They say life can change in the blink of an eye. I witnessed that truth firsthand on January 18, 2021. My sister, who was pregnant with my nephew at the time, was suddenly diagnosed with a rare condition (Pott’s Puffy Tumor). This unexpected diagnosis quickly escalated into sepsis, turning what should have been one of the happiest times in our family’s lives into a terrifying fight for survival. What followed were days and months of fear, uncertainty, and prayer, but also resilience, growth, and ultimately, gratitude. The very next day, January 19, my sister underwent an emergency C-section. My nephew was born lethargic, and to make matters worse, he did not produce his meconium right away. Doctors feared that his status was unlikely to improve, and they even considered transferring him to a children’s hospital. For three agonizing days, we watched him with hope and worry until, finally, he passed his meconium and began to move and open his eyes. That moment felt like the first sign that miracles do happen. But our journey was far from over. On January 20, just one day after giving birth, my sister had to undergo a partial craniotomy. The uncertainty surrounding her condition was overwhelming. When she woke up from surgery, her memory was foggy, and her processing was slow. We didn’t know if she would ever recover to her full self. Yet, within three days, she began to speak in longer sentences and recall more details. Those small milestones gave us the hope we needed to keep going. My sister remained in the hospital for four months and later spent a week in rehab. During this time, I took on the responsibility of caring for my premature nephew. Any mother would tell you how demanding newborn care can be, and I suddenly found myself in that role while also trying to support my sister. I even moved from Brooklyn to New Jersey to make transportation between home and school easier. To help financially, I worked through Freedom Care in New York, assisting with her recovery while trying to balance my own responsibilities. The stress was overwhelming, and there were many nights I cried and prayed for both my sister and my nephew to pull through. By God’s grace, my prayers were answered. After nearly three years, my sister began to look, sound, and act like herself again. My nephew, now four years old, is incredibly bright and speaks with eloquence beyond his age. Looking back, I realize that this ordeal changed me forever. It not only tested my strength but also deepened my empathy and commitment to the nursing profession. The experience affected my academic journey. During that time, I failed two classes in nursing school because my focus was divided between my family’s crisis and my education. However, I appealed and was granted the opportunity to retake those classes. Today, I am a senior at Chamberlain University, New Jersey, just months away from completing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I am proud of my perseverance, but more than anything, I am grateful that my sister, nephew, and I were given a second chance. Sepsis nearly stole two lives that mean the world to me, but it also reminded me why I chose nursing: to bring hope in the darkest of times. My family’s story is proof that healing is possible, even when the odds seem stacked against you. And as I prepare to step into my career as a Registered Nurse, I carry this lesson with me: life can change in the blink of an eye, but so can hope.

“Who will speak for those whose voices are often unheard?” This question has guided my journey into nursing and continues to fuel my determination to become a Registered Nurse. My name is Ashley, and I am a senior at Chamberlain University, New Jersey, pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Born and raised in Brooklyn, I relocated to New Jersey five years ago with the vision of advancing my career in healthcare. From the start, my professional and academic experiences have been shaped by a commitment to compassion, advocacy, and equity in patient care. My inspiration to pursue nursing began during my time working as a unit clerk in both a Critical Care Unit and a Drug Rehabilitation Unit. These experiences immersed me in the fast-paced and often overwhelming environment of patient care, where I witnessed firsthand the resilience of patients and the vital role nurses play in their recovery. Beyond learning about medical terminology, workflows, and documentation, I saw the human side of healthcare, patients at their most vulnerable, families relying on comfort, and nurses balancing technical skill with compassion. It was in these moments that I discovered my calling: to become a nurse who not only provides care but also advocates for those who may not have equal access to quality healthcare. One of the most significant factors inspiring me has been my passion for addressing racial disparities in healthcare. Working in diverse clinical settings exposed me to the inequities that minority populations often face, whether due to limited access to resources, cultural barriers, or systemic challenges. These disparities deeply moved me and reinforced my belief that nurses can play a powerful role in bridging these gaps. By pursuing nursing, I am choosing a profession that allows me to stand at the intersection of science, compassion, and advocacy. As I continue this journey, I look forward to specializing in neonatal care as a NICU nurse. Newborns and their families deserve a strong start, and I want to dedicate my skills and heart to ensuring they receive the best possible care. The NICU is a place where science and tenderness meet, and I feel drawn to the responsibility of helping the smallest patients fight their biggest battles. My long-term goal is not just to provide care but to bring hope, knowledge, and support to families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. While pursuing my degree has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, it has also brought financial challenges. Receiving a scholarship would ease the burden of student loans. It would be more than financial assistance; it would be an investment in my future as a nurse and in the communities I plan to serve. Nursing, to me, is more than a career; it is a lifelong commitment to service, growth, and advocacy. From my early days as a unit clerk to my current role as a nursing student preparing to enter the field, I have been guided by the belief that every patient deserves dignity, equity, and exceptional care. As I stand on the brink of transitioning from student to Registered Nurse, I carry with me the voices of those who inspired me, the lessons I have learned, and the dream of making a difference. And so, I return to the question that started my journey: Who will speak for those whose voices are often unheard? My answer is clear, I will.

