
Christina Smith
1x
Finalist
Christina Smith
1x
FinalistBio
I am most passionate about growth—both personal and academic—and about breaking cycles that limit opportunity. I care deeply about mental health, self-awareness, and creating healthy environments, especially for young people who have experienced adversity. My background has given me a strong sense of empathy and perspective, and I am motivated by the idea of turning challenges into sources of strength. Education, to me, is not just a requirement but a pathway to understanding myself and the world more deeply. I am most passionate about growth—both personal and academic—and about breaking cycles that limit opportunity. I care deeply about mental health, self-awareness, and creating healthy environments, especially for young people who have experienced adversity. My background has given me a strong sense of empathy and perspective, and I am motivated by the idea of turning challenges into sources of strength. Education, to me, is not just a requirement but a pathway to understanding myself and the world more deeply.
Education
Southwest Baptist University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
- Nursing
Dream career goals:
Research
Education, Other
St Paul Lutheran Highschool — Student learning about Jack the Ripper2024 – 2025
Arts
Homeschool
Drawing2024 – 2025
Public services
Volunteering
100 Acre Farm — Side walker and leader2024 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Deborah Stevens Pediatric Nursing Scholarship
I am choosing a career in nursing because it is a profession centered on compassion, service, and meaningful human connection. Nursing allows me to care for individuals during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives while also applying scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and hands-on skills. I have always been drawn to helping others feel safe, understood, and supported, and nursing offers the opportunity to turn those values into purposeful action. The role of a nurse goes beyond medical tasks; it involves advocacy, communication, and emotional presence, all of which align closely with the kind of professional I aspire to be.
What particularly draws me to nursing is the close relationship nurses form with patients. Nurses are often the healthcare professionals who spend the most time at the bedside, noticing changes, answering questions, and providing comfort. This level of trust and responsibility is something I deeply respect. I want to be someone patients can rely on—not only for competent care, but also for reassurance and understanding during times of uncertainty. Nursing also offers versatility and lifelong learning, allowing me to grow within the profession while continuing to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities.
I am especially interested in pursuing pediatric nursing because of the unique impact nurses can have on children and their families. Children often lack the ability to fully understand illness, medical procedures, or hospitalization, which can make healthcare experiences frightening. Pediatric nurses play a critical role in easing fear by offering comfort, patience, and reassurance while delivering essential care. I am inspired by the opportunity to communicate at a child’s level, using creativity and empathy to help them feel safe and supported.
Pediatric nursing also involves caring for families, not just patients. When a child is ill, parents and caregivers often experience stress, fear, and emotional exhaustion. Pediatric nurses serve as educators, advocates, and sources of comfort for families during these difficult moments. I want to be a nurse who provides not only skilled medical care, but also emotional support and clear communication to help families feel informed and confident in their child’s care.
Additionally, pediatric nursing aligns with my belief in early intervention and preventive care. Supporting children’s health during critical stages of growth and development can have a lasting impact on their future well-being. Helping children develop healthy habits, managing chronic conditions early, and providing compassionate care during illness contributes to stronger, healthier communities.
Ultimately, I am choosing nursing because it is a career rooted in empathy, resilience, and service. I want to pursue pediatric nursing because it allows me to make a meaningful difference at a foundational stage of life. Being able to comfort a child, support a family, and contribute to a child’s healing and growth is a responsibility I would be honored to carry as a pediatric nurse.
Losinger Nursing Scholarship
1. My personal inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing comes from a deep desire to care for others during moments when they feel most vulnerable. I have always been drawn to helping people, whether by listening, offering reassurance, or stepping in when someone needs support. Over time, I realized that nursing is a profession that allows me to turn this natural compassion into meaningful action while also applying scientific knowledge and critical thinking.
What inspires me most about nursing is the close connection nurses form with patients. Nurses are often the healthcare professionals who spend the most time at the bedside, building trust and providing both physical and emotional care. I am inspired by the idea of being someone who can make a patient feel safe, heard, and respected during difficult experiences. Small actions—such as explaining a procedure clearly, checking in on a patient’s comfort, or simply being present—can make a powerful difference.
Nursing also aligns with my values of service, empathy, and advocacy. I admire how nurses speak up for patients who may not be able to advocate for themselves and ensure that their needs are met. The ability to support not only patients but also their families during stressful times is another reason nursing feels like a meaningful calling to me.
Ultimately, my inspiration to pursue nursing comes from wanting a career that is both purposeful and impactful. Nursing offers the opportunity to make a difference every day, and I am motivated by the idea of contributing to the well-being of others through compassionate, skilled care.
2. To me, the phrase “human touch” represents the compassion, empathy, and genuine connection that healthcare providers bring into their interactions with patients. While it can include physical touch—such as holding a patient’s hand or offering comforting reassurance—it goes beyond that. Human touch is about presence, attentiveness, and treating patients as people rather than tasks or diagnoses. It reflects the emotional and relational aspect of care that cannot be replaced by technology or medical procedures.
