My name is Deanna Grant, and I am a rising sophomore at Montgomery Community College, majoring in Nursing. My future plans are clear: I aim to complete my nursing degree and become a labor and delivery nurse. This scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve these goals. From a young age, I have always been fascinated by the miracle of birth. The idea of helping bring new life into the world inspires me every day. As a labor and delivery nurse, I would not only be part of this miraculous process but also provide care and support to mothers during one of the most significant moments of their lives. This role requires compassion, patience, and a strong educational foundation, all of which I am committed to developing during my time in college. Currently, I am working hard to maintain and improve my academic performance. My high school GPA was 3.5, and I am determined to excel in my nursing courses. However, the financial burden of college is a significant challenge. This is where the Bright Lights Scholarship would make a profound difference. With this scholarship, I could focus more on my studies and less on the financial strain of tuition and other expenses. It would allow me to dedicate my time and energy to gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to become a competent and caring nurse. In addition to my academic goals, I am passionate about serving my community. As a Black woman, I understand the importance of representation in healthcare. Many women of color face disparities in maternal healthcare, and I am determined to be part of the change. By becoming a labor and delivery nurse, I hope to provide culturally sensitive care and advocate for better healthcare outcomes for all women. This scholarship would not only support my educational journey but also enable me to participate in extracurricular activities that enhance my learning. For instance, I am eager to join the Student Nurses Association, which would provide networking opportunities and expose me to real-world nursing experiences. These experiences are invaluable in shaping a well-rounded nurse who is prepared for the challenges of the healthcare field. In conclusion, my future plans are centered around completing my nursing degree and becoming a skilled labor and delivery nurse. The Bright Lights Scholarship would alleviate financial pressures and allow me to focus on my studies and community involvement. It would be an honor to receive this scholarship, as it would bring me one step closer to making a positive impact in the world of maternal healthcare. Thank you for considering my application.

Free expression is crucial in the healthcare field because not only do we have to stand up and speak out for ourselves, we also have to advocate for our patients and their rights. As a nursing student at Montgomery Community College, I am learning that communication is a key aspect of providing quality care. Free expression allows healthcare professionals to share vital information, challenge outdated practices, and promote patient-centered care. In medicine, free expression ensures that diverse perspectives are heard and respected. This is important because patients come from various backgrounds and have unique needs. As a Black woman pursuing a career in nursing, I understand the importance of representing underrepresented voices in healthcare. Being able to express concerns about patient care or suggest improvements is essential for fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Healthcare professionals can protect and bolster free expression by creating open and supportive workspaces. Encouraging dialogue among team members can lead to innovative solutions and improved patient outcomes. For example, regular team meetings where all staff members are encouraged to share their thoughts can help identify potential issues before they escalate. This collaborative approach not only benefits patients but also strengthens the team as a whole. Another way to support free expression is through continuous education and training. By staying informed about the latest research and developments in medicine, healthcare providers can confidently advocate for necessary changes. This includes speaking up about new treatments, questioning established protocols, and ensuring that patient rights are upheld. As a nursing student, I am committed to lifelong learning and staying informed about advancements in healthcare. Advocating for patients is another critical aspect of free expression in medicine. Healthcare professionals must listen to their patients’ concerns and preferences and communicate these effectively to the rest of the care team. This ensures that patients receive care that aligns with their values and needs. By championing patient rights and preferences, we can build trust and improve the overall healthcare experience. In conclusion, free expression is vital in medicine because it empowers healthcare professionals to advocate for themselves and their patients. By fostering open communication, encouraging continuous learning, and prioritizing patient advocacy, individuals in the medical field can protect and enhance this important ideal. As I continue my studies in nursing, I am dedicated to being a voice for change and a strong advocate for my future patients.

