in the purpose that called you to begin with. My older sister was born with Turner Syndrome, a condition that brought our family into frequent contact with the healthcare system. Watching her undergo surgeries, hormone therapies, and countless appointments gave me an early understanding of the vulnerability that patients and families experience. It also introduced me to the life-changing impact of nurses. These professionals provided not only expert care, but also emotional presence and human connection. Their ability to make my sister feel seen and safe, even in the midst of fear and pain, stayed with me. It was in those moments that I began to understand what it means to serve others through nursing. At the same time, I witnessed the impact of untreated emotional pain through my aunt’s long battle with addiction. Her experience taught me that care should not be conditional. Everyone deserves compassion, even when their struggles are not easy to understand. This perspective deepened my desire to become the kind of nurse who leads with empathy and advocates for those often overlooked. My resolve was tested during my first semester of nursing school. Despite years of academic success, I struggled. I failed exams, questioned my abilities, and felt the weight of imposter syndrome settle in. It was a humbling period that made me wonder whether I belonged in such a demanding program. However, rather than walk away, I sought help, adjusted my approach, and learned to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Since then, I’ve maintained a 3.9 GPA and earned a place in Berry College’s Honors Program. Today, I’m working on a thesis exploring the relationship between anesthesia, neuroscience, and genetics. My goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, and I plan to work in an intensive care unit following graduation to develop the clinical skills and critical thinking necessary for that next step. Beyond academics, I’ve remained committed to service. I currently serve as a Nursing Ambassador, mentoring prospective and current students and sharing candidly about the challenges and rewards of this field. As Fundraising Lead for Partners in Health, I help coordinate events that support global health equity. I also work as the Event Coordinator for Viking Fusion, where I contribute to building inclusive and engaging community spaces on campus. In summer 2026, I will participate in a cultural immersion trip to Kenya to study global healthcare systems and deepen my understanding of culturally responsive care. I am excited to expand my perspective and return better equipped to serve diverse patient populations. I have come to see resilience not as a trait I was born with, but as a skill I continue to build. My strength has come from adversity—not just in surviving it, but in choosing to serve through it. Whether I am at the bedside of a patient, speaking with a student in need of guidance, or advocating for healthcare access across borders, I aim to bring both skill and compassion to everything I do. Nursing is not simply what I do. It is how I hope to live: with purpose, presence, and unwavering humanity.

I am pursuing nursing because I want to be a source of care, knowledge, and compassion for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Nursing, to me, represents the perfect intersection of science and humanity. It is a field that allows me to serve others while constantly learning and growing in a profession built on trust and empathy. My interest in nursing began with my younger sister, who was born with Turner Syndrome. I have watched her face the emotional and physical effects of this rare genetic condition since childhood. She has endured countless doctor appointments, hormone treatments, and surgeries. While many healthcare professionals were involved in her care, it was always the nurses who made her feel safe and valued. They explained things in a way she could understand, they stayed present during painful moments, and they made her smile when she felt her worst. Their ability to connect, reassure, and comfort inspired me deeply and helped me see how powerful nursing can be. Watching them care for her made me realize that I wanted to do the same for others. As I began nursing school at Berry College, I brought that passion with me. But during my first semester, I struggled more than I expected. The coursework was demanding, and I started to question whether I was truly cut out for this path. I experienced imposter syndrome and worried that I was falling short of what it takes to be a nurse. That season was incredibly humbling, but it became a turning point. I leaned into my support system, sought guidance, and reminded myself of the reason I chose this career in the first place. Those challenges did not deter me. They strengthened my commitment. Now in my junior year, I am thriving both academically and clinically. I have completed hospital and long-term care rotations, where I practiced assessments, patient hygiene, and medication observations. I learned how to connect with patients, advocate for their needs, and contribute meaningfully to their recovery. These experiences confirmed that nursing is exactly where I am meant to be. I am currently part of Berry’s Honors Program and working on a thesis focused on anesthesia. I plan to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and am especially interested in how brain chemistry and genetic differences affect how patients respond to anesthesia. After graduation, I plan to work in the intensive care unit to gain the critical care experience needed for CRNA school and to grow in confidence and skill. Beyond academics, I am active in my community through leadership roles. I serve as a Nursing Ambassador, where I support and encourage prospective students. I am also the Fundraising Lead for Partners in Health, a student organization focused on health equity, and I work as the Event Coordinator for Viking Fusion, our campus media platform. These roles have helped me grow as a communicator, a team player, and someone who leads with purpose. Next summer, I will take part in a cultural immersion trip to Kenya to learn more about global health systems and how to deliver inclusive, culturally sensitive care. I believe this experience will help me grow as both a person and a nurse and will better prepare me to care for diverse populations. Nursing is more than a profession to me. It is how I want to live—with purpose, compassion, and a commitment to making people feel seen, safe, and respected. I know the journey ahead will be demanding, but I am ready and excited to continue becoming the nurse I have always wanted to be.

