As a first-generation college student from a low-income, immigrant family, my educational journey has been shaped by adversity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Growing up in a community where poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and the ripple effects of incarceration were daily realities, I witnessed firsthand how systemic barriers limit opportunities. These experiences fueled my decision to pursue a career in nursing. My ultimate goal is to become an emergency or acute care nurse who advocates for marginalized populations, including those disproportionately affected by incarceration. Through my education and future career, I am committed to creating opportunities for underresourced communities to receive equitable, compassionate healthcare. I was raised by my mother, a single parent who has shown me what true strength looks like. My father, an immigrant from Guatemala, worked tirelessly to support our family through a variety of physically demanding jobs—working as a short-order cook, on a chicken farm, and in catering services. His dream was for me to get an education and build a better life. Tragically, he passed away three years ago from a bacterial infection while hospitalized in Guatemala. We were unable to bring him back to the United States in time for the care he needed. Losing my father not only devastated our family emotionally, but it also left us in a precarious financial situation. Soon after, my mother suffered a severe spinal injury—a hangman’s fracture—that made her dependent on me as her primary caregiver. Despite these personal losses, I have remained focused on my educational goals. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at SUNY Delhi, where I maintain a 3.8 GPA while working part-time at ARC in a group home for individuals with developmental disabilities. Balancing full-time school, part-time work, and caregiving has been a challenge, but I am determined to persevere. My motivation comes from my family’s sacrifices and the underserved populations I strive to support. Growing up in a community where many families were impacted by incarceration, I saw how the absence of a parent or caregiver could disrupt an entire household. Friends and classmates struggled with emotional trauma, financial hardship, and limited access to resources, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement. Some of these individuals ended up in the criminal justice system themselves, unable to break free from circumstances beyond their control. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of how incarceration doesn’t just affect individuals—it affects entire families and communities. My father was never incarcerated, but as an immigrant and a laborer, he faced discrimination and systemic barriers that closely parallel the struggles faced by those reentering society after incarceration. I carry his experiences with me as I work toward my nursing degree, knowing that I have a responsibility to use my education to lift others up. My personal hardships have given me empathy and insight, qualities that I believe are essential in healthcare, especially when working with populations often overlooked or marginalized. Healthcare disparities disproportionately affect communities impacted by incarceration. Individuals who have been incarcerated are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, mental health challenges, and barriers to accessing quality care. Families affected by incarceration often face instability, trauma, and stigma, further limiting their ability to receive adequate healthcare. As a future nurse, I am committed to addressing these inequities by providing holistic, trauma-informed care that acknowledges the unique experiences of my patients. Achieving my educational goals will allow me to advocate for patients who are frequently dismissed or misunderstood. My dream is to work in emergency and acute care settings where I can intervene at critical moments and provide support when patients are most vulnerable. Beyond bedside care, I hope to be involved in community outreach programs that offer health education, screenings, and resources to individuals and families impacted by incarceration. I want to be part of initiatives that promote health literacy, reduce stigma, and bridge the gap between healthcare services and the people who need them most. Additionally, I plan to use my nursing career as a platform to advocate for systemic change in healthcare. I want to work alongside policymakers and community leaders to develop programs that address the social determinants of health, such as housing, education, and employment opportunities. By tackling these issues, we can create environments where families affected by incarceration have a better chance to thrive. One of my long-term goals is to return to Guatemala to provide healthcare services to underresourced communities. My father’s death showed me the devastating consequences of healthcare inequity, and I am determined to honor his memory by helping others avoid the same fate. Whether in the United States or abroad, I want my work as a nurse to reflect my commitment to equity, compassion, and justice. Despite the obstacles I have faced—financial hardship, caregiving responsibilities, and the emotional toll of loss—I remain steadfast in my pursuit of a nursing degree. Scholarships like the Francis E. Moore Prime Time Ministries Scholarship would ease the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus on gaining the skills and experience I need to make a meaningful impact. My financial aid has run out, and this scholarship would be instrumental in helping me complete my final year of nursing school. Incarceration creates cycles of poverty, instability, and limited opportunity that extend far beyond prison walls. Through education and advocacy, I believe we can break these cycles and build stronger, healthier communities. My journey has taught me resilience, empathy, and the power of service. As a nurse, I am committed to using these lessons to support those who have been affected by incarceration and create opportunities for a better future.

Breast health education is a vital part of comprehensive healthcare, and its importance cannot be overstated. As a future nurse specializing in women’s health and emergency/acute care, I am committed to ensuring that breast health education becomes more accessible to underserved communities. My personal experiences, educational journey, and professional goals have all fueled my passion for promoting awareness, providing education, and improving access to breast health services. I grew up in a low-income, first-generation immigrant family, and I saw firsthand how limited access to healthcare—particularly preventive services—can have devastating effects. My grandmother battled brain cancer, and I was later diagnosed with thyroid cancer myself. These experiences opened my eyes to how crucial early detection and access to specialized healthcare are. While my experiences were not directly related to breast cancer, they instilled in me a deep understanding of the fear, uncertainty, and barriers that people face when navigating the healthcare system. They also highlighted how disparities in healthcare access disproportionately affect marginalized communities, particularly women of color and those living in poverty. Throughout my time as a caregiver and nursing student, I have become acutely aware of how breast health often takes a backseat in underserved populations. Whether due to cultural stigma, lack of insurance, fear, or misinformation, many individuals delay screenings or avoid seeking care altogether. As a woman of Mexican and Italian descent, I have seen these cultural barriers play out in my own community. Conversations about breast health are often silenced or avoided, and this lack of dialogue can lead to late diagnoses and poorer outcomes. During my clinical rotations and work at ARC, a group home for individuals with developmental disabilities, I have provided care for women who have limited access to preventive screenings, including breast exams and mammograms. Many of these individuals face multiple vulnerabilities that make it difficult for them to advocate for their own health. This has only strengthened my belief that nurses, particularly those focused on women’s health, play an essential role in bridging the gap between healthcare services and the people who need them most. Breast health education empowers individuals to take control of their well-being. It encourages early detection, improves survival rates, and fosters open conversations that break down stigma and fear. As a nursing student at SUNY Delhi with a 3.8 GPA, I am dedicated to continuing my education in women’s health and eventually pursuing advanced certification in breast health navigation and lactation consulting. I want to be a resource for my community, offering knowledge and support to women navigating breast health concerns, whether they are related to cancer, lactation, or general wellness. Inflammatory breast cancer, the disease that took Annie Pringle's life, is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late because of a lack of awareness and education. This form of breast cancer progresses rapidly, and delays in diagnosis can be deadly. If more healthcare professionals were trained to recognize the signs, and if more patients understood the importance of reporting symptoms early, outcomes could improve dramatically. Annie’s legacy as a lactation consultant and breast cancer support group leader is incredibly inspiring to me because it highlights how education, compassion, and advocacy can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. As I look forward to my career as a nurse, I am determined to follow in those footsteps. I envision working in clinics and community health programs where I can educate women and families about breast health, offer screenings and referrals, and provide guidance on breast self-exams and early detection. I also plan to focus on culturally sensitive education, tailoring my approach to respect cultural beliefs while addressing misconceptions about breast health. Creating safe spaces where individuals feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help is key to building trust and promoting wellness. In addition to working in clinical settings, I hope to collaborate with public health organizations to design outreach programs that specifically target underserved populations. Whether through mobile clinics, community workshops, or partnerships with local organizations, I want to be part of the movement to make breast health education and services more equitable and accessible. My long-term goal is to expand these initiatives to rural areas and developing countries, where breast health services are often scarce. Receiving the Annie Pringle Memorial Scholarship would provide crucial support as I complete my nursing degree and pursue specialized training in breast health navigation and lactation consulting. Financial challenges are a significant barrier in my education. With my financial aid exhausted, scholarships like this one are critical in helping me stay on track toward my goal of becoming a nurse dedicated to women’s health. This scholarship would not only ease the burden of tuition and clinical expenses but also allow me to focus on gaining the knowledge and skills I need to make a meaningful impact. Breast health education is important to me because I have seen too many people in my community, and in my own family, suffer because they did not have the information or access they needed. I am passionate about changing that narrative. Through education, advocacy, and compassionate care, I want to empower individuals to take charge of their health and ensure that no one faces breast health concerns alone or uninformed. Annie Pringle’s legacy reminds us of the power of education and support in healthcare. I am honored to apply for a scholarship that carries her name, and I am committed to carrying her legacy forward by dedicating my nursing career to advancing breast health education and care in my community and beyond.

Cancer has deeply impacted my family and me in profound and lasting ways. In 2015, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and years before that, I watched my grandmother bravely battle brain cancer. These experiences forever changed my understanding of life, health, and what it means to persevere. They have also inspired my desire to dedicate my life to serving others through nursing, especially those affected by cancer and other life-altering illnesses. My grandmother’s journey with brain cancer was my first personal experience with the disease. I was young when she was diagnosed, but I was old enough to understand that she was slowly slipping away from us. Once a vibrant and independent woman, she began to lose her ability to communicate and care for herself. The brain cancer took away pieces of her mind and personality before it eventually took her life. Watching my family navigate her illness was heartbreaking. My mother became her primary caregiver, and the emotional and physical toll it took on her was overwhelming. As a family, we did our best to support one another, but there were times when we felt helpless, simply hoping for good news that never came. Years later, when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, I experienced firsthand the fear and uncertainty that comes with hearing the word “cancer.” Despite the differences in our diagnoses, I found myself thinking often of my grandmother and the courage she showed during her battle. I underwent a thyroidectomy and was placed on lifelong medication. While I was fortunate to have a successful surgery and treatment plan, the emotional strain was difficult. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed with anxiety and fear about my health and future. But through it all, my family stood by my side, just as we had all done for my grandmother. Their support was unwavering, and it gave me the strength I needed to move forward. These experiences have taught me several important lessons. First and foremost, I learned that health is something we often take for granted until it’s threatened. Cancer forced me to slow down and appreciate each day in a way I never had before. I also learned the importance of resilience, not only in myself but in my family. We have become stronger through our shared struggles, always finding a way to support one another no matter how difficult things become. Most importantly, these experiences have shaped my career aspirations. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at SUNY Delhi, maintaining a 3.8 GPA while balancing work and caregiving responsibilities for my mother, who is recovering from a serious neck injury. My personal journey with cancer, along with the loss of my grandmother, drives my desire to provide compassionate care to patients facing similar battles. I understand what it’s like to be on both sides of the healthcare system—as a patient and as a family member—and I want to use that perspective to make a difference in the lives of others. Receiving this scholarship would help alleviate the financial burden of my final year in nursing school. My financial aid has run out, and scholarships like this one are essential to helping me continue my education and fulfill my goal of becoming a nurse. Cancer has shaped my life in many ways, but it has also given me purpose. I am determined to use my experience to support others and advocate for patients and families navigating the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.

One of my favorite things about my father was his unwavering work ethic and dedication to his family. My father was an immigrant from Guatemala who worked tirelessly to give us a better life. He took on physically demanding jobs—working as a short-order cook, on a chicken farm, and in catering services—doing whatever he could to support our family. What made this even more admirable was how he did it with a quiet strength and a smile on his face, never complaining about how hard life could be. His resilience and devotion to our family left a lasting impression on me, and they continue to guide me in everything I do. My father passed away three years ago from a bacterial infection while hospitalized in Guatemala. We were unable to bring him back to the United States in time for him to get the care he needed. Watching from afar as his health declined was one of the most painful and helpless experiences of my life. His death left a deep hole in my heart, one that I still feel every day. Although he didn’t pass away from cancer, his battle with illness and the suffering he endured are feelings that many who lose a parent to disease can understand. What I loved most about my father was his selflessness. He consistently put his family first, always making sacrifices so that we could have opportunities he never did. He valued education, even though he never had the chance to pursue it himself. His dream was for me to become the first in our family to earn a college degree. Losing him made me more determined than ever to honor his dream. Every time I feel overwhelmed by school, work, or life’s responsibilities, I think about the sacrifices he made, and I push forward. His passing changed me in ways I never expected. Grief forced me to grow up quickly, but it also made me more compassionate and empathetic. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at SUNY Delhi, maintaining a 3.8 GPA while working part-time and caring for my mother, who suffered a severe neck injury. My father’s death opened my eyes to how vulnerable families can be when access to healthcare is limited, and how devastating it is to watch a loved one suffer. These experiences have driven me to dedicate my life to healthcare. My goal is to become an emergency or acute care nurse, providing not only medical care but also emotional support to patients and their families during their most difficult moments. My father’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and sacrifice. He worked hard so that I could have a better life, and I am committed to honoring him by becoming the nurse he always believed I could be. Receiving the Brad Hinshaw Memorial Scholarship would allow me to continue my education and fulfill the promise I made to myself after my father passed—to make him proud by helping others with the same compassion and strength he showed every day.

In 2015, my life was forever changed when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. At the time, I was balancing work, family responsibilities, and planning for my future, when suddenly, I became a patient myself. The diagnosis was unexpected and terrifying, and the experience of undergoing a thyroidectomy and adapting to lifelong medication management forced me to confront my own vulnerability in ways I had never imagined. Facing cancer at a relatively young age was an experience that not only altered my perspective on health and mortality but also instilled in me a profound sense of resilience and purpose that continues to guide my life today. Growing up, my family was already familiar with the devastating effects of cancer. My grandmother bravely battled brain cancer, and I witnessed firsthand the toll it took on her as well as on our family. Watching her lose her cognitive abilities, independence, and, eventually, her life was heartbreaking. These experiences shaped my early understanding of illness and the fragility of life, but they also taught me about strength, compassion, and the importance of family support. When I became a cancer patient myself, I carried those lessons with me. The physical aspects of treatment were difficult, but the emotional and psychological impact was equally challenging. I struggled with anxiety about my health and my future, and there were moments when I wondered if I would ever regain control over my life. However, through counseling, self-reflection, and the unwavering support of my family, I found the strength to move forward. My cancer journey taught me how essential mental health is in the healing process and how important it is to seek help when needed. This experience became the driving force behind my decision to pursue a career in nursing. I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at SUNY Delhi, maintaining a 3.8 GPA while balancing work and caregiving responsibilities. My mother recently suffered a severe spinal injury, and I am her primary caregiver, which has added another layer of responsibility to my life. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my education and my goal of becoming a nurse specializing in emergency or acute care. My personal experience with cancer has given me a unique perspective that I bring into my nursing studies and caregiving roles. I understand what it feels like to be vulnerable, scared, and uncertain about the future. I know how much a compassionate nurse can ease fear and provide comfort. My cancer journey has fueled my desire to advocate for patients, especially those who are often overlooked or underserved. I am passionate about providing holistic, person-centered care that addresses not only physical needs but also emotional and psychological well-being. In the future, I hope to work in healthcare settings where I can make a meaningful impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families. I also plan to become involved in community education and outreach, raising awareness about early detection, mental health support, and equitable access to healthcare. My long-term goal is to return to Guatemala, where my father passed away from a lack of timely medical care, and provide services to underserved communities. Receiving this scholarship would help alleviate the financial burden of my final year of nursing school, allowing me to focus on clinical experiences and further develop my skills. More importantly, it would help me continue my journey of turning personal hardship into purpose, using my experiences as a cancer survivor to provide compassionate, informed care to others facing similar battles.

Brain cancer has deeply impacted my life and shaped the person I am today. My grandmother was diagnosed with brain cancer when I was young, and witnessing her battle with the disease left a lasting impression on me. Watching her navigate the physical and cognitive challenges of brain cancer was devastating. It was difficult to see a once vibrant, loving woman slowly lose her ability to communicate and care for herself. Our family rallied around her, but the emotional toll was heavy. This experience opened my eyes to the harsh realities of brain cancer, not only for patients but for their families as well. It planted the seed for my future career in healthcare, inspiring me to dedicate my life to supporting others facing similar challenges. In 2015, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and my personal experience as a cancer patient deepened my empathy and understanding of what my grandmother endured. Although thyroid cancer and brain cancer are different, my battle gave me firsthand knowledge of the fear and uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Undergoing a thyroidectomy and living with lifelong medication management taught me resilience, but it also reinforced how crucial emotional support and compassionate care are in the healing process. My grandmother’s journey, combined with my own, has motivated me to advocate for patients with cancer, particularly those affected by brain tumors. I currently work at ARC in a group home for individuals with developmental disabilities. Many of the individuals I support have complex medical needs and cognitive impairments, experiences that mirror the challenges my grandmother faced during her illness. In this role, I provide patient-centered care, ensuring dignity and respect, which I believe are essential for anyone living with a debilitating disease like brain cancer. While I have not yet participated in formal brain cancer awareness campaigns, I actively educate those around me about the importance of early detection, regular health screenings, and the emotional support required by patients and their caregivers. I share my experiences openly, hoping to break down the stigma surrounding cancer and encourage others to seek help and advocate for loved ones. As a caregiver for my mother, who suffered a severe neck injury, I’ve seen how crucial a strong support system is, and I apply those lessons daily in both personal and professional settings. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at SUNY Delhi, maintaining a 3.8 GPA despite significant personal and financial obstacles. Receiving the Kyla Jo Burridge Memorial Scholarship would ease the financial burden of my final year in nursing school. With my financial aid exhausted, scholarships like this are vital to completing my education and becoming a registered nurse. My long-term goal is to specialize in emergency or acute care nursing, with a focus on vulnerable populations, including individuals diagnosed with brain cancer. I envision working in healthcare settings where I can advocate for patients and families, ensuring they receive holistic, compassionate care that addresses both their physical and emotional needs. In the future, I hope to partner with organizations that promote brain cancer awareness, education, and support services. One of my dreams is to contribute to public health initiatives that improve access to quality cancer care, particularly for underserved communities. The memory of my grandmother’s strength during her battle with brain cancer fuels my determination to make a difference. By honoring her legacy and the legacy of Kyla Jo Burridge, I am committed to raising awareness, providing compassionate care, and supporting those who face the difficult journey of brain cancer.

My greatest achievement to date has been persevering through some of life’s most difficult challenges while maintaining a 3.8 GPA in my Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at SUNY Delhi. As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, my journey has not been easy. Yet, through resilience, hard work, and determination, I have remained focused on my goal of becoming a nurse who serves vulnerable populations. This experience has taught me about my strength and potential and has solidified my belief that I can overcome any obstacle to achieve my dreams. From a young age, I was taught the importance of hard work and family. My mother raised me as a single parent, and I grew up witnessing her determination to provide for us. Several years ago, my father passed away in a hospital in Guatemala from a bacterial infection. We were unable to bring him back to the United States in time for the care he needed. This loss was devastating, but it opened my eyes to the inequities in healthcare—something that continues to inspire my career path today. Soon after losing my father, my mother suffered a severe injury, breaking her neck in a hangman’s fracture. She became dependent on me for care, and I took on the role of her primary caregiver while working and attending nursing school full-time. Balancing caregiving, coursework, and part-time employment has been one of the most challenging and humbling experiences of my life. There were times I doubted whether I could manage it all, but my commitment to my education and to providing a better life for my family pushed me forward. While caring for my mother, I also worked at ARC in a group home for individuals with developmental disabilities. My responsibilities include assisting residents with activities of daily living, administering medications, and advocating for their needs. This role has deepened my understanding of compassionate, person-centered care and reinforced my desire to specialize in nursing for underserved populations. Adding to these challenges was my personal health journey. In 2015, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Undergoing a thyroidectomy and being placed on lifelong medication was physically and emotionally exhausting. Managing my health while working and attending school tested my mental strength. I sought professional support for my anxiety and learned to balance my physical and emotional well-being. This experience taught me the importance of mental health support and resilience, lessons I will carry into my nursing career. Maintaining a 3.8 GPA despite these hardships reflects my dedication and perseverance. I have proven to myself that I can handle adversity with strength and grace. This achievement reminds me that success is possible when you believe in yourself and refuse to give up. Looking ahead, my goal is to become a registered nurse specializing in emergency or acute care. I am passionate about serving patients in vulnerable situations, whether they are experiencing trauma, medical emergencies, or living with chronic conditions like dementia or developmental disabilities. I want to advocate for patients who may not have a voice, providing holistic, compassionate care that addresses their physical, emotional, and social needs. I also plan to continue my education by pursuing an advanced nursing degree. In addition, I am committed to community outreach and education. I want to use my personal and professional experiences to promote health literacy, reduce healthcare disparities, and advocate for marginalized populations. One of my long-term dreams is to return to Guatemala to provide healthcare services to underserved communities, honoring my father’s memory by helping those who face similar barriers to care. Receiving the WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship would ease the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and clinical experiences. With my financial aid exhausted, scholarships like this are essential to completing my final year of nursing school. This scholarship would bring me closer to achieving my dream of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others through nursing. My journey has taught me the value of resilience, compassion, and advocacy. These lessons continue to guide me as I pursue my career and strive to create positive change in healthcare. I am proud of how far I have come and look forward to the impact I will make in the future.

My mental health significantly influenced the person I have become today. The challenges I encountered throughout my journey helped build my resilience and compassion while strengthening my commitment to positively impact others' lives. My mental and emotional resilience was put to the test through a series of personal hardships beginning with cancer and followed by my father's death. All my experiences have helped shape my beliefs while building stronger relationships and increasing my dedication to nursing. The year 2015 marked the moment I received my thyroid cancer diagnosis. When I was in my early 30s I was managing my work and family life until my world became completely disrupted. The thyroidectomy and subsequent lifelong medication required both physical adaptation and emotional adjustment. The unpredictability of my health condition and life ahead caused intense anxiety. Overwhelmed by fear of the unknown I encountered difficulties maintaining my forward momentum. Through professional support and counseling techniques I gradually acquired skills to control my anxiety and regain life management abilities. The experience highlighted mental health care as crucial while underscoring the necessity of seeking assistance when one needs it. My personal health stabilized before my father died from a bacterial infection during his hospitalization in Guatemala. We could not transport him to the United States swiftly enough to provide him with the necessary medical attention. The profound sadness of his death became overwhelming as feelings of helplessness and guilt intensified my grief. Through my experience with this loss I gained a profound awareness of how trauma and grief can affect mental health. I returned to therapy sessions with a commitment to process my feelings instead of burying them. Through this healing journey I became able to stay strong for my family while giving special support to my mother. My mother endured a severe spinal injury called a hangman’s fracture which led to my role as her full-time caregiver while I pursued nursing school. The combination of attending school while working and caring for my mother has resulted in intense physical and emotional exhaustion. The immense weight of my responsibilities has felt impossible to bear at times but my dedication to self-care practices and therapy sessions alongside mindfulness exercises enabled me to keep moving forward. The difficulties I faced reinforced my conviction about resilience's strength while highlighting mental health support's critical role. My personal experiences have changed how I interact with others by helping me develop deeper empathy and comprehension for their difficulties. My approach to being present and supportive has evolved beyond what I was capable of in the past. At ARC in a group home I apply my compassion to support individuals with developmental disabilities who face additional mental health challenges. The experiences from my personal journey have influenced the direction of my career goals. At SUNY Delhi I am working toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while keeping a perfect 4.0 GPA through various challenges. I aspire to work as an emergency or acute care nurse dedicated to serving vulnerable groups who frequently receive inadequate healthcare support. I aim to deliver both medical care and emotional support while advocating for patients and families who deal with trauma and illness. My personal experience with mental health care has taught me that asking for help demonstrates strength rather than weakness. My journey taught me to create a supportive atmosphere that encourages people to openly discuss their challenges. The Mikey Taylor Memorial Scholarship would help me further my education so that I can use my experiences to drive positive change in healthcare through stigma reduction and compassionate patient care.

The foundation of my identity comes from my Italian American heritage. While my grandmother hails from Sicily my grandfather's roots lie in Naples. During my childhood years I spent all holiday seasons at my grandparents’ home where family gatherings and traditional activities accompanied by Italian music provided a comforting atmosphere. I call it "organized chaos" when our home buzzed with the women preparing family recipes in the kitchen while the men lounged outside on the porch enjoying cigars, drinks and card games. The family gatherings served as celebrations of our cultural heritage and reinforced the values of determination, resilience, and dedication that my family taught me. Though my grandparents faced many challenges traveling from Italy to the United States they remained steadfast in their mission to improve their family's circumstances. The tales of their selflessness and determination serve as an endless source of inspiration for me. The lessons of hard work and commitment which they taught me remain my guiding principles throughout my life. The significance of these values has grown along with my personal journey through education and healthcare. I am working toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at SUNY Delhi and keeping up a perfect 3.8 GPA while supporting developmental disability individuals at ARC's group home. The responsibility of simultaneously managing my education and work alongside caring for my mother during her neck injury recovery has been difficult yet my Italian roots have instilled in me the power of resilience and focus. My determination to improve life for myself and my family extends to serving patients and communities as a nurse in the way my grandparents did. During my tenure as a flight attendant with Delta Airlines I was able to visit Italy. My trips to Florence, Venice, and Rome enhanced my understanding of my heritage while reinforcing my commitment to uphold my family's legacy. My long-term aspiration involves purchasing a property in Italy to provide my mother with the means to retire and preserve our family traditions in the country that defines our identity. I work to live each day by the same determination, resilience, and dedication values that Marcello Rosino demonstrated. I aim to create a beneficial effect throughout my nursing career by delivering compassionate care to vulnerable populations especially those living with developmental disabilities and dementia. I pledge to represent patients who lack a voice while ensuring that my care honors their dignity and humanity. My life underwent a transformation through education as it did for my grandparents when they immigrated to America in search of better opportunities. My gratitude extends to them for their sacrifices which I will honor through my commitment to nursing and helping others. The Marcello Rosino Memorial Scholarship will help me pursue my education while enabling me to honor my Italian American roots and serve the healthcare industry with purpose.

