5+ years ago, I was involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and was battling substance use disorder. After a terrible fight in 2020, I'd realized if I continued on that path, that either my partner would kill me or I would accidentally kill myself. I threw whatever I could find into a bag and walked to my parents house to move in and help them while getting my life right. Mom was dying of cancer, and Dad depended on her. I began going to meetings, got a sponsor, etc., and I enrolled at a community college to pursue a BSN. Later that year, after countless attempts in the past, I obtained a restraining order to remove my ex from my life. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver stopped functioning, and she was placed into hospice at home. I am proud to say that I took care of her while she was dying. Her final wish was that I finish my BSN and earn my RN license. Mom's oncologist had personally seen my progress and told me that he'd see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute once I pass the NCLEX. God gave me a second chance at life, and that clinic gave me an extra six and a half years with Mom. I plan on working in Oncology to pass those gifts on to others, and this award would help me do exactly that. My goals align with ACHE of SoCal's purpose and objectives, as a career at The Angeles Clinic aims to cure cancer, and it is ACHE's vision to "foster the growth of professionals committed to advancing healthcare." I intend to utilize my gifts to "support communities through civic duty and actions that benefit society" by participating in curing cancer at a clinic that makes experimental treatments available to anyone in need. I agree with ACHE's core value that "continuous learning is essential to remain relevant, agile, and innovative." I will just be beginning my Nursing career at age 40, and intend to continue my education by achieving a Master's Degree, and one day becoming an Oncology Nurse Practitioner.

My mom had been in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I chose to take a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on correcting the path I'd been on, and was "let go" from work several months later. My toxic partner was living with me in my home and refused to leave. He was also using substances. It was impossible to get off the rollercoaster; the vicious cycle of domestic violence perpetuated. COVID hit and I couldn't find work. My car was repossessed, and my credit plummeted. I was completely broken. I'd wanted to pursue a career in Nursing, but how? At the end of 2020, after a terrible fight that ended with my partner choking me (again), I'd realized if I continued the way I had been, either my partner would kill me or I would accidentally kill myself. I quickly threw whatever I could find into a bag and walked to my parents house. I moved in with them to help care for them while getting my life right. I enrolled at the local community college to begin the pursuit of a BSN to become a Registered Nurse. Later that year, after countless attempts in the past, I was finally able to obtain a restraining against my ex and remove him from my life once and for all. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I'd ride to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Unfortunately, Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver stopped functioning, and she was placed into hospice at home and I am beyond proud to be able to say that I took care of her while she was dying. Her final wish was that I finish my BSN and earn my RN license. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer West Coast University like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally seen my progress and told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I pass the NCLEX. I am fortunate that God gave me a second chance at life, and that The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom. I want to be able to give those gifts back to others. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in Oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner. Receipt of this scholarship would help me share those gifts.

My mom had been in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I chose to take a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on correcting the path I'd been on, and was "let go" from work several months later. My toxic partner was living with me in my home and refused to leave. He was also using substances. It was impossible to get off the rollercoaster; the vicious cycle of domestic violence perpetuated. COVID hit and I couldn't find work. My car was repossessed, and my credit plummeted. I was completely broken. I'd wanted to pursue a career in Nursing, but how? At the end of 2020, after a terrible fight that ended with my partner choking me (again), I'd realized if I continued the way I had been, either my partner would kill me or I would accidentally kill myself. I quickly threw whatever I could find into a bag and walked to my parents house. I moved in with them to help care for them while getting my life right. I enrolled at the local community college to begin the pursuit of a BSN to become a Registered Nurse. Later that year, after countless attempts in the past, I was finally able to obtain a restraining against my ex and remove him from my life once and for all. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I'd ride to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Unfortunately, Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver stopped functioning, and she was placed into hospice at home and I am beyond proud to be able to say that I took care of her while she was dying. Her final wish was that I finish my BSN and earn my RN license. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer West Coast University like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally seen my progress and told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I pass the NCLEX. I am fortunate that God gave me a second chance at life, and that The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom. I want to be able to give those gifts back to others. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in Oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner.

