Ever since I was a teenager, I have known that nursing was the career I wanted to pursue. I was born and raised in Mexico, and when I moved to the United States at the age of 15, I knew I wanted to study something meaningful, honest, and compassionate something that would allow me to help others and create change in the world. When I was 14 years old, my father passed away, and that experience changed my life forever. It opened my eyes to the importance of compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals and inspired me to help others in their most vulnerable moments. Since then, I have been determined to make a difference in my community and provide care that honors the kind of support I wish my family had during that difficult time. I am currently a nursing student, working diligently toward my degree with the goal of becoming a registered nurse. Through both academic studies and hands-on experience, I am learning not just the science of healthcare, but also the art of compassion. To deepen my understanding of the profession and give back to my community, I have completed volunteer hours at a hospital. This experience has been invaluable. It exposed me to the day-to-day realities of patient care and gave me the opportunity to observe nurses in action balancing technical skills with genuine empathy. I helped transport patients, assisted with non-clinical tasks, and offered comfort to families in waiting rooms. These moments reaffirmed my commitment to nursing and inspired me to become a professional who not only treats symptoms, but truly cares for people. My vision is to use my nursing career to make a lasting, positive impact in both clinical and community settings. I hope to work in underserved areas where access to quality healthcare is limited. I believe everyone deserves compassionate, competent care regardless of their background or financial situation. In the long term, I aspire to be involved in health education initiatives that empower individuals and families to make informed choices about their well-being. Winning this scholarship would bring me one step closer to that goal. Nursing education can be financially challenging, and receiving this support would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and clinical training. It would also serve as a vote of confidence in my potential and dedication to the field. Through perseverance, empathy, and a strong sense of purpose, I aim to be a nurse who not only heals but also inspires. I am committed to being a positive force in healthcare and to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people I serve.

Giving back has always been a central part of who I am. For over three and a half years, I volunteered at a local hospital, where I shadowed nurses and interacted with patients. This experience not only confirmed my passion for nursing but also taught me how meaningful small acts of kindness can be in the lives of others. As a volunteer, I helped patients feel more comfortable during their hospital stay, offered emotional support, and assisted with simple tasks. I listened to their concerns, shared conversations to ease their worries, and learned from the dedicated nurses I shadowed. These moments showed me that giving back doesn’t require a title or degree, it just involves compassion, presence, and a willingness to help. Being able to make a patient smile or ease someone’s fear, even in a small way, was a powerful and humbling experience. Today, I am proud to be pursuing my education in nursing school while also working at a nonprofit hospital. This role is allowing me to build on what I learned as a volunteer while gaining new skills and insights into the healthcare system. I am learning how healthcare can be a powerful tool to support, uplift, and heal underserved communities. Working in a nonprofit hospital reinforces my belief in accessible, compassionate care and inspires me to find more ways to help those in need. Through my experience, I’ve witnessed the challenges that patients from underserved communities face, including language barriers, financial limitations, and a lack of health education. As someone who has navigated life in a new country and overcome similar obstacles, I feel called to be the kind of caregiver who understands and advocates for them. In the future, I plan to give back by becoming a registered nurse who not only treats patients but also empowers and educates them. I want to work in community health or geriatric care, supporting vulnerable populations and helping families navigate the healthcare system. I also want to mentor young immigrants and aspiring healthcare professionals, encouraging them to chase their dreams despite obstacles. Giving back is more than an activity, it’s a mindset. My journey has shaped the kind of nurse and person I want to be: someone who leads with heart, serves with humility, and strives to improve the lives of others. If I am awarded this scholarship, it will go directly toward my nursing education, helping me continue my path of service and impact.

