Imagine you are doing your favorite activity. Suddenly, someone stabs you from behind. You immediately place your hand on your chest and look down, but don't see any blood. You notice that no one is around and realize you weren't actually stabbed. It just feels like it. It's an immense pain in your chest. Luckily, you have your phone in your pocket. You scurry to pick it up and dial 911. As you talk with the operator, you feel the pain start to radiate to your jaw and shoulder. You quickly realize that words are getting harder to pronounce, and you feel out of breath. Somewhere between talking to the operator on the phone and grabbing your keys, you pass out. Globally, this terrifying situation happens every few seconds, or every 40 seconds in the United States. This is one of thousands of situations that medical professionals are trained to handle, and is exactly why the nursing industry interests me. I want to be able to evaluate a life-or-death situation and know exactly what to do. I want to learn about our bodies and how to take care of people when they are at their most vulnerable. Since I was a little girl, healthcare has interested me. Especially after my dad's heart surgery. I remember going into that hospital room to visit him and asking a million questions about the equipment surrounding him. Maybe it was my age, but I fully believed that he was in good hands and that he was going to live, no room for death. Thanks to the knowledgeable medical staff, my father is alive and well. I wanted to be those people. So I will be those people. Ever since, I have focused on my goals and researched the steps needed to enter the medical field. I recently graduated college this past May cum laude, earning my B.S. in Biomedical Science with a minor in Biology, alongside a B.A. in Spanish. A few years ago, I also graduated from OSU-OKC as an Emergency Medical Technician. Due to being a full-time student-athlete, I did not have the time to work a traditional job as an EMT. Instead, I dedicated my extra time to volunteering in the Emergency Department (ED) at Integris Health. This summer I am working as an ED tech at Integris Health. I plan to work here until my Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program starts in August. Unfortunately, since it's an ABSN that is completed in 12 months, I probably will not have enough time to work. On the bright side, it's only one year of no income. Ultimately, my future goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). The intricate, high stakes environment of the operating room has always fascinated me. Just like Sara Jane believed throughout her 48-year nursing career, I also believe a nurse must be loving, caring, and selfless. It is the only way you can truly appreciate and respect the job. She was also an advocate for pursuing higher education, and I couldn't agree more. As a first-generation college student, I believe that no matter what career you choose, if you choose something you love and invest in your education, you will be successful. That is why I know I will succeed in this RN program, because there are people out there like Sara Jane who are willing to support others in reaching their goals. Therefore, I will proudly show my appreciation for this scholarship by always putting my best foot forward for my future patients.

My passion for nursing began long before I had the words to describe it. As a child, I stood beside a hospital bed, watching my dad recover from heart surgery. I remember the tubes, the monitors, and the unfamiliar environment—but more than anything, I remember the people who cared for him. In a place that felt overwhelming and uncertain, the nurses brought a sense of calm and reassurance that stayed with me long after we left the hospital. That experience planted a seed that would later grow into a calling. That calling became clearer through my own experiences in healthcare. Over the past year, I have volunteered in the emergency department and shadowed in a burn wound clinic, where I witnessed the depth of responsibility nurses carry. I saw how they balance clinical precision with compassion, caring for patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. One moment that deeply impacted me was watching a nurse care for a burn patient during a painful dressing change. Despite the intensity of the procedure, she remained steady and present—explaining each step, offering reassurance, and never losing sight of the person behind the injury. That moment solidified my understanding that nursing is not just about treatment—it is about dignity, trust, and human connection. My interest in women’s health began earlier in my academic journey. During my senior year of high school, my capstone project focused on becoming an OB/GYN. I was drawn to the idea of supporting women through some of the most vulnerable and transformative moments of their lives. While my career path has since evolved toward nursing, that passion has not disappeared—it has simply taken a different form. As I prepare to begin my accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Oklahoma City University this August, I remain open to where my clinical experiences will lead me. It is very possible that when I step into an OB/GYN unit, I will rediscover that same passion from a new perspective—this time as a nurse. Recently, I was offered a position as an Emergency Department Technician, where I will gain hands-on experience caring for patients in high-pressure situations before beginning my nursing program. This opportunity will allow me to continue developing both my clinical skills and my ability to respond with empathy and composure in critical moments. I am currently completing my degree in biomedical science, and my long-term goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. I am particularly drawn to critical care and anesthesia because of the level of trust and precision required. Patients undergoing procedures are often at their most vulnerable, and I want to be part of the team that ensures their safety, comfort, and stability. As a Latina and first-generation college student, I understand the barriers many individuals face when accessing healthcare. My goal is to provide culturally competent care, advocate for patients who may feel unheard, and help bridge gaps in communication and trust within the healthcare system. Nursing is a profession that demands both skill and heart. It requires the ability to act quickly, think critically, and remain compassionate in the face of uncertainty. That responsibility is not something I take lightly—it is something I am actively preparing for every day through my education, service, and clinical experience. Through my career in nursing, I hope to be a steady presence in moments of fear, an advocate in moments of uncertainty, and a source of comfort in moments when it is needed most. Nursing is not just the path I have chosen—it is the purpose I am committed to fulfilling.

