My name is [Your Name], and I am a nursing student, a Certified Nursing Assistant, and a proud mother to a two-year-old daughter. I moved from Louisiana to Texas to escape an abusive relationship and begin a new chapter in life. Starting over was not easy, but it was necessary. I wanted to create a life that felt safe, stable, and full of opportunity—for both my daughter and myself. I began working as a CNA after relocating, and that experience confirmed my calling to become a nurse. It gave me the chance to care for others in some of their most vulnerable moments. I learned the value of patience, compassion, and emotional presence. Each shift reminded me that nursing is about more than skills or tasks. It is about connection, comfort, and being there when someone needs it most. That work gave me a strong foundation and motivated me to take the next step by enrolling in nursing school. I am currently pursuing my goal of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse at Galen College Of Nursing and plan to continue my education to become a Registered Nurse. My passion lies in serving women and families, especially those who have experienced trauma or are navigating difficult life circumstances. I am especially drawn to community health and women’s health. I want to be the nurse who helps people feel heard, respected, and cared for when they may feel alone or uncertain. In addition to my studies and work, I am an active member of my school’s nursing organization GSNA One of the projects I’m most involved in is helping operate our student pantry, which provides food, hygiene products, and basic necessities to students in need. Many of us are juggling classes, work, and family responsibilities. I understand what it feels like to struggle behind the scenes, so it means a lot to me to be part of something that helps ease that burden for others. Through this role, I’ve learned that leadership is about showing up, being kind, and lifting others even when you’re still climbing yourself. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous help. Balancing the cost of school, parenting, and daily expenses can be overwhelming. Financial support would allow me to focus more fully on my education and clinical training while continuing to care for my daughter. But beyond financial relief, receiving a scholarship in memory of a nurse who represented compassion and excellence would be an honor. It would motivate me to carry those same values into my own practice and to serve others with purpose and heart. I am committed to becoming a nurse who not only delivers care but also brings light into people’s lives. I want to be a calm and comforting presence for patients and their families. I want to help people feel safe and valued, especially during times when they are most vulnerable. This is more than a career to me. It is a chance to give back, to serve others with empathy, and to become someone my daughter can be proud of. Thank you for considering my application and for helping students like me move forward in this meaningful journey.

My name is Chanelle Champagne and I am a nursing student and a proud mother to a beautiful two-year-old daughter. I moved from Louisiana to Texas to escape an abusive relationship and give both of us a fresh start. It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, but it was also the most important. I left behind everything familiar to create a safer and more stable future. That moment changed my life, and it is what led me to pursue a career in nursing. I have always been someone who cares deeply for others. Nursing gives me the opportunity to turn that compassion into a career where I can truly make a difference. My goal is to become a nurse and continue my education to grow in the field. I am especially passionate about working in women’s health or in underserved communities where I can be a voice for those who are often not heard. I want to be the kind of nurse who brings comfort during hard times and makes patients feel seen, valued, and cared for. I am also involved in my school’s nursing organization, where I help run a student pantry that provides food, hygiene items, and school supplies to students in need. Many of us face struggles behind the scenes, and this pantry helps take some of the pressure off. Being part of this effort has shown me that leadership is about showing up, giving back, and doing what you can to support others even when you are going through your own battles. There have been many challenges along the way. Balancing school, parenting, and financial responsibilities has not been easy. Some days feel overwhelming, but I always remind myself why I started. My daughter is my biggest motivation. Everything I am doing is to build a better life for her and to set an example that no matter what you go through, you can rise above it. I plan to use my nursing degree not just as a job, but as a way to create change. I want to give back to my community through compassionate care, advocacy, and education. I believe every patient deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, and I want to be the kind of nurse who brings light and hope wherever I go. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I am truly grateful for this opportunity.

