My primary career goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) specializing in pediatric anesthesia. I chose this career because it combines my interests in healthcare, science, critical thinking, and patient care. Through my experiences as a Patient Care Technician, healthcare student, and future nursing major, I have developed a strong understanding of the commitment required to succeed in healthcare. While becoming a CRNA is an ambitious goal, I have created a realistic plan to achieve it. The first step in my plan is earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Ashland University. I will begin my nursing education in the fall and expect to graduate within four years. I am entering college with College Credit Plus coursework already completed, which has helped me prepare academically and may reduce some future coursework requirements. During college, I plan to maintain a strong GPA, continue developing my healthcare knowledge, and build relationships with professors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who can serve as mentors throughout my career. Financial planning is an important part of this goal. The published cost of attendance at Ashland University is approximately $51,000 per year. Through scholarships, grants, and Chapter 35 educational benefits earned through my father's military service in the United States Marine Corps, I have reduced my expected cost to less than $12,000 per year. I plan to continue applying for scholarships and working when appropriate to further reduce expenses. By taking advantage of these resources, I hope to minimize debt and place myself in a stronger position when pursuing graduate education. After earning my BSN, I plan to become a Registered Nurse and work in an Intensive Care Unit for two to three years. This experience is important because CRNA programs require critical care experience and because it will help me develop the clinical judgment needed to care for patients in high-risk situations. During this time, I plan to continue learning, seek mentorship from experienced nurses and CRNAs, and earn additional certifications such as the CCRN credential. The next step will be applying to a nurse anesthesia doctoral program. Admission is highly competitive, so I understand the importance of strong grades, leadership, clinical experience, and professional recommendations. Once accepted, I will complete a doctoral program and become licensed as a CRNA. Although becoming a CRNA is my primary goal, I also understand the importance of flexibility. A nursing degree provides opportunities in critical care, emergency medicine, pediatrics, leadership, and many other specialties. Regardless of the exact path I follow, my mission will remain the same: helping others through healthcare. Success requires more than ambition. It requires planning, discipline, financial preparation, and a willingness to adapt when challenges arise. Through education, clinical experience, mentorship, and hard work, I am confident in my ability to achieve my goal of becoming a pediatric CRNA and making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families.

My decision to pursue nursing stems from a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while combining my interests in science, critical thinking, and patient care. Through my experiences as a Patient Care Technician, healthcare student, and student-athlete, I have learned that some of the most impactful moments in healthcare occur when patients are at their most vulnerable. I want to be the type of healthcare professional who provides not only excellent clinical care but also comfort, confidence, and support during those moments. Throughout high school, I intentionally pursued opportunities that would prepare me for a healthcare career. I completed health science coursework through Apollo Career Center, earned certifications in patient care and phlebotomy, and currently work as a Patient Care Technician at both Lima Memorial Health System and Mercy Health St. Rita’s. Working directly with patients has given me firsthand experience caring for individuals during illness, recovery, and times of uncertainty. These experiences confirmed that healthcare is where I belong and strengthened my desire to pursue nursing. My long-term goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) specializing in pediatric care. I am drawn to anesthesia because it combines advanced medical knowledge, critical thinking, patient advocacy, and teamwork. CRNAs play a vital role in helping patients safely undergo procedures while minimizing pain and anxiety. The responsibility and trust associated with the profession inspire me to continue developing my skills and education. I am particularly interested in working with pediatric patients because children require a unique approach to healthcare. In addition to receiving excellent medical care, children need reassurance, patience, and providers who can help make unfamiliar situations less frightening. As the oldest sibling in a family with children ages 13, 7, 4, and 2, I have spent much of my life helping care for younger children and serving as a role model. These experiences taught me patience, communication, and the importance of creating a sense of safety and trust. Pediatric anesthesia especially interests me because children and their families often experience significant anxiety surrounding surgeries and medical procedures. I admire healthcare professionals who can provide both technical expertise and emotional support during those situations. I hope to become a provider who helps children feel safe while also reassuring parents during difficult moments. In addition to healthcare, athletics have significantly shaped my character. As a three-sport athlete, I learned discipline, teamwork, resilience, and accountability. These qualities have helped me succeed in the classroom, the workplace, and on the court. Nursing requires many of the same traits, including the ability to perform under pressure, communicate effectively, and remain committed to continuous improvement. As I begin my nursing education at Ashland University, I am excited to continue pursuing my goal of becoming a pediatric CRNA. Through education, clinical experience, and lifelong learning, I hope to positively impact the lives of children and families while providing compassionate, high-quality care. Nursing offers the opportunity to serve others during some of their most important moments, and I can think of no more meaningful career to pursue.

