Sometimes, we ignore just how our misfortunes and defeats can shape our future, bringing about something much brighter than success: passion. I am an honors high school graduate from a first-generation, low-income family. Throughout my academic journey, I faced the challenges that come from financial hardship. I often couldn't participate in school events or enjoy the carefree lifestyle of many of my peers, not due to the lack of ambition, but because I was raised by a single mother supporting three children on her own. While she couldn't grant every wish, she gave us everything she could, providing opportunities she never had. Each year of high school, I transferred schools because we couldn't afford stable housing. Consistently moving forced me to adapt immediately to new environments. This instability weighed heavily on my mother. At times, she contemplated whether she was doing enough. Watching her endure so much made me realize that my success couldn't be just for me — it had to reflect our shared struggle. I became determined to use my education to uplift not only my family, but others facing similar tribulations. Millions of families still live paycheck to paycheck, without access to basic resources. Many go without medical care, not only due to financial constraints, but also due to systemic discrimination, primarily among communities of color. This reality inspired me to pursue a career in the healthcare field. I aim to bring care and dignity to people regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexuality, or socioeconomic background. Theadoore Roosevelt once stated: "Patients don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." As a Black Woman, I've witnessed and felt the disparities in healthcare firsthand. Too often, our pain is dismissed or misdiagnosed. I've known people who were told their symptoms were "normal", only to discover severe, preventable conditions later. This shouldn't happen―not in a field whose mission is to care. Healthcare must be a space of equality and compassion, and that starts with representation. A more racially diverse medical workforce improves trust, communication, and patient outcomes. In a country as diverse as the United States, our healthcare providers should reflect the people they serve, not just here but globally. With that being said, I plan to earn a Bachelor's degree in Nursing and become a pediatric nurse, providing care and comfort to children during their moments of help and vulnerability. I want to do more than be a bystander to suffering―I want to be part of the solution. Furthermore, I desire to be able to resonate with the people who come into a healthcare institution, not only looking to improve their health, but also seeking support and understanding. Being able to help someone transition from pain and illness to peace and recovery would be one of the greatest honors in my life, all while having the opportunity to join the 14.5% of Black nurses who work to provide sustainable contributions to those in need. Right now, I'm working a summer job at Smoothie King and actively applying for scholarships to prepare for college this fall. My goal is to cover tuition through scholarships, thereby minimizing the financial burden on my family. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me take the next step toward caring for my community, but it would also honor the resilience of my mother and the journey that brought me here.

