Choosing to pursue a career in healthcare has been a decision shaped by my experiences, values, and aspirations, ultimately leading me to the field of nursing. From a young age, I was exposed to the critical role healthcare professionals play in the community, as I often viewed the reality of working as a nurse in all different aspects and abilities. Watching people care for patients, alleviate their fears, and celebrate their recoveries ignited a spark in me. This not only nurtured a passion for helping people but also instilled a deep respect for the healthcare profession. As I grew older, this admiration evolved into a recognition of the profound impact nurses have on both individual lives and the broader health of society. It dawned on me that nursing is more than just a job; it’s a calling—a blend of compassion, science, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. This realization solidified my commitment to this field during challenging moments in my own life when I witnessed family members battling illness. Those experiences reinforced my desire to be on the frontline, providing support and guidance during someone’s most vulnerable times. By pursuing a nursing degree, I not only aspire to provide holistic care to patients but also to advocate for their needs and be a voice for those who may feel unheard in the healthcare system. In the future, I envision utilizing my degree to work in underserved communities where access to quality healthcare is limited. I want to bridge gaps in health equity and play a role in educating patients about preventive care, helping them manage their health proactively rather than reactively. Additionally, I am passionate about mental health and aim to integrate mental health support into my practice, understanding that physical and mental well-being are intrinsically intertwined. By pursuing specialized training, I hope to empower patients through evidence-based approaches that encourage resilience and promote holistic healing. Moreover, I aspire to contribute to nursing education itself, mentoring the next generation of nurses and fostering an environment where compassion and clinical excellence go hand in hand. In this ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, I am eager to engage in ongoing learning, stay attuned to innovations, and remain responsive to the needs of my community. Ultimately, I want to leave a lasting impact—not just as a caregiver but as an advocate for change, striving to create a healthcare environment where every patient feels valued, heard, and cared for. This dream fuels my determination as I embark on this journey through nursing, driven by a profound commitment to serve.

As I stepped into my freshman year of high school, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. The hallways buzzed with the chatter of students, and everything felt so foreign and overwhelming. I remember the first day vividly; I walked through the entrance with my heart racing, clutching my schedule like a lifeline. I had always been a somewhat shy person, and the idea of mingling with so many unfamiliar faces was daunting. Days turned into weeks, and I began to struggle with my classes, particularly in math. Numbers swirled around in my head, and each assignment felt like an insurmountable mountain. Two weeks into the term, I found myself sitting alone at lunch, battling the overwhelming sense of isolation that crept in like a thick fog. I felt like an outsider looking in, and it made my anxiety flare up. I had always heard that everyone faces adversity, but experiencing it firsthand was an entirely different ballgame. As the weeks rolled on, I knew I had to confront my spiraling anxiety and academic struggles. I decided to reach out for help—a monumental step for me. I mustered the courage to approach my math teacher after class. To my surprise, she was incredibly understanding and offered to help in any way that I needed. This encounter was a turning point, marking the moment I realized that seeking help was not a sign of weakness, but rather one of strength. Slowly, with her guidance, I began to grasp the concepts I once found impossible. I also discovered the importance of building friendships; I started talking to the classmates around me, and I was fortunate enough to connect with a few who shared my struggles. We formed a group during class and are own times that made learning less intimidating. In facing this adversity, I learned the value of community, perseverance, and self-advocacy. It not only improved my math skills but also equipped me with tools to manage my anxiety. My freshman year became a journey of self-discovery, teaching me that while adversity is uncomfortable, it also cultivates growth. Looking back, I realize how vital it is to embrace vulnerability and seek support when needed. For anyone experiencing similar challenges, my advice is simple: don’t shy away from asking for help. You might just surprise yourself with how strong you are and what you can achieve when you lean on others. Adversity can shape you in profound ways, turning fear into resilience, and ultimately, it can lead to beautiful transformations.

