From the day I was diagnosed with type one Diabetes at the age of five years old, I had the motivation to make a difference in the lives of others who share this condition. Throughout my life I had daily injections for insulin and finger glucose sticks. I yearned for different ways to combat this condition without the daily poking. Pursuing nursing at New York University will help me achieve my goal of becoming a nurse practitioner specializing in endocrinology and help find a solution in making diabetes treatment easier and more effective. It is clear that gaining higher education is an important factor because it allows me to provide improved quality of life as well as empowerment to others. This scholarship is very important to me because I wouldn't need to worry about the financial burden of college and focus more on finding solutions to my daily struggles of managing type one diabetes. Becoming a nurse is who I envision myself to be because I understand personally the challenges and obstacles of such a condition and can better the lives of others like me. My education will enable me to do so by allowing me to participate in endocrinology research. I am to use my time in university, researching ways to improve treatment as well as the lives of diabetics with healthcare professors. My major researching topic would be Disease Management and Self-Care. I believe this will provide effective interventions and programs that would benefit hyperglycemic episodes. I am committed to pursuing advancements in diabetes and I know higher education will allow me to do this. As a nurse practitioner I understand that education is a significant contributor to patient care because I can empower an individual to manage their own care without relying on family. Higher education is needed because it supplies me the skills and information needed to educate diabetics and their families. By providing accessible teaching and care I can help those in need of managing their diabetes like I was. Throughout my life my parents were my advocates, I understand not everyone has that benefit and with my education would like to become that advocate for my patients. By pursuing nursing at New York University I am confident in my mission to become a nurse practitioner specializing in endocrinology. Through the education and patient care skills I will impact others like myself to live fulfilling and self-assured lives. With both my education and motivation, I am dedicated to make a difference in the lives of others who share this condition. By being awarded this scholarship, I can relieve some of the burdens of finances in college and focus more on my academics. It would provide me to fully dedicate myself to my studies to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, without constantly worrying about the financial aspects of my health. Although I’ve had this condition for quite some time the struggles remain the same. Calculating my carbs into insulin dosage and managing stress to maintain adequate blood sugars.

I remember how the Nurse’s Office was always the farthest away in every school I attended. There were days when my blood sugar would drop so low (down to fifty) where I could barely function. My body felt like it was shutting down, my hands trembling uncontrollably, and my head pounding as if it might burst. I could feel the energy draining from me with every step as I struggled to walk down the long, empty hallways to the nurse's office, which always seemed like a marathon away. There were no friends by my side, no one to lean on, just me, battling my own body as it betrayed me. By the time I reached the nurse, I could barely speak, desperate for anything; juice, crackers, a single piece of candy to bring my blood sugar back up.These experiences weren't rare, they were part of my daily life, a constant reminder of my illness. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at five years old, and even though I was young, I had to grow up fast. The challenges of managing my condition were relentless. I had to learn to measure my carbs meticulously, calculate my insulin doses, and anticipate every little thing. Ranging from what I ate to how I felt, could send my blood sugar soaring or crashing. There were days when I’d inject my insulin and pray that I got the dose right because a slight miscalculation could send me spiraling into Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a dangerous fatal condition. The journey of living with diabetes as a child was incredibly isolating at times. I would often wonder, "Why me?" as I sat in the nurse's office recovering from another low, feeling weak and alone. But these moments, as tough as they were, shaped me. They instilled in me a sense of resilience and determination that has guided me throughout my life. These experiences deeply influenced my decision to become a nurse. The care and compassion I received from the nurses who helped me manage my condition were completely lifesaving. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be that source of support for others, especially children who, like me, were facing overwhelming medical challenges. I was drawn to the field of nursing because of the intimate, hands-on care it allows, and because I know firsthand how critical that support can be. Balancing my health while pursuing my education and working two demanding jobs has also required immense strength and determination. As a first-generation college student, the burden of student loan debt with high-interest rates has made every financial decision a desperate balancing act. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner through NYU’s dual BSN/MSN program, specializing in pediatrics and eventually working in acute settings like the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) or the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). My personal experience with a chronic condition has given me a profound understanding of the vulnerability and resilience of young patients. I want to be the nurse who is there for them in their most critical moments. The one who not only provides the best possible medical care but also offers comfort, compassion, and understanding to both the children and their families. I know what it feels like to be on the other side of the stethoscope, to face a health crisis as a child and feel utterly helpless. I want to use that experience to connect with my patients, to let them know that I understand, and to fight for them with every ounce of determination I have.

