Music has woven itself into the very fabric of my life throughout my high school years, acting as a reliable companion that I can turn to for various needs. Whether I’m looking for an energy boost, a surge of focus, or a pick-me-up for my mood, music has consistently been there for me. The genres I gravitate toward—rap, R&B, and pop—have proven particularly beneficial in helping me navigate the emotional rollercoaster that often comes with academic life. No matter if I'm studying, exercising, or simply trying to stay positive amid the stresses of schoolwork, music has provided a comforting backdrop. When it comes to studying, I've found that R&B and softer rap tracks suit me best. The steady, soothing beats create an atmosphere conducive to concentration, providing just enough rhythm to keep my mind engaged without veering into distraction. For instance, SZA’s evocative tracks like "Good Days" and "Broken Clocks" wrap around me like a warm blanket, their calming vibes enabling me to focus deeply on my studies. In addition, J. Cole’s albums are staples in my study playlist; his introspective and thought-provoking lyrics combined with smooth, mellow beats create a serene background that enhances my learning experience. This music acts as a mental tonic, helping me to tune out the noise of the world around me and dive headfirst into my assignments, creating a productive bubble where I can thrive. In contrast, when it’s time to exercise or gear up for significant exams, rap becomes my ultimate source of motivation. The confidence-infused beats and powerful lyrics ignite an unstoppable energy within me, pushing me to perform at my best. Kendrick Lamar’s tracks, especially "DNA" and "HUMBLE", find their way into my workout playlists, serving as the perfect soundtrack for pushing through those last painful reps or staying focused on my goals. His fierce lyrics remind me of my strength, invigorating me to tackle any obstacle in my path. Similarly, Lil Baby’s tracks like "Drip Too Hard" and "Emotionally Scarred" resonate deeply, emphasizing the importance of hard work and resilience. These anthems serve as powerful reminders that perseverance is key, motivating me to keep striving for success despite any setbacks. Pop music occupies a vital space in my life, acting as a catalyst for lifting my spirits and maintaining a positive outlook. Whenever I need a quick mood boost, I turn to the upbeat tracks of artists like Dua Lipa and The Weekend. Songs like "Blinding Lights" and "Don’t Start Now" are infectious in their energy and always manage to put a smile on my face. Even on particularly stressful or overwhelming days, just a few minutes of these vibrant pop tunes can shift my perspective and remind me of the joy in the present moment. They serve as a reminder to dance through life, even when it’s challenging. In summary, music has been my steadfast ally through the complexities of high school. It helps me focus deeply during study sessions, fuels my motivation during workouts, and uplifts my spirits when I need a positive boost. Through its different genres, music has not only accompanied me but has played an essential role in shaping my experiences, becoming an indelible part of my personal journey.

From a young age, I felt like I was on a path that not many people around me understood. When I moved from São Paulo, Brazil, to the U.S. in fourth grade, I faced huge cultural and language barriers that made me feel like an outsider a lot of the time. Adapting to a new culture was tough, but I saw it as a chance to grow and find others who felt the same way. Those early experiences taught me how to be resilient and showed me just how important it is to have a supportive community, which has shaped everything I do. Choosing nursing as a career felt like my way of challenging expectations. My family has always supported me, but this path was definitely unexpected—especially considering how hard it was just to adjust to a new country. But I was determined to make a difference in healthcare, to be someone who can understand and advocate for immigrants like me. In high school, I joined a dual enrollment program where I’m working toward an associate degree at the same time as my high school diploma. It’s a pretty intense program, and honestly, it wasn’t something anyone imagined I’d be doing when I first moved here. In fact, I’m one of only two students in my entire class taking on this dual path. Balancing college coursework, running a school club, and participating in martial arts has taught me so much. Juggling all these responsibilities hasn’t been easy, but it’s helped me become way better at managing my time, staying organized, and pushing through even when things feel overwhelming. Each activity has pushed me to grow in different ways—college work has challenged me academically, leading a club has taught me leadership skills, and martial arts has strengthened my discipline and resilience. This journey has been meaningful for me and my family. They’re really proud, seeing this as proof that all the sacrifices we made to come here were worth it. For me, this experience has shown me the power of empathy and inclusivity, which is exactly what I want to bring into nursing. I want to be there for patients who might feel lost or misunderstood in the healthcare system, just like I once felt. Moving forward, I’ll carry the lessons of resilience and adaptability with me, and I hope to make healthcare a more welcoming place for everyone—especially immigrant and minority communities who need someone on their side. These experiences have shaped who I am and what I want to do, making me even more determined to help others feel seen and supported.

