As a proud Hispanic nursing student at East Central University and a native Texas resident, I appreciate the opportunity for this scholarship. My journey has not been easy, but it has shaped me into the person I am today—driven, compassionate, and committed to creating positive change. As a low-income, college student, I understand the importance of hard work, the power of community, and the value of service. These experiences have defined my career in healthcare, and I plan to use my education to make a positive contribution. Throughout high school, I stayed busy with academics and community service. I was involved in community service activities in which I did work with children, volunteered for local clean-ups, and helped organize food drives for families in need. These experiences instilled in me a rich appreciation for the difference that even small expressions of service can make. They also lit within me a desire to serve others on a larger scale and motivated me to become a nurse. My goal is to become a registered nurse who not only provides physical care to patients but also advocates for their emotional and cultural concerns. I would like to work in Texas' underserved communities where many people are struggling to access quality, affordable healthcare. As a bilingual healthcare provider, my aspiration is to close the communication gap that exists between Spanish-speaking patients and healthcare providers to ensure all patients feel heard, seen, and respected. Volunteering as a medical support worker at the Bike MS, a cycling fundraiser for multiple sclerosis, is one of my favorite experiences to date. I volunteered alongside an intercultural group of students who were also interested in medicine. We served the riders with medical services, hydration, and support. I learned that day how important teamwork, preparation, and empathy are in the healthcare setting. It also reinforced my belief that I am where I am meant to be—nursing is where I need to be. College life has also given its own share of challenges, especially balancing school, work, and finances. Despite this, I have maintained my GPA at a level higher than 3.0 and remain committed to my dream of graduating and joining the medical field ready to serve. Scholarships like this do not just bring money, but the encouragement and motivation to proceed. With this scholarship, I will be even closer to graduating debt-free and beginning my career as a healthcare provider dedicated to helping others. My aspiration is to apply my vocation to build bridges—between languages, between communities, and between people and the care they deserve. No matter where I work—within a hospital, within a clinic, or without in the community—I wish to be an instrument of comfort, of teaching, and of hope. I am committed to creating a lasting, positive impact, and thank you for inviting me to share my story.

I am honored to apply for the Christina Taylese Singh Memorial Scholarship as a Hispanic undergraduate nursing student at East Central University. Christina's story speaks to me on a personal level—not only was she a young woman with such promise in the healthcare field, but her legacy of determination, service, and aspiration is a mirror image of the values by which I have lived my life. I come from a low-income, first-generation family for whom college was never a guarantee, yet always passionately hoped for. My desire to be a nurse stems from a desire to give back to the community that raised me—a community in which access to healthcare was often limited, and culturally competent care was rare. I witnessed the effects of these shortcomings firsthand and determined to be a nurse who not only understands her patients medically, but culturally and emotionally as well. Nursing, for me, is not just a profession but a calling. It requires a unique blend of toughness, compassion, and scientific expertise. The sickbed is all too frequently where people are at their most vulnerable, and I want to be the one who meets patients with calmness, compassion, and proficiency in those moments. I am particularly interested in community health work, where I can focus on preventive care and health education for the underserved, like Spanish-speaking and minority groups that tend to be overlooked. Outside of the classroom, I have also dedicated myself to service. One of the most fulfilling volunteer experiences I have had was working as a medical support volunteer for the Bike MS ride, a fundraising ride to fight Multiple Sclerosis. I volunteered alongside international students and healthcare enthusiasts and helped keep riders safe and healthy. This experience solidified my desire for healthcare and taught me how even the smallest gestures of service can make a big difference. It has not been easy to keep my GPA over 3.0 while working, volunteering, and attending school, but doing so has taught me about discipline, time management, and most of all, the importance of perseverance. I think frequently of individuals like Christina, whose path was abruptly ended but whose memory lives on in those who find it in their hearts to pursue her passion. This scholarship would not just be a means of financial assistance towards my education, but would also be a passing of the torch—a reminder to continue forging forward in the healthcare field with integrity and purpose. My ultimate goal is to use my nursing degree to serve with compassion, uphold equality, and make a lasting difference in the lives of my patients. Christina Taylese Singh's memory inspires me to strive not just for success, but for meaning. I am so humbled to be eligible for a scholarship in the name of such a strong and promising young woman, and I will carry on her memory as I move on to live my dream of becoming a nurse.

