From a young age, I have been drawn to healthcare because I have seen how access, guidance, and compassion can change lives. Living with fibrous dysplasia, a rare form of bone cancer, has given me firsthand experience with the emotional and physical challenges patients face. Managing treatments while my family had limited financial resources taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of care that addresses the whole person. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career where I can combine medical knowledge with emotional support and empowerment. My goal is to open a medical spa that not only provides wellness and cosmetic services but also fosters confidence and self-esteem. I want to create a space where people, regardless of their background, feel seen, supported, and valued. Many patients, especially those facing chronic conditions or visible differences, struggle with self-image and emotional wellness. My medical spa would address both physical and emotional well-being while also offering mentorship and training for students interested in healthcare careers, helping to expand access to opportunities in the field. Beyond my personal experiences, I have developed leadership, collaboration, and service skills that will allow me to make a meaningful difference. Through HOSA, Speech and Debate, and Get Outside Club, as well as over 125 hours of volunteer work, I have learned how to guide teams, solve problems, and support diverse groups of people. These experiences taught me patience, communication, and the importance of understanding others, skills that are essential for healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs alike. Opening a medical spa allows me to address gaps I have seen in healthcare and wellness. By combining empathy, medical knowledge, and business skills, I can create a supportive environment that empowers clients while also providing opportunities for students interested in healthcare. My vision is a space where care, confidence, and education intersect, allowing me to make a difference in both the lives of patients and the next generation of healthcare professionals. I believe that everyone deserves to feel beautiful! Receiving the Maxwell Tuan Nguyen Memorial Scholarship would help me continue my education and build the foundation necessary to achieve this goal. It would provide support as I develop the skills and knowledge needed to launch a business that prioritizes both wellness and empowerment. This scholarship would allow me to honor the values that inspired me, compassion, resilience, and service, while making a lasting impact on my community through healthcare, mentorship, and empowerment.

1. I am a passionate and driven student who believes in the power of service, leadership, and empathy. Through my involvement in HOSA, Speech and Debate, Get Outside Club, and over 125 hours of volunteer work, I have learned the importance of supporting others, collaborating effectively, and taking initiative to make a positive impact. These experiences have shaped my values and taught me that helping others reach their potential is as meaningful as achieving my own goals. Growing up with fibrous dysplasia, a rare bone cancer, gave me a personal perspective on the importance of care and understanding. While I do not let it define me, managing my condition has taught me patience, resilience, and compassion for others facing challenges. I am drawn to human health because wellness is about more than physical care. It is about supporting the whole person emotionally, mentally, and socially. I am committed to pursuing a career that empowers others to feel confident, cared for, and valued. Every leadership role and volunteer opportunity I have taken on reflects my dedication to service, my ability to listen and understand others, and my drive to create positive change. 2. Empathy means understanding the experiences, emotions, and needs of others and responding in a way that validates and supports them. In healthcare, empathy allows providers to see beyond symptoms and treatments and recognize the person behind every situation. I believe that understanding and compassion are essential for building trust and promoting meaningful health outcomes. My own experiences, including living with fibrous dysplasia, have shaped my understanding of empathy. I have faced medical challenges and moments of vulnerability, which taught me how impactful kindness, patience, and support can be. These lessons motivate me to provide care that considers the full person, not just their condition. I plan to pursue a career that combines healthcare knowledge with a human-centered approach. Human-centered care means prioritizing the individual, listening actively, and tailoring support to each person’s unique needs. It requires considering not only physical health but also emotional, social, and cultural factors that affect wellness. In my future work, I hope to create spaces where patients feel valued, understood, and empowered to take control of their own well-being. My experiences in leadership and volunteering have taught me that empathy is not passive. It requires action, communication, and a willingness to step into someone else’s perspective. Whether guiding a team, mentoring peers, or working with community members, I strive to approach every interaction with compassion and understanding. I aim to ensure that every effort I make in healthcare is done through a human-centered lens, creating environments where people feel heard, supported, and respected. Empathy is the foundation for meaningful impact in health and wellness. By approaching care with kindness, understanding, and respect, I can help individuals feel empowered and supported in their journey to wellness. My experiences have shaped me into someone who values collaboration, compassion, and service, and I am committed to ensuring that these qualities guide my future work in healthcare.