Going to college represents a significant milestone in my life, embodying not just an academic endeavor but also a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth. For me, college is the opportunity to immerse myself in a vibrant environment brimming with diverse perspectives and experiences. It is a chance to break free from the familiar confines of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges that will shape me into a more well-rounded individual. As a first-generation college student, the stakes feel even higher; I carry the hopes and dreams of my family with me, hoping to pave the way for future generations. I want to honor their sacrifices by fully engaging in the myriad opportunities that college has to offer. My primary goal is to gain a comprehensive education in my chosen field. I am deeply passionate about [specific area of study or major, e.g., environmental science, literature, engineering], and I aspire to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact within that domain. I believe that understanding the complexities of my field will equip me to contribute positively to society, fostering progress and nurturing a sense of responsibility towards our community and the world at large. However, my ambitions extend beyond mere academic achievement. I aim to cultivate a network of like-minded individuals, mentors, and friends who will inspire me and challenge my worldview. Engaging in campus activities, student organizations, and leadership opportunities will allow me to hone interpersonal skills that are essential in today’s interconnected world. I hope to collaborate with people from various backgrounds, learning from their unique experiences and perspectives while sharing my own insights. By stepping into roles that push me beyond my limits, I seek to grow in resilience and adaptability. Another crucial aspect of my college journey is personal development. I want to explore my interests, discover new passions, and refine my values. College provides a fertile ground for experimentation, where I can delve into subjects I haven't previously considered and engage in discussions that will help clarify my beliefs. Through this exploration, I hope to emerge not only as a knowledgeable individual but also as a confident, compassionate leader ready to face the complexities of the world ahead. Ultimately, going to college means embracing the journey of lifelong learning—both academically and personally. It’s about striving to become the best version of myself, ready to take on challenges and seize opportunities, and, above all, making a difference in the lives of others.

Navigating life as a student, I’ve come to realize that my mental health is intricately linked to both my academic performance and my personal life. On days when I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed, even the simplest tasks, like attending a lecture or completing assignments, can feel insurmountable. I often find that my motivation plummets, and I struggle to concentrate, which leads to a slippery slope of procrastination and stress. Consequently, my grades may reflect this tumult—assignments submitted late or exams taken without adequate preparation leave me grappling with feelings of inadequacy. Beyond academics, my relationships with friends and family tend to suffer during these challenging periods. I find myself withdrawing, not wanting to burden them with what I’m going through, which ironically deepens my isolation. It’s a cycle that takes a toll on every aspect of my life, making it crucial to prioritize my mental health amidst the demands of school. Recognizing this, I’ve learned to take proactive steps to make my mental well-being a priority. One of the first changes I made was establishing a consistent routine. I’ve found that setting aside specific times for studying, exercise, and relaxation helps create a sense of structure in my day-to-day life, reducing anxiety. Additionally, I’ve incorporated mindfulness and meditation into my routine, even if it’s just for ten minutes each day. Taking a moment to breathe, reflect, and ground myself can transform my mindset and help me approach challenges with a clearer perspective. I also prioritize open communication. I’ve cultivated relationships with trusted friends who understand the importance of mental health and are supportive of each other. Whether it’s a quick text check-in or a planned coffee chat, these moments of connection provide me with the emotional support I desperately need. Furthermore, I’ve sought out campus resources such as counseling services and mental health workshops. These have proven invaluable in developing coping strategies and resilience while also reminding me that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Most importantly, I’ve learned to listen to my body and mind. If I’m feeling particularly drained, I allow myself the grace to rest, reminding myself that taking a break doesn’t equate to failure. In those moments, I focus on self-care—whether that means binge-watching a favorite series or indulging in a creative hobby. By prioritizing my mental health, I’ve found a healthier balance between my academic responsibilities and personal life, ultimately empowering me to thrive in both arenas. Every day is a new opportunity to reinforce this balance, and while it’s an ongoing journey, I’m committed to making my well-being a cornerstone of my student experience.

Ever since I could think of, I've always loved the environment of the Medical Field. I’ve always loved the feel and sensation of wanting to be apart of that field and being in the actual place of working as a nurse. I’ve heard and seen from many that studying and going through the process of wanting to be a nurse in any position, can be the hardest things to face. It’s not a one day and done task. It seems more than just what others outside of that think then, people actually doing it from the inside. I give all my respect to everyone who has taken the courage to accomplish their dream of being a nurse and getting to their goal, I know from my perspective it can be the most rewarding feelings you could ever have. I’ve looked and researched many nursing positions and jobs you can achieve in the route you take for your outcome, it’s not just one path. There’s many you can resolve in are world today, I know I just have to choose the right one that I know will fit me. I’ve looked and looked but, one that has caught my eye and has sticked with me all summer , is being a pediatric nurse in mental health for kids. I knew there were many kind of nurses you can be but, being one that has had to deal with their own mental health problems, I loved the idea of being that second light for children, being their care taker at any age that comes my way and the protection over their health and abilities. I want to be their so they can be their own voice, their self so that they don’t feel alone in such a scary world we unfortunately have to live through from various of things now and days. To be able to a nurse , even if I don’t make it to become a pediatric, any position that I hope and pray that the man above has planned for me moving forward this year as senior in high school and following my education forward, I hope that I can be a nurse that is remembered by many patients and a impact on many hearts that will walk through my journey. I can say that with working hard, putting effort and not giving up so easily , truly only god knows what’s next for me and what I will do in my future but, I would love to see myself in pink scrubs, with my Id and on the grounds of a hospital ready to do what I know I worked hard to get to that point, that is the dream. My dream.