I remember the Nurse’s Office in every school growing up was always the farthest away. Walking with a sugar of fifty and dropping fast wasn’t ideal. I could feel my body shutting down from the lack of energy. My hands would start shaking and my head would pound. Alone, I struggled to the basement to find the nurse to ask for any type of carb to make me feel the slightest bit stronger. Why me? Why did I have to struggle? At that time I wished I had someone to guide and teach me how to manage my type one diabetes. Even though the diagnosis was at five years old, I was still learning. Weather, stress, and sometimes unknown factors caused my blood sugar to spike or drop. I’ve always known technology would cause a great advancement in medicine. These advances would be exactly what I would need living with the daily responsibilities of calculating my carbs correctly to give an accurate insulin dose at just thirteen years old. Even if I missed just one dose the consequences would be critical. These consequences include going into DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis). The diabetic pumps that my nurses would suggest, would eventually become my lifeline. Becoming a nurse is who I envision myself to be. The support and care that I received was inspiring and led me to pursue healthcare; specifically nursing. I love how modern medicine allows individuals to become more dependent with conditions such as diabetes and how nurses can support their patients with teaching and education. Since I understand personally the challenges and obstacles of such a condition and can empathize and accommodate the system to exclusively provide support. I love the intimacy that nursing provides in comparison with other healthcare fields. This patient relationship is what I value in a career. However, I know that researchers have skills that are equipped to analyze and imitate change in the healthcare system; either with technology or medicine. This is where I find the best occupation, Nurse Researcher. With a nursing license and graduate degree, my education will enable me to participate in endocrinology research as well as give care to patients on an intimate level as I did. I aim to use my time in university, researching ways to improve treatment as well as the lives of diabetics with healthcare professors. My major researching topic would be Disease Management and Self-Care. I believe this will provide effective interventions and programs that would benefit hyperglycemic episodes. I am committed to pursuing advancements in diabetes and I know higher education will allow me to do so. Although, the nurses office was always the farthest away from me during school, I hope to provide more interventions and support to help patient rely on their own autonomy rather than a system that can’t put the office closer to students who really need them.

Navigating my life as a Puerto Rican girl in New York City with type 1 diabetes has been a journey marked by profound challenges and struggles. From a young age, my identity was intersected with my health struggles in ways that shaped my path and fueled my passion for nursing as a career. Growing up in a culturally rich but underserved community, my family and I faced significant barriers in accessing adequate healthcare. The cultural stigma surrounding chronic illnesses like type 1 diabetes often meant that my condition was misunderstood and minimized by those around us. Misconceptions about my disease led to blame and judgment from extended family members who lacked awareness of the complexities of managing a chronic illness. This stigma not only affected my emotional well-being but also intensified the sense of isolation and misunderstanding I experienced daily. My father’s relentless work ethic was a cornerstone of our family’s effort to manage my health. He worked grueling 60-hour weeks as a city bus driver to afford my medical needs, a sacrifice that left him with little time for family life. His dedication came at a steep personal cost—while he provided for us financially, he was absent from many of the moments that matter most. This experience highlighted a harsh reality: navigating the healthcare system can be a formidable challenge, especially for families from minority backgrounds who face additional barriers such as limited access to resources and culturally competent care. These early experiences have profoundly influenced my path. Witnessing firsthand the gaps in healthcare accessibility and the impact of cultural misunderstandings has driven me to pursue a career in nursing. My goal is not just to provide medical care but to address the systemic barriers that underserved communities face. By working as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Hope Home Care and as a Student Nurse Extern at NYU Langone Health Hospital, I am gaining valuable experience that equips me to advocate for patients with similar backgrounds and struggles. My aspiration to become a Nurse Practitioner, specializing in pediatrics, is fueled by a deep commitment to improving healthcare access and equity. I am determined to use my unique perspective as a Hispanic individual with a chronic condition to bridge gaps in understanding and care. My journey is a testament to overcoming adversity with resilience and hope, and I am dedicated to transforming my personal challenges into a powerful force for positive change in the healthcare system. Through my work, I aim to ensure that every patient, regardless of their cultural background, receives the compassionate and equitable care they deserve.

