
Hobbies and interests
Finance
Cooking
Food And Eating
Singing
Nursing
Giselle Shaw
1,105
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Giselle Shaw
1,105
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
In addition to my aspirations in healthcare, I am deeply passionate about community service. I believe in using my skills and time to help others, whether it's through volunteering, mentoring, or supporting local initiatives. I have had the privilege of volunteering in various capacities, from assisting with hospital patient care to engaging in community outreach programs. These experiences have taught me the importance of empathy, leadership, and communication. I am committed to continuing my service to others, both in my career and in my personal life, because I know that my contributions can make a real difference.
Education
Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
John Tyler Community College
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Career
Dream career field:
Medicine
Dream career goals:
Sports
Dancing
2009 – 202213 years
Arts
school
Dance2009 – 2022
Public services
Volunteering
Heart of God's Servants — Help pack plates of home cooked food and pass them out to people in the spots we went to.2022 – Present
Jeune-Mondestin Scholarship
My desire to make a difference in people’s lives was further shaped by personal experiences, particularly during the years I spent in hospitals with my grandfathers, both of whom battled cancer. These experiences were deeply impactful and became pivotal in guiding my career path. During their illnesses, I observed the invaluable role healthcare professionals, especially nurses, played not just in providing medical care, but also in offering emotional support and comfort to both patients and their families. I saw how they alleviated fears, answered difficult questions, and served as a constant source of reassurance. It became evident to me that healthcare was not just about treating illnesses—it was about fostering a compassionate environment that supports individuals through some of the toughest moments in their lives. This realization inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare, where I could be a source of support and provide the care that makes a real difference.
As I progressed through my education, I came to understand that nursing, in particular, was the perfect field for me. I wanted to do more than just address physical health problems; I wanted to connect with people, listen to their stories, and be there for them during their most vulnerable moments. Nursing allows me to provide care that’s both medically competent and emotionally supportive. The ability to make a difference not just through clinical expertise, but through empathy, connection, and advocacy, is what truly excites me about nursing. This holistic approach to healthcare allows nurses to care for patients in a way that’s deeply personal, addressing their emotional, mental, and social well-being alongside their physical health.
The difference I hope to make as a nurse is rooted in my desire to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. I want to be the nurse who listens carefully to my patients, takes the time to understand their individual needs, and works with them to improve their health outcomes. It’s important to me that patients feel heard and valued, especially during their most challenging times. By offering education, emotional support, and advocacy, I aim to empower patients to take an active role in their health and help them navigate the complexities of their care. I also hope to contribute to improving healthcare access, particularly for underserved communities, where individuals may face significant barriers to receiving quality care. I believe that every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves access to the same level of high-quality care, and I am committed to being an advocate for those who are often overlooked by the healthcare system.
I also hope to reduce healthcare disparities and improve overall patient outcomes. I am particularly passionate about advocating for women’s health, reproductive health, and mental health, as these are areas that I believe deserve more attention and research. I want to be part of a future where everyone has equal access to the healthcare services they need, and I am committed to working towards a system that prioritizes the health and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, gender, or background.
Ultimately, my goal is to make a lasting, meaningful impact on the lives of others by combining my passion for healthcare with my dedication to providing empathetic, high-quality care. I am excited about the opportunity to learn and grow within the nursing field, and I look forward to being able to serve my community by offering care that is not only medically effective but also compassionate and comprehensive. Through my work, I hope to help create a healthcare system where every patient feels valued, heard, and supported, and where quality care is accessible to all.
Community Health Ambassador Scholarship for Nursing Students
I want to pursue a degree in nursing because it combines my passion for science with my deep desire to help others. From a young age, I’ve been drawn to healthcare, but it wasn’t until I spent significant time in hospitals with my grandfathers—both of whom battled cancer—that I fully understood the impact that compassionate, skilled nursing can have on patients and their families. I witnessed how nurses not only provided medical care but also served as pillars of support, offering comfort and guidance during difficult times. This experience inspired me to pursue nursing, as I realized it’s a profession that allows me to use my abilities to both heal and support others, making a difference in people’s lives when they need it most.
As a nurse, I hope to contribute to my community by providing holistic care that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of patients. I want to build trust with my patients and their families, offering them a sense of security and comfort during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Whether through providing direct care, listening attentively to their concerns, or explaining complex medical situations in a compassionate way, I aim to be a source of reassurance and empathy. I believe that every patient deserves not just the best medical care but also the emotional support that helps them feel seen and understood.
In addition to offering care to individuals, I hope to contribute to my community by promoting healthcare access and education. I recognize that many communities, particularly underserved ones, face barriers to quality healthcare, and as a nurse, I want to be a part of breaking those barriers down. I plan to use my nursing career as an opportunity to engage with my community, providing educational outreach and advocating for better healthcare access. I believe that by educating individuals on preventative care, wellness, and disease management, I can help them take a more active role in their health and well-being, ultimately contributing to healthier, more informed communities.
