I know firsthand how much nutrition impacts your overall health. When I was 10 years old, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. It affected my life every single day, both from the symptoms of the disease itself and from how weak my immune system became from the immune-suppressing medications I had to take. What I ate made things better or worse — I was forced to really understand what foods helped reduce inflammation in my body and what made it worse. I spent so much time in hospitals and appointments that I came to deeply appreciate the nurses who helped me feel cared for and less anxious, and who took the time to explain things to me, like how nutrition affects each person's body differently. That experience is exactly why I want nutrition education to be part of how I nurse. I know from being on the other side of it that generic advice doesn't always help — what works for one patient with the same diagnosis doesn't always work for another. As a nurse, I want to take the time my own nurses took with me: sitting down with patients and actually explaining why certain foods matter for their specific body, not just handing them a printed list. I remember one nurse in particular during an infusion that took a few hours. She had taken a course on nutrition, and while we talked, she asked how I was feeling and whether I had tried eliminating certain foods to calm my symptoms. She encouraged me to keep a food journal to see if I could pinpoint what was triggering my flare-ups, and suggested I talk to the nutritionist on staff to learn how to properly do an elimination diet. That advice changed things for me — once I actually kept the journal, I learned that gluten was making my symptoms worse, and I still apply that to my eating habits today. I'm planning to become a pediatric nurse, because I remember exactly how confusing and scary it was to be a kid whose own body suddenly felt unpredictable. Kids don't just need to be told what to eat — they need someone to explain it in a way that actually makes sense to them, the way my nurses did for me. I want to be that person for other kids: someone who takes the time to break down nutrition in simple terms, involves parents so healthy habits carry over at home, and treats each child's needs as individual instead of assuming one plan works for every diagnosis.

Throughout high school, I faced immense challenges due to an autoimmune disease that ultimately led to multiple surgeries, including the complete removal of my colon. I spent significant time in hospitals, often too ill to attend school in person, but I refused to let my health struggles define or limit me. Despite these obstacles, I remained dedicated to my education and consistently worked hard to stay on the honor roll, knowing that perseverance would open the doors to a strong nursing program and, eventually, a career where I could give back to others the way others had given to me. What could have been setbacks became opportunities for growth. Being a long-term patient taught me resilience, empathy, and the power of compassionate care. I quickly learned that the smallest acts—explaining a procedure in simple terms, staying calm when I was scared, or finding a moment to make me laugh—were just as meaningful as medical skill. The nurses who cared for me did far more than carry out tasks; they made me feel seen, safe, and supported in some of the hardest moments of my life. Many of the nurses involved in my care had advanced training, and I saw firsthand how their deeper clinical knowledge allowed them to make critical decisions, advocate for me, and coordinate complex aspects of my treatment. Their influence inspired me to pursue an advanced nursing degree so I can one day provide that same level of expertise and compassion to others. I am now in my freshman year at the University of Northern Colorado and excited to take the next step toward my dream of becoming a nurse. While I am still exploring the many areas within nursing, I am especially drawn to anesthesiology nursing. After undergoing multiple surgeries myself, I gained a deep appreciation for the calm, focused, and highly skilled anesthesia professionals who cared for me. Their ability to ease anxiety during some of the most vulnerable moments stayed with me. I hope to one day be that reassuring presence for patients—someone who brings both precision and empathy into a high-stakes environment. My long-term goal is to pursue advanced practice as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). I know this path requires exceptional dedication, strong academics, and experience in intensive care settings—challenges I am ready to take on. In the short term, I am committed to excelling in my coursework, seeking opportunities to shadow in clinical settings, and building a strong foundation for graduate school. Ultimately, I hope to care for patients who are medically complex or facing circumstances similar to mine, using my experiences to deliver trauma-informed, patient-centered care. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of college, especially as I am paying for my education on my own and relying on student loans. It would not only reduce stress but also allow me to pursue additional learning opportunities—such as shadowing, volunteering, or research—without the pressure of working multiple jobs. Your support would help me stay focused on my academic and professional goals as I work toward becoming the kind of nurse who makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Compassion in the Face of Loss When I was just five years old, my family experienced a heartbreaking tragedy that would shape the way I view compassion for the rest of my life. My baby sister, Bailey, was born with Trisomy 18, a rare genetic condition that severely limited her chances of survival. Doctors told us that Bailey’s time with us would be brief, and my parents were forced to make an impossible decision—whether to keep her in the hospital or bring her home to spend her final days surrounded by loved ones. They chose to bring her home, wanting her to be embraced by warmth, love, and family. This incredibly difficult period