My Jamaican parents sacrificed everything to give me a better life; they planted in me the importance of hard work, purpose, and community. Watching my mother work tirelessly as a CNA in hospitals, I saw what compassion and resilience looked like. It’s no surprise that I now plan to follow in her footsteps, only further. My dream is to become a registered nurse who not only provides high-quality care but also advocates for equity in a healthcare system that has too often failed people who look like me. My plans for the future go far beyond earning a nursing degree. I want to specialize as a NICU nurse, where I can care for our most fragile patients, newborns fighting for their lives, and support families during one of the most emotional and vulnerable times they will ever face. There is something incredibly meaningful about being present in those earliest moments of life, providing not only skilled medical care but also emotional comfort and reassurance to families. As a NICU nurse, I will be a steady presence through uncertainty and a source of strength during crisis. Even as I focus on neonatal care, my broader mission remains unchanged: to advocate for equity in healthcare. As an African American woman, I’ve seen firsthand how people from my community are often misdiagnosed, dismissed, or undertreated due to systemic racial bias. These disparities can begin before birth, and I want to be part of a system that changes that. I want to be a NICU nurse who brings cultural competence, awareness, and compassion into every interaction. Every patient, no matter their race, socioeconomic status, or background, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. This scholarship would play a critical role in helping me achieve these goals. Nursing school is rigorous, and the financial burden can be overwhelming. Receiving this scholarship would relieve some of that pressure and allow me to focus more fully on my education, clinical training, and community service. This is more than just financial support; this scholarship would symbolize a shared investment in my future, a future where I will give back not just as a nurse, but as an influencer in healthcare. My parents came to this country with a little more than hope and determination. I plan to honor their sacrifices by becoming the kind of nurse who advocates for the overlooked, uplifts the underserved, and leads with empathy and integrity.

We came here with just $500 and a dream.” Those were the words my parents often told me growing up, and they’ve never left me. As an African American woman raised by Jamaican immigrants who sacrificed everything to build a better future, I carry their legacy in every step I take. My mother, a CNA who worked long hours in hospitals with compassion and humility, became my first inspiration to pursue nursing. I watched her wipe tears, hold trembling hands, and care for patients who may never even remember her name, but she did it with love. That love planted a seed in me: I knew I was meant to be a nurse, too. But not just any nurse, I want to be a voice, an advocate, and a catalyst for change in a system where people who look like me are too often overlooked. My vision for myself as a nurse is one rooted in advocacy, empathy, and equity. I want to be a nurse who sees each patient as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. I want to be the nurse who not only administers medication but also offers comfort, understanding, and cultural competence. I envision myself working in a hospital setting where I can be hands-on with patients, offering them care that is grounded in respect and awareness. But beyond the bedside, I want to be a part of changing the narrative for African Americans in healthcare. Historically, our community has suffered from underrepresentation, systemic racism, and medical neglect. We’ve been told our pain is exaggerated, our symptoms dismissed, and our health concerns minimized. As a nurse, I want to help reverse that narrative. Throughout history, African Americans have faced unique challenges in healthcare, from the Tuskegee Syphilis Study to the ongoing maternal mortality crisis affecting Black women. These aren’t just stories from textbooks; they are lived realities for so many people in my community. That’s why cultural competence and patient advocacy are not optional in my future practice; they are essential. I want to be that nurse who listens closely when a patient says something "just doesn’t feel right." I want to be the one who takes time to educate and empower patients who may not know how to navigate the healthcare system. I want to stand up and speak out when I see disparities, even if it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. That’s the kind of nurse I will be. In addition to advocating for African Americans, I want to advocate for everyone. Race, ethnicity, gender, religion, mental status, none of these should determine the quality of care a person receives. Every human being deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. As a nurse, I will strive to create a safe space for my patients, where they feel heard, seen, and valued. I believe in treating the mind, body, and spirit, and that healing doesn’t just come from medicine, but also from connection. Sometimes the most powerful thing a nurse can do is simply be present. Another part of my vision is inspiring the next generation of nurses, especially young Black girls who may not see themselves represented in scrubs or lab coats. I want them to know that they belong in healthcare, not just as patients, but as providers. Representation matters. When patients see someone who looks like them, who understands their cultural background and speaks to their experiences, it fosters trust and healing. Of course, nursing is not easy. It requires emotional resilience, critical thinking, and a lifelong commitment to learning. I’m ready for that. My parents didn’t cross oceans and face countless barriers for me to give anything less than my all. Their sacrifices fuel me. Their dreams are the foundation of mine. And I plan to build on that foundation with purpose, integrity, and heart. One day, I hope someone looks at me and says, “I became a nurse because of you.” I’ll know I’ve lived out my purpose. I don’t just want to be a good nurse, I want to be a great one. One who uplifts, empowers, and transforms. A nurse who sees not just what is, but what could be. That is my vision for myself, for my community, and for the future of healthcare.