The first time I heard that I was going to the hospital for a check-up, it sounded like the scariest thing ever in my mind. I remember that I was 6 years old and in Jamaica. After getting my check-up I realized that it wasn’t as scary as I thought that it would be. The main reason was that I met a nurse while I was there. I remember being fascinated with what she was doing. After I visited the hospital, I asked my grandmother about the nurse at the hospital, and she told me that she was one of our family members. Ever since that experience, I have always told others that when I grew older I would become a nurse and then a doctor because I saw what doctors and nurses can do. They are capable of making the ill better. As I grew older and came to the United States, I visited the nursing home where my mom worked on multiple occasions. Through this, I was able to see a side of nursing that I have never experienced before. In nursing homes, there are a lot of people who are battling with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and many other illnesses, and because of these illnesses, it can sometimes be hard to treat the patient. For example, I volunteered as the assistant activities specialist once and saw that some patients were in wheelchairs and weren't able to participate in the activities. Instead of leaving those patients out of the activities, the nurse and I brought the activities to them so that they could feel involved. With this being said, I think that it is very important in nursing that the patients can trust their caregivers or nurse to make them feel included. The patients mustn’t feel that the nurses or doctors are overpowering them, by telling them what to do, but instead, it is better to cooperate and power with them by telling them why you are doing what you are doing, this will help them feel more secure knowing that you are guiding them along the way because it is their right to know these things. The most important thing that I considered when I decided to become a nurse/doctor was the fact that everyone in a healthcare setting should be treated the same no matter what. Meaning that everyone should receive equal treatment and be taken care of with the same amount of determination and attention. This also includes people of different races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, etc. I hope that when I finally reach my goal, I'm able to become a nurse that is caring and equal towards all patients no matter what. I want the patients to feel like they are important because if they don’t feel this way then they won’t be able to trust you which holds a big part in nursing. If the patient isn’t able to trust the caregiver then it will be difficult to treat that patient. There might even be times when the patient needs something or is feeling a certain way but they are afraid to say it because they don’t have that kind of trusting relationship with their caregiver. I hope that one day I will make a difference not only in the medical field but also in the world. I want other little girls out there that dream of becoming a nurse or doctor to know that it is possible and that they can do it, because it takes one to make a difference and that one person can be you.

The first time I heard that I was going to the hospital for a check-up, it sounded like the scariest thing ever in my mind. I remember that I was 6 years old and in Jamaica. After getting my check-up I realized that it wasn’t as scary as I thought that it would be. The main reason was that I met a nurse while I was there. I remember being fascinated with what she was doing. After I visited the hospital, I asked my grandmother about the nurse at the hospital, and she told me that she was one of our family members. Ever since that experience, I have always told others that when I grew older I would become a nurse and then a doctor because I saw what doctors and nurses can do. They are capable of making the ill better. As I grew older and came to the United States, I visited the nursing home where my mom worked on multiple occasions. Through this, I was able to see a side of nursing that I have never experienced before. In nursing homes, there are a lot of people who are battling with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and many other illnesses, and because of these illnesses, it can sometimes be hard to treat the patient. For example, I volunteered as the assistant activities specialist once and saw that some patients were in wheelchairs and weren't able to participate in the activities. Instead of leaving those patients out of the activities, the nurse and I brought the activities to them so that they could feel involved. With this being said, I think that it is very important in nursing that the patients can trust their caregivers or nurse to make them feel included. The patients mustn’t feel that the nurses or doctors are overpowering them, by telling them what to do, but instead, it is better to cooperate and power with them by telling them why you are doing what you are doing, this will help them feel more secure knowing that you are guiding them along the way because it is their right to know these things. The most important thing that I considered when I decided to become a nurse/doctor was the fact that everyone in a healthcare setting should be treated the same no matter what. Meaning that everyone should receive equal treatment and be taken care of with the same amount of determination and attention. This also includes people of different races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, etc. I hope that when I finally reach my goal, I'm able to become a nurse that is caring and equal towards all patients no matter what. I want the patients to feel like they are important because if they don’t feel this way then they won’t be able to trust you which holds a big part in nursing. If the patient isn’t able to trust the caregiver then it will be difficult to treat that patient. There might even be times when the patient needs something or is feeling a certain way but they are afraid to say it because they don’t have that kind of trusting relationship with their caregiver. I hope that one day I will make a difference not only in the medical field but also in the world. I want other little girls out there that dream of becoming a nurse or doctor to know that it is possible and that they can do it, because it takes one to make a difference and that one person can be you.

