September 2, 2022 I have always had a passion for caring for others for as long as I can remember. My mother is also a nurse and has always reinforced what a rewarding career it is. But long before my mom became a nurse, I was always the one doctoring up my brother's bumps and scratches growing up. I started my healthcare career in 2002 as a nurse aide, I applied for nursing school and waited for my acceptance. I have worked in many positions in my healthcare career, the majority of which was spent in geriatrics. After 14 years in geriatrics, I needed a change, one where I could send some of my patients home to be with family. I was accepted into the nursing program in 2004 and at the same time, I received the news that I was expecting my son. Along with this news, I quickly found out that I would be raising him on my own. Becoming a single mother quickly gave me the desire to make a professional career for myself. I completed my LPN in 2006 while working as a CNA, I decided then to postpone my career and work full-time. I worked as a geriatric nurse for 14 years, being employed by only two facilities in that time. I returned to complete my schooling for my RN degree in 2018. I completed my RN in December 2020 amid the pandemic. I immediately obtained a job at a hospital where I completed my clinical rotation. I took a full-time day position as a Mental Health Resource nurse. I worked in my resource position for one year, floating between Med Surg and Mental Health before I realized I was meant to be a Mental Health Nurse. My ability to empathize with my patients comes from personal experience. Being a single mother for the last 17 years has brought many mental health challenges of my own. I feel that having this outlook helps me to have empathy for my patients in the Mental Health Unit. So, in January of this year I accepted a full-time Mental Health RN position. While this position can be challenging at times, I feel that my higher power has prepared me for this exact position. My persistent need for advancing my career was driven by the desire to provide the best life I could for my son while setting a strong example. I am currently working towards my BSN while working full-time. My long-term goal is to complete my Nurse Practitioner but would really like to do some travel nursing prior to establishing my NP. My intention of setting the example for my son on the importance of continued advancement of education was successful. My son has been dual-enrolled in college since the beginning of his sophomore year. Attending college together has been a great way of bonding through sharing our college journey. He will often help me when I'm stuck on an assignment as I do the same for him. We will be continuing this journey together as he pursues his college education at the University of Michigan, and I continue my goal of obtaining my Nurse Practitioner. Heather Reeves 5699 E Adams Rd Breckenridge, MI 48615 heatherlr16@gmail.com

I began my healthcare education in 2002 when I received the news that I was expecting my son and would be raising him on my own. His father didn't want me to have my son and he became physically abusive. I left the situation immediately and focused on creating a stable life for my son and I. I completed my LPN in 2006 while working as a CNA. I worked as a geriatric nurse for 14 years before returning to complete my schooling as an RN. I completed my RN in December of 2020 amid the pandemic. I immediately obtained a job at a hospital as a Mental Health Resource nurse. I am trained in Mental Health Nursing but work on all floors of the hospital. As a fresh RN in the center of the COVID pandemic, my skills were put to the test from the very beginning. Not only has starting my career during the pandemic made me a stronger nurse, but it has also shown me I am capable of whatever I put my mind to. I have worked full-time to support my son independently while continuing my education over the last 17 years. Due to the extended amount of time I have been in college my financial aid is limited and my student loans have reached the maximum limit. I continue to work as a full-time mental health nurse and complete online classes for my BSN. Currently, I am paying out of pocket for my classes. Overcoming every challenge, I have been presented with in my 20+ years of healthcare has encouraged me to continue my education so I can better serve my community. I would like to continue my education with my master’s focusing on the field of Psychology in the future. I know that my experience, personal growth, and past challenges will give others hope and encouragement to overcome the challenges that they are faced with. Sincerely, Heather Reeves RN heatherlr16@gmail.com