Growing up, my mother was a single parent who worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for my siblings and me. While I had shared parenting between my parents, much of my childhood was shaped by watching my mom navigate the challenges of raising a family while building a career in healthcare. Those experiences had a profound impact on the person I am today. My childhood was not always easy. My mother had two children while in high school, myself and my older sister who is two years older than me. There were periods when we moved frequently and lived in unstable environments. Some of the households we lived in were filled with conflict, arguments, and alcohol abuse. As a child, it was difficult to fully understand those situations, but they taught me important lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the type of life I wanted to build for myself in the future. Experiencing instability at a young age forced me to mature quickly and appreciate the importance of creating a positive environment for those around me. Despite the challenges, my mother remained committed to providing for our family. She worked as an RN and consistently demonstrated determination and perseverance. No matter what obstacles she faced, she continued moving forward. One of the most influential experiences in my life was watching her grow professionally. Over the years, I saw her advance from getting her associate's degree in nursing to becoming an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Watching her pursue higher education, work long hours, and continually improve herself showed me what is possible through hard work and dedication. Her example inspired many of my own goals. I learned that difficult circumstances do not have to determine your future. Instead of making excuses, my mother focused on finding solutions and creating better opportunities for our family. That mindset has influenced the way I approach academics, athletics, and work. Whether I am in the classroom, on the basketball court, or working as a Patient Care Technician, I try to bring the same work ethic and determination that I saw in her. My experiences growing up also played a major role in my decision to pursue a career in healthcare. Watching my mother care for patients and seeing the impact she had on others sparked my interest in the medical field. Today, I work two jobs as a Patient Care Technician and plan to pursue a nursing degree at Ashland University before eventually becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Healthcare allows me to combine my passion for helping others with my interest in science and medicine. Growing up with a single mother taught me lessons that extend far beyond academics or career goals. It taught me the importance of perseverance, responsibility, and maintaining a positive attitude during difficult times. It also showed me the value of education and lifelong learning. Most importantly, it taught me that circumstances do not define a person; character and effort do. Looking back, I am grateful for both the challenges and the opportunities that shaped my childhood. Watching my mother overcome adversity and build a successful healthcare career inspired me to pursue my own ambitions and believe that hard work can create a better future. The lessons I learned from her continue to guide me as I work toward my goals and strive to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Mental health is important to me as a student because it affects every aspect of a person's life, including academic performance, athletic success, relationships, and overall well-being. As a student-athlete, I have learned that physical ability alone is not enough to succeed. Confidence, resilience, discipline, and the ability to handle adversity all come from a strong mindset. Throughout high school, I have balanced challenging academics, athletics, work, and preparing for my future career. These experiences have shown me that mental health is just as important as physical health and deserves the same level of attention and care. Athletics have had a major impact on my understanding of mental health. Basketball has taught me many lessons about perseverance and overcoming obstacles. There have been times when things did not go the way I hoped, whether it was not receiving as much playing time as I wanted, dealing with injuries, or facing setbacks in recruiting. In those moments, it would have been easy to become discouraged or give up. Instead, I learned the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, controlling what I can control, and continuing to work toward my goals. Mental health plays a huge role in athletics because confidence and focus often determine how well an athlete performs. Taking care of my mental health has helped me remain motivated through challenges and continue pursuing opportunities to play basketball at the collegiate level. My work as a Patient Care Technician