My name is Anaya Mayhew. I am a 26 year old, and graduated with a Health Science degree. Today, and I am a full-time middle school Health and Physical Education teacher while pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing as a full-time student. My passion for nursing began at a young age, inspired by both of my grandmothers, who worked as nurse aides and demonstrated the importance of compassion and caring for others. I always watched them when I was younger tend to others. The way people would describe them as hard working, diligent, kind women aspired me to want to do something in the medical field such as them. I began teaching in 2023, as my own principal from High school, reached out to me asking me to fill the position. At the time, I was already looking for a job that would be flexible, and would be enough to pay my bills. It was in my mind, a stretch but I applied everywhere. When she gave me a call, I couldn’t thank anybody but God, but I was upset because I was under the impression that the schedules would not align. I explained to her that I just applied to go to nursing school, where she explained that she will be of any assistance. Chamberlain University, has night classes and it worked out perfectly, that I am able to work full-time to maintain paying bills all while going to school. Teaching for the past three years has strengthened my desire to care for children beyond the classroom. It has taught me to be patient, understanding, remain consistent, and show up for myself while still showing up for others. My goal is to become a registered nurse specializing in Labor and Delivery, the NICU, or Pediatrics, and later earn my RNC-OB certification or become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Service has always been central to who I am. I have volunteered in hospice care for years. I have led fundraising efforts that raised over $5,000 for Relay for Life, which helps bring awareness to various cancers and help fund research. I have organized a schoolwide Penny War, and coordinated a canned food drive that collected more than 4,000 cans for families in need. Not only have I volunteered vigorously, I also am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, where I completed numerous hours of service to all outside of my extra time of being committed to serving. I have had multiple bumps in the road during my path to becoming a registered nurse. I have been dismissed from programs, had to withdraw from classes due to work, and stressed from having no PTO, and having to take a short check to continue on in school. I have kept God first, and even when I had a hard time keeping my head up, I continued to pray, and I remind myself of the times I prayed to even get this far, and to remain faithful. I am in a season in my life where I have another bump in the road, and I have been consistently telling myself that God placed me in this program , and he will make a way for me. As a senior nursing student, I have exhausted all available financial aid. Scholarships and grants are now the only way I can afford to complete my final year of nursing school while continuing to work full-time. I have a balance that must be paid down before I am able to apply for my next set of classes, as I am slated to graduate May of 2027. I believe I am a strong scholarship candidate because I have remained committed to serving my students, my community, and my future patients despite financial challenges. I am a 2026-2027 DAISY Award Honoree for my campus. This award is given to one nursing student per campus. I have been nominated by others for going over and beyond to give phenomenal care to patients, peers, and not just in the hospital, but all over. Receiving this scholarship would help me fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a nurse dedicated to providing compassionate care and advocating for children and families. It will enable me to knock off portion of my balance, and get me steps closer to graduating. I have remained faithful, and dedicated to applying to all scholarships that I can to be completely transparent. This scholarship would mean more than you may be able to imagine. It will help me financially, but overall help remind me that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, and I am doing exactly what I should be.

