My name is Haleigh Rigdon, and I am a first-generation college student pursuing a nursing degree at Florida A&M University, the number one public HBCU in the country. Coming from a low-income, single-parent household, my journey toward a healthcare career has not been easy. However, the challenges I have faced have only strengthened my resolve to become a medical professional and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. My mother had me when she was just sixteen years old. From an early age, I saw what sacrifice, hard work, and survival look like. Growing up, healthcare was not always within reach. There were times when we had to prioritize rent or food over medical attention. These experiences made it clear to me that access to quality care is not equally available to everyone, and that fact has deeply shaped the kind of nurse I want to become. I am pursuing a career in pediatric nursing because I want to be a source of empathy, advocacy, and healing for children and families who are often overlooked or underserved. Currently, I am a Certified Nursing Assistant, gaining hands-on experience while studying full time. I’m also involved in multiple organizations such as the Student Nurses Association, the Student National Alumni Association, and the Esther Funds Foundation, where I engage in community service and support students who are at risk of dropping out due to financial hardship. These experiences have not only sharpened my clinical skills but have also taught me the importance of compassion, cultural awareness, and being an active member of my community. Pursuing a career in healthcare has come with emotional and financial strain. At times, it has felt like I am carrying the weight of my entire family’s future on my shoulders. Being the first in my family to attend college is a responsibility I do not take lightly. Every exam, every clinical rotation, and every sleepless night brings me closer to a future where I can provide stability for my family and care for the families in my community. Financially, I have struggled to keep up with tuition, textbooks, uniforms, and the daily costs of living while balancing work and school. But I’ve learned how to persevere through sacrifice and faith in my purpose. What keeps me grounded is the dream of opening a pediatric clinic in an underserved community. I envision a space where families feel safe, respected, and heard—a place where quality care is not a privilege, but a standard. I want to reduce health disparities, educate families, and inspire young people of color to see themselves in healthcare careers. Representation matters, and I hope to be the provider I wish my family had growing up. This scholarship would not only provide financial relief but also serve as a reminder that someone believes in me and in the future I am working so hard to build. I carry the hopes of my family, my community, and future patients with me every step of the way. And I am determined to make a difference, one patient and one act of care at a time.

My name is Haleigh Rigdon, and I am a first-generation college student currently pursuing a nursing degree at Florida A&M University, the number one public HBCU in the nation. As a Black woman from a low-income, single-parent household, my journey into healthcare has been shaped by personal experience, community need, and a deep desire to create change in a field that urgently needs more representation. I chose nursing because I want to be part of the solution to a broken healthcare system that too often fails people who look like me. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how difficult it was for my family to access quality healthcare. My mother became pregnant with me at sixteen and worked relentlessly to raise me with very limited resources. We often had to choose between necessities, and getting to the doctor was not always guaranteed. These early experiences showed me how deeply systemic barriers affect people’s lives and health. I want to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner so I can offer families the kind of care and empathy that my own family was rarely shown. Currently, I am a Certified Nursing Assistant and an active member of several student-led service organizations, including the Student Nurses Association, the Student National Alumni Association, and the Esther Funds Foundation, which helps support students who have dropped out of college due to financial difficulties. Through these roles, I engage in community outreach, health education, and mentorship, and I have grown even more committed to bringing equity into medicine. Despite African Americans making up about 13 percent of the United States population, only 7.3 percent of registered nurses are Black, and an even smaller percentage occupy advanced nursing roles. These numbers are not just statistics. They are daily reminders that patients of color often do not see providers who understand their lived experience. When representation is lacking, care becomes impersonal, trust breaks down, and outcomes suffer. I am committed to being part of the solution. I want to be the kind of nurse who provides culturally competent care, who listens before diagnosing, and who builds trust with every patient. My ultimate goal is to open a community clinic that offers affordable, comprehensive pediatric care in underserved neighborhoods. I want this clinic to be a safe space where parents and children alike feel heard, respected, and supported no matter their income, background, or insurance status. I also want to expand my impact by mentoring Black and brown students who are interested in healthcare careers but may lack guidance or support. Representation is powerful, and I hope that by sharing my story and standing proudly in my profession, I can encourage others to believe in themselves. We cannot increase the number of Black nurses, doctors, or healthcare leaders without investing in students who are already pushing through barriers to be there. This scholarship would not only help me financially. It would remind me that my dream matters and that my story and future have value. I want to use my education to make healthcare more compassionate, more accessible, and more inclusive for all. By showing up every day with purpose, staying rooted in my community, and helping others along the way, I know I can help shift the narrative not just for myself but for the next generation of healthcare professionals who are watching, hoping, and dreaming.

