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Giovanna Ferguson

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am a nursing student at Morgan State University with a strong passion for helping others through compassionate, patient centered care. My goal is to become a registered nurse who not only provides excellent medical care but also makes patients feel seen, heard, and supported during difficult moments in their lives. I am especially passionate about health education, advocacy, and giving back to under served communities. I believe I am a strong candidate because I am determined, hardworking, and resilient. I balance academics with personal responsibilities while continuing to stay focused on my future. Challenges have taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of empathy. I am committed to using my education to create a meaningful impact in healthcare and inspire others to keep pushing forward no matter their circumstances.

Education

Morgan State University

Bachelor's degree program
2025 - 2028
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      nursing

    • Dream career goals:

    • Team Member

      Cinemark
      2026 – Present7 months
    • Team Member

      Panera Bread
      2024 – 20251 year

    Sports

    Swimming

    Varsity
    2014 – 20239 years

    Research

    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other

      Dayton Childrens — Researcher
      2024 – 2024

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Dayton Childrens — Working with the children
      2023 – 2025

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Tia Lukeya Woods from Books Pages to Boarding Passes Scholarship
    Educating yourself to obtain a degree is just part of your education. It's also about acquiring enough knowledge to change your life forever allowing you to grow into an individual who serves others through their work. In choosing nursing as my profession, I want to contribute positively to people's lives at critical times. My education has provided me with scientific knowledge and promoted my understanding of discipline, communication, and compassion. Each textbook I read and lecture I attend, as well as every assignment and study session I complete, will serve as preparation for me to formally begin a career as a knowledgeable and responsible professional who possesses a passion for providing quality patient care. The growth in my academic experience has been enhanced with the usage of academic resources. Academic resources when I was in college were no more than just ways to assist in achieving success in a class. I had access to many different academic resources, like books, homework help from tutors, lab studies to complete my Physics requirement, and many online resources, which I used in my studies as a way to provide clarity to many difficult subjects that sometimes seemed overwhelming to me, and without these academic resources I would have definitely found my way through college more difficult and my confidence as a learner would have been lower. Being prepared with academic resources is important in becoming a successful healthcare professional for a variety of reasons, but foremostly because success in healthcare is reliant on being ready to assist and provide care to a patient, who deserves to have a healthcare provider who is serious about their education. As a Student at an HBCU, I have learned how education is about so much more than just who you are and that education has more meaning when it encompasses legacy, community, and representation. Being at Morgan State and being surrounded by students and faculty who aspire to be excellent continues to give me a feeling of being a part of something greater than myself. As an individual pursuing a career as a Black healthcare professional, being aware of representation is relevant to me because many communities and groups still experience barriers to healthcare through a lack of access, distrust of the healthcare delivery system, and inequitable treatment. Therefore, I am being educated to become a person who can reduce those barriers by providing care to those individuals who are affected by these challenges with care, compassion, and professionalism. This award would enable me to participate more significantly in my education because it would relieve some of the pressures caused by financial challenges and provide me with greater access to resources and experiences that will assist me in being successful. Therefore, this award will allow me to devote more time to developing my knowledge directly related to my future profession. Furthermore, I plan to use what I learn through this award to become a nurse who serves all of his/her patients with dignity, patience, and respect. I hope that I can encourage other students to pursue their dreams because success is attainable; it just requires determination. In the words of Tia Lukeya Woods, "The doors that will be opened for you [through education] are endless, and the understanding you gain will shape your world and change the lives of others." I hope to honour Tia's memory if I am fortunate enough to receive this award by continuing to pursue knowledge through curiosity, serve others with compassion, and create a positive change in my community through education.
    Bold.org No-Essay Top Friend Scholarship
    Post Malone Fan No-Essay Scholarship
    Miley Cyrus Fan No-Essay Scholarship
    Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
