My experiences with mental health have contributed significantly toward shaping my goals, personal relations, and world outlook-particularly as I work toward becoming a critical care nurse. Life is not easy, loss and grief are very heavy things to deal with, and sometimes feeling isolated or alone in the pursuit of goals can weigh heavily on a person. The process of dealing with the challenges of poor mental health has deepened my empathy, hardiness, and motivation to enable me to care for others, which are all indispensable characteristics in nursing. As a depression and suicide survivor, this journey has deeply influenced me toward my commitment to a healthcare career, further building my capacity for the art of communication with patients, patient advocacy, and providing holistic care. I do not just want to be any nurse, but I aspire to be a human being that people can turn to when they really just need someone. I have been there, I have suffered loss before and I want to be the person that helps keep someone grounded just one more day, if it means saving a life or pulling someone out of a depression. Mental health struggles taught me resiliency. During the most challenging times, I gained valuable strategies in managing the stressors: seeking assistance when needed, finding the grit and perseverance to battle along with adversities. It took me over 5 years to finally get help, I went through relationships, a 4 year degree, many jobs, and many memories in my early 20s being depressed, but it made me a much stronger man. Being a first-generation college student working multiple jobs, I often felt overwhelmed. This resilience that I built fuels the drive to apply to become a critical care nurse-a role that calls for mental fortitude. These pressures, in a high-stakes environment where patients' lives are at stake, require a great deal of composure, critical thinking, and compassion; thus, giving meaning to my experiences. How I handle these pressures is guided through my experience. I want to be there for my friends, my family, and my patients in the worst moment of their life, look them in the face, and let them know that everything will be okay. Further, my personal struggles with mental health have given me a unique perspective on relationships. I have definitely learned the importance of building, striving for, and nurturing supportive, nurturing relationships both in personal and professional areas. Translating this into the context of my aim-to be a nurse-this means building trust with a patient and his family. I have come to realize that care is not just about the procedures but about support, listening to concerns, and building relationships that will help make patients feel safe and understood. People need to be seem, not just treated. This exposure to vulnerability brings me into the present moment and helps me connect with others on their emotional and psychological levels. This is particularly important in the critical care environments, where most of the patients and families are experiencing some of the worst times of their lives. My journey of mental health has opened my view on the world, mostly in relation to health and healthcare. I have become more cognizant of systemic barriers to mental health care and how stigma stands in the way of someone seeking it out far too often. This awareness stokes the fire in me to be an advocate for patient-centered care, in which mental and emotional well-being is as valued as physical health. As a future nurse, I would want to see myself being part of a health care setting that provides holistic health care; the mind is closely related to recovery from one's illness, particularly in critical care. Such understanding enables me to be more empathetic and highly considerate as a caregiver; It will be very rewarding to get a patient off of a critical situation and back on their way to normal life, or to give a patient dignity even in death. Therefore, my own experience with mental health has molded me finally as an individual and the kind of professional aspirations I have within my heart. It has made me strong, compassionate, and sensitive toward holistic patient care. These qualities will remain tall while pursuing the ambition of a career as a critical care nurse wherein I can help patients and their families in those moments of extreme fragility by lending a helping hand not only towards medical expertise but also towards emotional understanding. For these reasons, I am grateful for the struggles, the times where I did not see the light at the end of the tunnel, for they allowed me to be my own torch during dark times. I hope I can inspire others to gain resiliency and this scholarship would be a huge aid in reaching those goals. Thank you!