My mom had been in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I chose to take a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on correcting the path I'd been on, and was "let go" from work several months later. My toxic partner was living with me in my home and refused to leave. He was also using substances. It was impossible to get off the rollercoaster; the vicious cycle of domestic violence perpetuated. COVID hit and I couldn't find work. My car was repossessed, and my credit plummeted. I was completely broken. I'd wanted to pursue a career in Nursing, but how? At the end of 2020, after a terrible fight that ended with my partner choking me (again), I'd realized if I continued the way I had been, either my partner would kill me or I would accidentally kill myself. I quickly threw whatever I could find into a bag and walked to my parents house. I moved in with them to help care for them while getting my life right. I enrolled at the local community college to begin the pursuit of a BSN to become a Registered Nurse. Later that year, after countless attempts in the past, I was finally able to obtain a restraining against my ex and remove him from my life once and for all. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I'd ride to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Unfortunately, Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver stopped functioning, and she was placed into hospice at home and I am beyond proud to be able to say that I took care of her while she was dying. Her final wish was that I finish my BSN and earn my RN license. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer West Coast University like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally seen my progress and told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I pass the NCLEX. I am fortunate that God gave me a second chance at life, and that The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom. I want to be able to give those gifts back to others. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in Oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner.

My mom had been in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I chose to take a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on correcting the path I'd been on, and was "let go" from work several months later. My toxic partner was living with me in my home and refused to leave. He was also using substances. It was impossible to get off the rollercoaster; the vicious cycle of domestic violence perpetuated. COVID hit and I couldn't find work. My car was repossessed, and my credit plummeted. I was completely broken. I'd wanted to pursue a career in Nursing, but how? At the end of 2020, after a terrible fight that ended with my partner choking me (again), I'd realized if I continued the way I had been, either my partner would kill me or I would accidentally kill myself. I quickly threw whatever I could find into a bag and walked to my parents house. I moved in with them to help care for them while getting my life right. I enrolled at the local community college to begin the pursuit of a BSN to become a Registered Nurse. Later that year, after countless attempts in the past, I was finally able to obtain a restraining against my ex and remove him from my life once and for all. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I'd ride to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Unfortunately, Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver stopped functioning, and she was placed into hospice at home and I am beyond proud to be able to say that I took care of her while she was dying. Her final wish was that I finish my BSN and earn my RN license. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer West Coast University like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally seen my progress and told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I pass the NCLEX. I am fortunate that God gave me a second chance at life, and that The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom. I want to be able to give those gifts back to others. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in Oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner.

My mom had been in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I chose to take a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on correcting the path I'd been on, and was "let go" from work several months later. My toxic partner was living with me in my home and refused to leave. He was also using substances. It was impossible to get off the rollercoaster; the vicious cycle of domestic violence perpetuated. COVID hit and I couldn't find work. My car was repossessed, and my credit plummeted. I was completely broken. I'd wanted to pursue a career in Nursing, but how? At the end of 2020, after a terrible fight that ended with my partner choking me (again), I'd realized if I continued the way I had been, either my partner would kill me or I would accidentally kill myself. I quickly threw whatever I could find into a bag and walked to my parents house. I moved in with them to help care for them while getting my life right. I enrolled at the local community college to begin the pursuit of a BSN to become a Registered Nurse. Later that year, after countless attempts in the past, I was finally able to obtain a restraining against my ex and remove him from my life once and for all. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I'd ride to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Unfortunately, Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver stopped functioning, and she was placed into hospice at home and I am beyond proud to be able to say that I took care of her while she was dying. Her final wish was that I finish my BSN and earn my RN license. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer West Coast University like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally seen my progress and told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I pass the NCLEX. I am fortunate that God gave me a second chance at life, and that The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom. I want to be able to give those gifts back to others. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in Oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner.

My mom had been in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I chose to take a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on correcting the path I'd been on, and was "let go" from work several months later. My toxic partner was living with me in my home and refused to leave. He was also using substances. It was impossible to get off the rollercoaster; the vicious cycle of domestic violence perpetuated. COVID hit and I couldn't find work. My car was repossessed, and my credit plummeted. I was completely broken. I'd wanted to pursue a career in Nursing, but how? At the end of 2020, after a terrible fight that ended with my partner choking me (again), I'd realized if I continued the way I had been, either my partner would kill me or I would accidentally kill myself. I quickly threw whatever I could find into a bag and walked to my parents house. I moved in with them to help care for them while getting my life right. I enrolled at the local community college to begin the pursuit of a BSN to become a Registered Nurse. Later that year, after countless attempts in the past, I was finally able to obtain a restraining against my ex and remove him from my life once and for all. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I'd ride to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Unfortunately, Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver stopped functioning, and she was placed into hospice at home and I am beyond proud to be able to say that I took care of her while she was dying. Her final wish was that I finish my BSN and earn my RN license. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer West Coast University like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally seen my progress and told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I pass the NCLEX. I am fortunate that God gave me a second chance at life, and that The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom. I want to be able to give those gifts back to others. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in Oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner.