    As I was growing up, one thing I discovered at a young age was that so many people deal with their mental health issues in silence; I appreciate the difficulty of this as I still need to continuously work on my own mental health. When I think back to high school, one experience that stands out to me is my struggles with severe headaches. My headaches were not only an extreme physical pain, but they also impacted me emotionally and mentally. There were days that I struggled to focus in class, to complete my homework, and to enjoy a simple dinner with friends and family due to my headaches. The anxiety and frustration I would experience from worrying about when I would have an additional headache added tremendous emotional fatigue to the overall stress I would feel, and this stress would affect my confidence and my overall mental health. Many times, I felt very alone in this struggle simply because many people were unable to comprehend my experience. I appeared to be okay on the outside; however, I was actually trying to manage pain, anxiety, stress, and the pressure to continue. My anxiety would increase every day while I was attempting to balance my responsibilities at school with my ongoing headaches and it would leave me feeling emotionally burnt out. I learned that mental health and physical health are clearly linked through my experiences with these ongoing headaches while I was at school. Going through those experiences has modified how I see other people and what they are going through in their lives. I have developed a greater sense of empathy and compassion for others by understanding that there are people who are suffering from things that cannot be visually seen. Examples of this would be someone who is dealing with anxiety, depression, stress-related issues, chronic pain, personal difficulties - the effect of their situation may not visually show on the outside; however, they are very real. This helped me develop stronger relationships because I learned how critical being a good listener, having empathy towards others, and supporting them without judgment are. Another way that these experiences impacted me was in my goal setting for the future. I have a desire to have a career where my contribution is to have an everyday positive impact on the lives of others; additionally, I am wanting to create a platform for students and younger adults to have open discussions around the issue of mental health. The majority of students and younger adults suffer in silence due to fear of judgment and being misunderstood, and I have learned from my own experiences that this silence can create significant damage; therefore, I will do my best to create a culture that allows these individuals to feel comfortable in asking for help and speaking openly about their challenges.
    Women in Healthcare Scholarship
    Being in the field of nursing is something that has always been of interest to me because I want to help others and improve their lives in a meaningful way. Throughout my life, my passion for working in the health field has grown more personal due to some significant health issues I have experienced. During high school, I was involved in an automobile accident that left me with severe migraines and affected my daily life for much longer than I would have liked. Experiencing all that pain, going to numerous medical appointments, going through all sorts of treatments as well as having to deal with all the emotional stress that went along with this experience gave me such a different view of healthcare. When I was in this type of pain was when I saw how important it is to have healthcare employees be both understanding and compassionate towards patients who are experiencing difficulty not only physically but emotionally as well. It was through my experience dealing with this that drew me to want to learn more about neurology, the way the brain and nervous system work and how neurological disorders affect an individual’s quality of life. My experiences have increased my interest in pediatric medicine because I have come to realise how vital it is for children to feel secure, understood, and supported when undergoing potentially traumatic procedures. By being exposed to the healthcare environment from an early age, I learned how significant a positive impact can be made on a child's recovery through the kindness and patience shown by medical staff. I would like to have the same ability in the future to assist others with the same degree of kindness and compassion. Nursing appeals to me because it combines science, communication, problem solving, and compassion into one career where you make a direct difference in someone's life on a daily basis. My goal for a successful career is to become a knowledgeable, dependable, and compassionate nurse who positively impacts patients and their families. I want to continue learning throughout my career and build strong clinical skills while also being someone patients can trust and feel comfortable around. In the future, I hope to work in a field related to neurology or pediatrics because both specialties connect closely to the experiences that inspired me to pursue healthcare in the first place. I also hope to continue advancing my education and growing professionally so I can take on greater responsibilities and continue improving the quality of care I provide. One of my personal accomplishments has been continuing to stay committed to my education despite the challenges I faced after my accident. Managing severe migraines while balancing school responsibilities required determination, discipline, and resilience. Even during difficult periods, I continued working toward my academic goals and learned how to manage stress, stay organized, and persevere through obstacles. Those experiences strengthened my ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to challenging situations, which I believe are important qualities for anyone working in nursing. Although I may not yet have extensive medical experience through internships or volunteering, my personal experiences with healthcare have strongly shaped my interest in the field and motivated me to pursue nursing. Spending time around healthcare professionals during my recovery allowed me to observe the importance of empathy, teamwork, and patient centered care. I am eager to continue learning, gain hands on experience, and develop the skills necessary to become a successful nurse who can make a positive difference in the lives of others.