My curiosity about healthcare began long before I understood what nursing truly was. It started when I was a child, visiting my dad in the hospital after his heart surgery. I remember the tubes running in and out of him, the constant rhythm of machines, and the overwhelming feeling of being surrounded by something I didn’t yet understand—but knew had saved his life. That moment stayed with me. It sparked a curiosity that grew into a calling to be part of a space where lives are protected, restored, and cared for. I did not choose nursing in a single moment. It was built slowly, until I realized there was nothing else I could see myself becoming. I have volunteered in the emergency department and shadowed in a burn wound clinic. Those environments are raw, unpredictable, and often overwhelming. But in those moments, I saw something that stayed with me far more than the urgency of medicine—I saw presence. I watched nurses walk into rooms where patients were in pain, or completely uncertain of what would happen next, and bring a sense of calm that no medication could provide. They didn’t just treat conditions; they protected dignity. One moment that shaped me deeply was watching a nurse care for a burn patient during a dressing change. The procedure was painful, but what stayed with me was not the medicine—it was her voice. Steady. Reassuring. Intentional. She explained every step, never rushed, and stayed fully present even when the unit demanded more of her. In that moment, I understood something: healing is not just clinical—it is human. Nursing exists in that space where science meets compassion, and where patients are seen, not just treated. My journey into healthcare reflects who I am beyond the hospital. As a student-athlete, I have learned discipline and endurance. As a leader in student government, I have learned how to advocate for safer environments, for equity, and for people whose voices are often overlooked. As a volunteer in my community, I have learned that service is not about convenience but about commitment. Nursing brings all of those pieces together into something purposeful and tangible. Recently, I was offered a position as an Emergency Department Technician, an opportunity that means more to me than anything. It's a step closer to the responsibility I am preparing to carry. Working on the front lines before beginning my ABSN program will allow me to grow in clinical skills, awareness, urgency, and compassion. It's where I will continue learning how to show up for people on some of the hardest days of their lives. I'm currently completing my degree in biomedical science, and my long-term goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. I am drawn to the precision and critical thinking required in that role, but more importantly, to the trust it requires. Patients place their lives in the hands of healthcare providers during their most vulnerable moments, and I do not take that lightly. What draws me most to nursing is not just the science, but the responsibility. Nurses are often the constant—the ones who notice subtle changes, who advocate when something feels wrong, and who remain when others leave. They are the bridge between fear and understanding, between pain and healing. That level of trust is not given lightly, and it's something I am working every day to be worthy of. Nursing is not just a career. It is a commitment—to show up fully, to serve with intention, and to bring both skill and compassion into every space I enter. I found out about this scholarship through Bold.org.