As a first-generation immigrant from Brazil, I have faced and overcome many challenges in adapting to a new culture and mastering a new language since arriving in the fourth grade. These experiences have shaped me into a resilient individual, and they’ve driven me to pursue a career in nursing. Along with this, I have developed a strong belief in the power of natural medicine, and I am passionate about integrating holistic practices into healthcare. Currently, I am part of a dual degree program. Balancing the demands of high school and college as a sophomore, preparing for a future in nursing with a focus on natural and preventative care. This scholarship would have a profound impact on my journey, allowing me to alleviate some of the financial pressures that come with being a dual-enrolled student. Without the added burden of financial stress, I could dedicate more time to my studies, extracurricular activities, and clinical experiences, all of which will help me become a well-rounded nurse. The funding would also allow me to continue my education in holistic health and deepen my understanding of natural remedies, mindfulness, and other integrative treatments. Holistic health is a field that I believe can transform the way we approach care, and I am committed to exploring how these practices can complement traditional nursing. In my view, healthcare should address the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. As a nurse, I want to provide care that is not only focused on treating physical ailments but also on understanding the emotional and mental well-being of my patients. The importance of natural medicine, including diet, herbal treatments, and stress reduction techniques, is often overlooked in conventional settings, yet these practices can play a crucial role in promoting overall health. With this scholarship, I would be able to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to bring holistic care into mainstream healthcare, making it more accessible to those who need it most. My ultimate goal is to empower patients with the tools they need to improve their health holistically, incorporating natural remedies and preventative practices alongside traditional treatments. I want to help people make informed decisions about their health that lead to lasting wellness, and this scholarship would be a critical step in making that vision a reality. With this funding, I can continue to pursue my passion for holistic healing and make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of others.

From a young age, I felt like I was on a path that not many people around me understood. When I moved from São Paulo, Brazil, to the U.S. in fourth grade, I faced huge cultural and language barriers that made me feel like an outsider a lot of the time. Adapting to a new culture was tough, but I saw it as a chance to grow and find others who felt the same way. Those early experiences taught me how to be resilient and showed me just how important it is to have a supportive community, which has shaped everything I do. Choosing nursing as a career felt like my way of challenging expectations. My family has always supported me, but this path was definitely unexpected—especially considering how hard it was just to adjust to a new country. But I was determined to make a difference in healthcare, to be someone who can understand and advocate for immigrants like me. In high school, I joined a dual enrollment program where I’m working toward an associate degree at the same time as my high school diploma. It’s a pretty intense program, and honestly, it wasn’t something anyone imagined I’d be doing when I first moved here. In fact, I’m one of only two students in my entire class taking on this dual path. Balancing college coursework, running a school club, and participating in martial arts has taught me so much. Juggling all these responsibilities hasn’t been easy, but it’s helped me become way better at managing my time, staying organized, and pushing through even when things feel overwhelming. Each activity has pushed me to grow in different ways—college work has challenged me academically, leading a club has taught me leadership skills, and martial arts has strengthened my discipline and resilience. This journey has been meaningful for me and my family. They’re really proud, seeing this as proof that all the sacrifices we made to come here were worth it. For me, this experience has shown me the power of empathy and inclusivity, which is exactly what I want to bring into nursing. I want to be there for patients who might feel lost or misunderstood in the healthcare system, just like I once felt. Moving forward, I’ll carry the lessons of resilience and adaptability with me, and I hope to make healthcare a more welcoming place for everyone—especially immigrant and minority communities who need someone on their side. These experiences have shaped who I am and what I want to do, making me even more determined to help others feel seen and supported.

Hello, my name is Julia, and I am part of the dual enrollment program at my high school. I joined a two-year program in my junior year of high school. I will be graduating in the spring of 2025 with both a high school diploma and an associate's degree. My high school offered a program for upcoming juniors to apply to. At first, I was a little nervous about joining this program along with some other high schoolers from the neighboring schools. But it was the best decision I have ever made for myself. Now, I am currently enrolled in college taking classes for my associates and perquisites for nursing schools. My decision to become a nurse was not always set in stone. When I was younger, I always enjoyed playing with dolls. I would pretend to be their teacher, doctor, mom, grocery store clerk, and friend all the time. I have always wanted to be a teacher to help kids learn. The idea of having my classroom stood out to me for years. But after dealing with sicknesses in my family, my path changed. So, I started looking toward being a psychiatrist. However, something did not feel right. And after researching, I figured out that would not be the right job for me. I wanted something flexible and active. I have always preferred a busier lifestyle. Sitting in office chairs for hours every week was not something that I wanted. I know a couple of nurses who enjoy their jobs a lot and tell me all about the things they learned. After hearing those experiences, I decided to shift my focus more toward nursing. I began to research some more; I decided that nursing would be the right career for me. I thought how cool it would be to work in a hospital setting moving around to help people. I like learning things about the human body and how to deal with those things. As well as helping others in need. I believe that being a nurse could change the world, maybe not the whole world, but a person's world. Helping save just one person's life might not seem like a big deal for many, but for that person's family, it means the world. I truly believe it is important to have access to healthcare, especially during hospital staff shortages. i I will use this scholarship towards my BSN program in the fall of 2025. This money will help me pay for college and allow me to get one step closer to my goals!