The impact I hope to make extends far beyond providing medical care. I want to use my education to become an advocate, educator, and source of encouragement for children and families who need someone to believe in them. Throughout my journey as both a full-time middle school Health and Physical Education teacher and a full-time nursing student, I have learned that caring for people goes beyond meeting their immediate needs. It means listening, educating, building trust, and helping them see a future filled with possibilities. That is the type of nurse I aspire to become. The people who have inspired me most are my family and the children I teach. Both of my grandmothers worked as nurse aides, and from them I learned that compassion is one of the greatest gifts you can offer another person. One of my grandmothers later battled cancer and eventually passed away from complications related to its treatment. My mother's diagnosis of Graves' disease and subsequent thyroid removal, along with my father's recent diagnosis of diabetes, have allowed me to witness the importance of compassionate healthcare professionals who educate, support, and empower patients through life's challenges. Their strength has motivated me to persevere through nursing school, even while balancing full-time employment and financial obstacles. Teaching has also transformed my vision for the future. Every day, I work with students from diverse backgrounds, many of whom face challenges that others may never see. Some lack access to healthcare, positive role models, or the resources needed to succeed. I have realized that one of the greatest needs in our communities is investing in our younger generation. Children thrive when they know someone believes in them, and I have made it my mission to be that person. Whether I am encouraging a student to reach their goals or helping them develop healthy habits, I know that small acts of support can have lifelong effects. After earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I hope to work in Labor and Delivery, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or Pediatrics before continuing my education through advanced certification or becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. My goal is to care for children from the very beginning of life while also supporting parents through education, advocacy, and compassionate care. I want families to leave the hospital feeling informed, empowered, and confident in caring for their children. Giving back has always been important to me. I have volunteered in hospice care, led fundraising efforts that raised more than $5,000 for Relay for Life, organized a schoolwide Penny War, and coordinated a canned food drive that collected more than 4,000 cans for families in need. These experiences have shown me that meaningful change begins with serving others and taking action. My vision is to build healthier communities by investing in children and families. I want to use my education not only to treat illness but also to promote prevention, provide education, and advocate for those whose voices are often unheard. I believe that when we care for children, empower parents, and strengthen families, we create a ripple effect that benefits entire communities. That is the legacy I hope to leave as both an educator and a nurse.

Women's empowerment, to me, begins with education, compassion, and the confidence to help others realize their potential. As a full-time middle school Health and Physical Education teacher, I have the privilege of working with young girls during some of the most influential years of their lives. Every day, I strive to create an environment where they feel valued, heard, and capable of achieving their goals. Many of my students come from different backgrounds, and while some have strong support systems, others face challenges that can make them question their worth or limit their opportunities. I believe one encouraging adult can make a lasting difference, and I work to be that source of support by promoting healthy habits, self-confidence, resilience, and the belief that their circumstances do not define their future. My passion for empowering women extends beyond the classroom and into my future career as a nurse. Inspired by both of my grandmothers, who dedicated their lives to caring for others as nurse aides, I learned early that true strength is found in serving others with compassion and dignity. One of my grandmothers later battled cancer and eventually passed away from complications related to her treatment, an experience that showed me the profound impact healthcare professionals have on both patients and their families. My mother's journey with Graves' disease, which required the removal of her thyroid and lifelong medication management, further strengthened my appreciation for nurses who educate, advocate, and provide reassurance during difficult times. These women have shaped my determination to become a healthcare professional who empowers patients through knowledge, compassion, and quality care. After earning my nursing degree, I hope to work in Labor and Delivery, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or Pediatrics because these specialties allow me to support women and children during some of life's most meaningful moments. Whether I am helping a mother welcome her child into the world, caring for a premature infant in the NICU, or providing treatment to a child in need, I want every patient and family to feel respected, informed, and supported. My long-term goal is to continue my education by earning my Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Certification (RNC-OB) or becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner so I can expand my ability to advocate for mothers, infants, and children. I believe women's empowerment is about creating opportunities for others to succeed. As both an educator and a future nurse, I hope to empower the next generation by encouraging young girls to believe in themselves, educating women so they can make informed decisions about their health, and providing compassionate care that strengthens families and communities. By investing in women and children, we create healthier futures for generations to come, and that is the legacy I hope to leave through both education and nursing.

