My name is Jayline Bustos, and I’m currently a high school student who is passionate about learning, helping others, and building a future in healthcare. School has always been an important part of my life because I see education as the foundation for everything I want to achieve. I’ve worked hard to stay focused and motivated in my classes, especially in science, because I plan to study nursing after high school. I enjoy subjects like biology and anatomy because they help me understand how the human body works and functions and how medical professionals can make a difference in people’s lives. Outside of school, I try to stay involved in my community and take part in activities that allow me to grow as a person. I’ve volunteered at local events, helped organize donation drives, and participated in service projects that support families in need. These experiences have shown me how powerful teamwork and compassion can be. Even small actions, like helping collect supplies or spending time with others, can bring comfort and hope. I’ve also been part of Student Council, HOSA, Sports Medicine, and community volunteering where I learned many leadership skills and how to work with different kinds of people. After high school, my goal is to attend college and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I want to become a registered nurse and later work in community health or pediatrics. My dream is to give back by providing care to those who don’t always have easy access to healthcare. Nursing is more than a career to me, it’s a calling that combines compassion, science, and service. I hope to make a difference in people’s lives not only through medical care but also by offering understanding and encouragement during their most difficult moments. If I could start my own charity, its mission would be to bring free health education and basic care to underserved communities. I would call it something like “Healthy Hearts Outreach,” and it would focus on teaching families about preventive care, nutrition, and wellness. The charity would serve low income families, children, and elderly individuals who might not have access to regular medical support. Volunteers would help organize health fairs, provide free check-ups, distribute hygiene kits, and host workshops about topics like mental health, exercise, and healthy living. My goal would be to empower people with knowledge so they can take better care of themselves and their loved ones. Through my studies and community involvement, I’ve learned that helping others brings out the best in me. My goal moving forward is to keep finding ways to serve, to keep learning, and to use my education to make a lasting impact on my community and beyond.

Losing a family member is one of the hardest things a person can experience, and for me, it completely changed the way I see life and my goals for the future. I lost my grandmother, and that loss taught me more about strength, compassion, and purpose than anything else ever could. Watching someone you love go through pain and not being able to do much to help them leaves a mark, but it also gives you a new perspective on what truly matters, caring for others and appreciating every moment. During that time, I saw firsthand how powerful kindness and care can be. The nurses and doctors who helped my loved one not only treated their illness, but also supported our family emotionally. Even small gestures, a smile, a gentle word, or simply taking time to listen, made a huge difference. Seeing that made me realize I wanted to be that kind of person for others, someone who could bring comfort and support during difficult times. That experience was one of the main reasons I decided to pursue nursing as my career. Losing someone close to me was painful, but it also became a turning point. It pushed me to grow up faster and take responsibility in ways I hadn’t before. I learned how to stay strong for my family, manage my emotions, and keep moving forward even when things were hard. It also helped me appreciate the importance of health, time, and love, things we often take for granted until they’re gone. Instead of letting grief hold me back, I chose to let it motivate me. I wanted to turn that pain into something meaningful by dedicating my future to helping others heal. This experience shaped not only my personal values but also my approach to education. I learned how to stay focused and driven, even when life feels uncertain. It reminded me why I’m passionate about healthcare and why I want to work in a field where I can make a difference every single day. Although losing her will always be a part of my story, it has also become a source of strength. It taught me resilience, empathy, and determination, qualities I know will guide me throughout my education and nursing career. More than anything, it gave me a clear purpose: to care for others with the same compassion that once helped my own family through a time of loss.

