
Hobbies and interests
Photography and Photo Editing
Eman Alziyad
965
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Eman Alziyad
965
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
I am a mother who returned to school after facing many difficult health challenges in my family. My husband’s cancer and my daughter’s brain clots pushed me to learn more about health so I can take better care of my family. I completed my Associate’s degree in ultrasound with honors, and now I am working on my Bachelor’s degree at Western Governors University.
My next goal is to continue to a master’s program in Health Sciences . I want to build a career where I can support families who go through the same struggles we did. I am a first-generation immigrant student, and I have learned everything on my own. I am strong, determined, and working hard every day to create a better future for my children.
Education
Western Governors University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
Hillsborough Community College
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Public Health
Career
Dream career field:
Hospital & Health Care
Dream career goals:
Registered Vascular Technologist RVT
Roshal Health2022 – Present4 years
Public services
Volunteering
Islamic Center of Tampa — Helping with events, organizing donations, supporting families2017 – 2018
Future Interests
Volunteering
Sue & James Wong Memorial Scholarship
My life has been shaped by loss and responsibility from a very young age. I lost both of my parents when I was still a child, and that loss changed everything for me. Growing up without a mother or father meant learning how to depend on myself much earlier than most people do. I did not have anyone to guide me or support me, but I always tried to stay strong and keep moving forward because there was no other choice.
When I became an adult, I hoped that building my own family would finally bring stability into my life. I wanted to create the home that I never had. But life brought new challenges that I never expected. My husband was diagnosed with cancer, and one of my children suffered from brain clots. I found myself spending many days in hospitals, feeling afraid and overwhelmed. My English at that time was limited, and I struggled to understand the doctors. Every hospital visit reminded me of how alone and unprepared I felt. I wished I had parents to guide me or comfort me, but I had to be the strong one for my family.
These experiences forced me to grow even more. I realized that if I wanted to help my children and my husband, I needed to understand the medical world better. That is why I decided to go back to school. At the age of 43, I studied ultrasound and graduated with honors, even while taking care of my family and facing constant stress. It was one of the proudest moments of my life because it showed me that it is never too late to start again.
Now, I am earning my bachelor’s degree at Western Governors University. My goal is to continue into a master’s program in Public Health. I want to use my education to help families who feel lost, confused, or unsupported in medical situations. I know exactly how it feels to sit in a hospital room and not understand what is happening. I know the fear of not having a parent to call or someone to lean on. That is why I want to make a difference for people who feel that same fear.
Growing up without parents taught me compassion. Losing them made me appreciate kindness in a deep way. The challenges in my adult life taught me perseverance. And being a mother taught me love and responsibility. These qualities are what guide my education and my future goals.
This scholarship would support me during a difficult time and help me continue my studies without carrying all the pressure alone. It would bring me one step closer to finishing my degree and building a career where I can support others who are going through hard situations. I want to turn my pain into purpose and use my story to help families who need someone to understand them.
I hope to build a future where my children can see that their mother never stopped trying, no matter how hard life became. I want them to know that strength, kindness, and education can change everything. This scholarship would help me continue my journey and give me the chance to make a real impact on others.
Bright Lights Scholarship
Going to college is one of the most important decisions I have made in my life because it represents a chance to build a future that is very different from the one, I came from. As a first-generation immigrant student and a mother of two, I have taken an unconventional path to education. My journey has been shaped by loss, responsibility, and resilience, but also by hope. My goal for the future is to continue my education, build a stable career in health care, and create a better life for my children.
I grew up without my parents and losing them at a young age taught me to depend on myself and stay strong. When I moved to the United States, I felt like I had to start over again. The language was difficult, and everything around me was new. Later, when one of my children suffered from brain clots and my husband was diagnosed with cancer, I found myself spending long hours in hospitals. The language barrier made those moments even harder. I often felt helpless because I couldn’t always understand the doctors or express myself the way I wanted to. These experiences are what pushed me to return to school. I wanted to learn, grow, and become capable of supporting my family in a better way.
I chose to study ultrasound because I wanted to understand medical information and feel more confident in health care settings. Even though life was difficult, I graduated from my ultrasound program with honors. This achievement gave me confidence and reminded me that I am stronger than the challenges I face. Today, I am earning my bachelor’s degree at Western Governors University, and my next goal is to continue into a master’s program in Public Health.
