I chose to pursue nursing because I want to be someone who can bring comfort and reassurance to people during times when they feel uncertain or afraid. Healthcare is not only about treating illness; it is also about helping patients feel supported when they are going through difficult moments. Over time, I realized that nurses are often the people who create that sense of comfort for patients and their families, and that realization is what led me toward this career. My interest in nursing grew from a few personal experiences that changed the way I view healthcare. During my senior year of high school, I went through a very difficult period after losing a close friend. Not long after that loss, I experienced my own unexpected hospitalization. Being in the hospital as a patient was overwhelming at first, and I remember feeling anxious and unsure about what was happening with my health. What stood out to me the most during that time was the way the nurses treated me. They were not only focused on medications and procedures. They took the time to talk with me, explain what was happening, and make sure I felt comfortable. One nurse noticed that I seemed especially nervous and sat down beside me for a few minutes to calmly explain what the next steps would be. It may have seemed like a small moment to her, but it meant a lot to me. It reminded me that kindness and patience can make a huge difference when someone is feeling vulnerable. Another experience that strengthened my interest in nursing happened when my younger cousin had to stay in the hospital because of a serious infection and high fever. Seeing such a small child in a hospital bed was difficult for my entire family. What I remember most was how the pediatric nurses interacted with her. They brought small toys into the room, spoke gently, and used simple distractions like stickers and counting games while checking her vitals. They understood that caring for a child meant helping them feel safe in a place that can be very unfamiliar and scary. I am currently pursuing my nursing degree and will be entering my third semester of nursing school in Fall 2026. Nursing school has challenged me in many ways, but every class and clinical experience reminds me why I chose this path. Each step brings me closer to becoming the kind of nurse who can provide both skilled care and compassion. My goal is to be the kind of nurse who takes the extra moment to listen, explain things clearly, and help patients feel less alone during difficult times. Sometimes it is not only the treatment that people remember, but how they were treated as a person. I hope to be someone who helps patients and their families feel supported, understood, and cared for during moments when they need it the most. I found out about this scholarship through the Bold.org website, it showed that my criteria fit this scholarship.

I decided to pursue nursing because I want to be someone who helps people during moments when they feel scared, uncertain, or vulnerable. I’ve always respected people who are able to stay calm and care for others in difficult situations, and over time I realized nursing was a career where I could do exactly that. Nurses are often the people who spend the most time with patients, and the way they treat someone can make a big difference in how that person experiences a difficult situation. One experience that really influenced me happened during my senior year of high school. A close friend of mine passed away, which was extremely difficult for me and many of the people around me. It made me realize how fragile life can be and how important it is to have people around who care and support you during hard times. Around that same period, I also had an unexpected health issue that led to me being hospitalized for a few days. Being in the hospital as a patient was overwhelming at first. I remember feeling nervous and unsure about what was going to happen. What stood out to me the most was how the nurses treated me. They didn’t just focus on medications or procedures. They took the time to check in with me, explain things, and make sure I felt comfortable. One nurse noticed that I seemed anxious and sat down for a few minutes to explain what was happening and what the next steps would be. That moment stuck with me because it showed me how important compassion is in healthcare. It wasn’t just about treating my condition—it was about making me feel supported during a stressful time. My interest in pediatric nursing grew from another experience involving my younger cousin. When she was about two years old, she had to stay in the hospital because of a high fever caused by an infection. Seeing such a small child in a hospital bed was hard for our entire family. What I remember most was how the pediatric nurses interacted with her. They spoke gently, brought small toys into the room, and used stickers and counting games to distract her during vitals and medications. One nurse even sang a little song while checking her temperature so she wouldn’t cry. Watching that made me realize that caring for children requires a special kind of patience and creativity. Pediatric nurses don’t just treat illness they help children feel safe in an environment that can be scary and confusing. I am currently pursuing my nursing degree and will be entering my third semester of nursing school in Fall 2026. Nursing school has been challenging, but every class and clinical experience reminds me why I chose this path. My goal is to become a pediatric nurse who helps children and their families feel supported during difficult moments. I want to be the kind of nurse who takes the extra time to comfort a child, explain things to worried parents, and help make a stressful situation feel a little less overwhelming. Even small moments of kindness can make a lasting difference, and that is the kind of impact I hope to have in my career.

My name is Frances Monayao, and I am currently pursuing a nursing degree because I feel deeply called to serve others through healthcare. For me, healthcare is more than a career choice; it is a way to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives during some of their most vulnerable moments. Nurses are often the individuals who spend the most time with patients, providing not only medical care but also reassurance, compassion, and emotional support. That combination of science and human connection is what drew me to the nursing profession. Several personal experiences have influenced my decision to pursue a career in healthcare. During my senior year of high school, I experienced the loss of a close friend, which deeply affected my perspective on life and the importance of supporting others during difficult times. Not long after, I also experienced my own unexpected hospitalization. Being in a hospital as a patient allowed me to see healthcare from a completely different perspective. The nurses who cared for me demonstrated patience, kindness, and compassion when I felt vulnerable and uncertain. Their ability to provide comfort alongside medical care made a lasting impact on me and helped me realize that I wanted to pursue a career where I could offer that same level of care to others. In addition to these personal experiences, I have been involved in serving my community through volunteering and leadership opportunities. During high school, I helped establish a student-led Bible club called *Ambassadors for Christ*, which became the first club of its kind in our school district. Through this club, students gathered to encourage one another, share messages of hope, and build a supportive community. We also organized events such as student-led worship nights that brought people together and provided a space for encouragement and reflection. Experiences like these taught me the importance of leadership through service and strengthened my desire to help others. Currently, I am pursuing my nursing degree and will be entering my third semester of nursing school in Fall 2027. Nursing school has challenged me academically while also helping me grow in resilience, discipline, and compassion. Each class and clinical experience continues to confirm that I am pursuing the right path. In the future, I hope to build a career where I can provide compassionate, patient-centered care while continuing to serve my community. My long-term goal is to use my nursing education to support patients and families during challenging moments and to contribute positively to the healthcare field. Christina Taylese Singh’s story is a powerful reminder of the dedication and passion required to pursue a career in healthcare. Although her life was cut short, the impact of her journey continues to inspire students like me who hope to serve others through medicine and healthcare. By continuing my education and pursuing nursing, I hope to honor that spirit of compassion, perseverance, and service.

The nursing profession interests me because it combines science, compassion, and service in a way that allows healthcare professionals to make a real difference in people’s lives. Nurses are often the individuals who spend the most time with patients, offering not only medical care but also reassurance and emotional support during difficult moments. I am drawn to nursing because it gives me the opportunity to care for people during some of their most vulnerable times while using both knowledge and empathy to improve their well-being. Several personal experiences have played an important role in shaping my desire to pursue a career in nursing. During my senior year of high school, I experienced the loss of a close friend, which deeply affected my perspective on life and the importance of compassion. Not long after, I also experienced my own unexpected hospitalization. Being a patient during that time allowed me to see healthcare from a completely different perspective. The nurses who cared for me showed patience, kindness, and professionalism during a moment when I felt scared and uncertain. Even small acts of reassurance made a significant difference in how supported I felt. Witnessing that level of care helped me realize how meaningful nursing can be and inspired me to pursue a career where I could offer the same support to others. Another important influence in my journey has been someone very close to me. Although he is not related to me by blood, my boyfriend feels like family in every way. He joined the United States Air Force on August 8, 2023, and watching his journey has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to serve with purpose and dedication. From the moment he decided to enlist, I saw how seriously he took the commitment. Through his example and the Air Force’s core value of “service before self,” I learned that serving others requires discipline, sacrifice, and a willingness to put the needs of others before your own. His dedication has inspired me to pursue a similar path of service through healthcare. One of my long-term goals is to become a nurse in the United States Air Force so that I can care for service members and their families while contributing to something greater than myself. Military nursing would allow me to combine my passion for healthcare with a mission focused on service, resilience, and compassion. Currently, I am pursuing my nursing degree and will be entering my third semester of nursing school in Fall 2027. Nursing school requires perseverance, discipline, and strong time management skills, and continuing to progress through the program has been one of my greatest accomplishments so far. Each class and clinical experience helps me build the knowledge and confidence needed to provide safe and compassionate care. In the future, I hope to build a successful career where I can support patients and families during challenging moments while continuing to grow professionally. Whether caring for patients in hospitals or serving as a military nurse, my goal is to provide compassionate, patient-centered care that brings comfort, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