Living with fibrous dysplasia, a rare form of bone cancer, has given me a unique perspective on the challenges people face when their health or appearance affects their confidence and daily life. Managing this condition has been difficult at times because my family does not have much money and there were periods when I did not have healthcare insurance. These experiences have taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of creating opportunities for others to feel supported and empowered. They have also shaped my desire to pursue a career where I can make a positive impact on both health and confidence. Growing up in a single-parent household with limited resources has shaped who I am as a person. I have learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and determination. Balancing school, multiple jobs, leadership roles, and volunteer work has taught me discipline and perseverance. I have held leadership positions in HOSA, Speech and Debate, and the Get Outside Club, and I have volunteered extensively, accumulating over 125 hours of service. These experiences have shown me that success is not only about personal achievements but also about creating opportunities for others to reach their goals. These personal challenges have directly influenced my career aspirations. I plan to start a medical spa that combines healthcare knowledge with the mission of helping people feel beautiful and confident. My experience with fibrous dysplasia has shown me how deeply self-image and health can affect mental and emotional well-being. I want to provide a space where people, regardless of their background or circumstances, can access services that promote self-care, confidence, and wellness. Additionally, I hope this business can offer mentorship and job training for students interested in healthcare, beauty, or entrepreneurship, ensuring that others who face obstacles like financial limitations or lack of exposure have the tools to pursue their dreams. The challenges I have faced have given me determination, empathy, and a strong sense of purpose. They have shown me the value of hard work and creative problem-solving and have inspired me to use my experiences to make a difference in the lives of others. Charles Bowlus’ story resonates with me because he took risks to pursue his vision while creating lasting impact for those around him. Like him, I hope to combine ambition, creativity, and service in my own path, building a career that empowers others while achieving personal success. Receiving the Charles Bowlus Memorial Scholarship would allow me to continue my education in business and develop the skills necessary to launch my medical spa and mentorship program. This support would enable me to honor his legacy by taking bold steps toward my goals while creating opportunities for others who, like me, have faced unique challenges in pursuing their dreams.

Volunteering is one of the best ways to fill yourself with love. I will stand by that forever. Ever since I was a little girl, my mom would encourage me to volunteer with her. Every other week, we were at a different shelter or race trying to support people who needed it. She told me, ¨These people are here because they are taking steps to better themselves. We should support that! You never know when that might be you and having people cheer you along the way is meaningful.¨ I have always been someone who wants to make a meaningful impact in the world. I am passionate, driven, and committed to helping others, whether through volunteer work, leadership roles, or simply offering support to those around me. I thrive when I can collaborate with others, build teams, and see projects through from start to finish. At the same time, I am empathetic and mindful of the challenges people face, which inspires me to find ways to make opportunities more accessible for everyone. One area I have become especially aware of is healthcare. Our system is severely understaffed in nearly every sector, and too many students who want to pursue careers in healthcare either cannot afford the education or never have the chance to explore it fully. This leaves a critical gap in care that affects both patients and communities. Seeing this, I realized that my purpose lies not only in pursuing a healthcare career myself but in helping others gain the access, guidance, and resources they need to do the same. Leadership and service have been central to who I am. Through my involvement in organizations like HOSA, Get Outside Club, and Speech and Debate, I have learned how to guide teams, solve problems, and inspire others to contribute their talents. I take pride in being responsible, hardworking, and approachable, and I try to lead by example, encouraging those around me to reach their potential. My volunteer work, which includes over a hundred hours of community service, has taught me that even small efforts can make a lasting difference and that helping others is as rewarding as any personal achievement. If I could start my own charity, it would focus on addressing gaps in healthcare education and opportunity. The mission of this organization would be to provide mentorship, hands-on experience, and financial support for students interested in healthcare careers, particularly those facing financial barriers or limited exposure to the field. Volunteers would teach practical skills, offer guidance on certifications and college programs, and provide workshops that help students gain confidence in their abilities. By empowering students in this way, the charity would not only help individuals reach their goals but also begin to fill the severe staffing shortages affecting healthcare systems. Receiving the Aserina Hill Memorial Scholarship would allow me to continue my education and develop the tools I need to make a real impact in healthcare and community service. Like Aserina Hill, I hope to create opportunities for others, ensuring that ambition and dedication are never limited by financial or systemic barriers. I want to honor her legacy by using my drive, compassion, and leadership to empower others and make a lasting difference in my community.