I am currently a junior nursing student at Berry College, working toward my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and planning to graduate in December 2026. I have known for a long time that I wanted a career in healthcare, but I did not always have a clear picture of what that would look like. What led me to nursing was not a sudden career change but a gradual realization that the kind of care I want to provide, the kind rooted in both science and compassion, is best lived out through nursing. Growing up, I watched my younger sister face lifelong medical challenges caused by Turner Syndrome. I saw the central role nurses played during those times. They offered more than clinical care. They brought emotional support, calm reassurance, and a presence that made a lasting impact. Even when I was young, I noticed how much they mattered. Their ability to make someone feel safe during the most difficult moments was something I never forgot. I had what I consider my “aha” moment during one of my sister’s hospital visits. A nurse sat beside her, explained everything in simple, comforting language, and made sure she felt heard and understood. In that moment, I saw the power of nursing. It was not just about treating illness but about offering presence, trust, and dignity. That experience helped me realize that nursing was not just something I admired. It was something I deeply wanted to be a part of. Still, getting to this point has not been easy. During my first semester of nursing school, I struggled with the coursework and began to question whether I was truly cut out for this field. I experienced imposter syndrome and often wondered if I belonged. For someone who has always held herself to a high standard, it was discouraging to feel unsure of my ability. But instead of giving up, I pushed forward. I asked for help, leaned on my support system, and reminded myself why I started this journey in the first place. Those early struggles did not weaken my desire to become a nurse. They strengthened it. Since then, I have worked hard both in and out of the classroom. I am part of the Honors Program and currently completing a thesis focused on anesthesia. I plan to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and hope to research how genetics and brain chemistry influence patient responses to anesthesia. After graduation, I plan to work in the intensive care unit to gain the experience required for CRNA school and to grow my critical care skills in a fast-paced environment. I have completed clinical rotations in both hospital and long-term care settings, where I provided patient care, participated in assessments, and practiced teamwork in real-world scenarios. These experiences confirmed that this is where I belong. I have also taken on leadership roles as a Nursing Ambassador, Fundraising Lead for Partners in Health, and Event Coordinator for Viking Fusion, where I help build campus community. Next summer, I will travel to Kenya for a cultural immersion trip focused on healthcare systems and global health equity. I look forward to learning how to care across cultural lines and serve more inclusively. Nursing is more than a major or a job. It is a way of showing up in the world with skill, with empathy, and with purpose. Even through self-doubt and challenge, I am proud of the nurse I am becoming and grateful for the journey that brought me here.