In the future, I want to build a career where I can help families who face difficult health situations, especially people who struggle with language barriers or come from low-income or minority backgrounds. I know how overwhelming it feels to be lost in the medical system. I want to use my education to guide others, support them, and make sure they are understood and treated with dignity.
This scholarship would make a real difference in my journey. As a first-generation student and a mother supporting a family through major health challenges, finances are always a barrier. Tuition, books, and school fees add up quickly, and trying to balance school with family responsibilities is not easy. Receiving this scholarship would reduce some of the financial pressure and allow me to focus more on my studies. It would also bring me closer to my long-term goals, finishing my degree, continuing to graduate school, and building a career that benefits my family and my community.
My dream is not just to earn a degree but to change the direction of my life and give my children the stability I never had growing up. I want them to look at me and see that no matter how difficult life becomes, it is still possible to rise, learn, and build something better. Education is my way forward, and this scholarship would help me take one more step toward the future I am working so hard to create.
Hines Scholarship
Going to college has a deep meaning in my life. I grew up without my parents and losing them at a young age shaped the way I see the world. I learned early that nothing in life is guaranteed, and that I have to build my future with my own hands. When I came to the United States as an immigrant and a mother, I felt like I was starting from zero again. The language was difficult, the system was new, and I had no family to guide me. But even with all these challenges, I always believed that education could open a door that had been closed for generations in my family.
College is not just a degree for me. It is a chance to change my life and build a different future for my children. I have two children , and one of them has struggled with brain clots. My husband is fighting cancer. Most of my life here has been spent in hospitals, trying to understand doctors and make the best decisions for my family. The language barrier made everything even harder. There were moments when I felt helpless because I could not express myself the way I needed to. Those moments pushed me to return to school. I wanted to learn, grow, and understand the health field so I could protect my family and help others like us.
I started by earning my Associate’s degree in ultrasound, and I graduated with honors. This achievement meant a lot to me because I completed it while taking care of my children, supporting my husband through his cancer treatment, and adjusting to a new country. It showed me that I am capable of more than I ever thought. Today, I am studying for my bachelor’s degree at Western Governors University, and I plan to continue to a master’s program in Health Sciences.
My goal through education is simple but powerful. I want to build a career where I can support families who face the same struggles we went through. I want to help people who feel lost in the medical system, especially those who face language barriers or do not understand where to start. I know what it feels like to be afraid and confused in the hospital, and I want to be someone who brings comfort, understanding, and knowledge.
Going to college also means breaking a generational cycle. I am a first-generation student, and no one in my family before me had the chance to pursue higher education. By earning my degrees, I want to show my children that their mother never gave up, no matter how hard life became. I want them to see that strength, education, and determination can change everything. I want them to grow up knowing that their dreams are possible.
Most of all, education gives me hope. It gives me a reason to keep moving forward, even on the hardest days. I am studying not only for myself, but for my children, my husband, and the future I want to build for all of us. College is my way to create a better life, make an impact, and finally feel that the door to opportunity is open.
STEAM Generator Scholarship
I grew up without my mother and father. I lost them when I was still a child, and that loss has stayed with me my whole life. When I moved to the United States, I felt the same feeling of being alone again. I had no family to guide me and no one to explain how life works here. But I also felt that this country could give me a chance to build a new future through education.
I am a mother of two children. One of them has struggled with blood clots. My husband is fighting cancer. Between hospitals, doctor visits, and taking care of my family, life is not easy. The language barrier has been the hardest part. When my daughter was in the hospital, I could not understand the medical terms the doctors used. I could not explain her symptoms in the way I wanted. I felt scared and helpless. That feeling pushed me to take control of my life and start learning.
I decided to study from the beginning. I chose ultrasound because I wanted to understand medical information and help my family better. I studied English every day. Sometimes I studied after midnight. Sometimes while holding one of my daughters. Sometimes after a long day at the hospital with my husband. It was not easy, but I kept going because I did not want my children to go through life the way I did. I wanted to be stronger for them.
In 2022, I graduated from my ultrasound program with honors. This was a big moment for me. I came to this country with weak English and no support, yet I was able to achieve something I never thought possible. But for me, this was only the first step.
