Caring for others has always felt less like a choice and more like a responsibility woven into who I am. As the eldest daughter in a large family, I grew up helping to care for my siblings—learning early on that patience, empathy, and attentiveness can make all the difference in someone’s day. Over time, this instinct to help evolved into a clear purpose: to dedicate my life to healthcare, where my actions could directly impact the lives of others in meaningful and lasting ways. Today, I am in entering a graduate nursing program, pursuing my MSN. My journey has included various clinical settings, where I have both learned and worked. Each setting taught me that healthcare is not only about clinical skills, but also about advocacy, communication, and human connection. In every unit, I saw how a calm voice, a listening ear, or a simple act of reassurance could comfort patients and families in moments of vulnerability. One of the most memorable experiences during my training was assisting in the care of patients with memory loss and dementia. These interactions reminded me that healthcare is not just about treating symptoms, but about preserving dignity, identity, and trust. I learned the importance of slowing down, making eye contact, and offering reassurance even when words could no longer bridge the gap. Those moments reaffirmed for me the deep responsibility we carry as healthcare providers—to be fully present and to advocate for those who cannot always advocate for themselves. My inspiration to pursue healthcare stems from a combination of personal experiences and core values. From an early age, I understood how impactful small acts of kindness could be, whether that meant helping my younger siblings with daily needs, assisting a neighbor, or lending a hand to friends in difficult moments. That same mindset now drives my work in nursing: every task, no matter how routine, is an opportunity to make someone’s day a little easier, safer, or more hopeful. Outside of my academic and clinical work, I have devoted myself to leadership and community service. I founded Hillel at my university to create a space for connection and support, serve as President of Active Minds to promote mental health awareness, and volunteer regularly at the Partner Pantry to help provide food for those in need. These roles have taught me that leadership is not about recognition—it is about showing up, doing the work, and making a difference in whatever capacity you can. Sandy Dykshoorn’s legacy of selflessness and advocacy reflects the very qualities I aspire to embody as a nurse. Like Sandy, I want to go out of my way to help others, whether that means speaking up for patient safety, supporting families through difficult moments, or simply being a steady, compassionate presence at the bedside. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me complete my degree, but also honor Sandy’s spirit by allowing me to continue her legacy—serving others with empathy, dedication, and the unwavering belief that every person deserves to be cared for with dignity and respect.

Hospitals can be overwhelming places—filled with unfamiliar sounds, fast-paced decisions, and emotional highs and lows. But in the midst of it all, there is a constant: the presence of nurses who provide comfort, compassion, and clarity. I chose to pursue nursing because I want to be one of those people who makes others feel safe, cared for, and supported during their most vulnerable moments. My inspiration for entering the nursing field came from seeing the impact nurses had on my own family. When my grandmother was hospitalized after a major surgery, I saw firsthand how the environment around her played a huge role in her healing. But more than anything, it was the nurses who made the difference. They didn’t just manage medications or monitor vitals—they built a relationship with her, with our entire family. They treated her with dignity, explained what was happening in terms we could understand, and helped restore her confidence as she recovered. That experience opened my eyes to the depth of care that nurses provide and the important role they play not only in physical recovery, but in emotional healing as well. As a current nursing student, I’ve had the opportunity to shadow nurses across various departments. In each setting—whether it’s cardiology, labor and delivery, or med-surg—I’ve seen how nurses adapt to meet individual patient needs. I’ve learned how to think critically in high-pressure moments, how to advocate for patients, and how to recognize that something as simple as a recliner or a comforting sleep sofa can make a world of difference to someone spending days or weeks in a hospital room. These experiences have deepened my commitment to nursing, not just as a career, but as a calling. What draws me most to nursing is that it is a blend of science and humanity. It’s a field that requires lifelong learning, clinical skill, and quick decision-making—but also empathy, communication, and compassion. I want to be a nurse who can bring peace of mind to patients and their families, who notices the small things others might miss, and who advocates fiercely for the vulnerable. My long-term goal is to specialize in either pediatrics or women’s health, and eventually pursue an advanced practice role as a nurse practitioner so that I can continue serving others with greater clinical responsibility and leadership. However, the road to becoming a nurse is not without challenges. I come from a large family, with multiple siblings also attending private school and college, which has placed a financial strain on us. Despite working part-time while attending school, the cost of tuition, textbooks, clinical supplies, and commuting adds up quickly. Receiving the Wieland Healthcare Nursing Scholarship would provide much-needed financial relief and allow me to dedicate more time and energy to my studies, clinical rotations, and community involvement. More importantly, it would be a reminder that others believe in my potential to make a meaningful difference in healthcare. I’m inspired by how Wieland values the role that both people and physical spaces play in patient care. It’s clear that Wieland understands that healing goes beyond medicine—it happens in environments where patients feel safe, supported, and seen. I hope to one day be the kind of nurse who creates that sense of comfort not just through my words and actions, but by recognizing the importance of the full healing environment. Thank you for considering my application and supporting future nurses. I found out about this scholarship through the Bold.org scholarship platform.

