Turning a challenge into a successful story. Blake ogden Rockford career college April 2, 2025   As a child, I was always set on making a positive, impactful difference in people’s lives. However, my life has not been a walk in the park. At the age of twenty-two, I am currently a full-time nursing student while also juggling two children aged two and four months. One of the milestones I am most proud of is pursuing my dream of becoming a licensed practical nurse and subsequently a NICU nurse. Working towards these goals has taught me perseverance, sacrifice, and resilience— already setting base qualities for my future in medicine. Once I became a parent, as a young adult, I had to accept that my life was set to drastically change. Responsibilities did not hinder my education; rather, projects fueled my ambition. Supporting my spouse while juggling a full-time education, potty training, and studying for the TEAS exam was a daily activity. Even though throughout the journey exhaustion sometimes kicked in and felt overwhelming, I pushed through for the reward at the end. These children of mine need to see someone working hard in front of them so they can grasp the concept that anything can be attained through hard work. My experiences in managing parenting alongside school and work taught me important lessons in discipline and time management. I learned that I could utilize every moment towards studying, some of which included using flashcards during nap times, completing my assignments late into the night, and waking up extra early to study before lessons. These challenges reaffirmed my ability to adapt and persevere, which will be instrumental in my future career as a healthcare professional. Aside from further cherishing my love for medicine, this achievement has further helped me become a stronger person. I wish to motivate others, especially young parents and non-traditional students, to pursue their goals no matter the challenges they may face, which is why I want to become a NICU nurse. Receiving this scholarship would lessen my financial strain, enabling me to further my education while bringing me closer to my goals. My journey may not have been the most traditional; every challenge faced has equipped me for what lies ahead. Proving to myself that dreams are attainable takes determination and commitment, which is why I wish to thank you for considering my application as I look forward to making strides within the medical field.

Turning a challenge into a successful story. Blake ogden Rockford career college April 2, 2025   As a child, I was always set on making a positive, impactful difference in people’s lives. However, my life has not been a walk in the park. At the age of twenty-two, I am currently a full-time nursing student while also juggling two children aged two and four months. One of the milestones I am most proud of is pursuing my dream of becoming a licensed practical nurse and subsequently a NICU nurse. Working towards these goals has taught me perseverance, sacrifice, and resilience— already setting base qualities for my future in medicine. Once I became a parent, as a young adult, I had to accept that my life was set to drastically change. Responsibilities did not hinder my education; rather, projects fueled my ambition. Supporting my spouse while juggling a full-time education, potty training, and studying for the TEAS exam was a daily activity. Even though throughout the journey exhaustion sometimes kicked in and felt overwhelming, I pushed through for the reward at the end. These children of mine need to see someone working hard in front of them so they can grasp the concept that anything can be attained through hard work. My experiences in managing parenting alongside school and work taught me important lessons in discipline and time management. I learned that I could utilize every moment towards studying, some of which included using flashcards during nap times, completing my assignments late into the night, and waking up extra early to study before lessons. These challenges reaffirmed my ability to adapt and persevere, which will be instrumental in my future career as a healthcare professional. Aside from further cherishing my love for medicine, this achievement has further helped me become a stronger person. I wish to motivate others, especially young parents and non-traditional students, to pursue their goals no matter the challenges they may face, which is why I want to become a NICU nurse. Receiving this scholarship would lessen my financial strain, enabling me to further my education while bringing me closer to my goals. My journey may not have been the most traditional; every challenge faced has equipped me for what lies ahead. Proving to myself that dreams are attainable takes determination and commitment, which is why I wish to thank you for considering my application as I look forward to making strides within the medical field.

Turning a challenge into a successful story. Blake ogden Rockford career college April 2, 2025   As a child, I was always set on making a positive, impactful difference in people’s lives. However, my life has not been a walk in the park. At the age of twenty-two, I am currently a full-time nursing student while also juggling two children aged two and four months. One of the milestones I am most proud of is pursuing my dream of becoming a licensed practical nurse and subsequently a NICU nurse. Working towards these goals has taught me perseverance, sacrifice, and resilience— already setting base qualities for my future in medicine. Once I became a parent, as a young adult, I had to accept that my life was set to drastically change. Responsibilities did not hinder my education; rather, projects fueled my ambition. Supporting my spouse while juggling a full-time education, potty training, and studying for the TEAS exam was a daily activity. Even though throughout the journey exhaustion sometimes kicked in and felt overwhelming, I pushed through for the reward at the end. These children of mine need to see someone working hard in front of them so they can grasp the concept that anything can be attained through hard work. My experiences in managing parenting alongside school and work taught me important lessons in discipline and time management. I learned that I could utilize every moment towards studying, some of which included using flashcards during nap times, completing my assignments late into the night, and waking up extra early to study before lessons. These challenges reaffirmed my ability to adapt and persevere, which will be instrumental in my future career as a healthcare professional. Aside from further cherishing my love for medicine, this achievement has further helped me become a stronger person. I wish to motivate others, especially young parents and non-traditional students, to pursue their goals no matter the challenges they may face, which is why I want to become a NICU nurse. Receiving this scholarship would lessen my financial strain, enabling me to further my education while bringing me closer to my goals. My journey may not have been the most traditional; every challenge faced has equipped me for what lies ahead. Proving to myself that dreams are attainable takes determination and commitment, which is why I wish to thank you for considering my application as I look forward to making strides within the medical field.

Exemplifying Hunger in My Journey to Nursing Throughout my academic and personal journey, I have demonstrated an insatiable hunger for knowledge, growth, and excellence—one of the core pillars emphasized in this scholarship. A defining moment in my life that truly embodied this pillar occurred during my clinical training, where I exceeded expectations by taking initiative, demonstrating resilience, and advocating for patient care beyond my assigned duties. During my first clinical rotation, I was assigned to a long-term care facility where I assisted with basic patient care. One afternoon, I noticed a resident displaying signs of dehydration—dry lips, confusion, and a significant drop in urine output. While these signs might have been overlooked as common in elderly patients, my deep curiosity and hunger for learning led me to investigate further. I took the initiative to check the patient's records and discovered that their fluid intake had been minimal over the past two days. Recognizing the urgency, I immediately informed the supervising nurse, and with permission, I engaged in a hydration plan for the resident. I went beyond my assigned responsibilities by encouraging the patient to drink fluids, offering electrolyte-rich options, and monitoring their intake. I also educated the care team about the importance of closely tracking hydration, especially in vulnerable patients. As a result of my proactive approach, the resident’s condition improved significantly within 24 hours, preventing further complications such as hospitalization or severe dehydration-related cognitive decline. This experience highlighted my unwavering hunger to excel—not just in acquiring knowledge but in applying it to improve patient outcomes. I could have simply followed the routine tasks assigned to me, but my internal drive pushed me to go further, question the status quo, and advocate for a patient in need. My actions not only benefited the resident but also brought awareness to the staff, prompting discussions on improving hydration monitoring protocols within the facility. This moment solidified my belief that true excellence in healthcare is not just about fulfilling duties but about actively seeking opportunities to enhance patient care. As I continue my journey toward becoming a nurse and, ultimately, a doctor, I remain committed to fostering this hunger for growth, learning, and leadership. By receiving this scholarship, I will have the opportunity to further my education and continue making a meaningful impact in healthcare—one patient at a time by getting deeper and further into my education it will be a long road head but its something that im really pacionate about.