As a first-generation college student and a woman working full-time in the chemical manufacturing industry, I’ve experienced firsthand both the challenges and the possibilities that come with being a woman in STEM. My journey into the field of Occupational Safety and Health didn’t begin in a classroom—it began on the production floor, surrounded by the constant movement, noise, and hazards of chemical processing. Early on, I noticed how one small mistake or overlooked safety step could have serious consequences. I also saw the difference that good communication, strong leadership, and a culture of safety could make. Those experiences opened my eyes to how essential safety professionals are, and they inspired me to pursue this path—not just as a career, but as a calling. Working in such a demanding environment taught me resilience, but it also showed me the gaps that still exist for women in industrial roles. Women are often underrepresented in safety and engineering departments, especially in male-dominated industries like chemical manufacturing. I want to help change that narrative. By earning my degree in Occupational Safety and Health, I aim to bridge the gap between the people who perform the work and those who make decisions about it. Safety shouldn’t just be a set of policies—it should be a lived culture supported by everyone from frontline workers to executive leadership. As a woman in STEM, I bring a unique perspective to that mission. I understand the importance of empathy in leadership and how diversity improves decision-making. My approach to risk assessment, emergency planning, and employee engagement is shaped by the belief that every voice on the team matters. Diverse perspectives make workplaces not only safer, but also more innovative and adaptable. My long-term goal is to lead corporate safety initiatives that prioritize both physical protection and mental well-being. Safety should include not only guarding against injuries but also supporting workers’ mental health, communication, and sense of belonging. I also want to mentor women who are entering this field, especially those juggling the same work, school, and family responsibilities that I’ve had to balance. Representation matters, and I hope to become the kind of mentor I wish I had when I first put on my hard hat and steel-toe boots. Balancing full-time work and college hasn’t been easy. There have been long nights, missed events, and moments of self-doubt. But each challenge has strengthened my focus and deepened my commitment to this profession. I’ve learned to speak up, to advocate for myself and others, and to take pride in making a difference. This scholarship would not only ease the financial strain of tuition—it would also affirm that women like me, who may not have followed a traditional path, truly belong in STEM. I’m passionate about creating safer workplaces, empowering others in industry, and using science and technology to make a real and lasting impact.

The Unconventional Path Forward I am a non-traditional student in every sense of the word. I’m over 35, married, and working full-time as an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Coordinator in a chemical manufacturing facility. I’m also a first-generation college student, returning to school after more than a decade away. My journey has been shaped by hardship, resilience, and a deep desire to protect others—qualities that I believe reflect the spirit of Andrea Worden. I never imagined I’d be returning to college in my late thirties, balancing full-time work, marriage, and the weight of family responsibilities. My path to education has been anything but traditional. I began studying veterinary medicine, driven by a love for animals and science. But life had other plans. After working in manufacturing since 2009, I discovered my calling in Occupational Safety and Health—a field where I could protect people, solve problems, and make a tangible difference. What makes me a non-traditional student isn’t just my age or career change—it’s the journey that brought me here. In 2012, my mother was critically injured in a car accident the weekend before Thanksgiving, which was also my sister’s 21st birthday. I dropped out of college to care for her and help her apply for disability. She still needs ongoing assistance, and I’ve been her advocate ever since. That experience taught me perseverance, compassion, and the importance of showing up for others even when it’s hard. I’ve also faced the loss of my father, whose workplace injury at Lockheed Martin led to chronic pain, addiction, and eventually his death in assisted living. His story fuels my passion for safety and prevention. I want to ensure no one else suffers the way he did. Despite financial challenges, I’m pursuing my bachelor’s degree online through Waldorf University while working full-time. I often bridge language gaps with translation apps to communicate with Japanese-speaking coworkers and upper management. It’s not easy, but I’ve learned that kindness and patience go a long way. One moment that shaped me was when I created a GoFundMe for my sister, a single mother of three, whose bathtub was falling through the floor. I reached out to every local nonprofit, followed up with Habitat for Humanity, and kept pushing even when no one responded. That experience reminded me that advocacy isn’t just about speaking up, it’s about persistence, empathy, and refusing to give up on people. I embody Andrea Worden’s spirit through my resilience, compassion, and deep investment in others. I don’t have a polished path, but I have a purpose. I’m here to protect, uplift, and lead with heart. This scholarship would help me continue that journey—not just for myself, but for everyone I fight for.

