I am pursuing a career in nursing because my life experiences have consistently placed me at the intersection of challenge, compassion, and resilience. Through athletics, family illness and loss, and professional roles in mental health and emergency medical services, I have developed a deep appreciation for patient-centered care and a clear sense of purpose in becoming a nurse. One of my earliest challenges came through competitive volleyball, a sport that shaped my discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. While volleyball brought personal growth and achievement, it also resulted in multiple injuries that tested my physical and mental endurance. Recovery required patience, resilience, and trust in healthcare professionals, and there were moments when setbacks felt discouraging. Experiencing rehabilitation firsthand gave me a deeper understanding of the recovery process and the emotional challenges patients face when their bodies do not function as expected. Learning to adapt and persevere through injury taught me resilience—an essential quality that continues to guide me in my academic and professional pursuits. My understanding of healthcare deepened through my family’s experiences with illness and loss. My aunt was born with a terminal genetic disease and lived her entire life aware of its progression and limitations. Watching her navigate life with this condition required strength, acceptance, and courage, and it was deeply impactful to witness the role healthcare providers played in supporting her quality of life. Nurses, in particular, provided consistent care, advocacy, and emotional support—not only to my aunt but also to our family. Their compassion during moments of uncertainty demonstrated the profound difference nurses make in helping patients maintain dignity and comfort despite chronic illness. Before my aunt’s passing, I experienced the loss of my grandfather to heart disease. His death was a pivotal moment that highlighted the importance of preventative care, patient education, and early intervention. I saw how heart disease can progress silently and how families often rely on healthcare professionals to guide them through complex medical information and decisions. This loss reinforced my desire to become a nurse who prioritizes education, prevention, and long-term health management for patients and families. In addition to these personal experiences, I worked in the mental health field, where I supported individuals facing emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. This role required empathy, patience, and strong communication skills, as many individuals were navigating trauma, anxiety, or crisis situations. Working in mental health taught me the importance of treating the whole person rather than focusing solely on symptoms. It strengthened my ability to remain calm under pressure, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and advocate for individuals who may struggle to voice their needs. My experience as an Emergency Medical Technician further solidified my commitment to nursing. As an EMT, I was often the first point of contact for patients during moments of fear, pain, and uncertainty. Responding to emergencies taught me how to assess situations quickly, think critically, and act decisively while maintaining compassion. I witnessed the importance of teamwork and clear communication in high-stress environments and learned how essential reassurance and empathy are to patient care during emergencies. This experience strengthened my clinical skills and confirmed my desire to continue serving others in a more advanced healthcare role. Together, these challenges have shaped my resilience and clarified my career goals. I have learned to adapt in the face of adversity, to lead with empathy, and to approach each patient with respect and compassion. Nursing represents the integration of science, advocacy, and humanity—values that align deeply with my experiences and aspirations. As a future nurse, I hope to provide the same compassion, strength, and advocacy that supported my family and the patients I have served. My journey has taught me that even in the presence of illness and loss, meaningful care can create comfort, dignity, and hope. These experiences continue to inspire my commitment to nursing and to making a lasting difference in the lives of others.

