We grew up being told to “check on your strong friends,” but no one really teaches you what to do when you are the strong friend, and you’re not okay. Mental health and suicide prevention aren’t distant issues for my generation, they’re part of our everyday lives. We talk about them in classrooms, see them on social media, and feel them in the pressure we carry. On the outside, it can look like everyone has everything together, but in reality, a lot of us are just trying to keep up while quietly struggling. That disconnect is what makes mental health such an urgent topic today. There’s a constant expectation to succeed academically, socially, and personally. As a first-year nursing student, I’ve already felt how intense that pressure can be. It’s not just about passing exams; it’s about proving to yourself and everyone else that you belong here. At the same time, you’re adjusting to a completely new environment, often away from the people who once made things feel stable. No one really prepares you for how heavy that transition can feel. What makes it harder is the silence around it. Even though mental health is talked about more than before, there’s still this unspoken idea that you should be able to handle everything on your own. That mindset can be dangerous. When people feel like they can’t open up, their struggles don’t disappear; they just get heavier. Suicide prevention matters because it reminds us that those silent struggles deserve attention before they turn into something irreversible. My own experience with mental health has changed the way I see strength. I used to think being strong meant pushing through everything without letting it affect me. Now I understand that real strength looks different, it’s being honest when you’re not okay, even when that’s uncomfortable. There have been times when I’ve felt overwhelmed, trying to balance school, expectations, and my own thoughts. And in those moments, I realized that ignoring how I felt didn’t make it go away, it just made it louder. Learning to open up, even a little, changed things for me. It helped me see that I wasn’t the only one feeling this way, and that realization alone made a difference. It also made me more aware of the people around me. I’ve become more intentional in my relationships, checking in, listening more closely, and not assuming that someone is okay just because they seem fine. Sometimes people don’t need advice; they just need to feel seen. These experiences have also shaped the kind of nurse I want to become. Nursing isn’t just about treating physical symptoms, it’s about understanding the whole person. I want to be someone who pays attention to the things that aren’t always said out loud. A patient might come in for one issue, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only thing they’re dealing with. Mental health is connected to everything, and as a future nurse, I want to advocate for that connection to be taken seriously. Mental health and suicide prevention matter because they remind us that people are more than what they show on the surface. My generation doesn’t need to be told to “be stronger.” We need spaces where we can be honest without feeling judged. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that checking in, speaking up, and asking for help aren’t signs of weakness, they’re what keep people going. And sometimes, that’s the difference between someone feeling alone and someone realizing they’re not.

Life can change in an instant. That idea really hit me when I learned about Kalia D. Davis. She lived with drive, kindness, and a commitment to helping others that inspires me to do the same. I see so much of her spirit in the way I try to live my life by working hard, supporting my community, and giving my best even when it’s difficult. Her story reminds me that one person’s actions, even small ones, can leave a lasting impact. I want to carry that forward in my career as a nurse. I have always been drawn to helping others. Watching my mom work as a nurse, I saw how much her presence alone could comfort someone. She did more than treat patients, she listened, held hands, explained things, and made families feel seen. That showed me that nursing is not just about medicine. It is about heart, patience, and showing up for someone when they need it most. That is the kind of nurse I want to be. One summer, a little girl at a camp I volunteered for spent the morning sitting alone, too nervous to join in. I sat with her, encouraged her, and listened. By the afternoon, she was laughing and running with the other kids. That moment felt small at the time, but it made a lasting difference. It taught me that care is not only about action. It is about paying attention, being present, and helping someone feel safe. I carry that lesson with me every day and know it will guide me as a nurse. Every time I think about why I want to be a nurse, I come back to the small moments that stay with you, the hand you hold, the quiet words that ease someone’s fear, the reassurance that they are not alone. I want to be that person for patients and their families, helping them feel steady in moments of uncertainty. Nursing is not just about medicine or procedures, it is about trust, presence, and compassion. I hope to make a difference in both the big moments, like delivering life-changing news, and the small ones, like a kind word or gentle touch. My dream is to work in pediatric nursing, where children and their families often face fear and uncertainty, and to provide the calm, support, and hope that inspired me from watching my mom and learning about Kalia. Volleyball has also shaped how I approach challenges. It has taught me perseverance, teamwork, and staying focused under pressure. These lessons translate directly to nursing, where patience, resilience, and collaboration are essential. Whether in the classroom, volunteering, or working with patients, I know that effort, presence, and kindness can make a real difference in someone’s life. Receiving the Kalia D. Davis scholarship would help me focus fully on my nursing education and develop the skills I need to care for others with the same dedication she showed in her life. More than financial support, it would remind me of the values I want to live by: determination, compassion, and lifting others up. As a nurse, my goal is simple. I want to make patients and families feel seen, heard, and safe. I want to provide calm, support, and reassurance when fear feels overwhelming. I want to honor Kalia’s memory by living out her values in everything I do and by helping others feel cared for when they need it most.

