I am a proud African American woman preparing to begin my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western Governors University. My journey to higher education has been shaped by resilience, reflection, and a deep desire to serve others. I chose a path that required maturity and patience, and it taught me how to be intentional about the future I am building. After leaving high school early, I decided to earn my GED because I needed to prioritize my mental and emotional well-being and reconnect with my goals. Taking that time helped me rebuild confidence and develop healthy study habits. It reminded me that growth is not always linear. Sometimes you pause in order to move forward with clarity and conviction. Earning my GED and passing the TEAS exam were important milestones, but they are not the heart of my story. What truly defines me is my commitment to service and my belief that compassionate care can transform lives. Those experiences gave me the momentum to pursue nursing with purpose, and they strengthened my confidence to step into challenging spaces with curiosity and courage. Nursing is more than a career choice. It is a calling that matches who I am and what I value. I want to become a registered nurse who serves underserved communities and advocates for mental health with empathy and honesty. My long term goal is to specialize in psychiatric or community health nursing, where I can provide holistic care that respects each person’s story and dignity. I bring a perspective shaped by listening deeply and thinking critically. I understand what it feels like to question your path and still decide to keep going. That is why I want to be the nurse who sees the whole person, not just the chart. I want to practice trauma informed care, communicate clearly under pressure, and create trust at the bedside so that patients feel safe, heard, and respected. I am building practical skills to match that vision. I plan to strengthen my clinical judgment through evidence based practice and simulation labs. I want to master communication tools like SBAR so that I can advocate effectively for patients during handoffs and care conferences. I hope to volunteer in community health settings, support wellness screenings, and lead health literacy workshops that make complex information simple and actionable. This scholarship would have a direct impact on my ability to succeed. It would reduce financial stress for tuition, books, and clinical supplies such as a stethoscope, scrubs, and exam fees. It would allow me to dedicate more time to studying, clinical preparation, and mentorship rather than juggling extra work hours. It would also help me invest in reliable technology and internet access so that I can fully engage with WGU’s learning model and collaborate with peers and faculty. More than the financial support, this award would be a meaningful affirmation of my path. It would signal that women of color who take nontraditional routes are seen, valued, and trusted to lead. It would strengthen my resolve to pay that trust forward by mentoring future students who are just beginning to believe in themselves. Maya Angelou said, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” That is the spirit I will bring to every classroom, every clinical, and every patient interaction. I am ready to learn, to lead with empathy, and to make a lasting difference, one patient and one act of care at a time.

One of the most important things I want to build is a mental health support project for teens and families in my community. This idea comes from my personal experiences and my goal of becoming a nurse who focuses on emotional care. I’ve seen how hard it can be for people to talk about mental health, especially when they feel misunderstood or alone. I want to help change that by creating something that makes support easier to find and less scary to ask for. As a teenager myself, I know how overwhelming life can feel sometimes. I’ve had friends open up to me about anxiety, panic attacks, and feeling invisible. I’ve also seen how silence around mental health can make things worse. These moments made me realize how important it is to have safe spaces where people can talk, learn, and heal. That’s why I want to build a program that brings mental health education and support directly into schools, clinics, and community centers. My plan is to start with small workshops that teach coping skills, emotional awareness, and how to ask for help. These workshops would be free and open to teens, parents, and caregivers. I also want to create peer-led support groups where people can share their experiences and learn from each other. These groups would be especially helpful for those dealing with stress, grief, or trauma. To make this work, I’ll use what I learn in nursing school to design a program that fits the needs of my community. I’ll partner with local clinics and nonprofits to offer low-cost counseling and resources. I’ll also work with schools to bring mental health discussions into classrooms and after-school programs. The goal is to make emotional care feel normal and accessible, not something to be ashamed of. Building this project will help people feel more supported and less alone. It will give teens tools to manage their mental health and help families understand how to support each other. It will also help me grow as a future nurse and leader. I’ll learn how to organize events, connect with others, and speak up for what matters. The "Let's Aim Higher" Scholarship would help me take the first steps toward this goal. It would allow me to create outreach materials, host workshops, and build partnerships that make this project real. More than anything, it would show me that my voice and ideas matter. I want to build something that helps people feel seen, heard, and cared for. I believe that even small efforts can lead to big changes, and I’m ready to start now.