The disease dementia takes away people's memories while fundamentally affecting their sense of self and ability to live independently. Working as a caregiver for dementia patients allowed me to personally observe the effects of the condition on both those suffering from it and their surrounding community. Helping an individual named Stacy who at 42 years old lives with early-onset dementia stands out as one of the most meaningful and life-changing experiences in my professional journey. My work with individuals living with dementia has increased my knowledge about the condition and reinforced my dedication to healthcare through advocacy and compassionate care while promoting research and education to achieve better understanding. Before her life was changed by a traumatic brain injury Stacy lived as a self-reliant and dynamic woman. The injury she sustained caused cognitive deficits which eventually led to a diagnosis of early-onset dementia. My job as a caregiver for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities includes working at the group home where she lives today. I assist with daily activities while also administering medication and protecting her safety. My role goes beyond clinical duties because I must show exceptional patience and empathy while staying committed to protecting Stacy's dignity throughout her loss of independence due to the disease. Watching dementia patients experience brief moments of recognition about their past lives and losses represents one of the most challenging aspects of their care. During clear intervals Stacy reveals her feelings of loneliness and sadness about her condition which causes her frustration. The heartbreak of these moments turns into valuable chances for human connection. These moments teach me how essential empathy and kindness become along with providing emotional reassurance. I provide regular support and validate her emotions while involving her in familiar tasks to restore both comfort and normalcy to her daily routine. My work with Stacy demonstrated that dementia care requires recognizing each patient's humanity throughout their disease progression, beyond just symptom management. Through my work with Stacy I now fully endorse person-centered care because I adapt my methods to her unique needs and preferences. My direct observations demonstrate that playing music she enjoys and taking time to explain daily routines helps restore her dignity and sense of belonging. The situation I observed with Stacy represents a pattern I have seen throughout my career. Throughout my two-decade career working with developmentally disabled individuals I have met numerous people who received dementia diagnoses as they grew older. The healthcare challenges created by the overlap between developmental disabilities and dementia necessitate specialized expertise which motivates me to expand my professional skills as a nurse. Dementia has also affected me deeply on a personal level. During hospitalization in Guatemala a few years back my father died from a bacterial infection. Although my father's illness did not involve dementia his journey through an under-resourced healthcare system and his deterioration in a distant hospital made a permanent impression on me. The experience exposed me to the serious inequalities in healthcare services and showed me how insufficient care can have catastrophic consequences. My mother’s recovery from a serious spinal injury combined with my hospital experience led me to pursue nursing so I could support patients and their families when they needed it most. My personal and professional life experiences led me to develop a strong commitment to advocating for dementia patients and advancing research in the field. Medical experts need better understanding of what triggers Alzheimer’s disease and dementia so they can create effective prevention strategies and treatment methods. During my nursing education I remain dedicated to learning about new research findings and medical interventions. My studies focus on understanding how early detection and lifestyle changes affect dementia progression and I am dedicated to teaching patients and their families about improving their quality of life. I am studying for my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at SUNY Delhi where I keep a perfect 3.8 GPA and work at ARC in a group home environment. I start my internship at a local hospital this summer to broaden my clinical abilities in acute care environments. I aim to become a registered nurse in emergency or acute care while supporting vulnerable populations through dementia care. Nurses maintain a critical position in healthcare by delivering direct patient care as well as by educating families about health matters while advocating for system enhancements and participating in public health campaigns to advance research on brain health and aging. Henry Respert's legacy leaves a profound impact on me. Through his mentorship and advocacy within Detroit combined with his personal dementia experience Henry Respert demonstrates why we must increase awareness and research efforts. His story along with the scholarship's goal to promote significant student contributions in healthcare and dementia research serve as my inspiration. I plan to utilize the scholarship support to advance my educational pursuits while participating in projects aimed at raising awareness about dementia and supporting research initiatives. I plan to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance dementia care methods and contribute to public educational programs about dementia awareness including early indicators and support resources. I maintain a strong dedication to driving dementia-related discussions forward while fighting against stigma and making sure patients and their families experience the compassionate and knowledgeable care they need. My professional and personal experiences have developed my dedication to healthcare and dementia advocacy. My work with Stacy Hart and similar patients has demonstrated how compassionate person-centered care significantly improves the quality of life for dementia patients. Through the Henry Respert scholarship I can maintain my vital work while advancing my professional development as a nurse and join efforts to better the lives of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia patients. I feel privileged to submit my application for this scholarship because I admire its mission to promote students who work towards healthcare advancements and dementia research.

As a child I experienced the devastating effects of terminal illness within my family during my grandmother's fight against brain cancer. The bravery she showed against her devastating diagnosis left a lasting impression on me which became a turning point in my life that motivated me to seek a future in healthcare. As I observed her fight against illness and supported my family during her last days I learned about the essential role compassionate care plays alongside medical advances in treating terminal diseases. My grandmother's death led me to nursing but my own fight with cancer provided additional motivation. Healthcare professionals diagnosed me with thyroid cancer during the year 2015. The fight against cancer tested me but it served as a major life-changing experience. Through direct observation I learned how healthcare professionals excel in both physical healing and emotional support. My recovery depended greatly on the nurses who provided my care. Their kindness and medical expertise during my health emergency inspired me to pursue nursing so that I could provide others with the same level of compassion and support. The untimely death of my father in Guatemala before we could bring him back to the United States to potentially save him became yet another painful chapter in my life. The sudden loss of my father and the inability to be next to him during his final days made me understand the necessity of delivering compassionate care to both patients and their families. The impact of illness on families inspires my dedication to healthcare as I strive to support others facing similar circumstances. My current path has presented numerous obstacles of its own. My mother recently experienced a severe hangman’s fracture which makes me her main caregiver. My dedication to nursing grew stronger as I struggled to balance my studies while caring for my mother. My drive to shape healthcare for the better has supported my academic path which includes maintaining a 3.8 GPA through various challenges. All my financial aid options have expired which means I must rely entirely on scholarships to complete my last year of nursing school. The costs of medical school and my family's medical bills have been overwhelming. The financial support from this scholarship would enable me to maintain my studies and concentrate on my academic and clinical training without worrying about educational expenses. The financial support would reduce my caregiving duties so I can keep working towards my nursing goal and create a meaningful impact in the world. I plan to use my nursing education to enhance medical care through compassionate treatment, patient advocacy, and assistance to families dealing with illness. My grandmother’s death combined with my cancer experience drives my ambition to assist others so that in the future nobody must battle illness without support. The scholarship represents an essential step which will enable me to reach my goal and make meaningful contributions to patient care innovations.

My single-parent upbringing demonstrated to me my mother's amazing power to endure and her capacity to put others first. Both my father and mother raised me within our low-income immigrant family and taught me perseverance and hard work through their example. My father died five years ago which led my mother to become my primary source of inspiration. My mother demonstrates absolute resilience and love as she continues to battle her severe neck injury alongside other tremendous challenges. I gained the understanding that no challenge is insurmountable and that family support along with diligence in work and learning creates a path to a better future through her example. Following my father's death my mother took on the vital role of the primary provider for our family. Despite the overwhelming responsibility, she never faltered. I watched as she balanced several jobs while putting her needs aside to afford me the resources needed for my educational pursuits. She provided me with solid emotional and moral support along with financial help through every obstacle we faced. The power of her strength and determination remains the main force that fuels my drive to succeed and show her how proud she can be. The most pressing responsibility I currently face involves providing care for my mother who experienced a severe hangman's fracture. She continues to persevere despite the overwhelming physical and emotional stress placed on our family. She demonstrates resilience by teaching me to persist toward my goals despite life’s difficulties. Her determination serves as a daily lesson in genuine care for others which inspires me to help people in a similar manner. Coming from a single-parent household has played a critical role in shaping my choice to pursue nursing. Through my experiences I have witnessed how compassionate care can positively transform someone's life. Through my nursing degree specialization in pediatric or emergency care I can connect with patients to deliver timely and meaningful healthcare assistance. The constant support my mother provided me throughout my life taught me how essential it is to give back to others which inspires me to help people in return. My primary aim when caring for children or assisting in emergency situations is to deliver comprehensive physical and emotional support so patients experience both value and understanding. With my financial aid depleted I must depend entirely on scholarships to finish my final year in nursing school. Despite the financial burden I faced during my studies I remained steadfast in my pursuit of becoming a nurse. This scholarship would supply me with essential funds to complete my degree enabling me to concentrate fully on my studies without the stress of tuition expenses. This scholarship will enable me to pursue my goal of helping people with my talents because my mother has done the same for me all my life. The education from my single-parent upbringing and my mother's demonstrated strength and resilience guide my professional ambitions and future plans. My educational journey will serve as a tribute to her sacrifices when I use it to benefit other people's lives. Receiving this scholarship will help me progress toward my dream of becoming a nurse and creating a significant impact in the world.

I embarked on my nursing career path due to my strong desire to learn and help others while creating a positive influence in the world. I pursue my chosen path with both intellectual curiosity and societal responsibility similar to Marian Sturz who united exploration with positive societal impact. In our low-income immigrant family education remained our path to empowerment. My father who immigrated from Guatemala spent his life working hard to support our family yet he lacked the means to achieve higher education. The sacrifices my father made taught me to cherish learning because I realized education has the power to unlock new opportunities and build a brighter future. My belief in the power of education to empower lives has driven me toward a career in healthcare to apply my skills in helping others directly. The diagnosis of thyroid cancer in 2015 transformed how I viewed life and health because of my personal fight against this disease. The experience strengthened my ambition to become a nurse while teaching me about the critical role of empathy and compassionate care in medical practice. During my treatment process, the nurses who looked after me attended to my emotional wellbeing by providing support and comfort while listening to my concerns in addition to addressing my physical health. The way my nurses cared for me motivated me to pursue nursing so I can provide equal levels of care and compassion to others. Throughout my academic journey I have sustained a 3.8 GPA while juggling school responsibilities alongside work and caring for my mother who suffered from a severe hangman’s fracture. The various challenges I face will not stop me from accomplishing my goal to become a nurse who helps patients from underserved communities make meaningful improvements in their lives. The healthcare system needs to provide services to all individuals regardless of their background which aligns with my desire to support this equitable mission. Through my nursing education I intend to administer medical care while simultaneously advocating for patients and making sure their emotional and mental health needs are met during treatment. My career focus lies in pediatric and emergency care because I want to create direct positive effects for children and their families. I plan to pursue ongoing education and knowledge growth within healthcare because I believe continuous learning leads to optimal patient care. With this scholarship I will receive essential financial backing to finish my nursing education so I can fulfill my aspiration to serve as a nurse who delivers medical treatment while supporting patients in their emotional struggles. I aspire to establish a legacy that reflects Marian Sturz’s enduring impact through my own dedication to compassion and service while working to enhance healthcare accessibility for everyone.

Life in a low-income immigrant home taught me the importance of education and its potential to open doors. My father who immigrated from Guatemala worked multiple jobs to support our family but could never attend higher education. My father's selfless sacrifices propelled me to create new opportunities for myself while working to improve my family's circumstances. Through all my obstacles I have stayed committed to education because I believe it provides the solution to ending poverty. My diagnosis with thyroid cancer in 2015 altered my perspective on life in profound ways. The physical complications from cancer proved difficult to manage but the emotional impact matched that difficulty. During my health crisis I discovered how crucial compassionate care is within the healthcare system. The nurses and medical professionals who attended to my needs provided emotional support which made me feel listened to and cared for during my toughest life period. My aspiration to become a nurse developed from witnessing firsthand how healthcare providers can affect both physical health and comprehensive well-being. I chose the nursing profession because I want to help people through pediatric or emergency care during their most crucial life moments. My journey towards becoming a nurse presented many difficulties. I have exhausted my financial aid resources and now depend entirely on scholarships to finance my final year of nursing school. My mother sustained a severe hangman’s fracture which requires my full attention for her care. The challenges of managing school work and caregiving responsibilities sometimes feel overwhelming yet my healthcare passion and drive to help others maintain my motivation. Even with these difficulties I have kept my GPA at 3.8 and I remain committed to finishing my nursing degree. The Mark Green Memorial Scholarship would provide essential financial support which would enable me to concentrate on my academic and clinical training without having to worry about educational expenses. This scholarship represents an opportunity to pay tribute to Mark Anthony Green's enduring legacy of determination and perseverance. Despite facing substantial challenges like Mark did I have remained motivated to progress because of my conviction that education can transform lives. My education will not only transform my own life but enable me to support other people especially those living in underserved communities. I plan to become a nurse who can deliver medical care and provide emotional assistance to both patients and their families during times of need. My career goal is to specialize in pediatric or emergency care so I can create meaningful impacts through my work with children and their families. My advocacy will focus on healthcare equity so everyone receives medical care regardless of their background. This scholarship will enable me to finish my degree and achieve my nurse career goal through substantial support. The scholarship will enable me to concentrate on delivering quality healthcare to patients without the stress of educational expenses.

The memory of Kalia D. Davis leaves a lasting impression on me because she showed remarkable resilience and dedication while maintaining excellence in all her pursuits. The dedication she showed toward her education and athletics along with her community leadership represents attributes I work to incorporate into my own existence. I admire Kalia's academic drive for excellence together with her Black Student Union leadership and her military service aspirations. I share Kalia's belief that hard work, kindness and a purposeful life are essential values to live by. She lived a brief journey that created deep effects and her enduring legacy pushes me to achieve greatness across all life areas. From an early age my family taught me to value education while also emphasizing the importance of serving others and striving for excellence. The principles I learned from my family have directed me throughout my academic achievements and community service efforts. Being a first-generation college student has meant dealing with barriers to resources and support that my classmates typically assume as given. The challenges I encountered throughout my journey made my determination stronger. My active involvement in volunteer work and community service together with a 3.8 GPA has given me a sense of purpose while fulfilling my academic goals. My participation in track and field athletics has played an essential role in my life journey. Sports taught me valuable lessons about determination alongside disciplined commitment to goals while emphasizing the significance of working together with others. My life experiences developed my character while strengthening my commitment to hard work and resilience which Kalia demonstrated throughout her lifetime. I share Kalia's passion for applying my education and abilities to support others. Kalia’s experiences illustrate to me why I should choose a profession that allows me to create real-world change. I dream of becoming a nurse because the field combines my enthusiasm for science with my dedication to caring for others and my devotion to community service. I aspire to become a healthcare provider who demonstrates compassion and kindness similar to the caregivers who supported me during my challenging life experiences. My personal experience with adversity gives me insight into how critical empathy is when caring for patients while ensuring they all feel valued regardless of their background. This scholarship will supply me with the necessary funds to finish my nursing degree. The scholarship would relieve the financial stress associated with tuition fees and other academic costs. This scholarship will enable me to dedicate more time to my studies and clinical learning essential for acquiring nursing skills that lead to professional competence and empathy. This opportunity would enable me to concentrate fully on perfecting my nursing abilities without having to worry about educational expenses. The lasting impact of Kalia's excellence and dedication to hard work and kindness has shaped my personal journey. She demonstrates that persistent dedication enables us to conquer any obstacles that we encounter. My goal is to embody Kalia's demonstrated work ethic and dedication to service in my own practices. Through this scholarship I can pursue my nursing ambitions while gaining financial support to maintain my educational path and build a successful future for both myself and my community. I dedicate myself to embody Kalia’s lasting legacy through my acts of giving back to my community, demonstrating kindness towards others, and pursuing excellence in every aspect of my life.

I approached my healthcare career choice with great consideration and reflection. As a child from an immigrant family with limited financial resources I observed firsthand how unequal healthcare access affected both individuals and their families. My father worked several jobs to support our family after immigrating from Guatemala yet lacked the resources he needed to get medical attention when he became sick. My upbringing instilled in me a responsibility to end financial hardship in my family and to serve my community through a career dedicated to assisting others from disadvantaged backgrounds like my own. The experience of my thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2015 shaped my decision to pursue a medical career. During my fight against cancer I received comprehensive care from medical professionals who offered both treatment and emotional support. The experience taught me the essential nature of holistic care which involves treating both a patient's physical health and mental well-being. The dedicated attention of my nurses made me feel both heard and supported while I went through this process and their compassionate care created a memorable impact on me. The care I received from nurses and doctors during my treatment strengthened my aspiration to become a nurse so I can provide others with the same compassionate healing I experienced. My path to attain a higher education degree as a first-generation immigrant from a low-income background has been filled with difficulties. I had to learn how to navigate the college application process entirely on my own while dealing with financial limitations that made college seem impossible. While balancing my mother's care after her severe hangman’s fracture I kept my GPA above 3.8 despite many obstacles. The challenges I faced strengthened my determination to graduate as a nurse and now I completely depend on scholarships for my last year of studies. My healthcare career goals combined with my dedication to serve underserved communities have guided me toward becoming a nurse. Pediatric and emergency care represent my specialty choices because they enable me to make fast direct changes to patients' outcomes. I aspire to become a healthcare practitioner who treats patients' physical conditions while also catering to their emotional and psychological needs along with those of their families. Diversity's role in healthcare is absolutely crucial which drives my dedication to being an agent of change because I know what it's like to navigate the system as a minority. Through the Maxwell Tuan Nguyen Memorial Scholarship I will receive essential financial assistance that enables me to complete my nursing degree so that I can fulfill my dream of becoming a transformative nurse who positively impacts the lives of patients. The scholarship will reduce my tuition expenses to enable me to concentrate better on my academic and clinical work. My education and experience will enable me to champion healthcare equity so every person has access to necessary care regardless of their background. This scholarship serves as both financial support and an investment in my future while affirming my dedication to creating positive changes in healthcare. I plan to honor the memory of the individuals who supported me through my health challenges by giving back to my community as I deliver compassionate comprehensive care to those who need it most.

My pursuit of a healthcare career as a first-generation immigrant BIPOC woman stems from the combined influence of my cultural identity and personal challenges alongside my strong intention to improve both physical and mental health outcomes. My childhood in a low-income environment exposed me directly to the consequences of unequal healthcare access. Working multiple jobs to support our family my Guatemalan immigrant father could not access medical care or support his health because he lacked necessary resources. The absence of quality healthcare and mental health support in my community created a permanent mark on my life which drove me to seek a profession that allows me to champion others facing similar challenges. Personal encounters with mental health challenges have played a crucial role in defining my life direction. My thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2015 brought physical challenges but also created an emotional burden that affected both me and my family deeply. The intense anxiety and fear I experienced during my diagnosis rarely received attention while medical treatment remained the primary focus. The compassionate care provided by my nurses led me to understand mental health's crucial role in the healing process. My nurses delivered essential physical care alongside emotional support which helped me confront my fears and struggles during recovery. My personal experience highlighted the necessity of creating a healthcare system that treats physical and mental health as equals while extending these services to underserved populations. The healthcare disparities I observed while growing up continually motivate my academic path in nursing. Through my nursing degree studies I am specializing in pediatric or emergency care while actively working to bring diversity into healthcare. Healthcare providers who understand minority cultural experiences tend to build stronger trust and connections with patients from those backgrounds. My personal experience as a minority in this country gives me insight into the specific barriers that underrepresented communities face when trying to access quality physical and mental healthcare. I aim to become a nurse who meets patients' physical needs while creating a supportive, empathetic environment for them to express mental health concerns. Making a meaningful impact on people's lives has always motivated me while I strive to become a role model for young women of color entering healthcare professions. My goal is to show people how they can realize their dreams and help their communities irrespective of systemic barriers. Healthcare diversity is crucial because patients from underserved areas need providers who understand their cultural backgrounds and their specific difficulties. This scholarship would play a crucial role in enabling me to finish my education while advancing toward achieving my nursing career goals. This scholarship would reduce my final year nursing school expenses which would help me concentrate on my academic and clinical education. I intend to apply my educational background towards expanding healthcare access for marginalized groups in both physical and mental health domains so no person faces neglect because of their heritage.

The foundation of my faith has supported the development of my core principles as well as my life purpose and future goals. My life experiences involved constant adversity yet I discovered how to overcome difficulties and maintain my values by steadfastly believing in God's plan. My personal journey brought me to adopt the pro-life position after I experienced life's delicate nature and understood the value of safeguarding life from beginning to end. The loss of a loved one stands as a crucial point in my life that greatly strengthened my pro-life dedication. Natalie’s family dealt with the unimaginable loss of a child which I have not experienced but I saw how life can end suddenly. All my life experiences have taught me that every existence possesses significant worth despite its potential shortness. My daily life is guided by my belief that my faith requires me to safeguard all human life from conception onwards. My belief system served as a crucial foundation for overcoming life’s obstacles while I pursued college as a first-generation student who faced financial challenges. The strength derived from my experiences allows me to follow my educational journey in law which I am called to pursue so I can represent those who need protection, especially the unborn. I am committed to a legal career because I am convinced that legal measures along with policy changes and public advocacy will enable me to protect life at every development stage. I plan to apply my education to represent unborn children and to campaign for healthcare policies that assist mothers along with their babies and families under any situation. My daily life reflects my faith through dedicated service work and compassionate actions while maintaining my commitment to pro-life principles. Through my volunteer work at shelters and support for women in crisis pregnancies as well as being an attentive listener to those seeking help, I demonstrate Christ's love toward all people. Every person should receive dignity and respect as well as the right to life without consideration of their personal situations. The core foundation of my pro-life movement involvement stems from this principle. My educational and professional journey progresses as my faith shapes my future objectives. My specialization goals in law and policy reform center on advancing pro-life initiatives through advocacy for legal protections for unborn children and vulnerable populations. My objective within healthcare policy is to create systems that empower women to make life-preserving choices through comprehensive support for pregnancy continuation and resources for those in difficult situations. My goal through a legal profession is to establish systemic modifications that guarantee every life receives protection from the law despite its fragility. The scholarship enables me to secure necessary educational funding which will allow me to apply my academic learning toward meaningful societal transformation. This opportunity enables me to fight for unborn rights while establishing a world where life receives protection from its beginning until natural death. I strive to express my faith through my educational background and abilities to protect justice and human dignity as well as uphold the sacredness of life for everyone.

As a first-generation immigrant from a low-income home I encountered multiple overwhelming obstacles. My father worked multiple jobs as an immigrant from Guatemala to support our family yet regarded education as a luxury rather than a basic right. The lack of resources prevented my parents from helping me understand college application procedures and academic system navigation. The obstacles I encountered made me realize education is essential to break my family's repeated history of poverty. I defied conventional norms by choosing to become a nurse. Traditional cultural norms dictated that women should focus primarily on family care and home duties rather than professional ambitions. My family wanted me to stay nearby and fulfill conventional responsibilities while I remained focused on building my own journey in healthcare. Choosing to become a nurse extended beyond securing a stable career because it represented an opportunity to give back to the community while making meaningful impacts on people's lives. My thyroid cancer experience in 2015 motivated me to join a meaningful cause beyond my own existence. My nurses showed me compassionate healthcare's strength when they provided both physical care and emotional support during my treatment. My choice to become a nurse became clear during my treatment at the hands of supportive nurses despite family expectations. Taking this unconventional route presented many challenges. My status as a first-generation immigrant left me without the academic support that my peers received. I needed to learn all aspects of my education journey alone including both the nursing school application and financial aid procedures. My academic duties became more stressful after taking on caregiving responsibilities for my mother following her severe hangman’s fracture. I have achieved a 3.8 GPA while working part-time in the Emergency Department to acquire practical experience despite my challenging circumstances. The journey I've taken taught me lessons that transformed my understanding of the world. Through my experiences I've realized the vital roles resilience, perseverance, and self-advocacy play in success. Following my passion and building my own future justifies defying social expectations according to my understanding. Through these experiences I developed greater strength and determination to move forward because I want to succeed not only for myself but also for my family and community. My trailblazing journey seeks to motivate young women from immigrant backgrounds to defy societal expectations and achieve their dreams despite facing challenges. I intend to demonstrate to others that they can disrupt generational patterns and develop new empowering stories centered on ambition. My future goals have been molded by my personal experiences. My career objective is to focus on pediatric and emergency care because these fields allow me to make meaningful changes in patients’ lives. I aim to deliver excellent healthcare to underprivileged groups while actively promoting equal access to medical services. The scholarship will provide the financial support necessary for me to finish my nursing studies and break free from the traditions that have restricted my community and communities similar to mine. The scholarship will enable me to enhance my study and clinical training so that I can become a nurse who heals patients and inspires them to pursue their dreams similar to my own journey.

