My first personal encounter with a nurse’s compassion came when I was a child, terrified of getting eye drops after scratching my cornea. My eye was throbbing, my vision blurry, and as the nurse approached with the small bottle of drops, panic set in. I squeezed my eyes shut, shaking my head, I began to cry, too afraid to let her proceed. Instead of forcing me, she knelt beside me, held my hand, and spoke softly, telling me she understood my fear. She painted a picture of the drops as tiny healers, working to soothe my eye and take the pain away. Her words calmed me, and with her reassuring presence, I found the courage to let her help me. That small act of patience and kindness made me realize that nurses do so much more than administer care, they provide comfort in moments of fear, and that comfort can change everything. As a first-generation Chicana student, I have witnessed firsthand the disparities in healthcare that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. My passion for nursing stems from a deep desire to bridge this gap, providing compassionate and culturally competent care to those who need it most. I've seen first hand with my parents, the relief they feel when a medical professional not only looks like us, but speaks our language and understands our perspectives. My journey toward nursing has been shaped by both personal experiences and academic challenges. I have faced setbacks, including struggling in rigorous science courses and navigating the demands of a fast-track pre-nursing program. However, each challenge has strengthened my resilience and reaffirmed my commitment to this profession. I have learned to adapt, seek support, and refine my study methods to ensure I am prepared for the complexities of patient care. My academic journey has taught me that perseverance and a willingness to learn are just as important as technical skills in becoming an effective nurse. One of the most profound reasons I want to become a nurse is my aspiration to work in pediatric oncology. I want to support children and families during some of the most heart-wrenching moments of their lives. Working in this field requires not only medical expertise but also emotional strength and compassion. I believe that every child deserves a nurse who will advocate for them, provide the highest quality care, and offer a comforting presence during their battle with illness. Every child deserves to have the medical attention they need free of fear and judgement. Beyond direct patient care, I see nursing as a way to enact change within the healthcare system. Preventable illnesses and hospitalizations are far too common, especially in underserved communities. Through education, early intervention, and advocacy, I hope to contribute to a future where equitable healthcare is accessible to all. My experiences writing speeches on healthcare disparities and studying the philosophies of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet have reinforced my belief that nursing is not just about treating individuals but about uplifting entire communities. Becoming a nurse is my way of giving back, of using my knowledge and compassion to make a meaningful difference. It is a calling that aligns with my values of service, empathy, and resilience. I know the road ahead will be challenging, but I am ready to dedicate myself fully to this profession. Nursing is more than a job, it is my purpose, my passion, and my way of leaving a lasting impact on the world.

As a first-generation Chicana student, my path to healthcare is more than a career choice, it is a mission to uplift, heal, and advocate for those who need it most. I have witnessed firsthand how disparities in healthcare disproportionately affect communities of color, limiting access to essential medical services and compassionate care. My dream is to become a pediatric oncology nurse, ensuring that no child, regardless of their background, faces their battle with cancer alone. Growing up, I saw the gaps in our healthcare system, especially in how families navigate life-threatening illnesses. I was drawn to nursing because I believe that healing goes beyond medicine—it is about human connection, trust, and providing comfort in the darkest moments. Children battling cancer deserve not just treatment but hope, reassurance, and a nurse who sees them as more than just a diagnosis. I want to be that nurse. I want to hold their hands through the hardest days, celebrate their victories, and advocate for them when they cannot advocate for themselves. My why is deeply personal, unshakably rooted in who I am. As a first-generation Mexican American female student, I carry my family’s sacrifices deep in my bones. My parents worked tirelessly, sacrificing their time spent with me and enduring endless challenges to give me a chance to thrive in ways that they could only dream of. Their belief in my potential fuels me to continue my education and become a nurse. I refuse to let their sacrifices be in vain. I believe in breaking barriers, not just for myself but for future generations of my community. I want to be a nurse who heals and represents, creating spaces of safety and understanding for all who feel out of place. Every step I take solidifies my promise to listen to someone’s story, hold their hand in moments of fear, to speak their language when no one else can. To prepare for my career, I am taking intentional steps to gain hands-on experience, deepen my knowledge, and refine my skills. I am committed to excelling in my BSN program, volunteering in pediatric care settings, and shadowing experienced nurses who have dedicated their lives to oncology. Additionally, I am passionate about community outreach, I've even worked with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, ensuring that underserved populations have access to early detection, education, and support. This scholarship would allow me to continue this journey, alleviating financial burdens so I can focus on becoming the best nurse possible for the children who will depend on me. Pediatric oncology is where I know I will make the most impact. It is where I can turn my empathy, resilience, and unwavering dedication into action. Every child deserves a nurse who not only treats their illness but sees their strength, uplifts their spirit, and reminds them that they are never alone in their fight. This is my calling, and I am ready to dedicate my life to it.