My mom had been in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I chose to take a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on correcting the path I'd been on, and was "let go" from work several months later. My toxic partner was living with me in my home and refused to leave. He was also using substances. It was impossible to get off the rollercoaster; the vicious cycle of domestic violence perpetuated. COVID hit and I couldn't find work. My car was repossessed, and my credit plummeted. I was completely broken. I'd wanted to pursue a career in Nursing, but how? At the end of 2020, after a terrible fight that ended with my partner choking me (again), I'd realized if I continued the way I had been, either my partner would kill me or I would accidentally kill myself. I quickly threw whatever I could find into a bag and walked to my parents house. I moved in with them to help care for them while getting my life right. I enrolled at the local community college to begin the pursuit of a BSN to become a Registered Nurse. Later that year, after countless attempts in the past, I was finally able to obtain a restraining against my ex and remove him from my life once and for all. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I'd ride to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Unfortunately, Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver stopped functioning, and she was placed into hospice at home and I am beyond proud to be able to say that I took care of her while she was dying. Her final wish was that I finish my BSN and earn my RN license. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer West Coast University like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally seen my progress and told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I pass the NCLEX. I am fortunate that God gave me a second chance at life, and that The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom. I want to be able to give those gifts back to others. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in Oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner.

My mom had been in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I chose to take a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on correcting the path I'd been on, and was "let go" from work several months later. My toxic partner was living with me in my home and refused to leave. He was also using substances. It was impossible to get off the rollercoaster; the vicious cycle of domestic violence perpetuated. COVID hit and I couldn't find work. My car was repossessed, and my credit plummeted. I was completely broken. I'd wanted to pursue a career in Nursing, but how? At the end of 2020, after a terrible fight that ended with my partner choking me (again), I'd realized if I continued the way I had been, either my partner would kill me or I would accidentally kill myself. I quickly threw whatever I could find into a bag and walked to my parents house. I moved in with them to help care for them while getting my life right. I enrolled at the local community college to begin the pursuit of a BSN to become a Registered Nurse. Later that year, after countless attempts in the past, I was finally able to obtain a restraining against my ex and remove him from my life once and for all. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I'd ride to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Unfortunately, Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver stopped functioning, and she was placed into hospice at home and I am beyond proud to be able to say that I took care of her while she was dying. Her final wish was that I finish my BSN and earn my RN license. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer West Coast University like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally seen my progress and told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I pass the NCLEX. I am fortunate that God gave me a second chance at life, and that The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom. I want to be able to give those gifts back to others. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in Oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner. I found out about this scholarship opportunity on Bold.org

My mom had been in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I chose to take a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on correcting the path I'd been on, and was "let go" from work several months later. My toxic partner was living with me in my home and refused to leave. He was also using substances. It was impossible to get off the rollercoaster; the vicious cycle of domestic violence perpetuated. COVID hit and I couldn't find work. My car was repossessed, and my credit plummeted. I was completely broken. I'd wanted to pursue a career in Nursing, but how? At the end of 2020, after a terrible fight that ended with my partner choking me (again), I'd realized if I continued the way I had been, either my partner would kill me or I would accidentally kill myself. I quickly threw whatever I could find into a bag and walked to my parents house. I moved in with them to help care for them while getting my life right. I enrolled at the local community college to begin the pursuit of a BSN to become a Registered Nurse. Later that year, after countless attempts in the past, I was finally able to obtain a restraining against my ex and remove him from my life once and for all. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I'd ride to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Unfortunately, Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver stopped functioning, and she was placed into hospice at home and I am beyond proud to be able to say that I took care of her while she was dying. Her final wish was that I finish my BSN and earn my RN license. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer West Coast University like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally seen my progress and told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I pass the NCLEX. I am fortunate that God gave me a second chance at life, and that The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom. I want to be able to give those gifts back to others. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in Oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner.

