I want to make my community better by providing services and education to mothers as a registered nurse. I want to be able to volunteer a lot of my time back into the community that I come from. The hardest obstacle I had to get through is being born without a mother and a father present in my life. My dreams were crushed the moment that I was born because of the cards that I was dealt. I didn't grow up in a loving home. I didn't have that care and support that normal families have. My father as a alcoholic drug addict and my mother was a thief and a liar. I had verbally abusive siblings that would make fun of every part of my body. I had the lowest self esteem. I never talked growing up because if I did even that would be made fun of too. I had to build myself up and ask myself "do I have dreams?" As I grew up I found myself. I found myself surrounded by love for the first time in my entire life. I found myself in a warm home full of laughter and joy. I found myself wanting to have hopes and dreams. I found myself not wanting to die. For the very first time I wanted to dream. I wanted a husband and I wanted children. I wanted to live a life where I could show my children the joys of life and the ability to be anything that their heart desires. I made a promise to myself when I was 10 years old that I would never abandon my children like my parents did. I plan on keeping that promise by achieving my career goals in nursing. I have so many dreams for my future. I currently have a job where I get to shape minds of others. I work at The Living Vine Maternity Home. I love my job because I have the opportunity to help single mothers that need guidance. They come to our organization not just because they are homeless but because they need help getting back on their feet. It is a emotional job because everyday there is something new and sometimes the girls leave when they aren’t all the way ready. It’s a sad thing to watch but it’s apart of my job to plant seeds in their hearts that I don’t see grow. I can only hope that they will.

Growing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates feel that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " Well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me. Being a nontraditional student makes you feel out of place, but I know that I want to pursue my career goals as a nurse. This scholarship would help in many ways towards my education.

The hardest obstacle I had to get through is being born without a mother and a father present in my life. My dreams were crushed the moment that I was born because of the cards that I was dealt. I didn't grow up in a loving home. I didn't have that care and support that normal families have. My father as a alcoholic drug addict and my mother was a thief and a liar. I had verbally abusive siblings that would make fun of every part of my body. I had the lowest self esteem. I never talked growing up because if I did even that would be made fun of too. I had to build myself up and ask myself "do I have dreams?" As I grew up I found myself. I found myself surrounded by love for the first time in my entire life. I found myself in a warm home full of laughter and joy. I found myself wanting to have hopes and dreams. I found myself not wanting to die. For the very first time I wanted to dream. I wanted a husband and I wanted children. I wanted to live a life where I could show my children the joys of life and the ability to be anything that their heart desires. I made a promise to myself when I was 10 years old that I would never abandon my children like my parents did. I have so many dreams for my future. I currently have a job where I get to shape minds of others. I work at The Living Vine Maternity Home. I love my job because I have the opportunity to help single mothers that need guidance. They come to our organization not just because they are homeless but because they need help getting back on their feet. It is a emotional job because everyday there is something new and sometimes the girls leave when they aren’t all the way ready. It’s a sad thing to watch but it’s apart of my job to plant seeds in their hearts that I don’t see grow. I can only hope that they will. I want to fulfill my career in nursing so I can help mothers like I currently am but from a medical stand point. I want to achieve my goals by going back to school and studying to pursue that dream. I feel like that's exactly where I need to be.

Growing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates feel that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " Well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me. Being a nontraditional student makes you feel out of place, but I know that I want to pursue my career goals as a nurse. This scholarship would help in many ways towards my education