My life wasn't given to me on a silver platter, but I was born with something stronger: purpose. As a first-generation college student, every lecture I attend, every exam I pass, and every clinical I complete is part of a bigger promise not just to myself, but to my family, who crossed oceans and sacrificed comfort so I could have opportunities they never had. My parents immigrated from Jamaica to Brooklyn in the 1980s with little money but endless determination. They couldn’t afford to pay for my tuition, but they gave me something far more valuable: a better life and the belief that I could become something more. To me, being a first-generation student means being a bridge. It means carrying the weight of dreams deferred, while building a future that breaks generational cycles. I’ve faced challenges such as navigating the college admissions process independently, balancing school with a part-time job, and managing the stress of growing student loan debt while still pushing forward. There were times when I questioned whether I could keep going, but I never questioned why I started. I started because I want to become a registered nurse. I want to be the calm in someone’s chaos, the helping hand when life feels overwhelming. My family is what drives me most. In 2021, my sister was hospitalized with a rare condition called Pott's Puffy Tumor. She had to undergo an emergency C-section, delivering her baby a month early, and then a partial craniotomy the next day. I stepped in to help raise her son while she recovered. That experience didn’t just test my strength; it deepened my compassion. I saw what it meant to be a caregiver, to show up for someone when they’re at their most vulnerable. It solidified my calling to become a nurse. This scholarship would not only ease the financial strain of student loans, but it would also serve as a reminder that I am not walking this path alone, that others believe in me, too. Every dollar would help lift a burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on my finances. This scholarship will do more than give me financial help; this scholarship will give me hope. Hope that the sacrifices my parents made were worth it. Hope that I will walk across that graduation stage debt-free or with less of a weight on my shoulders. I may be the first in my family to do this, but I promise I won’t be the last. Because when one of us rises, we all rise.

It all started with a cyan scrub top and a clipboard. I remember sitting at the nursing station on “Bring Your Child to Work Day,” watching my mother, a CNA, move through the hospital halls with a purpose that lit up the entire unit. I was just a child, but even then, I could tell she was doing something important, something sacred. Her compassion and dedication captivated me, and I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps. That day planted a seed that has grown into a deeply rooted calling: to serve, to care, and to heal. My mother is the heart of my journey into healthcare. Her example showed me what it looks like to give people not just treatment, but dignity. She worked long shifts with grace and came home tired, but fulfilled. That balance of strength and softness stayed with me. Years later, I had the chance to embody that same compassion when I helped care for my grandmother in the final stages of her life. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, watching someone I loved deeply become increasingly dependent on others, but it was also one of the most meaningful. Holding her hand, advocating for her needs, and simply being present reminded me why this path is so important. In 2018, life gave me another push toward nursing, this time through heartbreak. One of my nieces was born with esophageal atresia and spent months in the NICU, undergoing several surgeries. Despite all she went through, she remained a joyful, energetic little fighter. But on April 24, 2019, at just one year old, she passed away. Her journey and the care she received opened my eyes to the critical role nurses play not only in treatment, but in emotional support, especially during moments of unimaginable loss. That experience made it clear to me that I want to be the nurse who brings not only medical knowledge, but warmth, empathy, and hope into even the most difficult situations. What drives me as a nursing student is a deep desire to ensure that every patient and every family member feels seen, heard, and respected. I’ve been the family member waiting for updates, the granddaughter advocating for care, and the child watching a loved one in scrubs make a difference. These perspectives have given me empathy, patience, and a strong sense of purpose. I don’t take for granted the opportunity to be part of someone’s healing journey. For me, nursing isn’t just a career; it’s a commitment to humanity. While nursing is a central part of my identity, I believe in the importance of balance and joy beyond the hospital walls. I’m deeply passionate about self-care and traveling. Whether it's a weekend getaway or a new country to explore, traveling gives me a fresh perspective and a chance to recharge. It reminds me how big and beautiful the world is, and how many different lives, cultures, and stories there are to learn from. That curiosity and appreciation for people also feeds into how I approach caregiving. Spending quality time with my family, friends, and boyfriend brings me a sense of grounding and peace. They remind me who I am outside of my scrubs, someone who loves to laugh, celebrate life, and support others through life’s highs and lows. Their love and encouragement fuel my ambition, and they remind me that caregiving starts with taking care of your own heart, too. In everything I do, I lead with compassion. Whether I’m comforting a patient’s loved one, advocating for better care, or simply holding a hand during a tough moment, I try to make people feel like they matter because they do. I’ve seen what it means to be cared for with kindness, and I’ve felt the impact of being overlooked. I choose to be someone who listens, who helps, and who makes others feel safe and valued. I want to be the nurse that someone remembers, not because I was perfect, but because I made them feel human. Just like my mother did for her patients. Just like the NICU nurses did for my niece. Just like I did for my grandmother. And just like that little girl at the nursing station once dreamed of becoming. My journey into nursing is built on love, loss, and a fierce hope that every patient deserves not only care, but connection. Because sometimes, the most powerful healing begins not with medicine, but with the simple feeling of being seen.