My mom had been in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I chose to take a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on correcting the path I'd been on, and was "let go" from work several months later. My toxic partner was living with me in my home and refused to leave. He was also using substances. It was impossible to get off the rollercoaster; the vicious cycle of domestic violence perpetuated. COVID hit and I couldn't find work. My car was repossessed, and my credit plummeted. I was completely broken. I'd wanted to pursue a career in Nursing, but how? At the end of 2020, after a terrible fight that ended with my partner choking me (again), I'd realized if I continued the way I had been, either my partner would kill me or I would accidentally kill myself. I quickly threw whatever I could find into a bag and walked to my parents house. I moved in with them to help care for them while getting my life right. I enrolled at the local community college to begin the pursuit of a BSN to become a Registered Nurse. Later that year, after countless attempts in the past, I was finally able to obtain a restraining against my ex and remove him from my life once and for all. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I'd ride to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Unfortunately, Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver stopped functioning, and she was placed into hospice at home and I am beyond proud to be able to say that I took care of her while she was dying. Her final wish was that I finish my BSN and earn my RN license. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer West Coast University like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally seen my progress and told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I pass the NCLEX. I am fortunate that God gave me a second chance at life, and that The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom. I want to be able to give those gifts back to others. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in Oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner.

My mom had been in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I chose to take a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on correcting the path I'd been on, and was "let go" from work several months later. My toxic partner was living with me in my home and refused to leave. He was also using substances. It was impossible to get off the rollercoaster; the vicious cycle of domestic violence perpetuated. COVID hit and I couldn't find work. My car was repossessed, and my credit plummeted. I was completely broken. I'd wanted to pursue a career in Nursing, but how? At the end of 2020, after a terrible fight that ended with my partner choking me (again), I'd realized if I continued the way I had been, either my partner would kill me or I would accidentally kill myself. I quickly threw whatever I could find into a bag and walked to my parents house. I moved in with them to help care for them while getting my life right. I enrolled at the local community college to begin the pursuit of a BSN to become a Registered Nurse. Later that year, after countless attempts in the past, I was finally able to obtain a restraining against my ex and remove him from my life once and for all. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I'd ride to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Unfortunately, Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver stopped functioning, and she was placed into hospice at home and I am beyond proud to be able to say that I took care of her while she was dying. Her final wish was that I finish my BSN and earn my RN license. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer West Coast University like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally seen my progress and told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I pass the NCLEX. I am fortunate that God gave me a second chance at life, and that The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom. I want to be able to give those gifts back to others. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in Oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner.

After graduating from High School in 2004, I had plans of studying Biology in hopes of transferring into a dental program. Unfortunately, Dad's health was declining so I stayed local to pursue another passion of mine- Make-Up and Hair to earn money while caring for Dad. I apprenticed under Rea Ann Silva who introduced me to Macy Gray with whom I toured internationally for 6 years. I grew tired of living out of a suitcase so I transitioned into a Sales and Education role at Rea Ann's then fledgling cosmetic tools company- beautyblender. I'm extremely proud to have contributed to growing the company from just a few employees working out of Rea Ann's kitchen into the international brand that it is today, and I am fortunate to have grown along with it- from Product Representative into a Sales role as Key Account Manager for Pro Accounts, with responsibilities in Education, Marketing, Social Media, and Product Development. My mom was in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was also involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I took a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on healing. beautyblender let me go months later. Then COVID hit and I couldn't find work. I believe that when one door closes a window opens. It was then that I decided to pursue a career in nursing. In 2020, I moved back in with my parents to help care for them and enrolled at Los Angeles Valley College to begin the pursuit of a BSN to finally pursue healthcare like I had originally intended. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I used to get to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver began to fail, and she was placed into hospice at home. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer into West Coast's BSN program like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally experienced my progress and after recommending she go into hospice told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I graduate from school and pass the NCLEX. I am beyond proud to say that I took care of my mother while she was in hospice. I still take care of Dad to this day- as his IHSS caregiver, while attending nursing school, and I work part-time as a Home Health Aide. I recently earned my CNA license and have been interviewing with UCLA for per diem opportunities. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become a Nurse Practitioner. The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom, and I want to be able to give that gift back to others.

