My vision for myself as a nurse is to become a compassionate, knowledgeable, and trustworthy caregiver who advocates fiercely for patients and creates a safe, respectful environment for everyone in my care. I want to be the kind of nurse who not only provides excellent clinical care but also brings humanity into every interaction—someone who listens fully, communicates clearly, and treats each patient as a whole person with their own fears, hopes, and story. Nursing has always been my calling. It is something I have felt in my heart for as long as I can remember, but for many years, it wasn’t within my financial reach. Even now, it continues to be a struggle. I work hard, yet the costs of tuition, bills, and everyday life keep rising. Despite this, I refuse to give up. I am fortunate to have an aunt who opened her home to me so I can pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. Her generosity has given me the stability I need to keep moving forward, even when the path feels heavy. I also carry the motivation of my 8-year-old son, who has sacrificed so much during these last three years so that I can pursue this career. There are days when he has had to be patient, understanding, and incredibly strong. Everything I do is not only for my future but for his—to show him the power of perseverance, education, and following a calling even when the journey is difficult. His love gives me strength, and his sacrifices remind me why achieving this dream is so important. Looking ahead, I see myself growing both personally and professionally—strengthening my clinical skills, continuing my education, and one day mentoring future nursing students or new nurses. I want to be the nurse who makes patients feel seen and valued, especially those who have experienced barriers due to language, finances, or cultural differences. I hope to become a nurse who brings comfort in uncertainty, clarity in confusion, and kindness in moments of vulnerability. Ultimately, my vision is to become a nurse who makes a lasting positive impact: on patients, on their families, and on the healthcare teams I work with. I want to build a career rooted in compassion, resilience, and purpose—one that reflects not only the challenges I have overcome, but the deep calling that has guided me toward this profession all my life. May Mrs. Sheila A Burke soul rest in peace. I would love to have had the honor to work under you. Thank you for doing this scholarship in her honor. Whoever gets it I know she will be beyond happy!

Mrs. Mary Jane Beck I will be praying for you to regain your health. My inspiration to pursue a career in nursing began long before I ever stepped into a clinical setting. Growing up as the daughter of parents with chronic medical conditions, I spent countless hours in clinics, hospitals, and emergency rooms. As a child, I watched my parents try to navigate a healthcare system that often felt overwhelming—made even harder by language barriers and periods without insurance. What stood out to me was how differently they were treated depending on the nurse caring for them. Some nurses were patient, compassionate, and made us feel seen. Others were dismissive, rushed, or visibly frustrated, as though my parents’ background or circumstances made them less deserving of quality care. Even as a young girl, I couldn’t understand why those two factors—language and insurance—seemed to determine the level of kindness they received. To me, they were simply human beings doing their best in life and needing help. That early confusion slowly turned into a deep conviction that everyone deserves respect, dignity, and empathy—no exceptions. It was during those moments, sitting in waiting rooms or watching nurses interact with my parents, that my passion for healthcare began to grow. As I got older, that calling became clearer. I realized that I wanted to be the kind of nurse who sees the person first, not the paperwork; someone who understands that vulnerability is universal and that compassion is not optional. This belief has guided me through more than 14 years of working in healthcare as a medical assistant. During that time, I have held the hands of anxious patients, advocated for those who felt unheard, and offered comfort during moments when fear or uncertainty took over. These experiences have only strengthened my desire to serve people with empathy, patience, and integrity. Nursing, for me, is more than just a career. It is the opportunity to stand beside people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. It is being trusted, even by strangers, in moments of vulnerability. It is being able to make someone feel safe, respected, and understood—especially when they may not have felt that way before. My parents taught me many lessons, but one of the greatest was the importance of treating people with humanity no matter who they are. That value is at the heart of the nurse I aim to become. Outside of nursing, one of my greatest passions is spending time with my son and husband we enjoy being surrounded by nature through outdoor walks and hikes. Being outdoors brings me peace and balance, especially on days when life feels overwhelming. Sharing meals, laughing together, or simply being present with one another reminds me why I work so hard and why caregiving is so important to me. They ground me, support me, and remind me of the values that shaped my journey from the beginning. Pursuing nursing is a commitment to lifelong learning, personal growth, and service to others. What drives me is the belief that every person deserves to feel cared for, respected, and understood and that I can be someone who makes their healthcare experience a little easier, a little kinder, and a little more human. Outside of nursing, I stay connected to joy through nature, family, and the simple moments that bring peace. Together, these experiences and passions shape the whole person behind the scrubs—the caregiver, the daughter, the advocate, and the human being striving to make a difference.

