Sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones people fight silently, and that’s why talking about mental health matters so much to me. Mental health and suicide prevention are topics that hit really close to home, especially for people my age. A lot of us are juggling so much. School, jobs, family, relationships, and on top of that, there’s pressure to have everything figured out. Social media doesn’t help either. It makes it seem like everyone else is doing great, even when they’re not. The truth is, so many young people are struggling silently. That’s why it’s so important to talk about mental health, to remind people they’re not alone and that it’s okay to ask for help. I’ve definitely had my own ups and downs. Between college classes, working part-time, and helping out with my family, it’s easy to feel burnt out or overwhelmed. There were times I felt like I was barely keeping it together. But I learned to take my mental health seriously. I started opening up more to people I trust, creating space for myself to rest, and being kinder to myself when things didn’t go perfectly. Those experiences didn’t break me, they made me more self-aware, more empathetic, and, honestly, stronger. They’ve also helped shape what I want to do with my life. I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. Growing up, I’d visit my mom at work, she’s a labor and delivery nurse, and sometimes I even got to hold tiny premature babies in the NICU. Those moments really stuck with me. Watching the nurses care not only for the newborns but also for the anxious and emotional parents showed me that nursing isn’t just about medicine, it’s about the heart. That’s the kind of nurse I want to be: someone who offers real support when people are at their most vulnerable. Being part of this generation feels meaningful because we’re opening up about mental health and making it more acceptable to talk about and seek help. I want to connect with my patients in that same way, to make sure they feel seen, supported, and reminded that there is always hope. Sometimes, just finding joy in the little things can be the medicine people need to keep going, and I want to be someone who helps them see that. I think that’s why mental health is such a big part of why I feel called to nursing. Whether someone’s struggling with anxiety, grief, postpartum depression, or just having a rough day, I want to be someone who notices and cares. Nurses are in a unique position to listen, to check in, and to make people feel seen. I want to be that kind of nurse, the one who makes a small but meaningful difference, whether that’s with a kind word, a calm presence, or just really listening when someone needs it. My own journey with mental health has taught me that healing isn’t linear, and that no one should have to go through it alone. It’s also taught me how powerful compassion can be. That’s what I want to carry with me into my career. I want to be part of the reason someone holds on, gets through, or starts to feel hopeful again. Because sometimes, just knowing someone cares can change everything.

As a sophomore in college, I'm just about to begin my nursing school journey, and I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness about what's to come. I’ve worked hard to get to this point, but starting nursing school feels like stepping into a whole new world. I'm both scared and excited. Scared because the road ahead is going to be tough, but excited because I know it’s the next step toward a career I’ve always dreamed of. Becoming a nurse, especially in the NICU, feels like the perfect way to combine my love for science and my desire to help others. My mom, who works as a labor and delivery nurse, has been a huge inspiration for me. Growing up, I had the chance to visit her at work, where I was able to hold premature newborns. Those moments left a lasting impact on me. I knew then that I wanted to be there for families during such vulnerable times, offering the care and support they need. Currently, I’m working toward my Associate Degree in Science and plan to transfer to Lewis University for my BSN in Nursing. This journey hasn’t been easy, as I balance part-time work, school, and family responsibilities. However, these challenges have taught me the importance of time management and resilience, skills that are crucial for a successful nursing career. Financial strain is a constant worry, but I’m committed to my goal, and I know these experiences will shape me into the nurse I want to be. I’ve always been drawn to helping others, whether it was caring for my younger siblings, volunteering at my church, or supporting my family. Nursing is the perfect blend. In the NICU, I would be able to make a real difference by providing care and comfort to babies and families during a critical time. I find it incredibly rewarding to think about supporting families through difficult moments while helping babies grow stronger and healthier. While pursuing my degree, I’ve learned that success isn’t easy; it takes dedication and hard work. Juggling academics, a job, and family has taught me how to manage stress and prioritize my time effectively. These are skills I’ll use throughout nursing school and beyond. Volunteering at my church has also been rewarding, helping me develop leadership and empathy, which are essential qualities for a nurse. The chance to work with others and support them in difficult situations has further solidified my desire to pursue nursing. Growing up in a Polish Catholic family, I was taught the value of hard work, determination, and education. My mom’s dedication to her patients inspired me to follow in her footsteps, and watching her handle stressful situations with grace and compassion showed me what it truly means to be a nurse. Her influence has had a huge impact on my decision to pursue nursing, and I hope to make a similar difference in the lives of my patients. The financial burden of school has been one of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced. While my family has always supported me, they are unable to cover the full cost of my education. Working to pay for school has left me with little time for anything else, but this scholarship would alleviate that pressure, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on financial worries. With this support, I would be able to dedicate myself fully to becoming the NICU nurse I’ve always dreamed of being. I’m excited to continue my journey in nursing and, with the right support, make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

