Balancing the roles of student and single parent has been the most demanding and transformative challenge of my life. Individually, each role requires focus, resilience, and sacrifice. Together, they demand a constant recalibration of priorities, energy, and identity. The difficulty is not simply logistical, but deeply emotional. I had to learned how to pursue long-term goals while being fully present for a child who depends on me for stability, safety, and healing. Two years ago, my life changed with a single phone call. My boyfriend’s half-sister, a teenager with disabilities, was being emergently removed from her home due to severe abuse. At the time, I was already working full time as a nurse and enrolled part time in graduate school. I had no plans to become a parent, no financial preparation, and no pause button on my responsibilities. The decision itself though was immediate. She needed a safe place to go, and I said yes—first temporarily, and then permanently. What began as an emergency placement has become permanent custody, and with it came a complete redefinition of my life. The most challenging aspect of being both a student and a single parent has been the constant tension between urgency and endurance. Graduate school requires sustained focus, late nights, and mental presence. Parenting a child with disabilities and a history of trauma requires patience, emotional availability, advocacy, and consistency. There are no true breaks in either role. My days are filled with work shifts, coursework, therapy appointments, school meetings, court dates, and the everyday needs of a child learning what safety feels like. I have learned to study in waiting rooms, write papers after bedtime, and prepare for exams while managing IEP meetings and medical follow-ups. Emotionally, the challenge has been learning to release guilt in both directions. There are moments when school demands my attention and I worry that I am not present enough as a parent. There are other moments when parenting must come first and I fear falling behind academically. As a single parent, there is no one else to step in when exhaustion hits or deadlines collide. Every responsibility ultimately rests with me. That weight is heavy, but it has also strengthened my sense of purpose. I am no longer pursuing education solely for myself. Every class, every assignment, and every sacrifice is tied to building a more secure future for this child who needs me. Financial strain has been one of the most significant challenges in this balance. Before gaining permanent custody, I had savings set aside for graduate school. Those resources were quickly redirected to meet immediate needs—clothing, therapy, educational supports, and the additional costs that come with parenting a disabled child. Graduate education is expensive on its own, but when combined with single parenthood, the pressure becomes relentless. I work full time to maintain stability, yet that often means less time and energy to dedicate to my child and my studies. This scholarship would directly alleviate that pressure and create space where there is currently none. Financial support would reduce the need for additional work hours, allowing me to be more present as a parent and more focused as a student. It would mean fewer nights choosing between rest and responsibility, fewer moments of triage where something important must be delayed. With this support, I could invest more intentionally in my child’s healing, attending school events, participating fully in therapy and support services, and simply being present for those little moments that matter most to a child who has experienced profound instability. Beyond my immediate family, this scholarship would allow me to remain an active and engaged member of the foster care community. Becoming a foster parent was not a role I sought out, but it has become a defining part of who I am. I understand firsthand how overwhelming the system can be, and I want to remain connected, offering support, mentorship, and advocacy for other foster families and children navigating similar paths. Financial stability would allow me to continue showing up in those spaces, rather than retreating under the weight of competing demands. Looking forward, this scholarship would help pave the way not only for my future career, but for the future my child deserves. My graduate education is essential to my long-term goal of serving vulnerable populations through forensic nursing and advocacy. Completing this degree with stability and focus allows me to build a career that provides both financial security and meaningful service. For my child, it means a future shaped by consistency, opportunity, and the knowledge that she was worth every sacrifice. The most challenging part of being a student and single parent is that there is no separation between the two. Every success and setback in one role affects the other. But that connection is also my greatest motivation. I am building a life that models resilience, commitment, and compassion. This scholarship would not remove the challenges, but it would make them manageable. It would allow me to pursue my education without sacrificing my ability to be the attentive, involved, and present parent my child needs. In doing so, it would support not just my goals, but the future of a family built from an unexpected act of love and responsibility.

I did not expect a movie like Wicked to resonate with me as deeply as it did. I went in anticipating a familiar story retold in a new format, but I left feeling unexpectedly seen. At its core, Wicked is not simply a fantasy about witches and magic; it is a story about identity, belonging, and learning to stand confidently in who you are, even when the world misunderstands you. That message mirrors my own journey and the dynamic I share with my two sisters, making the film profoundly personal to me. Elphaba and Glinda immediately reminded me of myself and my sisters. As the middle child, I grew up balancing between two strong personalities, each different, each loved, and each confident in her own way. My older sister is effortlessly likable and socially fluent, much like Glinda. My younger sister carried a quiet strength and certainty about who she is always. I often found myself somewhere in between: observant, capable, but unsure where I fit. Like Elphaba, I learned early what it felt like to be different, to be misunderstood, and to question whether that difference was something to hide or embrace. What struck me most about Wicked is its refusal to frame difference as failure. Elphaba’s story is not about becoming acceptable, it is about becoming authentic. For much of my life, I tried to soften parts of myself to make others more comfortable. I worked hard, achieved academically, and met expectations, but confidence did not come naturally. As a middle child, it often felt easier to be adaptable than assertive. Watching Elphaba claim her voice despite rejection, criticism, and fear felt like watching a version of myself learn the same lesson. Glinda’s character also resonated with me in an unexpected way. She is often dismissed as superficial, but Wicked reveals her growth, vulnerability, and genuine care for others. That complexity reminded me of my sisters and of how relationships evolve with time and maturity. As children, our differences sometimes created distance or competition. As adults, those same differences have become our greatest strengths. Like Elphaba and Glinda, we have learned that love does not require sameness, and that supporting one another does not mean shrinking ourselves. My journey toward self-acceptance has mirrored the themes of Wicked in subtle but powerful ways. Confidence did not arrive all at once. It was built by choosing myself repeatedly through education, career decisions, and personal growth. I have learned that being the middle child does not mean being invisible. It means learning how to bridge perspectives, advocate for myself, and stand firmly in who I am without needing permission. Wicked reminds viewers that the labels placed on us are often incomplete, and that courage sometimes looks like standing alone. That message resonates deeply with me as someone who has learned to stop apologizing for taking up space. The story affirms that self-acceptance is not about becoming “good” or “popular,” but about becoming honest and whole. Being a fan of Wicked is not about spectacle or nostalgia for me, it is about recognition. It is about seeing a story that validates difference, honors complex relationships, and celebrates the quiet strength it takes to become confident in your own skin. Like Elphaba, I have learned that being true to myself may not always be easy, but it is always worth it.

My academic and professional goals are centered on advancing my education in the biological sciences so I can more effectively serve victims of violence through direct care, advocacy, and systems-level change. I am pursuing graduate education to both strengthen my scientific foundation and utilize that knowledge in ways that promote public health, justice, and long-term healing for individuals who have experienced abuse, assault, and neglect. Academically, my goal is to deepen my understanding of human physiology, trauma response, and injury patterns through advanced coursework and research. My background in emergency nursing has given me extensive exposure to acute illness and injury, but it has also revealed the limitations of providing care without specialized forensic training. Victims of violence present with complex biological, psychological, and social needs that require a deeper understanding of how trauma impacts the body over time. Graduate-level education allows me to critically evaluate emerging research, understand the physiological effects of acute and chronic trauma, and apply that science to evidence-based forensic practice. This knowledge is essential for accurately identifying injuries, collecting and preserving evidence, preventing disease, and ensuring survivors receive appropriate follow-up care. Professionally, my primary goal is to work as a forensic nurse providing trauma-informed, patient-centered care to survivors of violence. In this role, biological science is foundational. It guides injury interpretation, informs evidence collection, and supports accurate documentation that can have lifelong implications for a survivor’s access to justice. I plan to work within a hospital-based forensic nursing program, directly caring for rural and underserved communities, where access to trained forensic providers is limited. By doing so, I hope to reduce barriers to care and ensure that survivors receive timely, expert services regardless of geography. Advocacy is a central component of my professional goals. Forensic nursing allows me to serve as an advocate at the bedside, explaining options, restoring autonomy, and ensuring patients are treated with dignity during moments of profound vulnerability. Beyond individual encounters, I aim to use my education to advocate for improved forensic services, expanded access to follow-up care, and trauma-informed policies within healthcare systems. I will also contribute to multidisciplinary collaboration with law enforcement, social services, and community organizations to strengthen responses to violence and improve public health outcomes. In addition to direct care, I am committed to education and prevention. One of my long-term goals is to help educate and mentor healthcare providers on trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches to caring for victims of violence. Translating scientific research into practical clinical education is critical to improving system-wide responses and reducing the long-term health consequences of trauma. I also plan to participate in community education initiatives aimed at prevention, early intervention, and support for at-risk populations. My goals are deeply informed by my volunteer work with teens who have survived abuse and my experiences as a foster parent to children affected by violence. These roles have reinforced my belief that science-driven healthcare must be paired with compassion and advocacy. Advancing my education in the biological sciences is a necessary step in becoming a forensic nurse who not only provides expert clinical care, but also stands beside survivors as a consistent, knowledgeable advocate. Ultimately, my goal is to use my education to ensure that victims of violence are not only treated, but heard, believed, and supported. By combining scientific expertise with trauma-informed forensic nursing practice, I hope to contribute meaningfully to public health, justice, and healing for individuals and communities alike.

My motivation for pursuing advanced nursing education is rooted in both my professional experiences as a nurse and my personal commitment to serving vulnerable individuals with growing skill, confidence, and impact. Throughout my career in emergency medicine, I have cared for patients during some of the most critical and traumatic moments of their lives. While I have developed strong clinical skills, I have also come to recognize the limits of my current training, particularly when caring for survivors of violence, abuse, and neglect. These encounters have shown me that effective care in these situations requires more than bedside nursing alone; it requires advanced education, specialized knowledge, and a deeper understanding of the intersection between healthcare, justice, and trauma. Working alongside forensic nurses has been pivotal in shaping my motivation to pursue graduate education. I have witnessed how forensic nurses provide trauma-informed care while also preserving evidence, advocating for patients within the legal system, and help restore a sense of dignity and control to individuals who have experienced profound harm. Their ability to bridge compassionate care with meticulous clinical and legal expertise has inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in forensic nursing. I want to be better equipped to serve patients whose voices are often minimized or overlooked, especially children and survivors of interpersonal violence. My motivation is also deeply personal. Outside of my career, I am a single foster parent to children who have experienced significant trauma. Supporting them through medical, emotional, and legal systems has given me firsthand insight into how frequently those systems fail the people who need them most. I have seen how the absence of proper documentation, advocacy, and trauma-informed care can alter the course of a child’s life. These experiences have strengthened my resolve to gain advanced education so I can be part of the solution at the bedside and within the broader systems that influence patient outcomes. Pursuing advanced education is not about career advancement alone, it is about responsibility. I believe that when nurses are given the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills, they are better positioned to create meaningful change. A graduate education will allow me to deepen my clinical expertise, engage in ethical analysis, contribute to research, and develop leadership skills that are essential for improving forensic nursing services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This scholarship would significantly benefit me by alleviating the financial strain that accompanies graduate education. Balancing full-time work, advanced coursework, clinical requirements, and parenting responsibilities places considerable demands on my time and resources. As a single foster parent, I carry not only tuition costs but also the financial and emotional responsibility of caring for children who often arrive in crisis with complex needs. This scholarship would reduce the need for additional work hours, allowing me to devote more focused time and energy to my education, clinical training, and family. Beyond financial relief, this scholarship would provide affirmation and support during a challenging season of growth. Graduate school requires sustained commitment, resilience, and sacrifice. Knowing that others believe in my goals and values would be both motivating and empowering. It would allow me to move forward with greater stability and confidence, fully engaging in my education rather than constantly navigating financial uncertainty. Ultimately, the benefits of this scholarship extend beyond me. By supporting my advanced education, you are investing in a nurse committed to serving survivors of violence, advocating for vulnerable populations, and improving access to trauma-informed forensic care. My motivation for pursuing this degree is grounded in service, and this scholarship would enable me to pursue that mission with greater focus and dedication.