My experiences as a first-generation college student from a low-income home taught me to value helping others during tough times. Although my father worked hard to sustain our family after immigrating from Guatemala he could not attend college himself. His sacrifices went beyond money and focused on securing a better future for me despite his own limitations. My motivation to pursue higher education stemmed from a desire to honor my father's hard work while building a future that combines opportunity and service. In 2015 my life changed dramatically when I received a thyroid cancer diagnosis. My treatment revealed how nurses played a crucial role in my recovery while I faced the healthcare system. The medical treatment I received was important but the true difference came from the empathy and compassion that healthcare professionals demonstrated toward me. My nurses provided comprehensive care by attending to my emotional needs during my illness as well as managing its physical aspects. The care I received during my treatment motivated me to pursue nursing so I can extend the same level of compassion to people experiencing major health challenges. My nursing degree program will lead me to work with underrepresented groups as an emergency room or pediatric care nurse. My educational path has involved numerous obstacles throughout its duration. I have exhausted my financial aid options and depend entirely on scholarships to finish my education. My current responsibilities include providing care for my mother after she experienced a severe hangman’s fracture. The simultaneous management of school responsibilities and work duties along with caregiving tasks sometimes feels overwhelming yet my dedication to becoming a healthcare professional who will make a global impact remains strong. I have developed a strong dedication to improving the world because of my personal experiences with sickness, caregiving responsibilities, and economic struggles. Healthcare professionals need both technical knowledge and emotional understanding to succeed, which is why I aim to utilize my educational background to help those who need assistance. I aspire to become a nurse who listens to her patients while delivering superb medical care and being empathetic during their challenging times. By providing the necessary financial support, this scholarship will play an essential role in assisting me to finish my nursing degree while allowing me to focus on my studies and clinical training without the stress of educational expenses. I strongly believe in utilizing my educational background to serve others and support my community while focusing on helping people from similar backgrounds who lack adequate healthcare access. My future goal is to serve patients during their times of need while also using my position to promote access to healthcare for all and fight for healthcare equity. My goal is to create a world in which high-quality care is accessible to people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. This scholarship will enable me to pursue my goal of positively influencing healthcare as I progress in my career.

Financial difficulties and my first-generation student responsibilities made my aspirations appear unreachable during my childhood in a low-income immigrant household. Despite working multiple jobs to sustain our family needs my father who immigrated from Guatemala never achieved his dream of attending higher education. My father's sacrifices empowered me to pursue my dreams and end our family's cycle of poverty. However, my journey hasn’t been without obstacles. A thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2015 led to a treatment process which reshaped my life path. Through my experience I understood that healthcare professionals, especially nurses, serve as crucial medical caregivers and emotional supporters during difficult times. My personal experience became the driving force behind my choice to pursue nursing with a focus on pediatric or emergency care as I want to make direct life-changing impacts during critical situations. I am currently managing my educational responsibilities alongside my job while taking care of my mother who sustained a serious hangman’s fracture. I maintain a part-time position in the Emergency Department to continue building my practical experience. Although I have maintained a 3.8 GPA throughout my studies my financial aid funding has ended leaving me dependent on scholarships to complete my nursing education. The loss of financial aid has increased the difficulty of my existing challenging situation. The F.O.O. Project Scholarship would help me eliminate my financial stress to better concentrate on my studies and clinical work instead of worrying about paying for my education. I plan to use my academic training to deliver empathetic medical care to marginalized communities while promoting equal access to healthcare services. The scholarship enables me to finish my education so I can become a nurse who helps improve my community.

The decision to pursue higher education stands as one of the most significant choices I have ever made in my life. My upbringing in a low-income immigrant household taught me that education was essential for improving both my future prospects and those of my family. As an immigrant from Guatemala my father worked relentlessly to support our family by holding three jobs as a short-order cook on chicken farms and as a waiter in catering services. His tireless hard work never granted him access to higher education opportunities. My father's sacrifices motivated me to reach for greater educational goals which he could not achieve despite the enormous challenges I faced along this journey. Being a first-generation college student meant I entered an educational system with no guidance from family members who had previously experienced it. I entered the college application process without any family guidance for financial aid paperwork or information about life at school. I found myself without any guidance so I needed to learn how to maneuver through this unfamiliar world independently. The journey felt daunting but I kept moving forward because I knew this opportunity would shape both my future and that of my descendants. The absence of a family support system combined with financial limitations has consistently posed significant obstacles. The lack of family resources to support my education forced me to search for alternative ways to cover my tuition fees as well as the costs for textbooks and other school necessities. My attendance at school was coupled with holding multiple part-time jobs to maintain a balance between my educational and work responsibilities. I currently provide care for my mother who suffered a severe hangman’s fracture. The pressure to secure education funding after financial aid ended combined with these responsibilities creates a heavy burden. While I face numerous challenges I continue to work towards my nursing degree to help others. My education pursuit journey delivered multiple forms of preparation. Above all else this journey has shown me how to be resilient and persevere. My educational journey has equipped me with time management skills while teaching me to balance my various duties and tackle problems as they emerge. My experiences have strengthened my yearning to pursue a career in healthcare where I can serve underprivileged populations. When I fought thyroid cancer in 2015 I gained direct knowledge about compassionate care and discovered my desire to become a nurse who treats medical conditions while offering emotional support to patients and their families. The care I received from nurses during my illness inspired me to become someone who changes lives in the healthcare field. My status as a first-generation college student has molded my character in ways that will enhance my nursing career. This experience showed me how crucial hard work and determination are and why generating opportunities matters for myself and others. I want to become a nurse to secure my own future while creating better opportunities for my family and serving as an inspiration for people from similar backgrounds. My passion for assisting others drives me to continuously work towards my educational goals despite facing many challenges. This scholarship would allow me to finish my nursing degree by providing essential financial support while alleviating my present financial burdens. The scholarship will enable me to dedicate myself to my studies while gaining clinical experience and achieve my aspiration of becoming a nurse who positively impacts my community.

My upbringing in a low-income immigrant family created numerous challenges for my path to university education. My lack of the typical advantages and resources available to other students who had parents with college experience presented significant challenges which I overcame through determination and resilience. Despite working multiple jobs to support our family my father never received the chance to pursue an education because he was an immigrant from Guatemala. His sacrifices pushed me to obtain better prospects through my educational pursuits. I always understood education as my route to a better life but only realized my true path after facing personal health difficulties. I received a thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2015 and had to undergo surgery followed by permanent medication treatment. My treatment journey revealed how healthcare professionals especially nurses embodied vital roles by delivering medical assistance and emotional support as well as empathy and guidance. This period in my life made it clear to me that nursing was the career path I wanted to pursue so I could provide direct care to people when they are most vulnerable. My educational journey became more focused because of this event and now I aim to achieve registration as a nurse with a specialization in either pediatric or emergency care. While I have dealt with personal health challenges my family also encountered additional hardships. My mother has a severe hangman’s fracture and I am taking care of her. Working in the Emergency Department and managing both schoolwork and family care presents challenges but strengthens my dedication to becoming a healthcare provider who helps others. Through these experiences I have developed my values and goals which have shown me how essential service and empathy are and how perseverance leads to success. Attending college as the first family member to do so required me to face higher education challenges without any established guidance. The lack of financial resources to support my education forced me to seek scholarships for my nursing degree. The end of my financial aid package means I must depend only on scholarships to finish my final year at nursing school. I remain steadfast in my commitment to finish my degree and leverage my education to benefit my community. My identity revolves around a commitment to public service. The life of John F. Rowe, Jr. serves as a powerful example of both resilience and commitment to service which inspires me. My personal experiences have molded my aspiration to help others in the same manner that they influenced John. I aim to spend my life working in healthcare to support people in need with a particular focus on serving underserved communities that struggle to find quality medical care. I intend to apply my education to deliver physical care and emotional support to patients in the way I received during my cancer treatment. The financial support from this scholarship would enable me to achieve my goals by helping me finish my degree. The scholarship would eliminate financial concerns so I can concentrate solely on my academic and clinical training. This scholarship would bring me closer to my goal of nursing so I can touch lives in the manner that John F. Rowe, Jr. did through his lifelong service commitment.

The path to higher education as a first-generation student has brought me many rewards but also numerous challenges along the way. My upbringing in a low-income immigrant household taught me education serves dual purposes: building a successful career and breaking the chain of generational disadvantage. As an immigrant from Guatemala my father held several jobs to provide for us yet he never found the opportunity to study formally. Because of his sacrifices I felt compelled to realize his dreams and attending college became my way to uphold his legacy. Being the first family member to enroll in college required me to learn how to manage an educational system that was both new to me and frequently difficult to understand. The financial burden has remained a persistent source of stress during my educational journey because I have had to deal with financial aid applications and work out the costs for textbooks and clinical programs. I have exhausted my financial aid funds and now depend entirely on scholarships to finish my final year of nursing school. The challenges I face did not deter my focus on educational goals because I want to make a difference in my community. I am working towards earning a nursing degree with specialties in pediatric and emergency care to help neglected communities benefit from my healthcare knowledge. My career objectives were influenced by my own battle with thyroid cancer which I successfully fought in 2015. Throughout my treatment I received both medical care and emotional support from the nurses who helped me through my challenging period. The compassion and empathy shown by the nurses who cared for me during my treatment motivated me to pursue nursing so I can deliver equivalent compassionate care to my patients. I want to focus on pediatric and emergency care because this specialization allows me to deliver immediate help to patients who need it. Through my work in pediatric and emergency care I intend to deliver both medical expertise and emotional support to children and their families when they face challenging situations. With my education I aim to represent underserved populations who lack quality healthcare access. The limited medical resources in my childhood community allowed me to witness the direct impact healthcare disparities have on families who are low-income or immigrants. My goal is to work as an RN in communities like my childhood home where I can deliver healthcare services and educational resources to assist people in understanding the healthcare system. I aim to mentor first-generation students from low-income and immigrant backgrounds to demonstrate that higher education is achievable despite potential barriers. My goal is to support peers while sharing my journey so they can reach their aspirations just as I worked to accomplish my goals. The scholarship would give me the necessary financial aid to finish my nursing degree while enabling me to contribute to my community. The financial support would enable me to finish my studies without being stressed about expenses so I can concentrate on creating a substantial healthcare impact. This scholarship supports my education which enables me to help my community in the future through compassionate care and advocacy along with mentorship.

Embarking on my educational journey at this point in life has proven to be both demanding and life-changing. Throughout my life as a 47-year-old adult learner I dedicated myself to hard work to support my family while managing caregiving duties and enduring financial struggles. As a child from a low-income family I could not imagine myself going to college. As an immigrant from Guatemala my father worked several jobs to support our family without getting the opportunity to attend college. Although education held significance for me my main focus remained on surviving and securing a consistent income. My thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2015 fundamentally changed how I viewed my future both personally and professionally. During my treatment the nurses who cared for me left a profound impact on me because they demonstrated exceptional medical expertise alongside their emotional support. My desire to become a nurse emerged from wanting to physically assist people and provide emotional support during their most challenging life moments. The journey toward nursing proved to be a challenging endeavor for me. By the time I decided to become a nurse I had reached my late 30s without any formal education past high school. Although the journey was difficult I committed myself to return to school and achieve my dream of becoming a nurse. Throughout my journey I faced many challenges. I manage my full-time studies while providing care for my mother who sustained a severe hangman’s fracture. I have faced overwhelming periods managing my educational duties along with my work responsibilities and caregiving tasks yet I maintain my commitment to my educational objectives. I work part-time in the Emergency Department (ED) to build experience but have exhausted my financial aid and now depend on scholarships to finish my final year of nursing school. My personal values and career goals have developed through these life experiences. My journey through health challenges and caregiving tasks has strengthened my resolve to become a nurse. My experiences have taught me that compassion and empathy combined with perseverance through tough times is crucial. As a nurse my ability to show compassion and empathy will help me support patients who deal with severe illnesses or injuries. Through my education I intend to serve my community by providing compassionate and excellent healthcare to underserved individuals who require it most. I want to join emergency care or pediatric nursing so that I can deliver immediate help to people who are dealing with serious situations. My ultimate ambition is to connect healthcare services with marginalized communities so all individuals can obtain the necessary medical care and support irrespective of their financial status or cultural background. The scholarship is essential for reaching my life objectives. The scholarship will remove my financial obstacles for completing my degree so I can concentrate on my education while gaining the practical experience required to become a nurse. This scholarship will help me move towards my dream of helping others while allowing me to follow in the footsteps of nurses who supported me during my difficult times.

The experience of cancer has profoundly influenced my life path and determined my professional goals. My thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2015 revealed to me how critical cancer research is and how essential healthcare professionals are to patient treatment. The difficult journey ignited my desire to make meaningful contributions to gastric cancer research which urgently requires advancements. Being the first person in my family to attend college required me to face and conquer both financial and academic obstacles to reach my dreams. Working several jobs as an immigrant from Guatemala to provide for our family my father demonstrated immense dedication which inspires me to fulfill his unrealized dream of earning a college degree. I am currently pursuing a nursing degree and specializing in oncology while aiming to achieve research excellence as an oncology nurse. My aspiration to advance cancer prevention methods and improve treatment and care systems drives my professional goals. My academic pursuits run parallel to my deep commitment to aiding underserved communities because I have personally seen the healthcare access disparities that exist. I intend to employ my oncology research background and educational insights to champion improved cancer treatment options for marginalized communities. My goal is to combine research efforts with patient advocacy to create meaningful progress in cancer treatment while ensuring affected individuals get necessary healthcare access. This scholarship will allow me to maintain my academic pursuits and develop my career aspirations. The support from this opportunity will enable me to advance my cancer research work which aims to enhance patient outcomes and help the fight against cancer.

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First-generation college students face greater challenges than education alone since they build family educational pathways, conquer personal and economic barriers, and enable new possibilities. My background as an immigrant father's daughter who supported our family through multiple jobs taught me the value of hard work and sacrifice. My educational journey has presented unique difficulties throughout its progression. I navigated the complex processes of college applications, financial aid requirements, and academic expectations without any family guidance from those who experienced higher education. As a member of a low-income family I viewed college attendance as something beyond reach. To support our family my father who immigrated from Guatemala held jobs as a short-order cook and chicken farm worker along with catering service waiter duties. His relentless work did not provide enough financial means to fulfill my college goals. My father always taught me that education serves as a pathway to better future opportunities. The sacrifices my father made and his dreams for my future became the main reason why I chose to pursue higher education. The basis of my future growth rests on his strong work ethic and resilient spirit. My diagnosis with thyroid cancer in 2015 led to a thyroidectomy and ongoing medication requirements. My personal medical battle redirected my life path and intensified my aspiration to become a nurse. The support from the nurses during my treatment proved transformative due to their emotional care. My goal became to practice nursing with both medical expertise and the compassion and empathy that I received during my treatment. My cancer recovery journey gave me the necessary strength and determination to persist in my educational path regardless of any challenges I face. While I face my own health issues I am also taking care of my mother who recently sustained a severe hangman’s fracture. My studies combined with work in the Emergency Department and caregiving responsibilities have created significant challenges for me. My dedication to nursing as a career grew stronger as I kept a 3.8 GPA while working part-time to acquire valuable experience. My educational journey has become more difficult because tuition costs along with textbook expenses and clinical program fees have increased after my financial aid finished. My current plan to complete nursing school depends exclusively on scholarships for my remaining year. As a first-generation student I have learned how to be resilient and independent while understanding that I must build a better future for myself and my family. I plan to become a registered nurse who will specialize in pediatrics or emergency care in the future. My aim is to deliver compassionate care to patients while supporting their families throughout challenging periods. My goal is to guide other first-generation students especially from immigrant backgrounds to succeed by demonstrating that dedication and perseverance will enable them to reach their objectives. This scholarship will provide the necessary financial assistance for me to finish my degree while advancing toward my ultimate goals. This scholarship grants me the freedom to concentrate on my studies because it eliminates my financial concerns for my education. My goals include serving my community while recognizing my father's sacrifices and ending the educational disadvantages faced by my family.

I consider education important because it represents both a route to professional achievement and a means to stop the cycle of hardship in my family. As the first person in my family to attend college I bear the responsibility of fulfilling my family's dreams for improved opportunities. Though he worked several jobs to support our family as a Guatemalan immigrant, my father never had a chance to attend college. His dedication and efforts encouraged me to reach for greater achievements. I am focused on accomplishing what he missed and by doing so I will create opportunities for the coming generations of my family. My upbringing instilled in me the belief that education could unlock a better future. My family lacked the economic means necessary to fund my college expenses. My path to higher education became difficult because applying to school and managing financial aid and related expenses created multiple obstacles. My father’s sacrifices and the wish to improve my family’s life circumstances have served as my primary motivation. Education served as both a personal opportunity and a means to repay my parents and support my community. My dedication to earning my degree has not wavered even though I faced financial, emotional, and personal challenges throughout my journey. My thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2015 resulted in the removal of my thyroid gland and the need for continuous medication. My personal health experience increased my determination to enter healthcare and highlighted the necessity of comprehensive medical and emotional support. The compassionate care and comfort provided by the nurses who looked after me during treatment created a lasting positive impact during my life's most difficult time. The experience convinced me to follow a nursing career so I can create a positive impact on others who have faced illness like myself and understand the importance of compassionate care. My nursing program continues this year while I maintain a 3.8 GPA but I no longer receive financial aid. Finishing my education depends entirely on scholarship funds. Caring for my mother after her severe hangman’s fracture made funding my education an overwhelming responsibility. I will finish my degree and get my RN license to honor my father’s vision for me while supporting myself. I desire to establish a legacy focused on supporting cancer survivors and first-generation immigrants who work toward healthcare careers. My goal is to motivate individuals from backgrounds like mine to recognize that they can achieve medical careers despite any challenges they face. Through the sharing of my personal experiences and offering guidance to those who require it I strive to motivate and assist students from like backgrounds to pursue their dreams. The scholarship offers me the monetary support required to complete my education and achieve my nursing career aspiration. The scholarship will give me the chance to pay tribute to my father’s sacrifices while helping me pursue my healthcare goals so I can make an impact both for myself and others who want to create better futures for their families.

My personal path to becoming a pediatric nurse has been defined by my own illness experiences and the deaths of family members while receiving essential care during life's toughest moments. The fight against thyroid cancer which I faced in 2015 became a defining moment that led me to choose pediatric medicine as my career path. My treatment experience revealed the profound difference compassionate medical professionals can make for patients and their families. The medical care I received from nurses and healthcare workers included emotional support and comforting reassurance that enabled me to endure my most challenging days. The combination of their medical skills with genuine empathy and kindness made such a strong impression that I decided to pursue a career similar to theirs. My journey toward becoming a pediatric nurse involved overcoming extra challenges because I am a first-generation student from a low-income background. The lack of financial resources in my family posed significant barriers to my education while the college application process remained complicated without any guidance. My father worked various jobs such as a short-order cook, chicken farm worker, and catering service waiter but continued to stress the importance of obtaining an education. He made tremendous sacrifices to support me financially until he passed away five years ago when I felt compelled to honor his dreams by building a better future for myself. Since my father died I’ve taken on the responsibility of caring for my mother who received a severe hangman’s fracture. The demanding nature of managing my mother's care alongside Emergency Department work and academic pursuits has tested me but strengthened my wish to work in pediatric nursing. Providing both medical and emotional support to children with serious illnesses stands as a vital responsibility. I strive to become the nurse that provides children with medical care as well as comfort and security during challenging and fearful times. I am finishing nursing school with a GPA of 3.8 while my financial aid support has expired. My completion of my degree now depends entirely on scholarships. My personal commitments combined with the costs of tuition, nursing textbooks, and clinical programs prevent me from concentrating on my studies because I must constantly think about how to pay for them. This scholarship enables me to complete my nursing degree while pursuing my dream to work as a pediatric nurse. I chose pediatric nursing because I want to create positive changes in children's lives and support their families. I wish to focus my medical practice in pediatric oncology or cancer research in the Pacific Northwest so I can assist children with cancer and their families in overcoming their difficulties. This scholarship enables me to advance my educational journey while paying tribute to my father and working toward becoming the compassionate nurse I envision myself as.

Being a first-generation student from a low-income background has presented me with multiple obstacles throughout my educational journey. My family's limited access to higher education opportunities taught me early on that obtaining a degree would present significant challenges. As an immigrant from Guatemala my father worked long hours in different positions including as a short-order cook and chicken farm worker to support our family. His dedication to work never allowed him to complete his own education. The death of my father five years ago made me feel even more compelled to honor his sacrifices by completing my degree. My journey through higher education proved challenging. Being the first person in my family to attend college meant I lacked immediate family guidance for college applications and financial aid support. My life underwent unexpected changes when I received a thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2015. During my treatment I became aware of how meaningful the nursing profession can be through the exceptional care provided by nurses. Nurses helped me heal through their medical knowledge and emotional support which inspired me to become a nurse. My resolve to become a nurse who can address patients’ medical needs while providing compassionate care I received grew stronger through this experience. I find it difficult to manage academic work alongside employment and caregiving duties. While gaining experience in Emergency Department work on a part-time basis, I provide care for my mother who has suffered from a severe hangman’s fracture. Beyond my existing responsibilities my financial aid has ended forcing me to depend entirely on scholarships to finish my nursing program. My educational costs for textbooks and clinical programs create overwhelming financial pressure since they are essential for my success. My studies suffer from constant financial concerns even though I hold a 3.8 GPA. The scholarship will deliver essential financial backing to help me advance through my nursing degree. The financial assistance will enable me to manage expenses for textbooks, clinical programs and tuition while diminishing the financial load I currently bear. The ability to concentrate on my studies without financial stress will enable me to fully participate in my education and finish my last year with the dedication and excellence I aim for. This scholarship provides me with financial assistance and enables me to honor my father's sacrifices while applying his teachings of hard work and resilience. This scholarship will help me reach my goal of becoming a nurse so I can make a meaningful impact on other people's lives. My personal encounters with cancer and caregiving have taught me about the essential role of empathy and support in healthcare which I am committed to integrating into my future clinical practice. Receiving this scholarship will enable me to pursue my educational aims while making significant contributions to nursing which will also allow me to serve my community and pay tribute to my father's heritage.

The educational journey of a first-generation college student like myself has been filled with numerous challenges and complications. My educational journey was marked by numerous obstacles such as financial issues along with personal health issues and family caregiving duties. Through these experiences I have developed a perspective that drives me to apply my educational background and special abilities toward creating positive changes globally. My Guatemalan-born father worked relentlessly across several jobs like short-order cook and chicken farm worker to support our family. Even though he worked very hard his entire life he could not complete college because of this he faced restricted opportunities which I observed directly. Five years after my father's death I understood that my pursuit of higher education served as a way to pay tribute to his sacrifices and his dreams for my future. His commitment and diligence remind me of perseverance’s importance and I aim to achieve his aspirations through my nursing degree completion. The death of my father came alongside personal health issues I had to face. The doctors diagnosed me with thyroid cancer in 2015 which led to the need for thyroid removal surgery followed by ongoing medication treatment. This experience taught me about the essential responsibilities nurses hold in both medical treatments and emotional support. Nurses showed me deep compassion throughout my recovery which inspired me to enter the nursing profession to deliver similar care to others. This period made me realize that empathy plays a crucial role in healthcare by enabling compassionate individuals to deliver comfort and support when others face challenging times. I provide home care for my mother who suffered a severe hangman’s fracture while working part-time in the Emergency Department to build work experience. The simultaneous demands of caregiving responsibilities and work duties while attending school became difficult because my financial aid finished. Scholarships serve as my exclusive source of financial support for my final year of nursing school. My focus suffers because the financial burden works alongside work and caregiving responsibilities. I am steadfast in my resolve to finish my nursing degree so that I can utilize my knowledge to create positive change around the world. The obstacles I've experienced as the first in my family to attend school together with life's difficulties have shown me how important empathy and understanding truly are. True success encompasses both academic accomplishments and our behaviors toward vulnerable or struggling individuals. Nursing presents me with the chance to deliver physical care as well as build an environment where patients experience being noticed and comprehended. My nursing abilities will help me promote compassionate patient care while building an empathetic and understanding global community. I aim to become a nurse who listens attentively and explains procedures while advocating for patients who lack a voice. Through my education journey toward becoming a nurse I intend to help make the world a more compassionate place. I promise to apply my educational background and personal experiences to support my patients physically and emotionally through understanding and emotional support. The purpose of my goal is to establish a medical setting that prioritizes empathy alongside medical skills and ensures all patients receive the respect and dignity they need. The financial aid from this scholarship will enable me to complete my nursing education while allowing me to pursue my goal of creating meaningful change in the world. Through my nursing care I will complete my education and honor my father's sacrifices while helping build a more empathetic and understanding global community.

My career aspirations have developed as a result of being a first-generation college student. As a child I saw my Guatemalan immigrant father sustain our family by working three jobs. He worked relentlessly but never achieved higher education and I directly experienced the barriers his educational shortcomings produced. My father's death five years ago made me feel an intense responsibility to achieve the dreams he held for me since he couldn't fulfill them. Being a first-generation college student in my family brought me numerous challenges. My peers possessed greater financial means and higher education understanding which I lacked. Not having a roadmap complicated my path but simultaneously strengthened my determination to achieve success. Learning resilience through my thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2015 continues to guide my life path today. My cancer treatment period showed me the profound impact of compassionate care. Nurses assisted my recovery by providing both medical knowledge and emotional support. I chose to pursue nursing as a career because it allows me to make a direct positive impact during people's most vulnerable moments. Besides dealing with my health issues I provide care for my mother who experienced a serious hangman’s fracture. The struggle of managing both my caregiving duties and my professional and academic commitments has fortified my determination to finish my nursing studies. My academic performance yielded a 3.8 GPA yet I now depend entirely on scholarships to support my final year of nursing education. The cost of tuition and mandatory nursing materials plus clinical programs became unmanageable when my financial aid finally expired. My part-time work in the Emergency Department (ED) provided me with important practical experience although it failed to cover all my educational expenses. As a first-generation student I have found both motivation to succeed and a powerful urge to give back to my community. The challenges I faced while caring for my father during his illness and subsequent passing have strengthened my resolve to assist people who endure similar hardships. I aspire to become a nurse who provides immediate assistance to patients through medical treatment and emotional support in critical care and emergency services. The Phoenix Opportunity Award will supply me with essential financial backing to complete my studies and achieve my nursing career goal. The award will enable me to complete my education without financial burdens which will allow me to fulfill my father's memory while creating significant contributions to healthcare.