Growing up, I saw nurses care for my loved ones with patience, empathy, and strength. Whether it was my grandparent recovering from surgery or a sibling undergoing treatment, the nurses were always there—calm in crisis, gentle in pain, and present in every moment. One memory that stays with me is a nurse who stayed late after her shift just to hold my grandmother’s hand while she waited for test results. That simple act of kindness stayed with our family long after she was discharged. These moments planted a seed in me that grew into a deep respect for the nursing profession. Today, I’m proud to be a nursing student working toward my RN. As I’ve progressed through my studies, I’ve had the opportunity to shadow nurses across a variety of units, including med-surg, ICU step-down, cardiology, and labor and delivery. Watching experienced nurses in action has confirmed that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. I’ve learned how nurses think critically under pressure, advocate fiercely for their patients, and offer comfort even when there are no words. I hope to carry that same spirit into my future nursing career. My goal is to become a pediatric nurse or specialize in women’s health. Both areas allow me to support patients and families during vulnerable transitions—whether it’s a child facing a chronic illness or a new mother navigating the postpartum period. I also plan to return to school for an advanced practice degree and eventually become a nurse practitioner. I’m especially passionate about increasing access to care in underserved communities and advocating for patient education and empowerment. Along this journey, I’ve already gained meaningful experience through volunteering and clinical exposure. I’ve volunteered in rehabilitation centers, providing companionship and support to elderly residents. I’ve participated in community health events and served as a mentor to incoming nursing students. Shadowing bedside nurses has shown me the emotional and physical demands of this work—but also the profound impact one nurse can have on a person’s life. These real-world experiences have shaped my understanding of nursing as both a science and an art. While I am fully committed to my education and future career, the financial burden of nursing school is significant. With several siblings also in school—two in college and others in private school—my family is doing everything we can to make it work. I also work part-time to help with expenses, but between clinical hours, coursework, and commuting costs, it’s a challenge. The Sara Jane Memorial Scholarship would lift part of that weight, allowing me to focus more on becoming the best nurse I can be. More importantly, it would be an honor to carry forward Sara Jane’s legacy. Her life reminds me that nursing is not just a profession, but a way of life built on service, compassion, and resilience. She believed in supporting those who were just starting out, and her encouragement of young nurses lives on through this scholarship. I want to embody those same values in my own career—not just caring for patients, but uplifting my peers and future students, just like she did. As I continue my education, I carry the stories of the patients and nurses who have shaped me. I hope to become the kind of nurse who brings calm in chaos, warmth in worry, and care in every detail—just like Sara Jane.

Nursing is more than a career to me—it is a calling that has been shaped by both my personal experiences and professional aspirations. My journey toward nursing began in my youth after experiencing a medical emergency that required intervention. While the experience could have been frightening, the compassion and care I received from the nurses transformed it into a moment of inspiration. They not only eased my physical pain but also provided comfort and reassurance during a vulnerable time. Their kindness left a lasting impression on me, planting the seed for my desire to enter the field of nursing. As I pursued my education, I became increasingly drawn to pediatric nursing. My experiences working with children in various capacities, from babysitting to volunteering in community programs, have reinforced my love for working with young patients. Children are resilient, but they also require specialized care that is both medically sound and emotionally supportive. Pediatric nursing allows me to combine my clinical knowledge with my innate ability to connect with and comfort children. I want to be the nurse who alleviates a child’s fears, reassures their family, and advocates for their well-being. Throughout my nursing education and externships, I have gained hands-on experience in different units, including medical-surgical, telemetry, ICU, and labor and delivery. Each rotation has deepened my understanding of patient care and strengthened my passion for nursing. My time in labor and delivery, in particular, solidified my interest in working with mothers and newborns, further fueling my desire to specialize in pediatrics. I witnessed firsthand the importance of early interventions, family education, and compassionate communication in ensuring the health and safety of both infants and their families. Beyond my clinical experiences, my leadership roles have prepared me for the responsibilities of a pediatric nurse. I have been actively involved in organizations such as the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), Hillel, and Active Minds, where I have taken on leadership positions and worked collaboratively with peers. Managing events, supporting fellow students, and balancing my academic and extracurricular commitments have honed my ability to multitask, communicate effectively, and remain calm under pressure—skills that are crucial in pediatric nursing. One of the most rewarding aspects of nursing is the opportunity to make a lasting impact on patients and their families. Children are not just small adults; their medical and emotional needs are unique. In pediatric nursing, I will have the privilege of not only treating illnesses but also playing a crucial role in a child’s development, education, and overall well-being. Whether it is comforting a scared child before a procedure, educating parents on managing chronic conditions, or celebrating a milestone in a young patient’s recovery, I want to be a part of these moments. Ultimately, my decision to pursue pediatric nursing stems from my deep-seated desire to provide compassionate, patient-centered care to children and their families. My personal experiences, clinical training, and leadership background have all led me to this path. I am eager to continue growing in this field, gaining expertise, and making a difference in the lives of young patients. Nursing is not just a profession for me—it is a lifelong commitment to caring, advocating, and healing.