At camp one summer, a little girl spent the entire morning refusing to talk to anyone. She stayed on the bench, watching but never joining in. By lunchtime, she was laughing and running with the other kids, simply because someone had noticed her. Sitting with her, listening, and encouraging her felt like such a small act at the time, but it made a real difference. That moment taught me that caring isn’t just about doing things but about being truly present, paying attention, and helping someone feel safe. I realized then that nursing is built on that same foundation: presence, patience, and kindness. I saw this truth again in the hospital when I held a tiny, premature baby in the NICU. She was so small that she could rest across my forearm, her fingers barely curling around mine. I remember every movement feeling so heavy with importance, thinking to myself, someone’s whole world is in my hands. That tiny baby showed me the power of human touch, how a gentle hold, a calm presence, or even just a quiet voice can comfort a child and their parents alike. In that moment, nursing stopped being an idea I was interested in and became something real. My mom has always been my example, she works in labor and delivery. Growing up, I listened to her stories at the kitchen table, the nervous first-time parents, the long nights that ended with a baby’s first cry, and the quiet strength it takes to help a mother through her pain. Even when she came home exhausted, she spoke about her work with so much love. From her, I learned that nursing isn't just about medical skills, it’s about empathy, being there when someone is at their most vulnerable, and making families feel supported. She taught me that a nurse can bring calm and hope when it matters most. Pediatric nursing calls to me because it blends medical care with the chance to make children and their families feel safe. While kids can be incredibly brave, their parents often carry a heavy weight of worry. By staying calm, kind, and fully present, I hope to make a hospital room feel a little less scary and a little more human. Even the smallest things like holding a hand, explaining what’s happening, or just listening can give a family the trust they need to keep going. These are the same qualities Cindy Visser showed in her work: care, attention, and professionalism in every single moment. I want to carry those same values into my community through volunteering, mentoring, and treating everyone I meet with kindness. For me, nursing isn’t just a job, it’s a way to touch lives and offer comfort when it's needed most. Holding that tiny baby in my arms, I finally understood what this profession really is. It’s the privilege of earning someone’s trust, of caring with both skill and heart, and knowing that the smallest acts often make the biggest difference. Pediatric nursing is a way to honor the humanity in every patient and carry forward the empathy and attention that Cindy Visser lived by.