Service has never been something I view as separate from my daily life or career. It is the lens through which I make decisions, show up for others, and define success. I believe that bettering the world does not require grand gestures, but rather a consistent willingness to put others first, especially when they are most vulnerable. My commitment to service has been shaped by my work as a nurse, my role as a foster parent, and my involvement in community-based advocacy for survivors of trauma. As an emergency department nurse, I serve individuals on some of the worst days of their lives. Many of my patients arrive not only injured or ill, but harmed by violence, abuse, or neglect. In these moments, service means slowing down when everything feels urgent, listening, believing, and offering dignity when a person feels stripped of it. Working alongside forensic nurses has shown me how powerful compassionate, trauma-informed care can be in restoring a sense of control and humanity to survivors. These experiences have reinforced my belief that service is not passive; it requires skill, presence, and moral courage. Outside the hospital, service has taken on an even more personal meaning. I am a single foster parent to children who have experienced severe trauma and abuse. Opening my home was not a planned step, but it was an immediate and unquestioned “yes” when a child needed safety. Since then, my life has revolved around court hearings, therapy appointments, school meetings, and late-night conversations that require patience and emotional endurance. This role has taught me what selflessness truly looks like: placing another person’s healing and stability ahead of convenience or comfort. It has also deepened my understanding of how profoundly systems can fail vulnerable individuals, especially children, when advocacy and proper support are absent. In addition, I volunteer with a local support group for teens who have experienced abuse and assault. This group was instrumental in the healing of one of my foster children, and continuing to serve there allows me to give back to a community that once supported my own family. In this space, service means consistency. Its about showing up, listening without judgment, and helping young people feel seen and valued in a world that has often taught them the opposite. Looking ahead, my commitment to service will continue through my pursuit of a master’s degree in forensic nursing. My goal is to serve rural and underserved communities where access to forensic and trauma-informed care is limited. I plan to work within hospital-based forensic nursing programs, providing expert care to survivors of violence while also advocating for expanded access, follow-up services, and community education. Long term, I hope to contribute to program development, mentorship, and policy advocacy that ensures no survivor is turned away due to geography or lack of resources. Priscilla Shireen’s legacy reflects a life devoted to others, and that is the kind of legacy I strive to build. A life rooted in outspoken advocacy, consistent service, and the belief that every person deserves care, safety, and dignity. I cannot change every injustice, but I can show up where I am needed most. Through nursing, fostering, volunteering, and continued education, I intend to keep giving back in ways that create lasting impact for individuals, families, and communities. This scholarship would support not just my education, but a lifelong commitment to service that I will carry forward into the future.

Family is my foundation and the compass that guides every decision. To me, family means unconditional love, steadfast commitment, and the daily choice to show up for someone else even when life feels overwhelming. My understanding of family deepened the day I became a mother, not by birth, but by an unexpected act of love. Before that moment, I was a single woman working as a nurse while completing just starting graduate school. My focus was on advancing my education and career. That changed with a single phone call. My ex-boyfriend’s disabled teenage sister was being removed from her home for severe abuse. Without hesitation, I took her in. What began as temporary became a lifelong commitment. Becoming an instant parent to a teenager with special needs required me to redefine what it meant to love selflessly. My priorities shifted from personal goals to creating safety, consistency, and healing for someone whose trust in others had been shattered. My life became a series of appointments, court hearings, school meetings, and extracurriculars balanced between coursework and shifts at the hospital. I learned to make every moment count: when I study, I study with focus; when I’m home, I’m present as a mother. Through this experience, I affirmed that family is defined by devotion, patience, and the willingness to show up each day. My challenges have shaped me into a more compassionate, disciplined, and purpose-driven person. Caring for my daughter has taught me to approach every trial with grace and creativity. Her resilience in the face of trauma motivates me to push through exhaustion and setbacks in pursuit of my goals. She has given new meaning to my nursing career. In emergency medicine, I often care for children and adults in moments of crisis. When I see survivors of abuse, I now see my daughter, and I’m reminded of the power of advocacy, trauma-informed care, and unconditional belief in another person’s worth. Faith has been the thread that weaves through it all. My faith reminds me that life’s detours often carry divine purpose. When I first received that life-changing phone call, I had no plan and no roadmap, only faith that saying “yes” was the right thing to do. There have been nights when I’ve questioned whether I could manage it all. In those moments, prayer has been my anchor. My belief that God equips us for the work He calls us to has carried me through exhaustion, fear, and uncertainty. I was fortunate to have a loving home with parents who taught me to trust in God. My church remains an extension of my family and a constant source of strength. My faith is the foundation of all I do and shapes how I serve others both in my home and career. Through every challenge, I am reminded there is a community and a power beyond myself that will see me through. When we finalized my daughter’s adoption, our community filled the courtroom—grandparents, aunts, friends, and church members—each part of a village that surrounds us with love. That moment represented more than a legal change; it symbolized community, healing, and the belief that family is what we build together. My hopes for the future are rooted in continuing to live those values. Educationally, I am pursuing a master’s degree in forensic nursing to specialize in the intersection of healthcare and justice. This field aligns with my experiences as both a nurse and a foster parent. I want to advocate for victims of violence—especially children—by ensuring they receive compassionate care and a voice in systems that often overlook them. Spiritually, I hope to continue growing in faith and living it out through service. Familially, I want to provide my daughter with the unwavering knowledge that she is loved beyond measure. Personally, I strive to be a woman defined not by what I achieve but how I uplift others through kindness and integrity. Receiving this scholarship would be transformational. It would relieve the strain of balancing tuition with the costs of parenting, allowing me to dedicate more time to my community and to my family. It would symbolize support from a community that believes in the same values I try to live every day. Your investment in me would ripple outward: into the patients I treat, the children I care for, and the survivors I advocate for. My journey has not followed the path I once imagined, but I wouldn’t trade it. Family taught me to love without condition. Nursing taught me to serve with compassion. Faith taught me to trust and find meaning in every challenge. Together, they have shaped me into someone who lives to give. This scholarship would not only support my education, it would help me continue a life built on the principles it represents.

Balancing my education with my commitment to my family as a single parent has required me to completely redefine my sense of purpose, time, and resilience. Before parenthood, I was a single woman working full time in my dream career as a nurse and completing my first semester of graduate school. I was focused solely on my own future when a single phone call changed everything. My ex-boyfriend’s teenage sister, who has autism, was being emergently removed from her home due to severe abuse. Without hesitation, I said yes to taking her in for a while. That “while” quickly became forever. Since that day, my life has been filled with court dates, therapy appointments, school meetings, and horse-riding lessons—all alongside graduate courses, nursing shifts, and nightly dinners. Every day is a balancing act between being a student, a nurse, and most importantly, a parent. I have learned to be intentional with my time and focus on quality over quantity. I schedule time daily to be fully present with my daughter—whether we are cooking dinner, watching a movie, or simply sitting together for a quiet moment. When I study, I give that same level of focus to my coursework. I still take my education seriously and am determined to complete my master’s degree, but my priorities have shifted. My number one focus is now a young woman whose courage and resilience inspire me to keep pushing forward. The transition from single adult to single parent was not only emotional but also financially challenging. Children are expensive, and children with additional needs even more so. I had no time to prepare—my savings for graduate school were immediately redirected to meet her basic needs. What was once financial stability became a constant juggling act between two jobs, tuition payments, and ensuring my daughter has everything she needs. This scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing my education without the constant weight of financial strain. It would help cover tuition and reduce the need for extra work hours, giving me more time and energy to devote both to my studies and my daughter. It would also provide peace of mind, allowing me to focus on being the best version of myself for her and for the patients I serve as a nurse. I am fortunate to have an incredible support system of friends and family who make up our village. They show up at every horse-riding competition, every family dinner, and if ever there is an appointment or event I cannot attend, I know there are grandparents, aunts, and friends who are ready to step in and fill any gap. When we went to court last summer to officially make me a parent, we had a sea of people cheering us from the benches. Their love and encouragement remind me that I am never truly alone in this journey. The Poynter Foundation can become an extension of that village by helping me continue my education and, in turn, helping me provide a stable, loving future for our new little family.

One global health issue I am deeply passionate about is human trafficking, especially through the lens of my work as a Forensic Nurse Examiner. Human trafficking is a massive, often invisible, public health crisis affecting an estimated 27 million people worldwide, according to the International Labour Organization. Victims are coerced into forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of modern slavery—and this issue disproportionately impacts women and people of color, in all areas of the world. While human trafficking can happen anywhere, I’ve seen its impact up close while working in rural Southwest Virginia. In our region, isolation, poverty, lack of public transportation, and limited healthcare access create the perfect storm for exploitation to thrive undetected. I’ve cared for patients—some adolescents, some adults—who presented with repeated injuries, untreated infections, or signs of long-term psychological trauma. Often, they were accompanied by someone speaking for them, controlling the conversation, and making decisions on their behalf. Despite training to recognize these symptoms for the concern they represent, many healthcare professionals are overwhelmed and overworked leading to the signs being overlooked. In the rare times victims are identified, too often the victims are afraid to speak up or accept help. It is heart wrenching to know a person is in one of the worst situations imaginable and being unable to intervene. In rural communities like mine, the issue is compounded by a lack of resources and awareness. Many victims don’t know where to turn for help. Some fear law enforcement or deportation. Others have been conditioned to distrust systems that have failed or ignored them in the past. Women and girls, especially from marginalized backgrounds—communities of color, low-income families, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ youth—are particularly vulnerable. Language barriers, stigma, and geographic isolation often keep them trapped in silence. Even in healthcare settings, where survivors might seek help, the signs are often missed. That’s why the role of the Forensic Nurse Examiner is so crucial. We’re trained to recognize subtle red flags, provide trauma-informed care, and coordinate with law enforcement and victim advocates. In those brief, critical moments of patient interaction, we can create a safe space—one that may lead to freedom and healing. Human trafficking is not just a criminal issue—it is a human rights and public health emergency, rooted in structural inequities. It is an issue often brushed off because people believe it is happening elsewhere. My experiences have shown me how prevalent this global issue truly is at the local level. It's not just happening in other countries or large cities; it's happening closer to home than most people realize. As a forensic nurse, I’m committed to using my training not only to care for survivors, but to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, especially in rural and underserved areas. Because behind every statistic is a human being—someone who deserves to be seen, heard, and helped.

I am worth the dreams I aspire to because I push forward at every step, not just academically or professionally, but personally, to make my dreams happen rather than simply hope they will. My journey into nursing wasn’t a straight line. I was pushed toward engineering because I excelled in math and science, and I followed that path, assuming success meant staying within those expectations. But despite good grades, I was unfulfilled. I switched majors, transferred schools, and started over—driven not by what others expected of me, but by a newfound understanding of what truly matters: people. Nursing gave me that purpose. It connected science with humanity, and it became the first decision towards a future entirely of my own making. Since my start in nursing, I’ve dedicated my career to emergency medicine, where I care for people in moments of crisis. The patients who have impacted me most are those who have experienced violence and trauma at the hands of others. Working alongside forensic nurses, I witnessed how they bring justice, dignity, and healing to patients at their most vulnerable. Their work is the kind of work I aspire to do—complex, compassionate, and impactful. What makes me truly ready for this next step isn't just my clinical experience—it's my resilience. As a disabled woman, I was told repeatedly to consider my limits and to think about if I could truly be successful in a physically demanding field such as nursing. But I knew my capabilities, adapted, and proved them wrong. I not only completed my training—I thrived. I’ve brought that same determination into every challenge since, including becoming a foster parent to children who have endured the very trauma I will impact as a forensic nurse. These children have taught me even more about advocacy, empathy, and the long-term impact of compassionate care. My dream is to become a forensic nurse who not only provides expert care but also changes systems. I want to continue supporting hospital-based forensic nursing care and expand the model of follow-up care that offers survivors a path towards healing. I also intend to bring forensic nursing education into the community, especially to easily influenced teens, in an effort to break the cycle of violence. I don’t come to this dream with a sense of entitlement. I come with lived experience, humility, and a drive to serve. I am worth this dream because I’ve already begun living it—by showing up, adapting, advocating, and never losing sight of the people I’m here to help. A master’s in forensic nursing isn’t just a goal—it’s the next step in the life I’ve built through grit, care, and purpose.