    Sgt. Albert Dono Ware Memorial Scholarship
    Sgt. Albert Dono Ware's legacy of dedication, commitment, courage, is closely connected with my personal values that have shaped me as well as my future aspirations. When I was a child, I learned early that if you come from a neighborhood where there are limited opportunities, you must develop both perseverance and discipline in order to see success. Observing how individuals cope with financial struggles, have inequitable access to quality health care or are confined by institutional barriers has made me want to embark on a journey towards creating positive change for others. I now understand that true leadership revolves around who you serve, particularly those who often go unnoticed or are unrecognized for their contributions to society. My pathway to creating an impact in society has been shaped through challenges faced personally and educationally. Attending a historically black college/university (HBCU) has allowed me to gain knowledge, but more importantly understand my identity, culture, resilience and responsibility. Historically black colleges/universities provide environments for young black male students to not only excel academically, but also value the importance of uplifting their communities. Surrounded by professors, mentors and peers who look like me and share similar experiences has built my confidence and reaffirmed my belief that representation matters. Healthcare treatment and delivery have been negatively affected by a lack of diversity in the physician workforce. As a result of this lack of diversity, there are significant differences in the quality of health care provided to patients of color and those from different cultures. Policies that focus on increasing access to healthcare, funding funding for economically disadvantaged communities, and creating and strengthening educational pipelines for students of color pursuing careers in healthcare and STEM fields are critical in addressing the disparities and inequitable experiences of people of color in access to quality healthcare. By providing underrepresented high school students with mentoring, scholarship support, and early direct exposure workshops, we can assist students in closing the opportunity gap that currently exists. Furthermore, it is also imperative to have systemic policy support for affordable healthcare, preventative healthcare, and mental health services as foundational components of longer-term, healthier communities. Change will not happen unless all the different players cooperate. Multiple stakeholders must collaborate to create a collaborative response to the systemic disparities created through our education, healthcare, governmental, nonprofit and community advocacy agencies. It is just as much the responsibility of physicians and other health care providers to hold themselves accountable in working to create access to equitable care as it is for policy to include community involvement and accountability with respect to covering community health issues. The Sgt. Albert Dono Ware Memorial Scholarship would enhance my professional and academic growth by allowing me to achieve my goals without the financial burden of additional expenses, thus giving me the freedom to become involved in both my studies and in the medical profession through leadership opportunities, research projects, and community service activities. This scholarship is much more than an investment in my education; it is an investment in my capacity to serve the community by providing them with the compassion of culturally competent health professionals. My future role as a physician means I can work to help close the diversity gap in medicine by working with underrepresented individuals, mentoring youth from communities of color, and by being a visible example of what is possible for future generations. While representation can inspire trust, create opportunity, and inspire young people to take on careers they may have thought were unattainable, it doesn't answer all questions.
    Deborah Stevens Pediatric Nursing Scholarship
    Eventually, my ambition is to become a pediatric nurse who specializes in neurology. When I was the victim of a severe head injury from a car accident in high school, I experienced first-hand how vital compassionate nurses are within the medical industry. As a patient at the time, I saw how critical they are in making difficult times seem less difficult through their support. When I'm through with my degree, in addition to using my experience to help children with similar issues, I want to provide that same type of support for my patients and their families throughout their treatment. To accomplish this, I must complete the nursing degree program and (in time) complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). I recognize that a nursing career can be very demanding and requires both inner strength and confidence to remain focused on the needs of patients. I know that in order to become a pediatric nurse specializing in neurology, it will take a great deal of effort, perseverance, discipline, and steadfastness; all of those require an effective time management strategy and a well-thought-out plan. Thus, my goal for now is to keep good grades while completing the science and healthcare prerequisites for attending nursing school in addition to finding a job within the healthcare industry to gain necessary hands-on experience as a nurse while attending