My greatest achievement to date has been overcoming the challenges I faced as an immigrant and first-generation college student in pursuit of my dream to become a nurse. When I moved to the United States from Mexico, I barely spoke English. I was thrust into a new culture, a new school system, and new expectations. Everything was unfamiliar, and I often felt like I didn’t belong. However, rather than letting fear hold me back, I saw each struggle as a step forward. Learning English was one of the first major hurdles. I spent hours after school studying vocabulary, watching videos to improve my listening skills, and practicing speaking even when I was nervous about making mistakes. I also took on part-time jobs to help support my family financially. Balancing work, school, and family responsibilities was incredibly difficult, but it taught me discipline and time management. Throughout this journey, I discovered a strength within myself that I didn’t know existed. I learned that I could adapt, persist, and grow even when the odds felt stacked against me. These experiences not only helped me become more resilient, but they also deepened my empathy for others. I began volunteering in healthcare settings and found great joy in supporting patients, especially those who, like me, faced language or cultural barriers. This achievement, persevering through adversity to pursue my education, has shaped who I am today. It has shown me the value of hard work, the importance of staying true to your goals, and the power of believing in yourself even when the path is unclear. Every challenge has been a stepping stone toward becoming the person I am now: determined, compassionate, and goal-oriented. Looking ahead, I hope to become a registered nurse and specialize in geriatric or community health. I want to advocate for patients who often feel voiceless and provide care that respects their dignity and life stories. In the future, I also hope to mentor other young immigrants or students facing obstacles, helping them see that they, too, can rise above challenges and achieve their dreams. My past has prepared me to make a meaningful difference, and I am committed to building a future rooted in compassion, service, and purpose. I now see my journey not just as a personal victory but as a foundation for making lasting change in the lives of others. If I win this scholarship, I will use it to pay for my nursing education and be able to finish my nursing career.

To be a purposeful, responsible, and productive member of the community means to live with integrity, make intentional choices, and contribute meaningfully to the lives of others. These qualities are essential not only in our daily interactions but also in shaping the kind of professional and person I strive to be. As someone pursuing a career in nursing, I understand the deep impact these values have on patient care, teamwork, and the broader community. Being purposeful means having a clear sense of direction and using your life experiences to guide your goals. For me, that purpose was shaped by the loss of my father and the challenges that followed. His death taught me that life is unpredictable, and it made me realize how critical it is to be there for others during their most vulnerable moments. My purpose is to bring healing and compassion through nursing, especially to those who are often overlooked. Whether I’m in a hospital, clinic, or community setting, I want my actions to reflect my deep commitment to serving others with empathy and respect. Being responsible is about owning your actions and consistently striving to do the right thing, even when it’s hard. When I moved to the United States from Mexico, I faced language barriers, cultural differences, and academic struggles. It would have been easy to give up, but I knew I had a responsibility to myself, to my family, and to the future I envisioned. I worked hard to learn English, supported my family financially, and balanced school with part-time jobs. These experiences taught me the value of accountability, self-discipline, and perseverance. To be productive means more than staying busy; it means making progress toward meaningful goals. Productivity, to me, includes continuing my education, seeking opportunities to grow, and using my time and energy to improve not just my life, but the lives of those around me. I plan to be a productive member of the healthcare community by staying informed, being a team player, and always looking for ways to improve patient care and health outcomes. In my future as a nurse, I will embody these qualities by being thoughtful in my actions, dependable in my responsibilities, and driven to make a positive impact. My journey has taught me that adversity can shape you, but how you respond to it defines you. I choose to respond with purpose, responsibility, and a desire to serve others.

Everyone encounters adversity at some point in their life, but for me, the most defining moment came at the age of 14 when I lost my father to violence in Mexico. His death was not only devastating emotionally, but it also forced my family into a difficult and uncertain future. This tragedy became the beginning of a long journey filled with challenges and growth. After my father passed away, my sense of safety vanished. Living in an environment plagued by violence became unbearable, and my mother made the brave decision to move our family to the United States in search of a better life. This transition brought its own set of adversities, leaving behind friends, family, culture, and stepping into a country where I barely spoke the language. I felt out of place, lost, and overwhelmed. The hardest part was starting over in school. I struggled to understand my teachers and classmates, and for a while, I felt isolated and discouraged. But I knew that if I gave up, I would be giving up not only on myself but also on the sacrifices my mother had made. Slowly, I began to improve my English, asking questions when I didn't understand and spending extra time studying. I also found strength in small victories like passing a challenging exam, holding my first conversation in English, or helping a classmate. Each step forward gave me confidence. To support myself and contribute to my family, I took on part-time work while continuing my education. Balancing these responsibilities wasn't easy, but it taught me time management, resilience, and the importance of perseverance. I kept my focus on my dream of becoming a nurse, something that had taken root in me after my father's death. I wanted to care for others the way I wished someone could have cared for him. This adversity shaped me into someone who does not give up easily. It taught me to face fear with courage, to respond to setbacks with determination, and to transform pain into purpose. Today, I'm proud of how far I've come, and I know I bring a more profound sense of empathy and strength to everything I do. To anyone facing similar circumstances, losing a loved one, moving to a new country, starting over, I want to say this: your pain does not define your limit. It can become your motivation. Seek help when you need it, don't be afraid to ask questions, and take each step forward, no matter how small. There is strength in survival, and even more in choosing to build something positive from hardship.