Coming from a low-income Hispanic family, and growing up as a nursing student, my life has been defined by perseverance, determination, and an unwavering passion for helping others. My life experience has taught me the importance of hard work, empathy, and bringing people up with me—values that are deeply ingrained in the mission of the Sloane Stephens Foundation and the essence of the Doc & Glo Scholarship. From childhood, I knew the struggle of having fewer opportunities and means. Despite all these challenges, I was determined to pursue my studies at the advanced level and make a positive impact in my community. Nursing was calling for me because it is the culmination of the best from my passion for science and my desire to provide care, comfort, and hope to the most vulnerable. I feel that every patient deserves compassionate, culturally competent care, and I would like to become one of these nurses. What I have gained by volunteering as medical support at events like Bike MS, by working with international students and multicultural populations, has broadened my vision and strengthened my commitment to service. These experiences have strengthened my belief in the power of community, resiliency, and empathy—precisely the same that motivated Sloane Stephens to create her foundation. I see my nursing career not only as a way to heal but to empower individuals, particularly those like me who are underrepresented. Work, school, and family responsibilities have never been balanced without difficulties, but neither my ambition nor my motivation have ever wavered. My motivation lies in the vision of an attainable future where I can further narrow health disparities and improve quality of life for at-risk populations. The economic support that this scholarship offers would be worth its weight in gold, enabling me to focus more adequately on academics and clinical training and eliminate the stress of economic hardship. Inspired by Sloane Stephens' devotion to empowering under-served youth and her perseverance in remaining strong and believing in herself, I intend to carry these ideals with me throughout my life and career. I would like to be an inspiration and source of strength to others, as her foundation has been for countless children. With this scholarship, I will be able to have the support and confidence to continue chasing my dreams boldly and to enable others to do the same. Thank you for considering my application and for your dedication to students such as myself who are interested in turning their passion productive. I look forward to continuing the legacy of Sloane Stephens' grandparents by living resilience, kindness, and self-belief every day as I strive towards my pursuits.

I am honored to apply for the Rex and Gladys Nursing Scholarship in recognition of these two selfless individuals who devoted their lives to serving others through quality nursing and advocacy. As a Hispanic nursing student at East Central University, I am highly motivated by Gladys's commitment to quality care and Rex's encouragement of youth to pursue nursing as a noble profession. Their story resonates with my experience and aspiration to instill positive change through nursing. Raising children in a low-income family myself, I have directly witnessed healthcare access and quality differences affecting underserved groups. These experiences have fueled my interest in nursing and my aspiration to become an empathetic and culturally sensitive nurse. I believe nursing is not merely a profession but a vocation founded on service, care, and dedication. It offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in individuals' lives during moments of fragility and to advocate for patients' health and well-being. Throughout my education, I have maintained good academic work while continuing to hold work and volunteer duties. Serving as medical assistance at events like Bike MS has enhanced my teamwork and communication skills, as well as performing well in stressful medical settings. Working with diverse groups of individuals, including international students, has broadened the area of cultural sensitivity and the requirement for cultural sensitivity in healthcare. My career goal is to provide care for the underserved populations of southeast Texas, where there is health disparity, and assist in improving community health outcomes. I plan to become a community health nursing specialist to provide preventative intervention, education, and assistance to those who may otherwise be disenfranchised from receiving healthcare. I also plan to assist with health equity and work to eliminate systemic barriers that prevent individuals from receiving the care they need. Acceptance of this scholarship would significantly ease the financial burden of nursing school, enabling me to concentrate more intensely on coursework and clinical practice. It would also enable me to become more active in community outreach and leadership activities that further develop my skills and magnify my influence. Pursuing school via this scholarship would be an investment not only in my own future, but in the health and wellbeing of the individuals I aspire to help. Inspired by the example of Rex and Gladys, I am eager to become a nurse infused with their spirit of passion and commitment. I am committed to creating a positive impact through compassionate, high-quality care and through advocating for patients and populations with humility and respect. Nursing is a calling, and I am prepared to answer by contributing meaningfully to the health and healing of others. Thank you for your consideration. Your support would be invaluable in helping me pursue my dream of being a nurse not only treating patients, but creating healthier, stronger communities throughout southeast Texas.

It is an honor to be applying for the Kalia D. Davis Scholarship, which honors a wonderful young woman whose commitment, compassion, and drive to achieve are traits that inspire students like me. I am a Hispanic nursing student at East Central University with an economically disadvantaged family history, and I know the value of hard work, selfless service, and juggling more than one responsibility—virtues in which Kalia was a master throughout her entire life. Her story most strongly relates to me because it shows how persistence and sympathy conquer adversity, and it encourages me to pursue my own dreams with the highest resolve. I am committed to being the best in all areas of my life. I have excelled academically while volunteering and juggling work responsibilities. I am eager to become a nurse because I want to serve others, especially those who reside in poor communities and need compassionate, culturally sensitive care. Nursing requires persistence, compassion, and commitment—values that I seek to reflect daily. From my coursework and clinical practicum, I have learned to admire the vast responsibility that nurses hold, not just in healing patients medically but in caring for them on an emotional and spiritual level as well. My faith and personal values coincide closely with this comprehensive approach to care. Apart from my studies, I am also an active community member where I volunteer to work as medical aid for events such as the Bike MS event. Being part of this event, I was able to work with international students who have a similar interest in the medical sector. Together, we managed to raise funds and provide medical aid to a good cause that is making efforts to fight Multiple Sclerosis. This experience also imparted to me some worthwhile lessons in the areas of teamwork, cultural sensitivity, and the power of collective compassion. It also reinforced my belief that kindness and resilience are not only essential in health care but in life as well. Volunteering has also helped me appreciate the importance of returning something back and how much impact even minimal acts of service can do to people and communities. Being awarded this scholarship would also decrease the economic weight of college costs, enabling me to concentrate more intensely on my curriculum and clinical education. It would decrease the anxiety related to juggling college and money, allowing me to thrive in academics and learn the skills to offer superior care. Moreover, this scholarship would enable me to engage more actively in community service and campus life, further developing my leadership skills and capacity to make a positive difference. I am especially eager to participate in mentorship initiatives and outreach activities that encourage other Latinx students and first-generation college students to dream big. The scholarship would be a much-deserved motivation and invaluable support on my journey to becoming not only a nurse caring for patients but also one fighting for health equity and social justice. Kalia's life inspires me to live meaningfully, with passion, and vision for helping others. Her dedication to greatness, compassion, and service is something I look up to and hope to maintain. I vow to live up to her example by maintaining my academic excellence, serving in my community with compassion, and emerging as a professional capable of making a lasting impact. This scholarship will be a strong friend in assisting me to realize that vision, with the financial aid and the encouragement to overcome challenges and accomplish objectives. Thank you for your consideration of my application and continued support of students who exhibit Kalia's remarkable qualities of initiative, and motivation.