September 2, 2022 I have always had a passion for caring for others for as long as I can remember. My mother is also a nurse and has always reinforced what a rewarding career it is. But while my mom became a nurse, I was the one caring for and raising my brothers. The responsibility given to me at such a young age made me rebel and choose some wrong roads along the way. I started my healthcare career in 2002 as a nurse aide when I found out I was going to be a single mother. I applied for nursing school and waited for my acceptance. I was accepted into the nursing program in 2004 and in August of 2004 became a mother to a beautiful baby boy. Becoming a single mother quickly gave me the desire to make a professional career for myself. I completed my LPN in 2006 while working as a CNA, I decided then to postpone my career and work full-time. I worked as a geriatric nurse for 14 years, being employed by only two facilities in that time. I returned to complete my schooling for my RN degree in 2018. I completed my RN in December 2020 amid the pandemic. I immediately obtained a job at a hospital where I completed my clinical rotation. I took a full-time day position as a Mental Health Resource nurse. I worked in my resource position for one year, floating between Med Surg and Mental Health before I realized I was meant to be a Mental Health Nurse. My ability to empathize with my patients comes from personal experience. Being a single mother for the last 17 years has brought many mental health challenges of my own. I have battled depression for many years. I have also battled with substance abuse in my past, which at times made me want to end my life. At one point I almost lost everything I had worked so hard for due to drunk driving’s. Despite the bad decisions and wrong turns, I never gave up. I feel that having this outlook helps me to have empathy for my patients in the Mental Health Unit. So, in January of this year, I accepted a full-time Mental Health RN position. While this position can be challenging at times, I feel that my higher power has prepared me for this exact position. All my previous struggles and detours in my life path gave me the ability to relate to my patients in my current nursing position. My persistent need for advancing my career was driven by the desire to provide the best life I could for my son while setting a strong example. I am currently working towards my BSN while working full-time. My long-term goal is to become a behavior analysis while utilizing my nursing education to provide behavior support to patients in the community. My schooling has maxed out my financial aid and federal student loans. I have been paying out of pocket the last two semesters and credit card debt and bills are beginning to fall behind. I am hoping to receive just one scholarship to help assist me complete my BSN. I can then return to work full-time and pay off some debt before continuing my education. Heather Reeves 5699 E Adams Rd Breckenridge, MI 48615 heatherlr16@gmail.com

September 2, 2022 I have always had a passion for caring for others for as long as I can remember. My mother is also a nurse and has always reinforced what a rewarding career it is. But while my mom became a nurse, I was the one caring for and raising my brothers. The responsibility given to me at such a young age made me rebel and choose some wrong roads along the way. I started my healthcare career in 2002 as a nurse aide when I found out I was going to be a single mother. I applied for nursing school and waited for my acceptance. I was accepted into the nursing program in 2004 and in August of 2004 became a mother to a beautiful baby boy. Becoming a single mother quickly gave me the desire to make a professional career for myself. I completed my LPN in 2006 while working as a CNA, I decided then to postpone my career and work full-time. I worked as a geriatric nurse for 14 years, being employed by only two facilities in that time. I returned to complete my schooling for my RN degree in 2018. I completed my RN in December 2020 amid the pandemic. I immediately obtained a job at a hospital where I completed my clinical rotation. I took a full-time day position as a Mental Health Resource nurse. I worked in my resource position for one year, floating between Med Surg and Mental Health before I realized I was meant to be a Mental Health Nurse. My ability to empathize with my patients comes from personal experience. Being a single mother for the last 17 years has brought many mental health challenges of my own. I have battled depression for many years. I have also battled with substance abuse in my past, which at times made me want to end my life. At one point I almost lost everything I had worked so hard for due to drunk driving’s. Despite the bad decisions and wrong turns, I never gave up. I feel that having this outlook helps me to have empathy for my patients in the Mental Health Unit. So, in January of this year, I accepted a full-time Mental Health RN position. While this position can be challenging at times, I feel that my higher power has prepared me for this exact position. All my previous struggles and detours in my life path gave me the ability to relate to my patients in my current nursing position. My persistent need for advancing my career was driven by the desire to provide the best life I could for my son while setting a strong example. I am currently working towards my BSN while working full-time. My long-term goal is to complete my Nurse Practitioner but would really like to do some travel nursing prior to establishing my NP. My intention of setting the example for my son on the importance of continued advancement of education was successful. My son has been dual enrolled in college since the beginning of his sophomore year. Attending college together has been a great way of bonding through sharing our college journey. He will often help me when I'm stuck on an assignment as I do the same for him. We will be continuing this journey together as he pursues his college education at the University of Michigan, and I continue my goal of obtaining my Nurse Practitioner. Heather Reeves 5699 E Adams Rd Breckenridge, MI 48615 heatherlr16@gmail.com