Right now, I am studying for my bachelor’s degree in Health Science at Western Governors University. My goal is to continue to a master’s degree after I finish. I want to build a better future for my children and give them a life filled with stability and opportunity. I want them to see that their mother never gave up, even when everything around her was difficult.
Being a first generation immigrant has shaped my entire journey. I do not have parents who went to college. I do not have anyone to ask about university or about the system here. I am learning everything by myself. Sometimes it feels lonely, but it also makes me proud. I know I am breaking a cycle that has lasted for generations.
My biggest hope is to build a strong career so I can support my children and help other families facing medical challenges. My biggest fear is that language or financial struggles might slow me down. But even with fear, I keep moving forward. I survived losing my parents. I survived immigration. I survived every challenge that came after. I know I can continue this journey too.
Education is more than a degree for me. It is my chance to rewrite my story and give my daughters a life full of opportunities. It is also a way to honor the parents I lost and the child I used to be who always wished for a better life
Christina Taylese Singh Memorial Scholarship
My name is Eman Alziyad, and I am a Health Sciences student who is passionate about building a future in the healthcare field. My journey in healthcare began when I studied ultrasound and graduated with honors. Completing that program helped me discover how much I enjoy working with patients, learning about the human body, and helping people during stressful and emotional moments. Today, I am completing my bachelor’s degree because I want to continue growing and building a long and meaningful career in medicine and healthcare.
My life has not been easy, and many of my personal experiences are the reason I chose this path. My husband is fighting cancer, and being part of his medical journey changed me deeply. I attended every appointment, listened carefully to the doctors, and supported him during treatments. I saw how stressful, painful, and confusing cancer can be, not only for the patient, but also for the family. There were days when I felt scared and wished I understood more about what was happening. This experience motivated me to pursue further education, enabling me to gain the knowledge and confidence to help others who are going through similar experiences.
Working in ultrasound showed me the importance of being calm, patient, and kind with every person who walks into the room. Many patients are afraid, unsure, or overwhelmed. Even a small gesture, such as explaining a procedure clearly or speaking gently, can make them feel safer. This taught me that healthcare is not only about science or tests. It is also about compassion, communication, and understanding. This is why I want to continue in the healthcare field. I want to use both knowledge and empathy to support people during their hardest moments.
In the future, I want to work in a healthcare role where I can support patients and families, especially those dealing with cancer or serious illnesses. I want to gain a deeper understanding of diseases, learn more about patient care, and help people make informed decisions about their health. My long-term goal is to continue my education beyond my bachelor’s degree. I plan to earn a master’s degree and eventually a doctorate. Education is very important to me because it enables me to grow, improve, and have a greater impact in healthcare.
I also have experience volunteering in my community, helping people in need. I often help friends and neighbors with scheduling appointments, understanding medical instructions, and translating important information when they need support. Many families feel confused or afraid during medical situations, and helping them made me realize how many people need guidance. These experiences shaped my desire to become a healthcare professional who is patient, supportive, and trustworthy.
Education is giving me the chance to rebuild my future and give my family hope. I study full-time while working and caring for my loved ones, and even though it is challenging, I continue because I believe in what education can do. Every class teaches me something that helps me better understand healthcare and prepares me to assist others more effectively. I am proud of how far I have come and motivated to keep going until I reach my goals.
This scholarship would significantly alleviate my financial stress and enable me to stay focused on my studies. It would support my dream of completing my degrees and becoming someone who uses her education, compassion, and real-life experience to help others. I hope to honor Christina Taylese Singh’s memory by becoming the kind of healthcare professional who brings comfort, clarity, and hope to people during difficult times.
Saswati Gupta Cancer Research Scholarship
My career goal in healthcare started the day my husband was diagnosed with cancer. That moment changed my life profoundly and emotionally. I remember sitting next to him in the hospital, listening to the doctors and feeling my heart fall. I tried to stay strong, but inside I was scared. I did not understand all the medical terms, and I felt helpless watching the person I love go through pain. Cancer brought fear into our home, but it also opened my eyes to how important healthcare workers are.