I was fourteen when my older cousin Natalie, who had always felt like a big sister, stopped coming around. She had been struggling with depression for years, but no one in the family talked about it. It was treated like a phase, something she’d eventually snap out of. I didn’t understand what was happening. I just knew I missed her. Natalie used to light up every room. She made me laugh until I cried, encouraged my creativity, and always made me feel like I mattered. But slowly, she began to fade. She stopped coming to family gatherings and responding to my messages. When she did speak, her voice sounded distant, like she was somewhere far away. I asked my mom if Natalie was okay, and she just said, “She’s going through something.” That was all I got. One afternoon, I overheard my aunt on the phone. Natalie had been hospitalized after a suicide attempt. I felt frozen. I couldn’t understand how someone so full of life could be hurting so deeply. That moment shattered my understanding of mental illness. It wasn’t just sadness. It was silence, withdrawal, and pain that no one saw coming. Later, I learned Natalie had been isolating herself, skipping meals, and barely sleeping. The thought of her feeling that hopeless broke something in me. I remember visiting her in the hospital. She looked tired but smiled when she saw me. We didn’t talk much, but I held her hand. That moment stayed with me. I realized how powerful presence can be. You don’t always need the right words. Sometimes just being there is enough. After that, I started asking questions. I read everything I could about depression, therapy, and recovery. I saw how much silence and stigma surround mental health, especially in families that don’t know how to talk about emotions. I saw how easy it is for someone to feel invisible, even when surrounded by love. And I saw how dangerous it can be when no one knows how to help. That experience made me more aware of my own emotional health. I noticed how I bottled things up and pretended to be okay. I began journaling and opening up to close friends. It wasn’t easy, but it helped me understand that healing starts with honesty. It also helped me become someone others could turn to. Friends began confiding in me about their anxiety and fears. I always listen because I know how much it matters to be heard. This is what led me to nursing. I want to specialize in psychiatric or community health nursing because I believe emotional care is just as important as physical treatment. I want to work with people who feel misunderstood. I want to be the kind of nurse who sees the whole person, not just the diagnosis. I want to help people feel safe enough to speak and strong enough to heal. Natalie is doing better now, and we talk often. She’s one of the reasons I’m pursuing this path. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education and bring me closer to making that impact. I want to help others the way I wish someone had helped her sooner. Because sometimes, just knowing someone cares is enough to change everything.

I want to become a nurse because I care deeply about helping people. Nursing is not just a job to me—it’s the way I want to make a difference in the world. As I get ready to graduate high school and begin the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Western Governors University, I feel proud and excited to start my journey. I plan to become a registered nurse so I can care for patients with both skill and compassion. The areas of nursing I am most drawn to are psychiatric nursing and community health nursing. I believe emotional and mental health matter just as much as physical health. Many people deal with stress, trauma, or mental illness and often feel isolated, judged, or misunderstood. These patients deserve support and patience, and I want to be someone who shows up for them when it feels like no one else will. Psychiatric nursing would give me the chance to offer care in a calm and respectful way, helping patients feel safe and heard during the most vulnerable times in their lives. Community health nursing is just as important to me. This type of nursing focuses on reaching people in the places where they live and work. It means helping those who may not have regular access to health care due to financial struggles, transportation problems, or other challenges. I want to provide resources, education, and care to help improve people’s quality of life. I believe everyone deserves kindness and support, and I want my work to reflect that belief every day. Nursing also allows me to use my strengths in real ways. I take pride in being organized, calm under pressure, and able to listen without judgment. These qualities help create a caring environment where patients feel safe enough to be honest and begin healing. Whether someone is experiencing anxiety, depression, or difficult life circumstances, I want to be the steady presence that helps guide them through. Small acts of care can make a huge difference, and I want to be the kind of nurse who makes those moments happen. Starting my BSN program marks the beginning of a lifelong journey in health care. I know nursing school will be challenging, but I’m ready to learn and grow. I look forward to studying anatomy, understanding medications, and practicing hands-on skills so I can care for patients with confidence. I also want to learn how to communicate clearly, handle emergencies, and keep improving throughout my career. I see nursing as more than a profession; it’s a way of serving others with respect, strength, and heart. I am choosing this path because I know I’m meant to help people, especially those who may not have someone else to rely on. Psychiatric and community health nursing allow me to connect with others on a deeper level and support them through tough times. That is why I’m excited to become a nurse and bring compassion into every part of my work.