My passion for STEM began with curiosity about how things work, not just on the outside, but deep inside. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the human body, the way science could explain illness and healing, and how technology continues to improve people’s lives. What truly ignites my curiosity is the idea that behind every discovery, there’s someone who asked “why?” and “how can we make this better?” For me, STEM isn’t just about numbers or experiments, it’s about solving real problems and improving the world through knowledge, creativity, and care. The challenge I long to tackle is improving healthcare access and understanding, especially in communities that often get overlooked. Many people go without proper medical care or education simply because of limited resources. I want to change that by combining science with compassion, using technology, research, and nursing to make healthcare more accessible and effective. Whether it’s helping develop better patient care methods, teaching others about health, or using innovation to connect patients to medical resources, I want to be part of the solution. Books have also played a big role in shaping my goals in STEM. Reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks opened my eyes to the deep connection between science and humanity — how medical progress can both save lives and raise important ethical questions. It made me realize that science isn’t just about data or lab work; it’s also about respect, empathy, and responsibility. Another book that influenced me was When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon who wrote about his experience facing his own illness. His story showed me how science and compassion can exist together, how a healthcare professional can touch lives far beyond the hospital walls. These books helped me see that my path in STEM, especially in nursing, can combine scientific skill with emotional strength. My educational roadmap begins with earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and gaining hands-on experience in the medical field. From there, I hope to specialize in a field where I can make the biggest impact, such as community health or medical research. This scholarship program will be the bridge that connects my ambition to reality. It will give me the opportunity to focus on my education, gain valuable training, and continue building the skills I need to serve others. With financial support, I can devote more time to studying, volunteering, and pursuing internships that will prepare me to make real contributions to healthcare innovation. My deeper vision is to use what I learn to give back, to become a nurse who not only treats patients but also helps educate and inspire future generations in STEM. I want my work to remind others that science and compassion can change lives. This scholarship would not just help me continue my education; it would help me turn my passion for STEM into a lifelong mission to improve the health and well-being of my community and beyond.

One of the experiences that has prepared me most for my journey toward higher education is learning how to stay focused and motivated even when things get difficult. Throughout high school, I had to balance classes, family responsibilities, and part-time work, which taught me the value of time management and perseverance. There were moments when it felt like too much to handle, but I learned to stay organized, set priorities, and keep my goals in sight. I realized that education is something no one can take away from me, and that mindset pushed me to keep going, even when I felt tired or overwhelmed. Another challenge that prepared me for this next step was learning to believe in myself. There were times when I doubted whether I was good enough or smart enough to go to college, especially when things didn’t come easily. But instead of giving up, I started to ask for help, study harder, and remind myself why I wanted to succeed. Overcoming those feelings of doubt showed me how strong I could be when I stayed determined. It also helped me build confidence in my ability to take on new challenges, something I know I’ll need as I continue my education. The area I plan to study is nursing because it combines two things I care deeply about: helping others and learning about health and science. I’ve always been interested in how the human body works and how medical professionals care for patients. Nursing is important to me because nurses play such a vital role in people’s lives, they provide care, comfort, and education to help patients heal and stay healthy. I admire the compassion and patience nurses show, and I want to be someone who can make others feel supported during their most vulnerable moments. In the future, I hope to make an impact by using my education and skills to give back to my community. I plan to work as a nurse in underserved areas where people may not always have access to quality healthcare. I want to help educate patients about their health, encourage preventive care, and provide comfort to those in need. Beyond direct care, I hope to inspire others, especially young people from my community, to pursue careers in healthcare and believe in their ability to succeed. Higher education is my chance to build a better future for myself and for others. The challenges I’ve faced have made me stronger, more focused, and more compassionate, all qualities I believe will help me become a great nurse and a positive influence in my community.