The sacrifices and hard work of my family influenced my educational journey since I am an immigrant father's child from Guatemala. My father worked as a short-order cook and chicken farm worker before becoming a catering service waiter and never received formal education but he showed me how vital education is. My father taught me education serves multiple purposes beyond employment as it leads to improved life quality and breaks poverty cycles while creating future opportunities. The path I took as a first-generation college student represents my father’s sacrifices combined with his hopes for my future. From the start of my life in a low-income immigrant family it became clear that accessing higher education would be a difficult challenge. Without family financial support for my education I faced challenges navigating college applications and financial aid since I lacked any firsthand experience through personal connections. My father's belief in education powered my determination to go to college despite all the obstacles I faced. His passing five years ago marked the beginning of ongoing reflection on his sacrifices which now benefit me through my present opportunities. The year 2015 brought my thyroid cancer diagnosis which necessitated a thyroidectomy surgery followed by continuous medication for the rest of my life. My pursuit of nursing as a profession became stronger after I went through this experience. Throughout my treatment period my nurses delivered medical proficiency while providing emotional support which greatly contributed to my healing process. The compassionate care I received during my treatment inspired me to train as a nurse so I can provide similar support for patients when they need it most. The path I traveled encountered numerous difficulties. I manage my academic responsibilities and career goals while serving as the main caretaker for my mother who sustained a serious hangman’s fracture. Caring for my mother and working full-time while attending school presented major challenges yet reinforced my determination to finish my nursing degree and enter the nursing field. Even though I maintain a 3.8 GPA through part-time work in the Emergency Department for practical experience my tuition and required nursing books at $778 alongside expensive programs like ATI and Shadow Health costing over $1,000 create significant financial challenges. I have exhausted my financial aid and now depend exclusively on scholarships to pay for my education. Although I face financial obstacles and demanding educational requirements I stay determined to achieve my nursing career goal. I aspire to work in emergency or critical care so I can deliver vital life-saving treatments to patients while also offering them necessary emotional support and direction. I am dedicated to returning service to my community by supporting underserved groups who lack proper healthcare resources as my family does. This scholarship will enable me to overcome financial difficulties associated with nursing school and provide me with the means to concentrate fully on my educational and clinical training requirements. The award will provide me with an opportunity to preserve the legacy of my father who made significant sacrifices to support my educational journey. I remain steadfast in my pursuit to become a nurse while simultaneously facing life's hardships such as losing my father and battling cancer alongside my caregiver duties. My educational journey will enable me to impact others' lives in the same way that nurses who cared for me positively shaped my own life. The award of this scholarship allows me to realize my aspirations while I pledge to employ my nursing degree for helping others with equal compassion and care that I experienced in my journey.

The journey toward obtaining a college degree has always seemed like an uphill battle to me as a first-generation low-income student. My family lacked financial means to support my academic goals during my upbringing and nobody in my family could help me with college applications. My parents never had the chance to attend college because my father worked as a short-order cook, chicken farm worker and catering service waiter to support our family until he passed away five years ago. My motivation to strive for success comes from his dedication to work and sacrifices he made because they inspire me to push through challenges. The death of my father strengthened my commitment to higher education because I realized that it was my chance to build a better life while fulfilling my father's aspirations. I joined nursing school to become a nurse who could impact people's lives like the nurses who supported me through my thyroid cancer treatment in 2015. The nurses attended to my physical needs and gave me emotional support which demonstrated compassionate care's true power. The experience which led me to pursue nursing solidified my dedication to this career path and I have maintained a 3.8 GPA while facing multiple challenges. As a nursing student I face overwhelming financial burdens throughout my education. During this semester I need to spend $778 on nursing books along with each of the ATI and Shadow Health programs that exceed $1,000 in cost. The combination of material costs, tuition fees and living expenses creates a substantial financial burden that intensifies because my financial aid no longer covers these expenses. My education depends entirely on scholarship funding at this point. I maintain a part-time position in the Emergency Department at my local hospital to build my experience while managing my academic work but finding equilibrium between my job, caregiving duties and studies has become overly demanding. I must offer my mother constant care due to her severe hangman’s fracture while also managing my school work and job responsibilities. The combination of physical and emotional demands from these responsibilities together with financial stress prevents me from dedicating myself fully to my studies. I maintain my dedication to finishing my nursing degree and working towards impacting lives positively in underserved communities. My educational journey through college represents the essential step needed to escape poverty and establish a superior life for myself. The power of education unlocks opportunities and a nursing degree enables me to support my family while also serving others in a meaningful manner. The field of nursing excites me and I will overcome any obstacles I encounter to finish my studies and contribute positively to healthcare. The scholarship will give me the essential financial support to finish my educational journey and maintain my pursuit of becoming a nurse. The scholarship will decrease the financial strain of buying required textbooks and programs so that I can study without financial concerns. This scholarship helps me advance toward my objective of becoming a nurse while allowing me to contribute to the world.

Our dreams serve as the powerful force that pushes us forward to reach our intended goals. My lifelong aspiration has been to pursue nursing to assist people with special needs and marginalized communities. My background as a first-generation college student from a low-income family taught me that achieving my dream requires determination and hard work alongside the strength to face life's challenges. My earliest memories include observing my parents' continuous efforts to support our family. My Guatemalan immigrant father took on multiple jobs as a short-order cook, chicken farm worker and catering service waiter to fulfill my needs. My father taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance along with the belief that education leads to a better future despite not having a formal education himself. He died five years earlier yet his influence drives me to continue my daily efforts. The sacrifices he made push me to overcome the financial and systemic challenges that block my path to nursing. My thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2015 led to surgical removal of my thyroid and an ongoing need for medication. My firsthand experience with healthcare treatment led me to deeply understand the essential role nurses provide in patient care. The nurses attended to my physical needs while also giving me emotional support when I needed it the most. Their empathetic care and compassionate treatment pushed me to follow a nursing career path so I could become a caregiver who creates significant positive outcomes for others. Despite facing difficulties I am successfully working towards my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree while keeping my GPA at 3.8. The termination of my financial aid has forced me to depend on scholarships to finish my nursing program's final year. I work part-time at the Emergency Department at my local hospital to gain practical experience while taking care of my mother who sustained a severe hangman’s fracture. The combination of attending school, working and providing care has been challenging but my aspiration to become a nurse remains my guiding force which drives me towards success. I am dedicated to utilizing all available resources to make my dream come true. Education serves as the crucial element which will enable me to access the opportunities required to create enduring contributions in healthcare. My future plans include completing my nursing education and earning my RN license through persistent effort. Once I complete my nursing degree I want to specialize in pediatric or emergency care because I can provide immediate life-saving treatment as well as emotional support to patients and their families in these fields. I aspire to support underserved communities by advocating for people who lack access to quality healthcare and making certain they get the necessary care and attention. Through the scholarship I will receive financial relief which helps me finish my education and achieve my dream while overcoming the continuous financial obstacles I faced during my studies. This financial support will enable me to concentrate on my academic work and clinical practice while preparing for my professional path so I can transform my healthcare enthusiasm into meaningful outcomes for people's lives. I remain resolved to realize my dream through diligent work and focused effort while maximizing the opportunities before me. My vision to become a nurse who helps people in need developed through my father’s sacrifices and my own health challenges alongside my dedication to community service. This scholarship brings me closer toward accomplishing my objective.

I have always felt nursing to be a true vocation that merges my healthcare passion with my wish to assist others. My dedication to nursing stems from my belief that it involves both physical treatment and the provision of emotional care to patients during their most fragile times. Nursing stands out as an incredibly rewarding profession because it provides daily opportunities to make positive life changes for patients by assisting them through their most difficult challenges. Personal experiences have guided my journey toward nursing and specifically into the field of obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN). I am in my last year of nursing school with a 3.8 GPA while working part-time in the Emergency Department at my local hospital. The Emergency Department experience taught me the critical role nurses play by delivering urgent life-saving interventions and providing emotional support during crises. My thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2015 played a significant role in my decision to become a nurse. Throughout my treatment the most significant difference came not only from my medical care but also from the caring nurses who reassured me with their compassion while standing by my side. The way nurses listened to me and guided me through my challenging time revealed that nursing involves healing bodies and caring for people as complete beings. I aspire to provide the same compassionate care to patients during their illnesses which the nurses provided me throughout my cancer treatment. My health battles extend beyond personal issues because I care for my mother who has suffered from a significant hangman’s fracture. The combination of my caregiving responsibilities, work in the emergency department, and my academic requirements has sometimes been too much to handle yet my commitment to graduate with my nursing degree and assist others stays strong. Caring for my mother taught me how vital compassionate care is for patients who experience both physical injuries and emotional distress from their conditions. No matter what difficulties arise, my aim to become a nurse stays clear in my mind. The end of my financial aid has led to serious financial difficulties throughout my studies. Completing my degree requires me to depend entirely on scholarships. The financial support from this scholarship will enable me to finish my education while eliminating financial worries so I can concentrate on my studies and clinical training. I am passionate about nursing because I want to create positive change in women’s healthcare through OBGYN care. My goal to specialize in OBGYN stems from my desire to support women through their reproductive health experiences including childbirth and gynecological treatments. My goal is to educate women about their health choices while delivering care that centers their needs and shows compassion. I aim to deliver holistic care that addresses my patients' physical needs while delivering emotional support and guidance similar to what I received from nurses during my time of need. This scholarship will enable me to become the compassionate and skilled nurse I aim to be with a special focus on OBGYN. This scholarship will enable me to maintain my educational journey, finish my degree program and then help others while focusing on providing women with high-quality compassionate care.

As the sole child of a low-income family I developed a profound understanding of hard work and sacrifice from an early age. My father supported our family by working nonstop at three different jobs as a short-order cook and chicken farm worker while waiting tables at a catering service. My father went to great lengths to provide for my needs despite not being able to attend college himself. My father faced the difficulties of holding multiple jobs without ever expressing dissatisfaction. He taught me to value determination and selflessness while showing me education is essential to escape poverty. My father died five years ago yet he remains a source of inspiration through his enduring legacy of dedication and hard work. When I encounter difficulties during my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) studies I remember him and draw strength from his memory. The path I follow today exists because of my father's sacrifices which were meant to create a world full of opportunities he never experienced. After losing my father I now provide care for my mother who suffered from a severe hangman’s fracture in a serious accident; I am just grateful she is still alive. The attempt to manage caregiving responsibilities alongside school work and employment has been extremely challenging yet my commitment to completing my nursing education endures. My dedication to nursing stems from my earliest interests and my experiences have reinforced my commitment. My thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2015 led me to value compassionate care deeply while reinforcing my commitment to supporting others during their most vulnerable times. As a student in my final year of nursing school I am struggling with substantial financial obligations. I no longer have financial aid support and now depend on scholarships to complete my educational journey. This scholarship will help reduce my financial burden so I can concentrate on my nursing coursework and clinical practice to graduate with my BSN and obtain my RN license. After receiving my RN license I will dedicate myself to helping out the community that supported me during my education and personal hardships. My father dedicated his life to support me while I intend to use my nursing degree to serve people who lack healthcare access, especially those in underprivileged communities. My passion lies in emergency department work or critical care roles because they enable me to make direct improvements in patient outcomes similar to the nurses who supported me during my cancer treatment. Throughout history education served as an escape from difficult situations and it stands as my primary tool for building a more prosperous future both for myself and my local area. Through this scholarship I will finish my degree and pay tribute to my father by proceeding with determination and resilience. My journey through thyroid cancer recovery and managing my mother’s care along with my education has strengthened my resolve to realize my aspiration of nursing so I can help others.

When I decided to pursue nursing as my career I made one of the most significant choices of my life. Nursing perfectly merges my healthcare passion with my wish to assist others and my dedication to creating real-life impact on people. My combined experience working with special needs individuals and personal healthcare challenges led me to understand that nursing would be my best path to provide physical and emotional support to those who need it. My passion for nursing fully revealed itself when I started working as a pediatric nurse. The medical professionals who supported me throughout my thyroid cancer fight in 2015 deeply shaped my childhood experiences. The nurses who delivered medical treatment and gave emotional support and advice during my tough time made a permanent impression on me. I learned through their compassionate care during challenging times that nursing extends beyond physical healing to include emotional support for patients. I decided I wanted to become a nurse after this realization took hold of me. A nurse's responsibilities extend beyond clinical tasks because they must serve as pillars of strength and provide compassion and reassurance to vulnerable patients. Throughout my educational journey and clinical practice I developed a strong interest in pediatric nursing. All areas of nursing attract me but pediatric nursing connects with me in a much deeper way. Because they represent one of the most vulnerable patient groups children need comprehensive care that covers physical needs and emotional support adapted to their specific age and requirements. Supporting children through their health challenges including chronic illness management or serious injury recovery as well as comforting them during hospital stays inspires me greatly. Pediatric nursing provides a distinctive chance to deliver healthcare services to children alongside their families. Creating a positive and enduring impact on the health and happiness of young patients provides deep satisfaction. Pediatric nurses serve as children’s initial contact in the healthcare system while providing essential guidance and education along with creating a feeling of safety. The personal connection with patients stands as my most rewarding experience in pediatric nursing. The goal is to positively impact children's lives while supporting their parents and families who face challenges related to their children's health conditions. Beyond my passion for pediatric nursing I carry a deep responsibility to meet the increasing demand for nurses in this specialty. Pediatric care faces an urgent nursing shortage which demands immediate attention. The evolving healthcare landscape makes the requirement for skilled pediatric nurses with compassionate care abilities more urgent than ever before. I hope to contribute to solutions that deliver top quality care for children and their families during illness and injury. I am studying for my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and keep a 3.8 GPA while managing part-time work and caregiving duties. Through my educational journey toward becoming a pediatric nurse I aim to utilize my abilities and enthusiasm to positively affect children's lives. Receiving this scholarship would give me the essential financial assistance to finish my studies and achieve my pediatric nursing career goal. Nursing represents a deeper purpose in my life than any traditional profession; it's my calling. I have chosen pediatric nursing because it perfectly matches my wish to assist others while creating enduring positive changes in the lives of children and their families. My dedication lies in conquering the obstacles that come my way while utilizing my past experiences to help advance pediatric nursing. My ambition and passion to make a difference drive me to pursue a rewarding career in nursing with great enthusiasm.

The power of education has consistently shaped my life and remains a deeply valued element for me. As someone who is the first in my family to attend college I realize my degree is both a personal accomplishment and a key to opportunities that would have otherwise been inaccessible. My path to higher education stems from my roots as the daughter of a Guatemalan immigrant father who worked hard his whole life without having the opportunity to attend school. The experiences and sacrifices of my father have transformed my worldview and strengthened my resolve to fully utilize my educational opportunities. My father moved to the United States seeking a better existence but circumstances prevented him from attending college. For years he supported our family through his work as a short-order cook. His lack of education created struggles which remained a heavy burden despite his diligent efforts. I saw how his job affected his body while sensing the burden of lost opportunities that he faced. Five years ago when my father passed away I realized his dreams for me and understood how crucial it was to seize educational opportunities he missed. My career choice in nursing reflects my commitment to honor my father's sacrifices and fulfill his dreams for me while pursuing personal success. Through his experiences I learned about the crucial role of resilience and perseverance as well as education. I fully dedicate myself to utilizing every opportunity available to me because those opportunities were never accessible to my father. My commitment to education runs alongside the way personal health challenges have transformed my worldview. The year 2015 brought a thyroid cancer diagnosis which led to my thyroid removal surgery and the need for permanent medication. Going through cancer treatment demonstrated to me how crucial healthcare professionals who deliver both physical care and emotional support are when dealing with illness. During my recovery from cancer I saw firsthand how much nurses can touch people's lives which inspired me to pursue nursing where I could make a similar difference. My nursing school journey is nearing its conclusion as I maintain a 3.8 GPA during my final year. The end of my financial aid has forced me to depend completely on scholarships to finish my education. I face a significant financial burden while providing care for my mother after she sustained a serious hangman’s fracture. I face daily challenges while managing my academic commitments, my role as an ED nurse, and my duties as a caregiver but my love for nursing propels me to persist. My determination to complete my nursing education drives me daily because I want to help underserved communities make a difference in the world. The experience of being raised by a hardworking immigrant father has given me a strong responsibility to both succeed and support others. Education represents a privilege because it has the power to dismantle barriers and open doors to success for people who lacked equal opportunities. The health battles I've endured alongside my present caregiving duties have reinforced my determination to keep moving ahead despite any barriers. My commitment to graduate as a nurse drives me to help people who lack healthcare access and educational chances like my father did. The scholarship would allow me to obtain necessary financial assistance to finish my final year of nursing school and achieve my goal of becoming a nurse. Receiving this scholarship allows me to pay tribute to my father's sacrifices while supporting my mother and creating meaningful change in others' lives as my father hoped.

I began working with individuals who have developmental disabilities in 2005 upon starting my position at AHRC. I immediately realized during my initial days at Suffolk AHRC that this was where I belonged. My work with people who encounter unique challenges taught me that success depends heavily on patience, empathy and creative thinking. Assisting disabled individuals to surmount their limitations and live satisfying lives transformed my professional work into my life's passion. Throughout my career I filled several positions supporting people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and gained important insights during this experience. Beyond teaching and helping with daily routines I worked to build lasting relationships while understanding each person's individual needs. The progress each person made brought me great fulfillment whether they learned new skills or gained confidence in themselves. My dedication to helping others grew stronger through this work which led me to choose a career focused on assisting people with special needs. My move to the Catskills in 2021 started my employment at ARC Otsego where I worked with individuals after relocating to care for my mother. While caring for my mother who endured a severe hangman’s fracture I had to find a way to manage my role as her daughter alongside my academic ambitions. Balancing my mother's care and academic duties was difficult but I stayed committed to my healthcare career path. My current position as a part-time employee at ARC Otsego allows me to support individuals with developmental disabilities and medical needs during my full-time BSN degree coursework. My commitment to nursing deepened further throughout this time. Working with special needs individuals and helping them face their challenges developed essential nursing skills in me. Through my work experience I gained valuable skills that enable me to approach people with empathy and patience while demonstrating understanding. The lessons I’ve gained about recognizing each person's uniqueness and worthiness of care will continue to guide me throughout my nursing career. My goal is to dedicate myself to pediatric or emergency nursing fields so I can persist in advocating for vulnerable populations as I have done with past patients. Financial obstacles have presented significant challenges throughout my educational journey. The completion of my financial aid package has forced me to depend entirely on scholarships to finish my last year in nursing school. Finishing my education requires overcoming substantial financial difficulties yet I remain committed to achieving my goal. The scholarship would relieve me of tuition and expense concerns so I can concentrate solely on my academic and clinical training. The scholarship would furnish the necessary assistance for me to finish my BSN program while allowing me to fulfill my calling to help those who society frequently neglects. Working with persons who have developmental disabilities and my aspiration to become a nurse are closely linked throughout my professional journey. Through this scholarship I will get the financial backing required to finish my nursing education which will enable me to fulfill my mission of helping people who encounter challenges. Throughout my life I have dedicated myself to assisting others which now drives me to use my nursing degree to support the most vulnerable including people with special needs and underserved groups.

My educational path has followed a non-linear trajectory. The non-traditional path I took to nursing unfolded through personal experiences and career changes before I discovered my true healthcare calling. As I approach the completion of my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program my conviction has solidified that nursing extends beyond a career choice to become my life's calling because of my dedication to helping people and creating real-world change. Throughout numerous years I held multiple positions which involved working with special education populations to assist individuals who experienced developmental and medical challenges. Despite finding the work gratifying, I consistently experienced a sense of incompleteness. My desire to help and heal people along with providing daily support nurse gave to their patients drove me to seek more opportunities to make a difference. I reached my defining moment when I received a thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2015 which required me to have a thyroidectomy and begin ongoing treatment. Throughout my medical treatment and recovery period I was profoundly influenced by nurses who addressed my physical health needs while also extending emotional support and direction at my most vulnerable moments. The integration of technical skills with emotional understanding and dedicated patient care made a profound impact on me. At that moment I understood that nursing was where my heart truly belonged. After my recovery I decided to pursue a professional path that would enable me to deliver similar quality care to other people. However, my path to nursing wasn’t straightforward. I experienced many difficulties while navigating higher education as a first-generation student from a lower socioeconomic background. While attending school and working I took care of my mother who experienced a serious hangman’s fracture. The complexity of my situation increased significantly because I lost my financial aid which caused additional financial challenges. My determination to pursue nursing remained strong throughout. During my part-time position in the Emergency Department I gained practical experience while learning from nurses who delivered urgent care under stressful conditions while comforting patients. Returning to school proved difficult but turned out to be the correct decision. The journey demanded sacrifices while building resilience and accepting new challenges. Throughout the entire journey my commitment to nursing provided me with continuous support. I have reached my last year of nursing school with a 3.8 GPA while remaining focused on achieving my goal to work in Emergency Department nursing. My education dedication focuses on serving populations without quality healthcare access because I have experienced how compassionate nursing changed my life. Joseph Joshua Searor's passing exemplifies how dedication to education and career ambitions can demonstrate the strength of determination and passion during difficult times. I share Joseph's experience as a non-traditional student who has faced obstacles yet I have faith that my perseverance and commitment will enable me to contribute significantly to nursing. The scholarship would deliver crucial assistance during my final year by reducing my financial load while enabling full concentration on academic work and career planning. My path toward nursing emerged from my lived experiences combined with personal challenges and a strong desire to support others.

My decision to pursue a healthcare career arose from a deep calling to create meaningful change in people’s lives. My family's financial struggles taught me that choosing healthcare as my profession would satisfy my passion for helping others while enabling me to serve those who receive inadequate attention. My personal journey has guided me toward a nursing degree because I wish to become an Emergency Department nurse so I can help people during their most critical times. The dedicated healthcare professionals who played significant roles in my life have consistently inspired me. Doctors diagnosed me with thyroid cancer in 2015 resulting in the need for thyroid removal surgery and continuous medication. I experienced the life-changing effects of compassionate care during this period. The nurses and physicians who listened to me and provided emotional support stood out as much as my physical healing during my difficult time. After witnessing the profound impact of compassionate care during my medical ordeal I decided to make a lifelong commitment to providing similar support to patients facing their health difficulties. Nursing stands out as the ideal blend of scientific knowledge with compassionate care and actionable support. Providing immediate assistance during life-threatening or personal crises allows healthcare professionals to make meaningful differences in people's lives which creates a profound sense of humility and inspiration. I wish to specialize in the Emergency Department since this field demands rapid response times and exceptional compassionate care. The dynamic and critical nature of the ED attracts me because it enables me to apply my medical expertise to save lives and offers emotional and psychological support to patients and their families in crucial moments. Choosing nursing as a career stems from deep personal motivations. Growing up as a first-generation student from a lower socioeconomic background I know firsthand what it is like to face higher education challenges without access to essential resources or guidance. My journey toward obtaining a nursing degree presented numerous challenges for which I depended on scholarships during my last year of studies. Since my financial aid support ended I now depend exclusively on scholarship funds to continue my studies and reach my nursing career goal. The financial obstacles I face strengthen my resolve to succeed and make a meaningful impact in the world. My decision to pursue nursing stems from my passion for helping others and my desire to return value to the community which played a role in my own development. I plan to dedicate my future career to serving underserved communities by providing emergency care to people who have limited access to medical services. My goal is to provide support to people in need while delivering compassionate care similar to what I experienced through my health challenges. I wish to guide other first-generation healthcare students by assisting them in overcoming educational system challenges that I myself experienced. As a nursing student facing financial burdens this scholarship allows me to pursue my nursing career goals while enabling me to create meaningful contributions to healthcare. I strive to follow in the path of Dr. Michael Paglia whose life was committed to helping others by utilizing my degree to support and uplift people who need help in healthcare and other areas.