in our lives could have been defined solely by sorrow, but instead, it was marked by an unexpected source of light: a hospice nurse named Lindsey. From the moment she arrived, Lindsey brought more than just medical knowledge—she brought a deep well of compassion that touched every member of our family. I vividly remember her gentle voice, her calming presence, and the way she treated Bailey with tenderness and dignity. Lindsey's role went far beyond caring for Bailey’s physical needs. She made sure my brother and I felt seen and heard, even in the midst of overwhelming grief. She explained things to us in a way that a five-year-old and two year old could understand, answering our questions with honesty and kindness. She made us laugh when we didn’t think it was possible, playing games with us and bringing small moments of joy into a home that felt heavy with sadness. For my mother, who was emotionally and physically exhausted, Lindsey was a lifeline. She offered not only medical support, but also a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a steady presence that gave my parents the strength to make it through each day. I now understand that Lindsey’s compassion was not simply part of her job—it was who she was. She treated us like family, never once making us feel like we were a burden or just another assignment. The impact she had on our lives is something I carry with me to this day. In fact, my mother is still in touch with her, a testament to the deep and lasting connection she created with us during that brief but meaningful time. Witnessing Lindsey’s compassion planted a seed in me that has grown over the years into a strong desire to become a nurse myself. She showed me that nursing is not only about medicine or procedures; it’s about connection, empathy, and the ability to help others carry the weight of their pain. Her ability to juggle professionalism with heartfelt kindness was something I deeply admired, even as a young child. Lindsey made a lasting impression not just because she was good at her job, but because she cared in a way that made others feel safe, valued, and understood. This experience taught me that even in the darkest times, compassion can be a powerful force. It can ease suffering, create connection, and leave behind a legacy of love that outlives even the shortest of lives. Lindsey helped my family find peace in a time of heartbreak, and in doing so, she inspired me to follow in her footsteps. I hope to one day provide the same comfort and care to others that she gave to us.

My Journey Toward Nursing: A Lifelong Inspiration to Help Others From an early age, I’ve been deeply influenced by the compassion of nurses who supported my family and me through some of life’s most difficult moments. These experiences shaped my understanding of what it truly means to be a healer—not only providing medical care but also offering empathy, emotional support, and hope. The seeds of my desire to pursue a nursing career were planted in childhood and have been nurtured by powerful examples of nurses whose kindness left a lasting impact on my heart. The first pivotal experience came when I was five years old. My baby sister, Bailey, was born with Trisomy 18, a severe genetic condition that drastically limited her chances of survival. Faced with a heartbreaking decision, my family chose to bring her home through hospice care so she could spend her final days surrounded by love. Our hospice nurse, Lindsey, changed everything. She not only cared for Bailey with expertise and gentleness but also gave invaluable support to the rest of our family—especially my brother and me. She explained what was happening in ways we could understand, comforted us when we were afraid, and helped create moments of joy even in the midst of loss. Lindsey’s role in our lives showed me that nursing is more than a profession—it’s a calling rooted in compassion. She balanced professionalism with warmth, giving my mom the strength to carry on and allowing my brother and me to feel safe during an otherwise frightening time. Witnessing the profound effect she had on my family sparked something in me. I knew, even as a child, that I wanted to be like her—to bring comfort, stability, and care to others in their most vulnerable moments. My second life-altering experience came when I was ten. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that brought frequent hospital stays, medical treatments, and uncertainty. As a young patient, I often felt scared, confused, and alone. But the nurses I encountered made all the difference. They comforted me during painful procedures, listened when I was overwhelmed, and never treated me like just another case. Their ability to connect with me emotionally, while providing expert care, made me feel seen and supported. Their kindness helped me cope—and inspired me to imagine myself in their shoes one day. Beyond emotional support, these nurses impressed me with their medical knowledge and confidence. Watching them manage complex situations with calm expertise fascinated me. I saw how powerful it was to combine scientific skill with human connection. That balance—of knowledge and compassion—is what draws me most to the nursing profession. I want to be the kind of nurse who can comfort a frightened child, support a grieving family, and think critically under pressure. Today, as I prepare to pursue a degree in nursing, I carry these experiences with me. I aspire to become a nurse who is not only skilled and knowledgeable but also someone who brings warmth, empathy, and hope to those in need. I want to be the nurse who listens, who advocates for her patients, and who helps people feel cared for and understood during their most difficult times. Nursing, to me, is more than a career—it’s a way to give back. My life has been shaped by nurses who made a lasting difference, and now I’m ready to follow in their footsteps. Through nursing, I hope to honor their legacy by becoming a source of strength and compassion for others, just as they were for me. I found out about this essay from Bold.org

