I am passionate about nursing because it allows me to combine my love for helping others with my desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Since I was young, I’ve always been drawn to taking care of others, whether it was comforting a friend or helping my family when they were sick. Over time, I realized that nursing is the perfect career for me because it is all about supporting and healing others. I want to be the kind of nurse who makes people feel heard, understood, and cared for, especially during their most vulnerable moments. What really sparked my interest in nursing, though, was my own experience with health challenges. When I was diagnosed with lupus, it took doctors three months to figure out what was wrong with me. During that time, I felt frustrated and ignored. No one seemed to take my symptoms seriously, and that left me feeling helpless. That experience made me realize the importance of compassionate care, and it fueled my desire to become a nurse who listens, advocates, and makes sure that patients feel seen and valued. As a nurse, I hope to not only provide medical care but also offer emotional support to my patients. I want to be there for people when they are at their most scared, tired, or vulnerable. I hope to gain a deep understanding of healthcare, improve my clinical skills, and build meaningful relationships with patients and their families. I want to be a nurse who not only treats the body but also supports the mind and spirit, helping patients feel comfortable and safe during their healthcare journey. I plan to specialize in labor and delivery because I believe that bringing life into the world is one of the most beautiful and important things that can happen. I am particularly passionate about supporting Black women during childbirth. Studies show that Black women are more likely to experience complications or even die during pregnancy or childbirth, and I want to be part of the solution. I aim to provide culturally competent care, educate women about their health, and ensure that they feel respected and safe throughout their experience. Through my work in labor and delivery, I hope to make a positive impact by advocating for my patients and being a strong voice for those who are often overlooked. I want to help create a more equal and supportive environment for all women, especially those who face higher risks during childbirth. By focusing on quality care, empathy, and education, I hope to contribute to healthier outcomes for mothers and babies. Ultimately, I want to be a nurse who leaves a lasting impact on my patients, their families, and the healthcare community. I am excited about the opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference in the lives of others.

I am interested in pursuing nursing because I truly care about helping people and want to make a real difference in the world. Nursing is more than just a job to me—it is a way to support people during some of the hardest times in their lives. I have always been someone who loves to care for others, and I believe that nursing is the perfect path for me to turn that passion into a meaningful career. One of the main reasons I chose nursing is because of my personal experience with my own health. When I was diagnosed with lupus, it took doctors three long months to figure out what was wrong with me. During that time, I felt ignored and overlooked. I went to several doctors, but no one seemed to care enough to dig deeper into my symptoms. That experience was frustrating and painful, but it also opened my eyes. It showed me how important it is for nurses and doctors to listen to their patients and treat them with respect and compassion. That’s when I knew I wanted to become the kind of nurse who listens, who takes time, and who truly cares about the people I serve. I am also inspired by the chance to help women through one of the most important times in their lives—childbirth. I plan to specialize in labor and delivery because I want to support women as they bring life into the world. I especially want to help Black women, who are at a higher risk of dying during childbirth than women of other races. That is a serious issue, and I want to be part of the change. I want every woman I care for to feel safe, respected, and protected. Right now, I am a level one nursing student at Southern University, which is ranked the best nursing school in the nation according to Nurse.org. I’m 20 years old, from Houma, Louisiana, and proud to be working toward my dream. I currently have a 3.5 GPA and I’m on track to graduate in Spring 2027. I’ve been working hard to prepare for this journey, and I’m excited to continue learning and growing. Becoming a nurse means more than getting a degree—it means becoming a voice for the people who need one. I want to be that voice. I want to give my patients the care I wish I had. That’s why I’m passionate about nursing, and that’s why I’m ready to make a positive impact through this career.