The people who have changed my story the most are the children I teach every day. Before becoming a middle school Health and Physical Education teacher, I knew I wanted to become a nurse, but working with students has given my purpose a much deeper meaning. Every day, I meet children with different personalities, abilities, and dreams, but I also see the challenges many of them carry long before they walk into my classroom. Some come from supportive homes, while others struggle with food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, unstable home environments, or a lack of encouragement. Those experiences have transformed the way I view service and have strengthened my commitment to becoming a pediatric nurse. Many people focus on the visible needs within a community, but I believe one of the greatest problems is often overlooked: investing in our younger generation before they reach adulthood. Children are our future, yet too many grow up without the resources, mentorship, healthcare, or positive role models they need to succeed. I have learned that when a child believes someone genuinely cares about them, it can change the trajectory of their life. Sometimes the greatest difference is made through encouragement, consistency, and simply showing up for them each day. Teaching has allowed me to witness this firsthand. I have celebrated students who improved academically after gaining confidence, encouraged those struggling with their mental and emotional health, and supported children whose circumstances outside of school made learning much more difficult. These experiences have shown me that caring for children goes beyond education—it requires advocating for their physical, emotional, and overall well-being. That realization has reinforced my desire to pursue nursing, where I can continue making a difference in the lives of children and their families through compassionate healthcare. My commitment to serving others extends beyond the classroom. For the past year, I have volunteered in hospice care, where I learned the importance of compassion and dignity during life's most vulnerable moments. I have also led community service initiatives by raising more than $5,000 for Relay for Life, organizing a school-wide Penny War, and coordinating a canned food drive that collected over 4,000 cans for families in need. These experiences have taught me that meaningful change begins when someone is willing to take action. If I had unlimited resources, I would create a community program that combines healthcare, education, mentorship, and family support for children. I envision a place where children could receive health screenings, wellness education, tutoring, mental health resources, nutritious meals, and mentorship regardless of their family's financial situation. I want every child to know that someone believes in their potential and is invested in their future. I believe that strengthening children today creates stronger families and healthier communities tomorrow. As I complete nursing school, my goal is to work in Labor and Delivery, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or Pediatrics, where I can continue advocating for children from the very beginning of life. My purpose is not simply to treat illness but to help children grow into healthy, confident individuals who know they are valued. The children I teach have changed my story, and because of them, I am committed to spending my life helping write better stories for the next generation. As I have exhausted all of my financial assistance, this scholarship would be the dream of a lifetime.

My name is Anaya Mayhew, and I am currently a full-time nursing student at Chamberlain University. I am in my senior year, and slated to graduate in May of 2027. I also serve as a full-time middle school Health and Physical Education teacher for students in grades 6–8. Balancing both roles has strengthened my resilience, time management, and commitment to serving others. Every day, I have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of adolescents, and my experiences in the classroom have deepened my desire to continue caring for children and families through nursing. My greatest passion is helping children receive the care, support, and advocacy they deserve. Throughout my three years as an educator, I have witnessed firsthand how physical, emotional, and mental health directly affect a child's ability to learn, grow, and succeed. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that compassionate healthcare can change lives, inspiring me to pursue a career where I can care for children and support families during some of their most vulnerable moments. My goal is to become a registered nurse dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to children and their families. I am especially drawn to Labor and Delivery, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and Pediatric Nursing because each specialty allows me to make a meaningful impact during critical stages of a child's life. While each area serves a different population, they all align with my passion for nurturing, educating, and advocating for children from birth through adolescence. Education has always been important to me, and I believe learning is a lifelong journey. After earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and becoming a registered nurse, I plan to continue advancing my education. I hope to either earn my Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Certification (RNC-OB) or pursue graduate studies to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. My long-term goal is to expand my knowledge and clinical expertise so I can provide the highest quality of care while serving as a trusted advocate for children and their families. Above all, I strive to lead with compassion, integrity, and service. Whether I am teaching in the classroom or caring for patients in the hospital, my purpose remains the same: to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I am committed to using both my educational and healthcare experiences to advocate for children, promote health and wellness, and provide families with the support they need during every stage of life. My path to becoming a nurse has been a true roller coaster. I have been dismissed from a nursing school previously, faced health concerns along the way, and had to build courage and determination to continue despite all I have been through. There were times where I started to believe that maybe I was not smart enough to be a nurse. As close as I am to finishing school, I am faced with another challenge as I have no more financial aid. I have exhausted all loans that I am able to personally take out. The only option, I have left is to apply for scholarships. Me receiving this scholarship genuinely would mean everything to me. It is a reminder that when there is a will, there is a way. I always tell my students this, and I am determined to continue to advocate and put myself out there.