I pray to be considered for this scholarship because my journey toward becoming a nurse has been shaped by experiences that have deeply influenced both my goals and my perspective on helping others. Nursing is not just a career I chose because it is stable or practical; it is something that grew out of moments in my life where I saw how important compassionate care can be for someone who is hurting or vulnerable. During my senior year of high school, I experienced the loss of a close friend. It was a time that left me feeling confused and heartbroken. I remember how difficult it was for many of us to process what had happened, and it made me realize how much people around us may be silently struggling. That experience changed the way I approach relationships and how I view supporting others. I became much more intentional about checking in on friends, listening when someone needs to talk, and simply being present for people when they are going through hard moments. Not long after that loss, I also experienced my own unexpected hospitalization. Being in the hospital while already going through emotional stress was overwhelming, but it also became a moment that changed the direction of my life. I remember one nurse in particular who noticed that I was anxious and took a few extra minutes to sit and talk with me. She explained what was happening and reassured me that everything would be okay. It was a small moment, but it made me feel seen and supported during a time when I felt vulnerable. That interaction showed me how powerful kindness and patience can be in healthcare. Another moment that influenced me happened when my baby cousin was hospitalized with a sudden illness. My entire family was worried, but the nurses caring for my cousin were calm, patient, and compassionate. They explained procedures clearly and even used small distractions to help keep my cousin calm. Watching how they cared not only for the patient but also for the family made me realize that nurses have the ability to bring comfort during some of the most stressful moments people experience. I am currently pursuing my nursing degree and will be entering my third semester of nursing school in Fall 2027. Nursing school requires significant time and dedication, and like many students, I rely on financial aid and loans to support my education. The cost of tuition, books, and clinical supplies adds up quickly, and receiving this scholarship would help reduce the financial burden so I can continue focusing on my education and training. Once established in my career, I hope to give back to my community by being the kind of nurse who treats patients with empathy and respect. I want to care for people not only medically but emotionally, understanding that patients often come into healthcare settings feeling scared or uncertain. I also hope to encourage others who may feel unsure about pursuing healthcare careers. Sometimes people just need someone to show them that it is possible. By continuing to work hard, serve my community, and remain compassionate toward others, I hope to make a lasting and positive impact through my career in nursing.

I want to pursue a degree in nursing because I have always felt drawn to helping others during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Healthcare is more than just treating illness it is about supporting people physically, emotionally, and mentally during times that can feel overwhelming. I believe nursing allows someone to combine knowledge, compassion, and service in a way that can truly make a difference in someone’s life. Several experiences in my life helped shape my decision to pursue nursing. During my senior year of high school, I went through the loss of a close friend, which was one of the most difficult moments I have faced. Shortly after, I also experienced my own unexpected hospitalization. Being in the hospital during such an emotional time opened my eyes to the importance of compassionate healthcare professionals. The nurses who cared for me were patient, kind, and reassuring during moments when I felt vulnerable and uncertain. Even small gestures of compassion made a lasting impact on how supported I felt. Seeing the difference they made inspired me to pursue a career where I could provide that same care and comfort to others. I am currently pursuing my nursing degree and working toward becoming a Registered Nurse. Each step in my education is helping me develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to care for patients safely and effectively. Nursing school is challenging, but it is also rewarding because every lesson and clinical experience brings me closer to the career I hope to build. As a nurse, I hope to contribute to my community by providing compassionate and respectful care to patients from all backgrounds. Healthcare can be intimidating, especially for people who may already be dealing with fear or uncertainty about their health. I want to be someone who listens to patients, treats them with dignity, and helps them feel supported during difficult moments. I also hope to use my career to promote understanding and empathy within healthcare. Nurses often serve as advocates for their patients, ensuring that individuals feel heard and receive the care they need. By building trust with patients and families, I hope to create an environment where people feel comfortable and cared for. My goal is to contribute to my community by using my education, compassion, and dedication to help others heal and feel supported. Nursing gives me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and that purpose is what motivates me to continue pursuing this path.

Growing up, one thing that definitely made me stand out was being the kid who somehow managed to be both quiet and awkward at the same time. I wasn’t the loud, confident person who could easily speak up in class or make everyone laugh. Instead, I was usually the one observing everything and overthinking every little thing I said. Looking back, it led to some pretty funny and slightly embarrassing moments. One moment that my friends still remind me about happened during a class presentation in high school. Our teacher had assigned us a topic to present in front of the class, and like most people, I was nervous about standing up and speaking in front of everyone. I had practiced my presentation several times the night before and thought I was completely prepared. But the moment I stood up in front of the class, my mind suddenly went blank. I started my presentation by saying, “Good morning everyone.” Then I paused because I forgot what my next sentence was supposed to be. In my panic, I said, “Good morning everyone,” again. At that point a few people in the class started laughing a little, which only made me more nervous. Somehow, I ended up saying “good morning” a third time before I finally managed to continue with my presentation. My teacher looked at me and said, “Well, you’re really committed to greeting the class today.” At the time I was completely embarrassed and wished I could disappear into the floor. But looking back now, it’s actually one of those memories that makes me laugh the most. It also taught me an important lesson: sometimes awkward moments are just part of being human. Everyone has them, and learning to laugh at yourself makes life a lot easier. Being a little awkward growing up also helped shape who I am today. Because I was more quiet and observant, I learned to pay attention to how people feel and what they might be going through. I became someone who listens carefully and tries to make others feel comfortable, especially in situations where they might feel nervous or out of place. Now that I am pursuing a career in nursing, I actually see those qualities as strengths. Patients often feel scared, overwhelmed, or anxious in healthcare settings, and sometimes a calm presence or a small moment of humor can help ease that tension. My awkward moments growing up taught me humility, empathy, and the ability to connect with others in genuine ways. So while my “awkward thing” might have been being the slightly nervous kid who said “good morning” three times during a presentation, it also helped me develop qualities that I now see as meaningful strengths. Sometimes the things that make us stand out growing up end up becoming the very things that shape who we are meant to be.

As I continue pursuing my nursing degree, I am very aware of the financial responsibility that comes with student loans. Higher education is an investment in my future, and I want to approach that investment responsibly. My plan for addressing my current and future student loan debt involves a combination of careful financial planning, applying for scholarships and grants, and pursuing career opportunities that offer long-term stability and potential loan assistance. One of the ways I am actively working to reduce my debt while still in school is by applying for scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Scholarships help reduce the amount of money I need to borrow and allow me to focus more on my education and clinical training. Nursing school requires a significant amount of time and dedication, so receiving financial support can make a meaningful difference in allowing me to concentrate on becoming the best nurse I can be. I also try to practice responsible financial habits while I am in school. This includes budgeting my expenses, avoiding unnecessary spending, and being mindful of how much I borrow. Managing finances carefully now helps me prepare for the responsibility of paying back loans after graduation. After completing my nursing degree, I plan to pursue a career as a nurse in the United States Air Force. Serving as a nurse in the Air Force would allow me to combine my passion for healthcare with my desire to serve others. Military nursing also offers opportunities for financial stability and potential loan repayment programs that help healthcare professionals manage educational debt. This path would allow me to gain valuable clinical experience while also addressing my financial responsibilities in a structured and responsible way. In addition to this path, nursing as a profession offers many opportunities for career growth and stable income. Once I begin working as a Registered Nurse, I plan to create a consistent repayment plan that allows me to steadily reduce my student loan debt while continuing to build my career. My goal is to remain disciplined and prioritize paying down my loans as I grow professionally. Overall I view my education as an investment not only in my own future but also in my ability to serve others. By combining responsible financial planning, scholarship opportunities, and a stable career in nursing, I am confident that I will be able to manage and repay my student loan debt while continuing to pursue my long-term goals in healthcare.

My experience with mental health has changed the way I see people, relationships, and even my own purpose in life. During my senior year of high school, I lost a close friend to suicide. It was one of the hardest things I have ever gone through. At the time, I was preparing to graduate and trying to look forward to the future, but losing someone so suddenly made everything feel confusing and heavy. It made me realize how real and serious mental health struggles can be, even when people don’t always show it. Going through that loss made me much more aware of the importance of being present for the people around me. I started to understand that sometimes people carry pain that others cannot see. Because of that, I try to be more intentional about checking in on friends and being someone who listens when people need support. That experience changed the way I approach relationships. I value honesty, empathy, and being there for others during both the good and difficult moments. Around that same time, I also went through my own unexpected hospitalization. Being in a vulnerable place both emotionally and physically helped me understand how important compassion is when someone is struggling. The nurses who cared for me were patient and kind during a time when I felt overwhelmed. Even small moments of reassurance made a difference. Seeing the way they cared for patients helped me realize how powerful empathy can be in healthcare. These experiences have shaped my goals in a meaningful way. I am currently pursuing a nursing degree because I want to support people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Mental health is a part of overall well-being, and I want to be someone who understands that patients may be going through more than what is visible on the surface. What I went through changed my perspective on life. It taught me that people need compassion more than we sometimes realize. It also reminded me that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on someone who may be struggling. Those lessons continue to guide how I treat others and the kind of nurse I hope to become.

When I think about something I want to build, I think about building a future centered around service, compassion, and meaningful impact in the lives of others. For me, this means building a career in nursing where I can support people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives while also strengthening the communities around me. My journey toward this goal has been shaped by several personal experiences that helped me realize the importance of compassionate healthcare. During my senior year of high school, I experienced the loss of a close friend, which was one of the most difficult moments in my life. Not long after, I also faced my own unexpected hospitalization. Being a patient during such a challenging time gave me a new perspective on healthcare. The nurses who cared for me treated me with kindness, patience, and empathy, even when I felt scared and uncertain. Their compassion showed me how powerful healthcare can be when it is guided by both knowledge and genuine care for others. Those experiences inspired me to pursue nursing and begin building a future where I can provide the same support to others. I am currently working toward this goal by pursuing my nursing degree and will be entering my third semester of nursing school in Fall 2027. Each step of my education is helping me build the knowledge, skills, and resilience needed to become a nurse who provides safe and compassionate care. In addition to building a career, I hope to build trust and comfort for the patients and families I will care for in the future. Healthcare can be overwhelming, especially for individuals who are experiencing illness or uncertainty. I want to help create an environment where patients feel heard, respected, and supported during those difficult moments. Building this future will not only impact my own life but also the communities I hope to serve. Nurses play an important role in improving health outcomes, educating patients, and supporting families. By dedicating my career to healthcare, I hope to contribute to a system that prioritizes compassion, dignity, and quality care for all individuals. Ultimately, the future I want to build is one where my education, experiences, and values allow me to serve others and make a positive difference in the lives of the people and communities around me.