From a young age, I was steered toward a career in science and math. As a high-achieving female student, I was praised for excelling in STEM and encouraged to pursue engineering. I followed that path, enrolling in a top biomedical engineering program, only to discover that I was deeply unhappy. I switched majors multiple times, trying to find the right fit. Although I did well academically, nothing felt quite right—until I shadowed a nurse for the first time. In that moment, I found what had been missing: the human connection. Nursing wasn't just technical; it was personal, compassionate, and meaningful. I transferred schools, started over, and committed myself fully to becoming a nurse. I’ve never looked back. I chose emergency nursing because of its fast pace, complexity, and variety. Over the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of caring for patients in their most vulnerable moments. The cases that have impacted me most involve victims of violence, abuse, and neglect—especially children. These encounters have shown me the vital role forensic nurses play in providing trauma-informed care, collecting evidence, and advocating for justice. Working alongside them inspired me to pursue a master's degree in forensic nursing. This specialization allows me to bridge medicine, law, and psychology while continuing to provide direct care. I’ve already taken steps toward this path: shadowing forensic nurses at Carilion Clinic, the only hospital-based forensic program in our region; volunteering with a local support group for abused teens; and gaining hands-on experience in trauma care through emergency medicine. These experiences have solidified my passion and strengthened my resolve to become a forensic nurse. My journey hasn’t been linear. As a disabled woman, I’ve had to constantly adapt and prove myself in a field that often questioned my physical abilities. But my determination, problem-solving skills, and deep sense of empathy have helped me thrive. I’ve also taken on the role of a single foster parent, caring for children—many of whom are survivors of trauma. This work has given me an even deeper appreciation for the importance of trauma-informed, holistic care. Forensic nursing brings together everything I value: compassion, critical thinking, advocacy, and justice. I am pursuing this career not just to grow professionally, but to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who are often unheard and unseen. With each step I’ve taken—from emergency care to community advocacy—I’ve been preparing myself for this next chapter. I’m ready to take it on.

Earning a master’s degree in forensic nursing is not just a professional goal—it’s a personal mission. This advanced education will equip me with the specialized knowledge needed to care for victims of violence with both clinical expertise and legal insight. My goal is to bridge the gap between healthcare and the justice system, ensuring that every patient I serve is treated with compassion and dignity while also receiving the legal support necessary to pursue justice. Over the past two years as an emergency nurse, I’ve cared for countless patients in their most vulnerable moments. The ones who have left the biggest impact on me are those who were harmed by others—especially children. In these situations, I’ve worked closely with forensic nurses and seen how they not only treat physical injuries but also preserve evidence, document abuse, and advocate for patients in legal settings. These experiences have shown me that forensic nursing is a powerful way to amplify the voices of those who are often ignored or silenced. I currently work at Carilion Clinic, the only hospital-based forensic nursing provider in our region. With support from the forensic nursing program director, I’ve begun shadowing members of the team and plan to join them upon completing my degree. I’m particularly inspired by Carilion’s follow-up care model, which provides continued support to patients beyond the initial hospital visit. I hope to contribute to and expand this model, ensuring more survivors receive ongoing care and advocacy. Outside of work, I’m a single foster parent to children who have experienced severe trauma. I’ve seen firsthand how the lack of physical evidence can lead to justice being denied and how often these children feel unheard. I also volunteer with a support group for teens who have survived abuse—one that played a key role in healing for one of my foster teens. My long-term goal is to bring forensic nursing into both clinical and community settings, offering education, mentorship, and trauma-informed care to those who need it most. This scholarship would significantly ease the financial burden of graduate school, allowing me to focus on my studies and clinical training without compromising the care I provide at home or in the hospital. As a single parent and full-time nurse, managing the cost of tuition while raising children is incredibly challenging. Receiving this support would not only help me succeed academically—it would directly support my ability to serve others with greater skill and impact. Ultimately, I hope to continue working in rural Virginia, expanding access to forensic nursing services in underserved areas. I want to lead change within the system—ensuring that victims don’t have to travel for hours to find help, and that every survivor is met with the care and respect they deserve. I may not be able to prevent every act of violence, but I can be there in the aftermath—to listen, to support, to document, and to advocate. This degree is not just a step forward in my career—it’s a commitment to using my education and experiences to serve those most in need. With your support, I will be able to take that step and make a meaningful difference in the lives of survivors and the systems that serve them.

Pursuing a master’s degree in forensic nursing is more than an academic goal—it’s a deeply personal mission. This degree represents the next step in my journey toward becoming a more competent, compassionate, and impactful nurse. It will deepen my clinical knowledge, strengthen my understanding of the legal system, and give me the tools to provide trauma-informed care to survivors of violence. Ultimately, I hope to use this education to bridge the gap between healthcare and justice, ensuring that victims are not only treated with dignity but also given a real opportunity to pursue justice and work towards healing. Forensic nursing is a unique and powerful intersection of healthcare, the justice system, and social services. Throughout my career as an emergency nurse, I’ve cared for patients on some of the worst days of their lives—often following acts of violence, abuse, or neglect. The patients who have impacted me most are those whose suffering came at the hands of others, especially vulnerable children who were unable to advocate for themselves. In these moments, I’ve worked alongside forensic nurses, witnessing firsthand how they blend clinical expertise with legal precision and sincere empathy. Their work goes far beyond bandages—it’s about healing invisible wounds, preserving evidence, and offering victims a voice in systems that too often silence them. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in forensic nursing. I’ve come to understand that providing high-quality, patient-centered care in these cases requires more than my current training allows. Forensic nursing demands a specialized skill set that includes evidence collection, specialized knowledge of testing and treatment for violence related injuries and illnesses, trauma-informed care, and the ability to collaborate with law enforcement and social systems to meet the needs of survivors. This program will prepare me to step confidently into that role and ensure that my patients receive care that addresses both their physical injuries and their long-term emotional healing. I currently work as an emergency nurse at Carilion Clinic, the only hospital-based forensic nursing provider in our region. With the support of the program director, I’ve had the opportunity to begin shadowing members of the forensic team. My goal is to join this team after completing my degree and contribute to its compassionate, evidence-based approach to patient care. I’m especially inspired by Carilion’s follow-up model, which ensures that victims receive ongoing support beyond their initial hospital visit. I want to be part of helping the program grow, improve, and reach even more individuals throughout rural Virginia. The master’s curriculum will also give me the opportunity to engage in research, ethical analysis, and leadership development—experiences that are critical to my long-term goals. I hope to one day lead a forensic nursing program and advocate for better access to forensic care in rural and underserved communities. In many parts of Virginia, victims of assault and abuse face not only physical and emotional trauma, but also a lack of nearby services equipped to handle their cases. I want to change that. I envision a future where survivors in every corner of our state have access to compassionate, expert care—where forensic nursing is not a luxury, but a standard. Outside of the hospital, I also volunteer with a local support group for teens who have experienced abuse and assault. This group has had a transformative impact on one of my foster children, and I’ve continued to volunteer in hopes of providing the same support to others. My experiences with the foster system have been a powerful influence on my professional goals. As a single foster parent, I have welcomed children into my home who carry deep scars from their past. I’ve seen how the healthcare and justice systems often fall short—how the lack of physical evidence can make it hard for a child’s voice to be heard. These experiences have fueled my desire to specialize in forensic nursing. I want to be someone who listens, who documents, who advocates, and who gives these children—and all survivors—the dignity and voice they deserve. Financially, receiving this scholarship would be life-changing. Graduate school is a significant expense, and balancing full-time work, clinical training, parenting, and school already stretches my resources thin. As a single foster parent, I carry the financial responsibility of raising children who often arrive in crisis and need significant emotional and material support. This scholarship would alleviate some of the financial pressure, allowing me to focus more fully on my coursework, clinical experiences, and needs at home. It would mean fewer late nights working to cover tuition and more energy to dedicate to becoming the best forensic nurse I can be. Professionally, I see myself continuing to serve in rural Virginia, where access to forensic services is limited but desperately needed. My goal is to expand forensic nursing services in our region—not only through direct care, but by mentoring other nurses, continuing to advocate for policy changes to state legislators, and leading community education efforts along side the other agencies in multi-disciplinary teams. I want to see a future where no one has to drive hours to find a trained SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) or where victims are turned away because no one is on call. I want to build a system that treats every survivor as worthy of expert, timely, and compassionate care. This scholarship is more than financial support—it’s an investment in a nurse who is committed to turning personal passion into community impact. I didn’t take the straight path to nursing, and I certainly didn’t start out thinking I’d end up in forensic work. I began my college education in a biomedical engineering program. I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I missed human connection. I missed meaning. Nursing gave me both—and now forensic nursing offers a deeper sense of purpose still. It allows me to be present in moments of profound crisis and transformation. It offers the opportunity to be a steady presence when the world feels unstable. And it provides a way to make real change, both in individual lives and in systems that need reform. I hope to graduate with my Master’s degree not just as a credentialed nurse, but as someone prepared to lead, to advocate, and to serve. I want to be a forensic nurse who treats every patient with compassion, who collects every piece of evidence with care, and who testifies with clarity and integrity when justice is on the line. I want to ensure that no one feels alone, unheard, or unworthy of help. In the end, I know I can’t stop every act of violence—but I can be there in the aftermath. I can be the nurse who helps someone take their first step toward healing, toward safety, toward justice. I can be the force which breaks the cycle of violence for a person, a family, and even a community. With this scholarship, I’ll have the opportunity to do that work with greater knowledge, confidence, and capacity. It would allow me to fully commit to this next phase of my journey and become the forensic nurse that so many of my patients and members of my community need.

During my time in emergency medicine, I have had the privilege of caring for patients in their most vulnerable moments. The cases that have impacted me most involve individuals—especially children—who have been harmed by abuse, assault, or neglect. In these moments, I have collaborated closely with forensic nurses and seen firsthand the critical role they play in providing trauma-informed care and ensuring justice for victims. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a Master’s degree in forensic nursing, and receiving this scholarship would be a vital step in helping me achieve that goal. Financially, this scholarship would ease the burden of graduate school costs, allowing me to focus fully on my coursework and clinical training. As a single foster parent, my responsibilities extend beyond my career; I care for children in crisis, many of whom are survivors of the very kinds of trauma forensic nurses address. Balancing work, school, and foster care is challenging, and this scholarship would help relieve financial pressure while advancing my education in a field I am deeply passionate about. Professionally, my goal is to work as a forensic nurse within the Carilion Clinic, where I currently serve as an emergency nurse. Carilion is the only hospital-based forensic nursing provider in our region, and I have already begun shadowing its forensic team with support from the program director. Earning my Master’s will give me the specialized skills needed to join this team and provide compassionate, evidence-based care to victims across hospital and community settings. I am particularly inspired by Carilion’s follow-up model, in which forensic nurses continue to support patients well beyond the initial hospital visit—a model I hope to contribute to and expand. Beyond the hospital, I also volunteer with a local support group for teens who have experienced abuse. My hope is to incorporate forensic expertise into this setting, offering education, mentorship, and trauma-informed care to children who often feel voiceless in the legal and healthcare systems. With training in forensic nursing, I will be able to advocate for these teens more effectively and help create long-term healing pathways in both clinical and community environments. This scholarship represents more than financial support—it is an investment in someone who is committed to using their education to make meaningful change. I cannot prevent every act of violence, but I can ensure that no victim I encounter feels alone, unheard, or unworthy of justice. A Master’s degree in forensic nursing is not just a professional milestone for me; it is a continuation of a mission I have already begun. With your support, I will have the opportunity to extend my impact and serve others at an even deeper level.