From a young age, I knew I wanted to study nursing. This calling became even more personal when I lost my father to violence at the age of 14. His death was not only a tragic loss but also a turning point that shaped my commitment to care for others. Since then, life has been challenging for my family and me, but it has also strengthened my resolve and deepened my empathy for others facing difficult circumstances. Growing up in Mexico, I often felt the instability and danger that surrounded my community. When my father was taken from us so suddenly and wrongfully, it shattered our world. My mother had to take on the responsibility of raising our family alone, and I was forced to mature quickly. I witnessed the emotional and financial struggles we endured daily, and that experience taught me the importance of compassion, resilience, and hope. These are the same qualities I want to bring into my nursing practice. I came to the United States seeking a better quality of life and a safer environment. Leaving my home country behind was not an easy decision, especially with limited knowledge of the English language and no familiarity with the culture. However, I knew that this was a necessary step toward achieving my goals. Starting over in a new country was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but it was also one of the most transformative. I faced culture shock, language barriers, and feelings of isolation, but I refused to let those challenges stop me. Instead, I used them as motivation to push forward. While learning English and adapting to a new educational system, I also worked part-time jobs to support myself and help my family. Balancing work, school, and personal challenges required discipline and time management, but it also helped me develop a strong work ethic. These experiences have shaped me into a more determined and focused individual, and I am proud of how far I have come. Despite these obstacles, I have never given up on my dream of becoming a nurse. Nursing is not just a profession, but a way to bring healing, comfort, and dignity to those who need it most. I am especially passionate about working in underserved communities, where access to quality healthcare is often limited. I want to be a nurse who listens, who advocates, and who provides not just medical care but also emotional support. I understand what it feels like to be vulnerable, to be scared, and to need someone to care, and I want to be that person for others. Education has played a critical role in my journey. Every course, every clinical experience, and every challenge in my studies has reinforced my desire to make a difference through nursing. I am committed to lifelong learning, and I plan to continue growing as a healthcare provider so that I can offer the best care possible. I carry my father's memory with me as a reminder of why I chose this path. His loss continues to inspire my mission to bring light into the lives of others, even in their darkest moments. I am committed to turning pain into purpose and using my journey to impact the lives of others through nursing positively. Through empathy, hard work, and a deep sense of service, I can become a nurse who truly makes a difference in the world. If I win this scholarship, it will go to my nursing education. It will be wonderful to win this scholarship and be able to use it.