I didn’t grow up saying I wanted to be a nurse. At first, I thought my place in healthcare would be behind the scenes: studying science, understanding the body, maybe working in a lab. As a biomedical science major, I was drawn to the logic of it all: how systems connect, how problems can be identified and solved. But the more time I spent in real healthcare settings, the more I realized something was missing for me. I didn’t just want to understand patients, I wanted to be there with them. That realization became clear while volunteering in the emergency room. There is a certain intensity in that environment. Everything is fast, unpredictable, and high-stakes. But what stood out to me most was not just the urgency, it was the nurses. In the middle of everything, they slowed moments down for people. They explained what was happening, reassured families, and made patients feel like more than just a case. I remember watching one nurse take a few extra seconds to speak calmly to someone who was clearly afraid, and it changed the entire tone of the room. That moment stuck with me because it showed me how powerful presence can be. In the burn wound clinic, I saw a different side of nursing. There, care is not about quick fixes, it is about patience and consistency. Healing is physical, but it is also emotional. I saw patients come in carrying pain that went beyond their injuries, and I saw nurses meet them with empathy every time. They didn’t just treat wounds; they built trust. That kind of care requires not only knowledge, but heart. It made me realize that nursing is not just about what you do, but how you do it. My background has also shaped why this path matters to me. As an underrepresented minority, I understand how important it is to feel seen and understood, especially in vulnerable situations. Being bilingual has allowed me to connect with patients in a way that goes beyond basic communication. It creates comfort and trust in moments where those things are often lacking. I want to be someone who helps close that gap in healthcare. Someone who patients can relate to and rely on. I have also learned discipline and resilience through athletics. Competing at a collegiate level has taught me how to stay focused, push through challenges, and keep going even when things are difficult. Nursing demands that same kind of strength. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It is a career where consistency matters, where showing up fully for others is not optional. I am pursuing nursing because it allows me to combine everything that drives me: science, service, and human connection. It puts me in a position to make an impact not just through treatment, but through presence and compassion. In the future, I hope to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, working in critical care where precision and trust are essential. But no matter where I end up, my goal remains the same: to care for people in a way that makes them feel safe, heard, and valued. For me, nursing is not just about choosing a profession. It is about choosing to show up for people in the moments that matter most.

When I first heard that calculus was one of the hardest math classes, I believed it. Many students around me dreaded taking it, and some even wondered if it was worth learning at all. At the time, I did not fully understand how calculus could apply to real life. But as I continued studying STEM and gaining experience in healthcare, I began to see how important it really is. I am a biomedical science major and EMT certified, and through my training I have seen how much healthcare depends on careful calculations. In emergency medicine, even small mistakes in numbers can affect a patient’s safety. For example, when medications or fluids are given through an IV, the rate has to be controlled so the treatment works without harming the patient. Watching how these decisions are made helped me realize that many of the ideas behind them connect to concepts learned in calculus, especially rates of change. Calculus helps us understand how things change over time. In medicine, the human body is always changing. Heart rate rises and falls, medications enter the bloodstream and are slowly removed by the body, and oxygen moves through tissues to keep organs alive. These processes do not stay constant, and calculus gives scientists and healthcare professionals the tools to study them. Researchers use these ideas to understand how drugs move through the body and to design treatments that are both safe and effective. Learning calculus also teaches something beyond math. It teaches patience and problem-solving. Many calculus problems cannot be solved quickly. They require students to slow down, think through each step, and keep trying even when the answer is not obvious. This kind of thinking is important in STEM fields, where complex problems rarely have simple solutions. Working through difficult calculus problems helped me build the confidence to approach other challenging subjects in science. My goal is to work in healthcare and eventually become a CRNA, a nurse anesthetist who carefully manages medications that keep patients safe during surgery. In this field, understanding how drugs affect the body over time is critical. The concepts learned in calculus help explain how medications reach certain levels in the body and how doctors can control those levels to protect patients. Although calculus can seem intimidating, it prepares students for the challenges of STEM careers. It teaches us how to analyze change, solve difficult problems, and think logically. These skills are essential for advancing science, improving healthcare, and helping professionals make decisions that can save lives.