From the start of my career in nursing, I have been drawn to helping people in moments of intense crisis. Throughout my years as an emergency nurse, I’ve cared for countless patients experiencing abuse, neglect, or assault. In these moments, I’ve worked closely with forensic nurses and witnessed firsthand how powerful their role is—not just in providing trauma-informed care, but in collecting evidence, supporting justice, and being a source of compassion and dignity for survivors. Their skill and empathy have deeply inspired me. These experiences have motivated me to pursue a master’s degree in forensic nursing so I can better serve these patients and be the advocate they so desperately need. My decision to pursue a career in healthcare was shaped in large part by my own lived experiences with disability. For much of my childhood, I was unaware I was disabled. My parents never focused on what I couldn’t do; they helped me find all that I could. I may not have been able to participate in many of the activities and sport like my peers, but I found success in swimming, reading, and art. That perspective—that I am not defined by my limits—formed the foundation of how I approach challenges. I never use the word “can’t.” Instead, I find another way. This mindset has served me throughout my education and career, especially in nursing. When I chose to pursue nursing, many doubted me. Professors and advisors warned me that I wouldn’t be able to meet the physical demands of the job. I was told again that emergency medicine wasn’t a good fit for someone like me. But I knew my body and my abilities, and I knew how to adapt. I completed every clinical rotation, graduated, and earned a position in a large emergency department—where I’ve thrived. It hasn’t always been easy, but my determination, creative problem-solving, and refusal to let others define my limits have carried me through. My experience as a disabled woman in healthcare has given me resilience, empathy, and a strong belief in the power of adaptation. I understand what it means to be doubted and overlooked, and I bring that sensitivity into every patient interaction. My background has also shaped my desire to be a provider who helps others find their voice and their power—even in the face of trauma. I am pursuing a master's in forensic nursing because I want to continue working in direct care while adapting to my own evolving physical needs and the needs of my children, and because I believe I can make a meaningful difference for patients who have been hurt by others. With this degree, I will be prepared to offer expert, compassionate care to survivors of violence. My personal experiences have only deepened my commitment to this work. I don’t focus on what I can’t do. I focus on what I can—and I know I can make a difference in this role.

From the start of my career in nursing, I have been drawn to helping people in moments of intense crisis. Throughout my years as an emergency nurse, I’ve cared for countless patients experiencing abuse, neglect, or assault. In these moments, I’ve worked closely with forensic nurses and witnessed firsthand how powerful their role is—not just in providing trauma-informed care, but in collecting evidence, supporting justice, and being a source of compassion and dignity for survivors. Their skill and empathy have deeply inspired me. These experiences have motivated me to pursue a master’s degree in forensic nursing so I can better serve these patients and be the advocate they so desperately need. My decision to pursue a career in healthcare was shaped in large part by my own lived experiences as a disabled person. For much of my childhood, I was unaware I was disabled. My parents never focused on what I couldn’t do; they helped me find all that I could. I may not have been able to participate in many of the activities and sport like my peers, but I found success in swimming, reading, and art. That perspective—that I am not defined by my limits—formed the foundation of how I approach challenges. I never use the word “can’t.” Instead, I find another way. This mindset has served me throughout my education and career, especially in nursing. When I chose to pursue nursing, many doubted me. Professors and advisors warned me that I wouldn’t be able to meet the physical demands of the job. I was told again that emergency medicine wasn’t a good fit for someone like me. But I knew my body and my abilities, and I knew how to adapt. I completed every clinical rotation, graduated, and earned a position in a large emergency department—where I’ve thrived. It hasn’t always been easy, but my determination, creative problem-solving, and refusal to let others define my limits have carried me through. Outside of my nursing role, I am a foster parent. I take children into my home during crisis, many of whom have experienced the lasting effects of abuse and trauma. I’ve held them through tears, listened to their fears, and witnessed their anger and grief. I’ve also seen the justice system fail them when their words weren’t enough without physical evidence. These moments have shown me the immense importance of forensic nursing, not only in documentation and evidence collection but in providing ongoing care that can begin to restore trust. It’s what drew me to shadow the forensic nursing team at my hospital—and confirmed this path is right for me. My experience as a disabled woman in healthcare has given me resilience, empathy, and a strong belief in the power of adaptation. I understand what it means to be doubted and overlooked, and I bring that sensitivity into every patient interaction. My background has also shaped my desire to be a provider who helps others find their voice and their power—even in the face of trauma. I am pursuing a master's in forensic nursing because I want to continue working in direct care while adapting to my own evolving physical needs and the needs of my children, and because I believe I can make a meaningful difference for patients who have been hurt by others. With this degree, I will be prepared to offer expert, compassionate care to survivors of violence. My personal experiences have only deepened my commitment to this work. I don’t focus on what I can’t do. I focus on what I can—and I know I can make a difference in this role.

I chose a career in nursing because I wanted to be present for people in their most vulnerable moments. Over the past two years as an emergency department nurse, I’ve cared for patients experiencing some of the worst days of their lives—often involving trauma, violence, abuse, or neglect. What has impacted me most are the moments I’ve spent with vulnerable individuals who’ve been harmed by others. In these situations, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with forensic nurses—watching them care not just for physical wounds, but for the deeper injuries left behind. Their combination of clinical skill, compassion, and courage has deeply inspired me. I am driven to follow their path: to become a forensic nurse who not only heals but also advocates, documents, and helps hold perpetrators accountable. Forensic nursing represents the intersection of healthcare and justice. I see this career as a way to amplify voices that often go unheard, especially the voices of children, victims of sexual assault, and those marginalized by systems that failed to protect them. With a master’s degree in forensic nursing from Fitchburg State University, I will gain the advanced clinical knowledge and legal insight needed to provide holistic, trauma-informed care. My experience in emergency medicine has prepared me for high-stakes, emotionally charged situations, but I know that forensic nursing demands more specialized skills—skills I am eager to learn and develop. Nursing often reveals to each of us where our true strengths lie. For me, that discovery came when I found trauma care and realized it was more than a role—it was a calling. The fast-paced nature of the emergency department suits me, but even more so, I am drawn to the opportunity to stand beside victims in moments when they most need a steady presence. My long-term goal is to continue serving rural Virginia, providing critical medico-legal access to underserved areas. My vision is that forensic healthcare provides survivors of violence a place for treatment, and a refuge of safety, dignity, and healing. Outside of work, I am a single foster parent. I have taken children into my home who have experienced unimaginable trauma. I’ve seen the damage that abuse and neglect leave behind and how the justice system fails them when physical evidence is lacking. These experiences have cemented my belief in the value of forensic nursing—in gathering evidence while helping victims feel seen, believed, and supported. I volunteer as a mentor with a local support group for teens who have survived abuse and assault. The group provided vital healing for one of my foster teens, and I have continued volunteering to support others like her. With my future training as a forensic nurse, I hope to offer further care to this group. I am pursuing this degree not just for a career, but because I believe in the deep responsibility we have to care for those who cannot protect themselves. Too many women are afraid to report assault. Too many children are ignored until their pain becomes impossible to hide. Too many men are told they shouldn’t ask for help. I want to be someone who listens, believes, documents, advocates, and stands up for justice in every space I enter. I intend to use my education, empathy, and determination to support those who have been victimized. Upon graduation, I look forward to joining the local forensic nursing team and continuing to support children in foster care. I can’t stop every act of cruelty—but I can be there in the aftermath. And sometimes, that makes all the difference.

I chose a career in healthcare to be present for people in their most vulnerable moments. As an emergency nurse, I’ve cared for patients experiencing some of the worst days of their lives. What impacts me most are the moments I’ve spent with vulnerable individuals harmed by violence. In these situations, I’ve had the privilege of working with forensic nurses—watching them care, not just for physical wounds, but for the deeper injuries left behind. Their combination of clinical skill, compassion, and courage has deeply inspired me. I am driven to follow this path: to become a forensic nurse who not only heals but also provides resources, advocates, and helps hold perpetrators accountable. Forensic nursing represents the intersection of healthcare and justice—two fields where women have historically been underrepresented in positions of power. I see this career as a way to amplify voices that often go unheard, especially the voices of children, victims of sexual assault, and those marginalized by systems that failed to protect them. With a master’s degree in forensic nursing, I will gain advanced clinical knowledge and legal insight needed to provide holistic, trauma-informed care. My experience in emergency medicine has prepared me for high-stakes, emotionally charged situations, but I know that forensic nursing demands specialized skills—skills I am eager to learn and develop. Nursing often reveals where our true strengths lie. For me, that discovery came when I found trauma care and realized it was my perfect fit. The fast-paced nature of the emergency department suits me, but even more so, I am drawn to the opportunity to stand beside victims in moments when they most need a steady presence. My long-term goal is to continue serving rural Virginia, providing critical medico-legal access to underserved areas. My vision is that forensic healthcare provides survivors of violence a place for treatment, and a refuge of safety, dignity, and healing. Outside of work, I am a single foster parent. I have taken children into my home who have experienced unimaginable trauma. I’ve seen the damage that abuse and neglect leave behind and how the justice system fails them when physical evidence is lacking. These experiences have cemented my belief in the value of forensic nursing—in gathering evidence while helping victims feel seen, believed, and supported. I volunteer as a mentor with a local support group for teens who have survived abuse and assault. The group provided vital healing for one of my foster teens, and I have continued volunteering to support others like her. With my future training as a forensic nurse, I hope to offer further care to this group. I am pursuing this degree not just for a career, but because I believe in the deep responsibility we have to care for those who cannot protect themselves. I believe women in healthcare have a unique ability to change how we respond to survivors of violence who are disproportionally women. Too many women are afraid to report assault. Too many children are ignored until their pain becomes impossible to hide. Too many men are told they shouldn’t ask for help. I want to be someone who listens, believes, documents, advocates, and stands up for justice in every space I enter. I intend to use my education, empathy, and determination to support those who have been victimized. Upon graduation, I look forward to joining the local forensic nursing team and continuing to support children in foster care. I can’t stop every act of cruelty—but I can be there in the aftermath. And sometimes, that makes all the difference.

From early on in school, I excelled in math and science. As a female student, I was constantly praised for this and encouraged to pursue a STEM career. I internalized those expectations and, by junior year of high school, decided I would become a biomedical engineer. I applied only to universities with strong engineering programs and was directly admitted into one. But once I got there, I realized I absolutely hated it. During my first year of college, I switched majors several times—chemical engineering, civil engineering, genetic microbiology—trying to find the “right” science-based career path. I was doing well academically, but I couldn’t envision myself doing any of these jobs long-term. Despite all the effort, I still felt like I was searching for something that truly fit. The one area I consistently found interesting was the medical focus of biomedical engineering. That interest became the bridge to the rest of my journey. Feeling lost but curious, I met with a career counselor who arranged shadowing experiences with various medical professionals. That’s when I had my “aha” moment. As I shadowed nurses, I realized how much I valued the personal, hands-on care they provided. For the first time, I felt drawn to a career for reasons that had nothing to do with external praise or expectations. Nursing wasn’t just about science; it was about people. It was deeply human and impactful work. I could finally see myself in that role—not fighting to prove myself in a male-dominated space, but thriving in one led and shaped by women. When I told friends and family I was switching to nursing, many were surprised. It seemed like a complete departure from my previous path, and my current university didn’t even offer nursing. Something had clicked for me though, and I couldn’t ignore it. I transferred schools and started over, knowing I would be behind because most of my engineering credits didn’t count. Despite the challenges, I never once regretted it. Nursing classes were demanding, but for the first time, the subject matter felt meaningful and exciting to learn. I chose emergency nursing because of its variety and unpredictability. It allowed me to care for people of all ages and backgrounds, often in their most vulnerable moments. I found purpose and satisfaction in my work and spent the past few years growing my skills in emergency medicine. Along the way, I encountered another field within nursing that spoke to me on a deeper level—forensic nursing. I’ve worked alongside forensic nurses and have seen the profound difference they make in the lives of victims of violence and trauma. It reignited the excitement I felt when I first discovered nursing. Now, I’m preparing to take the next step in my journey by returning to school for a Master’s degree in forensic nursing. It combines everything I’ve come to love: the fast pace and complexity of emergency care, the opportunity for lifelong learning, and the ability to advocate for the most vulnerable. I didn’t take the straight path here—but each turn helped shape the nurse I’ve become and the one I hope to be.