After graduating from High School in 2004, I had plans of studying Biology in hopes of transferring into a dental program. Unfortunately, Dad's health was declining so I stayed local to pursue another passion of mine- Make-Up and Hair to earn money while caring for Dad. I apprenticed under Rea Ann Silva who introduced me to Macy Gray with whom I toured internationally for 6 years. I grew tired of living out of a suitcase so I transitioned into a Sales and Education role at Rea Ann's then fledgling cosmetic tools company- beautyblender. I'm extremely proud to have contributed to growing the company from just a few employees working out of Rea Ann's kitchen into the international brand that it is today, and I am fortunate to have grown along with it- from Product Representative into a Sales role as Key Account Manager for Pro Accounts, with responsibilities in Education, Marketing, Social Media, and Product Development. My mom was in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was also involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I took a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on healing. beautyblender let me go months later. Then COVID hit and I couldn't find work. I believe that when one door closes a window opens. It was then that I decided to pursue a career in nursing. In 2020, I moved back in with my parents to help care for them and enrolled at Los Angeles Valley College to begin the pursuit of a BSN to finally pursue healthcare like I had originally intended. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I used to get to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver began to fail, and she was placed into hospice at home. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer into West Coast's BSN program like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally experienced my progress and after recommending she go into hospice told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I graduate from school and pass the NCLEX. I am beyond proud to say that I took care of my mother while she was in hospice. I still take care of Dad to this day- as his IHSS caregiver, while attending nursing school, and I work part-time as a Home Health Aide. I recently earned my CNA license and have been interviewing with UCLA for per diem opportunities. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become a Nurse Practitioner. The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom, and I want to be able to give that gift back to others.

After graduating from High School in 2004, I had plans of studying Biology in hopes of transferring into a dental program. Unfortunately, Dad's health was declining so I stayed local to pursue another passion of mine- Make-Up and Hair to earn money while caring for Dad. I apprenticed under Rea Ann Silva who introduced me to Macy Gray with whom I toured internationally for 6 years. I grew tired of living out of a suitcase so I transitioned into a Sales and Education role at Rea Ann's then fledgling cosmetic tools company- beautyblender. I'm extremely proud to have contributed to growing the company from just a few employees working out of Rea Ann's kitchen into the international brand that it is today, and I am fortunate to have grown along with it- from Product Representative into a Sales role as Key Account Manager for Pro Accounts, with responsibilities in Education, Marketing, Social Media, and Product Development. My mom was in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was also involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I took a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on healing. beautyblender let me go months later. Then COVID hit and I couldn't find work. I believe that when one door closes a window opens. It was then that I decided to pursue a career in nursing. In 2020, I moved back in with my parents to help care for them and enrolled at Los Angeles Valley College to begin the pursuit of a BSN to finally pursue healthcare like I had originally intended. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I used to get to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver began to fail, and she was placed into hospice at home. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer into West Coast's BSN program like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally experienced my progress and after recommending she go into hospice told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I graduate from school and pass the NCLEX. I am beyond proud to say that I took care of my mother while she was in hospice. I still take care of Dad to this day- as his IHSS caregiver, while attending nursing school, and I work part-time as a Home Health Aide. I recently earned my CNA license and have been interviewing with UCLA for per diem opportunities. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become a Nurse Practitioner. The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom, and I want to be able to give that gift back to others.

After graduating from High School in 2004, I had plans of studying Biology in hopes of transferring into a dental program. Unfortunately, Dad's health was declining so I stayed local to pursue another passion of mine- Make-Up and Hair to earn money while caring for Dad. I apprenticed under Rea Ann Silva who introduced me to Macy Gray with whom I toured internationally for 6 years. I grew tired of living out of a suitcase so I transitioned into a Sales and Education role at Rea Ann's then fledgling cosmetic tools company- beautyblender. I'm extremely proud to have contributed to growing the company from just a few employees working out of Rea Ann's kitchen into the international brand that it is today, and I am fortunate to have grown along with it- from Product Representative into a Sales role as Key Account Manager for Pro Accounts, with responsibilities in Education, Marketing, Social Media, and Product Development. My mom was in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was also involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I took a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on healing. beautyblender let me go months later. Then COVID hit and I couldn't find work. I believe that when one door closes a window opens. It was then that I decided to pursue a career in nursing. In 2020, I moved back in with my parents to help care for them and enrolled at Los Angeles Valley College to begin the pursuit of a BSN to finally pursue healthcare like I had originally intended. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I used to get to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver began to fail, and she was placed into hospice at home. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer into West Coast's BSN program like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally experienced my progress and after recommending she go into hospice told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I graduate from school and pass the NCLEX. I am beyond proud to say that I took care of my mother while she was in hospice. I still take care of Dad to this day- as his IHSS caregiver, while attending nursing school, and I work part-time as a Home Health Aide. I recently earned my CNA license and have been interviewing with UCLA for per diem opportunities. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become a Nurse Practitioner. The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom, and I want to be able to give that gift back to others.

