My name is Deyonca Wright, and my ultimate goal is to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and later advance toward my Registered Nursing (RN) degree. Nursing is more than a career path for me—it’s a calling born from pain, purpose, and perseverance. I want to use my experiences to care for those who are struggling with physical and mental health challenges, to remind them that healing is possible even when life feels impossible. The journey to get here has not been easy. I am a single mother of two boys, a 7-year-old with autism and mental health challenges, and a 1-year-old who gives me hope and motivation every day. Balancing school, motherhood, and mental health recovery has tested me in every way imaginable. I’ve experienced major depression, postpartum struggles, and financial hardship. My car was repossessed, and not long after, I was in an accident that damaged the vehicle I depended on to get to class. There were times I cried in exhaustion, unsure how I would keep going—but quitting was never an option. Each obstacle has only fueled my determination. I’ve learned that purpose grows out of perseverance. Even when I failed a course after a mental breakdown, I refused to let it define my future. I studied harder, sought therapy, and leaned into my faith. I even created a GoFundMe to help pay for school, because I believe so strongly that education is the key to creating a better life for me and my boys. Once I complete my LPN program, my plan is to work in community health and women’s mental health nursing. I want to advocate for patients who feel unseen—those battling depression, postpartum issues, and trauma. My long-term vision is to continue my education and eventually become an RN specializing in mental health and family care, combining my compassion with clinical knowledge to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. In addition to nursing, I am building my nonprofit, Deanna’s Angels, which supports women experiencing domestic violence, homelessness, and mental health struggles. I created it because I know firsthand what it feels like to be at rock bottom, to feel unseen, and to have to rebuild your life alone. My mission is to provide women with resources, encouragement, and the support they need to rediscover their strength and purpose. This scholarship would mean so much to me—it would help cover my tuition, supplies, and transportation costs, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on financial stress. It would also bring me one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a nurse and continuing to grow my nonprofit. More importantly, it would show my children that hard work, faith, and persistence can overcome any obstacle. I don’t just want to earn a degree—I want to build a legacy of care, compassion, and hope. My journey has taught me that you can come from pain and still create purpose, that you can face loss and still rise stronger. With the help of this scholarship, I will continue my education, expand my nonprofit, and dedicate my life to helping others heal—because I believe that true impact begins when you use your story to light the way for someone else.

Life has not been an easy journey for me, but it has been one filled with lessons, growth, and purpose. I have battled major depressive disorder since 2014, and my struggles intensified after losing my mother in 2015 and experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault. Those moments broke my spirit, but they also became the roots of my strength. I learned that pain can either destroy you or shape you into something greater—and I chose the latter. Living with depression has often felt like fighting an invisible war. There were times when getting out of bed was a victory in itself. After I gave birth to my youngest child, I experienced postpartum depression and an acute psychiatric episode that reminded me how fragile yet powerful the human mind can be. Through therapy, faith, and persistence, I began to rebuild myself one day at a time. I am a single mother of two boys—a 7-year-old with autism and other mental health challenges, and a 1-year-old who is my reminder of new beginnings. Balancing motherhood, recovery, and school has been overwhelming, but it has also shown me what true perseverance looks like. I’ve faced financial struggles, from my car being repossessed to being in an accident that left me without reliable transportation. Despite these obstacles, I refused to give up. I created a GoFundMe to help pay for my education because I believe so strongly in my purpose. Even when I failed a course after a mental breakdown, I refused to let that define me. I still showed up for class, studied late at night, and told myself that every setback was a setup for a stronger comeback. My journey with mental health has taught me that healing is not linear—it’s a daily choice. My experiences have deeply shaped how I view life and how I connect with others. They have made me more compassionate and aware that everyone is fighting a battle we may not see. Because of this, I am studying to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) so I can help others who are struggling, both physically and mentally. I know what it feels like to need someone who truly cares—and I want to be that person for others. In addition to nursing, I founded my nonprofit, Deanna’s Angels, which supports women dealing with domestic violence, homelessness, and mental health challenges. My dream is to grow it into a safe space where women can find community, resources, and hope. Through my own pain, I found purpose—and that purpose now drives everything I do. Mental health has changed the way I understand life. It has shown me that perseverance isn’t about having it all together—it’s about continuing to move forward even when everything feels like it’s falling apart. It’s about finding light in the darkest places and believing that you are worthy of love, healing, and success. My story is still being written, but today I stand as a woman who refuses to give up. I am a survivor, a mother, a student, and an advocate. My journey with mental health has not only made me stronger—it has made me unstoppable. ✨ In memory of Elijah and all those who have lost their battle with mental health—thank you for reminding the world that even through struggle, there can still be hope and purpose. Your legacy continues to inspire others, like me, to keep fighting.