has also shaped my perspective on mental health. In healthcare, I interact with patients who are facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. While many people focus on physical illnesses and injuries, I have seen how emotional and mental well-being can be equally important. Some patients experience anxiety, loneliness, fear, or uncertainty during their hospital stay. These experiences have taught me that mental health challenges are often invisible and can affect anyone regardless of age, background, or circumstances. Working directly with patients has strengthened my empathy and shown me the importance of listening, encouraging others, and treating every person with dignity and respect. I advocate for mental health in my community by creating an environment where people feel comfortable talking about their struggles and seeking support. As an athlete, I try to encourage teammates to support one another and understand that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Very often, athletes feel pressure to appear mentally tough at all times, which can prevent them from speaking openly about challenges they are facing. I believe true strength comes from being honest, supporting others, and working through difficulties together. Whether a teammate is struggling with confidence, stress, or personal challenges, I try to be someone they can trust and talk to. I also advocate for mental health through my work in healthcare. Something as simple as listening to a patient, offering encouragement, or taking a few extra moments to make them feel valued can have a meaningful impact. Every interaction is an opportunity to show compassion and remind someone that they are not alone. These experiences have reinforced my desire to pursue a career in nursing and eventually become a CRNA. Mental health is important because it influences how we think, perform, and interact with others every day. Through athletics and my work as a Patient Care Technician, I have learned the value of resilience, empathy, and support. By encouraging open conversations, being a positive role model, and helping those around me feel heard and valued, I hope to make a positive impact on the mental health of my school, workplace, and community.

As a graduating high school student, I want to become a nurse because I have already experienced what it means to be responsible for patient care, and I know I want to take that responsibility further. Working as a Patient Care Technician at both Mercy Health St. Rita’s and Lima Memorial Hospital has given me direct exposure to the healthcare environment. I have been in situations where patients are dealing with pain, uncertainty, and loss of control. In those moments, I realized that nursing is not just about completing tasks. It is about recognizing changes, making decisions, and being someone patients can rely on when they are at their most vulnerable. My interest in healthcare originally started in sports and exercise science, where I was drawn to physical therapy. I was interested in recovery, movement, and helping athletes improve. However, once I began working in a hospital setting, my perspective changed. I realized I was more interested in the clinical side of care and the deeper, more personal relationships that nurses build with patients. Physical therapy focuses on long-term rehabilitation, but nursing places you in the center of a patient’s experience, especially during critical moments where attention to detail and decision making directly impact outcomes. That level of involvement is what I am pursuing. I am particularly interested in critical care or anesthesia-related pathways, with the long-term goal of becoming a CRNA or potentially advancing further into medicine. These areas require precision, focus, and the ability to perform under pressure. Through my experience in athletics and healthcare, I have developed a mindset that fits that environment. I am used to high expectations, structured routines, and staying composed in fast-paced situations. I am not drawn to nursing because it is comfortable. I am drawn to it because it demands consistency and attention to detail. What motivates me most is the level of impact. In high-acuity settings, small decisions can directly affect patient outcomes. I want to be in a position where my preparation, awareness, and discipline contribute to those outcomes in a meaningful way. At the same time, I want to maintain the ability to connect with patients as individuals. Even in fast-paced environments, communication and trust remain critical. Becoming a nurse is not just a career choice for me. It is the foundation for the level of responsibility I want to reach in healthcare. I am committed to continuing my education, developing my clinical judgment, and building the consistency required to operate at a high level. Nursing provides the path to do that, and it aligns with both my experience and my long-term goals.