From an early age, I was profoundly influenced by the care and compassion of nurses who supported my family and me through life’s most difficult moments. These experiences shaped my understanding of what it means to be a healer—not just in terms of medical treatment, but in offering emotional support, empathy, and hope. The seeds of my desire to pursue a career in nursing were planted in childhood and nurtured by the lasting impressions of nurses who went above and beyond in their roles. One of the most defining moments in my life came when I was just five years old. My baby sister, Bailey, was born with trisomy 18, a rare genetic condition with a grim prognosis. My family made the heartbreaking decision to bring her home for hospice care. During this time, we were assigned a hospice nurse named Lindsey, whose impact was extraordinary. She didn’t just care for Bailey’s physical needs; she cared for our entire family. Lindsey was a steady, compassionate presence—providing medical care, emotional support, and even playful moments for my brother and me amidst overwhelming sadness. Her kindness created a sense of peace in a time of chaos, and her ability to balance professionalism with empathy left an indelible mark on me. Years later, at ten years old, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that altered the course of my childhood. I spent years navigating medical treatments, surgeries, and uncertainty. During that time, nurses once again became my anchors. They comforted me during painful procedures, encouraged me when I was scared, and treated me with dignity and kindness. Their presence helped me feel seen and safe, and they became some of my earliest role models. These nurses didn’t just help me heal physically—they helped me maintain hope, and they reminded me that I was more than just a diagnosis. Through both personal and family experiences, I came to see nursing as a unique blend of science and compassion. I was fascinated by the way nurses used their knowledge to manage complex care situations, but even more so by how they connected with patients on a human level. Their ability to listen, validate, and advocate showed me what patient-centered care truly looks like. I realized I wanted to follow in their footsteps—not only to provide excellent medical care but also to offer the emotional support that makes such a difference in people’s lives. Looking ahead, I am excited to pursue a nursing degree and to one day serve patients and families with the same compassion and skill that inspired me. I want to be the kind of nurse who listens deeply, smiles warmly, and makes people feel cared for even in their most vulnerable moments. Whether at a bedside, in a clinic, or advocating for patients behind the scenes, I am committed to making a positive impact. Nursing, to me, is more than a profession—it’s a calling rooted in empathy, resilience, and the desire to help others heal. My personal journey has given me a unique perspective, and I plan to use it to uplift others just as the nurses in my life have uplifted me. With each step forward, I carry with me the memory of their kindness and the promise to pay it forward.

A Journey of Resilience and Compassion The moment I knew I wanted to become a nurse wasn’t a sudden realization—it was a journey shaped by years of battling an autoimmune disease. At ten years old, I found myself navigating a world filled with doctor’s appointments, blood draws, transfusions, and eventually two major surgeries to remove my colon. I spent countless days in hospital rooms, relying on my healthcare team not only for treatment but also for emotional support. Through it all, the compassionate care of nurses made an incredible difference in my experience. Their kindness, encouragement, and ability to bring light to even my darkest days left a lasting impact on me. I knew then that I wanted to do the same for others—to be a source of comfort, strength, and hope in times of uncertainty. However, my health challenges didn’t just affect my physical well-being; they also made traditional schooling difficult. Despite having a 504 plan to accommodate my needs, frequent absences made it nearly impossible to keep up with my coursework. I often felt frustrated and isolated, worried that I was falling behind. That’s when I transitioned to an alternative high school, where I completed my sophomore year from home while focusing on my health. This flexible learning environment provided the support I needed, allowing me to continue my education without sacrificing my well-being. By my junior year, I was able to reintegrate into my public high school, thanks to the collaboration and dedication of both schools. Their willingness to work together and support my success gave me confidence in my ability to overcome challenges. This experience reinforced my passion for helping others. Just as my schools tailored my education to fit my unique circumstances, I hope to bring that same level of care and understanding to my future patients. Nursing is not just about treating an illness; it is about caring for the whole person—physically, emotionally, and mentally. I want to be the kind of nurse who not only provides medical assistance but also ensures that every patient feels seen, heard, and valued. I remember how much it meant to me when a nurse took the time to explain a procedure, hold my hand when I was scared, or simply make me laugh when I was feeling down. Those small moments made a world of difference in my healing process, and I aspire to provide that same comfort to others. My journey has been one of resilience, adaptation, and growth. It has taught me the importance of compassion, flexibility, and the profound impact that a supportive environment can have on a person’s life. As I pursue my nursing career, I carry with me the lessons learned from both my personal health challenges and the uniquely tailored academic experience that helped me overcome them. I am eager to take the next step, knowing that my past has not only shaped my dreams but has also prepared me to make them a reality. With the opportunity to further my education, I am committed to becoming a nurse who brings knowledge, empathy, and hope to those in need—just as my nurses did for me.