From a young age, I knew I wanted to help people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Growing up with Fibrous Dysplasia, a rare bone disorder that caused pain, fatigue, and facial asymmetry, I often felt isolated and misunderstood. Visiting doctors, undergoing treatments, and navigating my health challenges was difficult, but it gave me a unique perspective on what it feels like to need care that goes beyond medicine. I want to be the nurse I needed when I was struggling, someone who not only treats the illness but also supports the person behind it. My vision as a future nurse is to specialize in oncology, helping patients face cancer and serious illnesses with strength and dignity. I want to stand beside them, offering both medical expertise and emotional support, and ensuring they never feel alone in their journey. I believe that true healing comes from addressing both physical and emotional needs. Just as I longed for encouragement during my own health battles, I aim to provide hope, compassion, and understanding to every patient I care for. Life has not always been easy for my family or me. Financial struggles have been a constant challenge, and I work two part-time jobs while keeping up with school and pursuing certifications in healthcare. Balancing work, school, and my own medical needs has taught me resilience, time management, and the importance of perseverance. These experiences have strengthened my determination to succeed in nursing and to help others who face challenges of their own. Over the past few years, I have earned certifications as a CNA and Emergency Medical Responder, with plans to complete Medical Assistant and Phlebotomy credentials by the end of my senior year. I have completed clinical hours in assisted living and rehabilitation centers, gaining hands-on experience in patient care. Volunteering over 125 hours in community events, races, and animal shelters has taught me the value of service and how even small actions can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. I also created G.L.O.W., a mentorship program called Girls Loving Our Worth, which empowers young girls to build confidence, resilience, and self-respect. The program allows me to create positive, supportive spaces for others, reflecting the kind of encouragement and guidance I hope to provide as a nurse. Leadership, empathy, and service are not just skills. They are values I carry into every interaction. My vision is to grow as a nurse who inspires both patients and colleagues. I want to combine hands-on care, education, and leadership to create environments where people feel valued, understood, and empowered. Receiving the Sheila A. Burke Memorial Scholarship would not only ease the financial challenges my family faces, but also help me focus fully on achieving my dream of becoming an oncology nurse and making a lasting impact in my community. Nursing is more than a career for me. It is my purpose. I want to honor the legacy of nurses like Sheila Burke by dedicating myself to excellence, compassion, and growth, ensuring that everyone I care for feels seen, supported, and never alone.

From the moment I walked into my middle school lecture hall and heard about the new Career and Technical High School opening, I knew exactly what I had to do. I grabbed the application and ran home to tell my mom, too excited to wait. Even then, I knew I wanted to be part of something bigger. I wanted to help people through their medical struggles because no one deserves to be defined by their health challenges. I didn’t want to just witness healing; I wanted to be a part of it. When I stepped into my first health science class, something in me lit up. I didn’t just find a career path; I found my calling. Over the past three years, I have earned certifications as a CNA and EMR, and by the end of my senior year, I will also have my Medical Assistant and Phlebotomy credentials. Each certification represents hours of dedication, hands-on experience, and a deep passion for healthcare. My interest in medicine started long before the classroom. I spent a lot of time in doctor offices growing up because of ongoing health challenges. I was eventually diagnosed with Fibrous Dysplasia, a rare bone disorder that replaces healthy bone with soft fibrous tissue, causing pain, deformity, and fatigue. For years, I pushed through exhaustion and insecurity, determined not to let it define me. Instead, it motivated me. It gave me empathy for patients who feel unseen or misunderstood and inspired me to be the kind of nurse who treats both the condition and the person behind it. Right now, I am drawn to oncology. I plan to complete an internship in that field because I want to support people through some of the hardest moments of their lives while offering both skill and compassion. At the same time, I also dream of opening my own medical spa in the future. My journey with Fibrous Dysplasia and facial asymmetry taught me how important confidence and self-image are to a person’s healing process. I want to create a place where people can feel strong, beautiful, and empowered. Healing is more than physical, and everyone deserves to feel good about themselves. Outside of school, I have dedicated over 125 volunteer hours helping at community races, animal shelters, and other local events. One of the most meaningful projects I created is called G.L.O.W., which stands for Girls Loving Our Worth. It is a mentorship program that helps young girls build confidence, self-respect, and resilience through positive activities and service projects. G.L.O.W. represents the same mission I have as a future nurse: helping others feel supported, capable, and valued. My dad is a veteran who served in the Saudi Arabian War. His parachute was shot at during service, leaving him with a permanent back injury. He has a spinal cord stimulator and struggles with it daily. Growing up hearing his stories taught me about sacrifice, strength, and perseverance. His experience showed me that helping others often comes with challenges, but it is worth every effort. His courage inspires me to dedicate my life to serving others through compassion and resilience. Balancing school with two part-time jobs is not always easy, but every shift and late night of studying brings me closer to the future I see so clearly. Nursing is more than a career for me. It is the core of who I am. I want to carry forward Evan Vaillancourt’s legacy by helping others heal both physically and emotionally, and by spreading the same kindness and hope that he shared with the world.