Strength and determination are qualities I’ve had to rely on since I was young. Today, I am a nursing student at Florida A&M University, the #1 public HBCU in the country, and a Certified Nursing Assistant, actively working toward my goal of becoming a pediatric nurse. My journey hasn’t been easy, but my experiences have molded me into someone who is compassionate, driven, and committed to making a difference in children’s lives. When I was younger, my little brother was born with a serious heart condition. Our family lived in and out of hospitals, and while the doctors played a critical role in his treatment, it was the nurses who truly made an impact on our lives. They were the ones who stayed past their shifts, explained things in ways we could understand, and brought comfort during our darkest hours. When my brother passed away, it shattered me. But his memory became my motivation. I knew I wanted to become a nurse who could provide the same level of care, love, and advocacy for families facing similar struggles. Throughout high school, I faced emotional and social battles that required constant strength. As a biracial Black woman, I was told I was “white-washed” by peers for how I spoke, yet still experienced racism and discrimination in school. My white grandmother once told me she didn’t think I would succeed. My high school college counselor told me not to bother applying to universities, suggesting that community college was a more “realistic” goal. But I refused to let those limiting beliefs define me. I worked harder, stayed focused, and proved them wrong by earning my place at Florida A&M University—where I am thriving. Becoming a CNA was a major step forward in my journey. Working directly with patients has allowed me to understand the physical, emotional, and mental demands of nursing. It has taught me the importance of patience, communication, and presence. Whether I’m helping a patient through daily care or offering emotional support, I’m learning how to be the type of nurse who listens, connects, and leads with compassion. Outside the classroom and clinic, I’ve remained committed to service. I’m a member of the Student Nurses Association, the Student National Alumni Association, and the Esther Funds Foundation, which helps college students at risk of dropping out. Through Global Medical Brigades, I’ve contributed to healthcare outreach in underserved communities, gaining firsthand experience in global medical needs and the importance of cultural sensitivity. I plan to use every ounce of the strength and determination I’ve built to serve as a pediatric nurse who uplifts children and families during their most vulnerable moments. I hope to specialize in chronic and critical pediatric care and eventually open a clinic that provides accessible, affordable services in underrepresented communities. I also want to mentor and inspire young Black women entering the healthcare field, helping them navigate spaces where they may not always feel seen or believed in—just as I once did. Like Kylee, I have faced adversity and found purpose through it. I will carry that spirit forward into every hospital room, every patient interaction, and every life I touch as a nurse. My story is one of resilience, and I plan to turn that into healing—for others, and for the community I serve.

Being black means navigating the world with strength and pride, even when others try to define you by their own limited understanding. As a biracial black woman, I’ve often been told I’m "white‑washed" because of how I speak or carry myself. Yet, I’ve endured racism that those same people could never imagine. Being followed in stores, judged for my appearance, and even doubted by those closest to me. My white grandmother once told me she didn’t believe I would amount to much. In high school, my white college counselor advised community college, saying university was “unrealistic” for someone like me. Those words tried to shrink my potential, but I chose to rise. That rise led me to Florida A&M University, the #1 public HBCU in America. At FAMU, I’ve found not just an education, but affirmation, community, and purpose. I’m pursuing nursing with the goal of becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and eventually opening a clinic in underserved areas, where access to healthcare is limited. Being black means being powerful in the face of adversity. It means using the legacy of those who came before to push boundaries and uplift others. My future is rooted in service, advocacy, and healing, not just in medicine, but in dismantling the doubt and discrimination I’ve overcome and ensuring that no young black girl is told she won’t succeed.

Charity is important to me because it represents the power of community which is helping others not out of obligation, but out of compassion and shared humanity. As someone attending Florida A&M University, an HBCU rich in tradition and purpose, I believe it's my responsibility to uplift others just as I have been supported along my journey. I actively give back through several organizations on and off campus. I serve with the Esther Funds Foundation, which supports college students at risk of dropping out and leads local service initiatives. I am also a member of the Student National Alumni Association, where I help with community service projects that connect current students to the surrounding Tallahassee community. As part of the Student Nurses Association, I participate in health outreach events that promote wellness and education, and I’m also involved in Global Medical Brigades, providing basic care and health education to underserved communities abroad. In the future, I plan to give back through nursing by offering compassionate care in underserved areas, mentoring future healthcare professionals, and eventually opening a pediatric clinic that provides accessible care to families in need. Charity is more than a moment, it's a lifelong mission, and I am committed to living it every day.