A sense of community has had a great influence on my personal sense of hope for the future because it has shown me the power in numbers when people come together for something they believe in. One of those experiences was volunteering as a medical support volunteer for the Bike MS competition, which was a fundraising event to fight Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Not only a physical endurance test for the riders, but this event was also a symbol of determination and resilience in the face of adversity. I had the opportunity to volunteer with international students who, like me, are passionate about the medical field. We were all from different backgrounds but were united in one cause: to bring safety and wellbeing to the participants and support throughout the event. We together helped the cyclists by examining their health, administering first aid whenever required, and motivating them to go further. I realized from this activity that human touch and kindness are universal and transcend cultural and language barriers, and it makes us bonded strongly. Seeing the riders push through fatigue and pain to complete the race touched me deeply. Their resilience gave me hope—not just for their personal battles but for the future of medicine and community care. It reminded me that challenge can be overcome when people come together with compassion and determination. Being a part of this event showed me the true meaning of community: a body of individuals who care for each other, celebrate victories, and provide strength during conflict. It reinforced my desire to become a nurse and provide care to others with empathy and dedication. The selflessness and cooperation I witnessed and received at the Bike MS event continue to inspire me to foster connection and strength wherever I go.

I am privileged to present this application for the scholarship as a future Hispanic student pursuing nursing at East Central University. As a college student of a low-income household, further education past high school has been a thrilling but challenging endeavor. The burden of tuition, room, board, course materials, and living costs generally proves to be too much. This award would not just take away these burdens, but also allow me to further grow both mentally and spiritually, so that I can stay true to my aspirations without forever holding the shadow of financial instability. With this scholarship, I would be able to have the assistance that would allow me to focus more on studying and less on issues of money, so I could perform academically and contribute positively to my community. My walk with Jesus Christ is the foundation of my life and guides all of my choices. It encourages me to humbly and compassionately serve my community. Nursing to me is not just a profession but a vocation of awe to take care of others during their most vulnerable moments, to comfort, to heal, and to bring hope. I believe that by caring for others, I am living my faith and honoring the gifts that God has given me to care for. I pledge to be a light to the ones that I am caring for and to those around me, to exhibit to them the love and grace that Christ has given us each day. This vocation challenges me to continually pursue more knowledge and ability so that I can provide them with the best of my care. Overcoming work and family obligations in conjunction with academic study is an enormous feat of ambition, perseverance, and time management. Nonetheless, the demands of these still have little effect on my steadfast resolve to succeed and contribute positively to the lives of others. I am compelled not only by my own goals but also by a sense of obligation to be an example for other Latinx students who can fall victim to the same challenges. I want to show them that with faith, determination, and commitment, they too can succeed despite obstacles and achieve their dreams. Through mentorship and community service, I want others to be inspired to aim for their goals and contribute constructively towards society. Winning this scholarship would be a great blessing. It would enable me to devote more time and effort towards my studies without having to worry about how I am going to pay for it. It would enable me to graduate within the given time and begin serving disadvantaged communities in dire need of compassionate and culturally aware nurses. It would also help in my spiritual growth by giving me the freedom to be more engaged in campus ministry and outreach programs. My hope is to inspire and encourage other students to integrate their faith into their school and work life, creating a supportive environment with a Christian base. This approach to integration will prepare me to be a more well-rounded professional and person. I am committed steadfastly to being a good steward of this scholarship by way of upholding academic excellence, volunteerism, and exemplifying the humility, kind-heartedness, and service I am instructed by my faith. I am forever grateful for this opportunity and for the assistance that helps students such as myself overcome obstacles to achieve their aspirations.