I want to make my community better by providing services and education to mothers as a registered nurse. I want to be able to volunteer a lot of my time back into the community that I come from. The hardest obstacle I had to get through is being born without a mother and a father present in my life. My dreams were crushed the moment that I was born because of the cards that I was dealt. I didn't grow up in a loving home. I didn't have that care and support that normal families have. My father as a alcoholic drug addict and my mother was a thief and a liar. I had verbally abusive siblings that would make fun of every part of my body. I had the lowest self esteem. I never talked growing up because if I did even that would be made fun of too. I had to build myself up and ask myself "do I have dreams?" As I grew up I found myself. I found myself surrounded by love for the first time in my entire life. I found myself in a warm home full of laughter and joy. I found myself wanting to have hopes and dreams. I found myself not wanting to die. For the very first time I wanted to dream. I wanted a husband and I wanted children. I wanted to live a life where I could show my children the joys of life and the ability to be anything that their heart desires. I made a promise to myself when I was 10 years old that I would never abandon my children like my parents did. I plan on keeping that promise by achieving my career goals in nursing. I have so many dreams for my future. I currently have a job where I get to shape minds of others. I work at The Living Vine Maternity Home. I love my job because I have the opportunity to help single mothers that need guidance. They come to our organization not just because they are homeless but because they need help getting back on their feet. It is a emotional job because everyday there is something new and sometimes the girls leave when they aren’t all the way ready. It’s a sad thing to watch but it’s apart of my job to plant seeds in their hearts that I don’t see grow. I can only hope that they will.

I want to make my community better by providing services and education to mothers as a registered nurse. I want to be able to volunteer a lot of my time back into the community that I come from. The hardest obstacle I had to get through is being born without a mother and a father present in my life. My dreams were crushed the moment that I was born because of the cards that I was dealt. I didn't grow up in a loving home. I didn't have that care and support that normal families have. My father as a alcoholic drug addict and my mother was a thief and a liar. I had verbally abusive siblings that would make fun of every part of my body. I had the lowest self esteem. I never talked growing up because if I did even that would be made fun of too. I had to build myself up and ask myself "do I have dreams?" As I grew up I found myself. I found myself surrounded by love for the first time in my entire life. I found myself in a warm home full of laughter and joy. I found myself wanting to have hopes and dreams. I found myself not wanting to die. For the very first time I wanted to dream. I wanted a husband and I wanted children. I wanted to live a life where I could show my children the joys of life and the ability to be anything that their heart desires. I made a promise to myself when I was 10 years old that I would never abandon my children like my parents did. I plan on keeping that promise by achieving my career goals in nursing. I have so many dreams for my future. I currently have a job where I get to shape minds of others. I work at The Living Vine Maternity Home. I love my job because I have the opportunity to help single mothers that need guidance. They come to our organization not just because they are homeless but because they need help getting back on their feet. It is a emotional job because everyday there is something new and sometimes the girls leave when they aren’t all the way ready. It’s a sad thing to watch but it’s apart of my job to plant seeds in their hearts that I don’t see grow. I can only hope that they will.

Growing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates feel that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " Well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me. Being a nontraditional student makes you feel out of place, but I know that I want to pursue my career goals as a nurse. This scholarship would help in many ways towards my education

Growing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates feel that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " Well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me. Being a nontraditional student makes you feel out of place, but I know that I want to pursue my career goals as a nurse. This scholarship would help in many ways towards my education

Growing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates feel that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " Well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me. Being a nontraditional student makes you feel out of place, but I know that I want to pursue my career goals as a nurse. This scholarship would help in many ways towards my education

Growing up, I did not have the opportunity to be able to go into different types of schooling like private school. I did have a lot of adversity growing up in a household, where my mother did not pursue higher education, nor did my grandmother. As you get older you see the world around you when it comes to being Poor and the fact that when you’re pouring, you don’t get as many opportunities as being rich. I definitely want to be able to pursue higher education, and with that comes money when pursuing a higher education. Whether you have money or not, money is required for college the hardest part from me was being able to feel that I’ll be financially secure while trying to obtain a degree. And once I achieve a Degree I would love to be able to get back to my community in every way I want to become a nurse and to pursue that I will definitely need money. I want to be able to cater to women that need help. That is my biggest dream that I could ever have. I want to be able to give people things that wasn’t given to me that other girls need I want to be able to use my degree to educate women on the process of pregnancy giving birth, and honestly to be able to Make sure that they have everything in line for what they would need to be able to take care of their children. It is a large dream, but it’s a dream that I would love to pursue at first I did not realize what my potential was, and I did not realize that God had a plan for me and his plan was for me to be able to help women like I am doing now, but also to Help them with the degree and to educate them and to let them know that they are able to do so much more in this world. I would love to be able to go further than my family has and to make them proud. It’s one of my biggest dreams. I know my Grandmother would have pursued higher education, but because of her financial situation, she was not able to pursue a higher degree. It happens a lot, especially in the black community, where the grandmother of mother sacrifices there their time to be able to provide instead of Pursuing a degree. Most of all I definitely want to make my grandmother happy that I am pursuing something higher.