Choosing nursing has been one of the easiest decisions I have ever made because caring for others has always been at the center of who I am. Long before I enrolled in nursing school, I knew I wanted a career where I could make a meaningful difference in people's lives. My passion for healthcare was inspired by both of my grandmothers, who worked as nurse aides. Watching their compassion, selflessness, and commitment to their patients showed me that nursing is more than a profession—it is an opportunity to bring comfort, hope, and healing to others during some of the most important moments of their lives. Today, I serve as a full-time middle school Health and Physical Education teacher while also attending nursing school full-time. Teaching has reinforced my decision to become a nurse because I work with children from many different backgrounds and circumstances. Some students have strong support systems and access to healthcare, while others face challenges that affect their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. These experiences have shown me how important compassionate healthcare professionals are and have strengthened my desire to advocate for children and families who may not always have the resources they need. One of the most rewarding parts of teaching is seeing my students overcome obstacles and succeed. I take great pride in watching children grow, heal, and gain confidence, and I want to continue making that kind of impact as a nurse. That is why I hope to work in Labor and Delivery, the NICU, or Pediatrics, where I can care for children and support families during some of life's most vulnerable and meaningful moments. After becoming a registered nurse, I plan to continue my education by earning my RNC-OB certification or becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner so I can expand my ability to serve others. My commitment to service extends beyond my career as I also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. I have always done community service through the years. I have volunteered in hospice care for the past year, where I learned the importance of compassion, dignity, and simply being present for patients and their loved ones. I have also led community service initiatives at my school, including raising more than $5,000 for Relay for Life to help raise money for research, and awareness on different kinds of cancer. I have organized a Penny War fundraiser, and coordinated a canned food drive that collected over 4,000 cans for families in need. These experiences have strengthened my leadership skills and reaffirmed that I am called to a career focused on serving others.

The nursing profession interests me because it is one of the few careers that allows you to make a meaningful difference in someone's life every single day. Nurses are educators, advocates, problem-solvers, and compassionate caregivers who support patients through some of their most difficult and most joyful moments. I have always wanted a career where I could build relationships, provide comfort, and use my knowledge to improve the lives of others. Nursing offers the opportunity to combine my passion for helping people with my desire to make a lasting impact on children and families. My journey has prepared me for this career in many ways. I currently work full-time as a middle school Health and Physical Education teacher while attending nursing school full-time. For the past three years, I have worked with students in grades 6–8, and every day has reinforced why I chose healthcare. Teaching has allowed me to see that every child has a unique story. While some students have strong support systems, others face challenges such as limited healthcare access, financial hardship, or difficult home environments. These experiences have motivated me to become a nurse who not only provides excellent clinical care but also advocates for children and families who need someone to believe in them. My long-term goal is to become a registered nurse working in Labor and Delivery, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or Pediatrics before continuing my education to earn my Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Certification (RNC-OB) or become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I want to be the healthcare professional who helps children heal, educates parents, and provides reassurance during uncertain moments. I believe that combining my experience as both an educator and a nurse will allow me to connect with patients and families in a unique and meaningful way. Throughout my journey, I have sought opportunities to serve others beyond the classroom. For the past year, I have volunteered in hospice care, where I learned that compassion is often demonstrated through listening, kindness, and simply being present. I have also led community service projects, including raising more than $5,000 for Relay for Life to support cancer research and awareness, organizing a schoolwide Penny War fundraiser, and coordinating a canned food drive that collected over 4,000 cans for families in need. These experiences have strengthened my leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while reinforcing my commitment to serving my community. My family's health experiences have also influenced my pursuit of nursing. One of my grandmothers passed away after battling cancer, my mother underwent surgery for Graves' disease and now manages her health with lifelong medication, and my father was recently diagnosed with diabetes. Supporting my father as we became accountability partners through exercise and healthier habits has shown me the importance of education, prevention, and encouragement in healthcare. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for nurses who care for patients beyond their diagnosis. Although balancing full-time work and nursing school has been demanding, I remain determined to achieve my goal. As I enter my final year of nursing school after exhausting my financial aid, I continue to persevere because I know that nursing is where I am meant to be. Every challenge I have overcome has strengthened my commitment to becoming a compassionate nurse who serves children, families, and communities with empathy, integrity, and excellence.