I am currently pursuing a nursing degree with the goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. I chose nursing because it is a profession that combines scientific knowledge, compassion, and service to others. Healthcare professionals have the opportunity to support people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, and I want to be someone who can provide both skilled medical care and reassurance to patients and their families. My interest in healthcare was shaped by several personal experiences that helped me understand how meaningful compassionate care can be. During a difficult period in my life, I experienced the loss of a close friend, which challenged me emotionally and reminded me of how important it is for people to feel supported during hard times. Shortly after, I faced my own unexpected hospitalization. Experiencing healthcare from the perspective of a patient allowed me to see the impact that nurses have on the lives of others. The nurses who cared for me showed patience, empathy, and professionalism during a time when I felt vulnerable and uncertain. Their compassion left a lasting impression on me and inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. I am currently working toward completing my nursing degree and will be entering my third semester of nursing school in Fall 2027. Nursing school has challenged me academically while also helping me grow in resilience, time management, and critical thinking. Each course and clinical experience brings me closer to my goal of becoming a nurse who provides safe, compassionate, and patient-centered care. After graduating, I plan to pursue a career as a nurse in the United States Air Force. Serving in the Air Force would allow me to combine my passion for healthcare with my desire to serve something greater than myself. Military nurses play an essential role in caring for service members, their families, and communities around the world. I believe that serving in this capacity would allow me to grow both professionally and personally while contributing to the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. In the long term, I hope to continue developing my skills as a nurse and possibly pursue specialized training or advanced education within the healthcare field. My ultimate goal is to provide compassionate care to patients, support families during difficult moments, and contribute positively to the healthcare community. Through my education and future service, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while continuing to grow as both a healthcare professional and a person committed to serving others.

As a woman pursuing a career in healthcare, I am inspired by the opportunity to combine knowledge, compassion, and scientific understanding to improve the lives of others. STEM fields play a vital role in advancing society by solving complex problems, improving technology, and strengthening healthcare systems. Being part of a growing generation of women entering STEM fields motivates me to continue pursuing my goals with curiosity, determination, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world. My decision to pursue healthcare was shaped by personal experiences that showed me the powerful impact healthcare professionals can have on patients and their families. During a difficult period in my life, I experienced the loss of a close friend, which deeply affected my perspective on life and the importance of emotional support during challenging times. Shortly after, I also experienced my own unexpected hospitalization. Being a patient allowed me to see healthcare from a different perspective. The nurses who cared for me demonstrated patience, empathy, and professionalism during moments when I felt vulnerable and uncertain. Their ability to provide both medical care and reassurance made a lasting impression on me and inspired me to pursue nursing. I am currently pursuing my nursing degree and will be entering my third semester of nursing school in Fall 2027. Nursing is a unique field within STEM because it combines scientific knowledge with critical thinking and compassionate care. Through my studies, I am learning how subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and evidence-based practice play a role in diagnosing conditions, supporting recovery, and improving patient outcomes. Each class and clinical experience allows me to strengthen both my technical skills and my ability to communicate and connect with patients. As a woman in STEM, I hope to contribute to a healthcare system that prioritizes both innovation and compassion. I believe that nurses play a vital role in bridging science and human connection, ensuring that patients receive not only effective medical treatment but also emotional support. My goal is to use my education to provide quality care to individuals and families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I also hope to inspire other young women to pursue careers in STEM fields, especially in healthcare, where representation and diverse perspectives can improve patient care and community outcomes. By demonstrating perseverance, curiosity, and dedication, I want to show that women can make meaningful contributions to science, medicine, and the advancement of healthcare. Receiving this scholarship would support my academic journey and allow me to continue developing the skills and knowledge needed to serve others through healthcare. Ultimately, I hope to use my education to uplift individuals, strengthen communities, and contribute to a healthcare system that values compassion, innovation, and service.

My name is Frances Monayao, and I am a nursing student whose identity has been shaped by faith, family, and the experience of growing up between cultures. I was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States when I was six years old. Growing up as a first-generation Filipino American taught me resilience, gratitude, and the value of hard work. Watching my family sacrifice and persevere in order to build a better future instilled in me a strong desire to make the most of the opportunities I have been given and to use them to help others. Living between cultures has shaped the way I view education and community. Moving to the United States meant learning how to adapt to a new culture, language, and school environment at a young age. Although the transition came with challenges, it helped me develop resilience and a deeper appreciation for diversity. Being surrounded by people from different backgrounds has taught me the importance of understanding different perspectives and communicating with empathy. These experiences have helped me grow not only academically but also personally, preparing me to work in environments where compassion and cultural awareness are essential. My educational journey has also been shaped by personal experiences that strengthened my desire to pursue healthcare. During my senior year of high school, I experienced the loss of a close friend, which was one of the most difficult moments of my life. Not long after, I faced my own unexpected hospitalization. Experiencing healthcare from the perspective of a patient allowed me to see how meaningful compassionate care can be. The nurses who cared for me showed patience, kindness, and reassurance during a time when I felt vulnerable and uncertain. Their compassion made a lasting impression on me and inspired me to pursue a career where I could support others during difficult moments in their lives. In addition to these experiences, my faith and leadership opportunities have helped shape who I am today. During my junior year of high school, I helped establish a student-led Bible club called *Ambassadors for Christ*, which became the first club of its kind in our school district. Through this club, students were able to gather during school hours to encourage one another, share messages of faith, and build a supportive community. We also organized an annual worship night that included student-led worship, a message, and time for reflection. Being involved in leading these initiatives helped me develop confidence, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of leadership through service. I am currently pursuing a nursing degree and will be entering my third semester of nursing school in Fall 2027. My goal is to become a nurse who provides compassionate, patient-centered care while continuing to grow professionally. Through my education, I hope to make a positive impact by supporting patients and families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Receiving this scholarship would support my educational journey and allow me to continue pursuing my goal of serving others through healthcare. Ultimately, I hope to use my education, experiences, and values to contribute to a healthcare system that prioritizes compassion, dignity, and service to others.

One of the most difficult periods of my life occurred during my senior year of high school in 2023 when a close friend of mine died by suicide. The loss was unexpected and deeply painful. At the time, I was preparing to graduate and serving as a leader in my school’s Bible club. I remember feeling overwhelmed with grief and struggling to understand how to move forward while processing such a heartbreaking event. It was the first time I had faced a loss that profoundly affected both my emotional well-being and my perspective on life. During that season, I initially viewed the adversity as something that had shaken my sense of stability and purpose. However, over time I began to see it as an experience that would shape how I support others who are hurting. My faith and the support of people in my church community helped me find strength during that difficult time. Through prayer, reading scripture, and being surrounded by people who cared deeply for me, I slowly began to process the grief and find hope again. Shortly after this loss, I also faced another challenge when I unexpectedly became ill and had to be hospitalized. Being a patient myself during such an emotionally difficult period was overwhelming. Yet that experience became a turning point for me. While I was in the hospital, I witnessed firsthand the compassion and patience of the nurses who cared for me. Even during stressful moments, they took time to comfort patients and reassure families. Seeing the impact they had on people who were scared or uncertain made me realize how meaningful compassionate healthcare can be. Instead of allowing these experiences to discourage me, I made a decision to use them as motivation. My plan of action was to focus on healing, continue leaning on my faith, and pursue a path where I could help others during difficult moments. These experiences ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in nursing, where I could provide both medical care and emotional support to patients and families who may be facing some of the hardest moments of their lives. This adversity changed my perception of life in many ways. It taught me that life can be fragile and unpredictable, but it also showed me the power of compassion, community, and resilience. I learned that difficult experiences can shape us into more empathetic and purposeful individuals. Today, those challenges continue to motivate me as I pursue my nursing degree. They remind me that even in the midst of hardship, it is possible to find purpose and use those experiences to help others. My goal is to become a nurse who provides not only skilled care but also comfort and encouragement to people during times when they need it most.