LeBron James is a figure bigger than the sport of basketball, and my admiration for him goes beyond his game on the court. The most striking feature to me, of course, would have to be his amazing longevity. To date, LeBron has sustained an elite level over the course of over two decades-a streak rarely seen within professional sports. He took very great care of his body, having invested millions into fitness and recovery, and so he has avoided the decline that others have in these later stages of his career. He still happens to be one of the most feared players in the NBA even in his late 30s. This says much about not only his physical abilities but also his adaptability and basketball IQ. He has constantly adapted his game to fit the ever-changing NBA landscape and has been nothing short of great over the years as a scorer, playmaker, and defender. His versatility allows him to impact the game in almost too many ways, making him simply a nightmare to strategize against. But LeBron's legacy goes far beyond on-court accomplishments. What really sets him apart in my mind is his dedication to using his platform to effect change off the court. The most notable example is his commitment to education and community service with the opening of the I Promise School in Akron, Ohio. The school nurtures and educates at-risk children, and LeBron being so personally involved in this project really brings into view how much he truly wants to give back to his community. Beyond philanthropy, LeBron has been quite outspoken concerning social justice. He's used his platform to speak out against racial inequality, police violence, and other societal issues, even when it hasn't always been popular or easy to do so. I will include that in his ability to take a stand on most matters and yet still be at the elite of the world. For he had the audacity to take time and promote causes that were close to his heart, and that such promotion placed at jeopardy some existing and future roles in the sport. The debate as to whether LeBron is the best basketball player of all time is rather subjective and complex. Most feel Michael Jordan makes up GOAT status not only because of his six championships and perfect record in NBA Finals appearances but due to his influence on the culture of the sport worldwide. Jordan was simply the ultimate competitor, and his ability to dominate the game in clutch situations was second to none. LeBron brings other qualities to the table. His leading different teams to success across multiple eras, longevity, and all-around game-just about make him the most versatile player ever to take part in the NBA. He is not strictly a scorer but also a facilitator and elite defender in his prime. Undeniably, he also had a huge influence on the modern NBA in which player mobility and empowerment have become key themes. Of course, I respect the greatness of LeBron; to me, he's not necessarily the GOAT. It means just a little more than that to me-championships or stats-impact, legacy, influence; Jordan and LeBron have both left their marks on the game in their own ways.

There are up to three songs by Billie Eilish-a real sensation-that display the emotions I go through as a man: "everything i wanted", "when the party's over", and "bury a friend". Each one of these songs delves deep into those emotions that, in themselves, are rather hard to let out, even more so when men feel that society compels them to be unemotional. What separates "everything i wanted" by Billie is its focus on self-doubt and vulnerability-two of the most difficult feelings to confront. This song is really about the inner struggle, the dreams, and the burdening pressure that may come along with success. This is where my ears ring, since it speaks deep about mental health and the growing need for emotional protection. Within the context of a world where men, especially, are taught to withhold their emotions, this song basically reminds you that even when you don't see your worth, it's crucial to find people who do. What is really touching, though, is Billie's relationship with her brother Finneas and how he tries to take her through life's hard times. It covers, in detail, the strong emotional bonds we have in our lives when times seem to get us down and in disbelief about ourselves. Another song that speaks to me is "when the party's over." This track represents the emotional isolation that many men feel, having difficulty in expressing their own emotions. It is very relatable to hear Billie's quiet vulnerability in this song, how it pains her to let go of something toxic-be that a relationship or an attachment that isn't healthy. It shows the turmoil inside that one goes through when one suppresses one's emotions and yet tries to be in control. The minimalist production on this track amplifies the emotional weight in letting go, with the listener feeling the silence and solitude often accompanying such a decision. What's often expected of men is to "tough it out" and keep emotional pain concealed, but this song captures the reality of how hard it is to move on while still working through and fighting feelings that have not been resolved. This is a raw expression of the emotional isolation that may come with trying to keep everything intact on the surface. Finally, "bury a friend" is one of Billie's darker, more experimental tracks; it resonates because it taps into the fear of confronting inner demons. There's just something hauntingly eerie to this song that really speaks to the discomfort many face when battling their own personal mental health struggles. For men, this often means pressure to maintain a facade of strength-to hide vulnerabilities and emotional battles. This song, however, clings to the darker, uncomfortable aspects of mental health, forcing the listener to face those internal fears. The lyrics dive into fear, identity, and self-destruction, echoing a mantra of inner turmoil that many men could suppress. Aggressive beats and eerie production almost capture the suppressed emotions of one's body clawing its way to the surface. It tells us, quite poignantly, that there are moments in time when we must confront the very things we work the hardest to hide, even when it's unsettling. All three of these songs collectively create this sense of vulnerability, fear, and emotional conflict in a way that feels so real to me. Billie Eilish's music creates a realization that it is okay to confront such struggles openly and that there is strength in allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, no matter how difficult that may feel.