One of the most significant struggles I’ve faced was learning how to balance school, work, and family responsibilities all at once. There was a time when I felt completely overwhelmed, trying to stay on top of my assignments while also helping out at home and working part-time. It often felt like there weren’t enough hours in the day, and I started to doubt whether I could handle it all. However, instead of giving up, I learned to manage my time more wisely, stay organized, and ask for help when I needed it. This experience taught me what it truly means to be responsible and resourceful. At first, I struggled because I tried to do everything on my own. I would stay up late doing homework and wake up early to finish chores or get ready for work. I realized that if I wanted to succeed, I needed to make some changes. I started using a planner to track assignments, set daily goals, and schedule study time. I also learned to prioritize what needed to be done first instead of trying to do everything at once. When I couldn’t figure something out in school, I began reaching out to teachers and classmates instead of staying silent. I also used online resources and extra tutoring sessions to strengthen the subjects I found more difficult. Through this challenge, I discovered how capable I could be when I stayed focused and took responsibility for my time and choices. I learned that being resourceful doesn’t always mean having all the answers, it means finding ways to get them, even when things feel uncertain. Balancing my different responsibilities helped me become more disciplined and independent. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for hard work and perseverance. This experience has shaped who I am as both a student and a future professional. As a student, I’ve learned how to stay organized, meet deadlines, and push through tough moments without giving up. I’ve also become more patient with myself, understanding that progress takes time. As a future nurse, I believe these lessons will help me handle the demands of the job. Nurses often face stressful situations that require focus, quick thinking, and compassion all at once. My experience taught me how to stay calm under pressure and find solutions even when things don’t go as planned. Overall, facing this struggle made me stronger, more responsible, and more confident in my ability to overcome obstacles. It reminded me that challenges can shape us in powerful ways and that determination and resourcefulness can turn even the hardest situations into opportunities for growth.

I was inspired to pursue a career in nursing because I have always cared about helping others and making a positive difference in people’s lives. Ever since I was young, I have been drawn to the idea of taking care of others, whether it was helping a family member who wasn’t feeling well or volunteering at school events. Over time, I realized that nursing was the perfect fit for me because it allows me to combine my compassion for others with my interest in science and healthcare. Nurses are often the ones who spend the most time with patients, offering not only medical care but also emotional support. I admire how nurses can make people feel safe, understood, and cared for even in the hardest moments, and I want to be that kind of person for others. Another reason I chose nursing is because I see it as a career that never stops growing. There are always new things to learn, and nurses are constantly adapting to new challenges. I like that it’s a hands-on, people-centered career where every day is different. I also want to be part of a team that works together to help patients heal and feel their best. The idea of being able to comfort someone, teach them about their health, and play a role in their recovery motivates me to work hard toward this goal. Currently, I try to give back to my community in small but meaningful ways. I volunteer at local events, participate in donation drives, and help out with community service projects through school. These experiences have shown me how powerful kindness and teamwork can be. Even small actions, like handing out meals or helping organize supplies, can make someone’s day better. I’ve also learned how important it is to listen to people and understand their needs, a skill that will be valuable as a nurse. In the future, I plan to give back to my community through my career. I want to work as a nurse in underserved areas where people may not always have access to good healthcare. I hope to educate patients about their health, help them manage illnesses, and provide care with empathy and respect. My goal is to build trust with patients and help them feel seen and supported. I also hope to mentor other students who are interested in nursing, especially those who come from similar backgrounds as mine. Giving back to others through healthcare is more than just a career goal for me, it’s something I truly care about and feel called to do.