September 2, 2022 I have always had a passion for caring for others for as long as I can remember. My mother is also a nurse and has always reinforced what a rewarding career it is. But while my mom became a nurse, I was the one caring for and raising my brothers. The responsibility given to me at such a young age made me rebel and choose some wrong roads along the way. I started my healthcare career in 2002 as a nurse aide when I found out I was going to be a single mother. I applied for nursing school and waited for my acceptance. I was accepted into the nursing program in 2004 and in August of 2004 became a mother to a beautiful baby boy. Becoming a single mother quickly gave me the desire to make a professional career for myself. I completed my LPN in 2006 while working as a CNA, I decided then to postpone my career and work full-time. I worked as a geriatric nurse for 14 years, being employed by only two facilities in that time. I returned to complete my schooling for my RN degree in 2018. I completed my RN in December 2020 amid the pandemic. I immediately obtained a job at a hospital where I completed my clinical rotation. I took a full-time day position as a Mental Health Resource nurse. I worked in my resource position for one year, floating between Med Surg and Mental Health before I realized I was meant to be a Mental Health Nurse. My ability to empathize with my patients comes from personal experience. Being a single mother for the last 17 years has brought many mental health challenges of my own. I have battled depression for many years. I have also battled with substance abuse in my past, which at times made me want to end my life. At one point I almost lost everything I had worked so hard for due to drunk driving’s. Despite the bad decisions and wrong turns, I never gave up. I feel that having this outlook helps me to have empathy for my patients in the Mental Health Unit. So, in January of this year, I accepted a full-time Mental Health RN position. While this position can be challenging at times, I feel that my higher power has prepared me for this exact position. All my previous struggles and detours in my life path gave me the ability to relate to my patients in my current nursing position. My persistent need for advancing my career was driven by the desire to provide the best life I could for my son while setting a strong example. I am currently working towards my BSN while working full-time. My long-term goal is to complete my Nurse Practitioner but would really like to do some travel nursing prior to establishing my NP. My intention of setting the example for my son on the importance of continued advancement of education was successful. My son has been dual enrolled in college since the beginning of his sophomore year. Attending college together has been a great way of bonding through sharing our college journey. He will often help me when I'm stuck on an assignment as I do the same for him. We will be continuing this journey together as he pursues his college education at the University of Michigan, and I continue my goal of obtaining my Nurse Practitioner. Heather Reeves 5699 E Adams Rd Breckenridge, MI 48615 heatherlr16@gmail.com

September 2, 2022 I have always had a passion for caring for others for as long as I can remember. My mother is also a nurse and has always reinforced what a rewarding career it is. But while my mom became a nurse, I was the one caring for and raising my brothers. The responsibility given to me at such a young age made me rebel and choose some wrong roads along the way. I started my healthcare career in 2002 as a nurse aide when I found out I was going to be a single mother. I applied for nursing school and waited for my acceptance. I was accepted into the nursing program in 2004 and in August of 2004 became a mother to a beautiful baby boy. Becoming a single mother quickly gave me the desire to make a professional career for myself. I completed my LPN in 2006 while working as a CNA, I decided then to postpone my career and work full-time. I worked as a geriatric nurse for 14 years, being employed by only two facilities in that time. I returned to complete my schooling for my RN degree in 2018. I completed my RN in December 2020 amid the pandemic. I immediately obtained a job at a hospital where I completed my clinical rotation. I took a full-time day position as a Mental Health Resource nurse. I worked in my resource position for one year, floating between Med Surg and Mental Health before I realized I was meant to be a Mental Health Nurse. My ability to empathize with my patients comes from personal experience. Being a single mother for the last 17 years has brought many mental health challenges of my own. I have battled depression for many years. I have also battled with substance abuse in my past, which at times made me want to end my life. At one point I almost lost everything I had worked so hard for due to drunk driving’s. Despite the bad decisions and wrong turns, I never gave up. I feel that having this outlook helps me to have empathy for my patients in the Mental Health Unit. So, in January of this year, I accepted a full-time Mental Health RN position. While this position can be challenging at times, I feel that my higher power has prepared me for this exact position. All my previous struggles and detours in my life path gave me the ability to relate to my patients in my current nursing position. My persistent need for advancing my career was driven by the desire to provide the best life I could for my son while setting a strong example. I am currently working towards my BSN while working full-time. My long-term goal is to complete my Nurse Practitioner but would really like to do some travel nursing prior to establishing my NP. My intention of setting the example for my son on the importance of continued advancement of education was successful. My son has been dual enrolled in college since the beginning of his sophomore year. Attending college together has been a great way of bonding through sharing our college journey. He will often help me when I'm stuck on an assignment as I do the same for him. We will be continuing this journey together as he pursues his college education at the University of Michigan, and I continue my goal of obtaining my Nurse Practitioner. Heather Reeves 5699 E Adams Rd Breckenridge, MI 48615 heatherlr16@gmail.com