My decision to pursue a career in nursing is the result of years of personal experience, spiritual grounding, and a deep sense of responsibility to care for others. Long before I worked in professional healthcare, I was caring for people I loved—my grandparents and my aunt during her illness. Being in a position to help with their daily needs, drive them to appointments, monitor their symptoms, and offer comfort during difficult moments gave me my first real understanding of what it means to be fully present for someone vulnerable. Those experiences did not feel like obligations; they felt like expressions of love. They showed me that caregiving is not only a practical act, but also a profoundly human and spiritual one. My professional path only reinforced this calling. Working as an EMT, in addiction treatment, and in home hospice care introduced me to people at their most vulnerable time—those dealing with trauma, illness, fear, or the end of life. In every one of these settings, I felt a sense of purpose. I learned to stay calm under pressure, think critically in emergencies, and meet every patient with empathy and respect. Whether I was monitoring vital signs, supervising medication, or simply holding someone’s hand, I realized that nursing is the perfect intersection of skill, compassion, and service. It is where I feel most aligned with who I am and who I hope to become. My Jewish faith has played a meaningful and steady role in guiding me toward this path. I grew up attending synagogue regularly, volunteering at events, and participating in Jewish athletics and community programs. These communities instilled in me the values of kindness, humility, responsibility, and resilience. Judaism teaches that every life is sacred and that one of our core obligations is tikkun olam—the repairing of the world. For me, nursing is one of the most direct ways to live out that teaching. Every interaction, whether big or small, has the power to bring healing, comfort, and dignity to someone who needs it. At the same time, my faith has also given me the chutzpah—the courage and determination—to walk into difficult situations and not turn away. Caring for people in life-or-death moments requires strength, steadiness, and heart. It requires the willingness to bear witness to suffering, to stay compassionate under stress, and to step forward when others may hesitate. My spirituality helps me do that. It grounds me, strengthens me, and reminds me that the work I am pursuing is not just clinical—it is sacred. When I think about nursing, I do not see a job. I see a calling shaped by my family, my experiences, and my faith. I see an opportunity to bring care, comfort, and advocacy to people who need it most. I want to honor the values I was raised with and to live a life of purpose, compassion, and service. For me, becoming a nurse is the natural next step in the journey I have been on my entire life.

My motivation for pursuing advanced education in nursing is grounded in my long-standing commitment to serving others and my desire to grow into a healthcare professional who can provide the highest standard of compassionate, evidence-based care. Every step of my journey—from hospice caregiving to emergency medical services to addiction treatment—has shown me how essential well-trained, empathetic nurses are to the health and stability of their communities. Advancing my education is not simply a personal goal; it is the foundation upon which I hope to build a meaningful career dedicated to helping individuals through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Throughout my work in home health and hospice care, I learned the profound significance of knowledge, skill, and emotional presence in shaping a patient’s experience. I saw how nurses served as the central point of support for families navigating complex medical needs and end-of-life decisions. Their ability to blend clinical expertise with empathy inspired me to pursue a path that would allow me to do the same. Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the next step toward achieving that vision. It allows me to deepen my understanding of the human body, illness processes, pharmacology, and patient care management while continuing to develop the emotional intelligence and leadership skills I’ve built through years of hands-on experience. My motivation is also fueled by the desire to serve vulnerable and underserved populations. My work as an EMT showed me how limited access, fear, and lack of education can create barriers to care. In addiction treatment, I saw the impact that stigma and misunderstanding can have on someone’s willingness to seek help. Advancing my education will give me the ability to advocate more effectively, provide holistic care, and contribute to creating healthcare environments where every patient feels safe, respected, and valued. Pursuing advanced education is also a promise to myself—a commitment to continuous growth, professional excellence, and lifelong learning. Nursing is a rapidly evolving field, and obtaining my degree ensures that I am prepared not only to meet today’s standards but to adapt, lead, and innovate in the future. I want to be the kind of nurse who elevates the quality of care, mentors others, and drives positive change within the healthcare system. Receiving this $500 scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my ability to reach that goal. Although the amount may seem modest, it has a significant impact for a full-time nursing student balancing rigorous coursework, clinical requirements, and the financial demands of daily living. This scholarship would help offset the cost of textbooks, clinical supplies, transportation to clinical sites, and other essential educational expenses that add up quickly throughout the semester. By easing this financial burden, the scholarship allows me to focus more fully on my studies, skill development, and the demanding clinical experiences that shape competent and confident nurses. Most importantly, this scholarship represents encouragement and belief in my potential. Support like this strengthens my drive to excel academically, serve compassionately, and ultimately contribute to my community as a dedicated and highly trained nurse. It is an investment not only in my education, but in the future patients and families I will have the privilege to care for.