The moment I realized my body could slow me down, but not stop me, came when I sat in my car after a medical appointment. I wondered, "How can I keep moving forward?". Between my demanding school work, leadership roles, athletics, and volunteering, I felt the weight of physical and mental adversity press against everything I had worked for. Giving up would have been easier, and that's why I didn't. Continuing required bravery, but I knew that nothing of true value comes easy. As a woman pursuing a career in healthcare, I have faced times where physical health challenges and mental exhaustion disrupted my daily life. As a student-athlete, this was especially difficult. Team culture often emphasizes placing athletics above everything else, and choosing to put my health first felt like breaking an unspoken rule. When running could no longer be my top priority, some teammates began to distance themselves from me. Losing that sense of belonging was painful, but ignoring my health would have been far worse. These obstacles forced me to confront an uncomfortable truth: resilience does not mean pushing endlessly without rest. Instead of abandoning my goals, I continued to work hard, adapt my training, and stay committed. I qualified for nationals, a milestone I had earned through persistence and discipline. Yet instead of celebration, I was confronted with one of the most painful moments of my college experience. A teammate who had once been my best friend said, “She doesn’t deserve to go to nationals.” Hearing that shook me deeply. For a time, I began to believe it. I questioned my worth and whether prioritizing my health meant I was becoming weaker or slower. Oh I was wrong! By choosing to advocate for myself, I became stronger physically and mentally. Putting my health and academics first did not mean giving up on athletics. It meant redefining success. I focused on balance, and as my mental health improved, so did my performance. I continued to run, improve, and set personal records. Happiness and health made me a better athlete and a stronger person. This experience was mentally disturbing and cost me a friendship, but it also gave me something invaluable: self trust. I learned that I would rather stand alone and be healthy than be surrounded by people who valued performance over well being. That lesson now guides every aspect of my life, from academics to leadership to my future career in healthcare. Volunteering in emergency and burn care settings reinforced my purpose during difficult seasons. Watching patients face uncertainty reminded me why I chose this path. My own experiences with adversity have deepened my empathy and shaped the provider I aspire to become: One who understands vulnerability not from a distance, but from lived experience. Leadership roles on campus further tested my resilience. Showing up for others while managing my own limitations taught me that bravery is not the absence of struggle, but the willingness to lead with honesty. These experiences helped me develop confidence, adaptability, and emotional strength. All qualities essential for women navigating demanding careers. Financial need has added another layer of adversity as I prepare for an accelerated nursing program. Scholarships are not simply financial relief, they are opportunities to continue forward without compromising health or purpose. Audra Dominguez’s legacy reflects courage in the face of adversity. I honor that legacy by living every day with determination and compassion. Choosing my health did not mean letting go of my dreams, it meant protecting them. Through adversity, I learned how to advocate for myself, and that strength will carry me through my life.

The faint sound of monitors and hurried footsteps used to scare me. I can still remember sitting in the corner of the ER, waiting for my shift to end, while watching doctors and nurses rush from one room to another. At first, I thought I didn’t belong there, I'm just a volunteer in oversized scrubs, quietly delivering blankets or comforting anxious families. But over time, that same place of chaos and urgency became where I discovered purpose. My name is Florencia Cabrera, and I am a biomedical science and Spanish double major pursuing a future in healthcare. I am also a proud Latina, first-generation college student, and someone who has learned that resilience isn’t built in comfort, it’s built in the quiet moments when you choose to stand back up after life knocks you down. My biggest challenge came during my first year of college. Between balancing two majors, early morning cross-country practices, and late-night study sessions, I thought I could handle anything. But then came the burnout. The kind that crept up slowly until I didn’t recognize myself anymore. I was constantly tired, my grades began to slip, and I questioned whether I was cut out for the medical field. For the first time, I considered giving up something I loved because the pressure felt too heavy to carry alone. That turning point came one late night in the gym, where I worked as a student assistant. I remember sitting at the desk after closing, staring at the empty gym in front of me. I realized that the strength I admired most in others wasn’t about being unshakable, it was about asking for help when you need it. So I did. I reached out to my coach, my professors, and a mentor who had once been in my shoes. Slowly, I rebuilt myself. Managing my time better, prioritizing rest, and leaning on my faith to carry me through. That experience changed me. I began to see every challenge not as a wall, but as a test of persistence. I threw myself into service by volunteering weekly at Integris Hospital’s ER and Burn Wound Clinic, where I saw pain, courage, and healing intertwine in ways textbooks could never capture. I joined Circle K International, where I now serve as President, leading service projects that empower others to give back. From organizing food drives with the Kiwanis Club to partnering with OU Children’s Hospital to bring joy to patients, I learned that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about using your time and heart to uplift others. That same passion for service led me to run for Vice President of the Student Government Association, where I now advocate for student safety, mental health awareness, and diversity initiatives on campus. Through SGA, I’ve learned that leadership also means listening and understanding the needs of a community and turning that understanding into meaningful change. Through it all, I’ve kept my dream clear: to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). I want to be the calm presence in the room when fear is at its highest. I want to be the person who, like the nurses I once watched from afar, carries both science and compassion in every decision. The challenges I have faced have given me more than resilience. They have given me empathy, perspective, and drive. They taught me that success isn’t about never falling; it’s about having the faith and courage to rise again. Like Anthony Belliamy, I strive to live a life guided by integrity, optimism, and service. His legacy mirrors what I hope to build. A future defined not by ease, but by the impact left on others. This scholarship would not only help me continue my education, but it would also honor his spirit by allowing me to serve more, lead better, and give back in the same selfless way he did.