April 16, 2022 I have always had a passion for caring for others for as long as I can remember. My mother is also a nurse and has always reinforced what a rewarding career it is. But long before my mom became a nurse, I was always the one doctoring up my brother's bumps and scratches growing up. I started my healthcare career in 2002 as a nurse aide, I applied for nursing school and waited for my acceptance. During this time, I discovered my love for providing care to the elderly. As a child I lost all my grandparents at a young age. Working in the geriatric field was like having an abundance of grandparents to talk to and listen to the stories that provide so much wisdom. I have worked in geriatrics for a total of 16 years now. The stories never get old and the rewarding feeling for making someones last years here a little better is huge to me. I was accepted into the nursing program in 2004 and at the same time, I received the news that I was expecting my son. I completed my LPN in 2006 while working as a CNA, I decided then to postpone my career and work full-time. I worked as a LPN in geriatrics for 14 years, being employed by only two facilities in that time. I returned to complete my schooling for my RN degree in 2018. I completed my RN in December 2020 amid the pandemic. I am still continuing my education by completing my BSN online. My hope is to become a DON in a nursing facility sometime in the future. While this position can be challenging at times, I feel that my higher power has prepared me for this exact position. Heather Reeves 989-444-9456 heatherlr16@gmail.com

I have always had a passion for caring for others for as long as I can remember. My mother is also a nurse and has always reinforced what a rewarding career it is. But long before my mom became a nurse, I was always the one doctoring up my brother's bumps and scratches growing up. I started my healthcare career in 2002 as a nurse aide, I applied for nursing school and waited for my acceptance. I have worked in many positions in my healthcare career, the majority of which was spent in geriatrics. After 14 years in geriatrics, I needed a change, one where I could send some of my patients home to be with family. I was accepted into the nursing program in 2004 and at the same time, I received the news that I was expecting my son. Along with this news, I quickly found out that I would be raising him on my own. Becoming a single mother quickly gave me the desire to make a professional career for myself. I completed my LPN in 2006 while working as a CNA, I decided then to postpone my career and work full-time. I worked as a geriatric nurse for 14 years, being employed by only two facilities in that time. I returned to complete my schooling for my RN degree in 2018. I completed my RN in December 2020 amid the pandemic. I immediately obtained a job at a hospital where I completed my clinical rotation. I took a full-time day position as a Mental Health Resource nurse. I worked in my resource position for one year, floating between Med Surg and Mental Health before I realized I was meant to be a Mental Health Nurse. My ability to empathize with my patients comes from personal experience. Being a single mother for the last 17 years has brought many mental health challenges of my own. I feel that having this outlook helps me to have empathy for my patients in the Mental Health Unit. So, in January of this year I accepted a full-time Mental Health RN position. While this position can be challenging at times, I feel that my higher power has prepared me for this exact position. My persistent need for advancing my career was driven by the desire to provide the best life I could for my son while setting a strong example. I am currently working towards my BSN while working full-time. My long-term goal is to complete my Nurse Practitioner but would really like to do some travel nursing prior to establishing my NP. My intention of setting the example for my son on the importance of continued advancement of education was successful. My son has been dual-enrolled in college since the beginning of his sophomore year. Attending college together has been a great way of bonding through sharing our college journey. He will often help me when I'm stuck on an assignment as I do the same for him. We will be continuing this journey together as he pursues his college education at the University of Michigan, and I continue my goal of obtaining my Nurse Practitioner. Heather Reeves 989-444-9456 heatherlr16@gmail.com