What He Did for Me I still vividly remember the moment I first encountered Him when I was just 11 years old. There was a yearning in my heart to understand more, recognizing that He was not only the key to my improvement but also a source of growth for those around me. While I wouldn't describe myself as a troubled kid, like many others, I carried my regrets and insecurities. I found myself navigating the complex social dynamics of middle school, struggling to fit in and searching for my sense of identity. I wrestled with several questions: Do I want to be among the high-achievers, the "smart kids"? Or should I align myself with the popular crowd, those who effortlessly drew others in? Perhaps I should hang out with the troubled kids, who were experimenting with smoking and drinking at such a young age? At the age of 11, I made a crucial decision: I wanted to embrace my true self. But how can you become someone when you aren't sure who that person is yet? Throughout my life, I had heard about Him. Some of my older relatives were deeply religious, but my immediate family didn't adhere to a particularly spiritual lifestyle. I rarely attended church and had little exposure to the Bible; at that point, I couldn't even name a single book from it. However, a spark of curiosity ignited within me, compelling me to learn about Him and the love He offers. Around Christmas, I asked my mother for a Bible, and she gifted me a beautiful purple leather one with pink stitching along the edges—an NIV (New International Version) designed for greater understanding. This Bible marked the beginning of my spiritual journey, and my relationship with Him has been growing ever since. As I spent days reading the Bible and absorbing His teachings, I noticed notable shifts in my behavior. I began to grasp the importance of praying for others and became more empathetic, often holding back harsh words. The teachings opened my eyes to how peers like me were usually led astray by misguided notions of what it meant to be "cool." Cursing, smoking, drinking, and neglecting education were celebrated, while following rules felt synonymous with being "boring." Yet, He taught me to take pride in my faith and not to worry about others' opinions. I started bringing my Bible to school every day, and my friends began to notice. Questions like "You have a Bible in your backpack?" or "Why do you carry it to school?" made me feel alive with purpose. With his presence by my side, I felt a sense of strength that I couldn't bear to part with. Fast forward to high school, where my relationship with God continued to deepen. Throughout my life, I had been haunted by the fear of failure. Because of this, I prayed before tests, the start of new school years, and for self-discipline in my studies. I can confidently say that He has never led me astray. My faith in His plan eventually led to an improvement in my grades; I transformed from earning a mix of A's and B's to achieving straight A's. Alongside that, my motivation to study grew significantly. However, my journey was not without its challenges. I occasionally found myself backsliding—falling into laziness, losing focus, and neglecting my reading habits. It became a cycle of improvement followed by regression, a struggle that I still face today. Acknowledging my imperfections has taught me the value of perseverance, and I've learned that with God's assistance, I can overcome my past mistakes and evolve into a better person. As I look back on the months that rolled into my birthday in February, I faced a significant change: we had to move again. The news struck me with deep sadness, yet I was determined to seize the moment. While transitioning between various Airbnb accommodations, I noticed my mother was tearful and feeling defeated for putting us in this situation once more. At that moment, I wanted nothing more than to tell her that she was wrong to blame herself. Words failed to express how hard she worked to provide for our family, ensuring that we had lives filled with joy and minimal struggles. She is the strongest woman I know, and I firmly believe that God has a greater plan for us on the other side of this upheaval. Through all these experiences, I have come to understand that every challenge I face serves a purpose, teaching me resilience and fostering a growth mindset. Change, even when unwelcome, is essential for development. During these transitions, I've encountered many remarkable individuals who, despite their struggles, continue to face life with optimism. I have resolved to remain steadfast and faithful, regardless of what lies ahead. Furthermore, I've learned that experiencing mistakes or failing a test does not define my identity, intelligence, or worth. Like everyone, I carry flaws, but God's love for me remains unconditional. Looking to the future, I aspire to continue my spiritual journey and allow my faith to have a positive influence on my life. I aspire to become a registered nurse, dedicating myself to serving God's children worldwide. Ultimately, I discovered my true self. I cherish being that quiet, artistic, and hardworking Christian girl in the back of the classroom, proud of my faith and the journey that brought me here. Now, at 18, I watch the world around me spiral into chaos—people being denied essential care, others committing desperate acts because a loved one was refused treatment, and hardworking individuals living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to afford medical expenses for conditions beyond their control. My mother is no exception. As I write this essay, she has had multiple surgeries in the past month, a necessary procedure costing over $2,000—an amount that, if left unpaid, could allow the condition to develop into something life-threatening. Beyond financial struggles, racial discrimination and inequities in healthcare continue to rob people of their lives when the very purpose of medicine is to preserve life and restore hope. These injustices leave me feeling confused, troubled, and fearful of what the world is becoming. But more than anything, they fuel my determination to make a difference. I want to be part of the change, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or income. Everyone deserves an equal chance at life, and I will do everything in my power to make that a reality. I believe that furthering my education will allow me to make a meaningful impact on the world and in the communities I care about. By studying the human body and mind, understanding diseases, and learning about treatments and remedies, I can help people heal. Rather than standing by during times of suffering, I want to be part of the solution. Being able to help someone go from pain and illness to peace and wellness would be an honor. Earning a Bachelor's in Nursing is the next step in achieving that goal. Earning my Bachelor's degree in nursing could mean I can become a travel nurse, traveling to all parts of the world and providing my services to people who don't have access to medical attention; furthermore, fueling my passion for the well-being of humanity.