One problem I have spent time thinking about is social division within schools. Through a HOSA Creative Problem Solving event, I worked on a theoretical solution focused on reducing cliques and creating more connection between students. While we did not build the product, the process challenged me to think beyond identifying a problem and instead focus on how it could realistically be addressed. The issue is that most schools allow social groups to form naturally but do little to create interaction between them. As a result, many students feel disconnected or overlooked. That lack of connection affects confidence, participation, and overall engagement. Our idea focused on creating a system that would encourage structured interaction between students who would not normally engage with each other. Instead of leaving connection to chance, it would be intentional. If I had the resources to fully develop this concept, I would create a platform designed to promote consistent, meaningful interaction across different groups of students. The goal would not be to force friendships, but to increase exposure and understanding. Students would be placed into rotating groups based on shared interests and differences, giving them repeated opportunities to collaborate and communicate. Over time, those small, structured interactions could break down barriers that usually remain in place throughout high school. My clinical experience has reinforced why this type of solution matters. Working as a Patient Care Technician, I have seen how isolation affects people in real situations. Patients who feel alone or unsupported often struggle more, both emotionally and physically. Even small interactions, like taking time to talk or listen, can improve how someone experiences care. That principle carries over into schools. When people feel connected, they are more engaged, more confident, and more willing to participate. Because of that, I would expand this idea beyond education. A similar system could be applied in healthcare settings to improve connection between patients and even among staff. In both environments, the goal is the same: reduce isolation and improve outcomes by making connection intentional rather than accidental. This experience changed how I approach problem solving. I learned that identifying a problem is not enough. You have to think about practical ways to address it, even if the solution starts as an idea. It also showed me that meaningful problems are often the ones people overlook. Social connection is not always measured, but it has a real impact on performance and well-being. With the right resources, I believe this concept could create measurable change by addressing a problem that affects both schools and healthcare environments. It may have started as a theoretical exercise, but the need it addresses is real, and the potential impact is significant.

I want to pursue a degree in nursing because I have already experienced the level of responsibility that comes with patient care, and I know I want to take that responsibility further. Working as a Patient Care Technician at both Mercy Health St. Rita’s and Lima Memorial Hospital has exposed me to the reality of healthcare. I have seen patients at their most vulnerable, dealing with pain, fear, and uncertainty. In those moments, I realized that nursing is not just about completing tasks. It is about making decisions, recognizing changes in a patient’s condition, and being someone patients can rely on when they feel a lack of control. That level of responsibility is what draws me to the profession. My decision to pursue nursing also comes from understanding the difference between simply being present and actually making an impact. As a PCT, I assist with care and support the nursing staff, but I want to be in a position where I can take a more active role in decision making and patient outcomes. I want to build the clinical knowledge and judgment required to assess situations, respond effectively, and advocate for patients. Nursing provides that pathway, and it aligns with how I approach challenges in other areas of my life. I am not looking for something easy. I am looking for a role where preparation, discipline, and attention to detail matter every day. As a nurse, I hope to contribute to my community by being someone who is both reliable and effective in high pressure situations. In healthcare, consistency matters. Patients and their families depend on nurses to be attentive, accurate, and composed. I want to be known as someone who can be trusted to handle responsibility without hesitation. That means recognizing problems early, communicating clearly with the healthcare team, and maintaining a high standard of care regardless of the situation. At the same time, I want to contribute by building strong, personal connections with patients. Through my experience in the hospital, I have learned that small actions can have a significant impact. Taking the time to communicate clearly, listen, and treat patients as individuals can change how they experience care. In a community setting, that level of connection builds trust, and trust leads to better outcomes. I want to be part of that process. Long term, I plan to continue advancing in healthcare, potentially pursuing a role as a CRNA or physician. However, regardless of the level I reach, my goal remains the same. I want to contribute through consistency, discipline, and a commitment to improving both patient outcomes and patient experience. Nursing is not just a career choice for me. It is a commitment to developing the skills and mindset required to make a real impact in my community.