During my career as an emergency room nurse, I have had the privilege of caring for patients in their most vulnerable moments. The cases which have impacted me most involve individuals who harmed by abuse, assault, or neglect. In these moments, I have collaborated closely with forensic nurses and seen firsthand the critical role they play in providing ongoing trauma-informed care and ensuring justice for victims. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a Master’s degree in forensic nursing, and receiving this scholarship would be a vital step in helping me achieve that goal. Financially, this scholarship would ease the burden of graduate school costs, allowing me to focus fully on my coursework and clinical training. As a single foster parent, my responsibilities extend beyond my career; I care for children in crisis, many of whom are survivors of the very kinds of trauma forensic nurses address. Balancing work, school, and my foster children’s care is challenging, and this scholarship would help relieve financial pressure while advancing my education in a field I am deeply passionate about. Professionally, my goal is to work as a forensic nurse within Carilion Clinic, where I currently serve as an emergency nurse. Carilion is the only hospital-based forensic nursing provider in our region, and I have already begun shadowing its forensic team with support from the program director. Earning my Master’s degree will give me the specialized skills needed to join this team and provide compassionate, evidence-based care to victims across hospital and community settings. Beyond the hospital, I also volunteer with a local support group for teens who have experienced abuse. My hope is to incorporate forensic expertise into this setting, offering education, mentorship, and trauma-informed care to children who often feel voiceless in the legal and healthcare systems. With training in forensic nursing, I will be able to advocate for these teens more effectively and help create long-term healing pathways in both clinical and community environments. This scholarship represents more than financial support—it is an investment in someone who is committed to using their education to make meaningful change. I cannot prevent every act of violence, but I can ensure that no victim I encounter feels alone, unheard, or unworthy of justice. A Master’s degree in forensic nursing is not just a professional milestone for me; it is a continuation of a mission I have already begun. With your support, I will have the opportunity to extend my impact and serve others at an even deeper level.

After years of working in the emergency department I decided to pursue a new career path in forensic nursing. I am fortunate to already be a part of a wonderful system that provides phenomenal personal care to survivors of assault, abuse, and neglect. I am now pursuing my master’s degree in forensic nursing so I can expand my knowledge and better care for my patients. My experience in the emergency room included frequent collaboration with forensic nurses to provide care to these survivors. What truly made me interested in joining this specialty and focusing on this unique population is my experience as a foster parent. I have seen the aftermath of abuse and neglect and the long term impacts it has on my children. In my involvement with the foster system, talking with social workers, specialists, and other foster parents I have come to find this is not unique. Too many children are exploited and abused before entering the system, in the system as well unfortunately, and continue to be stuck in a similar cycle after leaving the system without someone to help them break it. I have seen the long process that is seeking justice, both in criminal and family courts, and the anger and heartbreak when a child’s words are not enough in the absence of physical evidence. My experiences with foster children and the court system has given me insight into the important role forensic nurse examinations can play in giving these young victims a voice and a way out of unimaginable situations. I hate that children cannot stop the hurt that cruel adults inflict on them. I believe it is a stain on our society that so many women are afraid to come forward after an assault. I want to fight a social stigma that has men feeling that they can’t seek help after an attack. Most of all I am angry that so many perpetrators get away with the pain they inflict. I can not stop these awful acts of violence from happening, but I can help make sure that these people don’t hurt anyone else, that they are held accountable for their crimes, and that every victim I care for has someone in their corner fighting for them. An advanced degree in forensic nursing would bring me more than professional fulfillment, because for me it is more than simply a job. It is a desire to help others in ways so few can. I found this scholarship opportunity through a search on Bold.org for nursing students.

My mom grew up in foster care most of her life. It's not something she often spoke about with me but when she did, the stories were terrible. She was one of the many unfortunate children who did not end up in a good loving home. My mom's experience is what made me want to be a foster parent in the first place. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be one of the good ones. To provide a stable caring home children could come to in crisis and feel safe and loved by a temporary parent. A place they could continue to be a kid without the problems of the adult world. Having now been a foster parent to multiple children in need, I never could have imagined how it would change myself and my life. Being a foster parent has greatly changed my perspective. I thought I understood what these children go through from what my mom told me, but that was only the tip of the iceberg. The things these children have seen, heard, and experienced horrify me. They also show me just how strong these children are to come out the other side, to open up and grow in my home, and to be able to trust in me or any other adult. Caring for children in the system has demonstrated how small most of my problems actually are in comparison and has changed how I approach issues in my own life. Every child I have fostered has changed me. They have changed how I appreciate the childhood and family I was lucky enough to grow up in. They have taught me new methods for gentle parenting, expressing emotions in healthy ways, and how to find joy in bad places. We navigate their issues together and I have learned many techniques and approaches to problems I never would have thought to learn otherwise. Most importantly being a foster parent has shown me that being a parent to these children is my most important role. I love my job but sometimes the hours I work get in the way of my foster children's needs. This is an issue I've been looking at how to fix, to continue my passion for nursing while fulfilling my role in foster parenting. That is why I am pursuing a Master's of Nursing in forensics so I may work in a far more flexible field of nursing and provide more consistent care to my foster children. They are the ones who inspire me to specifically work in forensics, caring for victims of abuse and neglect, and collecting evidence for use against the perpetrators. Without my involvement in the foster system, I may never have known the important role forensic nurses play. I saw firsthand how much difference a forensic nurse made when one of my foster children required their services. I want to be able to provide that to others while also being able to better care for my foster children as best I can.

For much of my childhood, I was unaware that I was disabled. There were things I couldn’t do that others could but I never cared because there were always something else I could do. In PE I couldn't run around and play all the games with everyone else but I got to be the referee or scorekeeper. I couldn't go on the play structures at recess with my crutches when it was raining but I got first dibs on a library pass to go play computer games. I couldn't play basketball or softball or soccer like my sisters could but I could swim and I was one of the best on my team. I didn't realize I was disabled because no one ever told me I was. My parents never told me what I couldn't do, they told me and helped me do all the things I could instead. Growing up this way greatly shaped my worldview, not only in terms of my disability. I don't use the word "can't". There is always a way for me to be involved, there is always something I can do instead. I focus on what I can do instead of what I can't. This mentality has served me well in my education and career. While others around me get discouraged easily by challenges and obstacles I simply look for an alternative path to my goal. I never give up on my journey to reach my goals. When I decided I wanted to be a nurse, I had so many people including professors and a career counselor tell me that nursing is not a good fit for me. That I wouldn't be able to meet the physical demands of the job such as walking all day or lifting patients. I even had one professor tell me I would be a liability. I heard this all again and more when I chose to specialize in emergency medicine. I didn't listen though because I knew my limitations and how to work around them. By this point, I was well aware of my disability status. Despite my parents never informing me that I was disabled, the rest of the world was quick to tell me and decide for me what I was and was not capable of. With the support of my parents, I found alternate ways to complete the same tasks as my peers. I made it through all of my nursing school clinical rotations and secured a position in a large emergency department thanks to my determination not to let anyone else decide my capabilities. I have encountered many people in my life, both able-bodied and disabled, who so easily give up in the face of a challenge or criticism of their abilities. For me though, being disabled has given me a more positive worldview. One shouldn't focus on what they can't do, instead focus on what you can. This mentality has given me a brighter outlook on my future possibilities and a great deal of confidence in myself. It's what pushes me forward to explore new paths. To find out all I CAN do in my life. I have enjoyed being an ER nurse and showing people how much a disabled person can accomplish but it has taken a physical toll. ER nursing is grueling on the body and maybe more so for me. Again my disability has directed my life toward a new path to get my master's degree in forensic nursing so that I may continue in my passion for nursing while taking care of my physical needs.

I am an emergency nurse and I intend to pursue a career in forensic nursing in the hospital setting as well as volunteer settings outside of work. I have personally seen the vast scope of cases that arrive in the emergency room as well as the inpatient settings and have witnessed how involved these nurses are in each case. I will not simply provide medical care, collect evidence, and leave; I will have the opportunity to know the patients I work with, find out their individual needs, and provide care and resources tailored to them. Outside of work, I am a dedicated foster mother. It is my great joy in life to care for others both at work and the children I bring into my home until they can be returned to their families. I take children into my home who are in crisis. I have seen the aftermath of abuse and neglect and the long-term impacts it has on my children. I have held them as they cry asking “Why did this happen to me?”, “What did I do?”, and tried my best to reassure them. In my involvement with the foster system I have come to find this is not unique. Too many children are exploited and abused before entering the system, in the system as well unfortunately, and continue to be stuck in a similar cycle after leaving the system without someone to help them break it. I have seen the long process that is seeking justice, both in criminal and family courts, and the anger and heartbreak when a child’s words are not enough in the absence of physical evidence. My experiences with foster children and the court system have given me insight into the important role forensic nurses can play in giving these young victims a voice and a way out of unimaginable situations. It was through one such difficult situation with one of my foster children that I became involved with a group for teens who have been through physical abuse or assault in my area. I began to volunteer as a mentor and chaperone to this group when my foster teen’s social worker suggested she attend. While I no longer have that child in my home, I continue to volunteer with this group because I have seen the good it can do and want to provide that support to as many people in these situations as I can. My hope is with training in forensic nursing I can provide a new aspect of services and follow-up care to this group. A degree in forensic nursing would bring me more than professional fulfillment because for me it is more than simply a job. It is a desire to help others in ways so few can. Whatever I do, I do wholeheartedly. My next goal is to pursue a masters degree in Forensic Nursing so I may physically and mentally help some of the most vulnerable in my community.

I love math because it is consistent. There is always an answer to be found at the end of a problem. Math has always been a subject that simply makes sense to me. There is no wondering where you are going or varied meanings as in other subjects. It gives me a sense of comfort to be able to solve a problem placed before me. There is a beauty to mathematics in patterns, numbers, and equations coming together to define the world around us. It can be used in so many areas to create arts, sciences, real life or theoretical applications. When I struggle to make sense of things, math can help me recenter and find meaning in these other categories. At a personal level math gives me confidence. I struggle with abstract things that are open to interpretation. Math is the one area where I excel and others struggle. From early elementary school maths to calculus in high school and eventually theoretical concepts of mathematics in college, it just comes naturally to me. It gave me the confidence boost to explore and excel in other areas of study and life. Evan as an adult I can count on math to make me feel centered in chaos. That could be finding the right medication dose at work using med-calc or relaxing with a sudoku puzzle at home. The consistency of math is what I love about it most.