I want to pursue a degree in nursing because every meaningful experience I have had in healthcare has shown me that nursing is where compassion, science, and service meet. My years working in emergency medical services, hospice and palliative care, home health, and addiction treatment have provided a clear window into the heart of nursing—and confirmed that this is the profession where I can make the greatest impact. Nursing allows me to combine hands-on clinical skill with emotional presence, to advocate for vulnerable individuals, and to contribute to the well-being of entire communities. My desire to pursue nursing began during my years of caring for hospice and palliative patients in their homes. I learned that small acts—ensuring someone’s comfort, easing their pain, listening to their fears—can profoundly affect their quality of life. I saw how nurses acted as guides, educators, and essential sources of support for both patients and families. Their ability to blend clinical expertise with humanity inspired me to follow a similar path. My experience as an EMT further strengthened that calling. In emergencies, I witnessed how vulnerable people become when they are frightened, confused, or in pain. I also saw how much trust patients place in their caregivers within seconds of meeting them. While I valued the role I played, I wanted to be able to provide care that extended beyond a single moment. I wanted to understand a patient’s full story, contribute to their long-term recovery, and help them regain stability and confidence in their health. A nursing degree gives me the knowledge and scope of practice to provide that continuity of care. Working in addiction treatment deepened my commitment to serving underserved and stigmatized populations. Many of the clients I worked with faced significant medical, emotional, and social challenges. They needed caregivers who believed in them, listened without judgment, and understood the complexities of substance use disorders. I learned that nurses are uniquely positioned to break down stigma, build trust, and help individuals navigate their path toward recovery. This experience shaped my desire to use my nursing career to advocate for people who often feel overlooked or misunderstood. As a nurse, I hope to contribute to my community by improving access to compassionate, evidence-based care—especially for vulnerable populations. I want to serve in settings where patients need more than medical treatment; they need understanding, patience, and someone who will champion their well-being. Whether working in emergency care, community health, or addiction recovery, my goal is to be a nurse who elevates the standard of care through empathy, education, and advocacy. Beyond direct patient care, I also hope to contribute through mentorship and leadership. My experience as an NCAA Division II team captain taught me how to guide others, communicate clearly, and create a supportive environment. I want to bring those same qualities to future healthcare teams, helping new nurses feel confident and empowered in their roles. Ultimately, I want to pursue nursing because it allows me to serve with both skill and heart. And it gives me the opportunity to give back to the community in the most meaningful way I know—by caring for people when they need it most.

My inspiration to pursue nursing did not come from a single moment—it developed over years of caring for people in vulnerable stages of their lives, witnessing suffering and resilience, and discovering that my greatest sense of purpose comes from helping others feel safe, understood, and dignified. Every step of my journey in healthcare—home health, hospice, emergency medical services, and addiction treatment—revealed to me the profound impact that compassionate, skillful nursing can have on patients and families. Over time, I realized that nursing was not only where I belonged, but where I could make the most meaningful difference. My earliest inspiration came from my years working in home health and hospice care. Caring for patients at the end of life is a unique responsibility, one that requires more than technical competence. It demands emotional presence, patience, and the willingness to hold space for someone else’s fear, pain, or grief. I learned that sometimes the most important thing I could offer was simply to be there—to listen to stories, to calm anxieties, to ensure comfort, or to support families navigating heartbreaking decisions. These experiences shaped my understanding of what “care” truly means. I saw firsthand how nurses serve as advocates, educators, and emotional anchors for both patients and their loved ones. I wanted to embody that same strength and compassion. As an EMT, my inspiration deepened. Emergency medicine showed me the intensity of human vulnerability in its rawest form: the panic of a parent watching their child struggle to breathe, the confusion of an older adult, or the fear in the eyes of someone injured in an accident. I discovered that in these moments, patients depend on you for calm guidance and quick, confident interventions. While I valued the ability to help in critical moments, I also realized how much more I wanted to contribute. I wanted to follow patients beyond the emergency, to educate them, support their recovery, and help them rebuild trust in their health. Nursing offered the opportunity to do just that—to care for the whole person, not just the crisis. My work in addiction treatment strengthened my commitment even further. Supporting individuals battling substance use disorders taught me that healthcare must be both compassionate and nonjudgmental. Many of the clients I worked with needed stability, encouragement, and someone who believed in their capacity to heal. I learned how powerful a nurse’s presence can be in restoring hope. The courage I witnessed in these individuals reinforced my belief that I was meant to serve populations who often feel unseen or misunderstood. Across every role, one truth became clear: I am inspired by the human connection at the heart of nursing. I am inspired by the trust patients place in their caregivers, by the privilege of being with people during their most vulnerable moments, and by the opportunity to influence their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Nursing is not just a career for me. It is the culmination of every experience that has shaped who I am—my compassion, my resilience, my desire to serve, and my belief that every person deserves care that honors their dignity. That is my inspiration, and that is why I am committed to becoming a nurse who leads with both skill and heart.