My journey with mental health has been one filled with pain, growth, and self-discovery. I have battled major depressive disorder since 2014, but after losing my mother in 2015 and experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault, my world began to unravel. For a long time, I struggled to find meaning in life. I felt broken, angry, and exhausted, but over time, I learned that even in the darkest moments, there is still light if you keep pushing forward. Mental health has shaped not only who I am but also how I see the world. It has taught me empathy—how to truly understand what others might be going through behind their smiles. It has shown me that healing takes time and that strength isn’t about pretending to be okay; it’s about showing up for yourself even when you feel like falling apart. As a single mother of two—a 7-year-old son with autism and a 1-year-old baby—I have faced many emotional and financial challenges. There have been moments where my depression felt unbearable and times when I didn’t think I could keep going. Between therapy appointments, childcare, and coursework, I often felt stretched thin. But my mental health journey gave me one of my greatest lessons: perseverance. I’ve experienced setbacks, including a car repossession, an accident that left my vehicle damaged, and even failing a course after a mental breakdown. Yet, I refused to quit. I created a GoFundMe to raise money for tuition, studied late at night after my kids went to sleep, and reminded myself that the life I am working toward will change not just my future, but my children’s as well. My mental health journey has also shaped my relationships. It has taught me to set boundaries, value genuine support, and forgive myself for moments of weakness. I’ve learned to communicate my needs without shame, and I now understand the importance of surrounding myself with people who encourage growth instead of guilt. Most importantly, my experiences have given me purpose. I am studying to become a Licensed Practical Nurse because I want to use my pain to help others heal. I know what it feels like to be lost, unseen, and fighting silent battles. My goal is to become a nurse who not only provides care but also compassion—to remind others that healing is possible, even when it doesn’t feel like it. In addition, I am building my nonprofit, Deanna’s Angels, to support women facing domestic violence, homelessness, and mental health challenges. My dream is to create a space where women can find resources, community, and hope. My own struggles have shown me that sometimes all it takes is one person who cares enough to listen. Because of my journey, I view the world through a lens of resilience and compassion. I no longer see my mental health as a weakness but as a testimony of endurance. It has given me the strength to keep going, the vision to help others, and the heart to believe that my pain has a purpose. Every challenge has built the woman I am today—determined, empathetic, and unstoppable. My mental health journey may have tried to break me, but it also taught me how to rebuild myself piece by piece, with faith, courage, and love.

I am currently studying Anatomy and Physiology as part of my journey to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). My passion for nursing comes from a deep desire to help others who are struggling mentally, emotionally, and physically—just as I once did. I believe that through compassion and care, I can be a voice of encouragement to those who feel unseen and hopeless. Balancing school while being a single mother of two—my seven-year-old son, who has autism and several mental health challenges, and my one-year-old baby—has been one of the hardest experiences of my life. There have been days when I felt like giving up, when exhaustion and stress almost took over, but I kept reminding myself why I started. Since beginning my college journey, I have faced numerous obstacles. My car was repossessed, and not long after, I was in an accident that caused serious damage to the vehicle I was trying to rebuild my life with. Because of my son’s disability and the constant need for therapy appointments, evaluations, and care coordination, I have not been able to work full-time. Many nights, I sat at my desk studying while my children slept beside me, unsure how I would pay tuition or cover basic needs, but determined to press forward. There were times when I broke down mentally and physically, when depression made it hard to get out of bed or focus in class. I even failed a course after experiencing a mental breakdown, and it was one of the most discouraging moments of my academic career. But even through the tears, I chose not to quit. I attended class, studied late into the night, and reminded myself that failure is not the end—it is a lesson and a stepping stone toward growth. In the midst of my financial challenges, I created a GoFundMe to raise funds for school. It was difficult to be vulnerable and ask for help, but I knew I had to do whatever it took to continue my education. I am proud that, despite every setback, I have continued to fight for my dreams—for myself and for my boys. My plan after earning my degree is to become a nurse who not only provides care but also advocates for families who face mental health struggles, disabilities, and financial hardship. I also run my own nonprofit organization, Deanna’s Angels, which focuses on helping women who are experiencing domestic violence, homelessness, and mental health issues. My long-term goal is to expand it into a full-service community resource center that offers support, counseling, and educational programs for families like mine. My journey has not been easy, but every challenge has strengthened me. I’ve learned that success doesn’t always come from perfect circumstances—it comes from perseverance, faith, and purpose. I continue to study hard, take care of my children, and push forward every day because I believe that the life I am building will not only change my future but will also show my boys that no matter how difficult things get, you never give up on yourself.