As a first-generation college graduate originally from Queens, New York, I might not fit the typical mold of someone passionate about agriculture or farming. However, my experiences and interests have led me down a unique path that connects my love for healthcare with a desire to contribute to my community through sustainable farming and urban agriculture. I am proud to be an alumnus of the University of South Florida in Tampa, where I initially studied biomedical sciences. Now, I am pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in nursing at Keiser University, with a focus on becoming a critical care nurse in the ICU. While much of my background has involved long shifts in hospitals—working in air-conditioned rooms and at the bedsides of patients—I have always had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Outside of the clinical setting, I am always yearning for grass under my feet, the sun shining down, and some outdoor activity. My passion for outdoor activities, from camping and hiking to fishing, has inspired me to pursue a dream of owning land and growing my own food. Although healthcare and nursing are at the core of my career aspirations, my love for nature and the environment runs parallel to these interests. As someone who envisions themselves not only caring for patients but also caring for the community, I dream of being involved in agriculture and learning more about farming, hydroponics, and sustainable food production. Tampa Bay is growing rapidly, with urban sprawl consuming much of the green space that is essential for a healthy, thriving community. I believe it is crucial to preserve as much green space as possible, and I am especially passionate about seeing more community gardens and urban farms become integrated into the city’s landscape. Shared green spaces provide immense benefits to communities, offering a source of food, joy, peace and engagement for both young people and the elderly. They foster community involvement, promote mental health, and offer educational opportunities that can inspire future generations to live more sustainably. As I continue my journey toward becoming a critical care nurse, I also see myself working to create initiatives that promote urban agriculture in Tampa Bay. I envision a future where community gardens and urban farms play a critical role in ensuring food security, improving environmental sustainability, and fostering a greater sense of belonging for residents. Receiving this scholarship would be an incredible support in helping me achieve my goals, both in healthcare and in contributing to a more sustainable and connected community. It would be another push towards my goals in life that will enable me to really make an impact in my community. I am grateful for your time and consideration as I work toward making a lasting impact in Tampa Bay. Thank you!

I'm a male nursing student in Tampa, Florida who is contributing to the positive changes in nursing by challenging the stereotype, fighting for diversity, and showing patient-centered care can be performed just as well by male nursing staff. Nursing has always been seen as a female-dominated profession, and it would be an opportunity to help break down such barriers. I look forward to showing that nursing can be a career that aptly suits any man who has passion and the right skill set to deliver quality, compassionate patient care. I look forward to being a role model for men who consider joining the nursing profession, hence bringing diversity into the profession, which improves patient care due to different perspectives at the bedside. Clear-headed under pressure, thinking critically and working collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams will form the basis of my performance in the setting to which I am deeply committed: critical care. I bring resilience and determination into my work, borne from overcoming adversity and striving toward goals. I understand that empathy, communication, and attention to detail are essential in environments such as critical care, where high stakes are inherent. These characteristics would help me gain their trust and the trust of their family members, which would promote a healing environment. I also plan to be an advocate for mental health and wellness, both with patients and with co-workers. Many times, nurses burn out due to emotional and physical demands from the job. It is through this promotion of self-care, stress management techniques, and fostering a work culture of support that I am able to offer a much healthier environment to coworkers. This would improve individual well-being and, finally, the quality of patient care. I am committed to lifelong learning and finding joy in keeping updated on current healthcare issues. Nursing is, after all, a field in constant evolution, and by way of further education and professional development, I will be able to give the best level of care possible to my patients. Through this, and living in Tampa, with its vast populations of individuals from diverse backgrounds, I will also nurture cultural awareness, consideration, and appreciation of the different walks of life and needs of all individuals with whom I will have contact. My interest in community outreach, especially regarding under-served areas, keeps me volunteering within the community by educating the public on health concerns and working out ways to reduce the gaps of health disparities to improve livelihoods in Tampa. As a male nurse, my role is to provide service not only within a hospital but to contribute more extensively toward the health of a community. In short, a male nurse in Tampa will be able to bring diversity, empathy, resilience, and a commitment toward professional growth within the field of nursing. It is my hope that through patient advocacy, supportive colleagues, and community contribution, an enduring and positive impact on the profession will be made.