I sat with my husband through every appointment and every treatment. I watched him fight through long days, painful moments, and the heavy emotions that come with cancer. During this time, I realized how much families depend on clear communication, kindness, and support. I saw how much it matters when a healthcare worker explains things with patience and speaks with care. Their words often gave us hope. This experience touched my heart and made me want to help families who are going through a similar experience.
Studying Health Sciences showed me that this is the path I want for my life. I want to understand cancer better. I want to learn why it happens, how it is treated, and how families can cope with the stress and fear associated with it. My goal is to continue my education, complete my bachelor’s degree, and then pursue a master’s and doctorate in the healthcare field. I want to build a strong career so I can support patients with compassion and knowledge.
This scholarship would help me focus on my education and move forward without so much financial stress. It would bring me closer to becoming someone who uses her experience, her heart, and her education to make life easier for families facing cancer.
Dream BIG, Rise HIGHER Scholarship
The important moments in my life did not happen all at once. They came slowly, in quiet and difficult times filled with fear and hospital visits. My challenges started when I was young. I lost both of my parents early in my life, and I grew up without the support that every child needs. Losing my mother and father forced me to depend on myself. I understood very early that if I wanted a future, I had to work for it on my own.
For a long time, I thought the hardest part of my life was behind me. I believed that building my own family would finally give me the stability I never had. But life gave me new challenges. When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, everything changed. I remember sitting with him and listening to doctors talk. My English was not strong at the time, and I could not understand everything they said. I felt scared and helpless. I wanted to protect him, but I did not know how.
His illness was difficult in many ways. It affected him physically and it affected our family emotionally and financially. I became his caregiver, taking care of him while trying to stay strong for our children. Many nights, I cried quietly because I did not want anyone to see my fear. It felt like life was testing me again, and I had to stay standing no matter what.
Not long after, another challenge came. My daughter had a brain clot, and we rushed her to the hospital. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. But it did not end there. Over the next two years, she had seven more brain clots. Each time, we went through the same fear, the same emergency rooms, and the same long hours waiting for answers. I was afraid of losing her. I checked on her constantly, even at night, to make sure she was okay.
These seven episodes changed me. They were emotionally painful and financially heavy. But they also pushed me to learn. I started paying attention to everything the doctors said. I asked more questions. I tried to understand her condition, the treatments, and the risks. I realized how important it is for a parent to know, especially when your child is sick. My daughter’s strength inspired me, and she made me think about my own future again.
As an orphan, I never had the chance to continue my education the way I wanted. I always dreamed of going to college and maybe even studying medicine someday. But after losing my parents and then caring for my family, school always felt impossible.
However, my experiences in hospitals changed something inside me. I realized that I no longer wanted to feel helpless. I wanted to learn. I wanted to understand healthcare. I wanted to be able to help my family and myself. I wanted to understand the system that my husband and my daughter depended on.
So I made the hard decision to return to school. It is not easy to study full-time while also working full-time and taking care of my family. But I am determined. I do homework between appointments. I study when everyone is asleep. I work hard because I know my education can change our lives.
These experiences have shaped my goals. They taught me that hardship does not have to hold you back. It can make you stronger. They taught me that knowledge is powerful, especially for families facing medical challenges.
Today, I am working on my Health Sciences degree with a clear purpose. I want to continue my education and work in healthcare to support families like mine. I want to help people who feel scared, confused, or alone during medical crises. I want to guide patients and caregivers and give them hope and support.
Receiving this scholarship would help me a lot. It would reduce the financial stress that has built up over years of hospital bills. It would help me stay focused on school and move closer to my goals. It would honor the strength of my daughter, the fight of my husband, and the memory of my parents. Most of all, it would help me turn my pain into something good something that helps others.
My life has had many difficult moments, but it has also taught me resilience, growth, and hope. I am no longer the scared girl who lost her parents or the mother who felt helpless in the hospital. I am someone rebuilding her life through education and determination. And I am committed to turning every hardship into a reason to keep moving forward.
Sammy Hason, Sr. Memorial Scholarship
I want to build a career in healthcare because I have lived around sickness for many years. My husband has cancer and diabetes, and my daughter has a rare brain clotting condition. I also have asthma, so I experience lung problems myself. Because of all this, I understand how difficult life becomes when someone in the family is sick. Every day brings something new to worry about, and many times I had to stay strong even when I felt tired or scared. I work full-time and study full-time so that I can pay for hospital bills and provide my family with the care they need. These experiences taught me patience, courage, and the importance of helping others.