Choosing a career in nursing wasn’t a single decision made in a moment—it was the result of countless small ones, shaped by personal experience, deep values, and the belief that care is one of the most powerful forms of connection we can offer. From a young age, I knew I wanted to do something that combined science with service, but it wasn’t until I witnessed what nurses truly do that everything clicked. My younger sister was born with Turner Syndrome, a rare chromosomal condition that brought with it years of medical treatments, surgeries, and emotional challenges. While doctors provided diagnoses and plans, it was the nurses who brought comfort, dignity, and presence. They held her hand when she was scared, explained procedures in ways we could understand, and celebrated small victories as if they were their own. Watching them, I saw what it meant to be both clinically skilled and emotionally present—to be someone who could help patients feel safe, seen, and supported even in their hardest moments. That kind of impact stays with you. And that’s the kind of nurse I want to be. Now a nursing student at Berry College, I’ve worked hard to prepare for this career with both heart and intention. I’m currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and am part of the Honors Program, where I’m completing a thesis project focused on anesthesia. My long-term goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), combining my interest in neuroscience, pharmacology, and individualized care. I’m especially curious about how genetic and neurological differences affect how patients respond to anesthesia and hope to explore this intersection in my future practice. To prepare for this path, I’ve completed clinical rotations at both a hospital and a long-term care facility. These experiences allowed me to practice patient assessments, monitor vital signs, assist with hygiene care, and observe medication administration. But even more than that, they reinforced the importance of treating every patient as a whole person, not just a condition to manage. After graduation, I plan to work in the intensive care unit (ICU) to gain the critical care experience required for CRNA school, and I look forward to the ways that environment will challenge and grow me. Outside the clinical setting, I’ve remained committed to leadership and community involvement. I serve as a Nursing Ambassador, helping welcome and support prospective students, and I’m the Fundraising Lead for Partners in Health, a student group focused on healthcare equity. I also work as the Event Coordinator for Viking Fusion, my campus’s digital media platform. These roles have helped me develop confidence, communication skills, and a service-oriented mindset that I know will strengthen my work as a nurse. Next summer, I’ll also participate in a cultural immersion trip to Kenya to learn about global healthcare systems and deepen my understanding of cultural humility. I hope this experience will allow me to care for patients of all backgrounds with even more empathy, respect, and awareness. Ultimately, nursing is more than a profession to me—it’s a calling rooted in my family, fueled by my education, and guided by a deep desire to be there for people when they need it most. I found out about this scholarship through the Bold website.

When people ask me why I want to be a nurse, the honest answer is this: I’ve seen the difference a good nurse can make, and I want to be that person for someone else. Nursing is a career that allows me to act on my compassion, apply my curiosity about the human body and mind, and serve others in ways that are deeply meaningful. I’ve chosen this path because it aligns not only with my interests but with my values. My desire to become a nurse is rooted in personal experience. My sister was born with Turner Syndrome, a rare chromosomal condition that has required years of medical care. Through the surgeries, treatments, and long appointments, what stood out to me most wasn’t just the procedures—it was the people. The nurses who cared for her did so with such empathy, patience, and presence that their impact reached beyond medicine. They saw her as a whole person, and they made her feel safe, even in moments that were painful or frightening. Their care helped hold my family together. That is the kind of presence I aspire to bring into the world. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Berry College, where I’m also part of the Honors Program. My long-term goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and I am especially interested in the connection between anesthesia, neuroscience, and genetics. To prepare for this path, I’ve worked hard both academically and clinically. I’ve completed rotations in hospital and long-term care settings, where I practiced patient assessments, monitored vital signs, assisted with personal care, and observed medication administration. These experiences have shaped my understanding of what it means to truly advocate for patients and be a trustworthy part of their care team. After graduation, I plan to work in the intensive care unit (ICU) to gain the critical care experience required for CRNA school. I know that the ICU will challenge me to grow professionally and personally, and I am excited for that next step. I also believe that a nurse's role doesn't stop at the hospital doors. That’s why I’ve committed myself to leadership and community involvement throughout college. I serve as a Nursing Ambassador, Fundraising Lead for Partners in Health, and Event Coordinator for Viking Fusion, my campus job. These roles have helped me grow in communication, organization, and service, and they’ve shown me how important it is to lift up others both inside and outside of healthcare. In summer 2026, I will be participating in a cultural immersion trip to Kenya to learn about global healthcare systems, cultural humility, and health equity. I hope this experience will help me bring a more inclusive and empathetic perspective to my future practice, especially when serving patients from diverse backgrounds. As a nurse, I hope to contribute to my community in more than just a clinical capacity. I want to educate, advocate, and uplift. Whether it’s providing thoughtful care at the bedside, supporting public health initiatives, or mentoring future nurses, I plan to give back to the same kinds of communities that raised me. I believe healthcare should be accessible, respectful, and empowering, and I want to play an active role in making that possible. Nursing is more than a career to me. It’s how I want to live: with purpose, compassion, and a commitment to others. I am proud to be pursuing this degree, and I look forward to serving in ways that make a lasting difference.