The nursing profession represents the perfect combination of science, compassion, and service values that are deeply important to me. From a young age, since my dad died, I have been drawn to helping others, and as I matured, I realized that nursing would allow me to do just that in a meaningful and impactful way. My journey toward nursing began not only with academic interest but also through tough times that showed me the influential role nurses play in people's lives. My long-term goal is to become a registered nurse specializing in critical care. I want to be there for patients and families during some of the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives. Eventually, I hope to continue my education to become a nurse practitioner, which would allow me to provide advanced care in underserved communities and help bridge the healthcare gap. I want to be part of a healthcare system that doesn't just treat illness but also supports individuals holistically, emotionally, mentally, and socially. While completing my prerequisite courses for nursing, I volunteered at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. That experience solidified my decision to pursue nursing. I spent time helping with administrative tasks, supporting patients during their visits, and observing how healthcare professionals interacted with the public. Volunteering at a busy, high-volume public hospital gave me firsthand exposure to the realities of healthcare and showed me just how critical nurses are to patient care. What made the experience especially meaningful was that I was helping serve the community I grew up in. Knowing that I could be part of the support system for people in my neighborhood gave me a deep sense of purpose. In addition to volunteering, I have worked as a nursing assistant in both hospital and psychiatric care settings. These roles have given me valuable clinical experience and have deepened my understanding of what it means to care for patients in both physical and mental health capacities. In the hospital, I assisted with daily patient care, monitored vital signs, and worked closely with nurses and physicians to ensure patient safety and comfort. In the psychiatric unit, I learned how to communicate with empathy and maintain professionalism in emotionally charged situations. These experiences have taught me to remain calm under pressure, think critically, and always advocate for the patient's dignity and well-being. I take pride in being disciplined, focused, and determined to achieve my goals. Nursing school is demanding, but I am ready for the challenge because I know what's at stake: the opportunity to change lives for the better. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than financial assistance; it would be a vote of confidence in my ability to succeed and contribute to my community. It would help ease the financial burden of nursing school so I can focus on learning and growing into the best nurse I can be. I am eager to move forward in my education, give back to my community, and eventually work on the front lines of healthcare to make a lasting impact.

I chose to pursue a career in healthcare because everyone deserves compassionate, quality care regardless of their background, income, or circumstances. Growing up, I saw how health disparities impacted my community. I watched neighbors delay treatment due to cost or lack of access, and I saw how untreated health issues could spiral into crisis. Those experiences shaped my desire to be the reason to be part of the solution. I want to enter the healthcare field not just to treat illness but to empower individuals with the knowledge and support they need to live healthier lives. I’m currently pursuing a degree in nursing because I see it as the perfect intersection between science, service, and human connection. When I was studying in a community college, I volunteered in a hospital, where these experiences introduced me to the day-to-day reality of healthcare work. I confirmed that I was capable of handling the challenges, and I thrived in that environment. I was especially drawn to the way healthcare workers could build trust with patients and also nursing staff and become long-term sources of support and guidance. I am also grateful that I chose this career because I like to be in contact with patients and family members to help them as much as I can. I had the opportunity to work in a psychiatric hospital, where I learned how nurses spend most of their time helping their patients and also family members. I enjoy working in that work setting, and I advocate for mental health as much as I can to be able to help everyone. In the future, I plan to use my nursing degree to work in underserved or rural communities where healthcare professionals are in short supply. I want to focus on nursing because early intervention and education can transform lives. My goal is to not only provide treatment but also to advocate for access, equity, and culturally competent care. I plan to eventually mentor students from similar backgrounds, showing them that they, too, can build a career in healthcare and make a meaningful impact. Nursing is a career that I am passionate about, and I will always advocate for everyone. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to that future. It would allow me to focus on my education, clinical training, and community work without the burden of financial stress. I am committed to serving others, and I know that my future in healthcare is more than a job. It’s my calling. Also, if I win this scholarship, I will use it to pay for my nursing education so that I can be a registered nurse in nursing.