Since 2014, I have battled severe depression and major depressive disorder. My mental health challenges deepened in 2015 after losing my mother and experiencing sexual assault and domestic violence. Those moments broke me in ways I never imagined, but they also became the foundation for my healing journey. I learned that recovery is not about forgetting what happened but about choosing to keep moving forward despite the pain. Today, I am a mother of two beautiful children—my 7-year-old and my 1-year-old. My youngest is where my postpartum journey began. After giving birth, I experienced an acute psychiatric episode (APU) and developed postpartum depression. I thought motherhood would bring instant joy and healing, but instead, I found myself feeling lost and disconnected from who I was. I realized that depression is something I will manage for the rest of my life, but I also recognized that I have the power to take control of my recovery. My focus now is on healing—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I attend therapy regularly, practice self-care, and am learning to love myself again, even when I don’t feel strong. Self-care for me means forgiving myself for my past, celebrating small victories, and acknowledging that my flaws do not define me. It also means rediscovering who I am outside of being a mother, student, and caregiver. Motherhood has given my journey new meaning. My oldest child has mental health and developmental needs, which has taught me patience, empathy, and resilience. Caring for both of my children reminds me daily that I cannot pour from an empty cup—that I must continue working on my healing to be the best version of myself for them. They are my motivation to keep going, to show them that no matter how difficult life becomes, we can rise from it. My personal experiences have inspired my academic and career goals. I am currently pursuing my degree in nursing because I want to make a difference in the lives of others who are facing similar battles. Becoming a nurse is not just a career goal—it’s my way of transforming pain into purpose. Nursing allows me to connect compassion with action, helping people who may feel unseen or unheard. Beyond nursing, I have also started developing a nonprofit organization called Deanna’s Angels, which focuses on supporting women dealing with domestic violence, homelessness, and mental health challenges. I want to create a safe space where women can find hope, resources, and support—a place I wish I had during my darkest moments. My goal is to become the advocate I once needed: someone who tells others, “You are not alone, and you are capable of healing.” Through all of this, I’ve learned that recovery is not linear. Some days are harder than others, but I no longer see my diagnosis as a limitation. Instead, I see it as a reminder of my strength and perseverance. I have survived experiences that once made me feel powerless, but now they fuel my purpose. My journey has taught me that healing takes time, courage, and faith—but it is possible. As I continue my education and work toward becoming a nurse, I plan to use my voice and platform to raise awareness about mental health. I want to challenge the stigma that surrounds depression and postpartum struggles, especially among women and mothers. I also hope to expand Deanna’s Angels into a larger network of support for women in crisis—offering access to therapy, emergency housing, and educational resources. I am proud of how far I have come, even though my path has not been easy. My mental health journey has shaped me into a more empathetic, determined, and resilient woman. I am committed to continuing my therapy, practicing self-love, and advocating for others who feel invisible. I want to remind every woman struggling with mental health that her story matters, her voice matters, and she can rise again—just like I am.