school so that I develop further my skills of effective communication, the ability to think and perform well under demanding and stressful conditions, and a solid understanding of the relevance of patient care. As I said before, financial responsibilities weigh heavily on my mind. Therefore, planning and budgeting are my most important priorities for college. All of the expenses that I have to pay for, including: tuition, books/supplies for school, transportation, clinical (practical) supplies, uniforms, and certification fees have been well thought out. My current plan for supporting these expenditures is to work part-time while continuing my education so that I can minimize the student loans that I take out. I know that scholarships like this one would lessen my financial burden, enabling me to spend more time and energy on my education and clinical practice as opposed to worrying about how to pay for everything. Emotional support and academic support systems will be important to me as well. My family has provided me with the encouragement to continue pursuing my higher education even when I have run into difficult times, and I will also rely on my professors, advisor(s), tutor(s), and healthcare mentors as support systems during nursing school. Physical (or mental) health is important to me because of my working, going to school, and doing clinicals. If I establish good habits, stay organized, and ask for help when I need it, I should have no problems reaching my goals. Although my ultimate goal is to work in pediatric neurology, I know there are multiple paths to success in healthcare. I am open to exploring different nursing specialties and opportunities that will help me grow professionally and personally. Every experience in the healthcare field will teach me valuable lessons that can improve the care I provide to future patients. I also hope to continue my education beyond nursing school through certifications and advanced training that will allow me to specialize further.
    Community Health Ambassador Scholarship for Nursing Students
    Eventually, my ambition is to become a pediatric nurse who specializes in neurology. When I was the victim of a severe head injury from a car accident in high school, I experienced first hand how vital compassionate nurses are within the medical industry. As a patient at the time, I saw how critical they are in making difficult times seem less difficult through their support. When I'm through with my degree, in addition to using my experience to help children with similar issues, I want to provide that same type of support for my patients and their families throughout their treatment. To accomplish this, I must complete the nursing degree program and (in time) complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). I recognize that a nursing career can be very demanding and requires both inner strength and confidence to remain focused on the needs of patients. I know that in order to become a pediatric nurse specializing in neurology, it will take a great deal of effort, perseverance, discipline, and steadfastness; all of those require an effective time management strategy and a well-thought-out plan. Thus, my goal for now is to keep good grades while completing the science and healthcare prerequisites for attending nursing school in addition to finding a job within the healthcare industry to gain necessary hands-on experience as a nurse while attending school so that I develop further my skills of effective communication, the ability to think and perform well under demanding and stressful conditions, and a solid understanding of the relevance of patient care. As I said before, financial responsibilities weigh heavily on my mind. Therefore, planning and budgeting are my most important priorities for college. All of the expenses that I have to pay for, including: tuition, books/supplies for school, transportation, clinical (practical) supplies, uniforms, and certification fees have been well thought out. My current plan for supporting these expenditures is to work part-time while continuing my education so that I can minimize the student loans that I take out. I know that scholarships like this one would lessen my financial burden, enabling me to spend more time and energy on my education and clinical practice as opposed to worrying about how to pay for everything. Emotional support and academic support systems will be important to me as well. My family has provided me with the encouragement to continue pursuing my higher education even when I have run into difficult times, and I will also rely on my professors, advisor(s), tutor(s), and healthcare mentors as support systems during nursing school. Physical (or mental) health is important to me because of my working, going to school, and doing clinicals. If I establish good habits, stay organized, and ask for help when I need it, I should have no problems reaching my goals. Although my ultimate goal is to work in pediatric neurology, I know there are multiple paths to success in healthcare. I am open to exploring different nursing specialties and opportunities that will help me grow professionally and personally. Every experience in the healthcare field will teach me valuable lessons that can improve the care I provide to future patients. I also hope to continue my education beyond nursing school through certifications and advanced training that will allow me to specialize further.
    Eric Maurice Brandon Memorial Scholarship