Furthermore, nursing offers me a platform to make a broader impact by advocating for healthcare improvements. I hope to work within the healthcare system to help address disparities and work toward making care more accessible and equitable for all. Whether through policy involvement, community health initiatives, or supporting healthcare infrastructure improvements, I want to use my skills and knowledge as a nurse to be an agent of change. Ultimately, my goal is to use my nursing degree not just to provide excellent care but also to contribute to the overall health of my community, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the support and care they deserve.
Pangeta & Ivory Nursing Scholarship
The decision to pursue a career in nursing came from personal experiences that deeply impacted my life. Growing up, I spent a significant amount of time in hospitals, caring for both of my grandfathers who were diagnosed with cancer. During these years, I was exposed to the world of healthcare, but it was the nurses who stood out to me. They were not just medical professionals; they were pillars of support, offering comfort, answering questions, and providing emotional care to both my grandfathers and our family.
Witnessing the compassion and dedication of the nurses who cared for my grandfathers made me realize that nursing was not just about medical expertise; it was about the relationships nurses form with their patients. Nurses were the ones who held our hands during difficult moments, who explained treatments in ways we could understand, and who helped us navigate the overwhelming experience of cancer care. They became trusted guides, offering not just physical care but also emotional support. This experience shaped my understanding of nursing as a profession that requires a unique combination of skill, empathy, and compassion.
As I reflected on my grandfathers’ experiences, I began to realize that nursing aligned perfectly with my own passions. I’ve always had a strong interest in science and healthcare, but I also have a deep desire to help others in a meaningful way. It’s a profession where you can use your knowledge to heal, but you can also connect with people on a deeper level and be there for them when they need it most.
The more I learned about nursing, the more I became drawn to the field’s diversity and opportunities. I realized that nurses play such a critical role in the healthcare system, not just in hospitals but in communities, schools, and home care settings. I also recognized the opportunity to specialize, which is something that excites me. After my experiences with my grandfathers, I feel a strong calling to work in oncology nursing. Cancer is a disease that affects not only the patient but also their entire family, and I want to be the kind of nurse who can offer both medical expertise and emotional support during such a challenging time. Oncology nursing will allow me to build long-term relationships with patients and their families while providing the care they need through the course of their treatment.
I’ve volunteered at my local hospital, assisting patients with basic needs and offering companionship to those who were isolated or struggling. These experiences reinforced my desire to enter the nursing field and provided me with valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of a nurse. I’ve also shadowed nurses in various departments, gaining a deeper understanding of their roles and the skills required to succeed in healthcare. These opportunities have helped me develop strong communication skills, compassion, and the ability to work effectively under pressure—qualities that will serve me well as a nurse.
Ultimately, my passion for nursing is rooted in the desire to make a difference in the lives of others. I want to be the kind of nurse who not only provides excellent clinical care but also offers emotional support, comfort, and hope. I hope to help patients navigate the complexities of their diagnoses and treatments while also being a steady presence in their lives during difficult times. I am committed to becoming a compassionate, skilled, and knowledgeable nurse who makes a positive impact on the patients I care for, just as the nurses who cared for my grandfathers made a lasting impact on my family.
Beverly J. Patterson Scholarship
Nursing has always been more than just a profession to me; it’s a calling. My passion for nursing stems from personal experiences, particularly the time I spent in hospitals caring for both of my grandfathers, who were diagnosed with cancer. Throughout their treatment, I witnessed firsthand the incredible role nurses played—not only in administering care but in offering emotional support, answering questions, and providing comfort during some of the most challenging moments of our lives. The nurses who cared for my grandfathers showed me that nursing isn’t just about medicine; it’s about compassion, empathy, and truly making a difference in people’s lives when they need it most.
As I spent more time in hospitals, I began to understand the power of a nurse’s presence. Nurses are often the ones patients turn to for comfort and reassurance. They hold the hands of families when things seem uncertain and provide a listening ear when words are difficult to find. This blend of medical expertise and emotional support deeply resonated with me, and it was during this time that I realized I wanted to become a nurse. I wanted to be the person who could offer that same comfort and care that had such a profound impact on my family.
I am particularly drawn to oncology nursing, as my experiences with my grandfathers have made me passionate about supporting cancer patients and their families. Oncology nurses not only assist in administering treatments but also provide emotional care and become trusted guides through a patient’s journey. I want to specialize in oncology nursing because I believe this field allows for a deep connection with patients, offering them both physical and emotional support during their treatment. Oncology nurses help patients navigate the complex and often overwhelming world of cancer care, and I want to be a part of that process, offering not just medical care but also empathy and advocacy.