My name is Irlan Smith, and I’m a 20-year-old nursing student from Houma, Louisiana. I am currently a level one nursing student at Southern University, which is ranked the best nursing school in the nation by Nurse.org. I’m in the beginning stages of my nursing journey, and I’m proud of how far I’ve already come. I have a 3.5 GPA, and I’m on track to graduate in the spring of 2027. I’ve wanted to work in healthcare ever since I was a little girl. My first dream career was to become a physical therapistbut I pray about it and God lead me to change my major and become a nurse. Helping people has always come naturally to me, but my personal health journey made that desire even stronger. I was diagnosed with lupus, and for three months, no one could tell me what was wrong. I felt ignored, frustrated, and scared. That experience taught me how important it is to have medical professionals who listen and care. It made me realize that I wanted to be the kind of nurse who makes patients feel heard, safe, and respected—especially when they are at their most vulnerable. I plan to specialize in labor and delivery. I’ve always been inspired by the strength of women, and I want to support them during one of the most powerful moments in life—giving birth. I’m especially passionate about supporting Black women, who are more likely to face complications or even die during childbirth than women of other races. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a serious issue that needs change. I want to be a part of that change. I want to make sure every woman I care for feels supported, respected, and safe. Through my nursing career, I plan to make a positive impact by being a voice for those who don’t always feel seen. I want to bring kindness, knowledge, and strength to my patients every day. Whether I’m helping deliver a baby, listening to a patient’s concerns, or comforting a scared family, I want to be a light during their dark moments. I believe nursing is about more than giving medicine, it is giving hope, support, and care that comes from the heart. I know the journey won’t be easy, but I’m ready for the challenges. I am committed to working hard, continuing to learn, and growing into the best nurse I can be. I am proud to represent my community and be a role model for others in my family. Becoming a nurse means becoming a leader, a healer, and an advocate, and I am ready for that step in my future.

My name is Irlan Smith. I am 20 years old and I am from Houma, Louisiana. I am currently a level one nursing student at Southern University, which is ranked the best nursing school in the nation according to Nurse.org. Becoming a nurse has been a dream of mine for a long time, and now I am finally taking the steps to make that dream come true. I have always had a strong desire to help others, and I believe that nursing is the perfect career for me. One reason I am so passionate about nursing is because of my own health experiences. When I was 18, I was diagnosed with lupus. For three long months, no one could figure out what was wrong with me. I felt like no one was really listening or trying hard enough to help me. That experience made me want to be different. I want to be the kind of nurse who listens to patients, who really cares, and who does everything possible to find answers and give comfort. I know how it feels to be in pain and not know what’s going on. I never want someone else to go through that alone. The area of nursing I want to specialize in is labor and delivery. I want to help women bring life into the world and be there during one of the most important moments of their lives. I am especially passionate about helping Black women during childbirth. Studies show that Black women are more likely to die during pregnancy or birth than women of other races. That is not okay, and I want to be part of the change. I want to make sure that Black women are treated with respect, care, and kindness. They deserve to feel safe and supported during their pregnancy and delivery. I believe I can be a voice and a helping hand for them. To prepare for this step in my journey, I have been working hard in school. I currently have a 3.5 GPA, and I am on track to graduate in the spring of 2027. I take my studies seriously because I know that one day, real lives will be in my hands. I also take time to learn about the challenges women face during childbirth, especially Black women, and how I can be an advocate for them. I believe education is the key to making a real difference. Nursing, to me, is a way for me to give back, to stand up for people who feel unheard like myself in 2023, and to be a light in someone’s darkest moment. I know it will not be easy, but I am ready to work hard, keep learning, and give my best every single day. I am proud to be on this path, and I am excited to one day serve as a nurse who truly makes a difference.