I find peace in simple hobbies like reading, writing, and drawing. I may not be a professional artist, but sketching gives me space to relax and reflect. I enjoy stories that show emotional depth, whether they come from books, shows, or real conversations. Stories help me understand what people go through, and that kind of understanding is part of why I want to become a nurse. I chose nursing because I want to help people in more than one way. I care about how the body works, but I care just as much about how people feel. A person in pain might also be feeling fear, stress, or sadness. I want to offer medical support along with kindness and comfort. My goal is to help patients feel safe and respected, especially those who may not feel heard in other parts of life. Mental health is important to me. Many people go through emotional struggles without showing signs. They may be afraid to talk, unsure who to trust, or worried about how others see them. I want to work in psychiatric and community health because it focuses on the full person, not just the illness. I hope to notice the quiet pain, respond gently, and remind people that they matter. Beyond clinical care, I want to support my community through simple events and programs. I hope to help plan wellness days in schools, libraries, or parks. These could offer easy tips for managing stress and emotions. I want health care to feel welcoming, not scary. People should be able to ask questions and learn without feeling judged. I also want to speak to young people who are unsure about their future. Many students feel that college or nursing might not be an option. I want to share my story with honesty and hope. I’ve faced hard times, and I know what it’s like to push forward without having all the answers. I want to show that steady effort can lead to strong results and that it’s okay to move at your own pace. Growing up in Texas with a single parent taught me patience, strength, and the value of kindness. Life gave me challenges, but it also helped me learn how to stay focused and keep trying. I like solving problems and staying organized, and I believe those skills will help me in nursing. I want to be someone who brings comfort when things feel messy or uncertain. Receiving the Rex and Gladys Memorial Scholarship would support my goal of building a career that helps others feel better, both physically and emotionally. It would reduce the stress that comes with paying for school and give me more time to grow as a student and future nurse. It would also remind me that people believe in my path and want to help me succeed. Rex and Gladys believed in caring for others through nursing. Gladys offered kind and skilled care to her patients, and Rex encouraged people to see nursing as a way to serve their communities. I want to continue what they started. Whether I am in a clinic, a classroom, or a community space, I want every person I meet to feel that they are seen and supported. I am not just planning for a job. I am building a future that stands for respect, compassion, and steady care. I am ready to grow and give back. I hope to create a life that leaves a lasting impact, just like Rex and Gladys did.

I’m an undergraduate student from Texas, about to start my Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Western Governors University. I’m not just working toward a degree; I’m working toward a career where I can help people through healthcare, especially those who don’t always get the support they need. My interest in nursing comes from my love of science and my desire to connect with people. I enjoy learning how the body works, but I care even more about how people feel and what they go through during hard times. I’ve always believed that small kind actions can make a big difference. Whether it’s comforting someone, helping a friend, or just listening with care, I’ve seen how much it helps. This way of thinking pushed me toward nursing, where I can use both knowledge and compassion to make a real impact. My goal is to become a registered nurse and work in psychiatric or community health care. Mental health is often ignored or misunderstood, and that can cause deep pain. Many people struggle silently, without showing signs. I want to be someone who notices when people are hurting and helps them heal not just physically but emotionally. It’s not just about giving treatment, it’s about helping people feel seen and heard. I also want to work with communities that don’t have easy access to medical care. I understand what it’s like to face challenges without having everything you need. I hope to work in places like community clinics, outreach programs, or mobile health units that go to the people. I want to help those who deal with financial problems, language barriers, or fear of being judged. My goal is to build trust and offer care that is open to everyone. Outside of hospitals or clinics, I plan to help through education and community events. I want to organize wellness days that teach people how to handle stress, talk about emotions, and notice signs of burnout. These could take place at schools, libraries, or neighborhood centers. I also hope to talk to younger students who may not see college or nursing as an option. By sharing my story, I can show them that it’s possible to follow their goals, even when life is tough. Winning the Artense Lenell Sam Scholarship would help me continue my education without as much financial stress. It would allow me to focus more on my studies, volunteering, and becoming the nurse I know I can be. It would also show me that others believe in my future, which gives me extra strength to keep pushing forward. Every class I take and every skill I learn is part of my plan to create a better future, one where medical care is kind, fair, and easy to reach. I want more than just a career. I want to build a life that stands for service, support, and hope. I’m ready to grow, help others do the same, and leave behind something meaningful.

