Working in the medical field as a phlebotomist and now as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), I’ve witnessed the disparities in care that minority patients often face. While I didn’t grow up in an underserved community, my professional experience has shown me the reality of racial inequality in healthcare. These observations have deepened my passion for nursing and my commitment to increasing diversity and equity in the healthcare system. My journey into nursing started with earning my phlebotomy certification, which allowed me to gain hands-on experience with patients and begin understanding the inner workings of clinical care. Later, I returned to school and earned my LVN, graduating Magna Cum Laude and being inducted into the honor society. These accomplishments are just the beginning of my journey. I am now pursuing my RN and have plans to continue through to my BSN and ultimately become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Throughout my work, I’ve seen how minority patients are sometimes spoken to differently, given less time, or have their concerns dismissed. It’s not always blatant, but it’s there. As a Black woman in healthcare, I understand the importance of representation—not just in appearance but in empathy and advocacy. When patients see someone who looks like them and listens to them, it builds trust. That trust can be life-saving. Increasing racial diversity in healthcare is essential to improving patient outcomes. Studies have shown that patients of color often experience better care when treated by providers of the same race or background. Diversity in healthcare isn’t just about fairness—it’s about effectiveness. It leads to stronger communication, greater cultural competence, and more inclusive care. I want to be part of that change. My goal as a nurse is to serve my community with compassion and excellence. I want to be a provider who uplifts, empowers, and advocates for those who feel unseen. I also hope to inspire other Black students and single mothers like me to pursue careers in healthcare. Our presence in this field matters. Our voices matter. And our contributions can reshape the future of healthcare for generations to come. This scholarship would help me continue my education with less financial burden, allowing me to stay focused on my classes, clinicals, and long-term goals. It would also serve as recognition of the mission I’ve committed my life to—providing equitable, respectful care to all patients, regardless of their background. In conclusion, I believe that increasing racial diversity in healthcare is not just important—it’s urgent. I am dedicated to being part of a more inclusive, just healthcare system, and I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue that mission through continued education and hands-on service. Thank you for considering my application.

My passion for nursing began when I helped care for my grandmother after she had a stroke. Watching my mother become her caregiver inspired me more than words can explain. I assisted with feeding, dressing, and comforting my grandmother. During that time, I discovered how deeply I cared for helping others recover. That experience planted a seed in me and opened my heart to healthcare. In high school, I earned my Certified Nursing Assistant license. This hands-on experience gave me an early introduction to patient care and confirmed my desire to pursue nursing. Years later, I became a certified phlebotomist and continued working in healthcare while supporting my family. Life presented challenges, but I held onto my goal. In 2022, I returned to school to chase my lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. At first, I aimed to become a Registered Nurse. However, as I progressed in my education, my dream grew. I now plan to earn a Master of Science in Nursing and become a Family Nurse Practitioner. I want to provide high-quality care to underserved populations, especially women and children. My goal is to focus on preventive care, patient education, and chronic illness management to make a lasting impact in my community. As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, my journey has not been easy. I am also a single mother of two, juggling school, work, and parenting. These responsibilities have shaped me into someone who is focused, resilient, and determined to succeed. Financial barriers remain one of the biggest obstacles in my path. This scholarship would ease the burden and allow me to dedicate more energy to my education and clinical training. Dr. Michael Paglia’s legacy of compassion, mentorship, and service inspires me. I hope to follow in his footsteps by delivering care rooted in empathy, education, and advocacy. I also want to mentor other students who, like me, come from challenging backgrounds but have the drive to rise above them. Nursing is not just a career choice for me. It is my calling, my mission, and the legacy I want to leave for my children. I am committed to becoming the kind of nurse who brings hope, healing, and heart into every life I touch. With this degree, I will serve with purpose, uplift my community, and honor the generations before me by becoming the nurse I once needed during my family’s hardest times.