The trade I am most passionate about pursuing is healthcare, with the goal of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Nursing represents the perfect combination of compassion, skill, and purpose. It is a career that allows me to serve others, uplift families, and provide care during some of life’s most difficult times. For me, nursing is not just a job—it is the next step in a journey that has been building for years. My inspiration for nursing came the very first time I stepped into healthcare, working as a housekeeper in a medical setting. I remember watching the nurses interact with their patients, seeing the compassion and the sense of trust they built. Even though I was not providing direct care at that time, I admired the impact they had and realized I wanted to be part of that. That spark motivated me to take my next step, which was becoming a phlebotomist. As a phlebotomist, I gained firsthand experience working directly with patients. It taught me the importance of patience, communication, and trust. Many people are nervous about having blood drawn, and I learned how to calm their fears and create a sense of safety in just a few minutes. Those small but meaningful interactions showed me how deeply healthcare work can affect people, even in everyday moments. From there, I became a Community Health Worker, a role that expanded my perspective even more. In this position, I worked directly with families, connecting them to resources, services, and education that they needed to improve their health. I saw how important it was to look at the whole person—their physical health, mental health, and social challenges—because all of those factors affect a person’s ability to thrive. This role showed me how powerful it is to be not just a caregiver, but also an advocate. That experience inspired me to create my nonprofit, Deanna’s Angels, which focuses on helping women facing domestic violence, mental health struggles, and homelessness. These women often feel unseen and unsupported, and my mission has been to connect them with the services and encouragement they need to rebuild their lives. Running this organization gave me even more clarity: I wanted to expand my skills in healthcare so that I could provide not only resources and support, but also medical care. That is what led me to pursue nursing. Becoming an LPN will allow me to bring together every part of my journey—my experiences as a housekeeper, phlebotomist, community health worker, and nonprofit founder—into one path where I can serve others in a more complete way. My ultimate goal is to be a stepping stone for other women, especially mothers, who need confidence and guidance on their health journeys. I want to be the one-stop support system that helps them access healthcare, build stability, and realize their full potential. What inspires me most about this trade is that it allows me to combine skill with heart. Every role I’ve had has taught me that people need both care and compassion to thrive. By becoming a nurse, I will be able to provide both, while also continuing to advocate for and support the community I love. Nursing is not just my career goal—it is my purpose, and I am determined to succeed.

I chose to pursue a career in the trades—specifically in healthcare—because it allows me to combine my passion for helping others with a clear, hands-on path toward a stable and meaningful career. From an early age, I was drawn to caring for people. Growing up, I watched family members struggle with health challenges, and I saw the difference that compassionate healthcare workers made in their lives. Those moments stayed with me and inspired me to follow a path where I could provide that same care and comfort to others. For me, becoming a nurse is not just a job—it is a calling. Skilled work matters, and in healthcare, every action can directly improve or even save a person’s life. My journey to this career has been shaped by challenges that taught me perseverance. As a single mother, I have had to balance parenting, education, and financial responsibilities. There were times when car troubles or childcare barriers made it difficult to attend classes. Financial struggles often left me wondering if I could afford to continue. Yet through it all, I reminded myself of my “why”—my children and my passion for healthcare. They inspire me to keep pushing forward, even on the hardest days. Through my CNA and STNA training, I gained valuable hands-on experience with patients, which reassured me that I was on the right path. The smallest moments—listening to a patient, offering comfort, or simply being present—confirmed that this is the kind of work I am meant to do. Pursuing a career in healthcare is also about creating a better future for my family. I want to show my children that despite obstacles, persistence and faith can lead to success. At the same time, I want to use my trade to give back to the community that has supported me. Skilled workers—especially in healthcare—are essential to strong, thriving communities, and I feel proud to be preparing to join their ranks. Beyond my career, I care deeply about social causes that uplift and support families. One of the causes closest to my heart is access to healthcare for underserved communities. Too often, families face barriers to receiving the care they need, whether due to financial hardship, lack of insurance, or limited resources in their neighborhoods. I want to be part of breaking down those barriers, ensuring that people are treated with dignity and compassion no matter their circumstances. Another cause that is deeply important to me is supporting women who are facing some of life’s most difficult battles. Through my nonprofit, Deanna’s Angels, I focus on helping women who are survivors of domestic violence, struggling with mental health challenges, or facing homelessness. These women often feel invisible or forgotten, and my goal is to provide them with resources, encouragement, and hope for rebuilding their lives. Having faced struggles of my own, I know how vital it is to have support systems in place during hard times. Through my nonprofit and my nursing career, I want to be that source of stability and compassion for others. In choosing healthcare as my trade, I am choosing a career where I can directly serve others, create stability for my family, and give back to my community. I believe that skilled work, fueled by compassion, is one of the most powerful ways to bring change. By mastering my trade and staying dedicated to the causes I care about, I know I can make a lasting impact on both individual lives and the broader community.