Taking care of my daughter with her rare condition deeply changed me. When she first got sick, everything felt confusing. There were many medical words and many tests. I remember sitting in hospitals for long hours, waiting for doctors to explain what was happening. I know what it feels like to be a parent who is worried but also lost. Many families with rare conditions often struggle to know where to start or who to ask. They feel alone, stressed, and scared for their loved ones. This is why I aspire to a career in healthcare. I want to be the kind of person who explains things simply, supports families, and makes them feel safe instead of alone.
My own asthma also taught me how scary lung problems can be. Sometimes, even a slight change in breathing can cause panic. I understand the fear that comes with not being able to catch your breath. Because of this, I want to help people with lung disease. I want to be someone who listens carefully to patients and understands what they feel, not just what they say. I want to make sure they know they are not facing their illness alone.
In the future, I hope to work directly with patients and their families. I want to help them manage their symptoms, understand their treatment, and feel more in control of their health. I strive to be gentle, patient, and clear when explaining things. I never want people to feel lost the way I once felt. I also want to support caregivers, because I know how heavy it is to take care of someone you love while working and studying. Caregivers need support too, and sometimes even a small act of kindness can change their whole day.
This scholarship will help me continue my education while supporting my family. Studying while working full-time and caring for my loved ones is challenging, but I am determined to complete my degree and continue my education. The scholarship will reduce some of the pressure I carry every day and will allow me to focus more on learning. It will bring me closer to my goal of helping people with lung disease and rare medical conditions in a real and meaningful way.
My dream is to use my career to make life easier, calmer, and kinder for people who are struggling. I want to bring comfort, understanding, and hope to families who are walking through the same difficult paths I have walked. Healthcare is not just a job; it's a calling for me. It is something personal, something that comes from my heart, and something I want to dedicate my life to.
Harvest Scholarship for Women Dreamers
I realized my life had to change during a quiet moment I will never forget. It was early morning in a hospital room, watching my husband fight cancer while doctors spoke quickly around us. I could not fully understand what they were saying, and the fear I felt took me back to my childhood. Growing up without my mother or father meant I learned how to survive alone. I had dreamed of working in healthcare since I was a child, but survival always came before dreams. In that hospital room, I felt the same helplessness I knew years ago, and I understood that something inside me needed to change.
Losing both parents at a young age forced me to grow up early. I didn’t have anyone to guide me academically or emotionally. Being first-generation means that everything I have built, I have built from the ground up. Even as a little girl, I imagined becoming someone who could help others in their hardest moments. But life pushed me in different directions, and I put my dream aside so I could focus on simply getting through each day.
When I became a mother, I hoped the hardest part of my life was behind me. But life tested me again through my family’s medical battles. My husband’s diagnosis shook everything inside me. Soon after, my daughter developed brain clots, and once again I felt powerless, sitting in a hospital praying for answers. These moments were terrifying, but they also awakened something strong within me. Instead of breaking me, they reminded me that I needed to learn, understand, and be able to help the people I love.
This is why I chose to study ultrasound. I wanted to understand what doctors were saying and what families like mine were facing. I studied late into the night while taking care of my home and children, afraid of failing but more afraid of staying helpless. My effort paid off. I graduated with honors and became a Registered Vascular Technologist. Working with patients showed me the power of kindness and clarity. When I comforted someone who was scared, I felt like I was giving them what I once needed so badly.
But reaching that goal only made me want more. I returned to school for my bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences to gain deeper knowledge and open new doors in healthcare. I am moving quickly through my courses because I am motivated by both my past and my future. My “Pie in the Sky” dream is to continue into a master’s program and eventually earn a doctorate in health. I want to contribute to patient care, research, and education. I want to create a life that the little girl who lost everything would be proud of.
Being first-generation means everything to me. It means breaking cycles of fear and instability. It means proving that even someone who grew up with so little support can build a meaningful future. This scholarship would help me continue my education without adding more pressure to my family. In return, I hope to mentor other women, immigrants, and mothers who feel like their dreams are too far away. I want them to know that painful beginnings can still lead to powerful futures.