My name is Haleigh Rigdon, and I am a proud nursing student at Florida A&M University, one of the nation’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and I come from a close-knit family that has been deeply shaped by both hardship and hope. My journey to college was not paved with ease, but it has been fueled by my determination to make a difference in the world—and I believe that nursing is my way to do exactly that. Growing up, I watched my younger brother battle a serious heart condition. Our family spent many long days and nights in hospitals, relying on the kindness and skill of nurses and healthcare workers. It was during those times that I first felt called to nursing. I saw how a nurse’s smile, encouragement, or simple presence could bring peace to both patient and family. I knew then that I wanted to become someone who provides that comfort and care to others. When my brother passed away, it deepened my purpose. His life continues to inspire mine every day. As a first-generation college student and the daughter of a single mother of three, financial challenges have been constant. My mother works tirelessly, but the burden of medical expenses and daily survival has meant that I often have to find ways to fund my education on my own. Despite the financial strain, I remain committed to finishing my degree and using it to create lasting change not only for my future patients but for my family and community. I plan to specialize in pediatric nursing, with the long-term goal of becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I want to work with children facing chronic illnesses, especially in underserved communities where access to healthcare is limited. I’ve seen firsthand how disparities in care can affect outcomes, and I want to be a part of the movement to close those gaps. I also hope to one day open a clinic that offers affordable, high-quality pediatric services to families in need, while mentoring future Black nurses and encouraging them to dream big. My studies at FAMU have given me a foundation of knowledge, leadership, and cultural pride. Being at an HBCU has surrounded me with excellence and history, and it constantly reminds me that I am capable of carrying forward the legacy of those who came before me—like Willie Mae Rawls, whose life of faith and service is truly inspiring. I aspire to be a light in the lives of others, just as she was. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden on my family, but it would also affirm that others believe in my vision to heal, uplift, and transform. I am ready to take on that mission with heart, faith, and action.

My name is Haleigh Rigdon, and I am a first-generation college student currently studying nursing at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. As someone from a low-income background, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate the path to higher education without guidance or financial support. Still, I have never let those barriers stop me from pursuing my purpose. I am working toward becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and I plan to use my education to provide care, comfort, and advocacy for children and families who need it most. My passion for nursing began at the age of nine, when my baby brother Ryley was hospitalized with a life-threatening congenital heart condition. Although I was only a child, I remember how scared and confused I felt. More than anything, I remember the nurses. They brought warmth into a cold hospital room. They explained things in ways my family could understand. They treated my brother with compassion and strength. Those nurses were the first people I ever saw bring healing not just to a patient but to an entire family. That memory lives in my heart and fuels my desire to do the same for others. Choosing nursing was not just a career decision. It was a calling. I became a Certified Nursing Assistant in two states so I could gain hands-on experience early in my journey. Working directly with patients has given me a deeper understanding of the emotional and physical needs that come with illness and recovery. These experiences have helped me grow in skill, patience, and empathy. They have also shown me how deeply people depend on their healthcare providers not just for treatment but for reassurance and human connection. At my HBCU, I have found a supportive community and strong academic foundation. I have joined organizations like the Student Nursing Association and Global Medical Brigades, where I have engaged in health education and community service. I also speak Spanish, which helps me serve more patients and build trust in diverse environments. I believe that understanding a patient's culture, language, and background is just as important as understanding their diagnosis. I want every patient I care for to feel heard, respected, and valued. After completing my nursing degree, I plan to pursue a graduate degree to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I want to work in underserved communities where access to quality healthcare is limited. My long-term goal is to open a pediatric clinic that offers both medical services and health education programs for families. I want to be a resource for parents, a voice for children, and an example for young people who may not believe someone from their background can make a difference in medicine. Receiving the Dr. Michael Paglia Memorial Scholarship would relieve a financial burden and allow me to focus more on my studies and community service. More importantly, it would be a reminder that my dreams are worth believing in. Like Dr. Paglia, I want to dedicate my life to healing others and lifting them up along the way. His legacy reminds me that compassion and ambition can coexist, and I am committed to honoring both in everything I do as a future nurse.