My name is Bailey Willard and I am a high school senior with a strong passion for helping others. My dad is a veteran who served in the Saudi Arabian war. He was badly injured before I was born when his parachute was shot at, leaving him with a permanent back injury. Growing up, I heard stories of his service, sacrifice, and resilience. His experience taught me that helping others often comes with challenges, but it is worth every effort. His courage inspires me to pursue a career where I can make a real difference in people’s lives. I have spent the past several years preparing for a career in healthcare. I earned certifications as a CNA and Emergency Medical Responder, and I have completed clinical hours at assisted living and rehabilitation centers. I have taken multiple health science classes, including Medical Assisting, Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Community and Public Health. These experiences have shown me how much I enjoy supporting patients, advocating for their needs, and making them feel cared for and respected. Beyond school, I have dedicated over 125 volunteer hours to hands-on service in my community. I have assisted at races and community events in medical tents and aid stations, providing first aid and support to participants. I also spent a summer volunteering at a local dog shelter, helping care for the animals and supporting the staff. These experiences taught me responsibility, empathy, and how small acts of service can make a big difference for people and animals in need. One of my most meaningful projects is G.L.O.W., which stands for Girls Loving Our Worth. This program empowers girls ages eight to eleven with confidence, resilience, and a healthy self-image through weekly mentorship, fun activities, and service projects. I created G.L.O.W. because I remember struggling with self-confidence at that age and wanted to create a safe space for girls to feel supported before peer pressure and social media influence take over. Activities include icebreakers, team games, vision boards, crafts focused on inner beauty, service projects, and celebrations of achievements. Older high school students serve as mentors, and the program tracks progress through surveys, parent feedback, and engagement. G.L.O.W. allows me to directly support children, helping them feel safe, capable, and empowered. I hope to make a positive impact on the world through a career in healthcare. I want to provide compassionate care to patients while advocating for their needs and creating environments where they feel seen and valued. I also hope to continue programs like G.L.O.W., giving young people the skills and confidence to thrive despite challenges. Receiving this scholarship would relieve some of the financial stress my family faces and allow me to focus fully on my education and community impact. My dad’s sacrifice and resilience have inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others. I hope to carry forward that legacy by combining hands-on care, leadership, and community service to make a lasting difference in the lives of those I serve.

My name is Bailey Willard, and I am a high school senior committed to making a positive difference in my community. I have volunteered over 125 hours through programs including HOSA, SkillsUSA, HOPE Squad, and the Get Outside Club, which I currently lead as president. I mentor younger students, help organize events, and encourage teamwork and inclusion. In addition, I balance work at Big Chill, Stage Coach Grille, and Pigs Ear American Bistro, gaining experience in leadership, problem-solving, and working collaboratively with others. One of my most meaningful projects is G.L.O.W., which stands for Girls Loving Our Worth. The program empowers girls ages eight to eleven with confidence, resilience, and a healthy self-image through weekly mentorship, fun activities, and community engagement. I started this initiative because I remember struggling with self-confidence at that age and wanted to create a space where girls feel supported before peer pressure and social media influence take over. The program includes activities like icebreakers, team games, vision boards, crafts focused on inner beauty, service projects, and celebrations of achievements. Older high school students serve as mentors, and the program also tracks impact through surveys, parent feedback, and attendance. G.L.O.W. allows me to directly address social pressures and encourage positive behavior, helping children feel safe, capable, and empowered. Financially, my family faces challenges that make planning for higher education difficult. Supporting myself through school, work, and volunteering has taught me to manage responsibilities and prioritize goals. A scholarship like this would relieve some of the financial burden, allowing me to focus more on school, volunteering, and programs like G.L.O.W. that support children and teens both in my community and online. I also work to prevent bullying in-person and online. In school and community spaces, I mentor younger students and model respectful behavior, noticing when someone is struggling and offering guidance, encouragement, or simply a listening ear. Onlin,e I encourage peers to think critically before posting, report harmful content, and support friends who may be targeted by cyberbullying. I believe teaching digital responsibility and empathy is essential for creating safe spaces for youth. I have always combined leadership, volunteer work, and professional experience to make a meaningful difference. I earned first place at State for Policy Speech and Debate, competed nationally, and placed at SkillsUSA Health Knowledge Bowl. I hold certifications as a CNA and Emergency Medical Responder and have completed clinical hours at assisted living and rehabilitation centers. These experiences have strengthened my ability to understand, support, and empower others. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue expanding my impact while pursuing higher education. It would give me the freedom to dedicate more time and energy to programs like G.L.O.W. and to initiatives that promote safe, respectful, and inclusive behavior both in-person and online. I want children and teens to know that they are not alone and that thoughtful action, leadership, and empathy can create meaningful change.