As a student nurse, my passion for math is more than just a fondness for numbers—it's a crucial component of providing effective and safe patient care. Math intersects with nursing in numerous ways, and my love for it stems from several key areas where it enhances my clinical practice. First and foremost, math is integral to accurate medication administration. In my classes and real life clinical days, calculating dosages, determining infusion rates, and adjusting medication quantities based on patient weight or other factors require precise mathematical skills. Mistakes in these calculations can have serious consequences, so my enjoyment of math helps me to stay meticulous and focused. It gives me confidence in handling complex dosage problems, which is vital in ensuring patient safety. Moreover, math aids in interpreting and analyzing vital signs and lab results. Understanding the normal ranges for blood pressure, heart rate, and lab values involves math. It allows me to quickly identify deviations from normal ranges, which can be critical for early detection of potential health issues. My affinity for math enables me to process these values with greater ease, ensuring timely and accurate responses to patient needs. In addition, mathematical concepts are essential for understanding statistical data and research in nursing. Whether it’s evaluating the effectiveness of a new treatment protocol or understanding the prevalence of certain conditions, math provides the tools to analyze data critically and make evidence-based decisions. My enthusiasm for math enhances my ability to engage with research literature, contributing to better-informed clinical practices. Finally, my love for math supports my organizational and problem-solving skills. From creating schedules and managing time efficiently to handling complex care plans and prioritizing tasks, math underpins my ability to remain organized and effective in a fast-paced environment. In essence, my appreciation for math enriches my nursing practice by ensuring accuracy, enhancing data interpretation, supporting research engagement, and bolstering organizational skills. It transforms complex clinical tasks into manageable and precise actions, ultimately leading to better patient care and outcomes.

As a student pursuing a second bachelor degree, I chose nursing because I came to the realization that I love the interpersonal nature of direct patient care at the bedside. I love challenging myself to engage in critical thinking about the needs of patients, and I am always willing to be there in someone's worst moments. I was most inspired to pursue nursing, develop my skills and turned it into my passion when I worked alongside numerous amazing nurses during the covid pandemic, who performed miracles day in and day out to make patients safer, improve outcomes and make patients more comfortable. The hospital I started in went from 24 covid patients to over 160 in a 6 week span, and I was thrown into the fire on a busy cardiac unit. I quickly learned the basics, experienced losing patients, experienced working alongside new nurses and veterans nurses alike, and grew to respect the profession at a new level. All of these experiences gifted me a fresh perspective on my goals as a healthcare professional, and gave me a renewed sense of direction as a former pre-medical student that had gone through a few years of feeling lost. I understood that I prioritized people, interpersonal connections, flexibility, work life balance, and the opportunities to expand my scope in nursing as a career after some of these experiences. I want to be there for people in my community. My goals are to complete my current accelerated BSN program and hopefully enter a nurse residency program in the ICU at Tampa General Hospital or one of the larger hospitals in the area that can provide the most opportunity to expand my skillset. While being a huge first step, I know that with patience, guidance, and an open mind to learn and acquire new skills, that I can accomplish my goal of starting in the ICU. I have always leaned towards critical care, as I saw ICU nurses perform at the highest levels during the pandemic. I always appreciated the critical care nurses' vast knowledge and the way that they were always eager to show me how the ventilators worked, or how certain medications worked along with other details of critical care. They made me realize my desire to be there in patient's worst moments and handle the most critical cases. I would love to serve my community and grow into a competent, skilled, knowledgeable ICU nurse and be able to work in any setting eventually. The dream is to travel in other states, save up and hopefully be admitted to CRNA school a few years down the line, and hopefully this scholarship can aid in reaching those goals one day!

From a young age, I was very invested in the world of science. As far back as kindergarten, I would watch animal planet, discovery channel, read science magazines, read about astronomy, biology and learn about new inventions. Now I read about epidemiology, pathophysiology, healthcare innovations, the nursing field and disease processes as a nursing student. My curiosity to understand how things worked around me and profound interest in the human body set the foundation for my future aspirations. My career goals initially involved medicine, however I am now pursuing a career in critical care nursing, with the end goal of becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist and to do work in research as well. My interest in the sciences began during elementary school when I encountered my first tastes of biology and physical sciences. This initial spark was further ignited in high school, where I had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on laboratory experience, learn chemistry, and more advanced biology. These experiences solidified the foundation for my desire to delve deeper into the scientific world and explore a career in healthcare. The journey to where I am now has not been easy. Coming from a background with limited financial resources and support, I had to work multiple jobs to support my education. Balancing work and studies was a constant challenge, but it taught me invaluable lessons in time management, resilience, and determination. Earning a scholarship such as this one would be an enormous aid in my pursuit of a career as a critical care nurse, as it would assist me in affording books and other resources I need to be successful. The pathway to achieving my dreams is to finish my accelerated BSN program, pass the NCLEX exam and become a registered nurse working in the ICU. This aspiration stems from a deeply rooted desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives during their most vulnerable moments. I want to be there in my patient's worst moments. In conclusion, my journey towards a career in science and healthcare has been shaped by a deep-seated passion for understanding the human body and a commitment to making a difference in people's lives. The challenges I have faced as a first-generation college student have only strengthened my determination to succeed. With the support of this scholarship, I am more confident that I can achieve my goal of becoming a critical care nurse and contribute positively to the field of healthcare. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students like myself in their educational and professional endeavors.