During my time working in emergency medicine I have had the opportunity to care for a variety of patients in some of the worst situations of their lives. The situations that have impacted me most are those involving vulnerable individuals who have been harmed by others, whether by negligence, abuse, or assault. In these situations I’ve worked closely with forensic nurses to provide intimate individualized care to these patients as well as observed the process of collecting evidence in hopes of bringing justice against the perpetrators. I am inspired by these nurses’ compassion, skill, and determination. I believe I possess the compassion and determination for a position in forensic nursing and I am incredible excited to learn the necessary forensic and nursing skills to join their ranks. Outside of my career I am a foster parent. I take children into my home who are in crisis. I have seen the aftermath of abuse and neglect and the long term impacts it has on my children. I have held them as they cry asking “why did this happen to me?”, “what did I do?”, and tried my best to reassure them. I have stood back watching as a child smashes everything they can grab to vent the anger of the atrocities others have done to them. In my involvement with the foster system, talking with social workers, specialists, and other foster parents I have come to find this is not unique. Too many children are exploited and abused before entering the system, in the system as well unfortunately, and continue to be stuck in a similar cycle after leaving the system without someone to help them break it. I have seen the long process that is seeking justice, both in criminal and family courts, and the anger and heartbreak when a child’s words are not enough in the absence of physical evidence. My experiences with foster children and the court system has given me insight into the important role forensic nurse examinations can play in giving these young victims a voice and a way out of unimaginable situations. I hate that children cannot stop the hurt that cruel adults inflict on them. I believe it is a stain on our society that so many women are afraid to come forward after an assault. I want to fight a social stigma that has men feeling that they can’t seek help after an attack. Most of all I am angry that so many perpetrators get away with the pain they inflict. I can not stop these awful acts of violence from happening, but I can help make sure that these people don’t hurt anyone else, that they are held accountable for their crimes, and that every victim I care for has someone in their corner fighting for them. A career in forensic nursing would bring me more than professional fulfillment, because for me it is more than simply a job. It is a desire to help others in ways so few can.

Almost everything I do in my life is for my children. I believe that's the case for most single parents. My children are who inspire me to get up each morning and go to work so I can give them everything they deserve in life. It can be a lot of pressure though. It's incredibly stressful to be responsible for another human being, especially doing it alone and knowing if I don't provide for them no one else will. It is for them that I am going back to school, to be able to change careers and have a more flexible schedule so I can be home and with my kids more often. I want to be able to welcome them home after school, to go to all their special events, and to just spend quality time with them before they are all grown up and gone. Working full-time, going back to school part-time, and trying to be all that my kids need from both parents despite being the only parent overwhelms me. To combat this I have short-term and long-term techniques to help me through the tough times. Day to day I give myself two hours each day that are mine. For one hour at the start of the day I sit with my first coffee of the day and I take time to prepare myself for whatever that day brings. I think through the day's plans, meals, and what specific things I need to get done. It gets me in the right state of mind from the start. My children are generally asleep during this time but even if they wake up they know not to disturb me for anything less than a life-threatening emergency. At the end of the day after everyone else is asleep I give myself one more "me" hour. During this time I clean up the day-to-day messes. I allow myself whatever I need during this hour of cleaning up and resetting the house to do and feel whatever I need to without my kids seeing it. Sometimes I cry randomly for an hour, or drink half a bottle of wine, or sit down and play a few rounds of Mario Kart. It's my time to decompress for the day while making sure my space is ready for the next day's use. Despite my daily self-care time I still get overwhelmed by life. The constant need to care for myself and my children, to never miss work, to make sure all the bills are paid and still provide the things my kids both need and want. When it eventually builds up to more than my daily two hours can fix I am lucky enough to have a village to help. Once or twice a year I plan a weekend for my children to stay with my best friend while I go away for a "disconnected weekend". I leave all electronics at home and go stay in a cabin owned by another friend in the middle of nowhere. There is a landline for emergencies but otherwise, I am fully disconnected. I use this time to reset. I sleep in as much as I want, read a book that I haven't had the time to all year, and spend time out in nature. When I come back I feel refreshed and ready to be the best mom I can be. The best part is my children have an equally great time being spoiled for two days straight by their "auntie crazy". It gives us all a needed break so we can continue better than before.

Almost everything I do in my life is for my children. I believe that's the case for most single parents. My children are who inspire me to get up each morning and go to work so I can give them everything they deserve in life. It can be a lot of pressure though. It's incredibly stressful to be responsible for another human being, especially doing it alone and knowing if I don't provide for them no one else will. It is for them that I am going back to school, to be able to change careers and have a more flexible schedule so I can be home and with my kids more often. I want to be able to welcome them home after school, to go to all their special events, and to just spend quality time with them before they are all grown up and gone. Working full-time, going back to school part-time, and trying to be all that my kids need from both parents despite being the only parent overwhelms me. To combat this I have short-term and long-term techniques to help me through the tough times. Day to day I give myself two hours each day that are mine. For one hour at the start of the day I sit with my first coffee of the day and I take time to prepare myself for whatever that day brings. I think through the day's plans, meals, and what specific things I need to get done. It gets me in the right state of mind from the start. My children are generally asleep during this time but even if they wake up they know not to disturb me for anything less than a life-threatening emergency. At the end of the day after everyone else is asleep I give myself one more "me" hour. During this time I clean up the day-to-day messes. I allow myself whatever I need during this hour of cleaning up and resetting the house to do and feel whatever I need to without my kids seeing it. Sometimes I cry randomly for an hour, or drink half a bottle of wine, or sit down and play a few rounds of Mario Kart. It's my time to decompress for the day while making sure my space is ready for the next day's use. Despite my daily self-care time I still get overwhelmed by life. The constant need to care for myself and my children, to never miss work, to make sure all the bills are paid and still provide the things my kids both need and want. When it eventually builds up to more than my daily two hours can fix I am lucky enough to have a village to help. Once or twice a year I plan a weekend for my children to stay with my best friend while I go away for a "disconnected weekend". I leave all electronics at home and go stay in a cabin owned by another friend in the middle of nowhere. There is a landline for emergencies but otherwise, I am fully disconnected. I use this time to reset. I sleep in as much as I want, read a book that I haven't had the time to all year, and spend time out in nature. When I come back I feel refreshed and ready to be the best mom I can be. The best part is my children have an equally great time being spoiled for two days straight by their "auntie crazy". It gives us all a needed break so we can continue better than before.

I am an emergency nurse and I intend to pursue a career in forensic nursing in the hospital setting as well as volunteer settings outside of work. I have personally seen the vast scope of cases that arrive in the emergency room as well as the inpatient settings and have witnessed how involved these nurses are in each case. I will not simply provide medical care, collect evidence, and leave; I will have the opportunity to know the patients I work with, find out their individual needs, and provide care and resources tailored to them. Outside of work, I am a dedicated foster mother. It is my great joy in life to care for others both at work and the children I bring into my home until they can be returned to their families. I take children into my home who are in crisis. I have seen the aftermath of abuse and neglect and the long-term impacts it has on my children. I have held them as they cry asking “Why did this happen to me?”, “What did I do?”, and tried my best to reassure them. In my involvement with the foster system I have come to find this is not unique. Too many children are exploited and abused before entering the system, in the system as well unfortunately, and continue to be stuck in a similar cycle after leaving the system without someone to help them break it. I have seen the long process that is seeking justice, both in criminal and family courts, and the anger and heartbreak when a child’s words are not enough in the absence of physical evidence. My experiences with foster children and the court system have given me insight into the important role forensic nurses can play in giving these young victims a voice and a way out of unimaginable situations. It was through one such difficult situation with one of my foster children that I became involved with a group for teens who have been through physical abuse or assault in my area. I began to volunteer as a mentor and chaperone to this group when my foster teen’s social worker suggested she attend. While I no longer have that child in my home, I continue to volunteer with this group because I have seen the good it can do and want to provide that support to as many people in these situations as I can. My hope is with training in forensic nursing I can provide a new aspect of services and follow-up care to this group. A degree in forensic nursing would bring me more than professional fulfillment because for me it is more than simply a job. It is a desire to help others in ways so few can. Whatever I do, I do wholeheartedly. My next goal is to pursue a masters degree in Forensic Nursing so I may physically and mentally help some of the most vulnerable in my community.

There are many ways society measures success: money, power, the number of stamps in one’s passport, followers on social media, the length of one’s contact list, or connections to other “successful” people. These measures, though, have no end, and no way to truly be fulfilled because success by societal standards is completely subjective. My idea of success is finding the best role for me in life and being fulfilled both personally and professionally. My dad often told me “Do what makes your soul shine”. It has been a motto for me. It means find what you love to do and do it, and the rest will fall into place. Often I hear friends and coworkers talk about hating their jobs and just putting in the hours to pay the bills so they can go home to what they actually enjoy. The reality is though that most people spend a significant amount of time at work, and I am fortunate to feel differently about my work. I believe you should make a career doing something that you love and look forward to, rather than dreading. When I have found the thing I want to wake up and do happily for the next forty years, then I will view it as a success. Success for me is more than just my career goals though. There is a whole side of success for me personally that comes from my relationships with others. I foster children and with each child that leaves my home, I look back on our time together and ask myself if I did right by them. If I can truly say to myself that I did my best and gave them all I could physically and emotionally then I can say I was successful as their foster parent. In my friendships and romantic relations, success is having close connections where both our needs for connection and love and support are met. Not all my relationships end up successful by even my own measures, but in those instances, I try to learn and build better success next time. Working in emergency medicine I have seen death far too often. In the end, all those subjective ideas of success don’t matter one bit. The best situations of death I’ve seen involve talking about the people they’ve impacted, the time spent together, happy or funny memories, and all the positive impacts made in their lifetime. On the other side, the most bitter deaths for patients and families come when they look back unhappy with what they’ve accomplished, comparing it to others and to societal standards rather than their own. This has greatly shaped my view that success is overall being content with my life. My dreams and plans change frequently but my overall goal remains to enjoy what I am doing, to love who I’m doing it with, and to be happy when I look back on my life. This scholarship can financially support me as I look to the next stage of my life and career which I hope will continue to provide me with success. I am pursuing a Master of Science in Forensic Nursing. It is a career I believe I will enjoy and thrive in from my experience thus far. It will also give me far more flexibility in my personal life to pursue other interests, spend more time with my foster children, and use my time and skills in forensic nursing to better serve the volunteer support group for abused teens in my area. It will allow me to continue finding new experiences and interests that can add to my success.

From early on in school I excelled in maths and science. As a female, I was heavily praised for this my whole life and told by everyone from parents to teachers that I should go into a math or science based career. I never really considered anything else. By my junior year of high school, I knew I was going to be a biomedical engineer. I only applied to universities with this major and was directly accepted to one such program. I absolutely hated it. From there I switched my major multiple times to chemical engineering then civil engineering then genetic microbiology. I spent much of my first year of college trying to find the science career I would enjoy. It didn't happen. While I was successful in my classes and got good grades, I couldn't imagine spending my life doing these jobs day in and day out. The one area of study I enjoyed during all the major switching was the medical aspect of biomedical engineering. I spoke with the career counselor on campus who set me up to shadow a variety of medical professionals. During my shadows, I had the "aha" moment. I found I enjoyed the personal care provided in nursing. I like the direct satisfaction of seeing that I was helping another person. Medical care was fascinating and for the first time I didn't feel like I had to fight for a space. I had spent most of my educational life in male-dominated areas having to prove myself twice as much to get the same space. Nursing showed me a whole new space dominated and led by women. Most of the people around me thought I was crazy when I decided to switch my major to nursing. It was so far from any of my previous interests and wasn't even offered as a major at my university. I had made up my mind though. A switch had flipped and I just knew that nursing would fulfill me in a way engineering never could. I transferred to a new university for my sophomore year. I was behind because many of my engineering courses didn't apply to nursing. The nursing courses were difficult but to me felt infinitely easier because the subject matter was something I cared to learn about. As I went through my final year of nursing I tried to imagine what type of nursing I wanted to do. One of the draws of nursing for me was how open a field it is. I could do anything, work in any setting and specialty that interested me, and many areas did interest me. I chose emergency nursing for that reason. I got to learn skills in caring for patients of all ages with issues in all body systems. Plus I find it exciting to never know what will walk through the door next. I have no regrets about choosing to be a nurse. It has given me joy in my work that I never could have imagined. I have enjoyed the last few years in emergency medicine and it has led me to my next nursing pathway. I have often worked with a sub-specialty of skilled forensic nurses and believe I could thrive in this field as well. I am again excited to start a new journey in nursing: returning to school to pursue my Master's degree in forensic nursing. It is a field that combines my joy of emergency medicine with my passion to provide quality individualized care to people who most need it.