My Mental Health journey can be around the same aspect as others who have always dealt with their Mental Health and disorders but, everyone has their own journey. Their own way to explain how are mentality has shaped us as humans today in are own world. Not every person has gone through the same thing but, every person has a story to tell that connects all routes of the human beings we are inside and out. My Mental Health has always been an effect throughout my life. It’s neglected my positive way of thinking into something that nobody wants to experience fighting in their own mind. It’s fallen on my belief for god and my relationships with my close loved ones. It can be the most difficult thing to explain to people you love around you what you are going through because you don’t want to seem everything can weaken you down, you don’t want to show your true emotions to people who worry and care about you, you don’t want them to see you in your darkest and lowest moments. How can I explain to my mother and father that their daughter was struggling with depression and anxiety attacks everyday behind their back , that you don’t see a future ahead for yourself? You can’t. That’s one of the worst nightmares for parents to hear from their own children mouths. I know if I wanted to find my way out of this world that wasn’t entirely mine but, a world more peaceful I needed to do it myself if I wanted to continue in life and be an impact in my Hispanic Community that so beloved many kids don’t have the opportunity even today to earn the education and opportunity to get the guarantee in life that there will be something for them. I needed to stand my ground and fight with my own self , that my own mind doesn’t control me, I control what goes on and how I manage to do it. I want to be an impact on children who are still growing and new to our world as being a pediatric nurse in mental health to be able to be a home and comfort for those little ones. To not be afraid for who they are because god created us in his way that he knew every single human being on this earth, little or small will be the change and aspect of why he build what he did for us today. That god has a plan for each and every single one of us, it takes are own guts and strength from are Mental Health, to figure out when that plan seeks for us and begins.

My family has always been very close with God and are Catholic religion in are church. It’s always been a guide and a pair of hands that has always lifted us during are strong and weak moments throughout are entire lives. At first, when I was going through a hard patch with my mental health and myself, I started to slowly stop believing in God because I thought if he really cared for me I wouldn’t be going through these hard times as a teenager. Then, I stopped attending church, stayed more in my room because I thought everyone and everything around me hated me or that I wasn’t enough to be apart in this so called world. My faith was failing on me letting more of my positive thoughts , be negative. I tried and tried to better myself as I knew how to but, I started to lose hope that I wasn’t going to heal from all these things that nobody knew about but my own self. I started to ask god why he was making me suffer and that if I continued this way, I said to him once, “ then what is the purpose of still waking up to another day , to just replay the same but, new day, everyday? “ . I questioned my existence and presence as much as I can remember. On March of 2021, when I wanted to harm myself for believing that everything would be better off if I was no longer here, he came to me. God approached me with open arms and a loving heart to prove to me that I had a purpose, a reason to be alive, sano y salvo. That my faith never failed me, it’s always been there but, I just needed to find it again after digging it lower and lower into the ground from all the negativity that was coming from my mind and body. We might think when we’re going through a rough obstacle or faze in are mental heath/ disability’s, that we won’t ever see the beauty of it in the end. That’s not true. God has a reason why his strongest soldiers go through the most hurtful and brutal situations because he believes that every person who overcomes those, can get pass through anything that is thrown at them or in their life spam every single time. That they never stop fighting to keep their guard up no matter what and that is showing the man above, that he’s making the right choice for every human being that is on this earth today, to take care and build upon what he created from scratch, for generations to keep striving , for our world to be a better place. To guarantee happiness , faith and hope. I plan to carry my faith and God with me everywhere throughout my journey for my dream career when I graduate high school. So, that I can be successful and achieve all my goals with the help and spirit of the man above , to also be a better version of myself and create a better version to this new life that I will be entering next year, amen.