My name is Deyonca Wright, and I am currently pursuing a career in healthcare with the goal of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). From a young age, I was drawn to the idea of helping others. Growing up, I watched family members face serious health challenges, and I saw how much of a difference compassionate healthcare workers made in their lives. Those experiences stayed with me and inspired me to dedicate my own career to caring for others. Choosing this vocational path was not just about finding a job—it was about following a calling that gives me purpose and allows me to contribute something meaningful to the world. The road to this point has not been simple. As a single mother, I have had to balance the demands of parenting, school, and work, all while keeping my dream alive. There were times when financial struggles forced me to consider pausing my education. I’ve faced transportation issues, unexpected car repairs, and childcare barriers that made it difficult to attend class. At times, self-doubt crept in, but each obstacle has pushed me to become more resilient. I learned how to advocate for myself, use available resources, and stay organized in order to manage both my family and my education. These challenges, though difficult, have made me stronger and more determined. My children remain my biggest motivation. They inspire me every day to keep moving forward, even when life feels overwhelming. I want them to see that despite hardships, persistence pays off. I want to be an example for them of what it looks like to fight for your goals, no matter the obstacles. That “why” is what keeps me going. My passion for healthcare also fuels me. Through my CNA and STNA training, I gained hands-on experience with patients, which confirmed that this is where I belong. I learned that even the smallest acts of care—listening to someone, offering comfort, or assisting with daily needs—can have a profound impact. To master my trade, I plan to continue advancing my education and building on these experiences. Mastery, to me, is not just about gaining technical skills, but also about growing in compassion, patience, and professionalism. I intend to learn from mentors, pursue continuing education, and dedicate myself to lifelong learning so that I can provide the best possible care to my patients. Giving back to my community is central to my vision for the future. I plan to work with underserved families and individuals who often face barriers to quality healthcare. In addition, I am developing my nonprofit, Deanna’s Angels, which connects families to vital resources like housing support, financial assistance, and healthcare services. My goal is to combine my nursing career with community outreach so that I can help people not only heal physically, but also find stability and hope in other areas of life. Pursuing this trade is about more than earning a living—it is about building stability for my children and making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. With dedication and persistence, I am determined to master my trade and use it to uplift the community around me.

From a young age, I knew I wanted a career where I could care for others. Growing up, I watched family members struggle with health challenges, and I saw the difference that compassionate healthcare workers made in their lives. That planted the seed for me to pursue a vocational path in healthcare, and it continues to motivate me as I work toward becoming a licensed nurse. I chose this path because I believe skilled work matters—especially in healthcare, where every action can directly impact a person’s quality of life. The journey, however, has not been easy. As a single mother, balancing school, work, and parenting has been one of my biggest challenges. There were times when financial struggles forced me to consider pausing my education. I’ve faced car troubles that made transportation unreliable, childcare barriers that kept me from attending classes, and the constant worry of making ends meet while pursuing my dream. At times, self-doubt crept in, but each challenge taught me resilience. I learned how to advocate for resources, manage my time wisely, and push forward even when it felt overwhelming. One of the ways I’ve overcome these obstacles is by leaning on my determination and my “why.” My children inspire me every day to keep moving forward. I want them to see that despite the hardships, persistence pays off. My passion for this field also fuels me. During my CNA and STNA training, I gained hands-on experience that confirmed I was exactly where I belonged. Helping patients, even in small ways, gave me a sense of purpose and reaffirmed my calling to serve. My ultimate goal is to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and continue advancing in the healthcare field. I want to specialize in working with families and underserved communities, offering not just medical care but compassion, advocacy, and hope. Skilled healthcare workers are the backbone of our communities, and I believe that by pursuing this path, I am not only creating stability for my family but also giving back to others in need. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than financial relief—it would represent an investment in my future and in the lives I will touch as a nurse. It would allow me to continue my education without the constant fear of falling behind due to financial burdens. With this support, I can focus on building the skills and knowledge I need to excel in my field and ultimately provide stability for my children while making a meaningful difference in the community. I am proud of how far I’ve come, even with the obstacles in my way. Every step of this journey has strengthened my character and deepened my passion for healthcare. I am determined to succeed, and with the help of this scholarship, I know I can reach my goals.

