Scholarship Application Essay: Pursuing a Degree in Nursing** My journey toward pursuing a degree in nursing is deeply rooted in my passion for making a positive impact in people's lives. Nursing, to me, is not just a career choice; it is a calling, a vocation to serve and care for others during some of their most vulnerable moments. I am excited about the opportunity to embark on this academic and professional journey, and I am eager to share with you why I am passionate about nursing, how I believe it will help me grow, and why successful Black individuals inspire me. Since a young age, I have been drawn to the field of healthcare. I have always been fascinated by the human body and have had a strong desire to help others. However, it was during my volunteer work at a local hospital that I truly discovered my passion for nursing. The opportunity to provide comfort, support, and care to patients and their families during challenging times was incredibly rewarding. It was during these experiences that I realized the profound impact that nurses have on the lives of their patients. From administering medication to providing emotional support, nurses play a critical role in the healthcare system, and I am eager to be a part of that. Growing up, I witnessed the struggles that my community faced when it came to accessing quality healthcare. Many of my family members and friends had to travel long distances to receive medical treatment, and even then, they often did not receive the care they needed. These experiences ignited a passion within me to make a difference in my community by pursuing a career in healthcare. I believe that by becoming a nurse, I will not only be able to provide quality care to those in need but also advocate for healthcare reform and work towards creating a more equitable healthcare system for all. I believe that pursuing a degree in nursing will not only provide me with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field but will also help me grow personally and professionally. Nursing requires empathy, compassion, and critical thinking skills, all of which are essential not only in healthcare but in every aspect of life. Through this degree program, I hope to further develop these qualities and become a more well-rounded individual. Moreover, successful Black individuals inspire me because they have overcome numerous obstacles and challenges to achieve their goals. As a Black individual myself, I have faced my fair share of challenges and have often had to work twice as hard to prove myself. However, seeing successful Black individuals who have achieved greatness despite facing systemic barriers motivates me to strive for excellence in everything I do. They have shown me that with hard work, perseverance, and belief in oneself, anything is possible. One Black individual who particularly inspires me is Dr. Patricia Bath, the first African American woman to complete a residency in ophthalmology and the first African American woman to receive a medical patent. Dr. Bath's groundbreaking research and inventions have saved the sight of millions of people around the world, and her commitment to advancing healthcare for underserved communities is truly admirable. Her achievements serve as a constant reminder that with determination and perseverance, I can overcome any obstacle and achieve my dreams. Apart from my field of study in nursing, one topic I am eager to learn about in college is public health. I believe that understanding public health issues, such as disease prevention, health promotion, and healthcare disparities, is essential for providing quality care to individuals and communities. By gaining knowledge in this area, I hope to contribute to the overall well-being and health of society. In conclusion, I am deeply passionate about pursuing a degree in nursing and am excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact in people's lives. I am committed to using my education and skills to serve others and am eager to continue growing both personally and professionally. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely Brandon