I believe many people can say the same thing when it comes to being a hispanic Latino/ Latina in the United States today. It can be a blessing but, also a lesson of not living in a state that has every possiblilty and opportunities that countries like our’s don’t have. There’s many causes, situations, step backs, affects, obstacles and real life reality things that come with being a Hispanic student who is entering her last year as a high school student and entering the real world soon. My parents sacrificed and worked hard to achieve to have the ability to give all that me and my siblings have ever needed and wanted in life throughout these 30+ years my beloved parents have been in the United States. It was of course a risky but choice full matter for my parents to decide they wanted to risk everything to have a better chance in life for their selves and families and even though, they wouldn’t have known what they would get their selves into in the end. Being in the United States as most of the time being seen differently, or not “ apart “ of the community standard is very difficult and sad to are society now and days. We are looked at as “ criminals “ or “ border hoppers “. Why do Hispanic children’s, parents and other race of ethnicity’s that are not apart of being an American seen and viewed as less than a human being? Every single person that is brought into life from the man above has a reason and task to live life to their fullest and to make the most out of it. It’s not to disgrace or put down anybody that only wants to see the best for them and give back to their loved ones with not just money but, also the love and opportunity they have brought to life, light in a world of everything is possible but, also not given. Our world can be the dark of are tunnels but, can also be the light to find the end of are journey, it’s only up to us Latino and Latina’s to make the most of what we have been offered and to make are parents and families proud for not regretting leaving their countries to come here and give us a chance at a new life. We can only be the voice and hands for children who still don’t have that chance to come here to the United States and be a American Citizen , when we can be that blessing to make that dream come true for those beloved kids and adults, we can do this vamos!

Every person on earth has grown through a course, an obstacle or a situation that affects their view on the world/ their community moving forward and to their future. I’ve gone through ups and downs with my mental health. It’s always been a battle for me to see the positive and light at the end of the tunnel when things get rough for me. I lost 3 out of my 4 grandparents in the last 3-4 years and it was one of the hardest years to accept that my old ones were no longer with us anymore. grieve is an interesting thing to see and go through. It’s beautiful but also a scary thing to experience and I wouldn’t put it upon my worst enemy. It’s one of those things that we never want to see come true to anyone we hold dearly but, when it does it’s hard to comprehend all that you have now is memories than the actual person. my mental health was at a very bad state dealing with the lose of my loved ones, trying to focus on school and provide for myself physically and mentally. It’s like you want to do your best and to keep going with life but, how can you move on through life , if you have that feeling of just leaving behind the person who isn’t there anymore? When really you aren’t their spirit will live on but, to us it’s like we’re ending their track there. I started focusing on my self more, working on mental health to be at a better state no matter how long it took. I took my time and took everyday as a blessing to still be here today and succeed for my loved ones that are no longer here with us today because I know they are proud of the women I am and is gonna become. This scholarship will help my community to learn that no matter what obstacle comes your way, there is always a shining bright light at the end and that god will guide you in many ways to your right path even if it means going through those hard rocks that we believe we won’t make it but, god always had a plan for greatness and happiness to all of us. I would pursue young people to go for it, try new things, don’t be afraid to do anything we only have one life to live so, live it at your fullest like anybody or yourself would want you to.

Since, I was a little girl, I’ve always imagined myself being in the field of hands on runs and being apart of the amazing medicine and health community we have developed in are world today, to cure and care for those everyday needs and wants as a nurse to patients. I’ve always wanted to see myself in scrubs, on my feet for hours long a day and getting through my shifts being in the environment that everyone can fear the most but the most rewarding feeling being able to say you are apart of that. I’ve always loved the adrenaline feeling of seeing and viewing thousands of different kind of nurses working their everyday life as being apart in that career. it’s always been a blessing to see the many opportunities and resources we have in are society today to be able to complete and achieve that goal that many young adults have in their mind to start n move along their future. Being a nurse or in the medical field in general, can be one of the hardest things to have to go through to get where you wanna be. It’s not just a one time thing everyday, it’s being on top of your classes and grades to succeed as high as you can as a student to earn that spot of working in hospitals, clinics,etc. I’ve looked over tons of university’s, colleges, and positions in nursing around different parts of my area to get the idea and courage to want to make sure that I want to accomplish this dream of mine n goal to make my parents proud of their daughter being a nurse in the United States when they came from their home country to sacrifice and work hard to receive all that we have today from them. They’ve made the biggest change in their life to want better life and better opportunities in their family to someday like now that I will be graduating soon from high school and off to exploring the real world that everyone talks about after your 12 years in school, I can hopefully some day pay back what my parents did for me all these years and sacrifice myself now to learn, grow and develop into a independent Latina women and give back to my beloved loved ones. I want to go through this route of obstacles for myself, to be brought however far I go with this career and the lead of the man above, to see the smiles on my parents that I know once I do see it, I know I made it.