For a long time, I didn’t believe I was worth the dreams I had. Life had taught me that survival came first, and everything else—education, stability, even happiness—was a luxury I couldn’t afford. But over the years, through struggle and healing, I’ve come to realize something powerful: I am worth my dreams, not in spite of my challenges, but because of them. I am a single mother of two young boys. Every decision I make, every goal I set, isn’t just for me—it’s for them. I want them to grow up watching their mother fight for something bigger, watching her rise even when everything tries to keep her down. I want them to know that our past doesn’t define our future. I want them to see that dreams don’t just belong to the privileged—they belong to the persistent. My dream is to become a nurse. Not just to earn a living, but to be a source of comfort, advocacy, and healing for people who are often overlooked. I’ve worked in healthcare as a phlebotomist and a community health worker. I’ve sat beside patients who were scared, underserved, or alone. And I knew, deep down, that I could do more. That I was meant to do more. That dream became clearer when I founded Deanna’s Angels, a nonprofit created to support women experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and mental health struggles. I built it from the ground up, with no funding, just a fire in my heart to help women who felt like they had nowhere to turn. I’ve delivered groceries to mothers in shelters, connected women to safe housing, and offered hope in the darkest moments of their lives. I’ve been in their shoes—and that’s what makes my dream personal. Why am I worth these dreams? Because I’ve already proven that I’m willing to do the work, even when the odds are stacked against me. Because I’ve turned pain into purpose. Because I’m not just dreaming for myself—I’m dreaming for my children, my community, and every woman who’s been told she’s not enough. Receiving support for my education isn’t just about me finishing school—it’s about investing in a future nurse, a nonprofit leader, and a mother who refuses to give up. I’ve earned these dreams with every late night, every tear, every moment I’ve chosen to believe that my story doesn’t end in struggle—it ends in impact. And that’s why I’m worth it.

My name is Deyonca Wright, and I am a single mother of two, a full-time student, and the founder of a nonprofit called Deanna’s Angels. I’m currently working toward becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), with a long-term goal of using both my medical knowledge and lived experience to uplift underserved women and families in my community. My journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has only strengthened my purpose and my passion to serve others. Growing up, I didn’t have access to many resources or support systems. As I became a mother, I found myself navigating difficult circumstances alone—trying to provide for my children, keep us stable, and build a better life. Through it all, I developed a strong sense of resilience and compassion, especially for other women who were experiencing similar struggles. I saw firsthand how many families—especially single mothers—fall through the cracks, not because they aren’t trying, but because systems aren’t built to catch them when they’re drowning. My experiences inspired me to return to school and pursue a career in nursing. I believe nurses are not just caregivers—they are advocates, educators, and emotional anchors during people’s most vulnerable moments. I want to be that kind of nurse: someone who listens, who sees the whole person, and who makes sure no one feels invisible. I want to work in both clinical and community settings, especially with women facing domestic violence, homelessness, or mental health challenges. I also founded Deanna’s Angels to begin addressing these needs even before becoming a nurse. The nonprofit provides resource navigation, emotional support, and empowerment tools for women in crisis. We help them access shelters, food, clothing, mental health services, and life skills training. My goal is to eventually expand the organization to include basic health screenings and preventative care, using my nursing license to directly serve women who are often left behind by traditional systems. Through my career as a nurse and my work with Deanna’s Angels, I plan to make a lasting impact by meeting people where they are, creating access to care and resources, and showing them that they matter. I want to break generational cycles, not just for my own children, but for families like mine who just need someone to believe in them. Receiving support for my education means more than earning a degree—it’s the fuel that keeps this mission going. I’m not just working toward a better life for myself; I’m building a path for others to walk through, too. And I know in my heart that this is just the beginning.