My name is Haleigh Rigdon, and I am a second-year Pre-Nursing student at Florida A&M University. Becoming a nurse is not just a professional goal for me. It is a calling that has been shaping my life since I was a child. I chose to pursue a career in nursing because I want to care for others in the same way I saw nurses care for my family during one of the most difficult times in our lives. When I was nine years old, my baby brother Ryley was hospitalized with a severe congenital heart defect. I still remember the long days in the hospital, the quiet fear in my mother’s face, and the uncertainty that hung in the air. What made those moments bearable were the nurses. They moved with calm, spoke with warmth, and made sure that Ryley felt safe. Even more than that, they made sure that my family and I felt supported and seen. As a child, I did not have the words to describe what I witnessed, but I knew I wanted to grow up and be that same kind of presence for others. That experience planted a seed in me that has grown into deep purpose. Now that I am in college and pursuing my degree in nursing, I am more certain than ever that this is the path I am meant to follow. I have become a Certified Nursing Assistant in both Missouri and Florida, gaining real experience working with patients of all ages. I have helped with daily care, monitored vital signs, offered support to families, and seen up close how healthcare providers can transform someone’s life through both skill and compassion. These experiences have made me more confident in my role as a caregiver and more passionate about the future I am building. In addition to clinical experience, I have also sought out leadership and service opportunities that align with my calling. I am involved in the Student Nursing Association, where I connect with other students and learn about the importance of advocacy in nursing. I am also a member of Global Medical Brigades, an organization that focuses on healthcare access in underserved communities. Through this group, I have learned that healing is not only physical but emotional and social as well. These experiences have shaped my vision of the kind of nurse I want to be—someone who sees the full person and meets them with respect, understanding, and hope. What inspires me most about nursing is the ability to be present for people when they are at their most vulnerable. Whether I am working in pediatrics, maternal care, or public health, my mission will remain the same. I want to be a nurse who provides more than treatment. I want to provide comfort, trust, and a sense of dignity. Wieland’s commitment to improving the healthcare environment is a reminder that every detail matters. The spaces we create and the way we treat people in those spaces has the power to heal. I want to be part of a future in healthcare where every patient feels cared for, every family feels supported, and every nurse feels empowered to make a difference. I found out about this scholarship through the Bold.org platform.

My name is Haleigh Rigdon, and I am a proud student at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University where I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. As a young African American woman at a historically Black college, I am committed to excellence, service, and growth. I plan to continue my education after earning my undergraduate degree by entering a graduate program to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. This next step in my journey is about more than professional advancement. It is about expanding the care I can provide to children and families and becoming a stronger advocate for those who need it most. My desire to continue my education is rooted in both personal experience and a deep understanding of healthcare disparities. When I was nine years old, my baby brother Ryley was hospitalized for a serious heart condition. Although I was very young, I remember the feeling of fear and confusion. What brought me peace during that time were the nurses. They comforted not only my brother but also my family. They created a space where we felt supported. That experience planted the first seed in my heart. I knew I wanted to become a nurse who could offer that same strength and compassion to others, especially to children. Throughout my time in college, I have worked to build a strong foundation in nursing while gaining hands-on experience. I am a Certified Nursing Assistant in both Missouri and Florida, which has allowed me to provide direct patient care in real-world settings. I have cared for patients of all ages and backgrounds, and each experience has helped shape my view of what it means to serve. I have learned that nursing is not just about clinical skills. It is about listening, empowering, and standing in the gap for those who feel vulnerable. It is about building trust and community. In addition to my academic and clinical work, I am actively involved in organizations that align with my mission. Through the Student Nursing Association and Global Medical Brigades, I have participated in service, health education, and outreach projects. I also speak Spanish, which allows me to connect with patients who might otherwise struggle to communicate their needs. I believe language is a tool that brings people together, especially in healthcare where understanding and trust are essential. Pursuing a graduate degree as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner will allow me to take everything I have learned and use it on a broader scale. I want to work in underserved communities and provide care that is culturally sensitive, family centered, and rooted in empathy. I want to help create a healthcare system where every child has access to a provider who sees them fully and supports their growth and well-being. The Charles E. Nettles Scholarship represents more than financial support. It reflects a commitment to learning, legacy, and leadership. Mr. Nettles dedicated his life to education and inspired generations of thinkers and leaders. I hope to follow that same path by using my education to make lasting change. With this support, I will be one step closer to becoming the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner I have always dreamed of becoming and to building a future where care is just, accessible, and filled with heart.