What made me consider pursuing a career in nursing is a combination of my long-standing desire to help others and a personal experience that opened my eyes to the impact healthcare professionals can have. Ever since I was a child, I’ve always felt a strong need to care for others. Whether it was comforting a friend or helping my family, I’ve always wanted to make people feel better, especially when they’re going through difficult times. However, my own health struggle played a major role in shaping my decision to pursue nursing as a career. When I was diagnosed with lupus, I was only 18 years old in my senior year of high school. I had been experiencing strange symptoms for months—extreme fatigue, joint pain, and facial swelling. Despite seeing doctors during that time, no one seemed to take my condition seriously. I had to wait for months without an explanation, even though I knew something was wrong. Eventually, I was diagnosed with lupus, but by then, I had gone through a lot of anger and sadness. The hardest part was feeling like I wasn’t being heard. I didn’t feel like my doctors cared enough to look deeper into my symptoms right away, and that left me feeling powerless. During that time, I had many questions that went unanswered. I was scared and unsure about my future. That’s when I started thinking about how I could make a difference in the lives of people like me—people who felt lost and unheard in the healthcare system. I realized that nursing was a career where I could not only help people physically but also offer the emotional support that is often lacking in healthcare. Nurses spend the most time with patients; they listen to their concerns, and they are there to comfort them during some of their toughest moments. I want to be the kind of nurse who can help patients feel heard and understood, especially when they’re feeling vulnerable. Another reason I want to pursue nursing is that I would be the first nurse in my family. Growing up, no one in my family worked in healthcare, so becoming a nurse would be a big achievement. I want to set an example for my younger brother and show him that it’s possible to break through barriers and chase after something that you’re passionate about. I want to inspire them to always help others and never give up on their dreams, just like I am doing with nursing. Becoming a nurse is a way for me to combine my love for helping others with my desire to make a real difference in healthcare. I know that nursing is not just about giving medicine or performing procedures. It’s about showing empathy, advocating for patients, and being there for them when they need it the most. I want to be the nurse who listens, cares, and provides the support that can make all the difference in someone’s journey to health and recovery. In the end, nursing isn’t just a career for me—it’s a calling. It’s a way for me to transform my own difficult experience into something positive and impactful for others. I am currently a level one nursing student at Southern University, which is ranked the best nursing school in the nation according to Nurse.org. I am proud to say that I have a 3.5 GPA and I am on track to graduate in Spring 2027. I am ready to grow, to serve, and to become the kind of nurse that makes a difference in people’s lives.

My name is Irlan Smith, and I’m a sophomore at Southern University A&M College. I’m a nursing major, and I intend to graduate in spring 2027. My current GPA of 3.6 led to my acceptance into nursing school this January. After graduation, I plan to become a labor and delivery nurse or travel nurse. Receiving this scholarship would help me create a foundation for getting closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. I plan to be persistent in gaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This scholarship will push me toward my nursing degree and my career dream. My first semester as a college student was very challenging. The transition from high school to college and being newly diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus was not an easy road. Some days, I would get lupus flare-ups. that would cause my hair to fall out, my face, eyes, hands, and feet to swollen, and excruciating body aches. Dealing with flares and needing multiple doctor appointments made it very hard to study and keep up with schoolwork as a nursing major. These are significant to pursuing a successful career. Being the first nurse in my family is very meaningful to me. Healthcare professions have made me feel comfortable and empowered when I needed help managing pain. I want to help others have the same feeling. I want to be in the health industry to connect with patients and care for others in need. This scholarship will have a transformative impact on my journey as a nursing major, helping me achieve my academic and professional aspirations while reducing the financial challenges associated with pursuing higher education. Nursing is a demanding field that requires commitment, rigorous study, and hands-on training. This scholarship will allow me to fully immerse myself in my coursework and clinical experiences without the added stress of financial concerns. With this financial support, I can focus more on learning important nursing topics like taking care of patients, understanding the human body, using medications, and following proven practices. It will also help me buy important resources like textbooks, tools, and certifications that are key to my education. These resources will help me understand nursing better and succeed in my studies and hands-on training. This scholarship aligns with my long-term goal of becoming a compassionate and skilled nurse. By easing financial constraints, I can focus on my passion for making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. In conclusion, this scholarship represents financial support and also an investment in my future as a nurse. It will help me develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to provide exceptional care and contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and excited about the possibilities it will open for my education and care