Living with a chronic medical condition has shaped every aspect of my life. Some days it feels like my body and the world are on different schedules. I wake up already exhausted and simple tasks such as getting to school on time, keeping up with assignments, or even staying focused in class take more effort than anyone else can see. I spend hours juggling doctor appointments, treatments, and check-ins while trying to keep up with homework, extracurriculars, and responsibilities at home. There is no guide for balancing life while constantly managing a condition that can flare without warning, so I have had to figure it out myself. Living like this has changed the way I approach goals. I have learned to break things into steps I can handle in the moment, to plan around days when I will not have full energy, and to keep going even when it feels like I am moving slower than everyone else. Some nights I finish homework at 2 a.m. after an exhausting day of school and appointments. Other nights I have to accept that rest comes first. Every day requires careful choices, and those choices shape how I move forward in school and in life. What drives me is knowing that my experience can make me better at helping others. I have seen how small gestures such as listening, encouraging, or simply understanding someone’s struggle can change a day. That is the kind of impact I want to have in the world. I hope to use my experiences to support people facing challenges they did not choose and to help them feel seen and capable even when circumstances make life difficult. Receiving this scholarship would give me space to focus on my education without the constant strain of financial stress. It would allow me to dedicate more energy to learning, growing, and preparing to make a meaningful contribution to my community. With that support, I can take the skills and lessons I have learned from my own experiences and apply them to help others navigate their challenges. I want people to know that obstacles do not erase potential. My life has forced me to adapt, to notice what matters, and to act on it. I hope to empower others by showing that even when life does not go as planned, thoughtful action and persistence can open doors and create opportunities not just for yourself but for the people around you.

6 am: Wake up. 7 am: Go to school. 8 am: Start classes. 3 pm: Get home and prepare for work. 4 pm: Clock in. 10 pm: Clock out. 10:30 pm: Eat dinner. 11 pm: Shower. 12 am: Homework. 2 am: Sleep. This is my daily reality. I work two jobs to help my family and to save for college, while keeping up with school and extracurricular commitments. My family struggles financially, and sometimes it feels like no matter how hard I work, the future is just out of reach. Other students seem so much closer to the “light at the end of the tunnel,” while I am still staring at a tiny speck, trying to navigate obstacles that most of my peers will never face. Despite this, I refuse to let my circumstances define me. I have learned to manage my time with precision, prioritizing responsibilities while staying focused on long-term goals. I push myself to excel academically, even when exhaustion sets in, because I know that education is my ticket to a better life. My work ethic is not just about survival; it is about growth, resilience, and proving that where you start does not determine where you can go. Students from underserved backgrounds deserve opportunities like this scholarship because potential is not limited by wealth or circumstance. Every motivated, high-achieving student has the right to access resources that can help them rise above obstacles and make a meaningful impact. I have faced financial hardship, limited support, and constant stress, but I have also developed determination, discipline, and creativity in solving problems. These qualities will allow me to thrive in college and beyond. Receiving the Marcia Bick Scholarship would be transformative. It would provide not only financial support but also the freedom to focus on my studies, my personal growth, and my contributions to my community without the constant pressure of juggling multiple jobs just to survive. This support would allow me to pursue my goals in a way that my circumstances alone cannot, and it would reinforce the message that hard work, dedication, and resilience are recognized and rewarded. I may have started far from the light that others see ahead, but I am moving toward it one determined step at a time. I work every day, not just to keep up, but to get ahead. With the support of this scholarship, I can finally close the gap between where I am and where I know I can go. My ambition is not measured by what I have, but by what I refuse to give up on, and I will not give up.