My name is Haleigh Rigdon, and I am a second-year Pre-Nursing student at Florida A&M University. I am a proud African American student attending a historically Black university, and I am fully committed to earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. My passion for nursing was sparked at a young age and has only grown stronger as I continue my academic and professional journey. I believe in the power of representation in healthcare, and I am determined to be part of a generation of nurses who provide not only skilled care, but care that is equitable, compassionate, and centered on the individual. My journey began when I was nine years old and my baby brother Ryley was hospitalized due to serious health complications. During that difficult time, the nurses who cared for him made an unforgettable impact on my family and me. I remember how they gently cared for his body while offering comfort to our hearts. Even though I was just a child, I saw what healing looked like beyond medicine. It was in the way they spoke, the way they stayed present, and the way they made us feel seen. That experience lit a spark in me that has never gone out. From that point forward, I knew I wanted to be a nurse who made others feel safe, heard, and cared for. To begin preparing for that dream, I became a Certified Nursing Assistant in both Missouri and Florida. Working in direct patient care has taught me how to be present in moments of vulnerability and how to balance technical skill with emotional intelligence. I have worked with patients of all ages, and each interaction has reaffirmed my desire to become a nurse who understands the whole person, not just their chart. Outside of the classroom and clinic, I am also involved in organizations that align with my purpose. Through the Student Nursing Association and Global Medical Brigades, I have participated in community outreach, global health education, and leadership development. These experiences have shown me the importance of using my voice and skills to uplift others—especially those who have historically been left out of quality healthcare. I also speak Spanish, which allows me to better communicate with patients who may feel isolated or unheard due to language barriers. I see this as an opportunity to expand access and improve the patient experience for many families. In the future, I plan to specialize in pediatric or maternal health. I want to serve in communities where resources are limited and trust in the healthcare system is often low. My goal is to be a consistent and compassionate presence for families who need support, education, and someone to advocate for them. I believe every patient deserves dignity, regardless of where they come from or what they are going through. The story of Olivia Wilson resonates deeply with me. Like Olivia, my family has experienced the power of compassionate nursing care during moments of illness. I want to be a nurse who carries that same light into the world. This scholarship would not only support my education but allow me to continue building a legacy of care that honors Olivia’s memory and reflects the heart of nursing itself.

My name is Haleigh Rigdon, and I am a first-generation college student and a second-year Pre-Nursing major at Florida A&M University. I am pursuing a career in healthcare because I believe in the power of compassion, access, and advocacy. My journey has been shaped by personal experience, strengthened through hands-on care, and expanded by my involvement in service-focused organizations. My goal is to use my nursing career to change outcomes for underserved communities and to bring healing to people who often feel unseen. When I was nine years old, my baby brother Ryley was hospitalized with serious health complications. That experience was both heartbreaking and formative. As a child, I watched the nurses not only care for him medically, but also comfort him emotionally. I remember how they spoke softly to him, made him laugh, and reassured my family through every step. That memory has never left me. It made me realize that I wanted to be that person for someone else. I want to be the calm in someone’s storm and the strength in someone’s struggle. To prepare for this career, I became a Certified Nursing Assistant in two states. Through this role, I have cared for patients of all ages. I have fed them, bathed them, monitored their vitals, and most importantly, listened to them. These experiences have helped me understand that healthcare is about more than tasks and treatment. It is about presence, patience, and creating trust. In addition to my work as a CNA, I am a proud member of Global Medical Brigades, an organization focused on global health outreach and sustainable change. Being part of this organization has taught me how to think beyond individual care and look at the larger systems that affect health in underserved communities. It has opened my eyes to the ways inequality and lack of access harm people around the world. I am committed to being part of the solution, both at home and abroad. Another important part of my journey is language. I speak Spanish, and I have seen how this skill helps bridge the gap between patients and providers. Many people face challenges navigating the healthcare system simply because they do not speak English. Being bilingual allows me to advocate for those patients, ensure they understand their care, and make them feel respected. It is one more way I can bring equity to the healthcare space. What touches me most about Catrina Celestine Aquilino’s legacy is her belief that justice and care should never be determined by where someone comes from or who they are born to. I share that belief deeply. My goal is to become a nurse who lives that truth every day. I want to be someone who shows up with knowledge, kindness, and a heart for those who need it most. This scholarship would support my education and help me walk fully in my purpose. With faith, dedication, and a vision for change, I am ready to continue Catrina’s legacy through the world of medicine.