Since I was young, I have always wanted to understand how things work. I remember helping my mom with medical forms and fixing small problems around the house using anything we had. At the time, I did not realize that this was the beginning of my love for learning. Learning was not just about getting good grades in school. It became my way of solving problems, helping others, and growing stronger through hard times. One important moment that shaped my view of learning happened when my mom faced a health issue. She felt confused and worried, unsure about her medications and doctor’s instructions. I had just started high school, but I stepped in to help. I looked up medical terms, asked questions, and explained things to her. That experience made me realize that knowledge can truly help someone feel safe and supported. I saw how learning could bring peace during hard times. It helped me grow more confident and showed me that I could make a real difference. In school, I worked hard and paid close attention to subjects that matched my goal of becoming a nurse. I was drawn to science, especially anything related to health. But other classes helped me grow too. In literature, I found stories about people overcoming struggles. In history, I learned how societies change and how people’s beliefs shape their choices. Each subject helped me see the world in new ways. It taught me that there are many sides to every story and that we should always keep asking questions. Outside the classroom, I kept learning through everyday tasks. I helped take care of younger relatives and organized things at home to make life easier. I even helped neighbors with simple tasks like cleaning up email inboxes or planning weekly schedules. These lessons were just as important. They taught me patience, responsibility, and the value of taking action. I did not always know what to do, but I was always willing to learn and figure it out. As I’ve grown, I’ve learned that curiosity leads to growth. There were times I felt unsure of myself, especially when balancing school, family duties, and nursing preparation. But instead of giving up, I asked what I could do better, where I needed help, and how I could keep improving. This mindset helped me become more confident and positive. I started to view problems as chances to grow, not as reasons to stop trying. Looking ahead, I plan to carry this love of learning into my nursing career. I know that healthcare is always changing. Nurses have to stay open-minded, keep learning new skills, and understand the needs of each patient. I want to be the kind of nurse who listens carefully, stays curious, and keeps looking for better ways to care for people. Most of all, I want my patients to know that they matter. I want to help them feel seen, heard, and safe. Learning is part of who I am. It has shaped how I treat others, how I face challenges, and how I plan for the future. With each lesson, big or small, I have grown stronger, more thoughtful, and more hopeful. I know this love of learning will guide me as I continue to study, serve, and build a life full of purpose.

My name is Crystal Nzerue, and I live in Rosenberg, Texas. I recently graduated from high school and will begin the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Western Governors University this fall. I was raised by a single mother who showed me the meaning of strength, patience, and kindness. Her love and dedication inspired me to value the act of helping others, even in quiet and humble ways. She taught me that true service does not always need applause. Sometimes, the most meaningful impact comes through daily support and care. As a child, I helped my mom with chores, cared for younger relatives, and supported her however I could. These early responsibilities gave me a deep sense of maturity and shaped the way I see others. I often helped my mother understand the information given to her at medical appointments and assisted with health documents. I noticed how confusing healthcare could be and how much people benefit when someone takes time to explain things clearly and patiently. Those small efforts made a big difference. They helped me realize that kindness and communication are powerful tools for healing. These experiences inspired me to pursue nursing. I want to become someone who helps patients feel safe, understood, and supported. My goal is to work with people in underserved communities, especially where access to care is limited. I believe that everyone deserves respect and guidance during medical challenges. I am also drawn to mental health nursing because I know that emotional care is just as important as physical treatment. Listening with compassion and helping people through difficult thoughts and feelings can be life-changing. I want my patients to know they are not alone, even during their hardest moments. One thing I have learned is that people remember how you treat them, especially when they are vulnerable. That is why I want to be a nurse who brings calm and comfort to every room I walk into. I will treat each person with love and dignity, just as my mother always did for me. Whether I am working in a hospital, clinic, or later guiding new nursing students, I want every patient to feel seen and valued. I believe that healing begins with trust, and I will work every day to build that trust with the people I serve. I know that becoming a nurse will not be easy, but I am prepared to work hard and stay focused. Nursing is more than a job for me. It is a calling to serve others during moments of pain and uncertainty. I am excited to grow, to learn from my professors and peers, and to use that knowledge to lift others up. Receiving the Catrina Celestine Aquilino Memorial Scholarship would help me stay focused on what matters most. With this support, I can continue my education without hesitation and dedicate more time to learning how to care for people in the best possible way. I want to carry forward the kindness and determination that this scholarship represents. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply and hopeful that I can honor Catrina’s legacy by becoming a nurse who makes a real difference.