Since I was younger, I have always had a want to help others. For some, nursing is a stable job, but for me it is a lifestyle. I was born in West Islip, New York. I remember as a young girl, both my grandmothers working in different forms of healthcare. My grandmother on my mom's side worked with psychiatric patients at a facility. My grandmother on my dad's side worked as a home aide, helping elders with everyday living necessities. Honestly, I used to be scared of the patients because it was so foreign. My grandmother would bring me with her, and as time went by, I grew to love helping her out when I could. Both instilled the importance of non-judgement, compassion, and the fullness you feel inside when you have helped someone, no matter how big or small, and that is what drove me and my original passion for nursing. My grandmother on my mother's side in 2018 passed away from side effects from chemotherapy as the years went on due to her having cancer. She would always say her main goal was to see us do better than she had. Knowing how kind, patient, determined, and strong- willed she was, and the impact she made really pushed me to want to do nursing, and even want to do more. My journey has been nothing short of a roller coaster. I originally started out going to school at the University of West Georgia. Honestly, that was the year that my grandmother passed, and I did not have the best grades, and fell short of receiving a grant I needed in order to stay at that school. This led me to go to Clayton State University, where I finished my prerequisites for nursing, and start nursing school there. I was dismissed due to not passing classes, and I was. completely heartbroken. It made me start to self doubt myself, put myself down, and ultimately I began to believe that I wasn't smart enough to be a nurse. I decided to finish my Health Science degree with the prerequisites I had in 2022. Although I had finally graduated, I knew in my heart I was not satisfied. I wanted to be a nurse. I applied for Chamberlain University, and by this time, my grades were a lot better. I was accepted, and thinks began to look up. Chamberlain University being a private would need I would really have to dig deep, and find scholarships and aid to help me stay in school. I ended up receiving a call from one of my principals from when i was in school asking me to come teach. I was very unsure, and decided to be transparent with her that I just applied and got accepted into nursing school. Her response was that she reached out to me because she remembered the kind of student I was, and my work ethic is something highly needed at the middle school. This was the outlet I needed to be able to go to school, and still pay bills. I have now been a full-time middle school teacher teaching health and physical education. I teach 6th through 8th graders while also being a full time nursing student at night. I am highly dedicated to my studies, and the last three years, I have really emerged myself into teaching my students how to be emotionally and physically fit, and the best feeling is when they come back to tell me how much of an impact I have made. I currently have a job that allows me to work towards my passion, and also work out to alleviate my stressors. I have lost over 35 pounds in the last 6 months as I have found my passion again for fitness. Although at first, I was able to use financial aid to assist me in paying for school, I now have ran completely out. I have less than a year left of school, and scholarships is the only way I am able to afford it. This scholarship will contribute to my lifelong goals of becoming a registered nurse in the either pediatrics, labor and delivery, or the NICU. If I had wanted you to know anything, it is that if I was honored with this scholarship, it would not be taken lightly, and will be a step closer to fulfilling my goals and dreams.

Nursing is more than the career I have chosen—it is a calling that has been shaped by my experiences, my family, and my desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Although the journey has not been easy, every challenge has strengthened my determination to become the compassionate nurse I have always aspired to be. My passion for healthcare began at a young age through the example set by both of my grandmothers, who worked as nurse aides. Their compassion and dedication to caring for others inspired me to pursue a profession centered on service. As I grew older, my family's own health experiences further solidified that decision. One of my grandmothers courageously battled cancer before passing away from complications related to its treatment. My mother was diagnosed with Graves' disease and underwent a thyroidectomy, requiring lifelong medication to regulate her hormones. More recently, my father was diagnosed with diabetes, a condition that has affected multiple generations of my family. Since his diagnosis, we have become accountability partners by going to the gym together and encouraging one another to make healthier lifestyle choices. Witnessing their journeys has shown me the importance of compassionate nurses who educate, advocate, and support patients beyond their diagnosis. Today, I work full-time as a middle school Health and Physical Education teacher while attending nursing school full-time. Teaching students in grades 6–8 has shown me that every child has a unique story. Some students have access to the resources they need to thrive, while others face barriers that impact their health and well-being. Those experiences have inspired me to pursue a career caring for children in Labor and Delivery, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or Pediatrics. I find joy in helping children grow, heal, and overcome challenges, and I hope to provide families with the same encouragement and compassion that has inspired me throughout my own life. Serving my community has also reinforced my commitment to nursing. For the past year, I have volunteered in hospice care, where I learned that compassion is often found in simply being present for patients and their loved ones. I have also led fundraising efforts that raised more than $5,000 for Relay for Life, organized a schoolwide Penny War, and coordinated a canned food drive that collected over 4,000 cans for families in need. These opportunities have strengthened my leadership skills and reminded me that meaningful change begins with a willingness to serve. As I enter my final year of nursing school, I have exhausted all available financial aid while balancing full-time employment and a rigorous academic schedule. Despite these financial challenges, I remain committed to completing my degree because I know the impact I hope to make as a nurse. My experiences as an educator, volunteer, and future healthcare professional have prepared me to advocate for children and families with compassion, empathy, and integrity. Nursing is not simply the career I want—it is the purpose I have worked tirelessly to achieve.