My journey with mental health has been a deeply personal and transformative experience. As a single mother raising two young sons, including one who struggles with behavioral challenges, I have carried a heavy emotional and mental load. I’ve experienced seasons of anxiety, burnout, and hopelessness—all while trying to stay strong, be present, and provide stability for my children. There were moments when I felt completely alone, but I kept showing up every day, because I knew I had two little ones depending on me. Through that struggle, I discovered a strength I didn’t know I had. These experiences have changed the way I see the world and shaped the person I am today. I believe now, more than ever, that mental health is not a weakness—it’s a vital part of our overall well-being. I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help, to set boundaries, and to make space for healing. My relationships have become more honest and emotionally supportive because I no longer feel the need to hide behind “I’m fine.” I now value real connection, open communication, and the power of grace—both toward myself and others. These lessons have inspired my passion for nursing. I’m currently enrolled in a pre-LPN program with the goal of becoming a nurse who not only provides physical care but emotional support as well. I want to work in environments where I can connect deeply with patients, especially those going through trauma, mental health issues, or personal crises. My dream is to be the kind of nurse who sees the whole person—not just the illness or symptoms, but the pain, the story, and the strength behind it. My experience with mental health also led me to create Deanna’s Angels, a nonprofit I founded to support women facing homelessness, domestic violence, and mental health struggles. I started this organization because I know what it feels like to be in survival mode and have nowhere to turn. Through Deanna’s Angels, I help women connect with essential resources and empower them to take back control of their lives. I want to eventually combine my nursing knowledge with my nonprofit work to provide trauma-informed, community-based care. Receiving this scholarship would be life-changing. It would remove a financial burden that’s currently threatening my ability to continue school. More importantly, it would allow me to stay focused on my mission—to become a nurse, to care for my children, and to help other women believe in their power to heal and rise again. My experience with mental health didn’t defeat me. It gave me purpose.

Caregiving is the core of who I am—both in my personal life and in the work I hope to do as a nurse. As a single mother of two young boys, caregiving is something I live and breathe every single day. I care for my sons not just by providing food, shelter, and love, but by navigating their behavioral and emotional needs, scheduling and attending doctor appointments, advocating in school settings, and making sacrifices to ensure they feel safe and supported. It’s a full-time role that has taught me how to manage challenges with patience, strength, and heart. In addition to caring for my children, I also lead a nonprofit organization I founded called Deanna’s Angels, which supports women experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and mental health struggles. Through this work, I’ve helped connect women and families with resources like shelters, food pantries, mental health services, and job training. Whether it’s picking up someone to get groceries or advocating for a woman in crisis, caregiving for my community is something I’ve embraced with everything I have. These caregiving experiences have shaped me into the person I am today—resilient, compassionate, and deeply purpose-driven. They’ve helped me realize that my true calling is nursing. I don’t just want to help people through paperwork or temporary solutions—I want to be able to provide hands-on care and healing. I’ve returned to school to pursue my LPN license because I want to use my lived experience and passion to become a nurse who truly understands what it means to walk beside someone through their struggles. Returning to school hasn’t been easy. I’m enrolled in a pre-LPN program, and although I’ve exhausted all financial aid options, I’m determined to keep going. My caregiving responsibilities have made me a more focused student, because I know exactly what I’m working toward. I know that when I become a nurse, I won’t just be creating a better future for my family—I’ll also be expanding the reach of Deanna’s Angels by integrating health services into our nonprofit work. This scholarship would be life-changing for me. It would help cover my tuition balance and keep me from being dropped from my summer classes, allowing me to stay on track to complete my program. More than that, it would lift a huge emotional burden and allow me to focus on what matters most—caring for my children, continuing to build Deanna’s Angels, and becoming a nurse who gives back to the community with compassion and understanding. Receiving this scholarship would not just support my education—it would be an investment in every woman, child, and family I’ll one day care for. Thank you for considering my story and believing in caregivers like me who are working hard to make a difference.