When I was sixteen, I helped my grandmother through a medical visit. She does not speak much English, mostly Igbo, and the clinic staff had trouble understanding her. She felt dizzy, tired, and worried. I translated her symptoms and comforted her during the appointment. That day taught me how important it is to listen, speak with kindness, and be there for someone who feels alone. It also helped me realize that helping others through healthcare is something I want to do with my life. My name is Crystal Nzerue, and I will start my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western Governors University this fall. I grew up in Rosenberg, Texas, in a caring family that taught me how important it is to show love, help others, and work hard. Nursing is not just a job to me. It is a way to help people feel safe, respected, and supported when they are sick or scared. My goal is to become a nurse who works with communities that need more help, especially people who may not speak English or have enough money for proper care. I want to make sure my patients feel seen and understood. Everyone should be able to ask questions, express their worries, and feel that they matter. In high school, I was active in community service and outreach programs. Whether I was collecting food for families or helping younger students learn, I saw how small acts of kindness could make a big difference. These experiences taught me to treat everyone with care and to always look for ways to help. After I become a licensed nurse, I plan to work in health clinics across Texas where care is hard to reach. Later on, I hope to study psychiatric or public health nursing so I can help people who struggle with emotional health, too. I want to make it easier for everyone to feel better, both in body and mind. One day, I would love to help train new nurses and teach them how to care for each patient as a full person. We should treat people with understanding, no matter their background or history. That is how we build trust and make healthcare better for everyone. Winning the FIAH Scholarship would help me pay for nursing school and stay focused on my studies. I want to work hard, keep learning, and grow into a nurse who truly makes a difference. My dream is to help one person at a time and bring hope and healing wherever I go.

thyMy name is Crystal Nzerue. I graduated from Texas Connections Academy and live in Rosenberg, Texas, and I am preparing to attend Western Governors University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Nursing stood out to me because it allows me to care for people not just physically, but emotionally. I hope to become a registered nurse who makes every patient feel heard, respected, and supported. During high school, I became more aware of how important mental health truly is. There were times when I felt emotionally drained but kept telling myself to push through. The pressure to stay on top of school and life made it difficult to admit I was struggling. I started noticing how easy it was to hide behind a routine and act like everything was fine when inside I felt disconnected. One memory that shaped my view of mental health happened on a quiet afternoon. I had gone to the school nurse for what I thought was just a lingering headache, but it was clear that the pain ran deeper. She asked how I was doing, and something about her tone made it feel safe to pause. I was not prepared for tears, but they came anyway. Yes, I did cry a lot. But It was not a breakdown or a dramatic moment. It was quiet, tired, and honest. She did not try to solve anything or rush me. She simply listened. That simple act reminded me that even brief interactions can make someone feel seen. It was the first time I felt like my emotions were valid, and that small moment helped me move forward with more clarity. I carried that experience with me through the rest of high school. I paid closer attention to people’s body language and tone, even in passing conversations. I learned that emotional presence does not require grand gestures. Kind questions, focused listening, and steady patience can open the door for someone who is silently struggling. As I enter college and prepare for a career in nursing, I want to bring this same level of awareness into every role I take on. I plan to study psychiatric and community health topics and participate in student wellness efforts on campus. I believe that being emotionally available is just as important as being clinically skilled, especially for those who may be facing inner battles no one else can see. Listening might seem small, but it is often the first step toward healing. Whether I am working in a hospital, volunteering in a clinic, or simply showing support for someone going through a hard time, I want every person to feel safe expressing what they are experiencing. That is how I will use what I have learned about mental health: by noticing the quiet signals, responding with compassion, and reminding others they are not alone.