When I first heard Olivia Rodrigo sing, “When am I gonna stop being wise beyond my years and just start being wise?” in teenage dream, I felt like she had put into words a thought I never dared to say out loud. For as long as I can remember, I have been the person people describe as “mature for my age.” Teachers, coaches, and peers have often told me that I seem older than I am, that I handle responsibilities most people would shy away from. On the surface, they are right: I double major in Biomedical Science and Spanish, compete as a collegiate athlete, lead in student organizations, and spend my weekends volunteering in hospitals and community programs. But what most people don’t see is the quiet tension that comes with always being “wise beyond my years.” The lyric resonates with me because it captures the contradiction of adolescence: being capable of carrying more than most, while still figuring out who you are. There are moments when I feel the weight of every expectation pressing on me, like graduate on time, maintain high GPAs, excel in athletics, volunteer, lead, prepare for nursing school, and someday become a CRNA. I often feel like I live in the future, constantly mapping out the next five years of my life. And yet, I am still in my teens, still navigating relationships, still learning how to balance being a student with being a young adult who wants to laugh, to breathe, and to enjoy the present. Adolescence, for me, has been a balancing act between maturity and vulnerability. On the track, I run mile repeats until my legs feel heavy, but I also sit on the grass afterward wondering if I am strong enough to keep pushing. In the ER where I volunteer, I stock supplies with steady hands, but I carry home the faces of patients long after I leave. In classrooms, I raise my hand with confidence, but I sometimes wonder if I am asking the right questions, or if I even belong in the space I have worked so hard to earn. Rodrigo’s lyric captures that duality perfectly. It makes me reflect on how wisdom is not something you wake up one day and acquire, it is something shaped by trial, error, and courage. Being “wise beyond my years” has taught me resilience, but being truly wise means learning to embrace uncertainty without losing myself in it. What I have come to understand is that wisdom is not about knowing everything or making the perfect choices. It is about showing up with persistence and authenticity. It is about trusting that even if I do not have every answer, the effort I put into my goals matters. It is about holding space for both strength and vulnerability, both the future I dream about and the present I am still living. This lyric, and the way it mirrors my own journey, reminds me that it is okay to not have everything figured out. The challenges of adolescence are not signs of weakness: they are proof of growth. And in that messy, complicated space between expectation and reality, I have found the foundation for the person I am becoming: someone determined, reflective, and unafraid to keep striving, even in uncertainty.