There’s a quiet kind of strength that grows when you’re doing everything you can to build a better life—not just for yourself, but for the little ones who look up to you every day. As a single mother of two, my nursing journey has been rooted in love, sacrifice, and a deep desire to make a difference. I want to be more than a nurse. I want to be a leader in healthcare, a compassionate advocate for my patients, and a role model for my children and others in my community. My goal is to have a lasting impact on the lives I touch and to leave a legacy of service, integrity, and resilience. My passion for nursing began with a personal experience. A close loved one faced a serious medical crisis, and I saw how nurses were often the ones who brought comfort and clarity when everything else felt overwhelming. Their knowledge was critical, but their compassion was what made the biggest difference. That moment stayed with me, and I knew I wanted to be that kind of presence for others. In December, I proudly completed the Licensed Vocational Nursing program. I’m currently working toward my Associate Degree in Nursing with the goal of becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. I’m passionate about community health and preventive care, especially for families like mine who face barriers to access. I want to serve in under-resourced areas, helping to bridge the gap in healthcare by providing education, support, and a listening ear to those who often feel unheard. This journey has not been easy. Balancing full-time school, clinical hours, and parenting is a daily challenge. There are nights I stay up studying after my children fall asleep and mornings I wake up exhausted, knowing there’s still more to do. But despite the difficulties, I remain committed. I currently hold a 3.732 GPA and have earned a place in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. This semester, I completed five classes with all A’s—proof of my determination to succeed no matter the odds. Receiving the Michele L. Durant Scholarship would significantly lighten the financial burden of my education and allow me to continue without the constant stress of wondering how I’ll afford tuition, books, and childcare. But more than the financial support, this scholarship would serve as a reminder that my hard work matters—that someone believes in the impact I’m working toward. My long-term vision is to serve not only as a nurse, but as a mentor and advocate. I want to empower patients with knowledge, help them feel confident in their care, and be the kind of provider who makes a difference in someone’s life—sometimes with medicine, and sometimes with a kind word or a calming presence. I want my children to see that their mother never gave up and that they, too, can rise above challenges and use their gifts to serve others. I know that nursing is my purpose. I’m not doing this to simply earn a degree; I’m doing it to change lives—starting with my own, then my children’s, and finally, every patient I have the privilege to care for. With the help of the Michele L. Durant Scholarship, I will take the next step in this journey with strength, focus, and an unshakable belief that I’m meant to make a difference.

There were moments when I didn’t know how I’d make it—times when the bills were due, the kids were sick, and I still had clinicals and exams to prepare for. But even in those hardest moments, I never let go of my dream. I’m not just doing this for me. I’m doing it for my children, for my future patients, and for the community I love. I want to have a profound impact on the world of healthcare—not just by being a nurse, but by becoming a leader, a healer, and a voice for those who feel unseen. I’m a single mother of two, and my journey into nursing is deeply personal. My interest in healthcare began when someone close to me was hospitalized. The way the nurses cared for them—how they explained every step, treated them with dignity, and supported us as a family—lit something in me. I knew I wanted to be that kind of presence for others. I wanted to give people hope, comfort, and strength when they feel at their most vulnerable. I completed my LVN program in December and immediately continued my education toward becoming a Registered Nurse. I’m now pursuing my Associate Degree in Nursing and plan to continue through my BSN and become a Family Nurse Practitioner. That’s not just a title for me—it’s a mission. I want to be the kind of provider who listens, who advocates, and who helps people truly understand their health and their options. I’m especially passionate about community health and ensuring families like mine—who may be struggling financially or emotionally—get the care and support they deserve. Balancing school and motherhood hasn’t been easy. I’ve studied during nap times, typed essays with a baby on my hip, and stayed up into the early hours of the morning to finish assignments after making dinner and helping with homework. There were days when I doubted myself. But every time I looked at my children, I remembered why I started. I want them to see what it means to chase a dream, to keep going even when it’s hard, and to lead with heart in everything they do. Despite the challenges, I’ve maintained a 3.73 GPA and was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. This past semester, I completed five classes with all A’s. But the grades only tell part of the story. What they don’t show is the growth, the grit, and the quiet determination it took to keep pushing forward. Receiving the Margaret A. Briller Scholarship would lift a heavy financial burden from my shoulders. More than that, it would affirm that my journey matters—that someone believes in the impact I’m working so hard to make. It would allow me to focus more on my education, clinical experiences, and preparing for the next chapter as I continue toward becoming an FNP. My dream is to be an asset to my community—a nurse who brings care, knowledge, and comfort to every room I walk into. I want to work in underserved areas, improve access to preventive care, and be part of closing the gap for families who often fall through the cracks of our healthcare system. I want to be the nurse who makes people feel heard and valued, especially in moments when they’re afraid or overwhelmed. At the end of the day, I want to leave a legacy—not just of a successful career, but of lives touched, families supported, and children inspired. My children are watching me, and I want them to grow up knowing that their mother never gave up—not on them, and not on herself. I want them to believe that they can make a difference too.