    Eventually, my ambition is to become a pediatric nurse who specializes in neurology. When I was the victim of a severe head injury from a car accident in high school, I experienced first-hand how vital compassionate nurses are within the medical industry. As a patient at the time, I saw how critical they are in making difficult times seem less difficult through their support. When I'm through with my degree, in addition to using my experience to help children with similar issues, I want to provide that same type of support for my patients and their families throughout their treatment. To accomplish this, I must complete the nursing degree program and (in time) complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). I recognize that a nursing career can be very demanding and requires both inner strength and confidence to remain focused on the needs of patients. I know that in order to become a pediatric nurse specializing in neurology, it will take a great deal of effort, perseverance, discipline, and steadfastness; all of those require an effective time management strategy and a well-thought-out plan. Thus, my goal for now is to keep good grades while completing the science and healthcare prerequisites for attending nursing school in addition to finding a job within the healthcare industry to gain necessary hands-on experience as a nurse while attending school so that I develop further my skills of effective communication, the ability to think and perform well under demanding and stressful conditions, and a solid understanding of the relevance of patient care. As I said before, financial responsibilities weigh heavily on my mind. Therefore, planning and budgeting are my most important priorities for college. All of the expenses that I have to pay for, including: tuition, books/supplies for school, transportation, clinical (practical) supplies, uniforms, and certification fees have been well thought out. My current plan for supporting these expenditures is to work part-time while continuing my education so that I can minimize the student loans that I take out. I know that scholarships like this one would lessen my financial burden, enabling me to spend more time and energy on my education and clinical practice as opposed to worrying about how to pay for everything. Emotional support and academic support systems will be important to me as well. My family has provided me with the encouragement to continue pursuing my higher education even when I have run into difficult times, and I will also rely on my professors, advisor(s), tutor(s), and healthcare mentors as support systems during nursing school. Physical (or mental) health is important to me because of my working, going to school, and doing clinicals. If I establish good habits, stay organized, and ask for help when I need it, I should have no problems reaching my goals. Although my ultimate goal is to work in pediatric neurology, I know there are multiple paths to success in healthcare. I am open to exploring different nursing specialties and opportunities that will help me grow professionally and personally. Every experience in the healthcare field will teach me valuable lessons that can improve the care I provide to future patients. I also hope to continue my education beyond nursing school through certifications and advanced training that will allow me to specialize further.
    Junie Project Scholarship
    My path toward becoming a physician began well before I made the decision to study medicine. It all started with the realization that I want to make a difference in the lives of others. Seeing family members and close friends cope with life-threatening illnesses taught me how important it is to have compassionate and knowledgeable healthcare providers. I recognized that there is more to caring for a patient than just treating their symptoms. It is about listening to them, advocating for them, and helping them find hope in some of the most difficult times of their lives. These experiences have made me want to combine science, compassion and service to help underprivileged communities get access to the quality health care that they need. As a student at Morgan State University, my determination to pursue my purpose in life has been further strengthened. The fact that I am surrounded by other ambitious Black students, faculty who mentor me and positive role models has helped me understand the need for representation in the workplace and particularly in healthcare. As an HBCU student, I have learned about the importance of resilience, support from the community, and supporting others as I strive for excellence. Morgan State University has given me the courage to believe that I belong in healthcare and that my voice, experience and perspective are all valuable contributions to this field. I have faced many challenges that have tested my resolve throughout this journey. I have had to find balance between my academic responsibilities, finances, and the transition from being an out-of-state student, which has required extreme perseverance and self-discipline at times. There were times when I felt overwhelmed during this process, but those instances have given me a stronger work ethic and a reminder of why I began this journey. Each challenge provided me with additional motivation to push forward in pursuit of becoming a compassionate and ethical physician. The Junie Project Scholarship would help ease the financial burden of continuing my education and allow me to focus more completely on my academic development, clinical experiences, and participation in community service. For students who have a strong desire to pursue a career in medicine but have encountered obstacles, scholarships such as this one create access to pursue that goal. This assistance will enable me to continue my evolution as a physician capable of leading, fighting for, and serving those communities that continue to be under-recognized in our healthcare systems. As a future physician, I want to help bridge the diversity gap in medicine by becoming a source of representation and trust for patients from underrepresented backgrounds. Studies continue to show that diverse healthcare providers improve communication, cultural understanding, and patient outcomes. I want patients to see someone who understands their experiences and makes them feel heard and respected. Beyond practicing medicine, I hope to mentor younger students, encourage more minority students to pursue healthcare careers, and contribute to building a more equitable medical field for future generations. Medicine is not simply a career I chose. It is a purpose that has grown through personal experiences, education, and a commitment to helping others. Attending an HBCU has reinforced my belief that representation, service, and perseverance can create meaningful change, and I am determined to carry those values with me throughout my medical journey.