The sky was gray, and the rain poured down in steady sheets, soaking through my sneakers and making the pavement slick beneath my feet. I was just a kid in elementary school, lined up for my very first 5K, not knowing what I had gotten myself into. Within the first mile, my legs already ached, and the thought of walking tugged at me with every step. But beside me was my dad, his voice steady and firm: “No te rindas, mija. Tú puedes.” Each time I wanted to slow down, he reminded me to keep pushing. I crossed that finish line drenched, exhausted, and out of breath, but something inside me had changed. That rainy race was the first time I realized I was stronger than the voice telling me to quit. Soon after, I joined Girls on the Run, a program that not only taught me how to set goals but also how to believe in myself. At the time, I didn’t fully realize how much it shaped me, but years later, in college, I had the incredible opportunity to give back as a Girls on the Run coach. Standing on the other side, encouraging young girls to discover their strength, was a full-circle moment. It reminded me of where I started and why I fell in love with running in the first place. I’ve competed for years now, and the journey has given me moments I’ll never forget: earning NAIA All-American honors, being named Champion of Character, and crossing finish lines I once thought were impossible. But behind those achievements is a story of resilience. My path hasn’t been easy. Balancing the weight of academics, training, leadership roles, and personal struggles often felt overwhelming. There were days when I questioned if I could keep going. Days when exhaustion or heartbreak whispered that giving up would be easier. But every time I tried to run anyway, I chose to show up. Those setbacks taught me resilience in a way no medal could. I learned that even when life throws its hardest challenges at you, you can turn pain into fuel. I became stronger, not just as an athlete, but as a person who refuses to let obstacles define her. When I think about who inspires me, I think of my mom. She has faced her own battles with grace and determination, always putting others first while chasing her own dreams. Watching her persevere taught me that true strength is quiet, steady, and relentless. She is the kind of woman I want to be, the kind who uplifts others while breaking barriers for herself. Being a student-athlete today means more to me than ever. I run for myself, for my team, and for the girls watching from the sidelines who wonder if they can do it too. The answer I want to show them is simple: you got it, girl. You can push through, even when it feels impossible. This scholarship would allow me to continue chasing my dreams without the constant stress of finances weighing me down. Gear, travel, training, and school expenses all add up, and support like this would give me the chance to focus fully on running, learning, and preparing for my future as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Just like on the track, I am determined to go the distance: one mile, one challenge, one victory at a time. I currently compete in collegiate cross country and track on athletic scholarship, and every time I line up for a race, I remember what it means to be both a student and an athlete. It means discipline, resilience, and the courage to keep writing your story even when setbacks try to stop you. Being a “You Got It Girl” is not about being perfect. It’s about being persistent. It’s about pushing through barriers, refusing to let circumstances define you, and paving the way for others to do the same. My story is still being written, but one thing is clear: I’m not stopping anytime soon.

When I was little, my father had heart surgery. I remember walking into the hospital room and being struck by how many tubes and machines surrounded him. I kept asking what each one was for, fascinated by the way they all worked together to keep him alive. Finally, I pointed to one, and he explained with a laugh that it was for his pee and poo. At the time, my young mind couldn’t fully grasp the complexity of what I was seeing, but the experience sparked a curiosity in me that never went away. That was the first time I realized how much science and medicine could do to protect the people we love. My name is Florencia Cabrera, and I am a Latina student entering my senior year at Oklahoma City University. I am double majoring in Biomedical Sciences and Spanish, with the goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). As a woman of color in STEM, I have faced barriers related to finances, representation, and personal adversity. Yet, these challenges have only strengthened my determination to succeed and to serve others through science and healthcare. Finances have been one of the greatest challenges of my academic journey. My family has always worked hard to support me, but resources were limited, and I often needed to find ways to contribute to my own education. Balancing school, athletics, and jobs was not easy, but it taught me resilience and time management. While some students had the privilege of focusing only on coursework, I had to learn how to juggle responsibilities and remain committed to my long-term goals. That financial pressure pushed me to seek scholarships, leadership positions, and opportunities that could both develop me and help cover expenses. Adversity has also shaped me in athletics. As a cross country and track runner, I have experienced the pain of injuries and the weight of self-doubt. There were moments when it felt easier to quit, but each setback reminded me of why I run: to prove to myself and others that perseverance matters. As a Latina runner, I am often one of the few women of color on the course. That visibility drives me to keep showing up, not only for myself but for the younger girls watching who might one day see themselves in my shoes. What has kept me grounded through these challenges is my passion for science and healthcare. My curiosity that began