My path to acquiring a nursing degree has deviated from traditional routes. My journey as a non-traditional student since 2005 through work with disabled individuals and part-time employment during full-time nursing studies demonstrates my resilience and dedication to helping others which aligns with Andrea Worden's inspirational legacy of kindness and perseverance. My career at AHRC, an organization committed to assisting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities began in 2005. The experience taught me how compassionate care deeply affects vulnerable people. My work experience alongside people managing daily challenges has taught me to face adversity with kindness and perseverance. The experiences I gained through these lessons have inspired me to become a nurse so I can continue providing care to those who need it and leave a meaningful legacy in my community. I hold a part-time job at ARC Otsego located in the Catskills while I study nursing full-time. I find it tough to manage my work duties alongside school and personal activities yet I accept this challenge because I am aware of the significance of my work and my chosen career path. My career has always focused on aiding others which leads me to believe nursing provides my largest platform for making significant changes. I have faced multiple challenges that tested my dedication to helping others. The year 2015 marked my diagnosis with thyroid cancer which necessitated a thyroidectomy and ongoing medication for life. While cancer treatment proved to be my life's greatest challenge it allowed me to learn about healthcare systems and understand nurses' essential roles in patient recovery and emotional support. Through my treatment I met nurses who delivered excellent medical care while demonstrating the compassion and support I aspire to extend to others. The genuine kindness and empathy I received from my nurses created a powerful impact which led me to understand my real purpose is to assist others as they assisted me. Alongside my health problems I must take care of my mother who endured a severe hangman’s fracture. My nursing student journey became significantly more difficult due to the need to balance academic duties and ED work with my mother's care. Managing my responsibilities alongside maintaining a 3.8 GPA has demonstrated my strength and resilience. All the difficulties I encounter represent opportunities to grow while every sacrifice I make brings me closer to my goal of becoming a nurse. My financial aid has been terminated so I depend entirely on scholarships to finish my last nursing school year. The financial demands are considerable and yet my determination keeps me moving ahead. My goal is to become a nurse who delivers outstanding medical care while providing emotional support to patients and their families similar to how my own caregivers did. The nursing profession includes patient treatment but also requires building relationships, providing comfort during frightening moments and aiding comprehensive healing. Andrea Worden dedicated her life to elevating people in society who frequently go unnoticed. Andrea taught me to recognize an essential duty to help those who remain unnoticed and unheard. Working with disabled individuals and navigating my own health challenges has transformed me into someone who values seeing people beyond their struggles to understand their true selves. Success shouldn't be defined by traditional standards but rather by the positive changes we make in other people's lives and the perseverance we demonstrate when facing challenges. My time at AHRC was decisively shaped by an interaction with someone who had limited abilities to communicate. His caregivers had dismissed him as someone who was difficult to work with because he did not communicate. However, I saw potential in him. Through our shared experiences I formed an attachment to him and discovered his distinctive style of communication. My experiences showed me that real change in someone's life relies on patience, empathy, and creativity. This experience strengthened my understanding that all individuals possess tremendous value no matter the difficulties they face. My nursing studies remain informed by the teachings of this lesson. My commitment is to deliver compassionate care based on kindness and belief in individual potential as exemplified by Andrea Worden. My nursing career will focus on working with underserved populations to deliver physical care and emotional support. Nursing extends beyond physical healing to include the nurturing of the soul by ensuring that patients feel acknowledged and supported during their toughest times. The scholarship will support my education completion while enabling me to pursue my nursing passion and alleviate the substantial financial difficulties I face. The scholarship would help me advance my goal of becoming a nurse who possesses Andrea Worden's characteristics of kindness and resilience along with her profound dedication to others. While Andrea dedicated her life to helping others thrive I have committed myself to create a lasting positive influence in the lives of my patients.

Nursing serves as both the foundation and driving force of medical practice while supporting the healthcare industry's essential structure. Nurses deliver hands-on medical attention to patients while simultaneously offering emotional support to both patients and their families as they guide them throughout their recovery journey. I chose nursing as my career path because I have an intense passion for assisting others along with personal life experiences that molded my wish to deliver empathetic care. I drew inspiration from my nursing grandmothers Pangeta McGrowther Ferguson and Ivory Riley since my childhood. Beyond their medical expertise these professionals became mentors who supported both patients and colleagues with their advice and assistance. The stories about how my grandmothers committed themselves to nursing and positively impacted others reinforced my aspiration to become a nurse. My personal health battle began in 2015 when doctors identified thyroid cancer in my body. My understanding of nursing's true importance deepened as I underwent a thyroidectomy and began a lifetime of medication during a challenging health battle. The nurses who looked after me extended their care beyond medical treatment by offering emotional support and guidance together with comfort throughout my time of fear and uncertainty. The combination of medical knowledge and compassionate care that the nurses demonstrated motivated me to pursue a career centered on delivering similar support to future patients. Their significant influence on my healing journey revealed that nursing represented more than employment because it allowed profound contributions to people's lives. The part-time work I do in the Emergency Department (ED) at a local hospital strengthens my dedication to becoming a nurse. The Emergency Department presents a demanding but fulfilling setting where nurses demonstrate their critical role during stressful situations. The nurses I collaborate with stay attentive and caring as they deliver essential medical treatment to patients while offering emotional assistance to families despite their long work shifts and demanding work conditions. The way nurses maintain their composure during stressful situations to provide excellent care inspires me to pursue nursing because I want to support people when they face their toughest challenges. I have faced multiple obstacles throughout my journey. I manage my academic duties while also caring for my mother who suffered a serious hangman’s fracture. The challenge of managing both caregiving and nursing school increased notably after I lost access to my financial aid. Scholarships are my sole financial resource for funding my last year of nursing education. Despite facing financial difficulties and personal obligations I stay dedicated to completing my nursing degree. I am dedicated to delivering care for others based on the supportive nursing care I experienced from those who looked after my family and myself. Through my ongoing education I plan to specialize in emergency or critical care because each decision I take will have significant impacts on patients' lives. I am passionate about delivering life-saving treatments and providing emotional support to patients and their families during crisis situations. My nursing career goal includes healing patients physically and delivering comfort alongside reassurance and hope. I aim to provide essential support to people and families during their most difficult moments. The scholarship will enable me to finish my nursing studies while advancing my educational pursuits by reducing the financial demands of tuition and supplies. My strong ambition and passion for nursing fuels my dedication to creating enduring positive changes in people's lives. I aim to honor my grandmothers' legacy along with the nurses who supported me through personal challenges by delivering essential care and support to people who need it.

My choice to become a nurse grew out of my personal history and inspirational figures in my life alongside a strong wish to assist people when they need it most. Remarkable people who demonstrated compassion, dedication and selflessness have surrounded me throughout my life and taught me how to serve others. My life has been deeply influenced by two women who have left a lasting impact: my grandmothers Pangeta McGrowther Ferguson and Ivory Riley. Their nursing dedication improved patient lives and established our family's tradition of compassion and service. Family members frequently told me how Pangeta and Ivory exceeded expectations in their nursing careers. These women served as both mentors and supportive figures to patients and fellow healthcare workers beyond their nursing roles. I recall hearing that they remained at the hospital beyond their shift hours to comfort their patients and provide guidance to new healthcare professionals. They demonstrated their love for nursing through all their actions which created a positive influence on everyone who knew them. The way they lived their nursing careers inspired me to consider nursing as my professional path. My observations showed me that nurses have the power to transform lives by delivering medical attention along with necessary empathy and support during critical moments. A thyroid cancer diagnosis marked my personal health battle during the year 2015. My treatment team consisted of nursing professionals who gave me exceptional care during this challenging period. The combination of their medical knowledge and emotional support that they gave during my time of fear and uncertainty brought about a life-changing experience. Their compassionate care during my recovery period revealed to me the significant influence nurses exert on their patients. The care I received during my recovery confirmed my desire to become a nurse and provide comfort and care to others. The legacy of my grandmothers along with the outstanding nurses who supported me and others throughout my life fuels my ongoing inspiration during my nursing studies. I am presently finishing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program while maintaining a GPA of 3.8. I dedicated significant effort to maintaining my academic performance while providing care for my mother who sustained a severe hangman’s fracture and working part-time in the Emergency Department to gain practical experience. My nursing journey has deepened my passion for helping patients meaningfully while I remain dedicated to making significant impacts in their lives like Pangeta and Ivory did for numerous individuals. Nursing combines heartfelt compassion with challenging work to deliver deep personal satisfaction. My professional goal is to serve in emergency or critical care settings where I can deliver urgent medical care to patients who need it most. I feel called to support people experiencing trauma or fear by offering them both medical care and emotional support. I wish to follow in my grandmothers' footsteps by becoming a nurse who heals patients physically while providing them comfort and guidance through tough situations. This scholarship will give me the necessary financial resources to finish my education while pursuing a career in nursing. This funding enables me to concentrate on my education and clinical experience which advances me toward my goal of becoming a community-focused nursing professional. My dedication to nursing combined with my ambition and passion enables me to carry on Pangeta and Ivory's work by making meaningful changes in people's lives and maintaining their legacy of heartfelt care.

The field of nursing extends beyond professional duties and represents a deep calling that attracts many individuals. I have experienced a strong attraction to helping people since my childhood, particularly during emergency situations. The field of nursing enables me to integrate my commitment to making an impact with my love for scientific practice and patient care. What makes nursing meaningful for me is my dedication to helping others which fuels my desire to study nursing. The journey toward becoming a nurse was filled with challenges. I am a full-time nursing school student with a 3.8 GPA during my last year. I balance part-time work at the local hospital's Emergency Department with caring for my mother who suffered from a severe hangman’s fracture to acquire practical experience. Meeting my academic requirements along with my caregiving responsibilities and ED work has proven challenging yet my commitment to nursing remains firm. I currently depend exclusively on scholarships to finish my final nursing school year since my financial aid has ended. My passion for nursing remains undiminished even in the face of these obstacles. Becoming a nurse will enable me to deliver compassionate care to others and serve my community in a meaningful way. My perseverance stems from my desire to become part of the solution as I work to create healthcare systems that are accessible and supportive to everyone. The nursing profession enables me to apply my abilities to support people when they need it the most. My personal and professional experiences have demonstrated how compassionate care significantly affects people's lives. Thyroid cancer required me to undergo a thyroidectomy and start lifetime medication in 2015. The nurses' care during my recovery period played a critical role in helping me heal from thyroid cancer. Their guidance and empathy combined with their consistent support helped me overcome both physical and emotional challenges. My time with these nurses confirmed my determination to pursue the same path and dedicate my life to helping others through compassionate care. One of the most fulfilling experiences in nursing involves giving patients comfort and reassurance during their moments of fear. I am as a nurse to specialize in emergency or critical care fields because every decision I make could transform someone's life. My career goal is to join an emergency department to deliver urgent medical assistance and emotional support to families enduring extreme distress. Patient education in underserved communities remains my focus because healthcare resources there are limited. By supplying essential health information I enable people to take control over their health decisions which leads to improved overall well-being. My dedication lies in expanding healthcare access through preventive care education and healthcare service advocacy for everyone. I plan to support my community through becoming a dependable source of health education and advocacy. Through direct experience I understand what families struggle with regarding medical problems when they don't have access to proper care or resources. My goal is to collaborate with local organizations and educational institutions to establish free health clinics and educational workshops for community members. Through direct delivery of healthcare services to those who need them most I can enhance community health and create enduring positive effects. I am facing financial burdens which this scholarship will help relieve so I can dedicate more time to my educational and clinical training endeavors. This support will enable me to keep moving toward my goal of becoming a nurse who serves my community. My deep passion for nursing along with my ambition and drive leads me to dedicate myself to making an impact in healthcare by helping those who need support the most.

Fred Rogers' words, "Look for the helpers. The message "You will always find people who are helping" has always made a profound impact on me. His message educates us that during the most challenging periods people exist who choose to assist others. The reality of this concept depends on someone stepping up to take action. This scholarship offers essential backing to individuals who aim to serve as helpers when they are needed the most. I believe my journey to becoming a helper will take place within nursing as an Emergency Department (ED) nurse. Since childhood I felt drawn to nursing and personal healthcare experiences further solidified this career choice for me. In 2015 I fought thyroid cancer that led to a thyroid removal and a lifetime of medication. Throughout that difficult period I witnessed the significant effect of medical staff who delivered treatment and offered emotional support and compassionate care. The nurses who supported me throughout my recovery journey created an indelible memory in me. During my most vulnerable moments their medical knowledge combined with their empathy gave me comfort and strength. The care I received during my recovery motivated me to spend my life offering equivalent support to others. The ultimate step in my career path became apparent when I realized I wanted to be an ED nurse to deliver immediate, life-saving care during patients' most critical moments. The emergency department operates on critical time sensitivity while providing challenging yet fulfilling opportunities to save lives. The fast-paced, dynamic environment of the emergency room fascinates me because saving lives and providing comfort in high-pressure situations becomes a daily routine. I look forward to joining a work environment that brings continuous challenges and supports my professional and personal development. The journey to become an ED nurse presents several obstacles. As I finish my nursing education my GPA remains at 3.8 but financial aid support has ended. My education costs are covered entirely through scholarships. This scholarship would provide essential support for me to finish my nursing education and work toward becoming an ED nurse. Receiving financial support would ease my monetary challenges so I could dedicate more time to my academic work and essential clinical experiences needed for ED success. The scholarship will both fund my education and enable me to reach my long-term goal of positively impacting my community. In my role as an ED nurse I will focus on providing essential care to the most urgent cases especially within underserved and vulnerable groups. My personal experiences with healthcare access disparities show me how they harm people and I pledge to fight for improved care systems and educational resources because those in greatest need deserve them. Emergency medicine delivers instant results while offering substantial benefits. In my role as an ED nurse I can provide essential help to patients during their most critical moments through emergency medical procedures while offering emotional comfort and creating a secure environment in difficult situations. Thanks to this scholarship I will fulfill my aspiration to become the type of helper that Fred Rogers admired who steps in to assist people during their most critical moments. This scholarship offers me the chance to finish my educational journey and work towards my goal of becoming an ED nurse to make a positive impact in my community by delivering essential care during critical times. This scholarship supports ambitions and drive which match my personal and professional goals and I am committed to fulfilling its purpose by helping during critical moments.

Personal experiences and my dedication to helping others along with Eric Maurice Brandon's powerful example inspired my decision to pursue a nursing career. The principles of compassion and dedication along with service to others were clearly reflected in Eric's professional journey and personal life. Eric served as both a Licensed Practical Nurse and dedicated caregiver which inspires me to follow his example and make meaningful contributions to nursing. I am finishing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program while maintaining a GPA of 3.8. I have maintained diligent academic efforts in pursuit of success because I believe my education will enable me to help people who need assistance the most. Financial aid is no longer available to me, so I depend entirely on scholarships to complete my last year of studies. I face financial difficulties because I must manage both my academic studies and my mother's care after she suffered from a severe hangman’s fracture. My passion for nursing stays strong even though I face challenges and I am determined to finish my education to follow a career path that reflects Eric Brandon's values. Through his Army service during Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, the Persian Gulf War, and the Iraqi Campaign Eric demonstrated how a committed nurse can make a significant difference under extreme conditions. He found his most fulfilling yet demanding role working in the Burn Intensive Care Unit at Brooke Army Medical Center where he tended to nation's heroes. After leaving military life behind Eric dedicated himself to caring for children and youth who needed tracheostomy care which demonstrates his steadfast commitment to helping people in need regardless of their location. Eric’s service and care for others serve as a powerful reminder of why I am drawn to the nursing profession: I want to impact individual lives through nursing work with a particular focus on helping vulnerable populations. What I hope to achieve in nursing is twofold: I aim to treat patients with empathy while advancing healthcare through innovative leadership. I want to focus on pediatric or trauma nursing because it allows me to merge my healthcare passion with my goal of affecting patients' lives directly. Through my dedication to these areas I wish to emulate Eric by delivering critical care to children and youth who require it while leaving a permanent mark on the healthcare system. I dedicate my efforts to delivering top-notch medical care in my community and supporting underrepresented groups who struggle to access quality healthcare. Through my caregiving experience with my mother I have gained valuable insights into why accessible healthcare is essential and how compassionate medical care can transform lives. Healthcare services need to be accessible to all people irrespective of their backgrounds or life situations because everyone deserves high-quality medical treatment. The scholarship will enable me to finish my nursing school education and create a lasting tribute to Eric Maurice Brandon's life and legacy. This scholarship provides educational support which enables me to perpetuate Eric's legacy of ambition, drive, and impactful work throughout his professional life. Through my work as a nurse I pledge to honor his memory by making lasting contributions to my community and extending compassionate care to those most in need.

Becoming a nurse stems from personal experiences combined with my wish to help people who need assistance. I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in 2015 which led to a thyroidectomy followed by lifelong medication. The nursing team provided exceptional care while I faced difficult circumstances. Their medical expertise combined with their empathy and kindness produced an enduring effect. After receiving such dedicated care during my illness I decided to become a nurse so I can offer similar support to others when they need it most. I am completing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program this year. During my academic career I worked hard to keep my GPA between 3.8 and 4.0 because I understand that my grades are essential for my future success and career. My financial aid has expired which leaves me dependent entirely on scholarships to fund my educational expenses. The necessity to both study and support my mother who sustained a severe hangman’s fracture has placed a heavy financial burden on me. Caring for my mother and working part-time in the emergency room challenge me daily yet I stay dedicated to my educational journey and nursing profession goals. I hope to achieve through my career is twofold: My career aims to provide patients with excellent compassionate care while advancing innovations in healthcare. Serving patients with medical and developmental needs drives me because it matches my personal history. My goal is to specialize in nursing fields that blend medical treatment with emotional care to establish a comprehensive patient well-being approach. I aim to rise into healthcare leadership positions where I can drive the implementation of new technologies and practices to enhance patient care. I want to work as a nurse in my community providing outstanding medical care while advocating for individuals who lack access to quality healthcare. My goal is to bridge healthcare access gaps by launching outreach programs that serve underserved populations and teach them to manage their own health. Following Maureen C. Pace's example of improving patient care standards and supporting underserved communities I am dedicated to enhancing the healthcare experience for those who need it most. The legacy Maureen left behind includes leadership qualities combined with innovative thinking and deep compassion. In her roles as Head Nurse of the Emergency Room, Director of Nursing and Chief Operating Officer at Mount Vernon Hospital she worked relentlessly to improve patient care standards while advocating for enhanced healthcare practices. The development of the Integrative Health Suite at Putnam Hospital Center for breast cancer patients demonstrated her forward-thinking approach to nursing care. Through her volunteer work that involves driving cancer patients to medical appointments and providing compassionate support Maureen demonstrates the fundamental essence of nursing which involves being present for others during their most challenging moments. I aim to bring Maureen’s values into my nursing profession by merging compassionate care with innovative practices. My goal is to incorporate advanced technologies and therapeutic methods to enhance patient care results as I promote holistic treatment options. I want to provide emotional support to patients because I understand healing requires both physical recovery and mental and emotional strength. I strive to become a beacon of strength and hope for my patients as Maureen was for many. This scholarship allows me to support my last year of education while providing me the opportunity to celebrate Maureen’s remarkable legacy. My determination to pursue nursing education while supporting my family pushes me to uphold Maureen’s enduring legacy in this field. My career goals include providing compassionate healthcare and innovative services to my community while honoring her values by improving the lives of others.

My LGBTQ+ identity has developed through perseverance and resilience while being supported by a strong community network. I take pride in my identity as an LGBTQ+ person and I strive to live my truth while offering support to others dealing with similar battles. My existing situation restricts my ability to contribute at this time but I plan to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights particularly within healthcare because proper representation and understanding can create life-changing results. My personal journey has not been easy. Surviving thyroid cancer taught me how to view life through a different lens and strengthened my commitment to support others. I take pride in being the first member of my family to earn a college degree as I prepare to graduate soon. Throughout my six-year career I have focused on offering mental disability support to adults while assuring compassionate treatment and respect in their everyday lives. I dedicate my spare time to volunteer work at an animal shelter since I maintain that compassion and advocacy should reach beyond the human sphere. I work toward earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) which will enable me to pass the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse in 2026. My highest professional goal is to offer empathetic care that includes all people while specifically supporting marginalized groups such as LGBTQ+ patients who experience discrimination and misunderstanding in healthcare settings. I strive to transform healthcare into an accessible environment for all individuals while committing to advocate for both my patients and colleagues. My financial challenges have emerged as the primary obstacle preventing me from finishing my degree. This semester my financial aid has depleted and I cannot afford to proceed with my studies. As a full-time student I hold a part-time job to pay for necessities such as gas and food. I provide full-time care for my elderly mother who has a C2 cervical fracture called a “hangman’s fracture” at home and manage this alongside my school work and professional duties. The numerous obstacles I face have not diminished my resolve to reach my objectives. This scholarship would enable me to finish my education and graduate within the expected timeframe. The scholarship would help eliminate my current severe financial burden so I can dedicate my efforts to achieving my nursing career goals. After establishing my career I aim to support the LGBTQ+ community by mentoring others and advocating for healthcare projects that create meaningful impacts. Thank you for considering my application. Doreen Sagastume

Growing up, I faced significant socioeconomic challenges, from navigating limited financial resources to supporting my family through tough times. These experiences shaped my resilience, empathy, and deep commitment to helping others, especially those in marginalized communities. Today, as I pursue my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at SUNY College of Technology at Delhi, I am driven by the desire to provide compassionate care to individuals facing both medical and socioeconomic hardships. Experiencing adversity firsthand has strengthened my belief in the power of community and the importance of access to quality healthcare. I have learned that relationships are built on trust and mutual support, and I aim to foster those connections through my nursing career. By advocating for underserved populations, I hope to improve healthcare equity and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, receives the care they need. My future plans include working in a community-based healthcare setting, where I can contribute to reducing health disparities and educating patients about preventive care. I believe that by addressing both medical needs and the social determinants of health, I can make a lasting positive impact on my community, helping others overcome adversity as I have. As a Hispanic woman and a rising college junior with a high school GPA of 3.6 and a college GPA of 4.0, I understand the importance of hard work and dedication. My journey has not been easy, but it has taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of giving back. I want to use my education and experiences to make a difference in the lives of others. I plan to make a positive impact in my community by volunteering at local clinics and health fairs, where I can provide basic health screenings and educate people about preventive care. I also want to work with organizations that focus on improving healthcare access for underserved populations. By doing so, I hope to address some of the socioeconomic barriers that prevent people from receiving the care they need. In addition to my work in the community, I plan to be an advocate for healthcare equity within my school. I want to start a student organization that focuses on raising awareness about health disparities and promoting diversity in the healthcare field. By bringing together students from different backgrounds, we can work together to find solutions to the challenges faced by marginalized communities. In conclusion, my experiences with socioeconomic adversity have shaped my beliefs, relationships, and future plans. I am committed to using my education and skills to make a positive impact in my community and help others overcome the challenges they face. With the support of the Ascent & College Assistance Plus College Confidence Scholarship, I can continue my journey toward making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Recovery means reclaiming your life after adversity, and for me, it is deeply personal. In 2015, I faced thyroid cancer while going through addiction to opioids after losing my closest cousin to heroin. This was diagnosis that not only shook me but redefined my entire outlook on life. The journey was not just about overcoming the disease while fighting my addiction; it was about learning to navigate life without Anthony, wanting at times to just join him, and realizing I still had a chance at life itself. Recovery, to me, means resilience. It is the process of rebuilding physically, emotionally, and mentally after facing significant obstacles. I have also seen recovery in a broader sense through my work with individuals with developmental disabilities. I have witnessed their daily battles to regain skills and independence, which has further solidified my belief in the power of perseverance. It’s about growth. It is not simply returning to who you were before the challenge, but emerging stronger, with a new understanding of yourself and the world around you. This new outlook fuels my pursuit of a nursing career, where I can help others find their own strength in recovery; whether it is from illness, injury, and even death of a loved one. In summary, recovery is about finding hope, resilience, and strength even when the odds seem insurmountable. It is a journey I know all too well, and one I hope to help others navigate as I continue my path toward becoming a nurse.

Adversity has been a consistent companion throughout my life, but one of the most defining moments came in 2015 when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I was in my mid 20’s and although I had dedicated years to working in special education with individuals with developmental disabilities, I suddenly found myself in a position where I was the one in need of care. The diagnosis was a shock, an unexpected disruption to my life, but it also ignited a strength within me that I hadn’t fully realized I possessed. I underwent a thyroidectomy and was placed on daily Levothyroxine medication, adjusting to life without a thyroid while still navigating my career and personal life. The physical toll was substantial, but the emotional and mental weight was perhaps the hardest to bear. I had always been someone who provided support to others, but now I had to learn how to ask for and accept help. This was an entirely new form of vulnerability. I had to confront the fears of mortality, the uncertainty of my health, and the fatigue that came with recovery. But rather than allowing cancer to define me, I chose to face it as a chapter in my life story—a challenge that, while difficult, would not break me. I leaned on my loved ones, found strength in my support network, and sought professional guidance to navigate the mental and emotional hurdles. This experience reshaped my life in ways I couldn’t have predicted. It fueled my decision to transition into nursing, where I could combine my passion for helping others with my firsthand experience as a patient. Surviving cancer gave me a heightened empathy and a deeper understanding of the patient perspective—one that goes beyond just treating the illness and into treating the person as a whole. It also solidified my commitment to healthcare, not just as a career, but as a calling. Overcoming adversity requires resilience, but more than that, it requires the ability to remain open to growth, even when it feels like the world is closing in on you. My advice to anyone facing similar circumstances is to embrace your vulnerability and allow others to be there for you. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength and self-awareness. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and don’t be afraid to seek professional guidance if needed. Know that adversity, while painful, can be a powerful teacher. It shapes you in ways that build resilience, empathy, and courage. Looking back, I realize that my battle with cancer was not an end, but a beginning—a turning point that set me on a new path toward becoming a nurse, where I can advocate for and provide care to others in their darkest hours. The adversity I faced taught me to listen to my body, trust my instincts, and never underestimate the power of hope and perseverance. If you’re facing a similar battle, remember that you have more strength than you realize, and that every storm eventually passes, leaving you stronger and wiser than before.