What He Did for Me I remember meeting Him when I was only 11 years old. I desired to know more about Him, realizing that He was the way for me to improve not just myself, but also the people around me. I can't say I was a troubled kid, but like others, there were things in my life that I regretted. I found myself constantly trying to fit in with the crowd or seem normal to those around me. Middle school was a weird stage in my life when I was trying to figure out who I wanted to be and which groups would accept me. Did I want to be with the smart kids, who excelled in every subject? Did I want to be with the cool kids, who seemed to attract others effortlessly? Or did I want to be with the troubled kids, who started smoking and drinking at a very young age? It wasn't until I was 11 years old that I realized I wanted to be myself. But how do you become someone when you don't know who that person is yet? I had always heard of Him throughout my life. Some of my older family members were more religious, but my immediate family was not very bound to a spiritual lifestyle. I rarely attended church, never read much of the Bible, and at that time, I couldn't name a single book in the Bible if asked. Yet, I knew I wanted to learn about Him and His love. Around Christmas time, I asked my mother for a Bible, and she bought one for me. It was a purple leather Bible with pink stitching along the edges, and I believe it was an NIV (New International Version) Bible designed to help people understand the word a little better. Genesis marked the beginning of my spiritual journey, and my relationship with Him has continued to grow since then. After days of reading the Bible and learning His teachings, I began to notice a shift in my actions. I started to appreciate the value of praying for the circumstances of others. I became more understanding and refrained from uttering a harsh word. Learning his teachings made me realize how young people like me were led astray into troubled ways of living. Cursing, smoking, drinking, and neglecting education were deemed "cool". At the same time, following rules was seen as "boring." However, He taught me to be proud of my relationship with Him, regardless of what others thought. I began bringing my Bible to school every day. I remember when my friends noticed this change and asked questions like," You have a Bible in your backpack," or" Why do you carry it with you to school?" I felt at ease with it close by at all times. He was, and still is, an essential part of my life that I couldn't live without. Fast forward to high school, and my relationship with God continues to grow. Throughout my life, I have always been consumed by the fear of possible failure. Therefore, I always prayed before tests, the upcoming school year, and for more discipline in my studies. So far, I can say with complete confidence that He has never led me astray. Because of my faith in His plan, my grades improved from A's and B's to straight A's, and my motivation for studying also increased. My relationship was strong until I began to backslide. I became fearful, grew lazy, and my reading habits diminished. Unfortunately, my backsliding has been inconsistent—doing well for a few days and then returning to my old habits. It's something I deal with now and hope to improve with each passing day, but it's challenging. This ongoing struggle has taught me that I am far from perfect. However, it has also shown me that with God's help, I can learn from and grow from my mistakes. I've learned that making a mistake or failing a test does not define who I am, my intelligence, or my worth. Like everyone, I come with flaws, but God will love me nonetheless. In the future, I hope to continue walking in my faith, demonstrating its impact on me by becoming a registered nurse and serving God's children around the world. In the end, I found myself, and I will forever be proud to be that quiet, artistic, and hardworking Christian girl in the back of the classroom!

My name is Breanna Wilson, and I am an honors graduate from Central Gwinnett High School in Lawrenceville, Georgia. After graduation, I will attend Mercer University this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and become a registered nurse specializing in pediatrics, providing care to those in my community. Oprah Winfrey once said, "Where there is no struggle, there is no strength." Growing up in a low-income household as the child of a single mother raising three children, I didn't experience the carefree lifestyle enjoyed by many of my peers. However, I learned that while my mother couldn't provide everything we wanted, she gave us the essential tools we needed to thrive. Reflecting on my last four years of high school, my family faced frequent relocations due to financial challenges, and we experienced periods of homelessness over the past two years. Understanding my emotions during this time was difficult. Although I recognized that my mother was doing her best, I felt sad and defeated, believing that our financial situation would hold me back. However, I came to realize that my background and struggles do not define who I am or who I can become. Instead, these experiences motivate me to strive for success, not just for myself, but for my family and the community I wish to serve. This year, in addition to finding stable housing, my mother faced several health issues, including low iron, severe abdominal pain, and a cyst that required multiple hospital visits over the past month. It was heartbreaking to see her suffer and feel as though she couldn't seek help from those who cared about her most. Watching the healthcare professionals assist my mother in the emergency room, I admired their calmness, patience, and support. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in the healthcare field. My mother's experiences sparked my desire to enter the healthcare field, allowing me to care for individuals who are less fortunate and in need of assistance, just as my family once was. I aim to be part of the solution rather than a bystander, and getting a solid education is the first step toward realizing my dreams. After college, I plan to dedicate my life to serving all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. I want to help individuals transition from weakness and despair to healing and renewal, knowing that I, along with many others, have played a vital role in improving their lives.

My name is Breanna Wilson, and I am an honors graduate from Central Gwinnett High School in Lawrenceville, Georgia. After graduation, I will attend Mercer University this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and become a registered nurse specializing in pediatrics, providing care to those in my community. Oprah Winfrey once said, "Where there is no struggle, there is no strength." Growing up in a low-income household as the child of a single mother raising three children, I didn't experience the carefree lifestyle enjoyed by many of my peers. However, I learned that while my mother couldn't provide everything we wanted, she gave us the essential tools we needed to thrive. Reflecting on my last four years of high school, my family faced frequent relocations due to financial challenges, and we experienced periods of homelessness over the past two years. Understanding my emotions during this time was difficult. Although I recognized that my mother was doing her best, I felt sad and defeated, believing that our financial situation would hold me back. However, I came to realize that my background and struggles do not define who I am or who I can become. Instead, these experiences motivate me to strive for success, not just for myself, but for my family and the community I wish to serve. This year, in addition to finding stable housing, my mother faced several health issues, including low iron, severe abdominal pain, and a cyst that required multiple hospital visits over the past month. It was heartbreaking to see her suffer and feel as though she couldn't seek help from those who cared about her most. Watching the healthcare professionals assist my mother in the emergency room, I admired their calmness, patience, and support. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare. My mother's experiences sparked my desire to enter the healthcare field, allowing me to care for individuals who are less fortunate and in need of assistance, just as my family once was. I aim to be part of the solution rather than a bystander, and getting a solid education is the first step toward realizing my dreams. After college, I plan to dedicate my life to serving all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. I want to help individuals transition from weakness and despair to healing and renewal, knowing that I, along with many others, have played a vital role in improving their lives.