with my father’s heart surgery grew as I studied biology and biomedical science. I became fascinated by how the body works and how much potential there is to improve lives through research and medical practice. My volunteer work at Integris Hospital deepened that passion. Serving in the Emergency Room and burn wound clinic, I saw patients arrive at their most vulnerable moments. I watched medical professionals use both skill and compassion to care for them, and I knew I wanted to be part of that world. Being bilingual also allowed me to step in when language created barriers, showing me how powerful communication can be in patient advocacy. In addition to academics and volunteering, leadership has been a major part of my growth. As former President of Circle K International (CKI), I organized service projects that partnered with hospitals, children’s organizations, and community programs. When I lost most of my CKI executive team, I could have given up, but instead, I adapted, recruited new members, and kept the club moving forward. That experience taught me how to lead through adversity. If I would have gave up then the club would have never won the award for Outstanding Student Organization Commitment to Community Service. In Student Government Association (SGA), I served as Athletics Senator and Vice Chair of Student Services, and now I serve as the Vice President. I worked on initiatives related to campus safety, diversity, and mental health resources. Leadership has given me the tools to use my voice not only for myself but for others who may feel unheard. Looking ahead, my path is clear. I will graduate with my biomedical science degree in 2026, then pursue an accelerated nursing program to earn my BSN in 2027. After gaining critical care experience, I will apply to CRNA school. My ultimate goal is to serve as a nurse anesthetist, where I can combine technical expertise with empathy to deliver safe and effective care. I also want to improve access for underserved communities, ensuring that people who face financial or cultural barriers receive quality treatment. Just as importantly, I hope to mentor younger women of color who aspire to careers in STEM, so that they know they belong in these fields. This is why I studied abroad in Mexico this summer, to learn more about medicine in Spanish so that I may be that stepping stone for other Hispanics in America. The mission of the Eric W. Larson Scholarship deeply resonates with me. Eric Larson’s belief in education, gender equality, and diversity in STEM mirrors my own values and aspirations. His legacy inspires me to keep pushing forward, even when challenges feel overwhelming. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of my education but also affirm that my efforts to combine ambition, resilience, and service are making a difference. Adversity has shaped me, but it has never defined me. From sitting at my father’s bedside and asking questions about tubes I barely understood, to studying complex systems of biology and volunteering in real hospital settings, I have grown into a woman driven by curiosity, compassion, and determination. These are the qualities I will carry into my career as a healthcare professional, and they are the qualities that will keep me going at all times. Thank you for considering my application. God Bless.

My journey as a first-time Hispanic college-goer has been like a rollercoaster. I have faced many different challenges that have shaped my educational aspirations. One of the hardest challenges is the feeling of being the odd one out. Some days it feels like my classmates know exactly what they are doing, what's next, and how to go about it. Lots of things are new to me, it's a learn as I go process. Sometimes it makes me feel inferior. But I remind myself that I deserve to be here too. Being a first-time Hispanic college-goer is a long mental battle. Luckily, it is like reverse psychology for me. The harder it feels, the more I want it because I want to prove that consistency and determination beats any challenge I face off. Therefore, I am determined to graduate college with my Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and minor in Spanish. A huge obstacle I have encountered is learning how to balance academics with athleticism. I am proud to say I am a student-athlete. This has forced me to improve my time management skills, the hard way. My first year my grades were not the best since I was mentally and physically exhausted daily. I am honored to say that this semester I finished with all A's. It makes me happy to look back and see the progress. Progression is a reminder of growth, and that helps me stay strong. The legacy of Jose Prado inspires me to continue my educational journey because he reminds me of why I do it, for family. He "supported the education journey of his daughter to become the first college graduate in their family". As a daughter myself, it's a heart warming action. Just like his daughter, I also want to make my parents proud. I want to be a positive role model for my siblings. I want them to look at me and say, "Yea, anything is possible". That is why, when I establish my scholarship in the future, it will be dedicated for first generation female Hispanics. To help break the stereotypes we have been labeled. I do more than just cook and clean. I can go to school, I can become a Physician Associate, I can be the provider. There is more out there for us. My ideal candidate would be Hispanic women that are actively breaking the stereotypes by pursuing higher education. That is because I believe in the transformative power of education. Higher education opens various doors, opportunities come flooding in, and you get the power to choose your future. Overall, I love being a first generation Hispanic college-goer because it means I can be an impactful leader. It means that I can prove that obstacles are temporary barriers. I get the chance to prove that Latina women are smart and educated. Most importantly, I get to choose my path.