My path to nursing was forged in the crucible of my childhood struggles. At just five years old, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a condition that not only demanded constant medical attention but also reshaped my understanding of vulnerability and strength. My early years were defined by frequent doctor visits, endless blood tests, and the constant management of insulin. It was during these formative years that I first encountered the world of healthcare in a deeply personal way. The nurses and healthcare providers who cared for me were not just medical professionals; they were my lifeline. Their compassion went beyond administering medication and monitoring my condition. They offered comfort during frightening times, explained complex procedures in a way that eased my anxieties, and celebrated small victories with genuine joy. Their ability to blend technical skill with heartfelt empathy left a lasting impression on me. I saw firsthand how their care transformed not only my health but also my spirit. This profound experience planted the seeds of my desire to become a nurse. Inspired by these early encounters, I pursued nursing with a singular purpose: to provide others with the same level of care and compassion that had so deeply impacted me. Growing up in a household where financial instability was a constant companion, I witnessed my parents’ tireless efforts to keep our family afloat. Their resilience in the face of adversity taught me the value of dedication and hard work. I realized that my own struggles could be channeled into a career where I could make a meaningful difference. As I embarked on my journey in nursing, balancing the roles of a Licensed Practical Nurse at Hope Home Care and a Student Nurse Extern at NYU Langone Health Hospital, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. At Hope Home Care, I provide care to pediatric patients, managing complex medical needs and creating a nurturing environment that mirrors the care I received as a child. My role at NYU Langone Health Hospital allows me to engage with patients across various units, deepening my understanding of acute care and patient management. Each day, I am driven by the memory of the nurses who made a difference in my life and the lessons learned from my family’s sacrifices. My aspiration to become a Nurse Practitioner, specializing in pediatrics and working in settings like the PICU or NICU, is fueled by a commitment to turn my personal experiences into a beacon of hope and support for others. My journey in nursing is not just a career choice; it is a heartfelt mission to provide the same compassion and care that once helped me navigate my own health challenges.

From the time I was five years old, I had the responsibility of managing type one diabetes. Everyday since then I had an immense amount of responsibility with having to monitor my Blood Sugars and Insulin dosage. Dealing with diabetes has been a struggle. I remember the Nurse’s Office in everyone of my classrooms growing up was always the farthest away. Walking there with a sugar of fifty and dropping fast wasn’t ideal. I could feel my body shutting down from the lack of energy. My hands would start shaking and my head would pound. Alone, I struggled to the basement to find the nurse to ask for any type of sugar or carb to make me feel the slightest bit stronger. At that time I wished I had someone to guide and teach me how to manage. That is the reason why I want to become a nurse. Helping others like me who needed guidance during the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment is my life’s passion. I always knew modern medicine was the future. That is why when I heard of a High School program that would allow me to obtain a Practical Nursing License by the time I graduate, I leaped at that opportunity. As a high school nursing student, living in an underserved community attending clinicals, I met many people affected by the same condition as me, but hadn’t had the same approach as I had to treatment. In my life, Health is extremely important; However to the patients I’ve met, health was not a priority because it wasn’t affordable. Seeing patient’s struggle in my community with the same health issues as myself because of finances was unsettling. Diabetes related Hypertension, Kidney Failure and even amputations could have been prevented if only insulin was made available. I saw that insulin access was the problem many faced in my community, and wished that I could help solve it. This sparked my desire to positively impact underserved communities like my own throughout my future education and career. When I continued my clinicals I had a new approach to help as many patients learn about all the opportunities available to them. I spoke about different support programs like the Lilly Diabetes Solution Center and Novo Nordisk NovoCare that would help pay for both insulin and diabetes related medicine. Helping my community is extremely rewarding by knowing that I can make a difference in the lives of people going through the same difficulties as myself. From these experiences I believe that an education in Nursing can help me to continue to impact underserved communities throughout the country. I aim to facilitate access to free insulin for dependent diabetics who lack the financial resources or time to manage their condition. This scholarship will help me achieve this goal and more by enabling me to pursue a nursing education that would otherwise be difficult to attain due to finances. Additionally, the opportunity of obtaining a job immediately after receiving my degree is exciting, as it would allow me to serve my community as soon as possible. I am proud to serve my community as a LPN, however I know I can contribute more as a RN, and this scholarship is the best chance at that.