My name is Breanna Wilson, and I am an honors graduate from Central Gwinnett High School in Lawrenceville, Georgia. After graduation, I will be attending Mercer University this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and become a registered nurse in pediatrics, providing care to those in my community. Oprah Winfrey once said, "Where there is no struggle, there is no strength." Growing up in a low-income household as the child of a single mother raising three children, I didn’t experience the carefree lifestyle enjoyed by many of my peers. However, I learned that while my mother couldn’t provide everything we wanted, she gave us the essential tools we needed to thrive. Reflecting on my last four years of high school, my family faced frequent relocations due to financial challenges, and we experienced periods of homelessness over the past two years. Understanding my emotions during this time was difficult. Although I recognized that my mother was doing her best, I felt sad and defeated, believing that our financial situation would hold me back. However, I came to realize that my background and struggles do not define who I am or who I can become. Instead, these experiences motivate me to strive for success, not just for myself, but for my family and the community I wish to serve. This year, in addition to finding stable housing, my mother faced several health issues, including low iron, severe abdominal pain, and a cyst that required multiple hospital visits over the past month. It was heartbreaking to see her suffer and feel as though she couldn’t seek help from those who cared about her most. Watching the healthcare professionals assist my mother in the emergency room, I admired their calmness, patience, and support. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare. My mother’s experiences ignited my desire to enter the healthcare field so that I can care for individuals who are less fortunate and in need of assistance, just as my family needed help. I aim to be part of the solution rather than a bystander, and getting a solid education is the first step toward realizing my dreams. After college, I plan to dedicate my life to serving all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. I want to help individuals transition from weakness and despair to healing and renewal, knowing that I, along with many others, have played a vital role in improving their lives.

Sometimes, we ignore just how the our misfortunes and defeats can shape our future, bringing about somethig much brighter than success: passion. I am an honors high school graduate from a first-generation, low-income family. Throughout my academic journey, I faced the challenges that come from financial hardship. I often couldnt particpate in school events or enjoy the carefree lifestyle of many of my peers, not due to the lack of ambition, but because I was raised by a single mother supporting three children on her own. While she couldnt grant every wish, she gave us everything everthing she could, providing opportunities she never had. Each year of high school, I transfered schools because we couldn't afford stable housing. Consistiently moving forced me to adapt immediateley to new environments. This instability weighed heavily on my mother. At times, she contemplated whether she was doing enough. Watching her endure so much made me realize that my succes couldn't be just for me―it had to reflect our shared struggle. I became determined to use my education to uplift not only my family, but others facing similar tribulations. Millions of families still live paycheck to paycheck, without access to basic resources. Many go without medical care, not only do to financial constraints, but due to the systemic discrimnation, primarily among communities of color. This reality inspired me to pursue a carrer in healthcare. I want to bring care and diginity to people regardless of race, ethnicity, sexuality, or economic background. Theadoore Roosevelt once stated: "Patients don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." As a Black Woman, I've witnesssed and felt hte disparities in healthcare firsthand. Too often, out pain is dismissed or misdiagnosed. I've known people who were told their symptoms were "normal", only to later discover serious, preventable conditions. This shouldn't happen―not in a field whose mission is to care. Healthcare must be a space of equallity and compassion, and that starts with representation. A more racially diverse medical workforce improves trust, communication, and patient outcomes. In a country as diverse as the United States, our healthcare providers should reflect the people they serve―not just her, but globally. With that being said, I plan to earn a Bachelor's degree in Nursing and become a pediatric nurse, providing care and comfort to children during thier moments of help and vulnerablitiy. I want to do more than be a bystander to suffering―I want to be part of the solution. Furthermore, I desire to be able to resonate with the people that come into a Healthcare institiution, not only looking to improve their health, but also seeking suppot and understanding. Being able to help someone fo from pain and illness to peace and recover would one of the greatest honors in my life, all while having the oppotunity to join the 14.5% of Black nurses who work to provide satiable contributions to those who need it. Right now, I'm working a summer job at Smoothie King and activley applying for scholarships to prepare for college this fall. My goal is cover tuition through scholarships to minimize the financial burden on my family. Reciveing this scholarship would not only help me take the next step toward caring for my community, but it would alsi honor the resilience of my mother and the journery that brought me here.