Currently, I am deeply involved in giving back to my community through various avenues of volunteer work. At Integris in the emergency room, I have the privilege of assisting medical professionals in providing care to individuals during their most vulnerable moments. Whether it's comforting patients, or simply lending a helping hand. Additionally, I volunteer with Girls on the Run, an organization dedicated to empowering young girls through physical activity, positive reinforcement, and mentorship. Through this program, I have the opportunity to inspire and uplift the next generation of women, encouraging them to embrace their strengths, pursue their passions, and believe in their potential. As a Latina woman, I am particularly passionate about empowering other Latinas to give back to their communities and pursue their dreams fearlessly. I believe that by leading by example, I can inspire other Latin women to step up, make a difference, and strive for greatness. As a coach, I'm grateful to give back to a program that once impacted me. My dedication extends to my own family. I am determined to show them that their future opportunities are limitless and that they have the power to achieve their dreams. By setting a positive example and providing support and encouragement, I hope to instill in them the confidence and determination to pursue their goals with passion and resilience. As the president of my school's Circle K International (CKI) chapter, a service and leadership club, I am actively involved in organizing and participating in various community service projects. Recently, our club packaged 200 snack bags for homeless teens at Sisu Youth Services, providing them with nourishment and support. Each snack bag had a customized note that the volunteers crafted. Additionally, I annually volunteer at my church to serve low-income families, offering them hot meals, a play about the word of Jesus, and school supplies to support their education. Looking ahead to the future, I am driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on a larger scale. As an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in biomedical science and a minor in Spanish, I am laying the groundwork for a career in healthcare that aligns with my passion for service and my commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. My ultimate goal is to become a physician associate, specializing in providing care to lower economic communities that often lack access to quality healthcare services. I am actively involved in my university's track team, where I help promote events like 'Mile Night'. Through these initiatives, we encourage people to embrace physical fitness, strive for personal excellence, and support one another in achieving their goals. I am passionate about using my platform as an athlete to promote health and wellness within my community and inspire others to lead active, fulfilling lifestyles. I am taking steps to expand my skills by pursuing my EMT certification in the summer. With this certification, I will be better equipped to respond to medical emergencies and provide immediate assistance to those in need. I am committed to using my training to serve others and make a positive impact in times of crisis. In summary, my dedication to giving back to my community, empowering others, and pursuing a career in healthcare reflects my unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world. Through my volunteer work, academic pursuits, and future career aspirations, I am determined to create positive change, advocate for those in need, and leave a lasting legacy of compassion, service, and impact. Opportunities open doors for people like me. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

Choosing to pursue a degree in healthcare has been a deeply personal and meaningful decision for me. It stems from a combination of personal experience, a strong desire to help others, and a commitment to breaking barriers as a Hispanic woman and a first-generation student. From a young age, I was drawn to the field of medicine because of the profound impact it had on my family. When my dad underwent heart surgery and emerged alive and well, I witnessed firsthand the remarkable ability of medical professionals to heal and save lives. This experience left an indelible mark on me, instilling in me a sense of awe and gratitude for the healthcare profession. It was during this time that I first declared my aspiration to become a doctor, inspired by the compassionate care and expertise that had saved my dad's life. As I grew older and embarked on my educational journey, my passion for healthcare only deepened. I found myself drawn to the intricacies of human biology, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Pursuing a degree in healthcare, particularly in the role of a Physician Associate (PA), felt like a natural progression of my lifelong dream to work in medicine. Beyond my personal motivation, I am also driven by a desire to challenge stereotypes and pave the way for others in my community. As a Hispanic woman and a first-generation student, I am keenly aware of the barriers and challenges that can hinder educational and career opportunities. However, I refuse to let these obstacles define my path. Instead, I see them as opportunities to break down barriers, defy expectations, and inspire others to pursue their dreams. In the healthcare field, I hope to make a positive impact by embodying the values of compassion, integrity, and inclusivity. I aspire to provide culturally competent care to diverse patient populations, advocating for underrepresented communities and addressing healthcare disparities. As a woman in healthcare, I recognize the importance of representation and diversity in shaping a more equitable and accessible healthcare system. By embracing my identity and leveraging my unique perspective, I aim to contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare environment for all. In conclusion, pursuing a degree in healthcare is not just a career choice for me—it is a calling rooted in personal experience, passion, and a commitment to making a difference. As I embark on this journey, I carry with me the lessons of resilience, determination, and hope, knowing that I have the power to shape the future of healthcare and inspire others to do the same.