Nursing is more than the career I have chosen—it is the calling that has shaped my goals for as long as I can remember. My desire to become a nurse began with the example set by both of my grandmothers, who worked as nurse aides and demonstrated the compassion, patience, and dedication required to care for others. As I have grown older, my commitment to nursing has only deepened through my personal experiences, my career as an educator, and my family's health journey. For the past three years, I have worked as a full-time middle school Health and Physical Education teacher while simultaneously pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Teaching students in grades 6–8 has given me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with children from many different backgrounds. Every day, I see how physical health, mental well-being, and access to healthcare influence a child's ability to learn and succeed. Some students have strong support systems, while others face challenges that extend far beyond the classroom. Those experiences have inspired me to pursue pediatric nursing because I want to advocate for children, educate families, and provide compassionate care that can positively influence a child's future. Although I am also interested in Labor and Delivery and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, I know that my passion lies in caring for children and supporting families during some of the most important moments of their lives. Seeing children recover from illness, regain their confidence, and return to doing what they love brings me genuine joy. I hope to build a career where I can combine clinical knowledge with empathy to make children feel safe, valued, and cared for while giving parents reassurance during difficult times. After becoming a registered nurse, I plan to continue my education by earning my Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Certification (RNC-OB) or becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. My family's health experiences have strengthened my determination to complete nursing school. One of my grandmothers courageously battled cancer and later passed away from complications related to its treatment. Watching her journey showed me both the challenges patients face and the lasting impact compassionate healthcare professionals can have on families. My mother was diagnosed with Graves' disease and underwent a thyroidectomy. She now relies on lifelong medication to regulate her hormone levels, and seeing her adapt with resilience has reinforced the importance of patient education and long-term disease management. More recently, my father was diagnosed with diabetes, a condition that runs in his family. Together, we have become accountability partners by exercising regularly and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices to help him better manage his health. These experiences have shown me that healthcare extends beyond hospitals—it continues in everyday life through education, prevention, encouragement, and support. As I continue my nursing education, I remain committed to serving others both inside and outside the classroom. My experiences as a teacher, caregiver, volunteer, and future nurse have prepared me to advocate for children and families with compassion, integrity, and empathy. I look forward to dedicating my career to improving the lives of pediatric patients while continuing to grow as a lifelong learner and healthcare professional. Supplementary Questions 1. Chronic illness/medical conditions:** I do not personally have a chronic illness or require an ostomy. However, my family's health experiences have greatly influenced my nursing journey. My grandmother passed away following complications from cancer treatment, my mother lives with Graves' disease after having her thyroid removed, and my father was recently diagnosed with diabetes. Witnessing their experiences has strengthened my commitment to becoming a compassionate nurse and has reinforced the importance of patient education, prevention, and long-term support. 2. Military service: Neither I nor my parents have served in the military. 3. Parent in education:** Neither of my parents has worked in education. However, I am a full-time middle school Health and Physical Education teacher, serving students in grades 6–8 while completing nursing school full-time.