Books—gateway not only into imagination but into endless possibility and the potential to learn more about what the world has to offer. They have allowed me to witness humanity's progression and provided a much-needed escape from the daily struggles that distract us from life's hardships. Through reading, I've come to understand themes of romance, tragedy, and the importance of staying true to oneself in times of uncertainty. One book that left a profound impact on me was "The Way I Used To Be". It tells the story of a girl whose innocence was taken from her at a very young age and how she copes with her trauma throughout high school. Her journey is filled with shifts in identity and a gradual spiral away from the person she once was. Despite the darkness she faces and the people she loses, she begins to redefine who she wants to become. While her experience was far more traumatic than anything I've endured, I could relate to the feelings of confusion, change, and the sense of losing oneself. Throughout high school, I moved from school to school due to financial issues and unforeseen events. I was forced to leave behind familiarity and people I cared about. Yet through that experience, I learned the value of change. I met new people, encountered new ideas, and discovered opportunities that helped me grow and broaden my perspective. Another book that resonated with me was "Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry". It follows a girl who writes down her goals and secrets in a journal, never taking steps to bring them to life or openly expressing her feelings. When her journal is stolen by someone who challenges her to complete everything in it by the end of the day, she is pushed out of her comfort zone. With courage, she confronts the truth—admitting her lies to her parents, facing her fears, and learning to express her emotions to those she cares about. This story taught me the importance of not just dreaming about the person I want to become but actively working toward becoming that version of myself. I've realized that I often speak about who I want to be without taking the necessary steps to get there. This book reminded me not to let time and opportunities slip by but to embrace growth and take action. Despite these being some of the books that shaped my goals, books have taught me to be open to new perspectives, experiences, and life lessons. More than that, they have helped me create goals that keep me motivated and focussed on my future.

I am currently a senior in high school and come from a first-generation, low-income family. Throughout my academic journey, I've experienced the struggles that come with financial hardship. I often couldn't participate in certain school events and felt excluded from the carefree lifestyle many of my peers enjoyed. This wasn't because I lacked ambition, but because I had a hardworking, single mother raising three children on her own. While she couldn't fulfill every wish, she did everything in her power to provide us with the opportunities she never had. Each year of high school, I had to transfer schools because we couldn't afford stable housing . Constantly moving meant I had to adapt to change and unfamiliar environments. Over time, this began to weigh heavily on my mother—she questioned the life we were living and even doubted whether she was a good parent. It was during those moments that I felt a deep conviction: not only to succeed for myself, but to use my education and opportunities to uplift others in similar situations. Today, many families like mine live paycheck to paycheck, struggling to provide the basics without any form of relief. We live in a time when people are often denied medical care simply because they can't afford it or because of prejudice and discrimination towards people of color. That reality inspired me to dedicate my life to the medical field—to bring relief and aid to those who need it, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. I believe that furthering my education will allow me to make a meaningful impact on the world in the communities I care about. By studying the human body and mind, understanding diseases, and learning about the treatments and remedies, I can help people heal. Rather than standing by during times of suffering, I want to be part of the solution. Being able to help someone go form pain and illness to peace and wellness would be an honor. Earning a Bachelor's in Nursing, and becoming a pediatric nurse is the next step in achieving that goal. Currently, I have been committed to applying for scholarships and taking on a summer job, to chip away at some of the current expenses for college for this coming fall. My goal is to get enough scholarships possible in order to cover all of my tuition, or at least get it in the single digits, and this scholarship will be the first step into establishing just that.

"Nursing is more than a career, it's a noble calling that touches the lives of people at their most vulnerable." -Elizabeth Kenny The Desire to Serve, Care For, and Protect These three values have guided me throughout my life—first as aspirations when I was younger and now as commitments I will continue to uphold as I grow older. As the eldest of three siblings, I have always felt a deep responsibility to ensure their well-being before anything else. This role has required me to step up, take charge, and help whenever challenges arise. Being the daughter of a single mother—a strong Black woman working in the medical field—I have always strived to help others the way she does. From a young age, I remember walking into the pediatric building, mesmerized by the colorful walls covered in childhood favorites like Dora the Explorer, Sponge Bob Square Pants, and Spider-Man. Every day, I would see televisions playing popular kids' shows, and toys that brought children together as if they had been friends for years. When my mother took me to her workplace, I watched in awe as she and her colleagues transformed sick and weary children into their playful, carefree selves again. It seemed like they had a superpower—the power to heal. I, too, aspired to do the same, even if I wasn’t yet sure how. Now, at 18, I watch the world around me spiral into chaos—people being denied essential care, others committing desperate acts because a loved one was refused treatment, and hardworking individuals living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to afford medical expenses for conditions beyond their control. And my mother was no exception. As I write this essay, she recently had surgery, a necessary procedure costing over $2,000—an amount that, if left unpaid, could allow the condition to develop into something life-threatening; even though she had to also support her 3 kids. Out of the scrubs, my mother has taught me a lot of valuable things in life. She taught me the importance of working hard for what you want in life without making excuses; starving to be the best you can be when nobody is watching. She showed me that being in the medical field, like many other jobs, have their highs and lows, and to not let those lows make you lose sight of the bigger picture of healthcare. Beyond financial struggles, racial discrimination and inequities in healthcare continue to rob people of their lives when the very purpose of medicine is to preserve life and restore hope. These injustices leave me feeling confused, troubled, and fearful of what the world is becoming. But more than anything, they fuel my determination to make a difference. I want to be part of the change, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all—regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or income. Everyone deserves an equal chance at life, and I will do everything in my power to make that a reality. When I graduate high school, I plan to pursue a career in the medical field as a registered nurse, specializing in pediatrics. By doing so, I hope to improve the lives of the future’s leaders—one child at a time. The desire to serve, care for, and protect.