    Women in Nursing Scholarship
    Being in the field of nursing is something that has always been of interest to me because I want to help others and improve their lives in a meaningful way. Throughout my life, my passion for working in the health field has grown more personal due to some significant health issues I have experienced. During high school, I was involved in an automobile accident that left me with severe migraines and affected my daily life for much longer than I would have liked. Experiencing all that pain, going to numerous medical appointments, going through all sorts of treatments as well as having to deal with all the emotional stress that went along with this experience gave me such a different view of healthcare. When I was in this type of pain was when I saw how important it is to have healthcare employees be both understanding and compassionate towards patients who are experiencing difficulty not only physically but emotionally as well. It was through my experience dealing with this that drew me to want to learn more about neurology, the way the brain and nervous system work and how neurological disorders affect an individual’s quality of life. My experiences have increased my interest in pediatric medicine because I have come to realise how vital it is for children to feel secure, understood, and supported when undergoing potentially traumatic procedures. By being exposed to the healthcare environment from an early age, I learned how significant a positive impact can be made on a child's recovery through the kindness and patience shown by medical staff. I would like to have the same ability in the future to assist others with the same degree of kindness and compassion. Nursing appeals to me because it combines science, communication, problem solving, and compassion into one career where you make a direct difference in someone's life on a daily basis. My goal for a successful career is to become a knowledgeable, dependable, and compassionate nurse who positively impacts patients and their families. I want to continue learning throughout my career and build strong clinical skills while also being someone patients can trust and feel comfortable around. In the future, I hope to work in a field related to neurology or pediatrics because both specialties connect closely to the experiences that inspired me to pursue healthcare in the first place. I also hope to continue advancing my education and growing professionally so I can take on greater responsibilities and continue improving the quality of care I provide. One of my personal accomplishments has been continuing to stay committed to my education despite the challenges I faced after my accident. Managing severe migraines while balancing school responsibilities required determination, discipline, and resilience. Even during difficult periods, I continued working toward my academic goals and learned how to manage stress, stay organized, and persevere through obstacles. Those experiences strengthened my ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to challenging situations, which I believe are important qualities for anyone working in nursing. Although I may not yet have extensive medical experience through internships or volunteering, my personal experiences with healthcare have strongly shaped my interest in the field and motivated me to pursue nursing. Spending time around healthcare professionals during my recovery allowed me to observe the importance of empathy, teamwork, and patient centered care. I am eager to continue learning, gain hands on experience, and develop the skills necessary to become a successful nurse who can make a positive difference in the lives of others.
    Joe Gilroy "Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan" Scholarship
    Eventually, my ambition is to become a pediatric nurse who specializes in neurology. When I was the victim of a severe head injury from a car accident in high school, I experienced first-hand how vital compassionate nurses are within the medical industry. As a patient at the time, I saw how critical they are in making difficult times seem less difficult through their support. When I'm through with my degree, in addition to using my experience to help children with similar issues, I want to provide that same type of support for my patients and their families throughout their treatment. To accomplish this, I must complete the nursing degree program and (in time) complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). I recognize that a nursing career can be very demanding and requires both inner strength and confidence to remain focused on the needs of patients. I know that in order to become a pediatric nurse specializing in neurology, it will take a great deal of effort, perseverance, discipline, and steadfastness; all of those require an effective time management strategy and a well-thought-out plan. Thus, my goal for now is to keep good grades while completing the science and healthcare prerequisites for attending nursing school in addition