I’m currently in the process of pursuing my nursing degree, and my educational journey has been anything but straight-lined. I started college with the intention of becoming a Physician Assistant (PA), believing that was the best way for me to make a difference in healthcare. I’ve always had a strong desire to work in medicine, but my path has evolved over time as I’ve gained more experience and clarity about where I truly want to be. When I first entered college, I was excited about the idea of becoming a PA. I was drawn to the idea of diagnosing and treating patients, and I thought it was the perfect way to combine my love for science with my passion for helping others. As I moved through my coursework, I began to realize that while the medical field was still where I wanted to be, the role of PA wasn’t quite the right fit for me. It wasn’t just about the procedures or the science, it was the personal connection with patients that I truly craved. I loved the idea of being on the front lines of care, interacting with patients daily, and making a direct impact on their lives. It wasn’t until I volunteered at a local hospital and worked closely with nurses that I had my “aha” moment. I was helping with patient intake and observing nurses in action, and I quickly saw how integral they were to the patient’s experiences. Nurses didn’t just administer care, they built relationships with patients, provided emotional support, and played an essential role in recovery. I was amazed by how much of an impact they had on both physical health and overall well-being. It hit me then that I wanted to be that person—the one who was there for patients, not just treating them but connecting with them, listening to their concerns, and offering comfort during some of the most difficult times in their lives. That moment solidified my decision to switch from pursuing a career as a PA to becoming a nurse. I realized that nursing offers a unique blend of clinical knowledge, patient interaction, and emotional care that truly excites me. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, and I knew I wanted to be part of that. While the transition from wanting to become a PA to wanting to become a nurse was a significant shift, it felt like a natural progression as I began to understand where my strengths and passions truly lie. Now, as I’m about to start my education in nursing, I’m excited to move forward with a clearer sense of purpose. My experiences, both in the classroom and through hands-on work in the healthcare field, have shaped me into someone deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of others. I’m eager to continue learning and growing as I prepare for a career where I can provide not only medical care but also the emotional support and connection that I believe is at the heart of nursing.

One of the most meaningful experiences where I demonstrated the core pillar of caring was during my three years of volunteering at a church camp, where I worked with children ages 5 to 12. This role taught me not only how to meet their physical needs but also how to be emotionally available and create a supportive environment for them. In my first year, I was assigned to a group of younger children. One afternoon, a child became homesick and started crying during an outdoor activity. Instead of brushing off his feelings, I took the time to sit with him, listen to his concerns, and offer comfort. After a few minutes, he calmed down and rejoined the group. This moment showed me the importance of not just addressing physical needs but also offering emotional support. It reminded me that sometimes, the smallest act of care can have the biggest impact on a child’s experience. I was always drawn to helping those in need, which only grew my passion for becoming a nurse to help not only physically but mentally as well. Over the next two years, I continued to volunteer, gaining more responsibilities and learning how to care for children at different developmental stages. I became more attentive to their needs, whether it was comforting a nervous child or helping one with a scraped knee. I learned that being humble in this role meant recognizing when I needed to ask for help or guidance from more experienced staff members. This humility helped me grow and provide better care to the children. It also taught me the value of teamwork and being open to learning from others in any caregiving role. The impact of my care was felt by both the children and the camp staff. The kids felt safe and supported, and the staff were able to focus on leading activities without worrying about the children’s emotional well-being. Most importantly, the children left camp with positive memories and a sense of being valued. I saw firsthand how small moments of kindness can create lasting impressions. In conclusion, my experience at church camp taught me that caring for others goes beyond physical care, it involves emotional support, patience, and being humble enough to ask for help when needed. These lessons have deepened my passion for nursing and prepared me to offer compassionate care to those who need it most. I look forward to starting my journey in the nursing field, and I feel like my past experiences will have a greater impact.