My name is Bailey Willard, and I am a high school senior who has spent much of my life learning to balance creativity, responsibility, and community. Dance has been a part of my world for twelve years. I remember spending hours in the studio perfecting routines, pushing through moments when my body was tired or my confidence wavered. Performing in front of an audience taught me courage, and working with other dancers showed me the value of teamwork and trust! Dance has not only shaped me physically, but it has also taught me patience, resilience, and how to keep striving toward goals, even when progress feels slow. Alongside dance, I have participated in softball and soccer, which gave me a different kind of teamwork experience. I learned to support my teammates, celebrate victories together, and lift each other after losses. These activities taught me that success is not just about individual effort, but about encouraging others and contributing to something bigger than myself. Community service has also played a crucial role in shaping who I am. I have volunteered at so many races, like marathons, 5k's, and 10k's. I have also volunteered at my school's blood drives for the past 3 years! These experiences have shown me the power of empathy and giving back. One of my favorite moments was when a student passed out and I sat with her for an hour and we actually got into a really deep conversation, and she thanked me for helping her, and we are still friends to this day, and it reminded me how small actions can leave lasting impacts. Volunteering has taught me to listen, to be patient, and to value the lives and experiences of others. Academically, I have worked hard to maintain a strong GPA while balancing these commitments. I have faced challenges like staying focused during long study sessions, working 2 jobs, balancing all my clubs, but I have developed strategies that help me succeed. I set goals, manage my time carefully, and ask for support when I need it. These habits have helped me stay disciplined and continue pushing myself, even when tasks feel overwhelming. Receiving the Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship would mean more than financial support. It would allow me to focus on my college education, pursue my passions, and continue contributing to my community without the constant stress of financial barriers. More importantly, it would inspire me to honor Kalia’s legacy by carrying her work ethic, kindness, and ambition forward in my own life. Her dedication to excellence and service motivates me to leave a positive mark on the people around me. :) I want to make a difference, just as Kalia did. This scholarship would help me continue living, loving, laughing, and learning while building a legacy I can be proud of. It would remind me that with hard work, resilience, and heart, I can sparkle and succeed in all areas of life while uplifting others along the way.

ADHD has been a constant part of my education and my life. For as long as I can remember, focusing on assignments, remembering deadlines, and staying organized has been a challenge. Simple tasks like completing homework or studying for a test often felt impossible. At times I felt frustrated and overwhelmed. I wondered if I would ever be able to succeed academically like my peers. But instead of letting ADHD define me, I learned to work with it and find my own path to success. One of the biggest challenges I faced was staying focused during long lectures or while studying alone. My mind would wander, and I would lose track of time. This often caused stress and anxiety as deadlines approached. Group projects were difficult too because organizing my thoughts in real time felt exhausting. Despite these challenges, I developed skills I might not have discovered otherwise. I learned resilience, adaptability, and creative problem solving. Over time I discovered strategies that helped me succeed in school. Breaking tasks into smaller pieces made it easier to focus. Using planners, reminders, and color-coded notes kept me organized. Setting small goals each day gave me a sense of accomplishment and motivated me to keep going. I also learned that asking for support is not a weakness. Teachers, friends, and family helped me when I needed it. ADHD has also helped me appreciate my unique perspective. I often think creatively and approach problems in ways others might not. My path to academic success is different from my peers, but I have learned to embrace my strengths. This mindset allowed me to achieve a GPA I am proud of, participate in extracurricular activities, and maintain balance in my personal life. Ultimately, ADHD has taught me that success is not about perfection. It is about persistence, self-awareness, and resilience. I have learned to sparkle by facing challenges, finding solutions, and celebrating each step forward. ADHD has given me empathy for others and determination to keep pushing toward my goals. It does not define me. It empowers me to approach life with creativity, courage, and a commitment to succeed. I am proud of how far I have come. The skills I have developed to manage ADHD will continue to help me thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Through determination and a positive mindset I have learned not just to cope with ADHD but to sparkle and succeed in all parts of my life.