I am passionate about nursing because it places you in a position where your actions directly affect someone’s outcome in real time. Through my experience working as a Patient Care Technician at both Mercy Health St. Rita’s and Lima Memorial Hospital, I have seen how important it is to have someone who is both clinically competent and fully present. Nursing is not just about completing tasks. It is about making decisions under pressure, recognizing changes early, and building trust with patients when they are at their most vulnerable. That combination of responsibility and impact is what draws me to the profession. What I hope to get out of my career is growth in both skill and responsibility. I want to reach a level where I am trusted to handle complex situations and make meaningful contributions to patient care. I am not interested in staying at a surface level. I want to understand the reasoning behind decisions, improve my clinical judgment, and continuously raise my standard. At the same time, I want to maintain the ability to connect with patients as individuals. The best nurses I have observed are not just technically strong. They are consistent, composed, and intentional in how they interact with people. That is the level I am working toward. As of now, I am most interested in critical care or anesthesia-related pathways, with the long-term goal of becoming a CRNA or potentially advancing further into medicine. These areas require precision, focus, and the ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations. That environment fits how I operate. I am used to performing under pressure through athletics, and I have already experienced the pace and expectations of a hospital setting. I am not looking for comfort. I am looking for a role where preparation, attention to detail, and decision making matter every day. In my specific specialty, I want to make an impact by being someone who is reliable in critical moments and intentional with patient care. In high-acuity environments, small mistakes can have serious consequences, and small details can make a difference. I want to be the type of nurse who notices changes early, communicates clearly with the team, and contributes to better outcomes through consistency and awareness. At the same time, I want patients to feel that they are being treated as individuals, not just cases. Even in fast-paced environments, that standard should not drop. Ultimately, my goal is to build a career where I am trusted, effective, and continuously improving. Nursing gives me the opportunity to do that while making a direct impact on people’s lives. That is why I am committed to this path.

I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I have seen firsthand what the profession demands and what it can offer. My mom worked as a nurse while raising two kids, and growing up, I watched the level of discipline, responsibility, and consistency that required. That example set a standard for me early. It showed me that nursing is not just a job, but a commitment to showing up for people regardless of circumstances. My initial interest in healthcare was not nursing. Through my coursework in sports and exercise science, I was drawn to physical therapy. I enjoyed learning about movement, recovery, and performance, and it aligned with my background as a multi-sport athlete. However, once I began working in a hospital setting as a Patient Care Technician at both Mercy Health St. Rita’s and Lima Memorial Hospital, my perspective changed. I realized I was more interested in the clinical side of care and the deeper, more personal relationships built with patients. Physical therapy focuses primarily on rehabilitation over time, but nursing places you in the center of a patient’s experience. You are present during uncertainty, decision making, and recovery. That level of involvement challenged me in a way I did not expect. I have been in patient rooms where individuals are dealing with pain, fear, and loss of control. In those moments, I learned that small actions such as clear communication, attention to detail, and simply being present can make a meaningful difference. I also observed nurses managing complex clinical responsibilities while still treating patients as individuals. That balance between technical skill and human connection is what I want to develop. My background in athletics has reinforced this path. Competing in basketball, cross country, and track has required discipline, time management, and the ability to perform under pressure. Balancing academics, sports, and two healthcare jobs has forced me to be efficient and accountable. There is no room for inconsistency in that schedule. Those same qualities translate directly into nursing, where patients depend on reliability and focus in high pressure situations. I am not choosing nursing because it is easy or comfortable. I am choosing it because it is demanding and because the impact is real. Every shift carries responsibility, and every interaction has the potential to affect a patient’s outcome. That level of responsibility is something I am prepared to take on. This scholarship will allow me to continue pursuing nursing while gaining clinical experience without financial limitations interfering with my progress. I am already investing significant time into both my education and hands-on work in healthcare. Financial support would allow me to stay focused on growth and development rather than outside pressures.