Growing up, I experienced firsthand how substance abuse can tear through the heart of a family. When I was a young girl, my aunt lived with us while struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. At the time, I was too young to fully understand what was going on, but I could feel the weight of the tension it brought into our home. Her drinking made her angry and unpredictable. There were moments of yelling, slamming doors, and emotional outbursts that made me feel scared in my own space. I remember staying quiet, keeping to myself, and trying not to do anything that would trigger another episode. No child should have to learn how to tiptoe around addiction, but unfortunately, I did. Even though it was painful, living through that taught me strength, awareness, and compassion. I saw how deeply addiction affected not just the individual but everyone in the household. My mother and grandmother carried the emotional burden while also trying to shield me from the worst of it. And yet, through all the chaos, I also saw something beautiful—redemption. When my aunt became pregnant with my cousin, something in her shifted. She wanted to be better, not just for herself, but for her child. Watching her begin to take accountability, go to counseling, and start the long road of healing was one of the most inspiring things I have ever witnessed. It taught me that even in the most broken circumstances, change is possible. That experience is one of the many reasons I am pursuing a career in nursing. I am currently a second-year Pre-Nursing student at Florida A&M University, and I plan to specialize in pediatric or women’s health. My goal is to become a nurse who advocates for underserved communities, especially African American women who are often overlooked or misunderstood when facing issues like domestic violence and substance abuse. I want to be someone who helps break the cycle by providing not just care, but compassion, resources, and understanding. Higher education is not just my path to a degree—it is my path to making a difference. I plan to use my education to study the gaps in communication and care that disproportionately harm Black women and families. Whether it is by participating in community outreach, improving patient-provider relationships, or creating support programs that prioritize trauma-informed care, I want to be part of the solution. I believe that with better care coordination and culturally sensitive communication, we can help more women not just survive, but thrive beyond their trauma. What I lived through as a child will always be a part of me, but it does not define me. Instead, it fuels me. It gives me empathy, resilience, and a vision of a future where no little girl has to feel unsafe in her own home. Through nursing, I will carry that vision forward—with purpose, with faith, and with a heart ready to serve.

My name is Haleigh Rigdon, and I am a second-year Pre-Nursing student at Florida A&M University. Nursing is not just a career interest for me, it is a calling that began with a deeply personal experience. When I was just nine years old, my baby brother was hospitalized due to a congenital heart defect. During his time in the hospital, the nurses cared for him with such love and attentiveness, but what stood out the most to me was how they cared for me too. As a child, I was scared and confused, but the nurses went out of their way to make sure I felt safe, included, and comforted. Their presence gave me peace during a time that could have been completely overwhelming. Even though my brother eventually passed away, I never forgot the kindness and strength those nurses showed us. That experience made me realize that I wanted to become someone who could give that same comfort and compassion to others. Because of that moment, I have always known I wanted to be a nurse. I plan to specialize in pediatric nursing because I understand how hard it can be for both children and families when medical challenges arise. I want to be a nurse who brings knowledge, comfort, and hope to young patients and the people who love them. Pediatric nurses have a unique ability to ease fear with both skill and heart, and I am excited to one day step into that role. To prepare myself for this journey, I became a Certified Nursing Assistant in two states. In that role, I have had the opportunity to care for patients of different ages and needs, providing hands-on support such as bathing, feeding, taking vitals, and assisting with mobility. These experiences taught me not only the importance of technical care, but also the power of presence. I have seen firsthand how a kind word, a gentle touch, or simply being there can make all the difference for someone who is hurting. This work has confirmed for me that I am meant to be in healthcare. Outside of clinical work, I am involved in organizations that align with my mission to serve others. I am a proud member of the Student Nursing Association and Global Medical Brigades, where I’ve gained knowledge in public health, teamwork, and leadership. I am also involved with the Student National Alumni Association and the Esther Funds Foundation, which focus on service, mentorship, and helping students stay in school. These groups have shown me the importance of giving back and lifting others up, which is also what nursing is all about. Every choice I have made since I was nine years old has brought me closer to this path. I carry my brother’s memory with me in everything I do, and I use that memory as a source of strength and motivation. I am walking into this profession with purpose, compassion, and an open heart, ready to serve and to heal.