My name is Amelia Taylor, and I’m a nursing student at Berry College with a 3.9 GPA and a heart for service, science, and human connection. I’ve always known I wanted a career that allowed me to care for people in meaningful ways, but I found my calling in nursing through a series of deeply personal experiences that shaped how I view compassion, resilience, and healing. Growing up, I watched my sister face the challenges of Turner Syndrome, a rare chromosomal condition that brought with it numerous medical hurdles. Through years of hospital visits, hormone treatments, and emotional lows, the people who consistently brought light into those dark moments were the nurses. They didn’t just deliver care; they delivered presence, comfort, and unwavering support. Their empathy made a lasting impression on me, and I realized I wanted to be that person for someone else. That was when nursing became more than a career goal. It became a personal mission. I am currently working toward my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Berry, where I’m part of the Honors Program and completing an anesthesia-focused thesis. My long-term goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). I’ve always been fascinated by neuroscience and pharmacology, and I’m especially interested in how genetics and brain chemistry affect a patient’s response to anesthesia. Becoming a CRNA would allow me to combine advanced clinical skills with critical thinking and precision while continuing to provide compassionate, individualized care. To prepare for this path, I’ve embraced every opportunity for academic, clinical, and leadership growth. In the spring of 2025, I completed clinical rotations at Advent Health Redmond on the medical-surgical unit and at The Spires at Berry College in long-term and memory care. These experiences gave me hands-on exposure to patient assessments, vital signs, hygiene care, EHR documentation, and interprofessional teamwork. I learned not just how to perform skills, but how to communicate with empathy and think holistically. After graduation, I plan to work in the intensive care unit (ICU) to gain the critical care experience required for CRNA school. I am particularly drawn to the ICU because of the complexity of patient conditions and the high level of autonomy and vigilance required from nurses. I believe this environment will challenge me, refine my clinical judgment, and prepare me for the rigor of nurse anesthesia practice. Outside the classroom and clinicals, I’ve taken on leadership roles that reflect my commitment to nursing and community engagement. I serve as a Nursing Ambassador, helping prospective students explore the field. I’m also the Fundraising Lead for our campus chapter of Partners in Health, where we raise awareness about global health equity. As the Event Coordinator for Viking Fusion, my on-campus job, I help plan and promote community events. These roles have sharpened my communication, time management, and leadership abilities, all of which I know will benefit me in my nursing career. Next summer, I will be traveling to Kenya for a cultural immersion trip focused on global health and cross-cultural communication. I’m incredibly excited for this opportunity to gain a broader perspective on how healthcare systems function in different parts of the world and to deepen my understanding of cultural humility in nursing practice. Ultimately, what draws me to nursing is the opportunity to show up for people in their most vulnerable moments. I believe nursing is one of the most human-centered, purpose-driven professions there is, and I am deeply honored to pursue it.