Phoenix Opportunity Award
The moment I realized my life had to change was not dramatic. It was a quiet morning in a hospital room, watching my husband fight cancer while I struggled to understand what the doctors were saying. That same fear followed me from childhood, when I lost both my parents and had to learn to survive without guidance. Growing up as an orphan taught me that if I wanted a future, I would have to build it myself.
Even as a child, I dreamed of working in healthcare, but survival pushed my dreams aside. Years later, when my daughter suffered brain clots, I found myself once again sitting in a hospital room feeling helpless. Those moments did not break me. They pushed me to finally step into the medical world instead of watching from the outside.
I started by studying ultrasound so I could understand what doctors were saying and better protect my family. I studied while caring for my home and children, afraid to fail but determined not to stop. I graduated with honors and became a Registered Vascular Technologist. Every patient I meet reminds me of my own family, and comforting them feels like healing a part of my past.
But this achievement only opened the door to more. I returned to school for my bachelor’s degree so I can grow beyond imaging and into a deeper role in healthcare. My goal is to earn a master’s degree and eventually a doctorate. I want to be the person I needed as a child and the support my family needed during their hardest moments.
As a first-generation student, my education represents more than a degree. It represents breaking a cycle of fear and silence. It proves that the girl who grew up alone can still build a life full of purpose and hope.
This scholarship would ease the financial pressure on my family and allow me to stay focused on completing my degree. In return, I want to mentor other immigrant women, mothers, and first-generation students who feel overwhelmed by responsibility. I want them to see that pain can lead to strength, and that it is never too late to build the future you once thought was impossible.
Bick First Generation Scholarship
The moment I realized my life had to change was not dramatic. It was a quiet morning in a hospital room, watching my husband fight cancer while I struggled to understand what the doctors were saying. That same fear followed me from childhood, when I lost both my parents and had to learn to survive without guidance. Growing up as an orphan taught me that if I wanted a future, I would have to build it myself.
Even as a child, I dreamed of working in healthcare, but survival pushed my dreams aside. Years later, when my daughter suffered brain clots, I found myself once again sitting in a hospital room feeling helpless. Those moments did not break me. They pushed me to finally step into the medical world instead of watching from the outside.
I started by studying ultrasound so I could understand what doctors were saying and better protect my family. I studied while caring for my home and children, afraid to fail but determined not to stop. I graduated with honors and became a Registered Vascular Technologist. Every patient I meet reminds me of my own family, and comforting them feels like healing a part of my past.
But this achievement only opened the door to more. I returned to school for my bachelor’s degree so I can grow beyond imaging and into a deeper role in healthcare. My goal is to earn a master’s degree and eventually a doctorate. I want to be the person I needed as a child and the support my family needed during their hardest moments.
As a first-generation student, my education represents more than a degree. It represents breaking a cycle of fear and silence. It proves that the girl who grew up alone can still build a life full of purpose and hope.
This scholarship would ease the financial pressure on my family and allow me to stay focused on completing my degree. In return, I want to mentor other immigrant women, mothers, and first-generation students who feel overwhelmed by responsibility. I want them to see that pain can lead to strength, and that it is never too late to build the future you once thought was impossible.
Women in Healthcare Scholarship
The moment I realized my life had to change was not a dramatic moment in a movie. It was a quiet morning in a hospital room, watching my husband fight cancer while I sat there unable to understand everything the doctors were saying. I remember feeling frozen, wishing I knew how to support him and the strength to protect my family. That feeling of helplessness lingered with me, marking the beginning of everything that came next.
My healthcare journey did not start in a classroom. It started with loss and responsibility at a young age after growing up without parents. It continued as I became a mother trying to keep my family safe through the hardest moments of their lives. When my daughter suffered brain clots, I felt the same fear all over again, but this time the pain pushed me toward something new. I knew I could no longer remain on the outside of the medical world. I needed to understand, learn, and become someone my family could rely on.
I began by studying ultrasound, hoping it would provide me with the knowledge I had never had. I worked with complete dedication, sometimes studying late into the night, and I eventually graduated with honors. Working as a Registered Vascular Technologist gave me my first real opportunity to help people who were afraid, confused, or in pain. Every patient reminded me of my own experiences. When I explained a procedure to someone who looked nervous, I felt like I was giving them something I once needed so badly: comfort, clarity, and support.