As a first-generation college student of Latino origin, my identity as an underrepresented minority man has profoundly shaped my journey at every stop in my life and continues to influence my path forward. From a young age I was always drilled on the importance of education and attending college in order to climb the socioeconomic ladder, so that one day I would not struggle as my parents and grandparents have. However, growing up I often found myself navigating landscapes where higher education was not a common experience within my family or community, or often where I had to reckon with imposter syndrome. I am a first generation student from a primarily single income household for much of my upbringing pursuing a second bachelor degree in nursing on my own. My goal is to gain experience as an ICU nurse, work as a travel nurse in order to pay off debts and save up to hopefully one day attend CRNA school and earn my doctorate in nurse anesthesia. The realization of this lifetime goal would enable me to truly help my parents, family and friends, and ultimately that is at the core of my motivations for my life goals. As a first generation student, one of the most prominent challenges for me was the lack of a roadmap and a lack of guidance from my family. Neither of my parents had gone through the college experience, so I have navigated the complexities of procuring loans for school, the overall intricacies of surviving a 4 year degree once, and a 16 month accelerated BSN in the present. This has included everything from understanding the admissions process, securing financial aid, and balancing academic responsibilities with the need to work multiple jobs to support myself. I am currently working as a nurse extern in a local hospital as much as I can, and it has not been enough. There have been times where I have had finances in the single digits to my name, as recently as a month ago. I have had to sell some of my belongings to make ends meet and afford my books and car payment without resorting to borrowing any more loans. Despite these difficulties, I know that my perseverance and resilience will prepare me for the arduous road ahead as a first generation student and future new grad nurse in critical care, and that any scholarships will help me reach my goals. My identity also brought a unique perspective to my educational journey. Being part of an underrepresented minority population meant that I frequently found myself in environments where few shared my background. This is evident in my cohort, as I am one of two Hispanic students in a class that is overwhelmingly white and affluent. This sometimes led to feelings of inadequacy in terms of resources, as well as some feelings of not belonging at times, but it also fuels my determination to succeed and to represent my community and family. I am acutely aware of the importance of diversity in education and in the nursing field, and as a first generation, Latino, male nursing student, I will always advocate for others following similar paths. In summary, my journey as a first-generation college student has been shaped by both challenges and strengths that have molded me. These experiences have equipped me with resilience, and a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity for others looking to advance their careers and especially in healthcare. As I work towards becoming a critical care nurse, I carry lessons learned and the determination to make a difference despite my background.