The nursing industry interests me because it allows me to merge compassion with critical thinking, service with science, and heart with hands-on care. I’ve always been drawn to careers that center on human connection and impact, but nursing stands apart in the way it intertwines empathy with technical expertise. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the kind of life-changing presence nurses can be, especially during my sister’s journey with Turner Syndrome. She underwent numerous treatments and appointments, yet it was the nurses who made her feel safe, empowered, and genuinely cared for. Their support extended beyond clinical responsibilities; they offered hope, reassurance, and dignity during some of her most vulnerable moments. That impact stayed with me and sparked my desire to one day provide that same sense of comfort and advocacy to others. My long-term goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). I’m fascinated by the science of anesthesia and its intersection with pharmacology, neuroscience, and individualized care. I’m currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Berry College, where I’m part of the Honors Program and completing an anesthesia-focused thesis project. I’m particularly interested in how genetics and brain chemistry influence a patient’s response to anesthesia, an area I hope to research further in the future. In the spring of 2025, I completed clinical rotations in both hospital and long-term care settings. At Advent Health Redmond, I participated in patient assessments, monitored vitals, and practiced documentation under the supervision of experienced nurses. At The Spires at Berry College, I worked with patients in rehab and memory care, where I learned the importance of patience, presence, and communication in geriatric care. These hands-on experiences confirmed that nursing is not just a good fit for my skill set—it’s where I feel most fulfilled and energized. Outside the classroom and clinicals, I’ve taken on leadership roles that reflect my commitment to service and community. I serve as a Nursing Ambassador, helping represent the program to prospective students, and I am the Fundraising Lead for Partners in Health, a student organization focused on promoting healthcare equity. I also work as the Event Coordinator for Viking Fusion, where I help organize campus events to build community and engagement. These roles have strengthened my ability to communicate effectively, manage my time, and lead with empathy and intention. One of the most exciting upcoming opportunities in my academic journey is a cultural immersion trip to Kenya next summer. This experience will allow me to explore healthcare delivery in a global context, engage with diverse communities, and deepen my cultural competence, an essential skill for any nurse. I believe understanding how health systems function around the world will help shape me into a more informed, compassionate, and adaptable nurse in the future. I believe I’m a strong candidate for a career in nursing not only because of my academics and clinical training but because of the heart and perspective I bring. I’m driven by the belief that every person, regardless of background, language, or circumstance, deserves to feel seen and cared for. Nursing, to me, is a career of action, compassion, and advocacy. Whether I’m assisting during a surgical procedure, comforting a patient’s family, or contributing to research that improves outcomes, I want to make a tangible difference. Nursing is more than just a profession. It is a lifelong commitment to growth, service, and human connection, and I am deeply honored to pursue it.

When people ask why I want to be a nurse, I always find myself wanting to say so much more than, “I want to help people.” While that’s certainly true, my decision to pursue nursing stems from experiences that are deeply personal, emotional, and transformative. Nursing, for me, is not just a profession, as it is a calling rooted in love, service, and resilience. I grew up watching my sister face the challenges of Turner Syndrome, a rare chromosomal disorder. She underwent multiple surgeries, hormone treatments, and countless appointments that shaped not only her world but mine as well. However, through the stress and fear of those long clinical days, one thing remained constant: the presence of the nurses. They weren’t just healthcare providers, they were protectors of dignity, emotional lifelines, and genuine sources of comfort. They held my sister’s hand when she was scared, explained things when doctors spoke too quickly, and treated her like more than a diagnosis. That impact stuck with me. I didn’t just want to be in medicine, I wanted to be a nurse. Another key influence was my aunt, who was once my role model and closest companion. She was bright, empathetic, and a beloved special education teacher. Watching her fall into heroin addiction was one of the most painful experiences of my life. I loved her deeply, and I watched helplessly as she slipped into someone I didn’t recognize. That experience taught me about not just death, but the loss of someone who is still living, yet it also taught me about unconditional love. I never stopped loving her, even when it hurt. That kind of love, love for people in their darkest moments, is exactly what nursing requires. My decision was further strengthened by what I witnessed in my own household. My mom, a teacher for English Language Learners, worked with children from immigrant families who often had no access to healthcare. These were kids who had never seen a dentist, who struggled with undiagnosed illnesses, who were often dismissed by the system. Watching my mom go above and beyond for them showed me what it means to advocate for people who are overlooked. It inspired me to think critically about healthcare disparities and how I want to be part of the solution. All of these moments, from the strength of my sister, the heartbreak of my aunt, the compassion of my mom, converged to push me toward nursing. They didn’t just show me what care looks like. They showed me what it feels like when care is missing, and I want to be someone who never lets that happen. Nursing is so much more than taking vital signs or administering medication. It’s about presence. It’s about making someone feel seen in a hospital gown, heard in a moment of fear, and valued even when they feel broken. I want to be the person who doesn’t just treat symptoms but nurtures the soul. I want to be that light for others, the same way so many were for my family. Choosing nursing wasn’t a single moment or a neat story. It was a gradual shaping of the heart, one that has grown stronger with every challenge, every loved one I’ve stood beside, and every moment that reminded me how powerful compassion can be. That’s why I chose nursing. And that’s why I can’t imagine doing anything else.