Though I have no biological children of my own, I still consider myself a mother. I have had six amazing children in my life thus far as a foster mother and I know I will have many more to come whom I will love as my own. As a foster parent, I have many unique challenges with balancing work and child care as well as many I'm sure all parents experience. Like most working parents I struggle to balance work, school, extracurricular activities, doctor's appointments, and time at home to just relax and enjoy each other's company. Being a single foster parent, I have the added uncertainty of never knowing when I will have a child or for how long. There are visitations with biological parents, social workers, court dates, and so much extra time required to learn each child's individual needs from me as their temporary parent. It is my work that led me to foster parenthood. I am an emergency room nurse and I often see children come in who, for any number of reasons, cannot return to their homes and families. Seeing this need I became a licensed foster home and have never regretted it. While it can be a struggle at times to balance my needs and work life with those of my children, I am fulfilled in my parental role in a way nothing else can provide. I desire to better care for and give more time to these children which has led me to a career change. I am lucky that nursing is fairly flexible, only working three days a week with the ability to choose which days. However, these days are long and I hardly see my children on work days. Some of my foster kids have struggled with not seeing me all day, not having me home to tuck them into bed, or not having me present for after-school activities. I want to be all that they need me to be while they live in my home. That is why I am pursuing a Master's degree in forensic nursing. As a forensic nurse examiner, much of my work can be done from home. It is an on-call position requiring only a few hours each week in person, mostly at night. This will give me far more flexibility to be home as the only parent to my foster children. I have a wonderful village around me to help when I am unavailable but it's not the same as being there myself to provide care, love, and support whenever needed. It is my role as a parent and the needs of my children that made me look into alternative careers, ultimately leading me to enter a Master's of Nursing program.

My mom grew up in foster care most of her life. It's not something she often spoke about with me but when she did, the stories were terrible. She was one of the many unfortunate children who did not end up in a good loving home. My mom's experience is what made me want to be a foster parent in the first place. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be one of the good ones. To provide a stable caring home children could come to in crisis and feel safe and loved by a temporary parent. A place they could continue to be a kid without the problems of the adult world. Having now been a foster parent to multiple children in need, I never could have imagined how it would change myself and my life. Being a foster parent has greatly changed my perspective. I thought I understood what these children go through from what my mom told me, but that was only the tip of the iceberg. The things these children have seen, heard, and experienced horrify me. They also show me just how strong these children are to come out the other side, to open up and grow in my home, and to be able to trust in me or any other adult. Caring for children in the system has demonstrated how small most of my problems actually are in comparison and has changed how I approach issues in my own life. Every child I have fostered has changed me. They have changed how I appreciate the childhood and family I was lucky enough to grow up in. They have taught me new methods for gentle parenting, expressing emotions in healthy ways, and how to find joy in bad places. We navigate their issues together and I have learned many techniques and approaches to problems I never would have thought to learn otherwise. Most importantly being a foster parent has shown me that being a parent to these children is my most important role. I love my job but sometimes the hours I work get in the way of my foster children's needs. This is an issue I've been looking at how to fix, to continue my passion for nursing while fulfilling my role in foster parenting. That is why I am pursuing a Master's of Nursing in forensics so I may work in a far more flexible field of nursing and provide more consistent care to my foster children. They are the ones who inspire me to specifically work in forensics, caring for victims of abuse and neglect, and collecting evidence for use against the perpetrators. Without my involvement in the foster system, I may never have known the important role forensic nurses play. I saw firsthand how much difference a forensic nurse made when one of my foster children required their services. I want to be able to provide that to others while also being able to better care for my foster children as best I can.

Though I have no biological children of my own, I still consider myself a mother. I have had six amazing children in my life thus far as a foster mother and I know I will have many more to come whom I will love as my own. As a foster parent, I have many unique challenges with balancing work and child care as well as many I'm sure all parents experience. Like most working parents I struggle to balance work, school, extracurricular activities, doctor's appointments, and time at home to just relax and enjoy each other's company. Being a single foster parent, I have the added uncertainty of never knowing when I will have a child or for how long. There are visitations with biological parents, social workers, court dates, and so much extra time required to learn each child's individual needs from me as their temporary parent. It is my work that led me to foster parenthood. I am an emergency room nurse and I often see children come in who, for any number of reasons, cannot return to their homes and families. Seeing this need I became a licensed foster home and have never regretted it. While it can be a struggle at times to balance my needs and work life with those of my children, I am fulfilled in my parental role in a way nothing else can provide. I desire to better care for and give more time to these children which has led me to a career change. I am lucky that nursing is fairly flexible, only working three days a week with the ability to choose which days. However, these days are long and I hardly see my children on work days. Some of my foster kids have struggled with not seeing me all day, not having me home to tuck them into bed, or not having me present for after-school activities. I want to be all that they need me to be while they live in my home. That is why I am pursuing a Master's degree in forensic nursing. As a forensic nurse examiner, much of my work can be done from home. It is an on-call position requiring only a few hours each week in person, mostly at night. This will give me far more flexibility to be home as the only parent to my foster children. I have a wonderful village around me to help when I am unavailable but it's not the same as being there myself to provide care, love, and support whenever needed. It is my role as a parent and the needs of my children that made me look into alternative careers, ultimately leading me to enter a Master's of Nursing program.

For much of my childhood, I was unaware that I was disabled. There were things I couldn’t do that others could but I never cared because there were always something else I could do. In PE I couldn't run around and play all the games with everyone else but I got to be the referee or scorekeeper. I couldn't go on the play structures at recess with my crutches when it was raining but I got first dibs on a library pass to go play computer games. I couldn't play basketball or softball soccer like my friends and sisters could but I could swim and I was one of the best on my team. I didn't realize I was disabled because no one ever told me I was. My parents never told me what I couldn't do, they told me and helped me do all the things I could instead. Growing up this way greatly shaped my worldview, not only in terms of my disability. I don't use the word "can't". There is always a way for me to be involved, there is always something I can do instead. I focus on what I can do instead of what I can't. This mentality has served me well in my education and career. While others around me get discouraged easily by challenges and obstacles I simply look for an alternative path to my goal. I never give up on my journey to reach my goals. When I decided I wanted to be a nurse, I had so many people including professors and a career counselor tell me that nursing is not a good fit for me. That I wouldn't be able to meet the physical demands of the job such as walking all day or lifting patients. I even had one professor tell me I would be a liability. I heard this all again and more when I chose to specialize in emergency medicine. I didn't listen though because I knew my limitations and how to work around them. By this point, I was well aware of my disability status. Despite my parents never informing me that I was disabled, the rest of the world was quick to tell me and decide for me what I was and was not capable of. With the support of my parents, I found alternate ways to complete the same tasks as my peers. I made it through all of my nursing school clinical rotations and secured a position in a large emergency department thanks to my determination not to let anyone else decide my capabilities. I have encountered many people in my life, both able-bodied and disabled, who so easily give up in the face of a challenge or criticism of their abilities. For me though, being disabled has given me a more positive worldview. One shouldn't focus on what they can't do, instead focus on what you can. This mentality has given me a brighter outlook on my future possibilities and a great deal of confidence in myself. It's what pushes me forward to explore new paths. To find out all I CAN do in my life. I have enjoyed being an ER nurse and showing people how much a disabled person can accomplish but it has taken a physical toll. ER nursing is grueling on the body and maybe more so for me. Again my disability has directed my life toward a new path to get my master's degree in forensic nursing so that I may continue in my passion for nursing while taking care of my physical needs.

@jennykabat97

I am an emergency RN and I intend to pursue a career in forensic nursing in the hospital setting as well as volunteer settings outside of work. I have personally seen the vast scope of cases that arrive in the emergency room as well as the inpatient settings and have witnessed how involved these nurses are in each case. I will not simply provide medical care, collect evidence, and leave; I will have the opportunity to know the patients I work with, find out their individual needs, and provide care and resources tailored to them. Outside of work, I am a dedicated foster mother. It is my great joy in life to care for others both at work and the children I bring into my home until they can be returned to their families. I take children into my home who are in crisis. I have seen the aftermath of abuse and neglect and the long-term impacts it has on my children. I have held them as they cry asking “Why did this happen to me?”, “What did I do?”, and tried my best to reassure them. In my involvement with the foster system I have come to find this is not unique. Too many children are exploited and abused before entering the system, in the system as well unfortunately, and continue to be stuck in a similar cycle after leaving the system without someone to help them break it. I have seen the long process that is seeking justice, both in criminal and family courts, and the anger and heartbreak when a child’s words are not enough in the absence of physical evidence. My experiences with foster children and the court system have given me insight into the important role forensic nurses can play in giving these young victims a voice and a way out of unimaginable situations. It was through one such difficult situation with one of my foster children that I became involved with a group for teens who have been through physical abuse or assault in my area. I began to volunteer as a mentor and chaperone to this group when my foster teen’s social worker suggested she attend. While I no longer have that child in my home, I continue to volunteer with this group because I have seen the good it can do and want to provide that support to as many people in these situations as I can. My hope is with training in forensic nursing I can provide a new aspect of services and follow-up care to this group. A degree in forensic nursing would bring me more than professional fulfillment because for me it is more than simply a job. It is a desire to help others in ways so few can. Whatever I do, I do wholeheartedly. My next goal is to pursue a masters degree in Forensic Nursing so I may physically and mentally help some of the most vulnerable in my community.

I am an emergency RN and have primarily worked in level 1 and 2 trauma centers. I intend to pursue a career in forensic nursing in the hospital setting. I have personally seen the vast scope of cases that arrive in the emergency room as well as the inpatient settings and have witnessed how involved these nurses are in each case. I will not simply provide medical care, collect evidence, and leave; I will have the opportunity to know the patients I work with, find out their individual needs, and provide care and resources tailored to them. Outside of work, I am a dedicated single foster mother. It is my great joy in life to care for others both at work and the children I bring into my home until they can be returned to their families. I take children into my home who are in crisis. I have seen the aftermath of abuse and neglect and the long-term impacts it has on my children. I have held them as they cry asking “Why did this happen to me?”, “What did I do?”, and tried my best to reassure them. In my involvement with the foster system I have come to find this is not unique. Too many children are exploited and abused before entering the system, in the system as well unfortunately, and continue to be stuck in a similar cycle after leaving the system without someone to help them break it. I have seen the long process that is seeking justice, both in criminal and family courts, and the anger and heartbreak when a child’s words are not enough in the absence of physical evidence. My experiences with foster children and the court system have given me insight into the important role forensic nurses can play in giving these young victims a voice and a way out of unimaginable situations. It was through one such difficult situation with one of my foster children that I became involved with a group for teens who have been through physical abuse or assault in my area. I began to volunteer as a mentor and chaperone to this group when my foster teen’s social worker suggested she attend. While I no longer have that child in my home, I continue to volunteer with this group because I have seen the good it can do and want to provide that support to as many people in these situations as I can. My hope is with training in forensic nursing I can provide a new aspect of services and follow-up care to this group. I hate that children cannot stop the hurt that cruel adults inflict on them, that so many women are afraid to come forward after an assault, and that men feel so stigmatized they can’t seek help. Most of all I am angry that so many perpetrators get away with the pain they inflict. I can not stop these awful acts of violence from happening, but I can help make sure that these people don’t hurt anyone else, that they are held accountable for their crimes, and that every victim I care for has someone in their corner fighting for them. A career in forensic nursing would bring me more than professional fulfillment because for me it is more than simply a job. It is a desire to help others in ways so few can. Whatever I do, I do wholeheartedly. My next goal is to pursue a masters degree in Forensic Nursing so I may physically and mentally help some of the most vulnerable in my community.