As a first-generation college student of Latino origin, my identity as an underrepresented minority man has profoundly shaped my journey at every stop in my life and continues to influence my path forward. From a young age I was always drilled on the importance of education and attending college in order to climb the socioeconomic ladder, so that one day I would not struggle as my parents and grandparents have. However, growing up I often found myself navigating landscapes where higher education was not a common experience within my family or community, or often where I had to reckon with imposter syndrome. I am a first generation student from a primarily single income household for much of my upbringing pursuing a second bachelor degree in nursing on my own. My goal is to gain experience as an ICU nurse, work as a travel nurse in order to pay off debts and save up to hopefully one day attend CRNA school and earn my doctorate in nurse anesthesia. The realization of this lifetime goal would enable me to truly help my parents, family and friends, and ultimately that is at the core of my motivations for my life goals. As a first generation student, one of the most prominent challenges for me was the lack of a roadmap and a lack of guidance from my family. Neither of my parents had gone through the college experience, so I have navigated the complexities of procuring loans for school, the overall intricacies of surviving a 4 year degree once, and a 16 month accelerated BSN in the present. This has included everything from understanding the admissions process, securing financial aid, and balancing academic responsibilities with the need to work multiple jobs to support myself. I am currently working as a nurse extern in a local hospital as much as I can, and it has not been enough. There have been times where I have had finances in the single digits to my name, as recently as a month ago. I have had to sell some of my belongings to make ends meet and afford my books and car payment without resorting to borrowing any more loans. Despite these difficulties, I know that my perseverance and resilience I developed during this time will prepare me for the arduous road ahead as a first generation student and future new grad nurse in critical care. My identity also brought a unique perspective to my educational journey. Being part of an underrepresented minority population meant that I frequently found myself in environments where few shared my background. This is evident in my cohort, as I am one of two Hispanic students in a class that is overwhelmingly white and affluent. This sometimes led to feelings of inadequacy in terms of resources, as well as some feelings of not belonging at times, but it also fuels my determination to succeed and to represent my community and family. I am acutely aware of the importance of diversity in education and in the nursing field, and as a first generation, Latino, male nursing student, I will always advocate for others following similar paths. In summary, my journey as a first-generation college student has been shaped by both challenges and strengths that have molded me. These experiences have equipped me with resilience, and a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity for others looking to advance their careers and especially in healthcare. As I work towards becoming a critical care nurse, I carry lessons learned and the determination to make a positive impact for my future patients and for my community.

As a first-generation college student of Latino origin, my identity as an underrepresented minority man has profoundly shaped my journey at every stop in my life and continues to influence my path forward. Growing up, I often found myself navigating landscapes where higher education was not a common experience within my family or community, or often where I had to reckon with imposter syndrome. I am a first generation student from a primarily single income household for much of my upbringing pursuing a second bachelor degree in nursing on my own. These issues brought both unique challenges and opportunities that have significantly impacted my life. One of the most prominent challenges for me was the lack of a roadmap and a lack of guidance from my family. Neither of my parents had gone through the college experience, so I have navigated the complexities of procuring loans for school, the overall intricacies of surviving a 4 year degree once, and a 16 month accelerated BSN in the present. This has included everything from understanding the admissions process, securing financial aid, and balancing academic responsibilities with the need to work multiple jobs to support myself. I am currently working as a nurse extern in a local hospital as much as I can, and it has not been enough. There have been times where I have had finances in the single digits to my name, as recently as a month ago. The financial pressures have been so high that at times I have had to sell some of my belongings to make ends meet and afford my books and car payment without resorting to borrowing any more loans. Despite these difficulties, I know that my perseverance and resilience I developed during this time will prepare me for the arduous road ahead as a first generation student and future new grad nurse in critical care. My identity also brought a unique perspective to my educational journey. Being part of an underrepresented minority population meant that I frequently found myself in environments where few shared my background. This is evident in my cohort, as I am one of two Hispanic students in a class that is overwhelmingly white and affluent. This sometimes led to feelings of inadequacy in terms of resources, as well as some feelings of not belonging at times, but it also fuels my determination to succeed and to represent my community and family. I am acutely aware of the importance of diversity in education and in the nursing field, and as a first generation, Latino, male nursing student, I will always advocate for others following similar paths. In summary, my journey as a first-generation college student of Latino origin has been shaped by both challenges and strengths that have molded me. These experiences have equipped me with resilience, and a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity for others looking to advance their careers and especially in healthcare. As I work towards becoming a critical care nurse, I carry lessons learned and the determination to make a positive impact.