Addiction is an epidemic right now and as a mental health nurse I have seen many different aspects of how it can destroy people and families. I used to believe that to some level it was a choice. I now know from the experience I have gained in my position, it may have been a choice the first time they used, after that it is addiction running the show. Addiction is not selective to social class, gender, age, or any other classification. It can sneak into anyone's life and once it does it can be the most difficult struggle anyone faces in their entire life. Addiction changes the neurological function of the brain, regardless of the consequences, cravings control ongoing use. Knowing more about the way the brain is affected by addiction and personally knowing many different patients who struggle with addiction has significantly changed my viewpoint. The greatest problem I see addicts faced with is the loss of family and support. Often family and friends' distance themselves because it is too much for them to handle. This withdrawal of support only causes the addict to fall deeper into the spiraling depths of addiction. Until recently our system was not set up to treat addiction appropriately. The outpatient support systems were limited, and many patients could not afford to pay for or take time off work for in-patient treatment. Our healthcare system has recognized the epidemic that addiction has become, and changes are slowly being made. I now know that teaching those battling with addiction coping skills and getting family involved, if possible, can increase success of sobriety. Addiction can happen to anyone, and it only take one small irresponsible choice to face possibly years of battling against yourself and slowly losing those you love as well as your health.

To be optimistic we must believe that this world is the best possible world. This is a state of mind I work to maintain in all aspects of life. My life has not been an easy road to success, but with optimism I have made it through many difficult situations. When I found out I was going to be a single mother, many had opinions that went against my own. Despite the negative reactions of many I remained optimistic that God had a plan. I immediately decided to get serious about my education and building a stable home for me and my child. Working, going to school, and raising my son on my own was not always easy. I remained faithful that I was not given anything that I could not handle. My son was born in 2004, I obtained by LPN licensure in 2006, and I worked as an LPN for 14 years. In 2020 in the midst of the pandemic I obtained my RN licensure and am currently working on the BSN. My son is now a senior in high school as well as a college student himself. My son will be attending U of M in the fall and studying psychology. My optimism and determination has set an example for my son to follow for success. The way I see it if you do not believe you can do it, you have already failed.

Becoming a parent gave me the desire to quickly make a professional career for myself. I started college when I found out I was pregnant and graduated with my LPN 2 years later. This license allowed me to provide financially for 16 years as a single mother of my son. In May of 2019 I decided to continue my education to obtain my BSN. I wanted to continue to set a good example of determination and motivation in advancing education. I completed my RN in December of 2021 and obtained a new career path of Medical Surgical nurse. Entering the hospital in the midst of COVID and caring for so many affected by the pandemic right from day 1 confirmed my desire to continue my nursing education even further. I am currently working towards my BSN while working full-time. My intentions of setting the example for my son in the importance of continued advancement of education was successful. My son has been dual enrolled in college since the beginning of his sophomore year. Attending college together has been a great way of bonding through sharing our college journey. He often will help me when I'm stuck on an assignment as I do the same for him. He has followed my lead and even set bigger goals for his future than I have modeled. As a mother and a nurse I am blessed with the opportunity to watch my son be molded by his education to achieve his dream of becoming a psychologist. With both of us in college the expenses can become overwhelming at times. Any extra funding received will be graciously utilized to offset the expense of tuition and books paid out of pocket every month for my BSN program. Thank you for your time reviewing so many applications and considering me for your generosity in providing this scholarship. Sincerely, Heather Reeves RN

I began my healthcare education in 2002 when I received the news that I was expecting and on my way to being a single mother. I completed my LPN in 2006 while working as a CNA. I working as a geriatric nurse for 14 years before returning to complete my schooling for my RN. I completed my RN in December of 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. I immediately obtained a job at a hospital as a Mental Health Resource nurse. I am trained in Mental Health Nursing but work all floors of the hospital. As a fresh RN in the center of the COVID pandemic my skills were put to the test from the very beginning. Not only has starting my career off in the midst of the pandemic made me a stronger nurse, it has shown me I am capable of whatever I put my mind to. I enjoy the Mental Health aspect of my nursing position and plan to continue to peruse my career in Mental Health. The need for Mental Health nursing is strongly on the rise in the U.S. I myself have battled many struggles in my own Mental Health throughout the 16 years of raising my son on my own and advancing my career in healthcare. I know that all these hurdles and struggles have given me a perspective that I am able to use to help others. Overcoming every challenge I have been presented in my 20+ years of healthcare has encouraged me to continue my education so I can better serve my community. I would like to continue on with my Masters focused in the field of Psychology in the future. I know that my experience and personal growth and story will help others to overcome the challenges that they are faced with.