to finding a job within the healthcare industry to gain necessary hands-on experience as a nurse while attending school so that I develop further my skills of effective communication, the ability to think and perform well under demanding and stressful conditions, and a solid understanding of the relevance of patient care. As I said before, financial responsibilities weigh heavily on my mind. Therefore, planning and budgeting are my most important priorities for college. All of the expenses that I have to pay for, including: tuition, books/supplies for school, transportation, clinical (practical) supplies, uniforms, and certification fees have been well thought out. My current plan for supporting these expenditures is to work part-time while continuing my education so that I can minimize the student loans that I take out. I know that scholarships like this one would lessen my financial burden, enabling me to spend more time and energy on my education and clinical practice as opposed to worrying about how to pay for everything. Emotional support and academic support systems will be important to me as well. My family has provided me with the encouragement to continue pursuing my higher education even when I have run into difficult times, and I will also rely on my professors, advisor(s), tutor(s), and healthcare mentors as support systems during nursing school. Physical or mental health is important to me because of my working, going to school, and doing clinicals. If I establish good habits, stay organized, and ask for help when I need it, I should have no problems reaching my goals. Although my ultimate goal is to work in pediatric neurology, I know there are multiple paths to success in healthcare. I am open to exploring different nursing specialties and opportunities that will help me grow professionally and personally. Every experience in the healthcare field will teach me valuable lessons that can improve the care I provide to future patients. I also hope to continue my education beyond nursing school through certifications and advanced training that will allow me to specialize further.
    Sara Jane Memorial Scholarship
    Being in the field of nursing is something that has always been of interest to me because I want to help others and improve their lives in a meaningful way. Throughout my life, my passion for working in the health field has grown more personal due to some significant health issues I have experienced. During high school, I was involved in an automobile accident that left me with severe migraines and affected my daily life for much longer than I would have liked. Experiencing all that pain, going to numerous medical appointments, going through all sorts of treatments as well as having to deal with all the emotional stress that went along with this experience gave me such a different view of healthcare. When I was in this type of pain was when I saw how important it is to have healthcare employees be both understanding and compassionate towards patients who are experiencing difficulty not only physically but emotionally as well. It was through my experience dealing with this that drew me to want to learn more about neurology, the way the brain and nervous system work and how neurological disorders affect an individual’s quality of life. My experiences have increased my interest in pediatric medicine because I have come to realize how vital it is for children to feel secure, understood, and supported when undergoing potentially traumatic procedures. By being exposed to the healthcare environment from an early age, I learned how significant a positive impact can be made on a child's recovery through the kindness and patience shown by medical staff. I would like to have the same ability in the future to assist others with the same degree of kindness and compassion. Nursing appeals to me because it combines science, communication, problem solving, and compassion into one career where you make a direct difference in someone's life on a daily basis. My goal for a successful career is to become a knowledgeable, dependable, and compassionate nurse who positively impacts patients and their families. I want to continue learning throughout my career and build strong clinical skills while also being someone patients can trust and feel comfortable around. In the future, I hope to work in a field related to neurology or pediatrics because both specialties connect closely to the experiences that inspired me to pursue healthcare in the first place. I also hope to continue advancing my education and growing professionally so I can take on greater responsibilities and continue improving the quality of care I provide. One of my personal accomplishments has been continuing to stay committed to my education despite the challenges I faced after my accident. Managing severe migraines while balancing school responsibilities required determination, discipline, and resilience. Even during difficult periods, I continued working toward my academic goals and learned how to manage stress, stay organized, and persevere through obstacles. Those experiences strengthened my ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to challenging situations, which I believe are important qualities for anyone working in nursing. Although I may not yet have extensive medical experience through internships or volunteering, my personal experiences with healthcare have strongly shaped my interest in the field and motivated me to pursue nursing. Spending time around healthcare professionals during my recovery allowed me to observe the importance of empathy, teamwork, and patient centered care. I am eager to continue learning, gain hands on experience, and develop the skills necessary to become a successful nurse who can make a positive difference in the lives of others.