My decision to pursue nursing is rooted in a deep desire to care for others during their most vulnerable moments. Growing up in a low-income country, I witnessed many families struggle with access to proper healthcare. This fueled my interest in health care and pushed me to seek opportunities to learn and serve. I began volunteering in a hospital where I helped connect with residents by listening and talking with them. I also shadowed nurses who make a difference in a person's life. These experiences confirmed what I already felt in my heart: that nursing is where my passion and purpose align. Also, during those volunteer hours, I learn how nurses take care of patients with care, resilience, honesty, and compassion. The death of my dad is one of the main reasons that inspired me to choose nursing. My dad unfortunately died when I was only 14 years old due to violence in Mexico. It was a complex and challenging time for me and my family. I had to move to the US because of the insecurity in my own country and to have a better life for myself and my family. I had to learn a new language that I did not know well. Thinking about those memories now, I am grateful that I never gave up because, thankfully, now I am studying nursing, a career that I have always wanted and am looking forward to. I am excited to continue with my nursing journey to be able to finish it and help my community. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in an accelerated program. It is challenging and rewarding at the same time. Still, I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue getting a degree that I have always wanted to pursue since I was a teenager, and make myself and my family proud. Especially my dad, who is watching me in heaven. I also had the opportunity to work as a nursing assistant in a psychiatric hospital. I had so many experiences that I am grateful I had the chance to work on them. I worked with the nursing staff and with patients, and I learned so many things that I am using daily in my life, like not judging people and always being as lovely as I can. I was surprised at how important mental health is to take care of and not to take for granted. This experience made me realize that nursing is my calling and a career that I will always enjoy. I know nursing is challenging me academically, emotionally, and physically, but I welcome those challenges. I am motivated by service, resilience, and the knowledge that every act of care, no matter how small, can have a lasting impact on a person's life. Earning this scholarship would help me focus on my studies and clinical training without the added burden of financial stress. It would bring me one step closer to becoming the nurse I've always wanted and would love to be. Also, winning this scholarship will help me pay for my nursing education and continue to finish it. I found this scholarship on a website called bold.org

Ever since I was a child, I have been drawn to the calm strength of nurses. When my dad died when I was only 14 years old, that experience planted a seed in me: I wanted to be that kind of presence for someone else. Today, that seed has grown into a deep passion for nursing—a career where compassion meets action, and every day offers a chance to change a life. I want to help my community as well as my family because it feels right to do what is best for them. I want to pursue a degree in nursing because I believe in care that is both clinical and human. Nursing is more than treating illness; it's about advocacy, education, and emotional support. Through community college, I volunteered in a hospital and shadowed nurses in that hospital. I saw firsthand how nurses serve as a lifeline, especially in underserved areas where trust and understanding are just as critical as medicine. These experiences confirmed that I am most fulfilled when I am helping others feel safe, heard, and cared for. As a future nurse, I plan to serve not only in hospitals but in my community, primarily through outreach and preventive health education. Many families in my neighborhood struggle to access care or don't know where to turn when they're sick. I want to work in public health or as a community nurse to bridge that gap. I hope to organize mobile clinics, provide screenings, and educate families about managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. By doing so, I will not only treat illness but help prevent it, improving lives before they reach a crisis point. Also, being bilingual will be helpful in helping my Latin community because, unfortunately, some are unable to speak English. I want to translate Spanish into English so that they can understand what is going on with their doctor appointments and how they can improve their daily life. This scholarship will allow me to focus on my studies without financial strain, giving me the foundation I need to become the nurse I aspire to be. With dedication, empathy, and skill, I plan to be the kind of nurse who not only heals but also empowers. Nursing is my calling, and I am ready to answer it. If I win this scholarship, I will use it to pay for my Bachelor of Science degree that I've been working so hard on since I came to this country to have a better life for me and my family.

My educational journey has been anything but linear, but each twist has brought me closer to discovering my true calling: nursing. I began college fresh out of high school, unsure of what I wanted to do, and pursued a degree in nursing simply because it seemed like something that I saw myself doing. I earned an associate's degree, entered the workforce, and built a stable career in customer service. I wanted my work to have a direct, meaningful impact on people's lives. The turning point came unexpectedly. My dad died in Mexico from violence, so that moment opened my eyes to study nursing. I thought, This is it. This is what I'm meant to do. Returning to school as an adult student has not been easy, especially while balancing work and family responsibilities. I had to apply to a few nursing programs, but every challenge has reaffirmed my commitment. I've found purpose in the coursework and motivation in the clinical skills labs. For the first time, I feel aligned with both my passion and my future. Another reason that I decided to study nursing was when I was doing volunteer hours in a hospital. I enjoy spending time with patients and the nursing staff. Being in contact with patients has shaped me to be able to help them as best as I can. I enjoy talking with patients and taking care of them, as well as my family members. Nursing has been my calling since I was 14 years old, when my dad died. I had the opportunity to work in a psychiatric hospital as a nursing assistant. It gave me the knowledge of what I will be doing once I finish my nursing degree. I enjoy helping patients as much as I can. I enjoy being in contact with patients, listening to them, and taking care of them. Nursing is a rewarding career, and it can also be tough, but I can not see myself doing anything else. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It's been a long journey, but at the same time, a rewarding journey. Some days, it can be challenging, but I organize my time to be able to do all the things I need to do, such as nursing school, work, and family obligations. I am enjoying my nursing journey to finish this degree and be able to live a better life in the future with my education, to be able to give my mom stability like she always did with me. I want to become a nurse not only to provide excellent medical care but also to offer patients the same kindness and presence that made such a difference in my own life. This scholarship would help relieve the financial burden of school and allow me to focus fully on my training and clinical experience. Thank you for considering my application—I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and pay it forward through a career of compassionate care.