My name is Brady Bruin, and my journey has been built on discipline, pressure, and a clear understanding that nothing meaningful comes easy. I am a student, a three sport varsity athlete, and a healthcare worker. Each role has forced me to grow quickly, manage responsibility, and perform consistently under pressure. Academically, I have taken an accelerated path. Before graduating high school, I have already completed college level coursework including Anatomy and Physiology, Statistics, Public Speaking, and Sociology. Maintaining a strong GPA while balancing athletics and two jobs has required strict time management and accountability. There is no room for wasted time in my schedule, and that has shaped how I approach everything. My experience in healthcare has had the greatest impact on my development. I currently work as a Patient Care Technician at both Mercy Health St. Rita’s and Lima Memorial Hospital. In these roles, I provide direct patient care, assist with clinical procedures, monitor vital signs, and support nursing staff in fast paced environments. More importantly, I have learned how to connect with patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I have seen fear, pain, and uncertainty up close. What I have learned is that skill matters, but trust is what truly changes outcomes. Patients respond when they feel understood. Leadership has been a consistent part of my journey. As Vice President of HOSA, I help lead and support students pursuing healthcare careers. Through athletics, I have learned how to lead through effort, energy, and consistency rather than words. Being dependable every day has become my standard. My strengths are discipline, work ethic, and the ability to operate under pressure. I do not avoid challenges; I seek them out because they force growth. At the same time, I recognize my weaknesses. I tend to take on heavy workloads, sometimes pushing myself to the limit. I am learning how to manage that intensity in a way that is sustainable without lowering my expectations. Looking ahead, my goal is to build a career in healthcare at the highest level, potentially as a CRNA or physician. I want to combine clinical expertise with the ability to connect with patients in a way that improves not just outcomes, but experiences. I also plan to continue competing in basketball at the collegiate level, because the discipline and mindset it requires directly translate into every other area of my life. This scholarship would directly support my ability to continue pursuing both academics and healthcare experience without financial strain limiting my opportunities. With two jobs and a full academic and athletic schedule, I am already fully invested in my future. Financial support would allow me to stay focused on growth and performance rather than financial pressure. My goal is not just to succeed personally, but to contribute in meaningful ways. Whether in a hospital room, on a team, or in my community, I want to be someone people can rely on. I am building a life centered on discipline, service, and growth, and this scholarship would be an important step in continuing that path.

I believe one of the most effective ways to connect with a patient is to find something you can relate to, but I have learned that connection goes far beyond shared experiences. Not every patient will have something in common with you, and relying only on relatability can limit the quality of care you provide. True compassion requires awareness, patience, and the ability to understand someone even when their situation is completely different from your own. Working as a patient care assistant at two different hospitals has exposed me to a wide range of patients, personalities, and circumstances. These experiences have shown me that many patients are not just dealing with physical pain, but also emotional stress, fear, and a loss of independence. One interaction in particular had a lasting impact on how I approach patient care. I was assigned to a patient who had been in the hospital for an extended period of time. He was clearly frustrated and emotionally exhausted. When I first entered the room, he was short with me and did not seem interested in conversation. It would have been easy to complete my assigned tasks as quickly as possible and move on, especially during a busy shift. Instead, I made the decision to slow down and approach the situation differently. I began by asking him simple questions about how he was feeling, not just physically but mentally. At first, his responses were brief, but as I continued to listen and show genuine interest, he started to open up. He talked about how difficult it was to rely on others for basic needs and how being in the hospital made him feel like he had lost control over his own life. That conversation changed my perspective in the moment. From that point forward, I focused on giving him as much control as possible within the situation. I explained each step before I did anything, asked for his preferences when I could, and made sure he understood what was happening. I also made an effort to check in with him beyond just completing tasks. Over time, his attitude shifted. He became more cooperative, less frustrated, and more willing to engage. At the end of one interaction, he thanked me. What stood out was that he did not thank me for completing my responsibilities. He thanked me for taking the time to treat him like a person. That moment reinforced something important. Patients may not remember every task you complete, but they remember how you make them feel during a vulnerable time in their lives. This experience affected me in a direct way. It showed me that compassion is not just about being kind when it is convenient. It is about choosing to be patient and present, even when the environment is fast paced and demanding. While finding ways to relate to a patient can help build an initial connection, it is not the foundation of compassion. The foundation is respect, active listening, and the willingness to adapt to each individual. Working in two different hospital environments has strengthened this understanding. I have seen how different patients respond to care, and I have learned that there is no single approach that works for everyone. What remains consistent is the impact of genuine compassion. This understanding has shaped how I approach every patient interaction and reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in healthcare. I want to be someone who not only provides effective care, but also makes patients feel valued, heard, and respected when they need it most.