If you had asked me 5 years ago if I would be pursuing a BSN degree and a career in nursing I would have denied it, but time, experience and seeing some of the realities of healthcare made me change my tune in the last couple of years. I was always interested in science, mathematics, and going back to high school I knew that my future was likely rooted in healthcare or engineering. I attended USF Tampa for a pre-medical degree and was grateful to graduate in 4 years, however I knew that I was not going to pursue medicine due to the financial requirements that come with such an endeavor. I began working in a local hospital in 2021 in the middle of the worst stretch of the pandemic as a PCT, and worked on a cardiac unit where we also took care of covid patients and through that first year, I gained so much respect for the nursing profession. The nurses were some of the toughest, most flexible, and hardest working individuals I have had the honor of working alongside. They were always willing to teach me new things, make me a better healthcare professional, and inspired me to pursue nursing overall. I never realized how rewarding it is to be at the bedside during a patient's worst moments and be there when they make it out of those moments. I felt pride in being emotional and physical support for a family that had just lost their loved one in my unit, and felt pride giving a deceased patient dignity while performing post-mortem care. These experiences, on the cardiac floor for a year, and now another 2 years on a women's health and med surg unit, in addition to floating through the ICU, ortho, surgical, and emergency units have both prepared me and inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. I have thoroughly enjoyed floating to the ICU and emergency department, and realize that I enjoy critical care most so far out of any specialty within nursing. During my time working at my hospital I have been nominated as PCT of the month multiple times, and I take great pride in being part of the nursing team despite not being an RN, and I look forward to finishing my accelerated BSN program in 9 months and becoming an ICU nurse! My dream is to get some experience in the ICU and travel through the US as a travel nurse, and if things align, to eventually pursue anesthesia after that! If chosen, this scholarship will be a great aid in helping me reach my goals and dreams.

Everyone encounters adversity, and these challenges often shape who we become. I am no stranger to such challenges in life, and as a young man trying to cultivate my life, I have faced adversity and made plenty of mistakes. I am a first-generation college student, my parents dreamed of college but could not afford to pursue those dreams when they were my age. Growing up and for most of my college experience, we lived on one income in a 5-6 person household. I have earned everything that has come my way in life, and I have no fear of facing adversity. I am proud to represent my family today while pursuing my goals of becoming a critical care nurse and hopefully, one day a travel nurse, and certified registered nurse anesthetist after that. During my first undergraduate degree, I was juggling the demands of college, the pressures of multiple jobs, and the isolation of navigating higher education without a support system. I did not have many friends at this time, and I was fresh off of a very bad relationship. This is a reality for many first-generation students and young men in general. Balancing coursework, studying, and job responsibilities is no easy task. However, this stressful time in my life allowed me to be the first person in my family to earn a bachelor degree and graduate from a 4 year university. The challenges during my first degree helped me to mature, grow new relationships, and discover my passions for healthcare. I am currently pursuing a second bachelor degree in nursing to obtain the title of Registered Nurse after 3 years out of college from my previous degree. I am enrolled in an accelerated BSN program in Tampa, FL, and I am so eager to learn, grow and be able to serve my community. The times of adversity in my first degree, and the myriad of times where I doubted myself during the 3 years between, forced me to look in the mirror and internalize the advice that I would give to others trying to figure out what they want from life. I would tell them; No matter how old you are, how long it has been, or what doubts you may have, just go for it. Time will still pass, you will get older and not make the progress you are so very capable of making. Take the leap and push to create the life you have always been capable of living. My goals are to become an ICU nurse at one of the larger hospitals in my area, get a few years of experience, volunteer in my community, save and pay my debts, work travel contracts, and one day in the near future be able to pay my parent's house off. Whether I become a certified registered nurse anesthetist or not, I always want to help my family, those less fortunate than myself, and serve my community through local clinics and benefit trips, and it all comes from pushing through adversity.

As a non-traditional student now pursuing a second degree, life has been very difficult. I am 26 years old, and even though my age begins with a 2, I feel so far behind the curve compared to my peers. I am pursuing a second bachelor degree in nursing, which has proven to be very tedious and expensive in my accelerated program. I was previously interested in physician assistant school, but after 3 years of working in a hospital alongside nurses, I grew to love their work, their schedule, flexibility, and very personal care for patients. When I first starting working in the hospital, the idea was to get one year of experience and apply for physician assistant school, and this was in 2021 during the height of the pandemic. My introduction to healthcare was helping to take care of my grandmother after an Alzheimer's diagnosis, and a few years later being hired onto a short staffed cardiac unit that was converted to have covid patients on half of the unit, and we had some very sick patients. My second day on the job, I had to help perform post-mortem care for a patient, and I found myself realizing how much I appreciated the job that the nursing staff was doing. I realized that I was not afraid of having very sick patients under my care, or afraid of the responsibilities that come with direct patient care, but rather that I welcomed the challenges that came with them. As my experience compounded, I learned more and more from picking the nurses' brains in the ICU, med surg, surgical, cardiac, emergency department and other units, leading me to come to the conclusion that I was very interested in pivoting to nursing as my career path. After 3 years of not being in school, I was very intimidated by the idea of going back to school, and I did experience a bit of imposter syndrome being a non traditional student. At first I did not feel as if I were good enough to do an accelerated BSN, in part due to being a non traditional student at 26, due to financial constraints, and also due to being out of school for 3 years. Once I leaned into my experience at the hospital, my experiences as a first generation student, and my overall life experiences, I found the confidence to push forward and I am nearly half way through my journey to become a nurse! Once I complete my program, pass my boards and begin work, my dream is to save lives in the ICU and inspire other non traditional student to pivot and find their calling!