My decision to pursue a career in nursing comes from a lifelong desire to care for others and make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted a career centered on compassion, service, and helping those in need. My greatest inspiration came from both of my grandmothers, who worked as nurse aides. Watching their dedication and hearing about the relationships they built with their patients taught me that healthcare is about much more than treating illnesses—it is about providing comfort, advocating for others, and being a source of hope during difficult times. Their example planted the seed for my dream of becoming a nurse, and that dream has only grown stronger over the years. Today, I am a full-time middle school Health and Physical Education teacher while also pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing as a full-time student. Although teaching and nursing are different professions, they share the same purpose: caring for people and helping them reach their full potential. Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of working with students from many different backgrounds. Some have access to the resources they need to thrive, while others face challenges related to healthcare, nutrition, mental health, or unstable home environments. Witnessing these realities has reinforced my desire to become a pediatric nurse and advocate for children whose circumstances may limit their access to quality care. The most rewarding part of teaching has been watching students overcome obstacles, build confidence, and succeed. I take great joy and pride in seeing children get better, whether that means helping them develop healthy habits, supporting them through personal challenges, or simply encouraging them to believe in themselves. I want to carry that same sense of purpose into nursing by caring for children and supporting families during some of their most vulnerable moments. My career goal is to become a registered nurse working in Labor and Delivery, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or Pediatrics before continuing my education by earning my Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Certification (RNC-OB) or becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Service has always been an important part of my life. For the past year, I have volunteered in hospice care, where I have learned the value of compassion, dignity, and simply being present for patients and their families. I have also had the opportunity to lead community service initiatives, including raising more than $5,000 for Relay for Life to support cancer research and awareness, organizing a schoolwide Penny War fundraiser, and coordinating a canned food drive that collected more than 4,000 cans for families in need. These experiences have strengthened my leadership skills and reaffirmed my commitment to serving others wherever I am needed. Although balancing full-time teaching with full-time nursing school has been challenging, every experience has confirmed that I am pursuing the career I was meant to have. I want to use my education to make a lasting impact by providing compassionate, evidence-based care, advocating for children and families, and helping ensure that every child has the opportunity to live a healthier future. I learned about this scholarship through the Student Liaison at my current school.

My desire to pursue pediatric medicine comes from a lifelong passion for caring for children and helping them reach their fullest potential. As a full-time middle school Health and Physical Education teacher, I have the privilege of working with students every day, and those experiences have shown me that a child's health extends far beyond the classroom. I have taught students from many different backgrounds, and I have seen firsthand how access to healthcare, nutrition, mental health support, and family resources can greatly influence a child's ability to learn and thrive. These experiences have inspired me to use my education to make a greater impact through nursing. One of the greatest joys in my career is seeing children grow, overcome challenges, and succeed. Whether it is watching a student gain confidence, recover from an illness, or simply smile after a difficult day, I take pride in knowing that I have played a small role in improving their lives. That same feeling is what draws me toward pediatric medicine. I want to be part of a child's healing journey and provide compassionate care that not only treats the patient but also supports the entire family. There is something incredibly rewarding about helping children get better and giving parents hope during difficult moments. My passion for nursing also began at an early age. Both of my grandmothers worked as nurse aides, and their compassion and dedication to caring for others inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare. Their example taught me that nursing is more than administering treatments—it is about advocating for patients, offering comfort, and treating every person with dignity and kindness. Those values continue to guide me today. Outside of teaching, I have sought opportunities to serve my community through hospice volunteering and leading service initiatives. Over the past year, I have volunteered in hospice care, learning the importance of compassion and presence during life's most vulnerable moments. I have also led fundraising efforts that raised more than $5,000 for Relay for Life, organized a school-wide Penny War, and coordinated a canned food drive that collected more than 4,000 cans for families in need. These experiences have reinforced my belief that service and advocacy are at the heart of healthcare. As I continue my nursing education, I hope to become a registered nurse working in Labor and Delivery, the NICU, or Pediatrics before continuing my education through advanced certification or becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. My goal is to combine my experience as an educator with my nursing knowledge to advocate for children, improve health outcomes, and ensure every child receives compassionate, high-quality care regardless of their circumstances. I believe every child deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life, and I am committed to making that difference one patient and one family at a time.