My “WHY” for entering a nursing program is rooted in a combination of lived experience, service, and a deep understanding of what compassionate, patient-centered care can truly mean in someone’s life. Throughout my work as an Emergency Medical Technician, hospice and palliative caretaker, and medical technician in addiction treatment, I have learned that nursing is more than a profession—it is a relationship built on trust, advocacy, and the willingness to meet people at their most vulnerable moments. Nursing is where my skills, my values, and my purpose intersect. My journey began in home health and hospice care, where I spent over two years supporting patients facing chronic illness and end-of-life transitions. In these intimate settings, I learned how essential empathy, presence, and dignity are to a patient’s well-being. I discovered that I felt most fulfilled when I could make someone feel safe, heard, and respected, even during their most difficult days. This experience laid the foundation for my desire to pursue nursing, because I wanted to expand my ability to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care while maintaining the human connection that first drew me into healthcare. My time as an EMT further solidified that purpose. In emergency situations, I saw how critical timely interventions, calm communication, and clinical decision-making can be. But I also recognized the limitations of the EMT role. I wanted to be part of a patient’s continuum of care—to follow them beyond the crisis, support their recovery, educate them, and empower them. Nursing provides the opportunity to engage with patients holistically and continuously, which aligns with how I aspire to serve. Working in addiction treatment added another layer to my WHY. Addiction is a complex and deeply human struggle, often accompanied by stigma. By supporting clients with compassion, consistency, and patience, I witnessed the transformative power of a supportive healthcare environment. This reinforced my commitment to becoming a nurse who sees each patient as a person first, regardless of their circumstances or challenges. To ensure that I reach my professional goal of becoming a registered nurse and eventually advancing into specialized practice, I have already taken concrete steps toward my future. Academically, I completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology with honors and am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Grand Canyon University. I have consistently balanced demanding coursework with hands-on clinical roles, strengthening both my theoretical and practical foundation. I also pursued certifications essential for patient care, including Emergency Medical Technician licensure, BLS, CPR/AED, and FEMA Incident Command training. These skills have prepared me to work confidently and professionally in high-pressure environments. My volunteer work—spanning youth mentorship, community service, and international sports programs—has taught me leadership, cultural humility, and the importance of service beyond the clinical setting. Leadership has been a significant part of my growth as well. As a two-year NCAA Division II volleyball team captain, I learned how to communicate with diverse personalities, navigate stress, and motivate others. These skills translate directly to the teamwork, responsibility, and adaptability required in nursing. Ultimately, my WHY is simple: I want to be the kind of nurse who combines clinical excellence with human connection. And my progress to date reflects my commitment—not just to becoming a nurse, but to becoming a nurse who makes a difference.