My decision to pursue a career in healthcare is deeply personal, shaped by both my professional journey and life experiences. Working with individuals with mental disabilities for over ten years has allowed me to see the power of compassionate, patient-centered care. I have witnessed firsthand the importance of not just addressing physical ailments, but treating people with dignity, empathy, and respect. My fight against thyroid cancer in 2015 gave me a profound understanding of what it means to be vulnerable in the hands of healthcare providers. That experience ignited a fire in me to become a nurse—not just to heal, but to stand alongside those who need an advocate during their most fragile moments. As a nursing student at SUNY College of Technology at Delhi, I am committed to making a difference in healthcare. My unique blend of experiences—having worked in special education, survived cancer, and now training to become a nurse—equips me to approach care holistically. I am learning to see the whole person, not just their symptoms, and this perspective is vital in providing the best care possible. As a woman in healthcare, I hope to not only provide exceptional medical care but to inspire and mentor other women pursuing this path. I want to challenge the historical barriers that have kept women from leadership roles and create a culture where diversity thrives. It is important to me to show that women, especially women of color like myself, can excel in this field and make significant contributions. I aim to make healthcare more inclusive, compassionate, and accessible. By pushing the boundaries of what it means to truly care for someone, I hope to create a more equitable system where everyone feels valued and respected. My goal is to foster an environment where patients feel heard and understood, and where healthcare workers feel supported and empowered. In my future career as a nurse, I plan to advocate for patients and ensure they receive the best care possible. I want to be a role model for other women in healthcare, showing them that they can achieve their goals and make a difference. By mentoring others and promoting diversity, I hope to create a more inclusive and supportive healthcare community. My journey has not been easy, but it has given me the strength and determination to succeed. I am proud of my Hispanic heritage and the resilience it has instilled in me. As a rising college junior with a college GPA of 4.0, I am dedicated to my studies and to making a positive impact in healthcare. I am confident that with the support of the Women in Healthcare Scholarship, I can continue to pursue my passion and make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the healthcare field and to inspire other women to do the same.

My long-term goal is to make a tangible difference in the field of healthcare by becoming a registered nurse (RN). My passion for helping others began at the age of 17 when I started working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Over the past 20 years, this work has evolved into a deeply fulfilling career in special education, where I have had the privilege of supporting people with varying levels of need. Throughout these years, I have developed a strong sense of empathy, patience, and a commitment to providing the best possible care for those who are often overlooked in our society. This commitment has only deepened since I began working as a support aide in the emergency department of a local hospital. In this role, I have seen firsthand the critical need for compassionate care in high-stress environments. I have witnessed how effective communication and a calming presence can make a significant difference in a patient’s experience, especially for those who may struggle with understanding or expressing their needs. These experiences have solidified my resolve to further my education and training by becoming an RN, allowing me to have an even greater impact on the lives of those I care for. Pursuing an RN degree is the next critical step in my journey. However, this path is not without its challenges. Balancing full-time work while attending nursing school is demanding, both in terms of time and finances. The financial strain is particularly challenging, as it limits my ability to fully immerse myself in my studies and gain the most from my education. The cost of tuition, textbooks, and other related expenses adds up quickly, and without financial assistance, it would be difficult to manage these costs while also meeting my basic living expenses. This scholarship would alleviate a significant portion of the financial burden I face, allowing me to focus more on my studies and clinical training without the constant worry of how I will pay for the next semester. It would also provide me with the flexibility to pursue specialized courses and certifications that align with my career aspirations, such as courses in psychiatric nursing or pediatric care. These areas are of particular interest to me, given my background in working with individuals with developmental disabilities and my desire to provide holistic care that addresses both medical and psychological needs. By enabling me to pursue these additional qualifications, this scholarship would ultimately enhance the quality of care I can provide to my future patients. Furthermore, my journey has been shaped by my personal experience as a cancer survivor. In 2015, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which led to a thyroidectomy and a lifelong need for daily medication. This experience gave me a profound understanding of the patient perspective, particularly the emotional and psychological challenges that accompany a serious diagnosis. I learned the importance of not just medical treatment but also the compassionate support that healthcare professionals can offer. It is this understanding that drives my desire to contribute to the field of nursing in a way that goes beyond just the physical aspects of care. As I reflect on my journey, from my early days in special education to my current role in the emergency department, I am more determined than ever to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. This scholarship will bring me one step closer to fulfilling my mission of providing compassionate, holistic care to everyone. It will allow me to continue my education without stress of financial difficulties.

My passion for pursuing a career as a nurse anesthesiologist is deeply rooted in my life experiences and the profound impact they have had on shaping my path. This journey has been marked by moments of both immense challenge and clarity, all of which have fueled my determination to excel academically and professionally. The moment that truly set me on this path was when I watched my mother recover from a life-threatening car accident that broke her C2 bone. At just 12 years old, I witnessed the fragility of life up close. The fear I felt as she hovered between life and death was overwhelming, but it was the care she received from her medical team that left an indelible mark on me. I saw how every touch, every word, and every decision made by the nurses and doctors played a crucial role in her recovery. This experience ignited a fire in me; a desire to be that person for others, to provide not just medical care, but the kind of compassionate, attentive support that can make all the difference in someone’s darkest hour. This passion only intensified when I faced my own battle with thyroid cancer in 2015. The diagnosis was a shock, but it also became a turning point in my life. Enduring surgery and the subsequent lifelong medication regimen was a reminder of how delicate life can be. Yet, it also strengthened my resolve to enter the medical field. I knew I wanted to be on the front lines of healthcare, helping others navigate their own medical challenges with the same resilience I had to muster. What specifically draws me to becoming a nurse anesthesiologist is the blend of precision and empathy required in this role. It is a field where every detail matters, where the ability to manage pain and ensure patient safety during surgery can profoundly affect outcomes. I am fascinated by the science behind anesthesia, the way it involves a deep understanding of pharmacology, physiology, and human response. But more than that, I am driven by the knowledge that I will be a key part of a patient’s journey; often when they are most vulnerable. This passion is reflected in my academic performance. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA is not just about grades for me; it is about mastering the knowledge and skills I will need to be the best nurse anesthesiologist I can be. Every lecture, every lab, and every clinical experience is a step closer to my goal. I approach my studies with the same intensity and focus that I know will be required in my future career. Each day, I am motivated by the knowledge that this is my calling; one that blends my personal history, my passion for science, and my deep commitment to compassionate care. The road has not been easy, but every challenge has only solidified my dedication to this path. I am not just pursuing a degree; I am preparing to fulfill a role that I believe I was meant for a role where I can make a real difference in the lives of others, just as those who cared for my mother and me did.

Coco Chanel, or Jerry Lopez, was a guiding star in her community, illuminating the paths of many young queer individuals with her unwavering advocacy and vibrant spirit. Her life was a testament to the power of creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to express themselves. In many ways, I see a reflection of my own journey in hers; our shared dedication to making a difference, not just in our personal lives but in the lives of others who often feel overlooked or marginalized. Like Coco, I have faced battles that have shaped who I am today, with my experience as a cancer survivor being the most profound. Thyroid cancer came into my life like a thief in the night, threatening to steal not just my health but my future. But rather than allowing it to consume me, I chose to transform this experience into something that would fuel my ambitions. This struggle ignited a passion within me to pursue a career in nursing; a field where I can be a source of strength and comfort for others facing their own battles. My identity as an LGBTQIA+ individual has profoundly influenced this passion. Growing up, I often felt the weight of not fitting into the traditional molds society tries to place on us. The journey to self-acceptance was long and, at times, isolating. But it was in these moments of vulnerability that I found my calling. I realized that just as I sought spaces where I could be my true self, others needed that same acceptance and care; especially in the healthcare field, where many LGBTQIA+ individuals often feel misunderstood or mistreated. Coco's legacy of empowering young queer people is one that I strive to honor in my own way. By becoming a nurse, and eventually a nurse anesthesiologist, I aim to create a ripple effect of compassion and understanding in the healthcare world. I want to be the kind of nurse who not only provides excellent medical care but also ensures that every patient feels respected, valued, and seen for who they truly are. My ambition is to be a beacon of light, much like Coco, guiding others through their darkest times with both skill and empathy. If I were to receive this scholarship in honor of Coco Chanel, I would use it with the utmost efficiency to ensure it directly impacts my journey to becoming a nurse anesthesiologist. The funds would be allocated primarily toward tuition costs, allowing me to focus on my studies without the overwhelming burden of financial stress. This focus is critical as I navigate the demanding coursework and clinical rotations required for my nursing degree. Additionally, a portion of the scholarship would be invested in essential study materials, such as textbooks and online resources, to enhance my learning experience. Any remaining funds would go towards covering transportation and related expenses for clinical placements, ensuring I can fully immerse myself in these hands-on learning opportunities without financial constraints. This scholarship would be a lifeline, helping me to balance the demands of school, work, and personal life while keeping my focus on my ultimate goal: to become a nurse anesthesiologist who honors Coco’s legacy by providing compassionate, inclusive care to all patients.

Thyroid cancer hit me like a sudden storm, altering the landscape of my life in ways I never anticipated. In 2015, I was diagnosed, and the world around me seemed to tilt on its axis. The word "cancer" itself felt heavy, almost suffocating, and I found myself caught between fear and determination. The journey through surgery, the thyroidectomy, and the lifelong commitment to Levothyroxine was more than just a medical experience—it was an awakening. This diagnosis forced me to confront my own mortality, to grapple with the fragility of life, and yet, paradoxically, it became the very source of my strength. Every day since has been a battle, not just for survival, but for meaning. It is as if this illness carved out a new purpose within me, one that pushed me toward the world of healthcare with an intensity I had never known before. As I move forward, what drives me is a deep-seated resolve to transform this personal pain into a powerful force for healing others. The memory of my mother's near-fatal car accident when I was just 12 is etched into my soul, a reminder of how fragile life is and how crucial compassionate care can be. That experience, coupled with my own battle with cancer, has instilled in me an unshakable commitment to nursing and keeping up my 4.0 GPA at SUNY College of Technology at Delhi. I see it as not just a career, but a calling—a way to provide the care and understanding I once so desperately needed. Becoming a Registered Nurse is my immediate goal, a milestone that will open the door to my ultimate aspiration: to become a nurse anesthesiologist. This path is not just about acquiring a title or a job; it is about embodying the resilience I have built over the years, using it to guide patients through some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I want to be the calm in their storm, the professional who can ease their pain and anxiety with both skill and empathy. In many ways, I feel that this journey is not just mine; it is a tribute to those who have stood by me, and a promise to those I will care for in the future. Thyroid cancer has undeniably shaped who I am today. It has given me a new perspective on life and a passion for healthcare. My academic and career goals are deeply intertwined with my desire to turn my struggles into strengths, to be a source of comfort and care for others. This scholarship would not only support my education but also help me achieve my dream of making a meaningful impact in the world of healthcare. Thank you for considering my application.

Cancer is like a storm that sweeps into your life without warning, leaving nothing untouched. In 2015, when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, it felt like the ground had been ripped out from under me. The word "cancer" echoed in my mind, a harbinger of fear, uncertainty, and pain. My world, once steady and full of promise, suddenly teetered on the edge of an abyss. The diagnosis brought with it a whirlwind of medical appointments, invasive tests, and the looming reality of surgery. I underwent a thyroidectomy, a procedure that removed the cancer but left me dependent on daily medication for the rest of my life. The physical scars were just the beginning; the emotional toll was far deeper. I found myself grappling with questions of mortality and purpose, wondering how this would reshape my future. Each day post-surgery felt like a battle. I was drained, not just physically from the recovery and the side effects of hormone replacement therapy, but emotionally from the constant worry and the weight of uncertainty. My energy, once abundant, was sapped. The simplest tasks became monumental, and the future I had envisioned seemed to slip further from my grasp. But in that darkness, a spark of determination ignited. My experience with cancer, though harrowing, crystallized my desire to help others navigate their own health battles. I realized that my journey was not just about surviving—it was about transforming pain into purpose. This realization sharpened my focus on nursing. Having worked for years in special education, I had always been passionate about helping those with developmental disabilities. But now, I saw a new path: one where I could merge my past experiences with newfound empathy for patients facing life-threatening conditions. Returning to school while managing the aftermath of cancer was challenging. The fatigue, both mental and physical, was a constant companion. Yet, I persisted. Each class, each exam was a step toward a goal that had taken on new significance. I knew that as a nurse, I could be the steady hand, the comforting voice, for someone else caught in the storm of illness. Cancer redirected my life’s course, not by taking something away, but by revealing a deeper, more profound purpose. It gave me the resolve to pursue nursing with a fervor I might not have otherwise found. It turned my pain into a driving force, pushing me to become someone who could make a tangible difference in the lives of others, just as I had been cared for during my darkest days. As a Hispanic woman and a rising senior at SUNY College of Technology at Delhi, majoring in Nursing, I am determined to use my education and experiences to support those who are fighting their own battles. My college academic grades of a 4.0 reflects my dedication to my studies, even in the face of adversity. I know that with the support of this scholarship, I can continue to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse and making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Nursing is more than just a career path for me; it is a deeply rooted calling, born from personal experiences that have shaped my understanding of compassion and care. When I was just 12, my mother’s near-fatal car accident shattered our world. Watching her lie in that sterile hospital room, fragile and broken with a C2 fracture, I witnessed the transformative power of nursing. The nurses were more than just healthcare providers; they were a lifeline, offering not only medical care but also comfort, warmth, and humanity in the cold, clinical environment. It was in those moments that I realized the profound impact a nurse could have on a person’s life, and I knew that I wanted to be that source of strength for others. For over two decades, I have devoted myself to supporting individuals with mental disabilities, and in doing so, I have come to appreciate the art of caregiving. Working with OPWDD, I have seen firsthand the difference that patience, empathy, and dedication can make in someone’s life. These experiences have solidified my desire to pursue nursing, where I can combine my passion for helping others with the skills and knowledge needed to make a tangible impact. As a student at SUNY College of Technology at Delhi, majoring in Nursing, I have worked hard to prepare myself for this challenging yet rewarding field. My GPA of 4.0 reflects my dedication to my studies and my commitment to achieving my goals. I am a Hispanic woman, and I understand the importance of representation and cultural competence in healthcare. I want to be a nurse who can connect with patients from diverse backgrounds and provide them with the best care possible. As I embark on this journey, I envision myself as more than just a nurse—I see myself as a cornerstone of my community’s healthcare system. I want to be the steady hand that patients and families can rely on, the friendly face that brings comfort during difficult times. Nursing is the heart and soul of medicine, the critical backbone that supports the entire healthcare industry. I am ready to take on the challenges of rigorous academic courses, exhausting clinical shifts, and the financial burdens that come with pursuing this noble profession. Despite these obstacles, I am driven by the knowledge that my role as a nurse will be pivotal in the lives of countless individuals, and I am committed to being that bright spot in their healthcare experiences. In conclusion, my personal experiences and my work with individuals with mental disabilities have inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. I am dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others, and I am ready to take on the challenges that come with this profession. Thank you for considering my application for the Community Health Ambassador Scholarship for Nursing.

Nursing is more than just a career path for me; it is a deeply rooted calling, born from personal experiences that have shaped my understanding of compassion and care. When I was just 12, my mother’s near-fatal car accident shattered our world. Watching her lie in that sterile hospital room, fragile and broken with a C2 fracture, I witnessed the transformative power of nursing. The nurses were more than just healthcare providers; they were a lifeline, offering not only medical care but also comfort, warmth, and humanity in the cold, clinical environment. It was in those moments that I realized the profound impact a nurse could have on a person’s life, and I knew that I wanted to be that source of strength for others. For over two decades, I have devoted myself to supporting individuals with mental disabilities, and in doing so, I have come to appreciate the art of caregiving. Working with OPWDD, I have seen firsthand the difference that patience, empathy, and dedication can make in someone’s life. These experiences have solidified my desire to pursue nursing, where I can combine my passion for helping others with the skills and knowledge needed to make a tangible impact. As a student at SUNY College of Technology at Delhi, majoring in Nursing, I have worked hard to prepare myself for this challenging yet rewarding field. My GPA of 4.0 reflects my dedication to my studies and my commitment to achieving my goals. I am a Hispanic woman, and I understand the importance of representation and cultural competence in healthcare. I want to be a nurse who can connect with patients from diverse backgrounds and provide them with the best care possible. As I embark on this journey, I envision myself as more than just a nurse—I see myself as a cornerstone of my community’s healthcare system. I want to be the steady hand that patients and families can rely on, the friendly face that brings comfort during difficult times. Nursing is the heart and soul of medicine, the critical backbone that supports the entire healthcare industry. I am ready to take on the challenges of rigorous academic courses, exhausting clinical shifts, and the financial burdens that come with pursuing this noble profession. Despite these obstacles, I am driven by the knowledge that my role as a nurse will be pivotal in the lives of countless individuals, and I am committed to being that bright spot in their healthcare experiences. In conclusion, my personal experiences and my work with individuals with mental disabilities have inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. I am dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others, and I am ready to take on the challenges that come with this profession. Thank you for considering my application for the women in nursing scholarship.

Nursing is more than just a career path for me; it is a deeply rooted calling, born from personal experiences that have shaped my understanding of compassion and care. When I was just 12, my mother’s near-fatal car accident shattered our world. Watching her lie in that sterile hospital room, fragile and broken with a C2 fracture, I witnessed the transformative power of nursing. The nurses were more than just healthcare providers; they were a lifeline, offering not only medical care but also comfort, warmth, and humanity in the cold, clinical environment. It was in those moments that I realized the profound impact a nurse could have on a person’s life, and I knew that I wanted to be that source of strength for others. For over two decades, I have devoted myself to supporting individuals with mental disabilities, and in doing so, I have come to appreciate the art of caregiving. Working with OPWDD, I have seen firsthand the difference that patience, empathy, and dedication can make in someone’s life. These experiences have solidified my desire to pursue nursing, where I can combine my passion for helping others with the skills and knowledge needed to make a tangible impact. As a student at SUNY College of Technology at Delhi, majoring in Nursing, I have worked hard to prepare myself for this challenging yet rewarding field. My GPA of 4.0 reflects my dedication to my studies and my commitment to achieving my goals. I am a Hispanic woman, and I understand the importance of representation and cultural competence in healthcare. I want to be a nurse who can connect with patients from diverse backgrounds and provide them with the best care possible. As I embark on this journey, I envision myself as more than just a nurse—I see myself as a cornerstone of my community’s healthcare system. I want to be the steady hand that patients and families can rely on, the friendly face that brings comfort during difficult times. Nursing is the heart and soul of medicine, the critical backbone that supports the entire healthcare industry. I am ready to take on the challenges of rigorous academic courses, exhausting clinical shifts, and the financial burdens that come with pursuing this noble profession. Despite these obstacles, I am driven by the knowledge that my role as a nurse will be pivotal in the lives of countless individuals, and I am committed to being that bright spot in their healthcare experiences. In conclusion, my personal experiences and my work with individuals with mental disabilities have inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. I am dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others, and I am ready to take on the challenges that come with this profession. Thank you for considering my application to the nursing student scholarship.

Religion, at its core, is a deeply personal and spiritual journey, each path as unique as the individual who walks it. Picture a sun-drenched forest where sunlight filters through a tapestry of leaves, creating a mosaic of light and shadow on the forest floor. In this sacred space, each tree, with its own shape and size, symbolizes the diverse ways in which people experience their faith. Some trees stand tall and solitary, while others grow in clusters, but each is a testament to the rich and varied nature of spiritual exploration. For many, this journey begins in the embrace of tradition and the teachings of others. Picture a young person, eager and hopeful, walking into a grand church with vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows that shimmer with hues of red and blue. Here, the guidance of church leaders serves as a lantern, illuminating paths through ancient scriptures and doctrines. Yet, even within these hallowed walls, the journey is intensely personal. Each believer's faith is like a unique mosaic, crafted from individual experiences, struggles, and revelations. In today’s world, there is a tendency to rely heavily on these external guides rather than seeking a direct, personal relationship with God. Imagine a student, surrounded by the clamor of modern life, with the din of social media and societal expectations pressing down. In this whirlwind, the quest for a personal connection with God can become a quiet, almost hidden endeavor. The challenge is to turn inward, to step away from the noise and find solace in the solitary moments of reflection and prayer. The difference between our truth, God’s truth, and the truth of the Bible is a profound and intricate matter. Our personal truth is shaped by individual experiences and perceptions, a mosaic influenced by our emotions, environment, and understanding. It is as if each of us carries a small, hand-held lantern that illuminates only a part of the vast landscape of reality. God’s truth, however, is the unchanging and perfect reality that exists beyond our limited human perspective. It is like a brilliant, eternal sunrise that casts light over everything, revealing a clarity and depth that we can only glimpse in fragments. It is constant, irrespective of our personal experiences or understandings. The truth of the Bible represents the written revelations and teachings that guide us towards understanding both our personal journey and God’s eternal truth. Imagine it as a map, intricately detailed and handed down through the ages, providing direction and insight. The Bible captures divine wisdom and serves as a bridge between our personal experiences and the boundless reality of God’s truth. As a nursing student at SUNY College of Technology at Delhi, I have learned the importance of seeking truth and understanding in my studies and in my faith. My Hispanic heritage and the values instilled in me by my family have taught me the importance of humility, hard work, and a deep connection to God. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA in college while balancing my personal faith journey has shown me the importance of seeking God’s truth in all aspects of my life. The Norton Scholarship would support my continued exploration and deepening of my faith journey. It encourages students like me to delve into the scriptures with a spirit of discovery and to cultivate a personal relationship with God. This support is not just financial but a recognition of the importance of each believer’s unique path towards a more profound understanding of their faith. I am eager to continue this journey, guided by the light of God’s truth and the wisdom of the Bible.

From a young age, my life has been marked by resilience and a deep-rooted commitment to helping others. At 42, my journey from a passionate high school graduate working with individuals with developmental disabilities to pursuing a nursing degree with a 4.0 GPA has been shaped by profound experiences and unwavering determination. Growing up, I witnessed my mother’s near-death experience in a car accident when I was just 12 years old. The accident, which left her with a broken C2 vertebra, transformed our lives in ways I could scarcely comprehend. My family’s world shifted dramatically, and I found myself navigating the turbulence of her recovery while grappling with my own fears and uncertainties. This early encounter with adversity instilled in me a sense of empathy and a fierce desire to make a difference in the lives of others. My career began with AHRC, where I was driven by a passion for supporting individuals with mental disabilities. I was just 17, fresh out of high school, yet the work I did was deeply fulfilling. Over the years, my dedication evolved, and I became a steadfast advocate for those within OPWDD. This journey, spanning over two decades, has been marked by countless moments of connection, growth, and profound impact. Each day, I strive to uplift those I support, recognizing their potential and celebrating their achievements, no matter how small. Now, as I balance my role as a support aide in the emergency department with my studies in nursing, I am driven by a new and profound motivation. My experience with thyroid cancer, which led to a thyroidectomy and daily Levothyroxine medication, has reshaped my perspective on healthcare. This personal battle has not only reinforced my resolve to become a nurse but has also deepened my understanding of the vulnerabilities that patients face. I see firsthand the transformative power of compassionate, skilled nursing care, and I am determined to bring that same dedication to every patient I encounter. My academic advisor, Laura, has been a guiding light throughout my nursing journey. Her support and encouragement have been instrumental in navigating the challenges of balancing full-time work with my rigorous studies. Despite the demands of my job and the financial strain of nursing school, I remain steadfast in my commitment to my education. My goal is to merge my extensive experience in special education with my nursing knowledge, creating a unique blend of skills that will allow me to offer unparalleled support to patients with both developmental and medical needs. What distinguishes me from other applicants is not just my extensive background in special education or my personal battle with cancer but my relentless drive to create a meaningful impact. My life has been a tapestry woven with threads of adversity, compassion, and resilience. I approach each challenge with a fierce determination to overcome and transform it into an opportunity for growth and impact. Receiving this scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden but also affirm my commitment to becoming a nurse who makes a tangible difference in the healthcare field. It would enable me to continue my education with renewed focus and determination, ensuring that I can bring my unique perspective and unwavering dedication to patient care. This scholarship would be more than just financial support; it would be a testament to the belief in the power of perseverance and the potential to impact lives through compassionate care.

The impact of having thyroid cancer on my life was both profound and transformative. When I was diagnosed, the urgency of a thyroidectomy became a grim reality, and the surgery itself was just the beginning of a new chapter marked by daily challenges. Losing my thyroid meant a lifelong dependency on Levothyroxine, a synthetic hormone required to compensate for the absence of my natural thyroid function. This daily ritual of taking medication became a stark reminder of my altered reality, constantly underscoring the precarious balance of my health. Yet, this relentless cycle of medication and the vulnerability of living without a thyroid were not merely obstacles but rather catalysts for change. This personal health crisis ignited an intense drive within me to seek deeper understanding and education in the field of nursing. I saw firsthand the crucial role of informed, empathetic healthcare and became determined to equip myself with the knowledge and skills to provide compassionate care to others facing their own medical challenges. This experience not only reinforced my resolve to pursue a career in nursing but also molded my perspective on the importance of patient care and advocacy. It was through this lens of personal struggle and resilience that I found a renewed purpose in the healthcare field, aiming to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others by addressing their medical and emotional needs with empathy and expertise. Parallel to this journey, my passion for working with individuals with mental disabilities has been a driving force since I was 17 years old. Even at a young age, I was drawn to the unique challenges and strengths of individuals with mental disabilities. My early experiences in this field were not just formative but deeply fulfilling, shaping my commitment to advocating for and supporting this community. As I grew older and gained more experience, this initial passion evolved into a professional career in special education. Now, at 42, I look back on a career that has been both challenging and immensely rewarding. Working in special education has allowed me to leverage my early passion and personal experiences to create a positive impact on the lives of students. Each day presents new opportunities to support and uplift individuals with diverse needs, fostering their growth and celebrating their achievements. The sense of fulfillment that comes from helping these students overcome obstacles and reach their potential is unparalleled. This career not only aligns with my personal values but also offers a daily reminder of the importance of dedication, patience, and compassion in making a tangible difference. My journey through health challenges and professional development has been interwoven, with each experience reinforcing my commitment to serving others and contributing meaningfully to their lives.

