My “Pie in the Sky” goal is to open my own women’s healthcare practice, one that provides compassionate, high quality care for all women, regardless of their income, insurance, or background. I imagine a clinic that is welcoming, inclusive, and focused on empowering women to take control of their health. I want it to be a place where every woman feels seen, respected, and supported no matter who she is or where she comes from. This dream was sparked by my own experiences caring for others and witnessing the disparities in healthcare access. Growing up, I spent countless hours volunteering in my community: making and distributing lunches for the homeless, supporting breast cancer awareness events, visiting elderly individuals, and helping those who are often overlooked. I also spent summers caring for my grandmother, who lives with dementia. She helped raise me from the time I was born until I started kindergarten, and now I am able to give back to her. Preparing her meals, ensuring her safety, and simply keeping her company taught me the importance of dignity, empathy, and hands-on care. These experiences showed me the incredible impact healthcare and compassion can have on people’s lives. My vision of a women owned practice also grew from observing the women in my own life; strong caregivers, advocates, and role models who inspired me to believe that women can lead and create meaningful change. I want to honor their courage and amplify it by building a space where women support women, and where access to essential healthcare is never a barrier. I know achieving this dream will require courage, dedication, and a clear path forward. First, I plan to pursue a nursing degree, ultimately becoming a CRNA, and eventually advancing my education to become a physician. Each step of this path will help me gain the clinical expertise, leadership skills, and patient-centered experience necessary to run a healthcare practice. Along the way, I want to continue volunteering, mentoring, and participating in community programs, because the connections and understanding I gain from serving others will shape how I care for patients and manage my future practice. I am also committed to surrounding myself with a supportive community of mentors, peers, and advisors. Being the first person in my family to attend college means that much of this journey will be uncharted territory, but I am motivated by a belief that growth comes through courage, resilience, and collaboration. I will lean on teachers, healthcare professionals, and women leaders who inspire me to dream boldly and act with heart. This is my “Pie in the Sky”: a women’s healthcare practice that breaks down barriers, champions compassionate care, and empowers women from all walks of life. It is bold, it feels far away, and it will take years of work, but I know that every step I take now toward my education, volunteer work, and leadership will bring me closer to turning this dream into reality. I want to create a legacy of care, courage, and growth, just as the women who have guided me have done throughout my life.

My name is Ava, and I am currently a high school senior, and a first generation college student with the goal of becoming a nurse, and eventually a CRNA, with hopes of one day becoming a doctor. I have always been drawn to helping others, and volunteering in my community has been a big part of my life. I’ve spent time with elderly individuals, helping with meals, companionship, and everyday support. I’ve helped make and distribute lunches to the homeless, supported breast cancer awareness events, and contributed to my hometown heroes club. These experiences have taught me patience, empathy, and how meaningful small acts of service can be. Caring for my grandmother, who has dementia, has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my life. She helped raise me from the time I was born until I started kindergarten, and now I am able to give back to her. I help with her meals, make sure she is safe, and keep her company. Taking care of her has taught me the importance of dignity, compassion, and truly connecting with the people I care for. These experiences inspired me to pursue nursing as a career, where I can make a real difference in people’s lives every day. I want to become a nurse because it combines science, critical thinking, and hands on care with the chance to connect with people and support them in meaningful ways. My goal is to become a CRNA, providing care to patients in critical situations and helping them feel safe and supported. Beyond clinical work, I want to advocate for patients and make healthcare more accessible and compassionate, whether through volunteering, community health initiatives, or simply offering comfort to someone in need. My connection to the military has shaped how I view service. My grandfather is a Vietnam War veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange and has faced cancer treatment for years. I have grown close to him, accompanying him to VA appointments and hearing his stories of sacrifice and resilience. His courage and dedication inspire me to approach life and nursing with the same sense of purpose and commitment to serving others. Being the first person in my family to attend college is both a responsibility and an honor. Pursuing nursing is more than a career goal, it is a way to give back, follow a path of service, and honor the people who shaped me. Receiving this scholarship would help me focus on my studies and community service so I can continue learning, growing, and preparing to make a difference in the lives of others, just like Evan James Vaillancourt did every day.