Some of the most powerful dreams are born from sacrifice. As the daughter of Jamaican immigrants who came to the United States in the 1980s in search of a better life, I have witnessed firsthand the strength, resilience, and determination it takes to build a future from the ground up. My parents have worked tirelessly to provide opportunities they never had, and their journey continues to inspire mine. My name is Ashley Tyndale, and I am a proud first-generation college student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Chamberlain University in New Brunswick, NJ. Since childhood, I have dreamed of becoming a nurse, and today I am incredibly proud to be on the path to turning that dream into reality. My goal is to specialize as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse, where I can provide compassionate, life-saving care to newborns and their families during some of the most critical moments of their lives. Being accepted into nursing school has been one of my proudest accomplishments. It represents more than academic achievement; it reflects years of hard work, determination, and a deep passion for caring for others. I’ve always believed that nursing is more than just a profession; it’s a calling. I am working toward becoming the kind of nurse who can truly make a difference in people’s lives during their most vulnerable moments. Alongside my academic journey, I’ve remained committed to giving back to my community through volunteer work. In Red Bank, New Jersey, I volunteered at Lunch Break during the months of January and February 2025. There, I helped prepare and serve meals and sorted clothing donations to ensure underserved community members had access to free clothing and food. I also volunteered at All in a Day Adult Rehabilitation Facility in Manalapan, New Jersey, during the same months. I assisted disabled teenagers and adults with meals and engaged with them through arts and crafts. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the power of compassion, patience, and human connection qualities that I strive to bring into my future nursing practice. Receiving Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship would make a significant impact on my life. As a full-time nursing student, I currently live with my parents to save money while focusing on my studies. Reducing my student loan burden through this scholarship would allow me to begin saving for rent and other living expenses after graduation, helping me take a meaningful step toward financial independence. It would also ease the financial pressure that so many students face, allowing me to focus more fully on my clinical training and professional development. Ultimately, I am working hard today so that I can spend my future caring for the most vulnerable, especially newborns and their families in the NICU. The support from this scholarship would not only help relieve the financial strain of my education, but it would also move me one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a nurse who makes a lasting, positive impact in both hospital settings and the communities I serve.