As a first-generation Chicana student, my journey to higher education has been deeply influenced by my heritage, my family’s sacrifices, and the resilience of my community. Growing up in East Los Angeles, I was surrounded by stories of struggle and resistance that shaped my understanding of the world. I carry with me the legacy of my ancestors, who fought tirelessly for justice and opportunity despite systemic barriers. Their strength inspires me every day to break barriers of my own, reclaim spaces that were historically denied to people like us, and use education as a tool for liberation. One of the most significant moments that fuels my drive is the East LA Walkouts of 1968. When Chicano students walked out of their schools to demand better educational opportunities and the right to be treated with dignity, they paved the way for generations like mine to dream bigger. Their courage reminds me that access to education is not a given but something fought for with determination and unity. My own journey to college feels like a continuation of that movement—a step toward realizing the dreams they envisioned for our community. Pursuing higher education is my way of honoring their sacrifices and proving that their fight was not in vain. At the same time, I can’t ignore the injustices that have shaped history, like the forced sterilization of Mexican women in Los Angeles. Learning about these horrific acts shook me to my core and deepened my resolve to fight against systemic oppression. As a woman of Mexican and Honduran descent, I’m determined to challenge these legacies of injustice by carving out a space for Chicanas like me in fields where we are underrepresented. Nursing, is more than a career; it’s an opportunity to provide culturally competent care, advocate for the dignity and autonomy of all patients, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. Growing up, I saw how healthcare disparities affected my community. I watched my family navigate a complex and often inaccessible healthcare system, I saw how language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and systemic neglect could have devastating consequences. These experiences ignited my passion for nursing. I want to be a nurse who bridges those gaps, providing not just medical care but understanding, respect, and advocacy. I hope to be part of the change my community desperately needs, working toward a healthcare system that serves everyone with equity and compassion. The decision to pursue higher education wasn’t easy. As a first-generation student, I’ve faced financial struggles, self-doubt, and fear of failure. But I’ve always been motivated by my parents’ dreams. They worked tirelessly to give me opportunities they never had, and stories of perseverance fuel me every day. I’m also inspired by the resilience of my ancestors, who showed me that even in the face of adversity, we can rise. Studying at Mount Saint Mary’s University in the pre-nursing program has given me the knowledge to turn my aspirations into reality. Each day, I’m reminded of why I’m here: to honor my past, uplift my present, and pave the way for future generations. Education is more than a personal achievement for me; it’s a way to create change. I hope to inspire other first-generation students, especially young women of color, to pursue their dreams unapologetically. I want them to see that our history, no matter how painful, is a source of strength. By becoming the first in my family to attend college, I’m proving that barriers placed before us can be overcome. Through nursing, I’m committed to serving my community, carrying forward the fight for justice and equality that has defined our story for generations.