"Nursing is more than a career, it's a noble calling that touches the lives of people at their most vulnerable." -Elizabeth Kenny The Desire to Serve, Care For, and Protect These three values have guided me throughout my life—first as aspirations when I was younger and now as commitments I will continue to uphold as I grow older. As the eldest of three siblings, I have always felt a deep responsibility to ensure their well-being before anything else. This role has required me to step up, take charge, and help whenever challenges arise. Being the daughter of a single mother—a strong Black woman working in the medical field—I have always strived to help others the way she does. From a young age, I remember walking into the pediatric building, mesmerized by the colorful walls covered in childhood favorites like Dora the Explorer, Sponge Bob Square Pants, and Spider-Man. Every day, I would see televisions playing popular kids' shows, and toys that brought children together as if they had been friends for years. When my mother took me to her workplace, I watched in awe as she and her colleagues transformed sick and weary children into their playful, carefree selves again. It seemed like they had a superpower—the power to heal. I, too, aspired to do the same, even if I wasn’t yet sure how. Now, at 18, I watch the world around me spiral into chaos—people being denied essential care, others committing desperate acts because a loved one was refused treatment, and hardworking individuals living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to afford medical expenses for conditions beyond their control. And my mother was no exception. As I write this essay, she recently had surgery, a necessary procedure costing over $2,000—an amount that, if left unpaid, could allow the condition to develop into something life-threatening; even though she had to also support her 3 kids. Out of the scrubs, my mother has taught me a lot of valuable things in life. She taught me the importance of working hard for what you want in life without making excuses; starving to be the best you can be when nobody is watching. She showed me that being in the medical field, like many other jobs, have their highs and lows, and to not let those lows make you lose sight of the bigger picture of healthcare. Beyond financial struggles, racial discrimination and inequities in healthcare continue to rob people of their lives when the very purpose of medicine is to preserve life and restore hope. These injustices leave me feeling confused, troubled, and fearful of what the world is becoming. But more than anything, they fuel my determination to make a difference. I want to be part of the change, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all—regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or income. Everyone deserves an equal chance at life, and I will do everything in my power to make that a reality. When I graduate high school, I plan to pursue a career in the medical field as a registered nurse, specializing in pediatrics. By doing so, I hope to improve the lives of the future’s leaders—one child at a time. The desire to serve, care for, and protect. I had heard about this scholarship from the Bold.org website.