In preparing for this career, I’ve sought out opportunities to gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings. I’ve volunteered at local hospitals, where I assisted patients with mobility, comforted those who were isolated, and learned the importance of communication and teamwork in a healthcare environment. I’ve also shadowed nurses in various departments, allowing me to gain a better understanding of the demands and responsibilities of the profession. These experiences have not only strengthened my desire to become a nurse but have also equipped me with a foundation of skills and knowledge that will serve me well in my nursing career.
As I pursue a career in oncology nursing, my goal is to make a lasting impact by improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. I want to be a nurse who is not only knowledgeable but also compassionate, someone who provides a sense of hope and comfort during difficult times. I aim to be a strong advocate for my patients, ensuring they receive the best possible care and are supported emotionally throughout their journey. Oncology nursing requires a unique blend of technical skills and emotional intelligence, and I am committed to developing both to offer the best care to my patients.
Ultimately, my goal is to create a meaningful difference in the lives of those I care for. By specializing in oncology, I hope to help patients through one of the most challenging times in their lives, providing not only the best medical care but also compassion, support, and a sense of humanity. I am excited to continue my journey in nursing and to contribute to the healing process in a profession that is as rewarding as it is challenging.
Kelly O. Memorial Nursing Scholarship
My name is Giselle, and I am a passionate and determined individual with a deep-rooted desire to pursue a career in nursing. Growing up, I had the privilege of attending a private school from K-12, where I was able to receive a strong academic foundation. However, it was during my adolescence that I truly discovered my calling in healthcare. Both of my grandfathers were diagnosed with cancer, and I spent much of my teenage years by their sides in hospitals, observing the incredible role nurses played in their care. It was during this time that I realized nursing is not just about medical expertise—it’s about connecting with people, offering comfort, and providing compassionate care during the most difficult times in their lives.
I am particularly interested in pursuing a career in oncology nursing. My experiences with my grandfathers have given me a unique perspective on the impact cancer can have on not only the patient but also their family. I have seen how nurses are not just medical professionals—they are also pillars of support, offering both emotional and physical care. I want to be a part of that healing process, helping patients navigate their diagnoses and treatment while offering empathy and understanding. Oncology nursing, with its focus on complex care and the long-term relationships that develop with patients, aligns perfectly with my passion for making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
In terms of preparation, I have actively sought out opportunities to gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings. I’ve volunteered at my local hospital, where I assisted with patient care and learned firsthand the importance of communication, empathy, and teamwork in a healthcare environment. I have also shadowed nurses in various departments, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of the daily responsibilities and the diverse skills required in nursing. These experiences have confirmed my desire to pursue nursing as a career and have equipped me with valuable insights that I can carry with me as I continue my journey.
I am committed to furthering my education and skills to become the best nurse I can be. This step in my journey is one that I approach with great excitement and dedication. I know that nursing will be a challenging but incredibly rewarding career, and I am ready to face those challenges head-on, with the same compassion and resilience that I witnessed in the nurses who cared for my grandfathers.
Sara Jane Memorial Scholarship
As a Black girl who spent her formative years attending a private school from K-12, I often felt like I was navigating two worlds—one filled with privilege and opportunity, and another marked by the complexities of my identity and family life. For much of my adolescence, though, my world was heavily influenced by the hospitals where I spent countless hours, watching over my grandfathers who were both battling cancer. Those years of sitting by their bedsides in sterile, cold rooms made me reflect on the ways healthcare systems impact lives, and it sparked my interest in the nursing profession.
Nursing interests me deeply because it’s a career that blends science with compassion, and that’s what I witnessed so profoundly during my time in hospitals. I saw firsthand how the nurses were not just caregivers but advocates for their patients—often going above and beyond to make sure their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs were met. Nurses were the ones who took the time to explain complex medical situations to us as a family, who held my hand when I was scared, and who provided solace during the hardest moments. Their presence felt like a sense of calm in the chaos that often surrounded us. This empathy and expertise are what draw me to nursing, and it’s why I want to be a part of that healing process.
As I’ve pursued this passion, I’ve also been setting concrete goals for a successful career in nursing. I want to become a registered nurse with a specialization in oncology. My experience with my grandfathers has given me a unique perspective on cancer treatment, but I also know the impact that compassionate care can have during such difficult times. My goal is to not only treat patients but also to support their families, helping them navigate the emotional toll of illness, just as I was supported during those years.
In terms of accomplishments, I have made strides toward this goal through volunteering at my local hospital. I’ve worked with the patient services team, where I’ve been able to assist patients with mobility and provide companionship to those who were often isolated or afraid. This experience has reinforced my passion for the field and solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in nursing. I’ve also shadowed nurses in various departments, gaining a deeper understanding of the work involved and the skills required. These experiences have given me both the hands-on exposure and the emotional preparation necessary to succeed in this field.
I know my path won’t be easy, but with the determination, compassion, and experiences I’ve gathered over the years, I’m confident that nursing is the right career for me. Through it all, my desire to make a meaningful impact on others' lives will continue to drive me forward, just as it did when I sat by my grandfathers' sides ten years ago.