From an early age, I was drawn to nursing because it represents the perfect combination of compassion, resilience, and the ability to create lasting change in people’s lives. Growing up as a first-generation Hispanic student—half Mexican, half Honduran—I saw the strength and determination of my Chicano ancestors who fought tirelessly to provide future generations with opportunities they could only dream of. Their sacrifices and courage inspired me to pursue a career that honors their struggles and allows me to give back to my community in a meaningful way. My family’s journey shaped my perspective on healthcare and the importance of accessibility. Witnessing how disparities in medical care disproportionately affect underrepresented communities ignited a fire in me to be part of the solution. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated society, pursuing a nursing degree feels both revolutionary and deeply personal. I carry the stories of my ancestors who worked the fields, overcame systemic barriers, and held onto hope for a brighter future. Nursing lets me channel that same resilience into a field where I can make a tangible difference. Before starting my studies at Mount Saint Mary’s University, I knew nursing was my calling. Volunteering at local health fairs and shadowing nurses during high school opened my eyes to the profound impact healthcare professionals have on individuals and families. These experiences solidified my desire to join a field where empathy meets expertise and where every day brings the chance to improve someone’s quality of life. The values of the Sisters of St. Joseph resonate deeply with me—particularly their emphasis on holistic care and addressing not just physical but also emotional and spiritual needs. Now, as a first-year student in the fast-track pre-nursing program, I am more driven than ever to turn my passion into action. My studies in microbiology and anatomy have deepened my appreciation for the complexities of the human body and the privilege of caring for it. Beyond academics, I’ve explored topics like preventable illnesses and healthcare inequities through speeches and advocacy, which have strengthened my resolve to fight for marginalized communities. I want to be a nurse who not only treats illnesses but also empowers patients through education and culturally competent care. Pangeta McGrowther Ferguson and Ivory Riley’s legacy of mentorship and excellence in nursing reminds me of the profound impact one can have in this profession. Like them, I hope to inspire others and create ripples of change that extend far beyond the bedside. Nursing is not just a career for me—it is a way to honor my heritage, uplift my community, and carry forward the values instilled in me by those who came before. I am eager to embody ambition, drive, and passion in every step of my journey as I work to transform lives and continue the tradition of service and compassion that has shaped my life.

I choose nursing because it chose me first. It found me in moments of reflection, in the stories of my family, and the injustices my people have endured. I think of the Mexican women in Los Angeles in the 1970’s who were forcibly sterilized, robbed not only of their voice but their beautiful futures. Their pain planted a seed in my heart– a promise to be the voice they never had, a guardian of dignity and compassion where their trust was violated. Nursing, to me, is not just care– it's about justice. It's about healing both seen and unseen wounds, restoring not just bodies but the systems that have too often failed people like me. My why is deeply personal, unshakably rooted in who I am. As a first-generation Mexican American female student, I carry my family’s sacrifices deep in my bones. My parents worked tirelessly, sacrificing their time spent with me and enduring endless challenges to give me a chance to thrive in ways that they could only dream of. Their belief in my potential fuels me to continue my education and become a nurse. I refuse to let their sacrifices be in vain. I believe in breaking barriers, not just for myself but for future generations of my community. I want to be a nurse who heals and represents, creating spaces of safety and understanding for all who feel out of place. Every step I take solidifies my promise to listen to someone’s story, hold their hand in moments of fear, to speak their language when no one else can. Every step so far has been purposeful. Excelling in my prerequisites at a women’s college has challenged me to grow into the best version of myself. Balancing rigorous coursework with the financial strain of being a lower-income Hispanic student has not been easy but I will never let obstacles define me. Every lecture I attend, every exam I pass and every study session I complete feels like a victory in a larger fight for my future. My passion for nursing comes from my desire to make a difference in people’s lives. I’ve always been drawn to the miracle of the human body and how care can extend beyond medicine. Care is trust, connection, and advocacy. Whether it’s comforting a family during illness or understanding the disparities communities like mine face, I see nursing as the perfect blend of science and the gift of humanity. It’s a profession where I can bring my acquired knowledge and compassion to create meaningful change, one patient at a time. My progress isn’t just academic– it’s reflected in the woman I am becoming. I have grown stronger, more resilient, and more focused on my vision. I dream of walking with my head held up high, donning my scrubs, standing as a symbol of hope and representation for my patients. I will be the nurse who sees humanity in every patient, who carries her heritage as a badge of pride, and who builds bridges between cultures, languages and experiences. Nursing isn’t just a career; it’s the fulfillment of my purpose, my passion, and my promise to make the world kinder. It’s how I will honor those who came before me, who walked through immense pain so I could stand here today, and those who will follow in my footsteps. I am ready to rise to the challenge–not just because it’s what I want, but because it’s what I’m meant to do.