The first time I heard that I was going to the hospital for a check-up, it sounded like the scariest thing ever in my mind. I remember that I was 6 years old and in Jamaica. After getting my check-up I realized that it wasn’t as scary as I thought that it would be. The main reason was that I met a nurse while I was there. I remember being fascinated with what she was doing. After I visited the hospital, I asked my grandmother about the nurse at the hospital, and she told me that she was one of our family members. Ever since that experience, I have always told others that when I grew older I would become a nurse and then a doctor because I saw what doctors and nurses can do. They are capable of making the ill better. As I grew older and came to the United States, I visited the nursing home where my mom worked on multiple occasions. Through this, I was able to see a side of nursing that I have never experienced before. In nursing homes, there are a lot of people who are battling with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and many other illnesses, and because of these illnesses, it can sometimes be hard to treat the patient. For example, I volunteered as the assistant activities specialist once and saw that some patients were in wheelchairs and weren't able to participate in the activities. Instead of leaving those patients out of the activities, the nurse and I brought the activities to them so that they could feel involved. With this being said, I think that it is very important in nursing that the patients can trust their caregivers or nurse to make them feel included. The patients mustn’t feel that the nurses or doctors are overpowering them, by telling them what to do, but instead, it is better to cooperate and power with them by telling them why you are doing what you are doing, this will help them feel more secure knowing that you are guiding them along the way because it is their right to know these things. The most important thing that I considered when I decided to become a nurse/doctor was the fact that everyone in a healthcare setting should be treated the same no matter what. Meaning that everyone should receive equal treatment and be taken care of with the same amount of determination and attention. This also includes people of different races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, etc. I hope that when I finally reach my goal, I'm able to become a nurse that is caring and equal towards all patients no matter what. I want the patients to feel like they are important because if they don’t feel this way then they won’t be able to trust you which holds a big part in nursing. If the patient isn’t able to trust the caregiver then it will be difficult to treat that patient. There might even be times when the patient needs something or is feeling a certain way but they are afraid to say it because they don’t have that kind of trusting relationship with their caregiver. I hope that one day I will make a difference not only in the medical field but also in the world. I want other little girls out there that dream of becoming a nurse or doctor to know that it is possible and that they can do it, because it takes one to make a difference and that one person can be you.

Ever since I was a little girl in Jamaica, my dream was to become a nurse. It all began when I went to the clinic in middle school. I was going there for a check up when I saw a lady dressed in white uniform walk by. I was entirely captivated by the way she took care of the patients she was seeing. Soon I was the next patient, I walked into the office and introduced myself and found out that the nurse was actually a distant relative of mine. This made me even more excited because after finding out that we were related I wasn’t as nervous to ask her questions about what she does as a nurse. After my check up, I was given permission to follow her around until she received another patient. During that time I was able to fully fall in love with nursing and caring for others in need. This was the day I decided to become a nurse. Later on at my middle school, we were having career day and without any hesitation, I told my grandmother that I wanted to be a nurse for school. The next day my grandmother started to sew my nursing outfit and bought me a kids sized nurse kit to bring with me. On career day, I walked very proudly with my nurse outfit on to school and even got to meet another nurse. As the years passed it was now 2016 and I was moving to the United States. The main reason for moving to the United States was to get a better opportunity in terms of education and job opportunities. So far I have learnt that in the United States, the possibilities are endless and you can become anything you want to become as long as you put in the hardwork and dedication. When I arrived in the U.S. the biggest surprise was awaiting me that I did not expect. When I arrived at my dad's house, the first thing I saw was a nurse scrub jacket. At first I was confused so I asked my dad why there was a nurse uniform in the living room, he said that my step mom was a nurse. Not only was I surprised, but I was also thrilled because now I was going to be living with a person who is a nurse. As I started going to middle school in the U.S. I also started to listen to my step-mom as she would study for assessments or practicing sample patient scenarios. Sometimes it would not only shock me but also her when I would get some of the questions correct. As