My name is Elizabeth Arroyo. I am currently attending an accelerated nursing program at West Coast University in California. I expect to graduate in 2026. Growing up in Mexico, I witnessed firsthand the resilience and warmth that define Hispanic culture. My family didn't have much, but what we lacked in resources, we made up for with love, strength, and determination. Moving to the United States wasn't just a change of location—it was a leap of faith and opportunities. My family made this move so I could pursue a better education and, ultimately, a better life. Unfortunately, when I was 14 years old, my dad died from violence, and that affected me and my family emotionally and financially.  Being raised in a Hispanic household taught me the value of hard work, humility, compassion, and honesty. My parents always emphasized the importance of education, not just as a means to success but as a path to independence and dignity. I've seen them work tirelessly, making sacrifices with quiet strength, and that has profoundly shaped the way I see the world and others. I've learned that community matters. We help each other, celebrate each other's victories, and support one another through struggles. This background has taught me to see people not just for where they are but for where they've come from and what they've overcome. It's given me a perspective grounded in empathy and gratitude. Doing volunteer hours at Harbor-UCLA Hospital taught me to be grateful for what I have and how I can help others; that is one of the reasons why I decided to pursue a nursing major. I used to work in a psych hospital helping my community, including the Hispanic community. I enjoy helping my community and others. That is why I am studying nursing to be able to help others and be patient with them, too. Receiving this scholarship would greatly help me pay for my nursing education and finish my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which I've been working so hard to finish. My Hispanic heritage is more than just where I'm from—it's who I am. It's my motivation to keep striving, to break barriers, and to make my family, especially my dad, proud. Education is my tool for doing that. I hope to one day give back to my community and show others that no matter where you start, your dreams are valid and essential.

Nursing has been something I've been interested in since my dad died a few years ago. He was a wonderful person who cared about his family and others. Since then, I have always wanted to study something related to healthcare. During high school, I started researching nursing and enjoyed learning that I could work in any specialty I was interested in and help the community. After that, I attended a community college and enrolled as a pre-nursing student. I took all the prerequisite classes. While doing that, I volunteered for three years at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. I enjoyed my time shadowing nurses and helping patients with directions to know where to go in the hospital. I also support the nursing staff with anything they need, such as fixing their paperwork, giving the patients food, or just being with them. I was also in the student government and pre-nursing club at my community college, which was something related to my major. I had a great time helping the students with questions regarding the healthcare department at my school. I graduated from the community college with an AA in Science Pre-nursing degree. After that, I applied to nursing schools while waiting to get accepted to a nursing program. I got my CNA license and started working in a psych hospital for one year. I enjoyed working in that hospital, helping the patients, taking care of them, feeding the patients if they needed help, and also checking on them in that way; they did not harm themselves or others. I am currently getting my BSN degree in nursing. I am grateful and honored to continue with my nursing education. I will be working as a nursing assistant this year for the medical-surgical department in the hospital. I am excited to continue my journey to learn more about the nursing career. I had the opportunity to be in clinical and shadow nurses while helping them with their patients as much as I could. I did so many things, such as feeding the patients, listening to them, and taking vital signs. If you give me the opportunity to win this scholarship, I will use it to pay for my nursing education, specifically for my school tuition. I am a hard worker who is honest, ambitious, and responsible, and I am trying to make the world a better place. I have always wanted to study nursing, and I would like to be able to finish my nursing education with the help of scholarships. Nursing aligns perfectly with my values, desires, and strengths. I am excited to get on this rewarding and fulfilling career path that allows me to serve others with compassion, empathy, and care.