Johnann Wolfgang von Goethe once said, "Many people take no care of their money till they come nearly to the end of it, and others do just the same with their time." Many of us spend freely on wants, forgetting that money isn't infinite--and this truth often hits when it's too late. I'll never forget my first job, my first paycheck— my first taste of financial freedom. It was late April, near the end of my sophomore year of high school. I'd wanted a job for long time, and since I was living with my dad, who could drive me, I finally had a chance. One day at school, I spotted a flyer for a job at Smoothie King in Morrow, Georgia. It felt like a sign from God. I applied on a whim and interview a few days later. That evening, I worried I wasn't professional or qualified enough. But, then unexpectedly, I got a message in a group chat saying that I'd been hired. As a sophomore with few responsibilities and dreams that cost money, I was beyond ecstatic. Not only would I be making smoothies—I'd be getting paid for it. I rushed to tell my dad and my stepmom and they happily congratulated me. We sat down to talk about setting up a debit card and transportation options. Two weeks later, I received my first paycheck—$90. It wasn't much, but I felt like a millionaire. I immediately begun buying things I didn't need: earrings, sweets, tech accessories—Amazon boxes arrived weekly. My dad quickly noticed my poor spending habits and explained the importance of saving for emergencies; of not letting the short-term wants overshadow the long-term needs. By the end of summer, I had little money left to prepare for junior year, which hit felt like a sucker punch to my aspirations. I had so many chances to save wisely, but I ignored them out of carelessness. Skip to my end of junior year, I was able to get that job back again for the summer, and I came in with mature goals for my short time working. I had gave my self a weekly budget of how much I could spend and a limit of times I got to reward myself with the things I wanted. My goal by the end of that summer was to have about a $1000 saved up for senior year and buy me a computer; which with discipline and dedication, I was able to attain both. That fall, I was able to get everything I needed for homecoming and attend the senior events for the semester. After my brief journey of being employed at Smoothie King, it has taught me how true Johann was about money and the power it can have over us. Before we have money, we have these dreams that are limited by reality; and when we finally attain the thing that can make those dreams come to life, we get too ahead of ourselves. We start to go above and beyond our means of living because we feel like we are at the top of the world, with no intention of coming down. But what we fail to realize that sometimes life can take you down whether you wanted it to or not. Financial literacy is the thread that keeps your standard of living intact, and without a clear system of making sure spending doesn't exceed your financial capability, you will be left bare and unresolved. I will use my financial education and apply this to college expenses, and other adult expenses for years and years to come.

Bono once said, "Music can change the world because it can change people." Music has the power to influence us in profound ways, depending on the genre and the message withing the song. It resonates with people differently, often offering a deeper understanding of our emotions or situations. When you're in love, you might turn to love songs; when you're in sad, you listen to sad music; and when you're feeling energized or inspired, upbeat music often sets the tone. For me, when I'm overwhelmed or feeling a little bit of everything at once, I turn to metal and rock music to ease my pain and quiet my worries. My name is Breanna, and I'm about to graduate with honors from Central Gwinnett High School in Lawrenceville, Georgia. I'm the oldest of four children, raised by a single mother in a low-income household. Reflecting on my high school journey, one turning point stands out: during the fall of my freshman year, my mother made a difficult decision not to renew the lease of our home of over a decade. By early December, we had moved out and had to live in a hotel for the time being. At the time, I was torn—part of me welcomed the fresh start, but I was also heartbroken to leave behind the friends, memories, and stability I had known for so long. That house was more than a home—it was the start of a thread that would soon unravel into a series of challenges that affected my emotional well-being. In the years that followed, I became numb to change and detached from short-lived relationships. I stopped seeing the value in making or maintaining friendships, eventually finding comfort in isolation. While solitude made me stronger in some ways, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. To fill that void, I turned to activities that brought me peace: reading, journaling, crocheting, watching moves and TV shows, and, most importantly, music. Music became my escape from the harsh realities of the world around me. It offered me a brief refuge from stress, pain, and uncertainty. But our struggles began to take a toll on my mother as well. She often questioned whether she was doing enough for us, whether she was failing as a parent. Witnessing her struggle filled me with a deep sense of conviction--not only to succeed for myself, but to use my education and opportunities to help people in similar situations. That difficult period became a turning point for me. It was then that I decided to pursue a career in nursing. Today, many families like mine live paycheck to paycheck, struggling to afford basic necessities. We live in a society where access to medical care is often denied based on income, race, or other forms of discrimination. That really strengthened my resolve to dedicate my life to healthcare---to provide compassionate and equitable care to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. I believe this scholarship will empower me to make a meaningful impact in the world and in the communities I care deeply about. Through studying the human body and mind, understanding disease and learning effective treatments, I hope to bring healing and relief to those in need. I don't want to be a bystander to suffering; I want to be part of the solution. Helping someone transition from pain and illness to peace and wellness would be an honor. My next step toward that goal is earning a Bachelor's degree in Nursing. I am currently committed to attending Mercer University in Macon, where I will take the following prerequisites needed to get into their highly regarded nursing program. Because of my academic achievements in high school, Mercer awarded me a $25,000 renewable annual scholarship. While this significantly reduces the cost, I still face $17,000 in remaining tuition each year--about $68,000 total. That is why I am actively applying for additional scholarships, including this one, to help my dream of helping others a reality.