But this was only the beginning. The more I learned, the more I felt a responsibility to go further. I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare system and build a career where I could make a lasting impact. That is why I returned to school to earn my bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences. Even with all the responsibilities I carry as a mother, I push myself every day, and I am now completing my classes at a faster pace than expected.
My next goal is to continue into a master’s program and eventually earn a doctorate. I want to serve families who face fear the way my own family once did. I want to be a healthcare professional who brings empathy and understanding to every interaction.
This scholarship would enable me to continue my education without placing additional financial strain on my family. It would give me the chance to focus fully on my studies and move closer to the future I have worked hard to rebuild. In return, I hope to pay it forward by mentoring young women who feel discouraged or alone, especially women from immigrant backgrounds or mothers who believe it is too late to chase their dreams. I want to show them that strength can grow from pain, and that it is never too late to change the direction of your life.
A Man Helping Women Helping Women Scholarship
My life has been shaped by hardship from a very young age. I lost both of my parents early in childhood, and growing up without them forced me to become strong, independent, and responsible long before I was ready. Even during those difficult years, I always held onto one dream to work in healthcare and help people. But after losing my parents, my focus shifted to survival, and my education had to wait.
Years later, when I started my own family, I faced life-changing challenges again. My husband was diagnosed with cancer, and at that time my English was limited. Sitting in hospital rooms, unable to fully understand what doctors were explaining, made me feel helpless. Soon after, my daughter developed brain clots, and I was overwhelmed with fear and responsibility. I had to support my husband, care for my children, and navigate complex medical information in a language I was still learning. These experiences pushed me to make a change. I didn’t want to feel powerless ever again. I wanted to understand healthcare so I could protect my family.
That is when I decided to study ultrasound. It became my first step into the medical field. I studied with dedication, pushed myself daily, and graduated with honors. Becoming an ultrasound technologist gave me confidence and reminded me of the dream I had as a child the dream I never stopped carrying.
Working in healthcare made me want to learn more and grow further. I wanted a stronger future for my children and the ability to help families who feel scared, confused, and alone just like I once did. This is why I returned to school to pursue my bachelor’s degree at Western Governors University. Even with my responsibilities as a mother, I manage my time carefully, stay ahead in my coursework, and communicate closely with my instructors. My hard work allowed me to move through classes faster than expected. Although my scholarship covered four terms, I will finish my degree in just one. This is something I am proud of because it reflects my determination, discipline, and commitment.
My goal is to continue my education through a master’s program and eventually a doctoral degree. I want to reach the dream I had as a little girl and show my children that no matter how difficult life becomes, you can still rise and create a better future. I want to use my education to support patients and families during their hardest moments, especially those who struggle with language barriers or fear, because I know exactly how that feels.
This scholarship would reduce the financial burden on my family and allow me to stay fully focused on my education. It would bring me closer to achieving my long-term goals and help me continue building the life I have worked so hard for. In return, I plan to give back by supporting families facing medical challenges, volunteering in my community, and using my experience to help others find strength during difficult times.
Kyla Jo Burridge Memorial Scholarship for Brain Cancer Awareness and Support
My life has been shaped by difficult experiences, starting from my childhood. I lost both of my parents at a very young age, and growing up without a mother or father forced me to become responsible much sooner than I should have been. Even during those painful years, I always had one dream in my heart. I wanted to work in healthcare and help people who are suffering. But after losing my parents, my path changed and I had to focus on surviving rather than studying.
Years later, when I started my own family, life tested me again. My husband was diagnosed with cancer, and at that time my English was very limited. I sat with him in the hospital, listening to doctors speak, but I could not understand everything they were saying. I felt helpless, scared, and frustrated because I wanted to support him but did not have the knowledge or the language to do so. Soon after, my daughter suffered brain clots. I remember trying to stay strong for her, even though inside I was breaking. Those moments changed me completely and made me realize that I never wanted to feel powerless again in a medical situation.
I decided to study ultrasound so I could understand what was happening to my family and to others. I worked very hard and graduated with honors. Becoming an ultrasound technologist showed me that I was capable of more than I ever believed. It also reminded me of the dream I had as a child, a dream I still wanted to follow.