From the moment I saw the way my mom cared for others, I knew I wanted to do the same. Whether she was helping a neighbor, leading a community event, or simply offering a listening ear, her ability to make people feel heard and supported always amazed me. Watching her dedication to others shaped my belief that being a nurse isn’t just about providing medical care: it’s about being there for people when they need it most. That’s why I’m pursuing a career in nursing: to make a real difference in the lives of others, just like my mom did for so many. My mom has always been a strong, compassionate leader. Growing up, I watched her balance a busy career with her role as a caregiver, always putting others’ needs first. She didn’t just take care of people; she made them feel seen and understood. Whether she was helping at clinics or helping someone through a personal crisis, her presence was comforting. She taught me that being a great leader and nurse is about more than just skills. It’s about showing kindness, listening with empathy, and always being there to offer support. As I got older, I had more opportunities to care for sick family members, and I saw firsthand how impactful a nurse can be. I remember one particular time when a relative was hospitalized, and I was struck by the way the nurses took time to explain the treatment plan, answer questions, and offer comfort. It wasn’t just their knowledge that helped; it was their ability to connect with us and make us feel less anxious during such a stressful time. That experience made me realize that nursing is about building trust and providing care not just for the body, but for the mind and spirit as well. Nursing also offers a chance to make an emotional difference in people’s lives. When I saw my mom go through difficult situations with family members and still find ways to be supportive, it inspired me to want to do the same. It made me understand that being a nurse means being there through the toughest times, offering reassurance, and making patients feel safe and cared for. I want to be that person who helps someone feel heard, especially when they are feeling scared or vulnerable. In addition to the emotional rewards, I’m also drawn to nursing because of the science behind it. I’ve always had an interest in health and medicine, and nursing allows me to combine that interest with my passion for helping others. It’s a field where I can continuously learn, grow, and apply new knowledge to make a direct impact on people’s lives. I’m excited by the idea of providing both physical care and emotional support, helping people recover, and being a positive influence in their lives. Overall, my decision to become a nurse is driven by my desire to care for others, just like my mom has done throughout her life. Her leadership, compassion, and dedication have inspired me to take this path, and I’m excited to begin my journey toward becoming a nurse. I know that through nursing, I can offer comfort and support to those who need it most, and that’s a powerful thing to be able to do.

From the moment I saw the way my mom cared for others, I knew I wanted to do the same. Whether she was helping a neighbor, leading a community event, or simply offering a listening ear, her ability to make people feel heard and supported always amazed me. Watching her dedication to others shaped my belief that being a nurse isn’t just about providing medical care; it’s about being there for people when they need it most. That’s why I’m pursuing a career in nursing: to make a real difference in the lives of others, just like my mom did for so many. My mom has always been a strong, compassionate leader. Growing up, I watched her balance a busy career with her role as a caregiver, always putting others’ needs first. She didn’t just take care of people; she made them feel seen and understood. Whether she was helping at clinics or helping someone through a personal crisis, her presence was comforting. She taught me that being a great leader and nurse is about more than just skills. It’s about showing kindness, listening with empathy, and always being there to offer support. As I got older, I had more opportunities to care for sick family members, and I saw firsthand how impactful a nurse can be. I remember one particular time when a relative was hospitalized, and I was struck by the way the nurses took time to explain the treatment plan, answer questions, and offer comfort. It wasn’t just their knowledge that helped; it was their ability to connect with us and make us feel less anxious during such a stressful time. That experience made me realize that nursing is about building trust and providing care not just for the body, but for the mind and spirit as well. Nursing also offers a chance to make an emotional difference in people’s lives. When I saw my mom go through difficult situations with family members and still find ways to be supportive, it inspired me to want to do the same. It made me understand that being a nurse means being there through the toughest times, offering reassurance, and making patients feel safe and cared for. I want to be that person who helps someone feel heard, especially when they are feeling scared or vulnerable. In addition to the emotional rewards, I’m also drawn to nursing because of the science behind it. I’ve always had an interest in health and medicine, and nursing allows me to combine that interest with my passion for helping others. It’s a field where I can continuously learn, grow, and apply new knowledge to make a direct impact on people’s lives. I’m excited by the idea of providing both physical care and emotional support, helping people recover, and being a positive influence in their lives. Overall, my decision to become a nurse is driven by my desire to care for others, just like my mom has done throughout her life. Her leadership, compassion, and dedication have inspired me to take this path, and I’m excited to begin my journey toward becoming a nurse. I know that through nursing, I can offer comfort and support to those who need it most, and that’s a powerful thing to be able to do.