Hi, My name is Julia, and I am part of a dual enrollment program at my high school. I am a senior and full-time college student. This is my second year towards getting my associates degree. I am in pre-nursing right now and plan to transfer to a university in the fall of 2025. I plan to attend in order to purse my bachelor's in science of nursing (BSN). My first language is Portuguese! I was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. I moved to Chicago, Illinois when I was 8. As soon as I moved, I started attending fourth grade. It was extremely hard to communicate with others since I did not know any English. I would try to talk to the kids who spoke Spanish in my class since it was the closest thing to Portuguese. But even then, a lot of words were easily misinterpreted. I was put into a special class for kids who were new to country and that helped me learn a lot of new English words. I also practiced learning on my own at home through books and worksheets. Other things that helped me learn a new language was watching movies and reading the captions to connect the word to the pronunciation. There are many challenges and benefits to being bilingual. The biggest benefit is being able to communicate to two large groups of people. For example, when I visit Brazil, I am able to talk to everyone there fluently. When I am in the US, I can also talk to anyone here fluently. Another benefit of speaking two languages is having the basic understanding of what learning a language is like for you. Some of my family members also speak Spanish. Therefore, when I was attempting to learn a third language, I knew exactly what to do and not do. I knew that I had to start with the basic words, and I began using an app to help me do that. I also took honors Spanish during my first two years of high school. I aced all my homework, quizzes, and exams with A's. To everything that is beneficial, there are some challenges. A challenge about being bilingual is sometimes mixing words from both languages in the same sentence. Or forgetting a specific word in the other language when trying to explain something to another person. Overall, I think that there are a lot more pros about being fluent in two languages than pros. I enjoy being able to communicate to broader groups of people in both languages.

Hello, My name is Julia and I am part of the dual enrollment program at my high school. I joined a two-year long program my junior year of high school. I will be graduating in the spring of 2025 with both a high school diploma and an associate's degree. My high school offered a program for upcoming juniors to apply to. At first, I was a little nervous about joining this program along with some other high schoolers from the neighboring schools. But it was the best decision I have ever made for myself. Now, I am currently enrolled in college taking classes for my associates and perquisites for nursing schools. My decision of becoming a nurse was not always set in stone. When I was younger, I always enjoyed playing with dolls. I would pretend to be their teacher, doctor, mom, grocery store clerk, and friend all the time. I have always wanted to be a teacher to help kids learn. The idea of having my own classroom really stood out to me for years. But after dealing with sicknesses in my family, my path changed. So I started looking toward being a psychiatrist. However, something did not feel right. But after researching, I figured out that would not be the right job for me. I wanted something flexible and active. I have always preferred a busier lifestyle. Sitting in office chairs for hours every week was not something that I wanted. I know a couple of nurses that enjoy their jobs and tell me all about the things they learned. After hearing those experiences, I decided to shift my focus more towards nursing. I began to research some more; I decided that nursing would be the right career for me. I thought how cool it would be to work in a hospital setting moving around to help people. I like learning things about the human body and how to deal with those things. As well as helping others in need. I believe that being a nurse could change the world, maybe not the whole world, but a person's world. Helping save just one person's life might not seem like a big deal for many, but for that person's family it means the world. I just want to be able to help get people better. I truly believe it is important to have access to healthcare, especially during hospital staff shortages.

Hello, My name is Julia and I am part of the dual enrollment program at my high school. I joined a two-year long program my junior year of high school. I will be graduating in the spring of 2025 with both a high school diploma and an associate's degree. My high school offered a program for upcoming juniors to apply to. At first, I was a little nervous about joining this program along with some other high schoolers from the neighboring schools. But it was the best decision I have ever made for myself. Now, I am currently enrolled in college taking classes for my associates and perquisites for nursing schools. My decision of becoming a nurse was not always set in stone. When I was younger, I always enjoyed playing with dolls. I would pretend to be their teacher, doctor, mom, grocery store clerk, and friend all the time. I have always wanted to be a teacher to help kids learn. The idea of having my own classroom really stood out to me for years. But after dealing with sicknesses in my family, my path changed. So I started looking toward being a psychiatrist. However, something did not feel right. But after researching, I figured out that would not be the right job for me. I wanted something flexible and active. I have always preferred a busier lifestyle. Sitting in office chairs for hours every week was not something that I wanted. I know a couple of nurses that enjoy their jobs and tell me all about the things they learned. After hearing those experiences, I decided to shift my focus more towards nursing. I began to research some more; I decided that nursing would be the right career for me. I thought how cool it would be to work in a hospital setting moving around to help people. I like learning things about the human body and how to deal with those things. As well as helping others in need. I believe that being a nurse could change the world, maybe not the whole world, but a person's world. Helping save just one person's life might not seem like a big deal for many, but for that person's family it means the world. I just want to be able to help get people better. I truly believe it is important to have access to healthcare, especially during hospital staff shortages.