time went on I was now in highschool and decided to ask my step-mom if I could come to work with her. I was very estatic and excited when she agreed. At the time, my step-mom worked in a rehabilitation nursing home. While at the nursing home, it was a totally different experience than just following someone around in a clinic or asking scenario questions. I was able to experience these situations first hand. Although I wasn’t allowed to go in the patient's room, I was able to help out in the activities department as well as the kitchen. In the activities department, I was able to play a variety of games with the patients as well as doing their hair and painting their nails. This experience was very fulfilling because I got to see a lot of the patients smiling and while I was painting a picture for a patient, I was able to bring back happy memories for them. Being a nurse means being able to care for others, showing them that you care and that you will be there for them. One of the main reasons why I aspire to become a nurse is because of the outcome after providing care for someone. After providing care for a person I love to see them smiling. I want to be able to care for those who don’t have anyone else to do so for them. I want to become a nurse that can and will not only treat patients, but also treat them with compassion and respect. To achieve my goal of becoming a nurse, I want to become the first one in my family to go to college for an education. Going to college is a big deal in my family because my parents want me to have a better education than they had. Although I got into one of the best high schools in Jamaica, my dad thought that coming to America would be better, and I am grateful everyday for that decision. As a result of those decisions I was able to attend one of the best public schools in Prince George’s County. At the Academy of Health Sciences at PGCC, I was able to not only earn my high school diploma, but also earn my Associate degree in general studies with a concentration in Health Sciences. This meant that I received 60 credits that transferred over to the nursing program I am about to attend. As a result of this opportunity, I now have the possibility of pursuing my dream career in less time.

The first time I heard that I was going to the hospital for a check-up, it sounded like the scariest thing ever in my mind. I remember that I was 6 years old and in Jamaica. After getting my check-up I realized that it wasn’t as scary as I thought that it would be. The main reason was that I met a nurse while I was there. I remember being fascinated with what she was doing. After I visited the hospital, I asked my grandmother about the nurse at the hospital, and she told me that she was one of our family members. Ever since that experience, I have always told others that when I grew older I would become a nurse and then a doctor because I saw what doctors and nurses can do. They are capable of making the ill better. As I grew older and came to the United States, I visited the nursing home where my mom worked on multiple occasions. Through this, I was able to see a side of nursing that I have never experienced before. In nursing homes, there are a lot of people who are battling with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and many other illnesses, and because of these illnesses, it can sometimes be hard to treat the patient. For example, I volunteered as the assistant activities specialist once and saw that some patients were in wheelchairs and weren't able to participate in the activities. Instead of leaving those patients out of the activities, the nurse and I brought the activities to them so that they could feel involved. With this being said, I think that it is very important in nursing that the patients can trust their caregivers or nurse to make them feel included. The patients mustn’t feel that the nurses or doctors are overpowering them, by telling them what to do, but instead, it is better to cooperate and power with them by telling them why you are doing what you are doing, this will help them feel more secure knowing that you are guiding them along the way because it is their right to know these things. The most important thing that I considered when I decided to become a nurse/doctor was the fact that everyone in a healthcare setting should be treated the same no matter what. Meaning that everyone should receive equal treatment and be taken care of with the same amount of determination and attention. This also includes people of different races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, etc. I hope that when I finally reach my goal, I'm able to become a nurse that is caring and equal towards all patients no matter what. I want the patients to feel like they are important because if they don’t feel this way then they won’t be able to trust you which holds a big part in nursing. If the patient isn’t able to trust the caregiver then it will be difficult to treat that patient. There might even be times when the patient needs something or is feeling a certain way but they are afraid to say it because they don’t have that kind of trusting relationship with their caregiver. I hope that one day I will make a difference not only in the medical field but also in the world. I want other little girls out there that dream of becoming a nurse or doctor to know that it is possible and that they can do it, because it takes one to make a difference and that one person can be you.