I began my healthcare education in 2002 when I received the news that I was expecting and on my way to being a single mother. I completed my LPN in 2006 while working as a CNA. I working as a geriatric nurse for 14 years before returning to complete my schooling for my RN. I completed my RN in December of 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. I immediately obtained a job at a hospital as a Mental Health Resource nurse. I am trained in Mental Health Nursing but work all floors of the hospital. As a fresh RN in the center of the COVID pandemic my skills were put to the test from the very beginning. Not only has starting my career off in the midst of the pandemic made me a stronger nurse, it has shown me I am capable of whatever I put my mind to. I enjoy the Mental Health aspect of my nursing position and plan to continue to peruse my career in Mental Health. The need for Mental Health nursing is strongly on the rise in the U.S. I myself have battled many struggles in my own Mental Health throughout the 16 years of raising my son on my own and advancing my career in healthcare. I know that all these hurdles and struggles have given me a perspective that I am able to use to help others. Overcoming every challenge I have been presented in my 20+ years of healthcare has encouraged me to continue my education so I can better serve my community. I would like to continue on with my Masters focused in the field of Psychology in the future. I know that my experience and personal growth and story will help others to overcome the challenges that they are faced with.

I began my healthcare education in 2002 when I received the news that I was expecting and on my way to being a single mother. I completed my LPN in 2006 while working as a CNA. I working as a geriatric nurse for 14 years before returning to complete my schooling for my RN. I completed my RN in December of 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. I immediately obtained a job at a hospital as a Mental Health Resource nurse. I am trained in Mental Health Nursing but work all floors of the hospital. As a fresh RN in the center of the COVID pandemic my skills were put to the test from the very beginning. Not only has starting my career off in the midst of the pandemic made me a stronger nurse, it has shown me I am capable of whatever I put my mind to. I enjoy the Mental Health aspect of my nursing position and plan to continue to peruse my career in Mental Health. The need for Mental Health nursing is strongly on the rise in the U.S. I myself have battled many struggles in my own Mental Health throughout the 16 years of raising my son on my own and advancing my career in healthcare. I know that all these hurdles and struggles have given me a perspective that I am able to use to help others. Overcoming every challenge I have been presented in my 20+ years of healthcare has encouraged me to continue my education so I can better serve my community. I would like to continue on with my Masters focused in the field of Psychology in the future. I know that my experience and personal growth and story will help others to overcome the challenges that they are faced with.

I began my healthcare education in 2002 when I received the news that I was expecting and on my way to being a single mother. I completed my LPN in 2006 while working as a CNA. I working as a geriatric nurse for 14 years before returning to complete my schooling for my RN. I completed my RN in December of 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. I immediately obtained a job at a hospital as a Mental Health Resource nurse. I am trained in Mental Health Nursing but work all floors of the hospital. As a fresh RN in the center of the COVID pandemic my skills were put to the test from the very beginning. Not only has starting my career off in the midst of the pandemic made me a stronger nurse, it has shown me I am capable of whatever I put my mind to. I enjoy the Mental Health aspect of my nursing position and plan to continue to peruse my career in Mental Health. The need for Mental Health nursing is strongly on the rise in the U.S. I myself have battled many struggles in my own Mental Health throughout the 16 years of raising my son on my own and advancing my career in healthcare. I know that all these hurdles and struggles have given me a perspective that I am able to use to help others. Overcoming every challenge I have been presented in my 20+ years of healthcare has encouraged me to continue my education so I can better serve my community. I would like to continue on with my Masters focused in the field of Psychology in the future. I know that my experience and personal growth and story will help others to overcome the challenges that they are faced with.