Putting My Health First: A Turning Point Toward My Future It was Thanksgiving Day in 2012, my sister’s 21st birthday, when everything changed. My mother was in a devastating car accident that left her in a coma. At the time, I was a college student studying veterinary medicine, juggling coursework and part-time jobs. But after the accident, I dropped everything to become her caregiver. I spent months navigating hospital systems, disability paperwork, and the emotional toll of watching someone I love fight for her life. Before I left school, I had already started therapy to manage the stress of being a first-generation college student. But after the accident, I put my own mental health on hold. I told myself I had to be strong—for my mom, my sister, and everyone who depended on me. What I didn’t realize was that ignoring my own needs would eventually catch up with me. Years later, after working in manufacturing since 2009, I found myself burned out and emotionally drained. I was working full-time, still helping my mother, and trying to hold everything together. That’s when I made a conscious decision to prioritize my mental and emotional health again. I returned to therapy, began journaling, and carved out time for reflection and rest. I also revisited my dream of finishing my degree; this time in a field that had become deeply personal to me: Occupational Safety and Health. This experience taught me that caring for others starts with caring for yourself. I learned how to set boundaries, ask for help, and recognize the signs of burnout before they became overwhelming. These lessons have shaped how I approach my work as a safety coordinator. I don’t just focus on physical hazards; I advocate for mental wellness and emotional resilience in the workplace. I understand how trauma and stress can affect performance, and I bring empathy and lived experience to every safety plan I create. Now, after years of putting others first, I’ve re-enrolled in college and am about to begin my academic journey again. I’m doing so with a renewed sense of purpose. I’ve learned how to manage my time, protect my energy, and stay focused on long-term goals. I’m not just pursuing a degree; I’m building a future rooted in strength, compassion, and the belief that healing is possible. Making my health a priority didn’t just help me survive—it helped me grow. And that growth is the foundation I’m using to shape a future where I can support others, advocate for safety, and lead with heart.

Wearable safety technology stands out as a compelling convergence of innovation and human-centered design, particularly in sectors where risks are high and traditional safety measures have often fallen short. Drawing from my experience in the chemical processing industry, I have directly observed the significant impact of smart helmets, sensor-equipped vests, and advanced wristbands. These devices do not merely represent technological progress; they actively monitor vital signs, detect falls, enable real-time location tracking, and identify exposure to hazardous gases or extreme temperatures. On several occasions, I have witnessed these innovations intervene to prevent what could have been serious accidents, in some cases even saving lives. What I find most inspiring about wearable safety technology is its dual capacity for both empowerment and protection. For workers in hazardous environments, these devices provide reassurance and immediate support. For professionals tasked with workplace safety, wearable technology introduces a proactive approach—shifting from reactive responses to data-driven, preventive strategies. As a woman in a predominantly male field, I view technology as more than just a tool for operational improvement; it is an instrument of inclusion. My ambition is to advocate for wearable technology as a means to establish safer, more equitable workplaces, especially in sectors where women and other marginalized groups have historically been underserved. This commitment extends beyond regulatory compliance; it is grounded in ethical responsibility, empathy, and a deep commitment to safeguarding all individuals, not just fulfilling procedural requirements. I firmly believe that technology should benefit those whose voices are often marginalized. This conviction underpins my ongoing dedication to advancing and advocating for safety-focused technological solutions. Ultimately, progress in this field must be measured not only in metrics or statistical performance, but in the preservation of human dignity, the exercise of foresight, and the creation of inclusive environments where no one is excluded. Receiving this scholarship would provide crucial support for my continued work at the intersection of safety, technology, and social impact. It would help me pursue a vision where all workers, irrespective of gender or background, are able to thrive in environments founded upon respect and protection.