I am an emergency RN and I intend to pursue a career in forensic nursing in the hospital setting as well as in volunteering. I have personally seen the vast scope of cases that arrive in the emergency room as well as the inpatient settings and have witnessed how involved these nurses are in each case. I will not simply provide medical care, collect evidence, and leave; I will have the opportunity to know the patients I work with, find out their individual needs, and provide care and resources tailored to them. Outside of work, my partner and I are dedicated foster mothers. It is my great joy in life to care for others both at work and the children we bring into our home until they can be returned to their families. We take children into our home who are in crisis. I have seen the aftermath of abuse and neglect and the long-term impacts it has on my children. I have held them as they cry asking “Why did this happen to me?”, “What did I do?”, and tried my best to reassure them. In my involvement with the foster system I have come to find this is not unique. Too many children are exploited and abused before entering the system, in the system as well unfortunately, and continue to be stuck in a similar cycle after leaving the system without someone to help them break it. I have seen the long process that is seeking justice, both in criminal and family courts, and the anger and heartbreak when a child’s words are not enough in the absence of physical evidence. My experiences with foster children and the court system have given me insight into the important role forensic nurses can play in giving these young victims a voice and a way out of unimaginable situations. It was through one such difficult situation with one of my foster children that I became involved with a group for teens who have been through physical abuse or assault in my area. I began to volunteer as a mentor and chaperone to this group when my foster teen’s social worker suggested she attend. While I no longer have that child in my home, I continue to volunteer with this group because I have seen the good it can do and want to provide that support to as many people in these situations as I can. My hope is with training in forensic nursing I can provide a new aspect of services and follow-up care to this group. I hate that children cannot stop the hurt that cruel adults inflict on them, that so many women are afraid to come forward after an assault, and that men feel so stigmatized they can’t seek help. Most of all I am angry that so many perpetrators get away with the pain they inflict. I can not stop these awful acts of violence from happening, but I can help make sure that these people don’t hurt anyone else, that they are held accountable for their crimes, and that every victim I care for has someone in their corner fighting for them. A career in forensic nursing would bring me more than professional fulfillment because for me it is more than simply a job. It is a desire to help others in ways so few can. Whatever I do, I do wholeheartedly. My next goal is to pursue a masters degree in Forensic Nursing so I may physically and mentally help some of the most vulnerable in my community.

I am an emergency RN and I intend to pursue a career in forensic nursing in the hospital setting as well as volunteer settings outside of work. I have personally seen the vast scope of cases that arrive in the emergency room as well as the inpatient settings and have witnessed how involved these nurses are in each case. I will not simply provide medical care, collect evidence, and leave; I will have the opportunity to know the patients I work with, find out their individual needs, and provide care and resources tailored to them. Outside of work, I am a dedicated foster mother. It is my great joy in life to care for others both at work and the children I bring into my home until they can be returned to their families. I take children into my home who are in crisis. I have seen the aftermath of abuse and neglect and the long-term impacts it has on my children. I have held them as they cry asking “Why did this happen to me?”, “What did I do?”, and tried my best to reassure them. In my involvement with the foster system I have come to find this is not unique. Too many children are exploited and abused before entering the system, in the system as well unfortunately, and continue to be stuck in a similar cycle after leaving the system without someone to help them break it. I have seen the long process that is seeking justice, both in criminal and family courts, and the anger and heartbreak when a child’s words are not enough in the absence of physical evidence. My experiences with foster children and the court system have given me insight into the important role forensic nurses can play in giving these young victims a voice and a way out of unimaginable situations. It was through one such difficult situation with one of my foster children that I became involved with a group for teens who have been through physical abuse or assault in my area. I began to volunteer as a mentor and chaperone to this group when my foster teen’s social worker suggested she attend. While I no longer have that child in my home, I continue to volunteer with this group because I have seen the good it can do and want to provide that support to as many people in these situations as I can. My hope is with training in forensic nursing I can provide a new aspect of services and follow-up care to this group. A degree in forensic nursing would bring me more than professional fulfillment because for me it is more than simply a job. It is a desire to help others in ways so few can. Whatever I do, I do wholeheartedly. My next goal is to pursue a masters degree in Forensic Nursing so I may physically and mentally help some of the most vulnerable in my community.

I am an emergency RN and have primarily worked in level 1 and 2 trauma centers. I intend to pursue a career in forensic nursing in the hospital setting. I have personally seen the vast scope of cases that arrive in the emergency room as well as the inpatient settings and have witnessed how involved these nurses are in each case. I will not simply provide medical care, collect evidence, and leave; I will have the opportunity to know the patients I work with, find out their individual needs, and provide care and resources tailored to them. Outside of work, my partner and I am are dedicated foster mothers. It is my great joy in life to care for others both at work and the children we bring into our home until they can be returned to their families. We take children into our home who are in crisis. I have seen the aftermath of abuse and neglect and the long-term impacts it has on my children. I have held them as they cry asking “Why did this happen to me?”, “What did I do?”, and tried my best to reassure them. In my involvement with the foster system I have come to find this is not unique. Too many children are exploited and abused before entering the system, in the system as well unfortunately, and continue to be stuck in a similar cycle after leaving the system without someone to help them break it. I have seen the long process that is seeking justice, both in criminal and family courts, and the anger and heartbreak when a child’s words are not enough in the absence of physical evidence. My experiences with foster children and the court system have given me insight into the important role forensic nurses can play in giving these young victims a voice and a way out of unimaginable situations. It was through one such difficult situation with one of my foster children that I became involved with a group for teens who have been through physical abuse or assault in my area. I began to volunteer as a mentor and chaperone to this group when my foster teen’s social worker suggested she attend. While I no longer have that child in my home, I continue to volunteer with this group because I have seen the good it can do and want to provide that support to as many people in these situations as I can. My hope is with training in forensic nursing I can provide a new aspect of services and follow-up care to this group. I hate that children cannot stop the hurt that cruel adults inflict on them, that so many women are afraid to come forward after an assault, and that men feel so stigmatized they can’t seek help. Most of all I am angry that so many perpetrators get away with the pain they inflict. I can not stop these awful acts of violence from happening, but I can help make sure that these people don’t hurt anyone else, that they are held accountable for their crimes, and that every victim I care for has someone in their corner fighting for them. A career in forensic nursing would bring me more than professional fulfillment because for me it is more than simply a job. It is a desire to help others in ways so few can. Whatever I do, I do wholeheartedly. My next goal is to pursue a masters degree in Forensic Nursing so I may physically and mentally help some of the most vulnerable in my community.

I am an emergency RN and have primarily worked in level 1 and 2 trauma centers. I intend to pursue a career in forensic nursing in the hospital setting. I have personally seen the vast scope of cases that arrive in the emergency room as well as the inpatient settings and have witnessed how involved these nurses are in each case. I will not simply provide medical care, collect evidence, and leave; I will have the opportunity to know the patients I work with, find out their individual needs, and provide care and resources tailored to them. Outside of work, I am a dedicated foster mother. It is my great joy in life to care for others both at work and the children I bring into my home until they can be returned to their families. I take children into my home who are in crisis. I have seen the aftermath of abuse and neglect and the long-term impacts it has on my children. I have held them as they cry asking “Why did this happen to me?”, “What did I do?”, and tried my best to reassure them. In my involvement with the foster system I have come to find this is not unique. Too many children are exploited and abused before entering the system, in the system as well unfortunately, and continue to be stuck in a similar cycle after leaving the system without someone to help them break it. I have seen the long process that is seeking justice, both in criminal and family courts, and the anger and heartbreak when a child’s words are not enough in the absence of physical evidence. My experiences with foster children and the court system have given me insight into the important role forensic nurses can play in giving these young victims a voice and a way out of unimaginable situations. It was through one such difficult situation with one of my foster children that I became involved with a group for teens who have been through physical abuse or assault in my area. I began to volunteer as a mentor and chaperone to this group when my foster teen’s social worker suggested she attend. While I no longer have that child in my home, I continue to volunteer with this group because I have seen the good it can do and want to provide that support to as many people in these situations as I can. My hope is with training in forensic nursing I can provide a new aspect of services and follow-up care to this group. I hate that children cannot stop the hurt that cruel adults inflict on them, that so many women are afraid to come forward after an assault, and that men feel so stigmatized they can’t seek help. Most of all I am angry that so many perpetrators get away with the pain they inflict. I can not stop these awful acts of violence from happening, but I can help make sure that these people don’t hurt anyone else, that they are held accountable for their crimes, and that every victim I care for has someone in their corner fighting for them. A career in forensic nursing would bring me more than professional fulfillment because for me it is more than simply a job. It is a desire to help others in ways so few can. Whatever I do, I do wholeheartedly. My next goal is to pursue a masters degree in Forensic Nursing so I may physically and mentally help some of the most vulnerable in my community.

I am an emergency RN and have primarily worked in level 1 and 2 trauma centers. I intend to pursue a career in forensic nursing in the hospital setting. I have personally seen the vast scope of cases that arrive in the emergency room as well as the inpatient settings and have witnessed how involved these nurses are in each case. I will not simply provide medical care, collect evidence, and leave; I will have the opportunity to know the patients I work with, find out their individual needs, and provide care and resources tailored to them. Outside of work, I am a dedicated foster mother. It is my great joy in life to care for others both at work and the children I bring into my home until they can be returned to their families. I take children into my home who are in crisis. I have seen the aftermath of abuse and neglect and the long-term impacts it has on my children. I have held them as they cry asking “Why did this happen to me?”, “What did I do?”, and tried my best to reassure them. In my involvement with the foster system I have come to find this is not unique. Too many children are exploited and abused before entering the system, in the system as well unfortunately, and continue to be stuck in a similar cycle after leaving the system without someone to help them break it. I have seen the long process that is seeking justice, both in criminal and family courts, and the anger and heartbreak when a child’s words are not enough in the absence of physical evidence. My experiences with foster children and the court system have given me insight into the important role forensic nurses can play in giving these young victims a voice and a way out of unimaginable situations. It was through one such difficult situation with one of my foster children that I became involved with a group for teens who have been through physical abuse or assault in my area. I began to volunteer as a mentor and chaperone to this group when my foster teen’s social worker suggested she attend. While I no longer have that child in my home, I continue to volunteer with this group because I have seen the good it can do and want to provide that support to as many people in these situations as I can. My hope is with training in forensic nursing I can provide a new aspect of services and follow-up care to this group. I hate that children cannot stop the hurt that cruel adults inflict on them, that so many women are afraid to come forward after an assault, and that men feel so stigmatized they can’t seek help. Most of all I am angry that so many perpetrators get away with the pain they inflict. I can not stop these awful acts of violence from happening, but I can help make sure that these people don’t hurt anyone else, that they are held accountable for their crimes, and that every victim I care for has someone in their corner fighting for them. A career in forensic nursing would bring me more than professional fulfillment because for me it is more than simply a job. It is a desire to help others in ways so few can. Whatever I do, I do wholeheartedly. My next goal is to pursue a masters degree in Forensic Nursing so I may physically and mentally help some of the most vulnerable in my community.

A foster mom to as many children as I can manage while maintaining my sanity and a forensic nurse working in the ER I already love to be a part of, using my unique skills to care for victims of violence in all areas of my life.