Being a first generation, first time college student was difficult enough coming from a family that could not afford to send me there without scholarships in the first place, but being a non-traditional student now pursuing a second degree has been just as difficult. I am 26 years old, and even though my age begins with a 2, I feel so far behind the curve compared to my peers. I am pursuing a second bachelor degree in nursing, which has proven to be very tedious and expensive. I was previously interested in physician assistant school, but after 3 years of working in a hospital alongside nurses, I grew to love their work, their schedule, flexibility, and very personal care for patients. When I first starting working in the hospital, the idea was to get one year of experience and apply for physician assistant school, and this was in 2021 during the height of the pandemic. My introduction to healthcare was being hired onto a short staffed cardiac unit that was converted to have covid patients on half of the unit, and we had some very sick patients. My second day on the job, I had to help perform post-mortem care for a patient, and I found myself realizing how much I appreciated the job that the nursing staff was doing. I realized that I was not afraid of having very sick patients under my care, or afraid of the responsibilities that come with direct patient care, but rather that I welcomed the challenges that came with them. As my experience compounded and I learned more and more from picking the nurses' brains in the ICU, med surg, surgical, cardiac, emergency department and other units, leading me to come to the conclusion that I was very interested in pivoting to nursing as my career path. After 3 years of not being in school, I was very intimidated by the idea of going back to school, and I did experience a bit of imposter syndrome being a non traditional student. At first I did not feel as if I were good enough to do an accelerated BSN, in part due to being a non traditional student at 26, due to financial constraints, and also due to being out of school for 3 years. Once I leaned into my experience at the hospital, my experiences as a first generation student, and my overall life experiences, I found the confidence to push forward and I am nearly half way through my journey to become a nurse! Once I complete my program, pass my boards and begin work, my dream is to save lives in the ICU and inspire other non traditional student to pivot and find their calling!

As a student pursuing a second bachelor degree, I chose nursing because I came to the realization that I love the interpersonal nature of direct patient care at the bedside. I love challenging myself to engage in critical thinking about the needs of patients, and I am always willing to be there in someone's worst moments. I was most inspired to pursue nursing when I worked alongside numerous amazing nurses during the covid pandemic, who performed miracles day in and day out to make patients safer, improve outcomes and make patients more comfortable. The hospital I started in went from 24 covid patients to over 160 in a 6 week span, and I was thrown into the fire on a busy cardiac unit. I quickly learned the basics, experienced losing patients, experienced working alongside new nurses and veterans nurses alike, and grew to respect the profession at a new level. All of these experiences gifted me a fresh perspective on my goals as a healthcare professional, and gave me a renewed sense of direction as a former pre-medical student that had gone through a few years of feeling lost. I understood that I prioritized people, interpersonal connections, flexibility, work life balance, and the opportunities to expand my scope in nursing as a career after some of these experiences. My goals are to complete my current accelerated BSN program and hopefully enter a nurse residency program in the ICU at Tampa General Hospital or one of the larger hospitals in the area that can provide the most opportunity to expand my skillset. While being a huge first step, I know that with patience, guidance, and an open mind to learn and acquire new skills, that I can accomplish my goal of starting in the ICU. I have always leaned towards critical care, as I saw ICU nurses perform at the highest levels during the pandemic. I always appreciated the critical care nurses' vast knowledge and the way that they were always eager to show me how the ventilators worked, or how certain medications worked along with other details of critical care. They made me realize my desire to be there in patient's worst moments and handle the most critical cases. I would love to serve my community and grow into a competent, skilled, knowledgeable ICU nurse and be able to work in any setting eventually. The dream is to travel in other states, save up and hopefully be admitted to CRNA school a few years down the line, and hopefully this scholarship can aid in reaching those goals one day!