After graduating from High School in 2004, I had plans of studying Biology in hopes of transferring into a dental program. Unfortunately, Dad's health was declining so I stayed local to pursue another passion of mine- Make-Up and Hair to earn money while caring for Dad. I apprenticed under Rea Ann Silva who introduced me to Macy Gray with whom I toured internationally for 6 years. I grew tired of living out of a suitcase so I transitioned into a Sales and Education role at Rea Ann's then fledgling cosmetic tools company- beautyblender. I'm extremely proud to have contributed to growing the company from just a few employees working out of Rea Ann's kitchen into the international brand that it is today, and I am fortunate to have grown along with it- from Product Representative into a Sales role as Key Account Manager for Pro Accounts, with responsibilities in Education, Marketing, Social Media, and Product Development. My mom was in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was also involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I took a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on healing. beautyblender let me go months later. Then COVID hit and I couldn't find work. I believe that when one door closes a window opens. It was then that I decided to pursue a career in nursing. In 2020, I moved back in with my parents to help care for them and enrolled at Los Angeles Valley College to begin the pursuit of a BSN to finally pursue healthcare like I had originally intended. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I used to get to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver began to fail, and she was placed into hospice at home. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer into West Coast's BSN program like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally experienced my progress and after recommending she go into hospice told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I graduate from school and pass the NCLEX. I am beyond proud to say that I took care of my mother while she was in hospice. I still take care of Dad to this day- as his IHSS caregiver, while attending nursing school, and I work part-time as a Home Health Aide. I recently earned my CNA license and have been interviewing with UCLA for per diem opportunities. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become a Nurse Practitioner. The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom, and I want to be able to give that gift back to others.

After graduating from High School in 2004, I had plans of studying Biology in hopes of transferring into a dental program. Unfortunately, Dad's health was declining so I stayed local to pursue another passion of mine- Make-Up and Hair to earn money while caring for Dad. I apprenticed under Rea Ann Silva who introduced me to Macy Gray with whom I toured internationally for 6 years. I grew tired of living out of a suitcase so I transitioned into a Sales and Education role at Rea Ann's then fledgling cosmetic tools company- beautyblender. I'm extremely proud to have contributed to growing the company from just a few employees working out of Rea Ann's kitchen into the international brand that it is today, and I am fortunate to have grown along with it- from Product Representative into a Sales role as Key Account Manager for Pro Accounts, with responsibilities in Education, Marketing, Social Media, and Product Development. My mom was in remission from ocular melanoma for 30 years, but in 2017 we received news that it had metastasized to her liver, and I began accompanying her to her appointments. At the time I was also involved in a toxic relationship- a victim of intimate partner abuse, and I was battling substance use disorder. I took a medical leave of absence in 2019 to focus on healing. beautyblender let me go months later. Then COVID hit and I couldn't find work. I believe that when one door closes a window opens. It was then that I decided to pursue a career in nursing. In 2020, I moved back in with my parents to help care for them and enrolled at Los Angeles Valley College to begin the pursuit of a BSN to finally pursue healthcare like I had originally intended. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but I superseded. Having no car, I bought a used bike that I used to get to class. Mom helped me fund the building of a salon and an office in the back of the house where I would take clients and study. I used the income to pay Mom back, to purchase books and school supplies, and to slowly rebuild my credit. Mom got more and more sick. At the end of 2023, Mom's liver began to fail, and she was placed into hospice at home. I had completed the GE and pre-req classes necessary and had repaired my life enough to be able to transfer into West Coast's BSN program like I had been dreaming of. Mom's oncologist had personally experienced my progress and after recommending she go into hospice told me that he would see to it that I have a job at The Angeles Clinic once I graduate from school and pass the NCLEX. I am beyond proud to say that I took care of my mother while she was in hospice. I still take care of Dad to this day- as his IHSS caregiver, while attending nursing school, and I work part-time as a Home Health Aide. I recently earned my CNA license and have been interviewing with UCLA for per diem opportunities. As I write this, I am on-track for completing nursing school in 15 months, with plans of pursuing a career in oncology, and of one day earning a Master's to become a Nurse Practitioner. The Angeles Clinic gave me the gift of an extra six and a half years with my mom, and I want to be able to give that gift back to others.