Attending higher education is an important step in helping me achieve my long-term goals of serving others through healthcare. Education provides not only the knowledge and technical skills required for a career in nursing, but also the opportunity to grow personally and develop the compassion, critical thinking, and leadership needed to care for patients effectively. Through higher education, I am gaining the foundation necessary to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I am currently pursuing my nursing degree and will be entering my third semester of nursing school in Fall 2027. Each course and clinical experience allows me to build the skills needed to provide safe and compassionate care to patients. Nursing school is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding because it prepares me to care for people during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Higher education is helping me develop both the clinical knowledge and the emotional awareness needed to support patients and their families. My experiences have shaped my desire to pursue a career where compassion and service are at the center of what I do. Personal challenges, including the loss of a close friend and my own hospitalization, showed me how important it is to have healthcare professionals who treat patients with patience, empathy, and respect. Those moments helped me understand the powerful impact nurses can have on people who are going through difficult circumstances. In the future, I hope to make a positive impact by providing not only quality medical care but also emotional support to patients and their families. Healthcare is about more than treating illness; it is also about helping people feel heard, respected, and supported. I want to be someone who brings reassurance and compassion to patients during times that may feel overwhelming. Higher education will also allow me to continue expanding my knowledge and pursue opportunities to grow within the healthcare field. My goal is to keep learning throughout my career so that I can better serve the communities around me. I hope to use my education to advocate for patients, support families, and contribute to improving healthcare outcomes. Ultimately, attending higher education will help equip me with the tools necessary to turn my passion for helping others into a lifelong career of service. By combining knowledge, compassion, and dedication, I hope to create a positive impact by caring for patients and supporting communities in meaningful ways.

My name is Frances Monayao, and I am a nursing student driven by faith, service, and a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others. I was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States when I was six years old. Growing up as a first-generation Filipino American shaped my perspective on hard work, perseverance, and gratitude. My family sacrificed a great deal to give us opportunities for a better future, and their dedication continues to motivate me to pursue my education and serve others in meaningful ways. Family has always been a strong influence in my life. The values I learned growing up—faith, compassion, and helping others—are what inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare. I have seen how important it is to support people during difficult times, whether that is within our own families or in the community. Those values have helped guide my decision to pursue nursing and dedicate my life to serving others. My desire to become a first responder comes from wanting to be someone who can step in during moments when people need help the most. First responders are often the first people present when someone is experiencing a medical emergency, fear, or uncertainty. They have the ability to provide immediate care, reassurance, and hope during critical moments. I am drawn to that responsibility because it requires courage, quick thinking, and compassion. Several personal experiences strengthened my desire to work in a field where I can help others in urgent situations. During a difficult time in my life, I experienced both personal loss and my own hospitalization. Being in a vulnerable position as a patient allowed me to see how important compassionate healthcare providers are during times of crisis. The nurses and medical professionals who cared for me showed patience, empathy, and professionalism, which inspired me to pursue a path where I could provide that same level of care for others. I am currently pursuing my nursing degree and will be entering my third semester of nursing school in Fall 2027. Each step in my education brings me closer to becoming someone who can respond calmly and effectively in difficult situations. My goal is to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to care for people during emergencies and support them through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Ultimately, I want to become a first responder because I believe serving others during times of need is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference. Through my education, faith, and dedication to service, I hope to provide care, comfort, and support to individuals and families when they need it most.

My name is Frances Monayao, and I am a nursing student motivated by faith, service, and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States when I was six years old. Growing up as a first-generation Filipino American taught me the value of perseverance, gratitude, and hard work. My parents sacrificed a great deal to provide opportunities for our family, and their dedication continues to inspire me to pursue my education with purpose. My decision to pursue healthcare was shaped by several personal experiences that helped me understand how important compassionate care can be. During my senior year of high school, I experienced the heartbreaking loss of a close friend who died by suicide. That time was incredibly difficult for me emotionally, and it challenged me in ways I had never experienced before. While navigating that grief, my faith and the support of my community helped me slowly begin to heal. That experience showed me how important it is to have people who care deeply about others during difficult moments in life. Not long after that loss, I also faced an unexpected health challenge of my own that resulted in being hospitalized. Experiencing healthcare from the perspective of a patient was both overwhelming and eye-opening. Despite the fear and uncertainty I felt, the nurses who cared for me treated me with compassion, patience, and reassurance. Their kindness during such a vulnerable moment left a lasting impact on me and helped me see how powerful compassionate healthcare can be. Another moment that influenced my interest in healthcare occurred when my baby cousin was hospitalized with a sudden illness. Seeing such a young child connected to medical equipment was frightening for our entire family. However, the pediatric nurses who cared for my cousin showed incredible patience and warmth. They took time to comfort my cousin and explain things clearly to our family, helping make a stressful situation feel more manageable. Watching how they supported both the patient and the family showed me how important nurses are in creating a sense of safety and trust. These experiences inspired me to pursue nursing so that I could provide the same kind of care and compassion to others. I am currently pursuing my nursing degree and will be entering my third semester of nursing school in Fall 2027. Each semester brings me closer to achieving my goal of becoming a nurse and continuing to grow in both knowledge and skill. The difference I hope to make in healthcare is to provide not only quality medical care but also emotional support to patients and their families. I want to be someone who listens, encourages, and helps people feel cared for during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Through my career in nursing, I hope to use my education, faith, and experiences to uplift others and provide compassionate care to those who need it most.

I chose to pursue nursing because it is a profession that combines knowledge, compassion, and service to others. For me, healthcare is more than a career; it is an opportunity to support people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. My experiences with family members in the hospital and my own time as a patient opened my eyes to the important role nurses play in providing not only medical care, but also reassurance and comfort to patients and their families. One experience that had a lasting impact on me was when my baby cousin was hospitalized with a sudden illness. Seeing such a young child connected to monitors and medical equipment was frightening for my entire family. However, the pediatric nurses who cared for my cousin made a tremendous difference in how our family experienced that situation. They spoke gently, explained procedures clearly, and used kindness and patience to help my cousin feel safe during an unfamiliar and overwhelming time. Watching the way they interacted with both my cousin and our family showed me how powerful compassionate healthcare can be. That experience inspired me to pursue nursing and sparked my interest in working with pediatric patients. My desired specialty is pediatric nursing. I feel drawn to working with children because they require a unique combination of clinical skill, patience, and empathy. Pediatric nurses often care for patients who may not fully understand what is happening to them, which means nurses must create an environment that feels safe and supportive. I want to be someone who can calm a child during a stressful moment and help families feel reassured that their child is receiving the best care possible. Supporting both the child and their family during difficult moments is something I find incredibly meaningful. I am currently pursuing my nursing degree and will be entering my third semester of nursing school in Fall 2027. Each semester brings me closer to becoming the kind of nurse who can provide compassionate and skilled care to patients. Through my education and clinical experiences, I continue to build the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in the nursing profession. After graduating, I plan to serve as a nurse in the United States Air Force. This path allows me to combine my passion for healthcare with my desire to serve something greater than myself. Caring for military members and their families would give me the opportunity to support individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting others. It is a responsibility I would approach with deep respect, compassion, and commitment. Ultimately, I chose nursing because I want to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Through pediatric care and future service in the Air Force, I hope to provide comfort, support, and high-quality healthcare to patients and families during some of the most challenging moments they may face.

My interest in pediatric medicine began with an experience that left a lasting impression on me and changed the way I viewed healthcare. A few years ago, my baby cousin was admitted to the hospital after suddenly becoming very ill. Seeing such a small child connected to monitors and medical equipment was frightening for our entire family. I remember sitting in the hospital room with my relatives, feeling helpless and wishing there was something I could do to make the situation better. What stood out to me most during that time was the way the pediatric nurses interacted with my cousin and our family. Even though the hospital environment can feel overwhelming, they brought a sense of calm and comfort into the room. They spoke gently, explained everything clearly, and treated my cousin with incredible patience and care. One nurse in particular took the time to comfort my aunt when she became overwhelmed and reassured our family that my cousin was receiving the best care possible. Watching that interaction made me realize that healthcare is not only about treating illness, but also about supporting families during some of their most difficult moments. I also noticed how the nurses adapted their care to meet the needs of a child. They used soft voices, playful distractions, and encouraging words to help my cousin stay calm during procedures. Their ability to combine medical knowledge with compassion and understanding left a strong impression on me. It showed me that caring for children requires not only skill, but also patience, empathy, and the ability to make a child feel safe during unfamiliar situations. That experience planted the first seed in my mind about working with pediatric patients. I realized that healthcare professionals have the power to transform a frightening experience into one that feels more manageable for both the child and their family. Seeing the difference those nurses made during such a stressful time inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare where I could offer the same level of comfort and compassion to others. Since then, I have been working toward that goal through my education. I am currently pursuing my nursing degree and will be starting my third semester of nursing school in Fall 2027. Each semester brings me one step closer to becoming the kind of nurse I once saw caring for my cousin. Through my studies, clinical experiences, and continued growth, I am learning the skills necessary to provide safe and compassionate care to patients. My goal is to continue building my knowledge and experience so that I can eventually work in pediatric healthcare. I want to be someone who not only provides medical care to children, but also supports and reassures families during moments of uncertainty. Watching how much of a difference compassionate healthcare professionals made in my cousin’s hospital stay inspired me to pursue this path. Today, I am steadily working toward that dream, one semester and one experience at a time. Nursing school has shown me that reaching a meaningful goal requires dedication, perseverance, and compassion. Each step forward in my education reminds me that I am moving closer to the career I hope to pursue and the difference I hope to make in the lives of children and their families.