1. My inspiration to pursue a career in nursing stems from years spent providing hands-on care to individuals across the spectrum of vulnerability—as an EMT to the quiet, intimate moments of hospice care. My journey began as a private caretaker in home health, palliative, and hospice settings, where I learned that true care extends far beyond clinical tasks; easing fear, and being fully present with patients and their families during life’s most difficult transitions. These experiences allowed me to witness both the fragility and resilience of the human spirit, shaping my belief that compassionate, patient-centered care can profoundly change someone’s quality of life. Working in emergency medical services strengthened my desire to advance in healthcare. Responding to crises taught me how critical quick thinking, skill, and calm communication are. But beyond the urgency, it also revealed gaps—moments where patients needed more time, more understanding, and more continuity of care than I could offer in a prehospital setting. That realization ultimately guided me toward nursing, where I can play a sustained and holistic role in patient recovery and wellness. My time as a medical technician in addiction treatment further solidified my calling. Supporting individuals battling substance use disorders required patience, empathy, and a nonjudgmental approach. I saw how trust, stability, and consistent care can restore hope in those who feel lost. Across every role, I discovered that nursing perfectly aligns with my values, strengths, and passion for serving others. I want to become the kind of nurse who combines clinical excellence with humanity—someone who listens, advocates, and makes people feel genuinely cared for during their most vulnerable moments. 2. To me, the “human touch” represents the heart of healthcare—the connection, empathy, and presence that cannot be replicated by technology or clinical skills alone. It is the ability to see a patient not just as a diagnosis or a set of vitals, but as a whole person with fears, hopes, history, and dignity. In my experience, human touch is expressed through small but meaningful actions: offering a reassuring hand during a frightening moment, speaking with patience even when time is limited, and demonstrating genuine respect for every individual regardless of their condition. My work in hospice and palliative care taught me that the human touch is sometimes the most powerful form of medicine. I learned that providing comfort often means listening without judgment, noticing subtle emotional shifts, and being present even in silence. For patients nearing the end of life, physical presence can offer a sense of peace that no medication can. Families, too, feel supported when they know their loved one is cared for with compassion and attentiveness. In emergency medical services, the human touch takes on a different but equally vital form, patients often look for someone who can reassure them that they are safe. A calm voice, gentle tone, or brief touch can lower anxiety, improve cooperation, and build trust—even in the span of a few minutes. I saw firsthand how this connection can change the patient’s entire experience of an emergency. During my time in addiction treatment, I witnessed how essential compassion is for individuals who often feel misunderstood or stigmatized. The human touch meant creating a nonjudgmental environment where patients felt valued and seen. It meant celebrating small victories, showing patience, and offering encouragement during setbacks. The impact of human touch on patient care is profound: it improves patient satisfaction, strengthens communication, enhances healing, and fosters emotional safety. When patients feel understood and cared for, they are more willing to trust their providers and engage in their treatment. As a future nurse, I aim to uphold the human touch as a core principle of my practice—because at its essence, healthcare is not just about treating illness. It is about caring for people.

At age ten, my own life veered in an unpredictable direction. My mother was put into the hospital with a severe case of diverticulitis, and to this day, I remember staying at her side, terrified and powerless. The beeping noises of the equipment were loud and unforgiving, and the maelstrom of physicians was disorganized. And then, one nurse showed up. She walked steadily, spoke in a language I could understand, and—most important of all—was nice to my mother. Something clicked then. I realized that nurses are not just caregivers but often the emotional balancers for families in crisis. That experience planted my interest in becoming a nurse one day. Years have gone by since then, and my dedication to this line of work has deepened. Of many healthcare careers that impact lives, nursing is the career that resonates with me the most. Nurses are the all-important link between patients and the health system. They guide patients through their darkest moments with both professional attention and genuine emotional support. This dual responsibility—the medical and the human—is one that resonates with me. It is not just a question of symptom treatment but of presence, trust-building, and empowering people to heal in all the ways that matter. The nurse's role as the go-between between patients and the healthcare system is one of paramount importance. I have worked as a caregiver, an EMT, and a medical technician—all careers requiring level-headedness, emotional stability, and the ability to connect with individuals under stress. These experiences have reaffirmed my decision that nursing is my career. I have seen