Success, for me, is not merely a destination but a dynamic journey marked by personal growth, positive impact, and the pursuit of passion. It encompasses the fulfillment of my goals while contributing to the well-being of others. As a nursing major, success is defined by my ability to make a meaningful difference in healthcare and to be a compassionate advocate for those in need. In the realm of nursing, success involves acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional care to patients. It is about mastering the science behind healthcare while cultivating the art of empathy and effective communication. Success means being a trusted and reliable member of a healthcare team, collaborating seamlessly to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. Beyond the academic and clinical aspects, success in nursing also entails leaving a positive impact on the lives of those I serve. It involves creating an environment where patients feel seen, heard, and cared for during moments of vulnerability. Success is measured by the gratitude in a patient's eyes, the relief in a family's demeanor, and the positive outcomes that result from diligent and compassionate care. However, my vision of success extends beyond the individual patient to the broader community. It involves being an advocate for health equity and working towards healthcare systems that are accessible and inclusive. Success, in this context, means addressing social determinants of health, advocating for underserved populations, and contributing to initiatives that promote a more equitable distribution of healthcare resources. This brings me to the significance of the Redefining Victory Scholarship. This opportunity is not just financial support; it is a catalyst for achieving the success I envision in my nursing career. The scholarship would alleviate the financial burdens associated with pursuing a degree in nursing, allowing me to focus more wholeheartedly on my studies, clinical experiences, and community engagement. One aspect of success is educational attainment, and the scholarship would play a pivotal role in my academic journey. It would provide me with the means to invest in essential resources, such as textbooks, online materials, and potentially attendance at conferences or workshops. These resources are not only crucial for excelling in coursework but also for staying informed about the latest advancements in healthcare, thus enhancing my competency as a future nurse. Moreover, success in nursing requires a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. The scholarship would offer the flexibility to explore additional educational opportunities, such as specialized certifications or advanced training programs. These pursuits would not only contribute to my professional development but also enhance my capacity to make a more significant impact in the field. Furthermore, success is about engaging with the community and understanding the diverse needs of the population. The Redefining Victory Scholarship would empower me to actively participate in community outreach programs, health education initiatives, and other projects aimed at addressing health disparities. This hands-on experience is invaluable in shaping a well-rounded and socially conscious healthcare professional. In essence, the Redefining Victory Scholarship is not just a financial aid package; it is a stepping stone towards achieving my vision of success in nursing. It is an investment not only in my education but also in my potential to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare landscape. With this support, I am confident that I can redefine victory not only for myself but for the countless individuals whose lives will be touched by the compassionate and competent care I aspire to provide as a nurse.

My grandparents and parents immigrated to the United States, New York in particular for a better life. They wanted a life where there is freedom of religion and the ability to earn a higher education. My grandparents’ form of highest education was completing the 10th grade which is equivalent here to finishing high school. There was no opportunity to go to college/university and earn a degree. The thought of even being able to do something like that was so far fetched. For one thing they couldn’t afford spending years in college even if it was free, for they had to help to support the family. Financing university for living expenses as they were usually located in the capital cities, books, food, and transportation required money, which was scarce. Upon graduating high school, priority was to put food on the table, not to go off to college . Also, being a minority, they weren’t welcomed at universities and discrimination was obvious. One of my grandmothers was seamstress and the other a hairdresser. My grandfathers were both mechanics. Both didn’t want their children to have the limited options that they had. Additionally, there was no freedom of religion. All religious ceremonies had to be performed privately in the basement and everything was hidden from the public. For the love of their children and wanting them to have more opportunities than they were given, each decided to make a big move to the US. They had to learn a new language and start life in a new place, but for them it was worth it. My parents went to high school in New York and were able to go to college where they were shown unlimited opportunities. They were able to practice their religion and no longer has to hide. They can light their menorah candles by the window and celebrate Passover with the family, telling the story of the Exodus and passing around the Matzah. Having such amazing parents and grandparents who went through all of this just so that their children and grandchildren can have good lives where all the doors are open to them and there is freedom to practice our religion, I have grown up embracing my culture. Having faith in G-d is an important aspect in my life as it allows me to be best person I can be.  Amongst the various things that the Torah (our book) teaches, it has taught me to care for my fellow and the importance of life. Learning this and practicing it in my life, I have found that perusing a career as a nurse will greatly satisfy me. It will allow me to help people and care for them. Using my faith and combining it with my educational pursuit will allow me to attain a degree in which I believe I will be able to help many people.