The first time I held a baby, I was almost afraid to breathe. She was small enough to rest across my forearm, her fingers barely curling around the tip of mine. Every tiny movement felt important. I remember thinking, someone’s whole world fits right here in my hands. In that moment, nursing stopped being an idea and became something real. But that moment was built on years of quiet influence. Growing up, I listened to my mom and her stories at the kitchen table. She talked about nervous first-time parents, long nights ending with a baby’s first cry, and the quiet strength it takes to support a mother in pain. Even when she came home exhausted, she spoke about her work with pride. From her, I learned that nurses stand beside people during life-changing moments. My love for working with children grew while volunteering as a counselor at my church’s camp. I saw how much a child changes when they feel safe. Sitting beside a quiet camper or encouraging a nervous one may have seemed small, but those moments built trust and showed me how meaningful it is to be someone a child can rely on. When I think back to holding that baby, I realize why the moment stayed with me. It wasn’t just her size that moved me. It was the understanding that families place their greatest hopes and deepest fears in the hands of nurses. I want to be a nurse not just to care for children medically, but to provide comfort, reassurance, and a steady presence when families need it most. I want to make a hospital room feel a little less frightening, a little more human, and a lot more full of hope, the kind of care I hope to dedicate my life to. In a room filled with monitors and machines, the most powerful thing is not the equipment; it is a steady hand. When I think about the phrase “human touch,” I think about the nurse who gently adjusted a blanket around that premature baby before stepping away. I remember how her voice softened when she spoke to the parents, explaining each step calmly and clearly. Nothing about it was dramatic, yet the entire atmosphere of the room shifted. The machines continued to beep, but the fear felt quieter. That is what human touch means to me. Human touch is the reminder that behind every chart is a person who may be scared, confused, or overwhelmed. It can be physical like holding a hand during a procedure, helping a patient sit up comfortably, or offering a reassuring presence. But it is also emotional. It is eye contact. It is patience. It is taking an extra moment to explain something in simple words so a family feels informed instead of intimidated. Through volunteering with children, I have seen how powerful a simple presence can be. A child who feels left out does not always need a solution right away; they need someone to sit beside them and make them feel seen. In healthcare, that same principle applies. When patients feel seen and heard, their anxiety decreases. They are more likely to ask questions, follow instructions, and trust the care they are receiving. Human touch builds that trust. It reminds patients that they are not facing illness alone. Especially in pediatric and NICU settings, where emotions run high, a calm and compassionate presence can steady an entire family. To me, human touch is what turns medical treatment into meaningful care. It is the difference between simply doing a job and truly caring for someone. It is quiet, but it leaves a lasting impact, long after the machines are silent.

I still remember the first time I held a newborn in the NICU while visiting my mom at work, it was quiet, powerful, and something in me just clicked. I’m currently a sophomore in college, and this fall, I’ll be starting nursing school. It’s a big step, and while I’m definitely nervous, I’m also incredibly excited. I’ve worked hard to get here, balancing school, a part-time job, and family responsibilities, and even though the path hasn’t been easy, I know in my heart that this is where I’m meant to be. Nursing brings together everything I care about: my love for science, my desire to help people, and my hope to make a difference in the lives of others. I’ve always been drawn to caring for those around me, whether it was volunteering at my church, supporting my younger siblings, or comforting friends during tough times. But what truly inspired me to pursue this career was watching my mom work as a labor and delivery nurse. Her compassion, strength, and ability to care for others through every shift stuck with me. Those early moments shaped my dream of becoming the calm, steady presence for others during emotional times. I plan to transfer to Lewis University to earn my BSN and complete the accelerated nursing program. My goal is to become a NICU or pediatric nurse, working closely with families during their most vulnerable and meaningful moments. I want to offer not only clinical care but also comfort, reassurance, and kindness. In the long term, I also hope to give back to my community by volunteering at local clinics and mentoring future nursing students. The road to nursing hasn’t been easy. While my family doesn’t qualify for financial aid, covering tuition on our my has still been a challenge. To help pay for school, I’ve taken on nearly full-time work hours, which has taught me how to manage my time and stay focused on my goals, even when things get tough. Balancing my associate degree coursework with a part-time job and family commitments has tested my time management and resilience. Some days feel overwhelming, but my commitment to this path never fades. Every long shift and late-night study session brings me closer to the career I’ve always dreamed of. Beyond academics and work, I’ve stayed involved in my community. I’ve volunteered through my church, helped raise money for families in need, and pitched in at local events. These experiences have deepened my empathy and shown me how much small acts of service can matter. As a nurse, I plan to continue that same commitment, offering compassion not just in the hospital, but also in the neighborhoods and communities I serve. Growing up in a Polish Catholic family, I was raised with strong values: hard work, perseverance, and service to others. Watching my mom care for patients while raising a family taught me what strength looks like. I want to follow in her footsteps, not just by becoming a nurse, but by becoming someone people can count on in their hardest moments. This scholarship would lift a huge burden off my shoulders. It would allow me to focus fully on nursing school instead of worrying how to afford books or tuition. More than anything, it would give me the chance to keep pushing forward, toward my education, toward my dream, and toward becoming the nurse I’ve always hoped to be. One day, I hope to be that calm, steady nurse in the NICU, offering the same kind of quiet strength and care that first inspired me to pursue this path.

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.

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.