#1: I have always been drawn to helping others, especially in moments when people need support or guidance. Even as a kid, I noticed how nurses could change someone’s day simply by being kind, patient, and attentive. Watching them combine skill with compassion showed me that nursing is about more than medical care, it is about connecting with people, understanding their needs, and offering reassurance when it matters most. Those moments made me want to be the kind of person who could do the same for others. Going to a medical based high school has given me the chance to explore this calling. Through my health science classes such as CNA, EMR, Medical Terminology, and so much more, I have gained experience working with patients and learned that small acts like listening, encouraging, or offering a smile can have a big impact. I realized that being a nurse is not just about performing treatments correctly, it is about helping people feel seen, supported, and safe, even in stressful situations. I am inspired by the idea of being a nurse who makes healthcare approachable and supportive for everyone. I want to create an environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and taking an active role in their care. Nursing is a career where I can combine my love of science with my desire to make a real difference in people’s lives. It is a profession where I can continue learning, growing, and contributing positively to my community every day. Being a nurse is not just a job for me it is a way to bring compassion, understanding, and care to people when they need it most. #2: To me, human touch is about connection, presence, and genuine care. It is not just physical contact, but the thought, attention, and empathy behind each action. A nurse can offer human touch with a reassuring hand on a shoulder, a patient explanation, or simply by being fully present with someone who is anxious or scared. Human touch is what makes medical care personal, meaningful, and comforting. Human touch can have a real impact on patient care. Patients who feel seen and supported are more likely to communicate openly, trust their caregivers, and participate actively in their own treatment. Even small gestures like taking a moment to listen, maintaining eye contact, or offering encouragement can reduce stress and build confidence. These moments create a sense of safety and dignity, which are essential for effective care. It is also important to remember that every action and interaction with a patient carries responsibility. Nurses must be careful to respect HIPAA rules and protect patient privacy at all times. Our words, gestures, and even physical touch can deeply impact how a patient feels, how safe they feel, and how they respond to care. Human touch can be comforting, but it also comes with the responsibility to be professional, mindful, and respectful. Every interaction matters, and the way we care for patients can leave a lasting impression on their experience and trust in the healthcare system. During my experiences in health science, I have seen how simple acts of attentiveness can brighten a patient’s day and strengthen the connection between caregiver and patient. Human touch also requires emotional awareness, understanding that every patient has unique needs and responding in a way that makes them feel valued. To me, human touch is at the heart of compassionate nursing. It blends skill and knowledge with empathy and presence, creating care that is both effective and meaningful. Every patient deserves to feel respected, understood, and supported. As a nurse, I hope to bring human touch to every interaction, creating experiences that leave patients feeling confident and cared for. It is through human touch that nurses can make a real difference in people’s lives.

From a young age, I have always been drawn to caring for others. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in doctors’ offices, navigating health challenges I didn’t fully understand. I noticed the nurses most of all. They moved with calm confidence, showed genuine care, and had the power to make difficult moments feel less scary. Even as a patient, I felt the difference they made, and I knew I wanted to be that kind of person, someone who brings comfort and strength when it is needed most. When I discovered my high school’s health science program, I felt a spark I had never felt before. I knew immediately that nursing was the path I wanted to take. Since then, I have dedicated myself to gaining hands-on experience, earning certifications as a CNA and EMR, and working toward my Medical Assistant and Phlebotomy credentials. These achievements are more than just qualifications. They represent the hard work, resilience, and passion I am ready to bring into nursing school and into my future career. My personal health experiences have shaped the nurse I want to become. Living with Fibrous Dysplasia, a rare bone disorder, has challenged me in ways I could never have imagined. I experienced fatigue, discomfort, and the frustration of feeling physically limited, but I learned to persevere. These experiences taught me empathy on a level that books and classrooms cannot. I understand how it feels to be vulnerable, to rely on someone else for guidance and care, and I want to use that understanding to help patients feel seen and supported. Nursing is more than administering treatments or taking vital signs. It is about being present for people when they are scared, uncertain, or in pain. It is about listening, explaining, and advocating. I hope to bring that kind of holistic care to my community, not only in hospitals or clinics but also through health education and outreach. I want to empower people with knowledge about their health, teach preventive care, and create connections that encourage trust and well-being. Balancing my education with part-time jobs has taught me discipline, time management, and perseverance. Every challenge I face is a reminder of why I want to be a nurse, to make a difference in people’s lives, to offer care and compassion when it matters most, and to be a source of support in my community. This scholarship would help me focus on my studies and continue building the skills I need to achieve these goals. Nursing is not just a career to me, it is my calling. I want to be the person who makes a hospital room feel a little safer, a clinic visit a little easier, and a patient’s journey a little less lonely. I am ready to dedicate my energy, compassion, and determination to this profession, and I cannot wait to begin this journey.