My vision for myself as a nurse in the future is rooted in a deep sense of purpose and resilience. As an aspiring nurse anesthesiologist facing financial hardship, I see myself as a beacon of hope. I am driven by a passion to heal and provide comfort in critical moments. Although the path to becoming a nurse anesthesiologist is challenging and filled with financial obstacles, I firmly believe that each hurdle is a stepping stone toward my ultimate goal. From a young age, I have always been drawn to the medical field. The idea of helping others and making a difference in their lives has always resonated with me. My journey began at SUNY College of Technology at Delhi, where I am currently a rising senior majoring in Nursing. Throughout my studies, I have been committed to maintaining a high level of academic excellence, as reflected in my high school GPA of 3.6. As a Hispanic woman, I am proud of my heritage and am determined to be a role model for others in my community. The financial challenges I face are significant, but they have only strengthened my resolve. I work hard every day, balancing my studies with part-time jobs to support myself. Despite these hardships, I remain focused on my vision. I see myself not just as a student, but as a future leader in the field of anesthesiology. I am committed to acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to save lives and provide the highest level of care to my patients. In the future, I envision myself working in a hospital setting, where I can make a profound impact on the lives of patients. The role of a nurse anesthesiologist is critical, as it involves providing anesthesia and pain management during surgeries and other medical procedures. I am passionate about this field because it combines my love for nursing with my desire to work in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment. I am excited about the opportunity to be at the forefront of patient care, ensuring their safety and comfort during some of the most critical moments of their lives. My vision is also one of leadership and inspiration. I want to be a role model for others who are facing similar struggles. I want to show them that with dedication and hard work, it is possible to overcome financial barriers and achieve their dreams. I am determined to use my story to inspire others and to advocate for greater support for students facing financial hardship. As I continue my journey, I find strength in the knowledge that my perseverance will not only lead to personal success but will also serve as a testament to the power of dedication and hard work. I am committed to serving with compassion and providing the highest level of care to my patients. I am determined to be the best nurse anesthesiologist I can be, and I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. In conclusion, my vision for myself as a nurse in the future is one of unwavering resilience and purpose. I am committed to overcoming financial challenges and achieving my goal of becoming a nurse anesthesiologist. I am driven by a passion to heal and provide comfort in critical moments, and I am determined to be a leader in my field. I am excited about the future and the impact I will have on the lives of countless patients. Thank you for considering my application for the Sheila A Burke Memorial Scholarship.

My name is Doreen Sagastume, and I am a first-generation American. My father came from Guatemala when he was 27 years old, leaving behind his home country in search of a better life. It was not easy for him. He had cultural differences to navigate and struggled to provide for our family. Eventually, he had to return to Guatemala because he could no longer physically work in the occupation that had always supported us. That was the last time I saw my father. I remember watching him cry for the first time in my life. Being so young, I could not understand why he was so sad. I thought he would come back soon, and we would be a family again after I was able to help and provide for him like he did for us for so many years. Since then, it has been my job to take care of the family. It has never been easy for me financially or structurally. I have had to focus on my academics while working and worrying about the bills. My father passed away three years ago, and I still hold the burden of making sure my mom, who is now getting older, does not have to worry financially. Our gutters are leaking, and the basement must be prevented from flooding. During the winters, we have to board up the windows to keep the cold wind out. I am hoping that once I get my RN license, I will be able to help my mom fix these things and get a generator for the house. When the power goes out in the winter, the house will stay warm, and she will not have to worry about the pipes freezing or heating the home with firewood. Growing up in a single-parent household has shaped my beliefs about life. I have learned that hard work and determination are essential. My mother has always been my role model. She has worked tirelessly to provide for us, despite the many challenges we have faced. Her strength and resilience have inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. I want to help others the way my mother has helped our family. I want to be there for people during their most vulnerable moments and provide them with the care and support they need. Being a first-generation student has also influenced my beliefs about education. I have always understood the importance of education in achieving a better life. My high school GPA of 3.6 is a testament to my dedication and hard work. I am now a rising senior at SUNY College of Technology at Delhi, majoring in Nursing. I chose this field because I want to make a difference in people's lives. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, and I want to be a part of making that a reality. My experiences as a first-generation American and a first-generation student have taught me the value of perseverance. I have faced many obstacles, but I have never given up. I am determined to succeed, not just for myself, but for my family. I want to give my mom the peace of mind that she deserves, knowing that she does not have to worry about our financial situation. I want to honor my father's memory by achieving the dreams he had for our family. In conclusion, my experiences have shaped my beliefs about life in profound ways. They have taught me the importance of hard work, determination, and education. They have inspired me to pursue a career in nursing, where I can make a difference in people's lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Maida Brkanovic Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship would help me achieve my goals and provide my family with the stability we need. Thank you for considering my application.

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, deeply intertwined with our physical health, social relationships, and ability to lead a fulfilling life. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and act. Mental health affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices, underscoring its vital role in every stage of life, from childhood through adulthood. When our mental health is poor, it can lead to severe consequences such as depression, anxiety, and a host of other disorders that may disrupt daily functioning and impair the quality of life. Therefore, maintaining good mental health is not just about avoiding mental illnesses but about fostering a state of well-being where individuals realize their potential, cope with normal life stresses, work productively, and contribute to their communities. As a nursing student at SUNY College of Technology at Delhi, I have come to understand the importance of mental health both academically and personally. The demands of nursing school are intense, and maintaining my mental wellness has been essential to my success. My high school GPA was 3.6, and I currently hold a 4.0 GPA in college, which I attribute to my commitment to mental health. One of the best ways I maintain my mental health is through regular physical activity. Exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and negative mood by improving self-esteem and cognitive function. It also releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, helping to reduce stress and promote feelings of happiness. I make it a point to incorporate exercise into my daily routine, whether it is a quick jog or a yoga session. Another critical aspect of maintaining my mental health is cultivating a strong social support network. Positive relationships with family, friends, and colleagues provide emotional support, reduce feelings of loneliness, and increase resilience to stress. Engaging in social activities and staying connected with loved ones greatly enhances my mental well-being. My Hispanic and Latino heritage has taught me the value of close-knit family bonds and community support, which I lean on during challenging times. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and yoga, are also effective in maintaining my mental health. These practices help me stay grounded, reduce stress, and improve focus and concentration. They encourage a heightened state of awareness and acceptance, which leads to a better understanding of my thoughts and emotions, ultimately promoting a more balanced and peaceful state of mind. Adequate sleep and a balanced diet are also vital components of my mental health. Poor sleep can exacerbate stress and emotional problems, while a nutritious diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals can enhance mood and energy levels. Limiting alcohol and avoiding drug abuse are equally important, as these substances can impair mental functioning and lead to long-term mental health issues. Lastly, seeking professional help when necessary is crucial. Therapy and counseling provide individuals with tools to cope with life’s challenges, manage stress, and address mental health issues before they escalate. Early intervention can prevent many mental health problems from worsening and lead to better outcomes. In conclusion, mental health is foundational to our well-being, influencing every aspect of our lives. By incorporating regular physical activity, building strong social connections, practicing mindfulness, ensuring proper sleep and nutrition, and seeking professional help when needed, we can maintain and improve our mental health, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

My name is Doreen Sagastume, and I am a rising senior at SUNY College of Technology at Delhi, majoring in Nursing. I have always wanted to be a nurse, driven by a deep desire to help others and make a difference in their lives. However, my path to nursing was not straightforward. Initially, I enrolled at Hofstra University to study speech pathology, influenced by my mother's wishes. At 21, I felt compelled to follow her advice, but speech pathology was never my passion. When I considered changing my major to nursing, I was told that my completed classes would not count toward the new degree. This setback was disheartening, but it did not deter me. Now, I am incredibly grateful for a second chance to pursue my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). I love being of service to others, and I am passionate about learning how to care for people medically and save lives. Throughout my career, I have always worked in professions where I helped others. I have been a home health aide and have worked with individuals who are mentally and physically disabled. These experiences have provided me with the foundational skills necessary to be a compassionate and empathetic nurse. I know that my background has prepared me well for the challenges and rewards of a nursing career. Financial assistance is crucial for me to focus on my studies and maintain my 4.0 GPA. Over the summer, I worked as a support aide in the Emergency Department of a hospital, assisting nurses and doctors. This job was invaluable, but with the fall semester approaching, I am concerned about balancing work and maintaining my academic performance. A scholarship would allow me to dedicate my full attention to my studies without the added stress of financial strain. My ultimate goal is to earn my RN license and give back to the community. I am committed to becoming the best nurse I can be, filled with empathy and kindness. I am thankful for the opportunity to apply for the John Young 'Pursue Your Passion' Scholarship and hope you have faith in my potential. Your support would enable me to achieve my dreams and make a meaningful impact in the field of nursing. Thank you for considering my application.

My favorite Met Gala theme in recent memory was “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” which took place in 2019. This theme was inspired by Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay “Notes on Camp,” which explored the concept of camp as an aesthetic sensibility characterized by extravagance, irony, and theatricality. The theme challenged attendees to embrace and celebrate the art of excess and exaggeration in their fashion choices. One of the most talked-about outfits from the “Camp” Met Gala was worn by Lady Gaga. As one of the co-chairs of the event, Lady Gaga made a grand entrance with not one, not two, but four outfit changes on the red carpet. She started with a billowing pink Brandon Maxwell gown, which she dramatically shed to reveal a black gown underneath. She then stripped down to a sparkling bra and panties set, before finally posing in a crystal-embellished catsuit. Lady Gaga’s performance art on the red carpet perfectly embodied the spirit of camp and set the tone for the evening. Another standout look from the “Camp” Met Gala was Zendaya’s tribute to Cinderella. The actress arrived at the event in a light-up Tommy Hilfiger gown that was a modern interpretation of Cinderella’s iconic ball gown. Zendaya even had a fairy godmother in the form of stylist Law Roach, who waved a wand to make her dress light up as if by magic. The outfit was not only visually stunning but also a clever nod to the campy extravagance of fairy tales. However, not all outfits at the “Camp” Met Gala hit the mark. One of the more polarizing looks of the night was worn by Jared Leto, who carried a replica of his own head as an accessory. The Gucci ensemble, complete with a red silk gown and jewel-encrusted harness, was certainly attention-grabbing but left many scratching their heads at its literal interpretation of camp. While some critics may have found Jared Leto’s outfit to be a miss, it’s important to remember that camp is all about embracing the unexpected and pushing boundaries. The “Camp: Notes on Fashion” Met Gala of 2019 encouraged attendees to think outside the box and celebrate the art of exaggeration and theatricality in fashion. Lady Gaga’s multiple outfit changes and Zendaya’s Cinderella moment exemplified the creativity and whimsy of the theme, making them some of the best-dressed attendees of the night. In conclusion, the “Camp: Notes on Fashion” Met Gala of 2019 stands out as one of the most influential themes in recent years, challenging guests to embrace the playful and extravagant side of fashion. While some outfits may have been met with mixed reviews, the event as a whole showcased the creativity and innovation that the Met Gala is known for, solidifying its place as a must-see event in the fashion calendar.

The experience of facing thyroid cancer and undergoing a thyroidectomy was a transformative journey that shaped my character and taught me resilience. The challenges I faced during this time cultivated empathy, compassion, and advocacy skills, all of which are invaluable qualities in the field of nursing. My personal experience of overcoming thyroid cancer will serve as a powerful inspiration, igniting within me a passion for nursing and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of my future patients. Through this resilience and determination, I will help transform their own adversity into a driving force for healing and caring for others. It is my career goal to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by obtaining a BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain a nursing license. Receiving a thyroid cancer diagnosis was a life-altering moment. The initial shock and fear gave way to my determination to fight the disease and regain control of my health. This newfound resilience became the driving force behind the decision to undergo a thyroidectomy, a procedure that offered me hope for a cancer-free future. My journey of facing thyroid cancer and undergoing a thyroidectomy demanded resilience on multiple levels. Physically, my body endured the challenges of surgery, recovery, and potential post-operative treatments. Emotionally, I had to navigate the rollercoaster of fear, uncertainty, and hope. Throughout this process, my resilience was cultivated, shaped my character and transformed me as an individual into a stronger, more empathetic, and compassionate person. As a former thyroid cancer patient I often found myself having to navigate through the complex healthcare system, seeking answers, and having to advocate for my own needs. The resilience I gained from this experience equipped me with the determination and tenacity to become an effective advocate for myself and others. This advocacy mindset I developed will significantly impact me in my nursing career by inspiring others to also champion the rights and well-being of not only themselves but other patients, ensuring that they will receive the best possible care and support. My journey of overcoming thyroid cancer and the resilience I developed along the way is serving as a powerful inspiration for pursuing my career in nursing. Having personally experienced the impact of compassionate and skilled nursing care, I will be able to inspire other individuals to be motivated to pay it forward and make a difference in the lives of others. My experience has fueled my passion for nursing, instilling a deep sense of purpose and commitment to providing exceptional care to other patients in need. The experience of facing thyroid cancer and undergoing a thyroidectomy was a transformative journey that shaped my character and taught me resilience. The challenges I faced during this time cultivated empathy, compassion, and advocacy skills, all of which are invaluable qualities in the field of nursing. My personal experience of overcoming thyroid cancer will serve as a powerful inspiration, igniting within me a passion for nursing and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of my future patients. Through this resilience and determination, I will help transform their own adversity into a driving force for healing and caring for others.

Despite being a first-generation daughter of a Guatemalan immigrant father and overcoming the challenges of being a cancer survivor, I am determined to pursue my dream of becoming a registered nurse. There is nothing the universe can throw at me that will hinder my perseverance. It is my career goal to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by obtaining a BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain a nursing license. SUNY Delhi was my first and top choice university for many reasons such as accreditation, experienced faculty, clinical experience, career opportunities and their strong support services. Overall SUNY Delhi’s nursing program offers a comprehensive and well-rounded education that prepares its students for success in the nursing field. I aim to gain valuable clinical experience during my education. SUNY Delhi has partnerships with various healthcare facilities in the region, providing students with ample opportunities for hands on clinical experience. It has been my lifelong dream to make a positive impact on the lives of patients. I will use my passion to provide compassionate and high-quality care, advocate for my patients’ rights, and actively contribute to improving healthcare outcomes. As an aspiring nursing student, I have a goal of advancing into leadership or a management position within a local healthcare organization. SUNY Delhi has a strong reputation in the healthcare community, and graduates of the nursing program are highly sought after by employers. The program’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the demands of the profession, equipping them with necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. I would use the scholarship to cover tuition and fees associated with my nursing program. It would be a blessing to have the scholarship funds pay for my educational expenses, ensuring that I can focus on my studies without the financial stress. Achieving my long-term goals of pursuing an advanced degree and certifications in nursing will give me the opportunity to help those in need that are unable to help themselves. This scholarship will help me continue my professional development and open doors to higher-level nursing roles in my future. I have always wanted the knowledge of being able to heal others, especially in an emergency situation. In my previous professions I subconsciously sought out careers that enabled me to attend to persons in need. My first employment was with AHRC a state funded agency specializing in working with special needs children where I took on the role of a direct support professional. At another stage of my life, I even became a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, where the safety of others was my main focus. In both of these positions of employment, I felt comfort in knowing that I had the knowledge and ability to save the lives of those I was assisting or attending in case a crisis event arose. I have taken CPR class and First-aid many times throughout the years to ensure my certifications were always up to date, when I finally receive my RN license there will be no limit to how many people I can save and heal.

Despite being a first-generation daughter of a Guatemalan immigrant father and overcoming the challenges of being a cancer survivor, I am determined to pursue my dream of becoming a registered nurse. There is nothing the universe can throw at me that will hinder my perseverance. is my career goal to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by obtaining a BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain a nursing license. SUNY Delhi was my first and top choice university for many reasons such as accreditation, experienced faculty, clinical experience, career opportunities and their strong support services. Overall SUNY Delhi’s nursing program offers a comprehensive and well-rounded education that prepares its students for success in the nursing field. I aim to gain valuable clinical experience during my education. SUNY Delhi has partnerships with various healthcare facilities in the region, providing students with ample opportunities for hands on clinical experience. It has been my lifelong dream to make a positive impact on the lives of patients. I will use my passion to provide compassionate and high-quality care, advocate for my patients’ rights, and actively contribute to improving healthcare outcomes. As an aspiring nursing student, I have a goal of advancing into leadership or a management position within a local healthcare organization. SUNY Delhi has a strong reputation in the healthcare community, and graduates of the nursing program are highly sought after by employers. The program’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the demands of the profession, equipping them with necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. I would use the scholarship to cover tuition and fees associated with my nursing program. It would be a blessing to have the scholarship funds pay for my educational expenses, ensuring that I can focus on my studies without the financial stress. Achieving my long-term goals of pursuing an advanced degree and certifications in nursing will give me the opportunity to help those in need that are unable to help themselves. This scholarship will help me continue my professional development and open doors to higher-level nursing roles in my future. I have always wanted the knowledge of being able to heal others, especially in an emergency situation. In my previous professions I subconsciously sought out careers that enabled me to attend to persons in need. My first employment was with AHRC a state funded agency specializing in working with special needs children where I took on the role of a direct support professional. At another stage of my life, I even became a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, where the safety of others was my main focus. In both of these positions of employment, I felt comfort in knowing that I had the knowledge and ability to save the lives of those I was assisting or attending in case a crisis event arose. I have taken CPR class and First-aid many times throughout the years to ensure my certifications were always up to date, when I finally receive my RN license there will be no limit to how many people I can save and heal.

My experience in the LGTBTQ+ community has shape my goal to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by obtaining a BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain a nursing license. Growing up I always felt like an outcast but since the LGBTQ+ movement I have come out of my shell and been able to pursue my dream of helping others through nursing.      I aim to gain valuable clinical experience during my education. It has been my lifelong dream to make a positive impact on the lives of those that are like myself and once felt alienated and afraid to be their true selves.  I will use my passion to provide compassionate and high-quality care, advocate for my patients’ rights, and actively contribute to improving healthcare outcomes for those who still feel like they do not have a voice.      As an aspiring nursing student I have a goal of advancing into leadership or a management position within a local healthcare organization. I aspire to become nurse manager, director, or administrator to positively influence policy, improve healthcare delivery, and lead teams of healthcare professionals.      I would love the opportunity to participate in the advancement of nursing and gain knowledge through research or evidence-based practice. I aim to conduct research studies, participate in scholarly projects, or implement evidence-based interventions to improve patient care.    I would use this scholarship to cover tuition and fees associated with my nursing program. It would be a blessing to have the scholarship funds pay for my educational expenses, ensuring that I can focus on my studies without the financial stress.          Nursing programs require textbooks, uniforms, clinical supplies, and other materials. I plan on allocating a portion of the scholarship towards purchasing these necessary items to support my learning and clinical experiences.       I have also considered using the funds to attend nursing conferences, workshops, or seminars that can enhance my knowledge and skills in specific areas of nursing thereby growing my professional development. This scholarship will cover the costs associated with obtaining my nursing license or certifications. I will use the scholarship funds to pay for these fees, ensuring that I am prepared for my nursing career upon graduation.      Achieving my long-term goals of pursuing an advanced degree and certifications in nursing will give me the opportunity to help those in need that are unable to help themselves. This scholarship will help me continue my professional development and open doors to higher-level nursing roles in my future.           I have always wanted the knowledge of being able to heal others, especially in an emergency situation. In my previous professions I subconsciously sought out careers that enabled me to attend to persons in need. My first employment was with AHRC a state funded agency specializing in working with special needs children where I took on the role of a direct support professional. At another stage of my life, I even became a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, where the safety of others was my main focus.             In both of these positions of employment, I felt comfort in knowing that I had the knowledge and ability to save the lives of those I was assisting or attending in case a crisis event arose. I have taken CPR class and First-aid many times throughout the years to ensure my certifications were always up to date, when I finally receive my RN certificate there will be no limit to how many people I can save and heal.

It is my career goal to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by obtaining a BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain a nursing license. I learned being a first-generation Guatemalan daughter is a source of strength and resilience. I now embrace my heritage, celebrate my achievements, and continue to strive for my dreams. I believe I have the potential to make a positive impact on my community and I continue to inspire others to embrace their own cultural identities.      I aim to gain valuable clinical experience during my education. It has been my lifelong dream to make a positive impact on the lives of those that are under my care.  I will use my passion to provide compassionate and high-quality care, advocate for my patients’ rights, and actively contribute to improving healthcare outcomes.      As an aspiring nursing student I have a goal of advancing into leadership or a management position within a local healthcare organization. I aspire to become nurse manager, director, or administrator to positively influence policy, improve healthcare delivery, and lead teams of healthcare professionals.      I would love the opportunity to participate in the advancement of nursing and gain knowledge through research or evidence-based practice. I aim to conduct research studies, participate in scholarly projects, or implement evidence-based interventions to improve patient care.    I would use this scholarship to cover tuition and fees associated with my nursing program. It would be a blessing to have the scholarship funds pay for my educational expenses, ensuring that I can focus on my studies without the financial stress.      Achieving my long-term goals of pursuing an advanced degree and certifications in nursing will give me the opportunity to help those in need that are unable to help themselves. This scholarship will help me continue my professional development and open doors to higher-level nursing roles in my future.           I have always wanted the knowledge of being able to heal others, especially in an emergency situation. In my previous professions I subconsciously sought out careers that enabled me to attend to persons in need. My first employment was with AHRC a state funded agency specializing in working with special needs children where I took on the role of a direct support professional. At another stage of my life, I even became a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, where the safety of others was my main focus.             In both of these positions of employment, I felt comfort in knowing that I had the knowledge and ability to save the lives of those I was assisting or attending in case a crisis event arose. I have taken CPR class and First-aid many times throughout the years to ensure my certifications were always up to date, when I finally receive my RN certificate there will be no limit to how many people I can save and heal.  The experience of facing thyroid cancer and undergoing a thyroidectomy was a transformative journey that shaped my character and taught me resilience. The challenges I faced during this time cultivated empathy, compassion, and advocacy skills, all of which are invaluable qualities in the field of nursing. My personal experience of overcoming thyroid cancer will serve as a powerful inspiration, igniting within me a passion for nursing and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of my future patients. Through this resilience and determination, I will help transform their own adversity into a driving force for healing and caring for others.

It is my career goal to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by obtaining a BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain a nursing license. I learned being a first-generation Guatemalan daughter is a source of strength and resilience. I now embrace my heritage, celebrate my achievements, and continue to strive for my dreams. I believe I have the potential to make a positive impact on my community and I continue to inspire others to embrace their own cultural identities.      I aim to gain valuable clinical experience during my education. It has been my lifelong dream to make a positive impact on the lives of those that are under my care.  I will use my passion to provide compassionate and high-quality care, advocate for my patients’ rights, and actively contribute to improving healthcare outcomes.      As an aspiring nursing student I have a goal of advancing into leadership or a management position within a local healthcare organization. I aspire to become nurse manager, director, or administrator to positively influence policy, improve healthcare delivery, and lead teams of healthcare professionals.      I would love the opportunity to participate in the advancement of nursing and gain knowledge through research or evidence-based practice. I aim to conduct research studies, participate in scholarly projects, or implement evidence-based interventions to improve patient care.    I would use this scholarship to cover tuition and fees associated with my nursing program. It would be a blessing to have the scholarship funds pay for my educational expenses, ensuring that I can focus on my studies without the financial stress.      Achieving my long-term goals of pursuing an advanced degree and certifications in nursing will give me the opportunity to help those in need that are unable to help themselves. This scholarship will help me continue my professional development and open doors to higher-level nursing roles in my future.           I have always wanted the knowledge of being able to heal others, especially in an emergency situation. In my previous professions I subconsciously sought out careers that enabled me to attend to persons in need. My first employment was with AHRC a state funded agency specializing in working with special needs children where I took on the role of a direct support professional. At another stage of my life, I even became a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, where the safety of others was my main focus.             In both of these positions of employment, I felt comfort in knowing that I had the knowledge and ability to save the lives of those I was assisting or attending in case a crisis event arose. I have taken CPR class and First-aid many times throughout the years to ensure my certifications were always up to date, when I finally receive my RN certificate there will be no limit to how many people I can save and heal.  The experience of facing thyroid cancer and undergoing a thyroidectomy was a transformative journey that shaped my character and taught me resilience. The challenges I faced during this time cultivated empathy, compassion, and advocacy skills, all of which are invaluable qualities in the field of nursing. My personal experience of overcoming thyroid cancer will serve as a powerful inspiration, igniting within me a passion for nursing and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of my future patients. Through this resilience and determination, I will help transform their own adversity into a driving force for healing and caring for others.