But I knew I needed to continue my education. I wanted a stronger future for my children and the ability to help families who feel fear and confusion like I once did. That is why I returned to school to earn my bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences at Western Governors University. Even with all my responsibilities as a mother, I study every day and complete my classes early. I am progressing so quickly that, although my scholarship covers four terms, I will only need one term to finish.
My goal is to continue into a master’s program and eventually earn a doctorate. I want my children to see that no matter how hard life becomes, you can still rise and follow your goals. This scholarship will help me continue my education without adding more pressure on my family. In the future, I hope to give back by supporting patients with kindness and understanding, especially those who struggle with language barriers, just as I once did.
Emma Jane Hastie Scholarship
My life has been shaped by difficult experiences, starting from my childhood. I lost both of my parents at a very young age, and growing up without a mother or father forced me to become responsible much sooner than I should have been. Even during those painful years, I always had one dream in my heart. I wanted to work in healthcare and help people who are suffering. But after losing my parents, my path changed and I had to focus on surviving rather than studying.
Years later, when I started my own family, life tested me again. My husband was diagnosed with cancer, and at that time my English was very limited. I sat with him in the hospital, listening to doctors speak, but I could not understand everything they were saying. I felt helpless, scared, and frustrated because I wanted to support him but did not have the knowledge or the language to do so. Soon after, my daughter suffered brain clots. I remember trying to stay strong for her, even though inside I was breaking. Those moments changed me completely and made me realize that I never wanted to feel powerless again in a medical situation.
I decided to study ultrasound so I could understand what was happening to my family and to others. I worked very hard and graduated with honors. Becoming an ultrasound technologist showed me that I was capable of more than I ever believed. It also reminded me of the dream I had as a child, a dream I still wanted to follow.
But I knew I needed to continue my education. I wanted a stronger future for my children and the ability to help families who feel fear and confusion like I once did. That is why I returned to school to earn my bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences at Western Governors University. Even with all my responsibilities as a mother, I study every day and complete my classes early. I am progressing so quickly that, although my scholarship covers four terms, I will only need one term to finish.
My goal is to continue into a master’s program and eventually earn a doctorate. I want my children to see that no matter how hard life becomes, you can still rise and follow your goals. This scholarship will help me continue my education without adding more pressure on my family. In the future, I hope to give back by supporting patients with kindness and understanding, especially those who struggle with language barriers, just as I once did.
Second Chance Scholarship
My life has been shaped by difficult experiences, starting from my childhood. I lost both of my parents at a very young age, and growing up without a mother or father forced me to become responsible much sooner than I should have been. Even during those painful years, I always had one dream in my heart. I wanted to work in healthcare and help people who are suffering. But after losing my parents, my path changed and I had to focus on surviving rather than studying.
Years later, when I started my own family, life tested me again. My husband was diagnosed with cancer, and at that time my English was very limited. I sat with him in the hospital, listening to doctors speak, but I could not understand everything they were saying. I felt helpless, scared, and frustrated because I wanted to support him but did not have the knowledge or the language to do so. Soon after, my daughter suffered brain clots. I remember trying to stay strong for her, even though inside I was breaking. Those moments changed me completely and made me realize that I never wanted to feel powerless again in a medical situation.
I decided to study ultrasound so I could understand what was happening to my family and to others. I worked very hard and graduated with honors. Becoming an ultrasound technologist showed me that I was capable of more than I ever believed. It also reminded me of the dream I had as a child, a dream I still wanted to follow.
But I knew I needed to continue my education. I wanted a stronger future for my children and the ability to help families who feel fear and confusion like I once did. That is why I returned to school to earn my bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences at Western Governors University. Even with all my responsibilities as a mother, I study every day and complete my classes early. I am progressing so quickly that, although my scholarship covers four terms, I will only need one term to finish.
My goal is to continue into a master’s program and eventually earn a doctorate. I want my children to see that no matter how hard life becomes, you can still rise and follow your goals. This scholarship will help me continue my education without adding more pressure on my family. In the future, I hope to give back by supporting patients with kindness and understanding, especially those who struggle with language barriers, just as I once did.