One of the reasons I love watching Love Island is because it mixes fun, romance, and drama in such an entertaining way. The challenges are always exciting, whether it’s the silly physical ones or the ones meant to stir tension, but if I had the chance to create a new challenge, I would want to see one that helps Islanders actually build a bond. Many of the emotional challenges in past seasons, like the ones with Amaya Papaya and Hurricane Huda, ended up causing more drama than connection. Instead of bringing people closer, they created mean-girl moments, like Chelly manipulating situations or trying to stir arguments, which didn’t lead to real connections at all. It made me realize how much Love Island could benefit from a challenge that truly fosters understanding and emotional growth. If I could design a challenge, I would call it “Heart to Heart.” The goal would be to give Islanders a chance to open up and connect on a deeper level, instead of just competing or arguing. For example, Chris and Huda had so much potential as a couple, but the challenges they faced didn’t let them really talk through their feelings. If they had an activity that encouraged honest conversation and emotional bonding, they could have worked on their relationship instead of letting misunderstandings build. Heart to Heart would be simple but meaningful. Each pair would sit in a cozy pod, decorated with pillows and soft lighting, and draw cards from a deck of prompts. The questions would focus on the past, present, future, and wildcards. Past questions could be about childhood memories or life lessons. Present questions would explore current goals, values, and fears. Future questions would be about dreams and ambitions, and wildcards could be small activities like writing each other a compliment or sharing a song that means something special. Each pair would spend about twenty minutes answering questions honestly, then regroup by the fire pit to share one thing they learned about their partner. This challenge would bring a new layer of excitement to the show. Instead of the mean girl drama we’ve seen from past emotional challenges, viewers would see Islanders genuinely connect. Unexpected bonds could form, like two people discovering shared values they hadn’t noticed before, and couples like Chris and Huda could strengthen their relationship through honest conversation. For fans, it would be refreshing to see Love Island celebrate vulnerability, trust, and emotional honesty as much as physical attraction and drama. What I love most about Love Island is seeing relationships develop in real time, but Heart to Heart would show that the strongest connections aren’t built on conflict or jealousy. They’re built on understanding, honesty, and a willingness to open up. This challenge could change the way Islanders connect, creating heartwarming moments that make viewers root for love in its truest form.

The first time I experienced Wicked I realized it was so much more than a musical. It is a story about friendship, identity, and learning to stand strong even when people do not understand you. Those messages mean a lot to me and they are the biggest reason I have become such a fan. What inspires me the most is Elphaba’s journey. She is judged for being different, yet she never lets that stop her from being true to herself. When I listen to “Defying Gravity,” it feels like a reminder that I do not have to follow other people’s expectations. I can make my own path and rise above the limits others might try to place on me. That lesson has helped me during moments when I felt insecure or pressured to fit in. I also connect with Glinda. At first she cares so much about being popular, but as the story goes on she learns that kindness and purpose matter more. I admire her growth because it shows that people are capable of change. It makes me think about the importance of using my own voice to make a difference for others, even in small ways. The music is another reason I love Wicked so much. Songs like “For Good” remind me how friendships and relationships shape who we become, even if they are not always perfect. “Defying Gravity” feels like an anthem to me, especially when I need motivation. The songs are beautiful and powerful, and I often come back to them when I need comfort or encouragement. What makes me even more excited about the Wicked movie is seeing Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo take on the roles of Glinda and Elphaba. I have always admired them as singers, but what I love most is that their real-life friendship shines through outside of the show. The way they support and hype each other up makes their connection on screen feel even more meaningful. It is inspiring to see two talented women celebrate each other’s success instead of competing. To me, that is the true spirit of Wicked and its message about friendship. Being a fan of Wicked has taught me to value friendship, to embrace what makes me unique, and to keep standing tall through challenges. I hope everyone can watch this movie because I know it will inspire them the same way it has inspired me. For me, Wicked will always be more than just a show. It is a reminder that no matter what labels the world puts on you, you still have the power to define yourself.

Honestly, I’ve been a fan of Sabrina Carpenter for years. From her role as Maya Hart on Girl Meets World to her music, I’ve always been drawn to how she stays true to herself no matter what. Maya was like this confident, funny girl who didn’t take anyone’s nonsense, and honestly, as a kid watching that, I wanted to be just like her. Sabrina made Maya relatable and watching her handle all that drama while still being herself was inspiring. But it’s not just her acting that I love. It’s also her music! “Don’t Smile” is by far my favorite song by Sabrina. It’s one of those songs that hits you in the feels, you know? I swear, it feels like she’s speaking directly to me every time I listen. The lyrics are all about not forcing a smile when you’re not okay, which is something that hit hard for me. A lot of people don’t talk about how important it is to be real about your emotions, and Sabrina totally gets it. She’s not trying to be perfect or fake, she just does her thing and owns it. That’s something I really admire about her, she's unapologetically herself. Another reason I look up to Sabrina is because she’s not just about music and acting. She’s out here using her platform for good, speaking up about mental health and body positivity. She also just performed at the VMAS and advocated for Trans Rights. It's so refreshing to see someone in the spotlight who's not afraid to have a voice and stand up for what’s right. It pushes me to do the same, whether it's talking about things I care about or just being confident in who I am, flaws and all. Her ability to be real with her fans about everything makes her feel so much more approachable, and it’s made me more comfortable with my own journey. So yeah, Sabrina’s had a big impact on me. Not just because she’s talented and iconic, but because she’s taught me a lot about being genuine, staying true to myself, and not letting the world push me around. She’s inspired me to keep going after what I want, even when it’s tough. And her music? Always on repeat.