When I was in Jamaica, I always told others that when I grew older I would become a nurse and then a doctor because I saw what doctors and nurses can do. They are capable of making the ill better. As I grew older and came to the United States, I visited the nursing home where my mom worked on multiple occasions. Through this, I was able to see a side of nursing that I have never experienced before. In nursing homes, there are a lot of people who are battling with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and many other illnesses, and because of these illnesses, it can sometimes be hard to treat the patient. For example, I volunteered as the assistant activities specialist once and saw that some patients were in wheelchairs and weren't able to participate in the activities. Instead of leaving those patients out of the activities, the nurse and I brought the activities to them so that they could feel involved. With this being said, I think that it is very important in nursing that the patients can trust their caregivers or nurse to make them feel included. The patients mustn’t feel that the nurses or doctors are overpowering them, by telling them what to do, but instead, it is better to cooperate and power with them by telling them why you are doing what you are doing, this will help them feel more secure knowing that you are guiding them along the way because it is their right to know these things. The most important thing that I considered when I decided to become a nurse/doctor was the fact that everyone in a healthcare setting should be treated the same no matter what. Meaning that everyone should receive equal treatment and be taken care of with the same amount of determination and attention. This also includes people of different races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, etc. I hope that when I finally reach my goal, I'm able to become a nurse that is caring and equal towards all patients no matter what. I want the patients to feel like they are important because if they don’t feel this way then they won’t be able to trust you which holds a big part in nursing. If the patient isn’t able to trust the caregiver then it will be difficult to treat that patient. There might even be times when the patient needs something or is feeling a certain way but they are afraid to say it because they don’t have that kind of trusting relationship with their caregiver. I hope that one day I will make a difference not only in the medical field but also in the world. I want other little girls out there that dream of becoming a nurse or doctor to know that it is possible and that they can do it, because it takes one to make a difference and that one person can be you.

The first time I heard that I was going to the hospital for a check-up, it sounded like the scariest thing ever in my mind. I remember that I was 6 years old and in Jamaica. After getting my check-up I realized that it wasn’t as scary as I thought that it would be. The main reason was that I met a nurse while I was there. I remember being fascinated with what she was doing. After I visited the hospital, I asked my grandmother about the nurse at the hospital, and she told me that she was one of our family members. Ever since that experience, I have always told others that when I grew older I would become a nurse and then a doctor because I saw what doctors and nurses can do. They are capable of making the ill better. As I grew older and came to the United States, I visited the nursing home where my mom worked on multiple occasions. Through this, I was able to see a side of nursing that I have never experienced before. In nursing homes, there are a lot of people who are battling with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and many other illnesses, and because of these illnesses, it can sometimes be hard to treat the patient. For example, I volunteered as the assistant activities specialist once and saw that some patients were in wheelchairs and weren't able to participate in the activities. Instead of leaving those patients out of the activities, the nurse and I brought the activities to them so that they could feel involved. With this being said, I think that it is very important in nursing that the patients can trust their caregivers or nurse to make them feel included. The patients mustn’t feel that the nurses or doctors are overpowering them, by telling them what to do, but instead, it is better to cooperate and power with them by telling them why you are doing what you are doing, this will help them feel more secure knowing that you are guiding them along the way because it is their right to know these things. The most important thing that I considered when I decided to become a nurse/doctor was the fact that everyone in a healthcare setting should be treated the same no matter what. Meaning that everyone should receive equal treatment and be taken care of with the same amount of determination and attention. This also includes people of different races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, etc. I hope that when I finally reach my goal, I'm able to become a nurse that is caring and equal towards all patients no matter what. I want the patients to feel like they are important because if they don’t feel this way then they won’t be able to trust you which holds a big part in nursing. If the patient isn’t able to trust the caregiver then it will be difficult to treat that patient. There might even be times when the patient needs something or is feeling a certain way but they are afraid to say it because they don’t have that kind of trusting relationship with their caregiver. I hope that one day I will make a difference not only in the medical field but also in the world. I want other little girls out there that dream of becoming a nurse or doctor to know that it is possible and that they can do it, because it takes one to make a difference and that one person can be you.