In patient care, human touch plays a crucial role in building trust and easing fear. Many patients enter healthcare settings feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or vulnerable. A nurse who takes the time to listen, maintain eye contact, and respond with kindness can help reduce those feelings. Simple gestures, such as speaking calmly, acknowledging a patient’s concerns, or offering encouragement, can make patients feel valued and understood. This emotional support can have a direct impact on a patient’s comfort and overall experience.
Human touch also helps strengthen the nurse-patient relationship, which can improve communication and outcomes. When patients feel respected and cared for, they are more likely to ask questions, share symptoms honestly, and follow treatment plans. This trust allows nurses to better assess patient needs and provide individualized care. In many cases, emotional well-being is closely tied to physical healing, and compassionate interactions can support recovery.
Additionally, human touch is especially important during moments of pain, grief, or uncertainty. For patients facing serious illness or difficult diagnoses, knowing that someone genuinely cares can provide comfort and hope. Nurses often serve as a steady presence during these times, offering reassurance not only to patients but also to their families.
Ultimately, human touch is at the heart of nursing. It reminds patients that they are not alone and reinforces the idea that healing involves both medical skill and emotional connection. By practicing human touch, nurses can create a more compassionate and effective healthcare environment.
Community Health Ambassador Scholarship for Nursing Students
I want to pursue a degree in nursing because I feel deeply called to care for others during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Nursing is not just a profession to me; it is a commitment to compassion, service, and advocacy. I have always been drawn to helping people feel seen, heard, and supported, especially when they are facing pain, fear, or uncertainty. Nursing allows me to combine my desire to help others with my interest in science, health, and lifelong learning, making it a meaningful and fulfilling career path.
One of the reasons nursing resonates with me is the unique role nurses play in patient care. Nurses are often the first to notice changes in a patient’s condition and the ones who spend the most time at the bedside. This close connection allows nurses to build trust, provide comfort, and serve as a voice for patients when they may not be able to advocate for themselves. I want to be that person who listens carefully, explains things clearly, and treats every patient with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances.
I am also inspired by the versatility of a nursing career. Nursing offers opportunities to work in many different settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and community health organizations. This flexibility means I can continue to grow professionally while adapting to the needs of my community. I value the idea of being part of a profession that constantly evolves and responds to new challenges in healthcare.
As a nurse, I hope to contribute to my community by providing compassionate, high-quality care and promoting health education. Many health issues can be prevented or better managed when people have access to accurate information and supportive healthcare professionals. I want to help patients understand their conditions, medications, and treatment plans so they feel empowered to take control of their health. I also hope to work with underserved populations who may face barriers to healthcare, offering not only medical care but also understanding and encouragement.
Beyond clinical care, I hope to contribute to my community by being a source of stability and reassurance during difficult times. Whether supporting a patient through recovery, comforting a family member, or collaborating with other healthcare professionals, I want to make a positive difference through kindness and professionalism. Nursing provides the opportunity to impact lives every day, sometimes in small ways that matter greatly.
In pursuing a degree in nursing, I am choosing a path centered on service, resilience, and empathy. I believe that by becoming a nurse, I can use my skills and compassion to improve the well-being of individuals and strengthen the health of my community as a whole.
Shining Star Scholarship
My experience with substance abuse did not come from my own choices, but from my environment growing up. From the time I was born until around the age of seven, both my mom and dad struggled with drug use. During those early years, I was constantly exposed to substances and the behaviors that came with addiction. Eventually, I was placed into foster care, but the impact of what I witnessed during my childhood has stayed with me ever since. Being surrounded by substance abuse at such a young age shaped the way I see drugs, addiction, and the kind of life I want for myself.
As a child, I did not fully understand what drugs were, but I understood how they made people act. I saw unpredictable behavior, emotional instability, broken trust, and a lack of safety. The people who were supposed to protect and care for me were often unavailable—physically, emotionally, or mentally—because substances took priority. Those experiences taught me early on how deeply addiction can affect not only the person using, but also the children and families caught in its path. Living in that environment made me grow up faster than I should have and left me with memories that I still carry today.
Because of what I saw growing up, I made a conscious decision that I wanted nothing to do with drugs or any kind of substance. My motivation to stay sober does not come from fear alone, but from clarity. I know firsthand how substances can change people, damage relationships, and destroy stability. I saw how addiction stripped away responsibility and love, and I refuse to let that happen in my own life. Sobriety, to me, represents control, awareness, and freedom—everything that was missing during my childhood.
Staying sober is also my way of breaking the cycle. I do not want to repeat the patterns that caused so much pain in my early years. Instead, I want to create a life that is safe, stable, and intentional. Avoiding substances allows me to stay grounded in my emotions and decisions, rather than escaping from them. It gives me the ability to face challenges directly instead of numbing them, and that is something I value deeply.
Ultimately, my childhood exposure to substance abuse became a powerful motivator rather than a temptation. While some people may turn to substances as a coping mechanism, I was shown exactly what that path can lead to. Choosing sobriety is my way of protecting myself and honoring the life I want to build. It is a daily choice rooted in my past, but focused entirely on my future.