My name is Ashley, and I’m currently a nursing student at Chamberlain in North Brunswick, NJ. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, I moved to New Jersey five years ago, bringing with me a deep appreciation for diversity, community, and resilience. My passion for human health and wellness was shaped early on through both personal experiences and professional exposure in healthcare settings. I previously worked as a secretary at Interfaith Medical Center on the Drug Rehab Unit and spent five years on the Critical Care Unit at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center. These roles opened my eyes to the challenges patients face and the critical importance of compassionate care. I’ve seen how small acts of kindness can bring comfort during someone’s hardest days. These experiences, along with my strong family values and desire to support vulnerable populations, solidified my commitment to becoming a NICU nurse. I want to be a source of strength for families during some of their most uncertain and emotional moments. To me, empathy means truly listening, understanding, and connecting with others on an emotional level. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, feeling what they feel, and responding with kindness, patience, and respect. As a future NICU nurse, I believe empathy is one of the most essential qualities to have, not only for caring for the tiniest and most fragile patients but also for supporting their families through some of the most difficult days of their lives. In the NICU, families are often overwhelmed, anxious, and scared. New parents may be dealing with premature births, health complications, or the unknown future of their newborns. Empathy allows a nurse to provide more than just clinical care; it allows us to be a source of emotional support and reassurance. I’ve seen firsthand how vital that is through my years of hospital experience. Whether working in drug rehab or critical care, I witnessed how deeply patients and families value being treated as people, not just cases. That lesson has stayed with me. Working through a human-centered lens means seeing the person before the diagnosis and meeting them where they are emotionally, culturally, and mentally. It involves being mindful of each patient’s unique needs, background, and beliefs. As a nurse, I would strive to build trust and open communication with families, advocate for their needs, and provide care that reflects respect, dignity, and compassion. I will ensure my approach remains human-centered by staying grounded in active listening, continued education in cultural competence, and self-reflection. I will ask questions like, “What does this family need to feel heard and supported?” or “How can I be a steady presence in this difficult moment?” For me, empathy is not just a feeling; it’s a practice. It’s showing up every day with intention, presence, and heart.

What is a nursing career? The career of nursing includes the collaborative effort of healthcare staff to provide quality care to people of all races, communities, ages, and sexual orientations. Nursing also helps individuals with the prevention of sicknesses and health promotion. They help people with disabilities and patients who are on hospice too. Nurses are caring, helpful, skilled, compassionate, and understanding. The nurse not only cares for the patient but, they also care for the patient's families as well. For as long as I could remember, I've always wanted to become a nurse. When I was a child I loved watching shows that involved science or healthcare. I even asked for a microscope for Christmas when I was 10 years old. I decided to pursue a career in nursing because my Mother works in healthcare. My Mother is my inspiration. She immigrated from Jamaica and attained her citizenship in Brooklyn, New York with my Father. And my parents worked hard to ensure that I had everything I needed in life. They were not rich but, they definitely provided. I had a roof over my head, food, and clothes. And I'm thankful for their hard work. My Mother was a Certified Nursing Assistant at first, but now she's a Medical Assistant. When I was 6 years old my Mother used to take me to work on "Bring your child to work day" and I loved it. Seeing my Mom help people inspired me, and the older I got my passion never changed. I've worked in a Hospital as a Critical Care Unit Clerk. And I've been working at the hospital for five years (before the hospital closed). Even though I was with the patients briefly, I loved to connect with them. I would go into the patient's room to update their whiteboard (to tell them who is their nurse and doctor for the day). I also answered their call bells if they needed assistance. Over some time I've gotten to know the patients, and we would have conversations. The patients often thanked me for keeping them company, and for listening to their stories. This type of interaction gets me excited to become a nurse. I like to help people. I got my Medical Assistant certification, and I'm a junior in nursing school. I finally feel like I'm getting closer to my dream career. I believe nursing is such a rewarding job. People can get admitted into the hospital in a bad state, and you get to witness their recovery. And I'm aware that there isn't always a happy ending working in the hospital but, I know in my heart that nursing is the career for me! And I'm ready.

Hi, my name is Ashley Tyndale. I currently go to Chamberlain College of Nursing in North Brunswick, New Jersey. The pursuit of higher education is important to me because I want to be able to earn a degree in the type of career I would like to be in. As a child, I was taught that I needed to work hard in life to get where I want to be. And earning a bachelor's degree will definitely help me achieve my goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. I plan to make a positive impact in my community by working as a nurse to help end racial disparities in healthcare. One way of tackling racial disparities in healthcare is to have more racially diverse staff in the nursing/medical field. I'm pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing because I love to help people, and it's gratifying to see a positive change in a person's life. I believe a patient will feel relieved when they see someone who looks like them is taking care of them. The patient might feel like their voice or concerns are being heard because they feel a connection with me. Also, I will be more willing to actively listen to my patient because I may have gone through a similar experience as the patient. I don't want any patient to feel unheard. As an African American woman, I know how it feels to be discriminated against. I want all patients of various races, religions, ages, genders, sexual orientations, etc. to feel comfortable with their nurse. No one should fear that their concerns are not being heard, or that they are not receiving appropriate care due to their racial/ethnic background. As a future nurse, I must give patients quality care no matter who they are. Being different should not affect the type of care patients get.