Getting an education is one of the most important aspects of a person’s life—whether it’s to gain knowledge for personal growth or to help others by applying that knowledge. I am currently a senior in high school and come from a first-generation, low-income family. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve experienced the struggles that come with financial hardship. I often couldn’t participate in certain school events and felt excluded from the carefree lifestyle many of my peers enjoyed. This wasn’t because I lacked ambition, but because I had a hardworking, single mother raising three children on her own. While she couldn’t fulfill every wish, she did everything in her power to provide us with the opportunities she never had. Each year of high school, I had to transfer schools because we couldn’t afford stable housing. Constantly moving meant I had to adapt to change and unfamiliar environments. Over time, this began to weigh heavily on my mother—she questioned the life we were living and even doubted whether she was a good parent. It was during those moments that I felt a deep conviction: not only to succeed for myself, but to use my education and opportunities to uplift others in similar situations. Today, many families like mine live paycheck to paycheck, struggling to provide the basics without any form of relief. We live in a time when people are often denied medical care simply because they can’t afford it or because of prejudice and discrimination towards people of color. That reality inspired me to dedicate my life to the medical field—to bring relief and aid to those who need it, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. I believe that furthering my education will allow me to make a meaningful impact on the world and in the communities I care about. By studying the human body and mind, understanding diseases, and learning about treatments and remedies, I can help people heal. Rather than standing by during times of suffering, I want to be part of the solution. Being able to help someone go from pain and illness to peace and wellness would be an honor. Earning a Bachelor’s in Nursing is the next step in achieving that goal. Getting my Bachelors in nursing could mean I can become a travel nurse, traveling to all parts of the world, and provide my services to people who don't have access to medical attention; furthermore, fueling my passion for the wellness of humanity.

Getting an education is a very important aspect in every persons life-whether that is to gain knowledge for personal growth, or helping others by applying that knowledge. I am currently a senior in high school and come from a first-generation, low income family. Throughout my academic journey, I have experienced the struggles that come with financial hardship. I often couldn't participate in certain school events and felt excluded from the care-free lifestyle many of peers were able to enjoy. This wasn't because I lacked ambition, but because of the fact that I had a hard working, single mother raising 3 children on her own. While she couldn't make every wish of ours come true, she did everything in her power to provide us with the opportunities she never had. Each year high school, I had to transfer from school to school because we were not able to afford stable housing, which meant I had to grow accustomed to change and unfamiliarity. Over time, this began to weigh heavily on my mother--- she questioned the life that we were living and even questioned if she was a good mother. It was during those moments that I felt a deep conviction: not only to succeed for myself, but to use my education and opportunities to uplift others in similar situations. Currently, there are many families like mine that work paycheck-to-paycheck, struggling to provide the basics, support their children, and the roof under their heads with no clear relief. We live in a the time when people are often denied medical care simply because they can't afford it or because of prejudice and discrimination towards people of color. With that being said, that reality inspired me to dedicate my life to the medical field and restore relief and provide aid to those who need it; regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. I envision that furthering my education can support me in making a meaningful impact on the world and the communities around me. By learning about the human body and mind, diseases, and learning about treatments and remedies, I can help people heal. I will be able to offer solutions instead of being a bystander in chaos and confusion. Being able to make people go from distressed and ill, to sated and well by my own works is something that would be an honor to experience, and taking that next step to get my Bachelors in Nursing, will help me achieve that goal.

The Desire to Serve, Care For, and Protect These three values have guided me throughout my life—first as aspirations when I was younger and now as commitments I will continue to uphold as I grow older. As the eldest of three siblings, I have always felt a deep responsibility to ensure their well-being before anything else. This role has required me to step up, take charge, and help whenever challenges arise. Being the daughter of a single mother—a strong Black woman working in the medical field—I have always strived to help others the way she does. From a young age, I remember walking into the pediatric building, mesmerized by the colorful walls covered in childhood favorites like Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Spider-Man. Televisions played popular kids' shows, and toys brought children together as if they had been friends for years. When my mother took me to her workplace, I watched in awe as she and her colleagues transformed sick and weary children into their playful, carefree selves again. It seemed like they had a superpower—the power to heal. I, too, aspired to do the same, even if I wasn’t yet sure how. Now, at 18, I watch the world around me spiral into chaos—people being denied essential care, others committing desperate acts because a loved one was refused treatment, and hardworking individuals living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to afford medical expenses for conditions beyond their control. My mother is no exception. As I write this essay, she is preparing for surgery, a necessary procedure costing over $2,000—an amount that, if left unpaid, could allow the condition to develop into something life-threatening. Beyond financial struggles, racial discrimination and inequities in healthcare continue to rob people of their lives when the very purpose of medicine is to preserve life and restore hope. These injustices leave me feeling confused, troubled, and fearful of what the world is becoming. But more than anything, they fuel my determination to make a difference. I want to be part of the change, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all—regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or income. Everyone deserves an equal chance at life, and I will do everything in my power to make that a reality. When I graduate high school, I plan to pursue a career in the medical field as a registered nurse, specializing in pediatrics. By doing so, I hope to improve the lives of the future’s leaders—one child at a time. The desire to serve, care for, and protect.