My educational journey has been anything but linear, but every detour has brought me closer to my purpose: becoming a nurse. As a single mother of two, I’ve faced more than my share of obstacles, but my passion for helping others has always been my guide. After high school, I entered the workforce to support my growing family. I worked as a phlebotomist and later as a community health worker. While I was proud to be helping people in those roles, I often felt like I was standing on the edge of truly making a difference. I’d see patients come in with fear in their eyes or confusion about their care, and I’d watch nurses step in—not just with skill, but with calm, compassion, and confidence. That stayed with me. Returning to school was not an easy decision. I had to think about time, childcare, finances, and the emotional toll. But the desire to become a nurse kept growing stronger. I knew that I didn’t want to settle for just getting by—I wanted to build something better for my children and for myself. So I enrolled in a pre-LPN program, and every day I walk into class, I feel like I’m getting closer to the version of myself I’ve always wanted to be. My “aha” moment came during a home visit I did while working in community health. I met a woman who had just left a domestic violence shelter. She was afraid, overwhelmed, and unsure of what came next. When the nurse arrived, everything changed. She didn’t just treat a wound—she listened, reassured, and gave that woman her dignity back. In that moment, I knew I wanted to be that person. I wanted to be someone who could walk into someone’s storm and bring peace and clarity—not just because it was my job, but because it was my calling. That moment solidified my path. I didn’t just want to work in healthcare—I wanted to lead with heart in healthcare. And not just in a hospital setting, but through the nonprofit I founded, Deanna’s Angels. Our mission is to support women experiencing homelessness, mental health struggles, and domestic violence. I see nursing as a way to extend my impact—by integrating health education, basic care services, and trauma-informed support into what Deanna’s Angels provides. Today, I am navigating financial hardship, limited aid, and the everyday demands of parenting—but I’m still standing. I’m committed to finishing my education and becoming a nurse who serves not just with skill, but with empathy rooted in lived experience. My journey has been long, but it’s given me the strength, perspective, and drive I need to succeed—not just for me, but for every woman who’s ever been told she wouldn’t make it.

Becoming a nurse isn’t just a career goal for me—it’s a calling. As a single mother of two, I’ve experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to access reliable, compassionate care—especially for women facing crisis. My passion for nursing grew from working in healthcare as a phlebotomist and community health worker, where I often saw how deeply people need not only medical attention, but empathy, advocacy, and support. That inspired me to pursue my LPN license so I can be a bridge between healthcare and hope for the underserved. I am currently enrolled in a pre-LPN program and, despite facing several financial and personal setbacks, I remain committed to this path. My educational journey has not been easy—I’ve had to balance raising two young children, working PRN hours, and building a nonprofit from the ground up. But these challenges have only strengthened my determination to finish what I started and make a lasting impact. In addition to becoming a nurse, I founded Deanna’s Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women facing homelessness, mental health struggles, and domestic violence. Our mission is to connect women to essential community resources while helping them build stability through education, budgeting, and healing. My ultimate goal is to use my nursing background to offer direct health support through Deanna’s Angels—whether that means providing blood pressure checks at shelters, teaching health literacy workshops, or helping women get the care they need without fear or shame. This scholarship would help me overcome a financial barrier that threatens to derail everything I’ve worked so hard for. I’ve applied for multiple forms of aid and have even started looking for a second job to make ends meet. But I know that if I can just stay in school, I’ll be able to serve not only my children and myself—but an entire community of women who need someone to advocate for them. In the future, I plan to expand Deanna’s Angels into a full-service resource and wellness center for women. I envision providing trauma-informed care, preventative health services, and ongoing education to help women transform their lives. Nursing is the foundation of that dream—it equips me with the skills, credentials, and credibility to show up for others in their most vulnerable moments. I am passionate about nursing because I believe healing is not just clinical—it’s emotional, mental, and spiritual. I want to be the kind of nurse that sees the whole person and helps them believe in their own strength again. And I want to use my journey not only to provide for my sons, but to light the way for other women who think they’re too broken or too far behind to start over. This isn’t just a scholarship—it’s a lifeline. And I promise to pay it forward.