firsthand how much it means to have someone with you who listens and empathizes, and I want to be that person for someone else. Volunteering has also been a constant in my life. From organizing clothing drives for shelters and hurricane victims in elementary school to raising money for Operation Gratitude, sending military care packages, and volunteering thousands of hours on community outreach throughout high school and college at my synagogue, to provide community service, social justice, and fundraising. I have consistently tried to help those less fortunate than me. These activities led me to understand the stark differences in healthcare access, especially in underprivileged communities. That awareness motivated me to be an EMT, where I have seen firsthand the stress and uncertainty of emergency treatment. I learned to advocate for people in their most vulnerable moments and provide more than physical care. Currently, I am a Medical Technician/ EMT at a rehabilitation center, supporting patients detoxing and beginning recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. In this position, I am each patient's advocate, performing 30-minute rounds, taking vitals, issuing medication, and, most of all, listening to and supporting them in their time of need and vulnerability. Many of the patients have led very challenging lives, being homeless, incarcerated, losing everything in their lives, and have hit rock bottom. Working under a nurse has shown me how to make a difference in people's lives. My goal as a nurse is to practice with the most often disenfranchised in the areas of women's health in underserved populations. I want to provide care that is not just technically competent but compassionate and culturally aware. I realize this path will be difficult, but I am ready for it. I have done the homework, built the discipline, and formed a solid foundation of experience—and I am ready to take it to the next level. Deciding to become a nurse is about living my compassion, service, and integrity values through a profession that allows me to positively touch lives.

When I was ten years old, my mother was hospitalized with a severe case of diverticulitis. I sat by her bedside, overwhelmed with fear as machines beeped and doctors rushed by. Everything changed when a nurse entered. Her calm demeanor, explaining every detail, and truly listening to both of us made us feel safe and seen. This moment sparked my desire to become a Nurse. Over the years, that early inspiration has grown into a deeply rooted purpose, strengthened by experiences as a caregiver, EMT, and medical technician. One of the most powerful and personal lessons in compassionate care came during my time as my grandfather’s primary caregiver while he was in hospice. I fed him, bathed him, monitored his vitals, managed his medications, and became his voice when he could no longer speak for himself. It was emotionally intense to watch someone I love fade day by day, but it was also the most meaningful role I had ever taken on. I learned how to navigate emotionally charged situations with calm and grace, to offer dignity when physical autonomy is gone, and to build relationships with healthcare teams to ensure his needs were met. That time taught me that being a Nurse is more than clinical expertise—defending a patient’s dignity when they no longer can and walking with them through their most vulnerable moments. Later, as an EMT, I encountered patients with diverse needs, many of whom could not walk, see, hear, or communicate clearly. I often transported individuals who had no one else to speak up for them, and I took that responsibility to heart. Whether I was helping a patient into the ambulance, monitoring vitals during transport, or sharing crucial updates with nurses and doctors at the hospital, I understood the weight of being their advocate. I made it my mission to ensure they weren’t just moved from one place to another but cared for along the way—with warmth, respect, and attentiveness. These moments taught me that real compassion lives in the details: adjusting a blanket, explaining what’s happening even if a patient can’t respond, or simply offering presence when words fail. As a future Nurse, these are the same values I will bring to every patient interaction—especially for those who are too often overlooked or unheard. Now, as a Medical Technician/EMT at a rehabilitation center, I have the privilege and responsibility of caring for people at one of the most vulnerable points in their lives: the first steps of recovery from substance use. Often disoriented, afraid, or emotionally raw, these patients are detoxing from alcohol and drugs and are greeted by me as one of the first faces they see. Some of the most powerful moments come not from procedures, but from simply sitting with someone who hasn’t felt seen in a long time, listening without judgment as they share their fears or pain. I’ve learned how crucial it is to be steady, compassionate, and attentive—especially when patients feel they are most unworthy or invisible. These experiences have only deepened my understanding of patient-centered care, and I carry this perspective with pride. It made me realize that nursing is not a profession—it's a calling. It requires more than clinical skill; it requires patience, emotional endurance, and an actual desire to care for others. I'm eager to face this challenge, with the understanding that every day as a nurse is an opportunity to make a real difference. I want to be the one to bring hope to patients and families, like those nurses once did for mine. I discovered the scholarship through FastWeb.