I am looking to pursue a career in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). While OSH itself is not a skilled trade, it plays a crucial role in protecting the well-being of workers across various industries, including construction and skilled trades. OSH and these fields go hand in hand; you can't run a successful jobsite without safety. My experience in manufacturing has shown me the importance of safety and health in the workplace, and I am eager to apply my knowledge to ensure that workers can perform their jobs safely and efficiently. The opportunity to contribute to safer workplaces and improve industry standards drives my passion for this field. In my years of working in manufacturing, I have never worked at a place that did not have a history of a death at the worksite, mostly due to unsafe conditions or behaviors. The one that stands out the most is the accident that occurred between a man and a forklift, which ended in tragedy. Witnessing such incidents has profoundly impacted me and reinforced my commitment to making a difference in workplace safety. These experiences have fueled my determination to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Occupational Safety and Health. This degree will equip me with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement effective safety programs and policies, ultimately creating safer work environments. My goal is to create safer work environments, reduce workplace injuries, and improve the overall quality of life for workers across various industries. I aim to prevent such tragedies from happening by leading initiatives that promote safety, prevent accidents, and foster a culture of health and well-being in the workplace. By pursuing this degree, I will be able to contribute to the development and enforcement of safety standards that protect workers and ensure their well-being. The person who has influenced me the most to pursue this path is my mentor at my current job. Their dedication to safety and health, combined with their extensive knowledge and experience, has inspired me to follow in their footsteps. They have shown me the profound impact that a committed EHS professional can have on a company and its employees. Their guidance and support have been instrumental in my decision to further my education and pursue a career in Occupational Safety and Health. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my career by leading initiatives that promote safety, prevent accidents, and foster a culture of health and well-being in the workplace. By pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Occupational Safety and Health, I will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to implement effective safety programs and policies. My goal is to create safer work environments, reduce workplace injuries, and improve the overall quality of life for workers across various industries. Through my proactive approach and commitment to excellence, I aim to be a catalyst for positive change in the field of occupational safety and health.

The day I witnessed a colleague narrowly escape a serious injury was the day I realized the true importance of occupational safety. Success, for me, is defined by the ability to make a meaningful impact in the field of occupational safety and health. It means creating safer work environments where employees can perform their duties without fear of injury or harm. Success is not just about personal achievement; it is about contributing to the well-being of others and ensuring that every worker returns home safely at the end of the day. My journey towards this vision of success began with my work in the manufacturing sector, where I have been employed since 2009. Over the years, I have developed a deep appreciation for the importance of safety protocols and regulatory compliance. Despite not having formal EHS experience initially, I took on an EHS role at a startup company, which was both challenging and rewarding. This experience taught me the value of perseverance, resourcefulness, and continuous learning. To enhance my knowledge and skills, I completed several certifications, including DOT, RCRA, and TSCA through Lion Technologies, and a comprehensive 132-hour online course from OSHAcademy for the "Occupational Safety & Health Professional." These certifications provided me with a solid foundation, but I know that obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Occupational Safety from Waldorf University will take my expertise to the next level. This opportunity to pursue a BA in Occupational Safety is crucial for achieving my vision of success. The program at Waldorf University offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of occupational safety, including industrial hygiene, construction safety, fire safety, and risk management. The flexibility of the online format will allow me to balance my studies with my work and personal commitments, ensuring that I can continue to support my family while advancing my education. In addition to the technical knowledge, the degree program will provide me with valuable networking opportunities. Connecting with professors and fellow students who share my passion for occupational safety will open doors to new ideas, collaborations, and potential career advancements. These relationships will be instrumental in my professional growth and in staying updated with the latest industry trends and best practices. Success, for me, also means setting an example for others who may be facing similar challenges. By achieving my educational and career goals, I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may encounter. I want to demonstrate that with determination, hard work, and the right support, it is possible to achieve great things. In the long term, I plan to apply the knowledge and skills gained from my degree to improve safety protocols and practices at my current job. I aspire to take on more advanced responsibilities within the EHS field and contribute to creating safer work environments. This goal is not just about personal advancement; it is about making a meaningful impact on occupational safety and health, ensuring that every worker can return home safely at the end of the day. Furthermore, I envision using my expertise to advocate for stronger safety regulations and policies within the industry. By participating in professional organizations and contributing to safety standards development, I can help shape a safer future for all workers. This advocacy work will extend the impact of my efforts beyond my immediate workplace, benefiting the broader community. In conclusion, success for me is about making a positive difference in the lives of others through my work in occupational safety and health. The opportunity to pursue a BA in Occupational Safety from Waldorf University is a critical step towards achieving this vision. With the right education, support, and determination, I am confident that I can reach my goals and contribute to a safer and healthier workplace for all.