Becoming a nurse wasn’t always my plan—it became my purpose. As a single mother of two, I’ve faced many challenges, but I’ve never let those obstacles define me. Instead, they’ve fueled my determination to build a better life, not just for myself but for my children and for the patients I’ll one day care for as a Family Nurse Practitioner. My interest in nursing began while caring for a close family member during a medical crisis. Watching the nurses advocate, educate, and comfort not only the patient but our entire family changed my perspective. I realized that nursing was not just a profession—it was a calling rooted in compassion, strength, and service. That experience planted a seed, and over the years, it’s grown into a deeply rooted passion. After graduating from an LVN program in December, I’m now working toward my Associate Degree in Nursing, with plans to pursue my BSN and ultimately become a Family Nurse Practitioner. I’m passionate about providing holistic, culturally sensitive care to underserved populations, especially families like mine who may face barriers to quality healthcare. I believe that as an FNP, I can make a long-term impact in community health by not only treating illnesses but by educating and empowering patients to take control of their well-being. My academic record reflects my commitment to this journey. I currently hold a 3.79 GPA and have earned a place in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Balancing school, parenting, and life’s challenges hasn’t been easy, but it’s made me more focused and resilient. I’ve completed all five classes this semester with straight A’s while also actively preparing for my transition into registered nursing. My ability to manage competing responsibilities while maintaining high academic standards speaks to the discipline and heart I bring to the field. Through volunteer work, tutoring peers, and connecting with patients during clinicals, I’ve built a foundation of empathy and advocacy that I will continue to develop throughout my nursing career. I’ve also taken advantage of every educational opportunity available—joining study groups, using NCLEX prep resources, and seeking mentorship from experienced nurses. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to focus more fully on reaching my goals. More importantly, it would be an investment not only in me but in every patient I will one day serve. I am ready and eager to take the next step in this journey—not just as a student, but as a future leader in healthcare.

Becoming a nurse wasn’t always my plan—it became my purpose. As a single mother of two, I’ve faced many challenges, but I’ve never let those obstacles define me. Instead, they’ve fueled my determination to build a better life, not just for myself but for my children and for the patients I’ll one day care for as a Family Nurse Practitioner. My interest in nursing began while caring for a close family member during a medical crisis. Watching the nurses advocate, educate, and comfort not only the patient but our entire family changed my perspective. I realized that nursing was not just a profession—it was a calling rooted in compassion, strength, and service. That experience planted a seed, and over the years, it’s grown into a deeply rooted passion. After graduating from an LVN program in December, I’m now working toward my Associate Degree in Nursing, with plans to pursue my BSN and ultimately become a Family Nurse Practitioner. I’m passionate about providing holistic, culturally sensitive care to underserved populations, especially families like mine who may face barriers to quality healthcare. I believe that as an FNP, I can make a long-term impact in community health by not only treating illnesses but by educating and empowering patients to take control of their well-being. My academic record reflects my commitment to this journey. I currently hold a 3.79 GPA and have earned a place in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Balancing school, parenting, and life’s challenges hasn’t been easy, but it’s made me more focused and resilient. I’ve completed all five classes this semester with straight A’s while also actively preparing for my transition into registered nursing. My ability to manage competing responsibilities while maintaining high academic standards speaks to the discipline and heart I bring to the field. Through volunteer work, tutoring peers, and connecting with patients during clinicals, I’ve built a foundation of empathy and advocacy that I will continue to develop throughout my nursing career. I’ve also taken advantage of every educational opportunity available—joining study groups, using NCLEX prep resources, and seeking mentorship from experienced nurses. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to focus more fully on reaching my goals. More importantly, it would be an investment not only in me but in every patient I will one day serve. I am ready and eager to take the next step in this journey—not just as a student, but as a future leader in healthcare.

Becoming a nurse wasn’t always my plan—it became my purpose. As a single mother of two, I’ve faced many challenges, but I’ve never let those obstacles define me. Instead, they’ve fueled my determination to build a better life, not just for myself but for my children and for the patients I’ll one day care for as a Family Nurse Practitioner. My interest in nursing began while caring for a close family member during a medical crisis. Watching the nurses advocate, educate, and comfort not only the patient but our entire family changed my perspective. I realized that nursing was not just a profession—it was a calling rooted in compassion, strength, and service. That experience planted a seed, and over the years, it’s grown into a deeply rooted passion. After graduating from an LVN program in December, I’m now working toward my Associate Degree in Nursing, with plans to pursue my BSN and ultimately become a Family Nurse Practitioner. I’m passionate about providing holistic, culturally sensitive care to underserved populations, especially families like mine who may face barriers to quality healthcare. I believe that as an FNP, I can make a long-term impact in community health by not only treating illnesses but by educating and empowering patients to take control of their well-being. My academic record reflects my commitment to this journey. I currently hold a 3.732 GPA and have earned a place in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Balancing school, parenting, and life’s challenges hasn’t been easy, but it’s made me more focused and resilient. I’ve completed all five classes this semester with straight A’s while also actively preparing for my transition into registered nursing. My ability to manage competing responsibilities while maintaining high academic standards speaks to the discipline and heart I bring to the field. Through volunteer work, tutoring peers, and connecting with patients during clinicals, I’ve built a foundation of empathy and advocacy that I will continue to develop throughout my nursing career. I’ve also taken advantage of every educational opportunity available—joining study groups, using NCLEX prep resources, and seeking mentorship from experienced nurses. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to focus more fully on reaching my goals. More importantly, it would be an investment not only in me but in every patient I will one day serve. I am ready and eager to take the next step in this journey—not just as a student, but as a future leader in healthcare.