It is my career goal to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by obtaining a BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain a nursing license. I learned being a first-generation Guatemalan daughter is a source of strength and resilience. I now embrace my heritage, celebrate my achievements, and continue to strive for my dreams. I believe I have the potential to make a positive impact on my community and I continue to inspire others to embrace their own cultural identities.      I aim to gain valuable clinical experience during my education. It has been my lifelong dream to make a positive impact on the lives of those that are under my care.  I will use my passion to provide compassionate and high-quality care, advocate for my patients’ rights, and actively contribute to improving healthcare outcomes.      As an aspiring nursing student I have a goal of advancing into leadership or a management position within a local healthcare organization. I aspire to become nurse manager, director, or administrator to positively influence policy, improve healthcare delivery, and lead teams of healthcare professionals.      I would love the opportunity to participate in the advancement of nursing and gain knowledge through research or evidence-based practice. I aim to conduct research studies, participate in scholarly projects, or implement evidence-based interventions to improve patient care.    I would use this scholarship to cover tuition and fees associated with my nursing program. It would be a blessing to have the scholarship funds pay for my educational expenses, ensuring that I can focus on my studies without the financial stress.      Achieving my long-term goals of pursuing an advanced degree and certifications in nursing will give me the opportunity to help those in need that are unable to help themselves. This scholarship will help me continue my professional development and open doors to higher-level nursing roles in my future.           I have always wanted the knowledge of being able to heal others, especially in an emergency situation. In my previous professions I subconsciously sought out careers that enabled me to attend to persons in need. My first employment was with AHRC a state funded agency specializing in working with special needs children where I took on the role of a direct support professional. At another stage of my life, I even became a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, where the safety of others was my main focus.             In both of these positions of employment, I felt comfort in knowing that I had the knowledge and ability to save the lives of those I was assisting or attending in case a crisis event arose. I have taken CPR class and First-aid many times throughout the years to ensure my certifications were always up to date, when I finally receive my RN certificate there will be no limit to how many people I can save and heal.  The experience of facing thyroid cancer and undergoing a thyroidectomy was a transformative journey that shaped my character and taught me resilience. The challenges I faced during this time cultivated empathy, compassion, and advocacy skills, all of which are invaluable qualities in the field of nursing. My personal experience of overcoming thyroid cancer will serve as a powerful inspiration, igniting within me a passion for nursing and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of my future patients. Through this resilience and determination, I will help transform their own adversity into a driving force for healing and caring for others.

It is my career goal to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by obtaining a BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain a nursing license. I learned being a first-generation Guatemalan daughter is a source of strength and resilience. I now embrace my heritage, celebrate my achievements, and continue to strive for my dreams. I believe I have the potential to make a positive impact on my community and I continue to inspire others to embrace their own cultural identities.      I aim to gain valuable clinical experience during my education. It has been my lifelong dream to make a positive impact on the lives of those that are under my care.  I will use my passion to provide compassionate and high-quality care, advocate for my patients’ rights, and actively contribute to improving healthcare outcomes.      As an aspiring nursing student I have a goal of advancing into leadership or a management position within a local healthcare organization. I aspire to become nurse manager, director, or administrator to positively influence policy, improve healthcare delivery, and lead teams of healthcare professionals.      I would love the opportunity to participate in the advancement of nursing and gain knowledge through research or evidence-based practice. I aim to conduct research studies, participate in scholarly projects, or implement evidence-based interventions to improve patient care.    I would use this scholarship to cover tuition and fees associated with my nursing program. It would be a blessing to have the scholarship funds pay for my educational expenses, ensuring that I can focus on my studies without the financial stress.      Achieving my long-term goals of pursuing an advanced degree and certifications in nursing will give me the opportunity to help those in need that are unable to help themselves. This scholarship will help me continue my professional development and open doors to higher-level nursing roles in my future.           I have always wanted the knowledge of being able to heal others, especially in an emergency situation. In my previous professions I subconsciously sought out careers that enabled me to attend to persons in need. My first employment was with AHRC a state funded agency specializing in working with special needs children where I took on the role of a direct support professional. At another stage of my life, I even became a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, where the safety of others was my main focus.             In both of these positions of employment, I felt comfort in knowing that I had the knowledge and ability to save the lives of those I was assisting or attending in case a crisis event arose. I have taken CPR class and First-aid many times throughout the years to ensure my certifications were always up to date, when I finally receive my RN certificate there will be no limit to how many people I can save and heal.  The experience of facing thyroid cancer and undergoing a thyroidectomy was a transformative journey that shaped my character and taught me resilience. The challenges I faced during this time cultivated empathy, compassion, and advocacy skills, all of which are invaluable qualities in the field of nursing. My personal experience of overcoming thyroid cancer will serve as a powerful inspiration, igniting within me a passion for nursing and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of my future patients. Through this resilience and determination, I will help transform their own adversity into a driving force for healing and caring for others.

It is my career goal to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by obtaining a BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain a nursing license. I learned being a first-generation Guatemalan daughter is a source of strength and resilience. I now embrace my heritage, celebrate my achievements, and continue to strive for my dreams. I believe I have the potential to make a positive impact on my community and I continue to inspire others to embrace their own cultural identities.      I aim to gain valuable clinical experience during my education. It has been my lifelong dream to make a positive impact on the lives of those that are under my care.  I will use my passion to provide compassionate and high-quality care, advocate for my patients’ rights, and actively contribute to improving healthcare outcomes.      As an aspiring nursing student I have a goal of advancing into leadership or a management position within a local healthcare organization. I aspire to become nurse manager, director, or administrator to positively influence policy, improve healthcare delivery, and lead teams of healthcare professionals.      I would love the opportunity to participate in the advancement of nursing and gain knowledge through research or evidence-based practice. I aim to conduct research studies, participate in scholarly projects, or implement evidence-based interventions to improve patient care.    I would use this scholarship to cover tuition and fees associated with my nursing program. It would be a blessing to have the scholarship funds pay for my educational expenses, ensuring that I can focus on my studies without the financial stress.      Achieving my long-term goals of pursuing an advanced degree and certifications in nursing will give me the opportunity to help those in need that are unable to help themselves. This scholarship will help me continue my professional development and open doors to higher-level nursing roles in my future.           I have always wanted the knowledge of being able to heal others, especially in an emergency situation. In my previous professions I subconsciously sought out careers that enabled me to attend to persons in need. My first employment was with AHRC a state funded agency specializing in working with special needs children where I took on the role of a direct support professional. At another stage of my life, I even became a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, where the safety of others was my main focus.             In both of these positions of employment, I felt comfort in knowing that I had the knowledge and ability to save the lives of those I was assisting or attending in case a crisis event arose. I have taken CPR class and First-aid many times throughout the years to ensure my certifications were always up to date, when I finally receive my RN certificate there will be no limit to how many people I can save and heal.  The experience of facing thyroid cancer and undergoing a thyroidectomy was a transformative journey that shaped my character and taught me resilience. The challenges I faced during this time cultivated empathy, compassion, and advocacy skills, all of which are invaluable qualities in the field of nursing. My personal experience of overcoming thyroid cancer will serve as a powerful inspiration, igniting within me a passion for nursing and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of my future patients. Through this resilience and determination, I will help transform their own adversity into a driving force for healing and caring for others.

It is my career goal to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by obtaining a BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain a nursing license. SUNY Delhi was my first and top choice university for many reasons such as accreditation, experienced faculty, clinical experience, career opportunities and their strong support services. Overall SUNY Delhi’s nursing program offers a comprehensive and well-rounded education that prepares its students for success in the nursing field. I aim to gain valuable clinical experience during my education. SUNY Delhi has partnerships with various healthcare facilities in the region, providing students with ample opportunities for hands on clinical experience. It has been my lifelong dream to make a positive impact on the lives of patients. I will use my passion to provide compassionate and high-quality care, advocate for my patients’ rights, and actively contribute to improving healthcare outcomes. As an aspiring nursing student, I have a goal of advancing into leadership or a management position within a local healthcare organization. SUNY Delhi has a strong reputation in the healthcare community, and graduates of the nursing program are highly sought after by employers. The program’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the demands of the profession, equipping them with necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. I would love the opportunity to participate in the advancement of nursing and gain knowledge through research or evidence-based practice. I aim to conduct research studies, participate in scholarly projects, or implement evidence-based interventions to improve patient care. I would use the scholarship to cover tuition and fees associated with my nursing program. It would be a blessing to have the scholarship funds pay for my educational expenses, ensuring that I can focus on my studies without the financial stress. Achieving my long-term goals of pursuing an advanced degree and certifications in nursing will give me the opportunity to help those in need that are unable to help themselves. This scholarship will help me continue my professional development and open doors to higher-level nursing roles in my future. I have always wanted the knowledge of being able to heal others, especially in an emergency situation. In my previous professions I subconsciously sought out careers that enabled me to attend to persons in need. My first employment was with AHRC a state funded agency specializing in working with special needs children where I took on the role of a direct support professional. At another stage of my life, I even became a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, where the safety of others was my main focus. In both of these positions of employment, I felt comfort in knowing that I had the knowledge and ability to save the lives of those I was assisting or attending in case a crisis event arose. I have taken CPR class and First-aid many times throughout the years to ensure my certifications were always up to date, when I finally receive my RN certificate there will be no limit to how many people I can save and heal.

My experience of facing thyroid cancer and the subsequent decision to undergo a thyroidectomy was not only a battle against a life-threatening illness but also a testament to my strength and my human spirit. This essay delves into my personal journey of overcoming thyroid cancer and how the resilience I gained from this experience shaped my character and influence into the pursuit of a career in nursing. Receiving a thyroid cancer diagnosis was a life-altering moment. The initial shock and fear gave way to my determination to fight the disease and regain control of my health. This newfound resilience became the driving force behind the decision to undergo a thyroidectomy, a procedure that offered me hope for a cancer-free future. My journey of facing thyroid cancer and undergoing a thyroidectomy demanded resilience on multiple levels. Physically, my body endured the challenges of surgery, recovery, and potential post-operative treatments. Emotionally, I had to navigate the rollercoaster of fear, uncertainty, and hope. Throughout this process, my resilience was cultivated, shaped my character and transformed me as an individual into a stronger, more empathetic, and compassionate person. The experience of battling thyroid cancer and undergoing a thyroidectomy provided me with a unique perspective on healthcare. Having firsthand experience with the physical and emotional toll of a serious illness began to foster empathy and compassion towards those I met with similar situations. I developed a deep understanding that profoundly influenced me into a pursuit of a career in nursing, as it ignited a desire to provide exceptional care and support to those patients who would face their own health challenges. As a former thyroid cancer patient I often found myself having to navigate through the complex healthcare system, seeking answers, and having to advocate for my own needs. The resilience I gained from this experience equipped me with the determination and tenacity to become an effective advocate for myself and others. This advocacy mindset I developed will significantly impact me in my nursing career by inspiring others to also champion the rights and well-being of other patients, ensuring that they will receive the best possible care and support. My journey of overcoming thyroid cancer and the resilience I developed along the way is serving as a powerful inspiration for pursuing my career in nursing. Having personally experienced the impact of compassionate and skilled nursing care, I will be able to inspire other individuals to be motivated to pay it forward and make a difference in the lives of others. My experience has fueled my passion for nursing, instilling a deep sense of purpose and commitment to providing exceptional care to other patients in need. The experience of facing thyroid cancer and undergoing a thyroidectomy was a transformative journey that shaped my character and taught me resilience. The challenges I faced during this time cultivated empathy, compassion, and advocacy skills, all of which are invaluable qualities in the field of nursing. My personal experience of overcoming thyroid cancer will serve as a powerful inspiration, igniting within me a passion for nursing and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of my future patients. Through this resilience and determination, I will help transform their own adversity into a driving force for healing and caring for others.

Being a super fan of Zendaya there is more than one particular aspects of her multifaceted career that I admire. Zendaya is known for her impeccable sense of style and ability to rock various looks, whether it’s on the red carpet or in everyday life. A super fan of fashion may admire her for being a trendsetter and for her confidence in experimenting with different styles. Zendaya has showcased her acting skills in various roles, from Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up” to her critically acclaimed performance in HBO’s “Euphoria.” A super fan of acting might admire her versatility, talent, and ability to bring depth to her characters. While Zendaya is primarily known as an actress, she has also released music throughout her career. A super fan of her singing might appreciate her vocal abilities, musicality, and the emotional connection she brings to her songs. Zendaya is an outspoken advocate for various social issues, including racial justice and gender equality. A super fan who values activism might admire her for using her platform to raise awareness and promote positive change. These are all reasons I have idolized her and follower her as she grew wishing each of these industries. She has not only shined as a beacon of strength for me but also given me confidence to pursue my own goals in life; which is what I would use this scholarship for if I was granted the award.

It is my career goal to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by obtaining a BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain a nursing license. I aim to gain valuable clinical experience during my education. I am aiming to specialize in anesthesiology. It has been my lifelong dream to make a positive impact on the lives of patients. I will use my passion to provide compassionate and high-quality care, advocate for my patient rights, and actively contribute to improving healthcare outcomes. As an aspiring nursing student I have a goal of advancing into leadership or a management position within a local healthcare organization. I aspire to become nurse manager, director, or administrator to positively influence policy, improve healthcare delivery, and lead teams of healthcare professionals. I would love the opportunity to participate in the advancement of nursing and gain knowledge through research or evidence-based practice. I aim to conduct research studies, participate in scholarly projects, or implement evidence-based interventions to improve patient care. I would use the scholarship to cover tuition and fees associated with my nursing program. It would be a blessing to have the scholarship funds pay for my educational expenses, ensuring that I can focus on my studies without the financial stress. Nursing programs require textbooks, uniforms, clinical supplies, and other materials. I plan on allocating a portion of the scholarship towards purchasing these necessary items to support my learning and clinical experiences. I have also considered using the funds to attend nursing conferences, workshops, or seminars that can enhance my knowledge and skills in specific areas of nursing thereby growing my professional development. This scholarship will cover the costs associated with obtaining my nursing license or certifications. I will use the scholarship funds to pay for these fees, ensuring that I am prepared for my nursing career upon graduation. Achieving my long-term goals of pursuing an advanced degree and certifications in nursing will give me the opportunity to help those in need that are unable to help themselves. This scholarship will help me continue my professional development and open doors to higher-level nursing roles in my future. I have always wanted the knowledge of being able to heal others, especially in an emergency situation. In my previous professions I subconsciously sought out careers that enabled me to attend to persons in need. My first employment was with AHRC state funded agency specializing in working with special needs children. I took on the role of a special education teacher and even a flight attendant for Delta Airlines. I felt comfort in knowing that I had the knowledge and ability to save the lives of those I was teaching or attending in case a crisis event arose. I have taken CPR class and First-aid many times through out the years to ensure my certifications were always up to date and when I finally receive my RN certificate there will be no limit to how many people I can save and heal.

It is my career goal to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by obtaining a BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain a nursing license. I aim to gain valuable clinical experience during my education. I am aiming to specialize in anesthesiology. It has been my lifelong dream to make a positive impact on the lives of patients. I will use my passion to provide compassionate and high-quality care, advocate for my patient rights, and actively contribute to improving healthcare outcomes. As an aspiring nursing student I have a goal of advancing into leadership or a management position within a local healthcare organization. I aspire to become nurse manager, director, or administrator to positively influence policy, improve healthcare delivery, and lead teams of healthcare professionals. I would love the opportunity to participate in the advancement of nursing and gain knowledge through research or evidence-based practice. I aim to conduct research studies, participate in scholarly projects, or implement evidence-based interventions to improve patient care. I would use the scholarship to cover tuition and fees associated with my nursing program. It would be a blessing to have the scholarship funds pay for my educational expenses, ensuring that I can focus on my studies without the financial stress. Nursing programs require textbooks, uniforms, clinical supplies, and other materials. I plan on allocating a portion of the scholarship towards purchasing these necessary items to support my learning and clinical experiences. I have also considered using the funds to attend nursing conferences, workshops, or seminars that can enhance my knowledge and skills in specific areas of nursing thereby growing my professional development. This scholarship will cover the costs associated with obtaining my nursing license or certifications. I will use the scholarship funds to pay for these fees, ensuring that I am prepared for my nursing career upon graduation. Achieving my long-term goals of pursuing an advanced degree and certifications in nursing will give me the opportunity to help those in need that are unable to help themselves. This scholarship will help me continue my professional development and open doors to higher-level nursing roles in my future. I have always wanted the knowledge of being able to heal others, especially in an emergency situation. In my previous professions I subconsciously sought out careers that enabled me to attend to persons in need. My first employment was with AHRC state funded agency specializing in working with special needs children. I took on the role of a special education teacher and even a flight attendant for Delta Airlines. I felt comfort in knowing that I had the knowledge and ability to save the lives of those I was teaching or attending in case a crisis event arose. I have taken CPR class and First-aid many times through out the years to ensure my certifications were always up to date and when I finally receive my RN certificate there will be no limit to how many people I can save and heal.

It is my career goal to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by obtaining a BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain a nursing license. I aim to gain valuable clinical experience during my education. I am aiming to specialize in anesthesiology. It has been my lifelong dream to make a positive impact on the lives of patients. I will use my passion to provide compassionate and high-quality care, advocate for my patient rights, and actively contribute to improving healthcare outcomes. As an aspiring nursing student I have a goal of advancing into leadership or a management position within a local healthcare organization. I aspire to become nurse manager, director, or administrator to positively influence policy, improve healthcare delivery, and lead teams of healthcare professionals. I would love the opportunity to participate in the advancement of nursing and gain knowledge through research or evidence-based practice. I aim to conduct research studies, participate in scholarly projects, or implement evidence-based interventions to improve patient care. I would use the scholarship to cover tuition and fees associated with my nursing program. It would be a blessing to have the scholarship funds pay for my educational expenses, ensuring that I can focus on my studies without the financial stress. Nursing programs require textbooks, uniforms, clinical supplies, and other materials. I plan on allocating a portion of the scholarship towards purchasing these necessary items to support my learning and clinical experiences. I have also considered using the funds to attend nursing conferences, workshops, or seminars that can enhance my knowledge and skills in specific areas of nursing thereby growing my professional development. This scholarship will cover the costs associated with obtaining my nursing license or certifications. I will use the scholarship funds to pay for these fees, ensuring that I am prepared for my nursing career upon graduation. Achieving my long-term goals of pursuing an advanced degree and certifications in nursing will give me the opportunity to help those in need that are unable to help themselves. This scholarship will help me continue my professional development and open doors to higher-level nursing roles in my future. I have always wanted the knowledge of being able to heal others, especially in an emergency situation. In my previous professions I subconsciously sought out careers that enabled me to attend to persons in need. My first employment was with AHRC state funded agency specializing in working with special needs children. I took on the role of a special education teacher and even a flight attendant for Delta Airlines. I felt comfort in knowing that I had the knowledge and ability to save the lives of those I was teaching or attending in case a crisis event arose. I have taken CPR class and First-aid many times through out the years to ensure my certifications were always up to date and when I finally receive my RN certificate there will be no limit to how many people I can save and heal.

I am a returning student that previously graduated from SUNY Suffolk on Long Island NY. My college graduation year was 2007 and I was at the young age of 22years old. At the time I had a high enough GPA where I was awarded a scholarship to Hofstra University. It has always been my life long dream to pursue a career in nursing and I had planned to continue my education at SUNY Suffolk being that they had an impeccable nursing program where I could obtain my RN certification in just 18 months after graduating with my Associates degree. I was confronted with a choice to go to a prestigious university or stay at the community college and continue on my goal towards nursing. I am now 45 years old and there is not a day goes by that I do not think back to this time in my life when I was conflicted with this life altering decision. I regrettably chose the Hofstra scholarship and with the suggestions of my academic advisor changed direction and went for a speech language hearing and science major. After the first year and completing the classes assigned to me I found only frustration in my vision of what my future was to be. I made an appointment with my advisor and requested to switch majors to pursue a nursing degree and was told that all the previous classes I had completed would not count or transfer over to the degree I was hoping to achieve. I was so disheartened and discouraged that I felt the school was just taking advantage of me financially. I chose to not move forward and went into the workforce where I began working for a doctor as an office manager. It has always been my life long dream to have the knowledge and experience to heal. I have applied and am accepted into the nursing program at SUNY Delhi in New York and desperately need funds to attend. I was working as a Delta flight attendant and recently resigned to pursue my aspirations of becoming a certified registered nurse. I plan to continue my education and graduate with a BSN degree and finally achieve my dream of becoming a nurse. I am reaching out for assistance in securing funds to cover the cost of tuition and other expenses associated with attending SUNY Delhi. I understand that pursuing a nursing degree requires a significant financial commitment, and I am willing to put in the hard work and dedication necessary to succeed in this field. I have a genuine passion for healthcare and a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I have already taken steps to further my education and have been accepted into the nursing program at SUNY Delhi. However, I am in need of financial support to cover the costs of tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses while I am studying. I am open to exploring different avenues for funding, such as scholarships, grants, and student loans. I am willing to put in the effort to research and apply for any opportunities that may be available to me. I believe that with the right support, I can successfully complete my nursing degree and contribute to the healthcare industry in a meaningful way. I am determined to overcome the obstacles I have faced in the past and make my dream a reality. Thank you for considering my request for assistance. I am grateful for any support or guidance you can provide in helping me achieve my goal of becoming a certified registered nurse.

It is my career goal to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by obtaining a BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain a nursing license. I aim to gain valuable clinical experience during my education. I am aiming to specialize in anesthesiology. It has been my lifelong dream to make a positive impact on the lives of patients. I will use my passion to provide compassionate and high-quality care, advocate for my patient rights, and actively contribute to improving healthcare outcomes. As an aspiring nursing student I have a goal of advancing into leadership or a management position within a local healthcare organization. I aspire to become nurse manager, director, or administrator to positively influence policy, improve healthcare delivery, and lead teams of healthcare professionals. I would love the opportunity to participate in the advancement of nursing knowledge through research or evidence-based practice. I aim to conduct research studies, participate in scholarly projects, or implement evidence-based interventions to improve patient care. I would use the scholarship to cover tuition and fees associated with my nursing program. It would be a blessing to have the scholarship funds pay for my educational expenses, ensuring that you can focus on my studies without the financial stress. Nursing programs require textbooks, uniforms, clinical supplies, and other materials. I plan on allocating a portion of the scholarship towards purchasing these necessary items to support my learning and clinical experiences. I have also considered using the funds to attend nursing conferences, workshops, or seminars that can enhance your knowledge and skills in specific areas of nursing thereby growing my professional development. This scholarship will cover the costs associated with obtaining my nursing license or certifications. I will use the scholarship funds to pay for these fees, ensuring that I am prepared for my nursing career upon graduation. I have long-term goals of pursuing an advanced degree and certifications in nursing. This scholarship can help me continue my professional development and open doors to higher-level nursing roles in my future. I have always want to have the knowledge of healing others, especially in an emergency situation. In my other professions such as a special education teacher and even a flight attendant for Delta Airlines; I felt comfort in knowing that I was able to save the lives of those I was teaching or attending. I have taken CPR class and First-aid many times through out the years to ensure my certifications were always up to date and when I finally receive my RN certificate there will be no limit to how many people I can save and heal.

Living out my faith in support of the Pro-Life movement can be done in various ways. Firstly I do my best to educate others by going to youth church clubs and prayer meetings. I take the time to understand the arguments and facts surrounding the Pro-Life movement by staying updated on current events and research related to life issues. I use my voice to advocate for the protection of all stages of life. This can include participating in peaceful protests, contacting my local elected officials to express my views, and engage in respectful discussions with others such as fellow students and in my classes. I make sure to find and support organizations that align with my Pro-Life values. This can involve volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness about their work. During my free time I reach out to local crisis pregnancy centers or organizations that support women and families in need. I offer my time, resources, or skills to assist those who may be facing difficult decisions. Lastly, I always incorporate prayer into my daily routine, offering prayers for unborn children, expectant mothers, and those who work to protect life. I consistently seek guidance and discernment from my faith in how to best support the Pro-Life cause. Regarding the impact of faith on my future goals and career paths; I begin by considering how my faith aligns with my personal values. I know that faith can guide my decision-making process and help me choose a career path that aligns with my beliefs. I have explored how my skills and passions can be used to make a positive impact in the world. I look for career opportunities that allow me to actively live out my faith and contribute to the protection of life.I am considering professions that directly serve and support vulnerable populations, such as healthcare, counseling, social work, or education. These fields often provide opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those in need. I plan my use of education to enact change and protect all stages of life by pursuing educational paths that equip me with the knowledge and skills needed to address life issues. My faith is what pointed me into the direction of nursing as I believe I was born with the gift to heal others. I have made sure to seek opportunities to gain practical experience in organizations or initiatives focused on protecting life. This can provide valuable insights and connections within the field. It is a joy to connect with like-minded individuals, professors, and professionals in my chosen field. I have attended conferences, seminars, and workshops to expand my knowledge and build relationships with others who share my passion for life. I have continuously pursue to educate myself on the latest research, legislation, and strategies related to the Pro-Life movement. This will help me stay effective and informed in my efforts to enact change. I am aware everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s important to discern how my faith and personal calling intersect. Seeking guidance from my mentors, spiritual leaders, and trusted advisors as i navigate my path to make a positive impact in the world.