One of the most difficult challenges I faced occurred during my senior year of high school in 2023 when a close friend of mine died by suicide. Losing someone so close to me at such an important moment in my life was devastating. At the time, I was preparing to graduate and serving as a leader in my school’s Bible club. Grief made it difficult to focus, and I struggled to process the loss while still carrying responsibilities at school and in my community. However, that season of pain ultimately taught me resilience, strengthened my faith, and helped shape the person I am becoming today. Rather than stepping away from my responsibilities, I chose to continue leading in the Bible club. I realized that leadership does not mean always having the answers or being unaffected by hardship. Sometimes leadership means showing up even when you are hurting and creating a space where others feel supported. Through leading discussions, encouraging classmates, and being present for others, I learned how important empathy and compassion are when people are struggling. This experience helped me grow as a leader and showed me that even in difficult moments, we can still positively impact those around us. During that same time, I also experienced an unexpected illness that resulted in a hospital stay. Being hospitalized while I was already emotionally overwhelmed was incredibly difficult. Yet that experience became a turning point in my life. I witnessed the compassion, patience, and professionalism of the nurses who cared for me. They treated every patient with dignity and kindness, even during stressful moments. Watching how they comforted people and provided reassurance during vulnerable situations made a lasting impression on me. In that moment, I realized that I wanted to pursue nursing so that I could offer the same level of care and compassion to others. I faced another obstacle during my freshman year of college when I was temporarily without stable housing while balancing three college courses. It was a stressful and uncertain time, and I ultimately made the difficult decision to withdraw from one class so I could focus on finishing the semester successfully. Although it was not easy, that experience taught me an important lesson about perseverance. Sometimes overcoming obstacles means adjusting your path rather than giving up completely. With the support of people around me and my faith to guide me, I was able to continue moving forward in my education. These challenges strengthened my determination to pursue a career where compassion, resilience, and service are essential. Today, I am working toward becoming a nurse so that I can care for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. My experiences have taught me that difficult seasons can shape us into stronger and more empathetic individuals. Because of these experiences, I have learned that leadership means serving others with compassion and perseverance, even when life is difficult. These lessons will continue to guide me as I pursue my education and work toward making a positive difference in the lives of others.

One of the most difficult challenges I faced occurred during my senior year of high school in 2023 when a close friend of mine died by suicide. At the time, I was a leader in my school’s Bible club and preparing to graduate, but the loss deeply affected me. I felt heartbroken and struggled to understand how to process the grief. It was a painful experience that challenged both my emotional strength and my faith. However, during that time, I learned how important it is to lean on faith and community during moments of hardship. Through prayer, reading Scripture, and being surrounded by people who loved and supported me through my church community, I slowly began to heal. My faith reminded me that even in moments of deep pain, there is still hope and purpose. Although the grief did not disappear overnight, the encouragement from others and my relationship with God helped me move forward and grow stronger through the experience. Around that same time, I became unexpectedly ill and was hospitalized. Being in the hospital during such a vulnerable time in my life was overwhelming, but it also became a turning point. While I was there, I witnessed the compassion and dedication of the nurses who cared for me. They treated me with patience, kindness, and empathy even when I was struggling physically and emotionally. Seeing how they comforted and supported patients made a lasting impression on me. In that moment, I realized that I wanted to become a nurse so that I could provide the same kind of care and compassion to others during difficult moments in their lives. I later faced another challenge during my freshman year of college when I was temporarily without stable housing while trying to balance three college courses. It was a stressful situation, and I ultimately had to withdraw from one class in order to focus on maintaining my well-being and finishing the semester successfully. Although it was not easy, that experience taught me an important lesson about perseverance and asking for help when needed. Once again, my faith and the support of people around me helped guide me through that difficult time. These experiences shaped both my personal growth and my career goals. They taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of serving others during vulnerable moments. Today, I am pursuing a nursing degree with the goal of providing compassionate care to patients who may be facing some of the hardest moments of their lives. Receiving this scholarship would help support my education as I continue working toward becoming a nurse and serving others with empathy, integrity, and dedication.

Growing up between two cultures has shaped both my identity and my purpose. I was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States when I was six years old. Experiencing that transition at a young age helped me understand the value of opportunity and the sacrifices families make in search of a better future. As a first-generation Filipino American, I learned early on that hard work and gratitude go hand in hand. My family’s journey continues to motivate me to pursue my education with dedication and to use what I learn to help others. Faith has also been a central part of how I view my goals and the direction of my life. My Christian beliefs encourage me to approach others with compassion, humility, and a willingness to serve. Rather than viewing a career simply as a profession, I see it as an opportunity to care for people and contribute to something meaningful. This perspective is one of the reasons I chose to pursue nursing. I am currently studying to become a registered nurse and will be entering my third semester of the nursing program at my local community college in Fall 2026. Nursing is a field that combines technical skill with human connection, and that balance is what draws me to it. Nurses are often the healthcare professionals who spend the most time with patients, listening to their concerns, monitoring their health, and supporting them through vulnerable moments. I hope to become the type of nurse who not only provides safe and competent care, but also helps patients feel understood and respected. Outside of academics, I stay involved in my church community and volunteer my time whenever I can. Service has always been an important part of my life, and it reminds me that small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference. I also enjoy writing music as a form of worship. Songwriting has become a creative way for me to reflect on life, express gratitude, and encourage others who may be going through challenges. These experiences have strengthened my belief that connection, empathy, and encouragement are powerful tools for making a positive impact. After completing my nursing degree, I plan to serve as a nurse in the United States Air Force. This path allows me to combine healthcare with a commitment to service. Caring for military members and their families would give me the opportunity to support individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting others. It is a responsibility I would approach with deep respect and a strong sense of purpose. In the long term, I hope my education will allow me to serve with both competence and compassion. Whether working in a hospital, supporting military communities, or simply being present for patients during difficult moments, my goal is to contribute to a healthcare environment where people feel cared for and valued. By using the opportunities I have been given through education, I hope to uplift others and make a positive difference in the lives of those I serve.

Hello everybody, my name is Frances Monayao. The Lord has been so good to me that I am able to share all the ups and downs the Lord has seen me through, and I have persevered every time!! I grew up going to church as a child who admired seeing the faith my parents have. But like most high school students, they fall into the wrong group of influences, trying to fit in. It was a time when I would feel belittled by people whom I wanted to please. But shortly after seeking guidance and being transparent to my family, they have taught me that I am never supposed to just blend with the people of the world, but to be the light of the world! I started to go back to church again, not just attending but serving full and wholeheartedly. Even in my high school, other friends and I from my youth group started a Bible club in 2022, my junior year of High school, where it is 100% student lead, preaching the Gospel in public high schools. Now it is 2026, I am in my second year in nursing school, soon to be graduating in about 1 year. The Lord still shows me how it is to be His child time and time again. It can be easy to be caught up with having school or the "grind of the career" on a pedestal that is placed higher than the Lord. And I think my first year going into my prerequisites of Nursing school, i have faced that exact feeling. But how sweet and patient Jesus is in showing me that all of this for nothing if I don't have the Lord in my heart. I think of the verse John 15:5 (NKJV): "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." This highlights that accomplishments apart from a relationship with Jesus are spiritually empty. I truly know that if you don't abide in the Lord, we are nothing, and so are our life accomplishments. God steered me back into knowing where He is in my life. And now, I plan to use my knowledge and faith to continue doing school, graduate as an ADN, go on to get my BSN, and, Lord willing, to get ICU experience and apply to CRN school. I want to be able for the Lord to clear this path straight if this is His will. But again, with knowing Jesus, He can change our directions in the blink of an eye. So whatever is His will, I will follow and obey obediently. I have tasted and seen the goodness and faithfulness of Jesus, and I will use my life as a vessel for His glory and use the brain and education He is continuing to bless me with to pray for the broken and lay hands on the sick. Jesus is so good. Thank you all!

Being a member of an underrepresented minority has shaped who I am in ways I continue to discover as I grow. I was born in the Philippines and came to the United States when I was six years old. At that age, I didn’t fully understand what it meant to be different, but as I got older, I became more aware of how my background set me apart. There were times I felt like I had to work harder to prove myself, to be understood, or to belong. Those experiences taught me resilience, humility, and pride in where I come from. Growing up Filipino in America showed me the value of sacrifice and hard work. My family came here for better opportunities, and seeing their dedication motivated me to take my education seriously. I learned early on not to take opportunities for granted. Being part of an immigrant family gave me a deep appreciation for perseverance and responsibility. It made me want to honor my roots by using my education to build a meaningful future, not just for myself, but for others too. There were moments when I felt unseen or misunderstood because of my background. Sometimes it was small things, like people mispronouncing my name or making assumptions about who I was. Other times it was feeling like I didn’t quite fit into any category. Over time, I learned to embrace my identity instead of shrinking it. Being Filipino is a part of my story, my culture, my values, and my strength. It taught me to be proud of who I am and confident in the space I take up. This identity has strongly influenced my desire to go into nursing. As someone who understands what it feels like to be different, I want to be a nurse who makes people feel seen and respected. Healthcare can be intimidating, especially for people from minority or immigrant backgrounds. I want to be someone patients can trust, someone who listens without judgment and treats everyone with dignity. I know how powerful it is to feel understood, and I want to give that to others. Being part of an underrepresented minority has also made me more aware of health disparities and the importance of advocacy. Many communities lack access to proper healthcare, education, and support. I want to be a voice for those who feel overlooked or unheard. My background gives me compassion and awareness that I will carry into my career. In the future, especially as I plan to join the military as a nurse, I want to represent my culture with pride. I want to show that strength, faith, and dedication come in all backgrounds. I hope to inspire other young people from minority communities to believe in their potential and pursue their goals without fear. My identity has shaped my perspective, my compassion, and my purpose. It has taught me that being different is not a weakness, but a strength. I plan to use my experiences to make healthcare more inclusive, more understanding, and more human.