1. My inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing began at a young age as I watched my parents navigate the healthcare system while living with chronic medical conditions. Growing up, I witnessed the full spectrum of nursing care—some nurses were compassionate and patient, while others seemed dismissive, especially when language barriers or lack of insurance were involved. As a child, I could not understand why those factors mattered. All I saw were two human beings deserving of respect, dignity, and kindness. Those experiences shaped my belief that every person, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves equitable and compassionate care. Over time, that belief grew into a deep passion for serving others. I realized that I wanted to be the kind of nurse who sees beyond charts, diagnoses, or demographics, and instead focuses on the human being in front of me. I see people as individuals doing their best in life, often facing challenges that are invisible at first glance. When someone is in a vulnerable state, they need not only clinical care but also reassurance, understanding, and a steady hand to lift them up. With over 14 years of experience as a medical assistant, I have already had many opportunities to support patients through difficult moments, advocate for their needs, and practice compassionate care. These experiences have confirmed that nursing is where I am meant to be. I am committed to becoming a nurse who makes a meaningful difference—one who treats every patient with respect, empathy, and humanity. Nursing, to me, is not just a profession; it is my purpose. 2. To me, the phrase “human touch” represents compassion, kindness, and genuine connection. It means recognizing the humanity in each person and choosing to see beyond their insurance status, financial situation, language, age, background, or identity. “Human touch” reminds me that we are all connected, and that every individual deserves to feel seen, valued, and cared for. It is the simple but powerful act of treating people with empathy and respect, regardless of the circumstances that brought them into the healthcare setting. In patient care, the “human touch” is often just as important as clinical skills. Many patients enter healthcare environments feeling afraid, overwhelmed, or vulnerable. A gentle tone of voice, a warm smile, a willingness to listen—these small gestures can create trust and help patients feel grounded during uncertain moments. When healthcare providers demonstrate compassion, patients are more likely to open up about their symptoms, concerns, and fears, which leads to better communication and more accurate care. “Human touch” also fosters healing on an emotional level. Patients who feel cared for are more cooperative, more hopeful, and more engaged in their treatment plans. It can reduce anxiety, build rapport, and improve overall patient satisfaction. Even in fast-paced environments, taking a moment to acknowledge a patient’s feelings or offer reassurance can make a profound difference. It tells the patient, “You are not just another task—I am here with you.” In my own experience working in healthcare, I have seen how meaningful these moments can be. Many times, patients simply want to feel heard and understood. A compassionate approach can ease their fears more effectively than any medication. Ultimately, the “human touch” is the heart of nursing. It reminds us that behind every chart and every diagnosis is a person with a story, a struggle, and a need for kindness. It is this philosophy that guides the care I hope to provide every day as a future nurse.

I have wanted to become a nurse for many years, but for a long time it didn’t seem possible due to financial limitations. Every time I inquired about nursing school, I was told that it was a full-time commitment and that working while attending would be difficult. At the time, I couldn’t afford to stop working, so I had to put my dream on hold. Eventually, I was blessed with the opportunity to focus on my education. I first attended Las Vegas College because I wanted to start working in the medical field as soon as possible, and they offer a 2 year program to get an associates degree. Although I hoped to earn a bachelor’s degree, I couldn’t imagine being without a job for three years. Unfortunately, my experience at that school wasn’t the best in my first meeting with them, and I decided to leave. Soon after, I came across the Arizona College of Nursing. The moment I walked in, I had a wonderful experience, the staff were welcoming, informative, and supportive. I enrolled right away, took the HESI exam, and passed on my first try. Three years later, I am proud to say that I am a senior, preparing to graduate this December with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. My journey toward nursing began when my older brother told me that I cared deeply for others and that I would be great at helping people get better. His words stayed with me. In 2009, I graduated with my medical assistant diploma and told myself that if I enjoyed working in healthcare, I would return to school to become a nurse. Thirteen years later, I finally kept that promise to myself—and I truly love everything about nursing. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Financially, it has been very challenging. I currently work part-time, but it isn’t enough to cover our expenses. My partner works full-time, yet we are struggling with significant debt. We had to take out a private loan of over $12,000 just four months ago to help pay for school, and tuition payments continue to be difficult to manage. Tuition Options has been contacting me regarding payments, and I’ve had to ask them to wait until my next payday. I am deeply afraid of being dropped from the program because of our financial situation. Receiving this scholarship would mean the world to me. It would relieve some of the financial pressure on my family and allow me to focus fully on completing my final semester. I am grateful for your time and consideration, and although I know many students are deserving, I truly hope to be selected. Thank you so much for this opportunity. Sincerely, Maria Isabel Lopez