I still remember the first time I realized how different my life looked from many of my classmates. It wasn’t one single moment but a collection of small experiences: waiting for my turn to borrow a school-issued laptop while others pulled their own devices from their backpacks, seeing my peers’ families order takeout while I went home to stretch whatever groceries we had left, and trying to focus on homework when the house was too cold because heating was a luxury. For me, financial struggle was not an abstract idea but a constant reality woven into my childhood. Growing up in a household where money was always tight, I learned quickly that nothing was guaranteed. Sometimes, we had to make difficult choices between bills and meals, or between school supplies and other necessities. I watched my parents work long hours—sometimes two jobs each—yet it still felt like we were running a race we could never quite catch up in. As a child, I didn’t always understand the specifics, but I understood the worry in their voices and the quiet sacrifices they made for us. Despite these challenges, or maybe because of them, school became my safe haven. I found comfort in routine: the ringing bell that started each day, the teacher’s voice guiding us through lessons, and the books that transported me far beyond the limits of my circumstances. Learning became more than just an academic pursuit—it became a way for me to imagine a different future. I couldn’t control our financial struggles, but I could control how much effort I put into my studies. Each math equation solved and each science concept mastered felt like a small victory, a reminder that knowledge could create opportunities even when money could not. Adversity forced me to develop qualities I might not have discovered otherwise. I became resilient, because I had to be. I became resourceful, finding ways to study without certain supplies or carving out quiet moments to focus when home was chaotic. Most importantly, I became determined. I realized that if I wanted to break the cycle of financial insecurity, I would need to pursue education relentlessly, no matter how difficult the road became. My passion for STEM grew naturally out of this mindset. STEM appealed to me because it is fundamentally about problem-solving—taking challenges and finding creative, efficient solutions. From an early age, I was drawn to asking “why” and “how.” I remember being fascinated by the way a simple science experiment could reveal the laws that govern the world around us, or how a math formula could explain a real-life phenomenon. STEM made me feel empowered because it showed me that even the most complex problems could be broken down and solved. But my interest in STEM is not just academic; it’s deeply personal. I know what it feels like to lack resources, whether that’s food on the table, reliable technology, or access to healthcare. I’ve seen how financial limitations can stand in the way of opportunities and even basic well-being. That’s why I want to use STEM as a tool for change. I am especially passionate about the intersection of technology and healthcare. I believe that advancements in biomedical engineering, data science, or medical technology can bridge gaps in healthcare access. Imagine a future where affordable medical devices help underserved communities, or where innovative technologies make preventative care more accessible. That is the future I want to help build. Overcoming financial adversity has also given me a perspective that I carry into my academic and career goals. I know how to persist when things are hard, how to adapt when resources are limited, and how to empathize with others who are struggling. These qualities are just as important as technical skills in STEM because innovation is not only about knowledge—it’s also about perseverance, collaboration, and understanding the human impact of scientific progress. Looking forward, I want to combine my resilience with my STEM education to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. My ultimate goal is to contribute to advancements that make healthcare more affordable and effective for families who face the same struggles mine did. I want to work on solutions that remove barriers rather than create them, because no one’s health—or future—should depend on how much money they have. I believe that education is the key to transforming not just my own life, but also the lives of those around me. Through STEM, I see a path where I can turn my experiences with hardship into a force for good, using innovation to help others overcome challenges. I want young people growing up in financial adversity to look at me and see that their circumstances don’t define their potential—that with persistence, curiosity, and opportunity, they can build futures filled with possibility. In the end, my background is not something I view as a burden, but as a source of strength. The financial adversity I faced shaped my character and fueled my passion for STEM. It gave me a determination that I now carry into everything I do. By pursuing a career where I can innovate and create solutions, I hope to transform hardship into hope—not just for myself, but for others who need it most.

My name is Jayline Bustos, and I am a high school junior at Metro Tech High School. I have always been drawn to the field of healthcare because of my desire to help people and make a positive impact in my community. Growing up in a Hispanic family, I have seen firsthand the challenges that many people face when it comes to accessing quality healthcare. This has inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare, where I can work to improve the lives of others. I am particularly interested in studying nursing and medicine because these fields offer the opportunity to work directly with patients and provide them with the care and support they need. I believe that healthcare is not just about treating illnesses, but also about building relationships with patients and their families, and helping them navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. My future career goals include becoming a registered nurse or a doctor, where I can work in a hospital or community clinic setting. I am interested in specializing in areas such as pediatrics or family medicine, where I can work with diverse populations and address the unique health needs of different communities. I am also passionate about educating others about health and wellness, and I hope to use my career as a platform to advocate for health equity and access to care for all. I am drawn to schools like Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University because they offer strong programs in nursing and pre-med, and they are located in areas where I can continue to serve and learn from diverse communities. I am also considering Gateway Community College as a starting point for my education, as it offers practical training and a supportive learning environment. In pursuing a career in healthcare, I hope to combine my passion for helping others with my interest in science and medicine. I am committed to working hard to achieve my goals and to making a difference in the lives of those around me. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead, and I am grateful for the chance to pursue my education and career in healthcare. I hope that by bettering my studies in my current CNA program, I could create a bigger impact on the world and really become what i aspire to be, a caring and loving nurse which all of patients will feel safe with.