From Lifeguard to Future Healthcare Leader: A Commitment to Care Mary Belle Huggins Scholarship Essay by: Carter J. Bittle Last summer, while working as a lifeguard, I saw a toddler slip unnoticed from his parents and into the water. My heart was pounding, but I didn’t hesitate! I blew my whistle, dove in, and pulled the child to safety. The relief on the parents’ faces and the weight of responsibility in that moment stayed with me long after. After that day, I knew the direction of my life. I wanted to work in emergency medicine, protecting and serving others when they are most vulnerable. It was a defining moment that shaped not only my career path but also my understanding of leadership and faith in action. Growing up as the oldest of four siblings, I learned early that care and responsibility are intertwined. I am a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, a minority student, and while I am not the first in my family to attend college, I will be the first of my siblings to do so. As the oldest sibling my role has taught me the importance of setting a positive example. My family’s heritage emphasizes service to community and faithfulness in action. These values that guide every decision I make. My interest in healthcare began with a curiosity about science but grew through experiences that highlighted the fragility of life. As a lifeguard, I saw how preparation and vigilance save lives. Through my school leadership as Senior Lead Ambassador at Robinson Central Arkansas Academies, I saw how mentoring and advocacy empower others. I recently invented a patent-pending safety keychain, Safe Ride 4 U, designed to reduce automobile accidents among college students. After researching and finding that the highest cause of death for decades among my age generation is automobile accidents. This project taught me that healthcare extends beyond hospitals. It includes prevention and innovation to protect lives before crises occur. I am planning to launch the first prototype this fall! Nursing, medicine, and healthcare represent the intersection of skill, compassion, and service. These are the qualities Mary Belle Huggins exemplified throughout her life. Her dedication as a nurse and Army Reserve Colonel inspires me to lead with integrity, empathy, and resilience. I aim to carry forward her legacy of integrating clinical skill with compassionate care, ensuring that every patient feels seen and supported. I am drawn to eventually work in healthcare with the United States Air Force or rural communities. Financial barriers have been a challenge on my path. With a low Student Aid Index (SAI), paying for tuition, books, and everyday expenses requires careful planning and perseverance. I rely on faith, prayer, and diligent effort to navigate these challenges, believing that God has placed me “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) to serve others in meaningful ways. Scholarships like this one are not just financial support—they are affirmations of God’s provision and a pathway to fulfill a calling to care for others. Receiving the Mary Belle Huggins Scholarship would allow me to focus on my education, leadership, and preparation for a career in medicine and healthcare. I hope to serve in emergency rooms combining clinical expertise with advocacy and culturally informed care. I hope to honor my Cherokee heritage and the legacy of compassionate nurses like Mary Belle. As my favorite movie, National Treasure, reminds me: “If there’s something wrong, those who have the ability to take action also have the responsibility to take action.” That principle guides every choice I make and every life I hope to protect.