God and my faith have helped me the most during the hardest moments of my life, especially when I felt like I couldn’t carry the weight of everything on my own. One of the biggest examples is when I lost my best friend, Zach, during my senior year of high school. We had known each other since beginner orchestra, and he was such a big part of my life. He was kind, caring, and the funniest person you could ever meet. When he passed, I felt completely shattered. My grief affected me emotionally and mentally in ways I had never experienced before. There were days I felt empty, confused, and overwhelmed by the sadness. During that time, my faith became my safe place. I remember praying when I didn’t even know what to say, just asking God to hold me together when I felt like I was falling apart. I leaned heavily on my church and my leaders, who prayed for me, checked on me, and reminded me that God was close even in my pain. That was when I truly understood what it meant that “the Lord comforts those who mourn.” I didn’t feel healed overnight, but I felt supported and carried through a season that could have easily broken me. My faith gave me peace when I didn’t have answers. Another real way my faith has helped me is through stress and pressure in nursing school. There are moments when exams, clinicals, and responsibilities feel overwhelming. Before tests or clinical shifts, I pray for calmness, focus, and confidence. When I feel like I’m not smart enough or prepared enough, my faith reminds me that God placed this calling in my heart for a reason. It helps me trust myself and keep pushing forward even when I feel unsure. My faith has also shaped the way I treat others. When someone is hurting or going through something difficult, I try to be patient, kind, and present because I know how much that meant to me when I was grieving. I’ve learned that sometimes people don’t need advice, they just need someone to listen and care. That mindset comes directly from my relationship with God. In my nursing career, I believe my faith will guide how I care for my patients. When I meet patients who are scared, in pain, or facing uncertainty, I want to be gentle, calm, and reassuring. When families are overwhelmed or emotional, I want to show compassion and understanding instead of rushing or becoming detached. My faith will remind me that every patient is someone God loves deeply, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. My faith will also help me handle difficult days in healthcare. There will be moments of exhaustion, stress, and even loss. In those times, I will lean on prayer to give me strength and peace so I don’t become hardened or emotionally distant. I want to stay soft-hearted and compassionate, even in a demanding field. God hasn’t removed every hardship from my life, but He has walked with me through each one. My faith has given me strength, direction, and purpose. It reminds me that nursing is not just a career for me, but a way to serve others with love, patience, and grace.

Alzheimer’s disease is something I never really understood until I saw how deeply it affected people in my community. I watched a family I was close to walk through it with their grandmother, and it changed the way I see illness, aging, and love. She was once full of life. She told the best stories, remembered everyone’s birthdays, and always had something encouraging to say. She was the kind of person who made you feel seen. Slowly, that began to change. At first, it was small things. She would forget where she placed her purse or ask the same question multiple times. People would laugh it off and say it was just “old age.” But then it became harder to ignore. She stopped recognizing familiar faces. She would look confused in places she had been her whole life. Sometimes she would get scared because she didn’t understand what was happening to her. Seeing that fear in her eyes was heartbreaking. It made me realize how terrifying it must be to lose parts of yourself and not be able to stop it. The hardest part was watching her family. They became her full-time support. They had to learn how to be patient in ways they never had before. They repeated the same answers over and over. They helped her dress, eat, and take her medications. They stayed calm when she became frustrated or upset. I saw how exhausting it was for them, emotionally and physically. They loved her so deeply, but they were slowly losing the version of her they had always known. It felt like they were grieving someone who was still alive, which is a pain I never really understood until then. What stood out to me the most was how love still existed even when memory was fading. Even when she couldn’t remember names, she still responded to kindness. She smiled when people spoke gently to her. She relaxed when someone held her hand. She lit up when familiar music played. It taught me that connection doesn’t always come from words. Sometimes it comes from presence, patience, and simple acts of care. This experience taught me how important dignity is in healthcare. People with Alzheimer’s are still people. They still deserve respect, gentleness, and love. Just because their minds are changing doesn’t mean their worth is. It also taught me how powerful caregivers are. They are often overlooked, but they carry so much responsibility and emotion. They deserve support, understanding, and encouragement just as much as the patient does. Seeing this made my desire to become a nurse even stronger. It showed me that nursing isn’t only about medicine or treatment. It’s about showing compassion when someone feels lost. It’s about protecting dignity when someone can’t advocate for themselves. It’s about being calm when someone is scared and being steady when families feel overwhelmed. Alzheimer’s is heartbreaking, but it also showed me how strong love can be. It taught me that even when memories fade, kindness still matters. It made me realize that the smallest actions, a gentle voice, a soft touch, a patient heart, can mean everything to someone who is confused or afraid. That is what I want to bring into healthcare. I want to be someone who doesn’t just care for the body, but for the heart and spirit too.

I want to improve the lives of others in healthcare because I know what it feels like to be vulnerable, scared, and unsure of what’s coming next. I’ve gone through loss, emotional hardship, and moments where I needed someone to just listen and care. Those experiences changed the way I see people, and they’re a big reason I want to become a nurse. I don’t just want to treat symptoms, I want to care for people as a whole. I want my patients to feel like they are seen, heard, and genuinely valued. Lung disease especially stands out to me because breathing is something we often take for granted until it becomes difficult. The idea that something so natural can turn into a daily struggle breaks my heart. I can only imagine how scary it must be to feel like you can’t catch your breath or to constantly worry about your lungs failing you. I want to be the nurse who stays calm and reassuring in those moments. I want to explain things in a way that makes patients feel less afraid and more in control. Whether it’s helping someone use their oxygen, managing inhalers, or encouraging respiratory therapy, I want to be patient and supportive, not rushed or dismissive. With rare medical conditions, I feel an even stronger sense of responsibility. I know how isolating it can feel to go through something that others don’t understand. Many patients with rare illnesses feel overlooked or unheard, and that is something I never want to contribute to. I want to be the nurse who takes the time to learn, ask questions, and truly advocate for them. Even if I don’t have all the answers right away, I want my patients to know that I care enough to try. I want them to feel safe trusting me with their story. I also want to support families. Illness doesn’t just affect one person, it affects everyone who loves them. I want to be someone families can lean on, someone who explains what’s happening honestly but gently, and who reminds them that they are not alone in the process. My heart for nursing comes from wanting to be for others what I needed during hard times: a steady presence, a kind voice, and someone who truly cares. In the future, whether I’m working in military nursing, critical care, or another specialty, I want my patients to remember me not just as a nurse who did her job, but as someone who made them feel safe, respected, and supported. That is how I hope to improve lives through healthcare.

The event that has had the biggest impact on my life was losing my best friend, Zach, during my senior year of high school. We met in beginner orchestra, and from that moment on he became such an important part of my life. Zach was kind, caring, and genuinely the funniest person you could ever meet. He had a way of making everyone feel comfortable and included, and he could turn even the hardest days into lighter ones just by being himself. He brought so much joy into my life and the lives of everyone around him. Losing him was something I was not prepared for. It changed me emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I experienced grief in a way I had never known before, and it deeply affected my mental health. There were days when it was hard to understand why something so painful could happen, especially to someone who brought so much goodness into the world. That season taught me how fragile life truly is and how important it is to love people deeply while we have them. Through that loss, I learned the power of presence and compassion. I realized that healing doesn’t always come from answers or explanations, but from people who are willing to sit with you, listen to you, and remind you that you are not alone. My church community, my faith, and God’s comfort carried me through one of the hardest times in my life. The verse about the Lord comforting those who mourn became very real to me, and it strengthened my relationship with God in ways I never expected. Zach’s life and the way he treated people also inspired me. He showed kindness so naturally, and his ability to care for others without expecting anything in return left a lasting impression on me. Because of him, I became more aware of how much our actions matter and how deeply we can impact others just by being loving and genuine. His memory motivates me to be more compassionate, patient, and understanding. This experience is one of the main reasons I chose to pursue nursing. I want to be the kind of person who brings comfort in moments of pain, just like I needed when I was grieving. I want to care for people not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. Losing Zach taught me that life is precious and that every moment matters. It shaped my heart for service and confirmed my desire to work in healthcare, where I can support others during their most vulnerable times and honor the impact he had on my life by living with kindness, love, and purpose.