Ever since I was a little girl in Jamaica, my dream was to become a nurse. It all began when I went to the clinic in middle school. I was going there for a check up when I saw a lady dressed in white uniform walk by. I was entirely captivated by the way she took care of the patients she was seeing. Soon I was the next patient, I walked into the office and introduced myself and found out that the nurse was actually a distant relative of mine. This made me even more excited because after finding out that we were related I wasn’t as nervous to ask her questions about what she does as a nurse. After my check up, I was given permission to follow her around until she received another patient. During that time I was able to fully fall in love with nursing and caring for others in need. This was the day I decided to become a nurse. Later on at my middle school, we were having career day and without any hesitation, I told my grandmother that I wanted to be a nurse for school. The next day my grandmother started to sew my nursing outfit and bought me a kids sized nurse kit to bring with me. On career day, I walked very proudly with my nurse outfit on to school and even got to meet another nurse. As the years passed it was now 2016 and I was moving to the United States. The main reason for moving to the United States was to get a better opportunity in terms of education and job opportunities. So far I have learnt that in the United States, the possibilities are endless and you can become anything you want to become as long as you put in the hardwork and dedication. When I arrived in the U.S. the biggest surprise was awaiting me that I did not expect. When I arrived at my dad's house, the first thing I saw was a nurse scrub jacket. At first I was confused so I asked my dad why there was a nurse uniform in the living room, he said that my step mom was a nurse. Not only was I surprised, but I was also thrilled because now I was going to be living with a person who is a nurse. As I started going to middle school in the U.S. I also started to listen to my step-mom as she would study for assessments or practicing sample patient scenarios. Sometimes it would not only shock me but also her when I would get some of the questions correct. As time went on I was now in highschool and decided to ask my step-mom if I could come to work with her. I was very estatic and excited when she agreed. At the time, my step-mom worked in a rehabilitation nursing home. While at the nursing home, it was a totally different experience than just following someone around in a clinic or asking scenario questions. I was able to experience these situations first hand. Although I wasn’t allowed to go in the patient's room, I was able to help out in the activities department as well as the kitchen. In the activities department, I was able to play a variety of games with the patients as well as doing their hair and painting their nails. This experience was very fulfilling because I got to see a lot of the patients smiling and while I was painting a picture for a patient, I was able to bring back happy memories for them. Being a nurse means being able to care for others, showing them that you care and that you will be there for them. One of the main reasons why I aspire to become a nurse is because of the outcome after providing care for someone. After providing care for a person I love to see them smiling. I want to be able to care for those who don’t have anyone else to do so for them. I want to become a nurse that can and will not only treat patients, but also treat them with compassion and respect. To achieve my goal of becoming a nurse, I want to become the first one in my family to go to college for an education. Going to college is a big deal in my family because my parents want me to have a better education than they had. Although I got into one of the best high schools in Jamaica, my dad thought that coming to America would be better, and I am grateful everyday for that decision. As a result of those decisions I was able to attend one of the best public schools in Prince George’s County. At the Academy of Health Sciences at PGCC, I was able to not only earn my high school diploma, but also earn my Associate degree in general studies with a concentration in Health Sciences. This meant that I received 60 credits that transferred over to the University I am about to attend. As a result of this opportunity, I now have the possibility of finishing university with my BSN in 3 years instead of 4 years.

The first webtoon I read was called True Beauty. The story line was about a shy high school girl whose who life changed because of makeup. Although this was a romantic comic, the parts that impacted me the most was the influence of make up in her life. The character in the webtoon was always self conscious about her appearance and the way others thought about her looks, because of this she learned how to do her makeup. After learning how to do makeup, she completely relied on it to the point where she was afraid of others finding out about how she actually looked without makeup. This is something that impacted me because it showed how much peer pressure and public approval impacted the lives of young teenagers such as my self especially females.