As a first-generation Mexican American student at a women’s college in the bustling city of Los Angeles, I carry the dreams of my family and the weight of history that has too often tried to silence my voice. To be here, striving for a degree in nursing, is not just a personal journey, it's a mission. It's a mission to honor my roots and uplift my community. It's an immense privilege to stand on the shoulders of those who came before me and a challenge all at once to navigate spaces where being both hispanic and a woman can feel isolating. Yet, I press on, knowing that the power of perseverance and the spirit of my ancestors who fought in the East Los Angeles Walkouts to give me this opportunity give me the promise of hope. My passion for nursing became deeply personal when I learned about the forced sterilization of Mexican women in Los Angeles in the 1970’s. These women– mothers, daughters, sisters– were striped from their individual rights and were silenced by a healthcare system that failed them. Their stories fueled me, a determination to become the familiar, compassionate voice that my people deserve in hospitals. I want to be the nurse who speaks their language, understands their struggles, and ensures that their dignity is never compromised. Growing up in a lower income household run by mostly women, I’ve seen the challenges that Hispanic families face in affording college and accessing quality healthcare. My parents’ sacrifices have taught me the value of hard work, but it also showed me the barriers we face as a community, barriers that I am committed to breaking. Affording my education at a reputable institution is an uphill battle, but I am motivated by the fact that this degree isn't just for me. It's for every patient who sees themselves reflected in my face and finds comfort in my care. Becoming a nurse is a change to heal wounds, both physical and historical, and to restore trust in a system that has failed my people too many times to count. I carry the stories of my ancestors and the dreams of future generations with every step I take toward my degree. My journey is not easy, but it is a testament to the resilience, strength, and beauty in my community. I am not just pursuing a degree; I am honoring my past, empowering my present, and shaping a future where no one is silenced, forgotten, or left behind.

For many years the world of pop culture has become enamored by the country-turned-pop singer Taylor Swift. Like most artists who have niches in their music, Taylor’s is the ability to story tell. Her music follows her story, of growing up finding love and then losing it. Swift has been able to capture the attention of millions with multiple music genres and she continues to stand out from the crowd for her lyricism. In her pop album, 1989, released in 2014, Taylor divulges memories of her time with an ex-lover and how she knew that the love wasn’t meant to last. Out of the Woods is one of the songs in the album that portrays that message beautifully. Taylor’s song captivates listeners by painting this image of Taylor’s memories and anxieties while being in this past relationship. For instance, Taylor uses the chorus to create this urgent feeling when asking the burning questions that haunted her during this relationship, “Are we out of the woods yet? Are we in the clear?” She metaphorically uses the woods to represent the state of her romantic relationship which felt like a dark, scary, and wild place. The pace of these questions conjures this feeling of not being secure and unsafe within this relationship. Being in the woods could be frightening, chaotic, and unpredictable for you don’t know what’s right around the corner. The woods feel like a cage as tall dark trees loom over you, greenery is surrounding you, you can’t find an exit and you’re all alone. This anxiety-inducing environment captures Taylor’s emotions while being in that relationship. Before getting to the significant line, “but the monsters turned out to be just trees” the listener spends 2 verses going through memories with Taylor where she questions if there are monsters after her relationship, moments where she questions the true sanctity of the relationship. The song begins with the words, “looking at it now” clarifying that she already had the revelation that she knew this love would break and is singing about this situation when she found a way out of it. Once we get to the last emotional beat of the song is when she tells the listener that “the sun came up,” meaning that she and her partner can look at each other with clarity and are cognizant of the flaws their shared connection harbored. The monsters being trees shows that Taylor realized that the things threatening her relationship were her worries and anxieties. The entire song is about her realizing that she put herself in the woods, in that cage, where she felt alone and helpless. Her anxiety and fears put her there and they ultimately caused the relationship to suffer. Out of the Woods is Taylor Swift’s revelation of the flaws in a past relationship that 1989 tells the story of. This distinguishable song became my favorite of Taylor Swift’s 1989 because it's a perfect song to set the album tone with and is a perfect example of Taylor’s magnificent ability to allure listeners with her storytelling through music.