1. My motivation for pursuing advanced education comes from my deep desire to grow into the best nurse, leader, and servant I can be. Nursing is not just a career choice for me, it is a calling that is rooted in my faith, my life experiences, and my passion for helping others. I believe that God placed this desire in my heart to care for people with compassion, patience, and excellence. Continuing my education allows me to honor that calling by becoming more knowledgeable, skilled, and prepared to serve patients at a higher level. My personal experiences have shaped this motivation. I have faced grief, emotional hardship, and responsibility at a young age, and those challenges taught me how important it is to be strong, compassionate, and dependable for others. Going through loss and becoming a young mother pushed me to grow faster than I expected, but it also strengthened my sense of purpose. I realized that I want a future where I can make a real difference in people’s lives, especially during their most vulnerable moments. Advanced education will give me the tools to do that with confidence and competence. I am also motivated by my goal to join the United States Air Force as a nurse after graduating. The military value of “service before self” aligns closely with my faith and the way I want to live my life. I want to serve something greater than myself, and military nursing represents dedication, sacrifice, and honor. Pursuing advanced education will help prepare me for the responsibility and leadership required in military healthcare settings. It will also allow me to work in high-acuity environments where strong clinical judgment and critical thinking are essential. In the future, I hope to continue advancing my education even further, possibly becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). This role inspires me because it requires excellence, discipline, and a deep commitment to patient safety. I am motivated to pursue advanced education so I can expand my impact, take on greater responsibility, and provide care at the highest level. I want my career to reflect growth, purpose, and a commitment to lifelong learning. 2. This scholarship would greatly benefit me by reducing the financial stress that often comes with pursuing higher education. As a nursing student balancing school, family responsibilities, and future career goals, financial support would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and clinical training. Instead of worrying about tuition and expenses, I would be able to dedicate my energy to becoming the best nurse I can be. This scholarship would also serve as encouragement and validation. Knowing that others believe in my goals and potential would motivate me to continue working hard and staying committed to my purpose. It would remind me that my journey matters and that my dedication to service and education is meaningful. More importantly, this scholarship would be an investment in my future service to others. It would support not only my academic success but also my ability to give back through healthcare and military service. By helping me continue my education, this scholarship would allow me to grow into a nurse who serves with compassion, integrity, and excellence. I plan to use everything I learn to advocate for patients, protect life, and care for others in a way that reflects both my faith and my commitment to “service before self.”

Right now, I give back in the ways that I can through my church, my school, and the way I show up for people in my life. I volunteer at my church, helping wherever I’m needed, whether that’s assisting with events, serving others, or simply being a support to people who are going through hard times. My church has been a huge part of my growth, and giving back there allows me to show gratitude for the guidance, love, and encouragement I’ve received. I also give back by being present for others emotionally. Sometimes that looks like listening, encouraging, or checking in on someone who might feel alone. I’ve learned that giving back doesn’t always have to be something big; sometimes it’s just being kind and available. As a nursing student, I also give back by taking my education seriously. I see learning as a way to prepare myself to serve others better in the future. Every exam, clinical, and long night of studying is part of becoming someone who can make a real difference in people’s lives. I want to be a nurse who is not only skilled, but compassionate, patient, and understanding. I try to treat classmates, instructors, and patients with respect and empathy because I believe those small actions reflect the kind of nurse and person I want to be. In the future, I plan to positively impact the world through healthcare and service. My goal is to become a nurse who truly cares for people during their most vulnerable moments. I want my patients to feel safe, respected, and valued. After graduating, I plan to join the military as a nurse, which will allow me to serve my country while living out the value of “service before self.” Caring for service members and their families would be an honor, and I believe it will shape me into a stronger and more selfless nurse. Long-term, I hope to continue advancing my education and growing in my ability to help others, possibly in critical care or advanced practice nursing. No matter where my career leads, I want my impact to be rooted in compassion, faith, and integrity. I hope to inspire others, especially young people and young mothers, to believe in themselves and pursue their goals despite challenges. Ultimately, I plan to give back by using my life, education, and experiences to serve others with love. Whether through nursing, military service, or community involvement, I want my actions to reflect kindness, strength, and a genuine desire to make the world a better place.

This scholarship means something to me because I truly believe that every experience, especially the painful ones, shapes who we become. My personal challenges have not only influenced my decision to pursue a career in medicine, but they have also shaped the kind of nurse I hope to be. Through loss, faith, and responsibility at a young age, I learned compassion, resilience, and the importance of showing up for others when life feels overwhelming. One of the most impactful experiences in my life was losing my best friend, Zach, during my senior year of high school. We met in beginner orchestra, and from the very beginning he was someone who brought joy everywhere he went. Zach was kind, caring, and the funniest person you could meet. He had a way of making people laugh even on their worst days, and his energy made everyone feel seen and valued. Losing him was devastating. It affected my mental and emotional health deeply and taught me how fragile life truly is. That loss changed how I view people and pain. I learned that sometimes the greatest healing doesn’t come from having the right answers, but from being present, listening, and offering comfort. Experiencing grief firsthand showed me how important compassion is in moments when words are not enough. This is one of the biggest reasons I feel called to healthcare. I want to be the person who stands beside others during their hardest moments, just like I needed during mine. Another life-shaping challenge was becoming a teen mom. It forced me to grow quickly and taught me responsibility, strength, and perseverance. My education stopped being just about my future and became about building a better life for my child. Balancing school, motherhood, and emotional challenges was not easy, but it gave me a deeper purpose. It taught me that even when life doesn’t go as planned, beautiful growth can come from it. My faith has carried me through all of these experiences. As a Christian, I believe God uses our hardships to guide us toward our purpose. Through prayer, church support, and trusting His plan, I learned that pain doesn’t define us—what we do with it does. My faith continues to inspire my desire to protect life and serve others with love and humility. These experiences pushed me toward nursing because it allows me to combine compassion, service, and purpose. They will help me make a positive impact in healthcare by giving me a deeper understanding of grief, vulnerability, and resilience. I can connect with patients on a human level, not just a clinical one. I understand what it feels like to struggle, to lose, and to keep going anyway. Ultimately, my challenges shaped my heart for medicine. Through nursing, I hope to turn my pain into purpose and my experiences into empathy, helping make healthcare a place of comfort, dignity, and hope.

I live out my faith by trying to love people the way Jesus does, in simple, everyday ways. For me, supporting Pro-Life starts with believing that every life has value and purpose, no matter the stage or situation. I try to show that through kindness, patience, and understanding. I don’t believe in leading with judgment, but with compassion. A lot of people are walking through really hard things, and I want to be someone who brings comfort, not pressure. Whether it’s listening, encouraging, or just being present, I try to reflect God’s love in how I treat others. In my daily life, this means being mindful of my words, my actions, and how I show empathy. I pray often and stay connected to my church, which helps keep me grounded. Supporting Pro-Life also means supporting women, families, and anyone who feels overwhelmed or unsure. I believe protecting life includes caring for the emotional and physical needs of people, not just standing firm in beliefs. Faith has taught me that love and grace should always come first. My faith has played a huge role in shaping my future goals and career path. It’s one of the main reasons I chose nursing. Nursing feels like a natural way for me to live out “service before self” while honoring God. I want to care for people in their most vulnerable moments and be someone they can trust. Eventually joining the military also connects to this, because it reflects sacrifice, discipline, and serving something greater than myself. Both nursing and military service allow me to protect and value life in meaningful ways. I see healthcare as one of the most powerful places to protect life. Nurses advocate for patients when they cannot advocate for themselves. We help protect dignity, safety, and respect. That responsibility means a lot to me. I want to be a nurse who treats every patient like their life matters deeply, whether they are just beginning, healing, or nearing the end of life. My faith reminds me that every person is created with worth, and that should be reflected in the care I give. Through my education, I plan to make a difference by being both knowledgeable and compassionate. I want to support life not only through my beliefs, but through action. That means giving patients accurate information, standing up for their dignity, and providing care that is gentle, respectful, and ethical. I want to be someone who brings calm and reassurance in difficult moments. To me, being Pro-Life is about more than a position. It’s about how you treat people when they are scared, hurting, or unsure. I hope my life and career show that protecting life means showing love, patience, and respect to every person I meet.

I am passionate about nursing because it allows me to serve people in the moments when they need it most. Nursing is not just a career to me, it is a calling. I believe God placed this desire in my heart to care for others with compassion, patience, and love. I have always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, and nursing gives me the opportunity to do that in a real and meaningful way. Being able to help someone feel safe, supported, and cared for during one of the hardest times in their life is something that truly motivates me. What I hope to get out of my career as a nurse is growth, purpose, and the ability to serve others selflessly. I want to grow not only in my clinical skills, but also in my character. I want to become stronger, more confident, and more compassionate. Nursing will allow me to constantly learn, challenge myself, and improve so I can provide the best care possible. I also hope to build strong relationships with patients and coworkers and be someone others can trust and rely on. Most importantly, I want my career to reflect the value of “service before self,” which aligns with both my faith and my desire to eventually join the military. The area of nursing I hope to enter is military nursing, and eventually critical care. After graduating, I plan to join the United States Air Force as a nurse. Military nursing inspires me because it combines healthcare with service to our country. I admire the discipline, commitment, and selflessness that come with serving in the military. Being able to care for service members and their families would be an honor, and I believe it would shape me into a stronger nurse and person. In the future, I also hope to continue advancing my education and possibly pursue becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. In my specific specialty, I hope to make an impact by being a nurse who truly cares for the whole person. Whether I am working in military or critical care settings, I want to be someone who not only provides safe and skilled care, but also emotional support and encouragement. Patients in high-stress situations need reassurance, patience, and compassion just as much as medical treatment. I want to be a calm and steady presence, especially during critical moments. I also hope to make an impact by being a role model of faith, integrity, and perseverance. I want others to see that you can be strong, professional, and compassionate while staying rooted in your beliefs. Through nursing, I want to show that loving God and loving people can be lived out through action. My goal is to leave every patient feeling valued, respected, and cared for, knowing that someone truly had their best interest at heart.