Billie Eilish's music has a unique way of connecting with listeners, and my top three songs—“Ocean Eyes,” “Bellyache,” and “Happier Than Ever”—are perfect examples of that connection. Each track resonates with me in a special way, reflecting the complexities of growing up and navigating emotions. “Ocean Eyes” was one of the first songs that drew me in, with its haunting melody and lyrics about vulnerability. Billie captures the essence of longing and sensitivity, reminding me that it’s okay to embrace those feelings. It’s a beautiful exploration of love that feels relatable and personal. “Bellyache” takes a different turn, diving into themes of guilt and regret after making a mistake. The upbeat sound contrasts with the weight of the lyrics, creating a catchy yet thought-provoking experience. This song resonates because it perfectly captures that confusing mix of emotions we all face when we know we've messed up but still want to move forward. Then there's “Happier Than Ever,” which stands out for its powerful message of self-empowerment. The song’s shift from soft and introspective to bold and assertive mirrors the journey many of us take as we grow. It encourages me to stand up for myself and embrace my true feelings, no matter how difficult they may be. Overall, Billie Eilish’s music speaks to the ups and downs of being a teenager, making her songs not just relatable but also deeply impactful. Each track offers a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of finding one’s place in the world.

One lyric from Olivia Rodrigo's "GUTS" that resonates deeply with me is: “I just wanna be okay.” This simple yet powerful line captures the essence of what it feels like to be a teenager today. During my teenage years, I often felt overwhelmed by the pressure to fit in, excel in school, and manage friendships and relationships. The desire to “just be okay” speaks to a common longing among teens for peace and stability amid the chaos of growing up. Adolescence is filled with intense emotions and conflicting feelings, and this lyric highlights the struggle many of us face as we try to navigate our identities while dealing with outside expectations. Teen life can change quickly and unpredictably. One day, everything might seem fine—friends are supportive, grades are good, and life feels manageable. The next day, however, a small problem can feel enormous, making it hard to see the bright side. For instance, a disagreement with a friend or a challenging assignment can shift my mood dramatically, leaving me feeling anxious and uncertain. Rodrigo’s lyric reflects this fluctuation between moments of joy and moments of doubt, illustrating how easily we can swing from happiness to worry during this tumultuous stage of life. The wish to be okay also highlights the pressure to appear confident and in control, even when we feel lost inside. Many teenagers struggle with self-doubt and the fear of judgment from peers. We often feel the need to put on a brave face, acting as if everything is fine while wishing for reassurance and understanding from those around us. The need to feel okay becomes a mantra for many of us, emphasizing our desire for happiness and stability that can sometimes feel just out of reach. On top of these emotional struggles, there are significant societal expectations placed on us. We are constantly told to perform well in school, fit in socially, and meet family expectations. These pressures can weigh heavily on us, making it challenging to focus on our own needs and desires. As teens, we are tasked with making important decisions about our futures, and this responsibility can feel overwhelming. Rodrigo’s candidness about these feelings resonates deeply, reminding us that it’s normal to feel anxious and uncertain while figuring out our paths. Furthermore, the quest for authenticity adds another layer of complexity to adolescence. We want to be true to ourselves, but fear of rejection often holds us back. We might find ourselves conforming to peer pressure or hiding our true feelings to fit in. Rodrigo’s lyrics remind us that it’s okay to struggle with these feelings and that many others share similar experiences. In the end, Olivia Rodrigo's "GUTS" encapsulates the challenges of being a teenager, where the desire to “just be okay” reflects our deeper need for connection and understanding. It serves as a reminder that it’s perfectly okay to feel uncertain and to seek support as we navigate the often challenging path of growing up. This lyric beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of adolescence and emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance during this pivotal time in our lives. Ultimately, her music resonates with us because it validates our feelings and experiences, showing that we are not alone in our journey.

Look in the mirror. What do you see? People judge not only others but themselves the most. We critique everything about ourselves and do more harm than anyone else. No one ever actually sees what happens behind that closed door, or behind that mirror, but many people beat themselves up just because they don't like the way they look. A while ago I read a book called "Holding Up The Universe." My mom bought it for me years back but never got around to it. I was never interested enough. But I found the time and started reading. It was about the world's biggest teenage girl and a guy who just couldn't remember faces. The girl knew about her condition and she knew what others would think. She beat herself up just because she was bigger. Her mind got to her and tore her down, so she never left the house. She later met a guy who couldn't remember faces. Once he looked at you again he forgot who they were. Throughout the book, they get along and end up going past each other's differences and drawbacks. Their eyes opened up and stopped beating themselves up for something they could control. They let loose, which isn't an easy thing to do. I still struggle with mentally doubting or talking down to myself, and it isn't easy to overcome. As I read on, it opened my eyes to how it doesn't take much to love yourself and to open yourself to others. It takes a bit of courage, but the outcome is always better than where you would have started. I read that book back in 2016, but the impact that it made on me continues to change me every day for the better.