My name is Chanelle Champagne and I am a nursing student and a single mother to a beautiful two year old daughter. My journey has been anything but easy, but through every struggle, I’ve found strength I didn’t know I had. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I am even more hopeful for what’s ahead. A time I overcame a major obstacle in my life was when I made the decision to leave Louisiana and move to Texas with my daughter. We were leaving behind an abusive relationship. At the time, I had no job lined up, no close family nearby, and no clear plan beyond protecting my daughter and starting fresh. I was terrified, but I refused to stay in a situation where we were not safe. I packed what little I could, held my daughter close, and started a new chapter with nothing but faith, determination, and a strong desire to give her a better life. Starting over in a new city while raising a toddler and attending nursing school has tested me in every way. I’ve had moments of doubt and nights where I cried in silence, unsure of how I would make it to the next day. But each time I felt like giving up, I looked at my daughter. She is my reason. Every class I attend, every clinical shift I complete, and every challenge I push through is for her. I want her to grow up knowing that her mom fought for a better life, and that she can do anything she puts her mind to, no matter how hard it gets. Despite everything I have been through, I have made it my mission not only to survive but to help others along the way. I joined a nursing organization at my school that helps students who are struggling by offering access to a student pantry. We stock it with food, hygiene items, and other essentials that students may need to get through the week. I know what it feels like to not have enough, and I know how hard it is to ask for help. That’s why I’m passionate about being there for others, especially when they feel like they’re going through it alone. I show leadership by being a voice of encouragement and support for others who may be too afraid or ashamed to speak up about their struggles. Leadership to me is not about being in charge. It’s about being present, consistent, and compassionate. It’s about showing others what is possible, even when things feel impossible. I lead by example. I stay focused on my goals, I work hard, and I take the time to help my classmates whenever I can. Whether it’s studying together, listening to someone vent after a hard shift, or handing someone a bag of food from the pantry, I try to make a difference in small, meaningful ways. I know the road ahead will still have challenges, but I am not the same person I was when I first left Louisiana. I am stronger. I am more focused. And I am determined to become the kind of nurse who cares deeply and leads with heart. I believe that every patient deserves to feel seen, safe, and heard, and I want to be that kind of presence for them just like others have been for me.

My name is Chanelle Champagne and I am a proud nursing student at Galen College Of Nursing, a devoted single mother, and someone who is determined to turn adversity into purpose. Pursuing a nursing career has been one of the most challenging and meaningful journeys of my life, and it has been deeply shaped by my personal experiences, especially as a mother and survivor. I believe my values and goals align closely with the legacy of Margaret A. Briller, and I am honored to be considered for this scholarship. Before beginning nursing school, I made the brave decision to move from Louisiana to Texas with my young daughter to escape an abusive relationship. Leaving everything behindfamily, familiarity, and financial stabilitywas not easy. But I knew that staying meant putting both of our futures at risk. Starting over in a new state was terrifying, but it was also the beginning of our healing and growth. I wanted to show my daughter that it’s never too late to choose yourself and fight for a better life. As a single mother to a two-year-old, my days are filled with early mornings, long hours in class and clinicals, and late nights making sure my daughter is fed, safe, and comforted. It’s not easy juggling motherhood and nursing school, but every time I see her smile or hear her laugh, I’m reminded why I keep going. She is the reason I work so hardto build a future where she can thrive without fear, and where I can support her through every stage of her life. In addition to my studies, I’m actively involved in our school’s nursing organization. One of our main goals is to support fellow nursing students who may be facing financial or personal hardship. We help stock and maintain a student pantry that provides essentials like food, hygiene products, and school supplies to those in need. As someone who has experienced struggle firsthand, I know how important it is to have a community that lifts each other up. Being part of this organization has allowed me to give back while also receiving the support I need to keep moving forward. Receiving the Margaret A. Briller Nursing Scholarship would be a tremendous blessing. The financial demands of nursing school are significant, especially while raising a child alone. Between tuition, clinical supplies, childcare, transportation, and daily living expenses, there are times when I feel like I’m constantly just trying to keep my head above water. This scholarship would provide muchneeded relief and allow me to focus more fully on my education and training. My short-term goal is to become a Licensed Practical Nurse LPN and from there continue my education to become a Registered Nurse RN. Long-term, I hope to work in women’s health or with underserved communities, Especially the black communities where I can use my experiences and empathy to care for patients who may feel overlooked or unheard. I want to be the kind of nurse who doesn’t just treat symptoms, but truly sees the person behind the diagnosis especially those who, like me, have endured hardship and are working hard to rebuild their lives. The obstacles I’ve faced have made me stronger, more compassionate, and more determined to succeed. There were days when I didn’t know how I was going to get through school or pay for childcare. There were moments when I cried quietly after putting my daughter to bed, unsure how I would make it to the next day. But I’ve never let those challenges stop me. I’ve always believed that if I keep showing up, keep pushing forward, and keep believing in the future I’m building, I will get there. Margaret A. Briller’s dedication to excellence in nursing and service to others is a legacy I deeply admire. Like her, I am committed to using my skills, heart, and hard earned strength to make a difference in the lives of others. With the support of this scholarship, I will not only continue working toward my degree, but I will also carry forward a spirit of care and resilience that honors the very best of what nursing represents. Thank you for considering my application and for believing in students like me who are working hard to change their lives and the lives of others through nursing.