With me continuing my education in nursing is something I feel strongly called to do because I want to grow into the best nurse I can be. I didn’t choose nursing just to get a degree or a job—I chose it because I genuinely want to help people and make a difference. As a Christian, I believe that learning and growing are ways to honor God, especially when it allows me to care for others better. After I graduate and gain experience, I plan to join the United States Air Force as a nurse. Military service has inspired me because of its strong values, especially the idea of “service before self.” That saying really connects with me because it reflects how I want to live my life and practice nursing. I want to be someone who puts others first, even when it’s challenging, and who is willing to serve in situations that require commitment, discipline, and sacrifice. I’m interested in continuing my education because I don’t want to limit myself or my impact as a nurse. I’m drawn to areas of nursing that involve critical care and higher responsibility, where nurses have to think quickly, stay calm under pressure, and make important decisions. I know that advanced education will help me build confidence, strengthen my clinical skills, and prepare me for roles where I can take on more responsibility for patient care. In the future, I hope to pursue advanced practice nursing, possibly becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). I’m inspired by the level of trust placed in CRNAs and the impact they have on patient safety during surgeries and procedures. The idea of being responsible for a patient’s comfort and well-being during such critical moments is something I take seriously and want to work toward. My goal in my specific area of nursing is to provide care that is compassionate, safe, and patient-centered. I want patients to feel heard and supported, not just treated. I also hope to be a positive presence on healthcare teams and eventually mentor other students or new nurses who are figuring out their own paths. Continuing my education is important to me because I know I still have so much to learn. Through nursing, military service, and advanced education, I hope to grow into a nurse who serves with purpose, faith, and integrity while making a real difference in the lives of others.

My decision to pursue a career in the medical field was inspired by a strong desire to serve others during their most vulnerable moments. Through personal experiences with loss, hardship, and faith, I came to understand how meaningful compassionate care can be. Those experiences shaped my belief that true fulfillment comes from helping others, which is why nursing feels like more than a career to me, it feels like a calling. As a Christian, my faith has guided many of my life decisions, including my choice to pursue nursing. I believe we are called to love and care for others, especially those who are hurting. During difficult seasons in my life, I witnessed how healthcare professionals could bring comfort simply by being present, listening, and showing compassion. Those moments left a lasting impression on me and inspired me to enter the medical field so that I could offer the same support to others. In addition to nursing, I am strongly drawn to military service and plan to join the United States Air Force after graduating. One of the values that resonates with me most is the military principle of “service before self.” This mindset closely aligns with my personal beliefs and faith. Putting others first, staying committed even when it is difficult, and serving a mission greater than yourself are values that I strive to live by every day. Nursing, especially within the military, embodies this principle through dedication, sacrifice, and teamwork. Through my career, I plan to make a difference by being a nurse who advocates for patients and treats each person with dignity and respect. I want to care for the whole individual physically, emotionally, and mentally, while recognizing that every patient has their own story. Whether I am caring for service members, veterans, or civilians, my goal is to provide care that is compassionate, thoughtful, and patient-centered. I also hope to continue growing professionally by challenging myself in environments that require resilience, leadership, and adaptability. Military nursing offers opportunities to develop these qualities while serving those who serve our country. In the long term, I plan to advance my education and expand my role in healthcare, always guided by the same values that inspired me to start this journey. Ultimately, pursuing a career in the medical field allows me to live out my faith and commitment to service. By embracing the principle of “service before self,” I hope to make a lasting difference through compassion, dedication, and a genuine desire to care for others.

My experience with mental health has deeply shaped my beliefs, relationships, and professional goals. As a Christian, my faith in God has always been central to who I am, but it was through seasons of loss and grief that my faith was truly tested and strengthened. Losing close people in my life, especially my best friend during my senior year of high school, had a profound impact on my mental health and the way I understood both suffering and healing. My best friend and I had known each other since seventh grade, growing up side by side through some of the most formative years of our lives. Losing someone who had been such a constant presence left me feeling overwhelmed, heartbroken, and unsure of how to move forward. Grief affected me emotionally and mentally in ways I had never experienced before. There were moments of deep sadness, confusion, and loneliness, and I learned firsthand how mental health struggles can quietly impact every part of a person’s life. During that time, my faith became both a refuge and a source of strength. Scripture reminds us that the Lord comforts those who mourn, and I experienced that comfort through prayer, worship, and the support of my church community. Church leaders, mentors, and trusted believers walked alongside me, offering guidance, encouragement, and a safe space to process my grief. Their support helped me understand that struggling with mental health does not mean a lack of faith, but rather highlights the importance of community, compassion, and healing. These experiences have also shaped how I approach relationships. I have become more intentional about showing empathy, listening without judgment, and being present for others during difficult times. Grief taught me that people often carry unseen burdens, and a simple act of kindness or understanding can make a meaningful difference. Because of this, I value authentic connections and strive to be someone others can lean on when they are struggling. Professionally, my journey has strongly influenced my decision to pursue nursing. Going through mental and emotional hardship has given me a deeper sense of compassion for those who are hurting, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. As a nursing student, I hope to be a source of comfort and advocacy for patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I want to care for the whole person, recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health. Ultimately, my experiences with loss and mental health have strengthened my faith, deepened my relationships, and clarified my calling. With God’s guidance and the support I have received, I am committed to using my education and compassion to help others heal, find hope, and know they are not alone.

Although the military member who has influenced me most is not a family member by blood, he feels like family in every way. My boyfriend joined the United States Air Force on August 8, 2023, and he is still proudly serving today. Watching his journey has given me a deeper understanding of what it truly means to answer a calling to serve your country and live a life guided by purpose and selflessness. From the moment he decided to enlist, I saw how seriously he took the commitment. Joining the Air Force was not an easy choice, and it required sacrifice, discipline, and trust in something bigger than himself. Through our conversations, he often spoke about the core value of “service before self,” and over time, I began to see how deeply he lives by those words. Whether it was long hours, time away from loved ones, or putting the mission first, he showed me that service is not about convenience, but about responsibility. One thing that stands out most to me is how his dedication extends beyond the uniform. Even in everyday life, he consistently puts others first and carries himself with humility and integrity. He has taught me that serving your country does not end when the day is over—it is a mindset that shapes how you treat people, how you handle challenges, and how you stay committed even when things are difficult. Seeing this has challenged me to reflect on my own values and the kind of person I want to become. There have been moments when his service has been difficult, especially during times of stress or separation, but those moments have only deepened my respect for the sacrifices military members and their families make. Through those experiences, I have learned the importance of resilience, patience, and faith. He has shown me that staying grounded in your purpose helps you push through challenges while remaining focused on the greater good. Because of his influence, my desire to serve has grown stronger. His example has inspired me to pursue a career in military nursing, where I can care for others while living out the same values of dedication and compassion. Watching him serve has taught me that answering a calling is not always easy, but it is always meaningful. His continued service reminds me daily that true leadership and strength come from selflessness, commitment, and a heart willing to serve something greater than yourself.

I plan to graduate from nursing school in the spring of 2027, and after that, my goal is to join the United States Air Force as a military nurse. This is a path I feel called to follow, and I trust that the Lord will guide my steps along the way. Nursing is more than just a career choice for me—it is a way to serve others, especially those who are at their most vulnerable and unable to care for themselves. Throughout nursing school, I have learned that being a nurse means more than having clinical skills or medical knowledge. It means showing compassion, patience, and understanding to every patient, even in difficult moments. Many people experience fear, pain, or uncertainty when they are sick, and nurses are often the ones who stay by their side. I pray that I will always be someone my patients can feel safe with, and that I can care for them with kindness, respect, and dignity. My desire to join the United States Air Force comes from a strong sense of service and purpose. I admire the commitment and sacrifice of those who serve our country, and I want to contribute in a meaningful way through nursing. As a military nurse, I hope to care for service members and their families while developing leadership skills and resilience in challenging environments. I believe this experience will shape me both professionally and personally, helping me grow into a stronger and more confident nurse. Looking further into the future, I hope to continue advancing my education and eventually pursue a career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). This goal reflects my dedication to lifelong learning and providing the highest level of patient care possible. I understand that becoming a CRNA requires hard work, discipline, and perseverance, but I am motivated by the responsibility and impact that role has on patient safety and comfort. Receiving this scholarship would be a huge blessing and would help relieve some of the financial stress that comes with nursing school. It would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and clinical experiences, helping me become the best nurse I can be. With faith, determination, and support, I am committed to using my education to serve others, honor my calling, and make a positive difference in the lives of those I care for. The Lord has given me many opportunities with the hard work and sacrifice of others before me, for I will not waste.