My name is Irlan Smith, and I’m a sophomore at Southern University A&M College. I’m a nursing major, and I intend to graduate in spring 2027. My current GPA of 3.6 led to my acceptance into nursing school this January. After graduation, I plan to become a labor and delivery nurse or travel nurse. Receiving this scholarship would help me create a foundation for getting closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree. I plan to be persistent in gaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This scholarship will push me toward my nursing degree and my career dream. My first semester as a college student was very challenging. The transition from high school to college and being newly diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus was not an easy road. Some days, I would get lupus flare-ups. that would cause my hair to fall out, my face, eyes, hands, and feet to swollen, and excruciating body aches. Dealing with flares and needing multiple doctor appointments made it very hard to study and keep up with schoolwork as a nursing major. These are significant to pursuing a successful career. Being the first nurse in my family is very meaningful to me. Healthcare professions have made me feel comfortable and empowered when I needed help managing pain. I want to help others have the same feeling. I want to be in the health industry to connect with patients and care for others in need. This scholarship will have a transformative impact on my journey as a nursing major, helping me achieve my academic and professional aspirations while reducing the financial challenges associated with pursuing higher education. Nursing is a demanding field that requires commitment, rigorous study, and hands-on training. This scholarship will allow me to fully immerse myself in my coursework and clinical experiences without the added stress of financial concerns.With this financial support, I can focus more on learning important nursing topics like taking care of patients, understanding the human body, using medications, and following proven practices. It will also help me buy important resources like textbooks, tools, and certifications that are key to my education. These resources will help me understand nursing better and succeed in my studies and hands-on training. This scholarship aligns with my long-term goal of becoming a compassionate and skilled nurse. By easing financial constraints, I can focus on my passion for making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. In conclusion, this scholarship represents financial support and also an investment in my future as a nurse. It will help me develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to provide exceptional care and contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and excited about the possibilities it will open for my education and career.

During my time in high school, I actively engaged in various extracurricular activities, which have prepared me for success at Southern University and A&M College. My participation in organization and teams have allowed me to develop skills, such as time management, teamwork, and communication, which will be crucial as I navigate through the next chapter of my life. As a result, I acquire the ability to balance academics and extracurricular responsibilities. In high school, I served as a member of the National Honor Society, H.L. Bourgeois High School Raindancers Dance Team, Powerlifting Team, Track Team, and Student Council. In October 2022, I was presented as a maid on the homecoming court. It was an honor to be nominated by teachers and my classmates for my character as a student at H.L.B. This experience has not only nurtured a sense of responsibility but also problem-solving skills, which will help in tackling challenges I may encounter at Southern University. Being actively involved has given me a unique perspective on understanding diversity. Moreover, My participation in community clubs has instilled a sense of empathy and social responsibility. I am a member of the Terrebonne Parish NAACP Youth Council and Plymouth Rock Baptist Church Youth Department. These experiences have cultivated in me a commitment to help my generation and other generations to come. I look forward to continuing an oriented mindset in college by actively participating in groups to make a positive impact on the community. My involvement in academic clubs has helped me develop learn new things and want growth. This will contribute to my academic success at Southern University. Being a part of a sports team in high school has taught me the importance of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. These skills will help in managing the hardships of college life, such as meeting deadlines, juggling classwork, internships, etc. I am attending an HBCU because I think attending a university where I’m surrounded by people that look like me would provide a supportive campus environment. I often hear my mom and grandfather, who are Southern University alumni, talk about their experience in attending an HBCU. My mother says it was the best time of her life and very empowering being around so many people of color seeking higher education. In conclusion, my involvement during high school has shaped me into a well-rounded individual. I am confident that I will thrive academically and socially at THE Southern University and A&M College. I will fulfill my dream and prove that I have what it takes to be an outstanding Physical Therapist with her own clinic.