Hi, my name is Elizabeth Arroyo Gonzalez. I've been pursuing a career in nursing since I graduated from high school. The journey has been hard work, but at the same time, rewarding. I had to learn the English language to be able to do well in this country. In the beginning, it was challenging, but in the end, it was worth it. I did volunteer hours at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center for three years, and that helped me figure out what I wanted to study. Since I was a teenager, I have been curious about how the body works and how I can help my community. When I was 14 years old, my dad died, so since then I have wanted to help people as best as I can in that way, so they can feel better and go back with their family. I am still figuring out what area I want to specialize in. At the moment, I enjoy the elderly population. I have some experience working with the elderly and the kids. I used to work in a psych hospital for one year, but now I will be starting to work in a regular hospital in the Med-Surg unit. I am excited and nervous to do that unit, but I want to continue with different options, and once I graduate from my nursing program, I will know which specialty I am interested in. I am a hard-working person, so I will continue doing my best in nursing school and in my job, too. Since I was a teenager, I've been interested in nursing. Also, I have some family members from Mexico who work in healthcare. Thankfully for them, when I was living in Mexico, I talked with them about healthcare, and they gave me their opinions about this career. I started to research more about it, and since then, I have loved nursing. I decided to study this career, and so far, I have loved it. I know some days will be difficult, but I would love to help my community as best I can. If you give me the opportunity to win this scholarship, I will use it for my nursing education. Unfortunately, nursing school is expensive, so it will be nice to use this scholarship money to pay for my school tuition. I will use this opportunity to finish my nursing education and start working in my dream specialty in the near future.

My identity and perspective on the world have changed as I get older. A little background about myself is that I was born in Mexico, but I moved to the US when I was 14 years old. I had to move to the US because my dad died from violence, so my family and I had to move here. I have always wanted to have an education, so since I moved here, I've been going to school, starting with high school, and now I am getting my BSN in nursing. My identity has changed since I was a teenager. I have always believed that there is good in people. I enjoy helping my community whenever I can. I used to do volunteer hours at Harbor-UCLA Hospital for a few years, and that helped me know more about how I can help my community and others. I want to help my community with my nursing degree and be an advocate for my family and future patients. I enjoy spending time with everyone, like the elderly population. I can make a difference for them because I love nursing. My identity perspective of the world changed, but it would be best to see the world as positive. It can be hard sometimes, but I prefer to be a positive person.

I've been in the nursing field for a few years. It's been beneficial as a caregiving experience because I've been enjoying taking care of others in my nursing assistant job and also in my clinical rotations from school. One of my main goals is to get my RN license. Becoming an RN will be a great accomplishment because I will be able to help my family pay the bills and not worry about working an everyday job. My family always helps me whenever they can to continue with my nursing education. I will always be grateful to them. My journey has been hardworking, bittersweet, and challenging. Healthcare is a complex career that can be both nice and challenging at the same time. I care about people; I want to help them as best as I can. I remember the day when I came to live in the US with me and my family. It was so hard to learn and speak the language, but I never gave up, and I won't give up on continuing with my nursing career. Nursing has always been something that I've been interested in since my dad died when I was 14 years old. I always wanted to study something related to healthcare, so until I finished high school, I decided to pursue nursing school. Taking care of people is something that I enjoy doing, not only for the money but for the feeling of helping someone who needs it. It can be if the person needs someone to talk to or be with them. I have a great time chatting with everyone, especially the elderly population, so this career is something I will enjoy for the rest of my life. Becoming a nurse in the future will be a great accomplishment that I've been working towards for a few years now. For me, nursing is one of the reasons I identify with it; I have always wanted to help others and my family. Nursing is not about money; it is about being the best person for the job and making a difference in society. I also identify as a bilingual speaker; knowing two languages will open doors to my nursing career and also with my community. If you decide to give this scholarship, it will go to my nursing school to help pay for it. I promise to make a difference in my community while in nursing school and once I become an RN nurse.