Growing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates feel that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " Well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me. Being a nontraditional student makes you feel out of place, but I know that I want to pursue my career goals as a nurse. This scholarship would help in many ways towards my education. Collapse

Growing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates feel that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " Well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me. Being a nontraditional student makes you feel out of place, but I know that I want to pursue my career goals as a nurse. This scholarship would help in many ways towards my education. Collapse

Growing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates feel that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " Well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me. Being a nontraditional student makes you feel out of place, but I know that I want to pursue my career goals as a nurse. This scholarship would help in many ways towards my education. Collapse

Growing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates feel that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " Well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me. Being a nontraditional student makes you feel out of place, but I know that I want to pursue my career goals as a nurse. This scholarship would help in many ways towards my education.

I never saw when I was growing up people take mental health days off from work. Even in the current workforce I don't see that being done. When you lose a loved one that is barely looked at as an effect on your mental health. A change I would love to see is counseling available for all employees for free. I would love to see at least 5 paid mental health days per year for employees that's not including sick days. People in America are over worked and underpaid a lot of people do not get the mental health care that they need in America I would love to see that change.

Growing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates feel that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " Well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me. Being a nontraditional student makes you feel out of place, but I know that I want to pursue my career goals as a nurse. This scholarship would help in many ways towards my education.

When I was 10 years old, I was diagnosed with Chronic Depression. When I was 11, I was institutionalized and again when I turned 15. I tried many times to try to end my life. I even tried running into ongoing traffic on a highway. I had so many issues with self-esteem and loving myself. I would run away from my home for days or weeks at a time. I felt like I had no control over any situation in my life. I was mostly raised by my grandmother, the foster care system and my aunt. My father was a alcoholic/ drug addict and my mother is a thief. I ended up in a great foster home when I was 16 years old. Then I aged out of foster care at the age of 18 years old. I moved with my mother and stepfather. My mother had just got out of prison. I ended up on the streets shortly after I got home to my mother's house. I lived with my grandmother after that off and on. My father passed away when I was 18 years old from cancer. I was homeless at that time and when I found out I was by myself. I wanted to end my life again, but my friends showed up and I felt like that was a sign a sign to keep living. I felt like I was given a bad hand by God from the beginning. For some reason I kept pushing to want to keep living so I did. I entered an abusive relationship when I was 21 years old and tried to go back to therapy and take my medications again. My boyfriend didn't like that I was more focused on trying to be a better person. So, I ended up getting in a fight and trying to leave one final time. I did leave and I was so happy when I did. I was free but I wasn't free from the trauma. I couldn't sleep having to drink alcohol just to get a good night's rest. Then came addiction and depression all together in one. I gave everything a break for a while even dating. I moved back with my mother and gave that a try and it didn't work. I was kicked out in the middle of the pandemic. I moved back with my grandmother until I could get my own place. Eventually I did find my own place. A place that I could call mine and that I couldn't get kicked out of. I made that place mine and it was wonderful to work and come to my own home. Mental health is definitely something that influences the way I move every day in my life because I know how it is to have very bad days. I know how it feels not to want to be on this earth any longer. I have to struggle with it every day my past everyday but the best thing to do is keep moving forward. I ended up meeting a guy in a bookstore in my area. He has a daughter and now she is our daughter We got married May 25th, 2024. We have a son born March 20, 2023. We are both baptized and are in the church. We go as a family every Sunday. We volunteer for different events inside and outside of our church. I decided that I wanted to stay here not just for me but for my kids for my husband. I want a better life.

My mother and my father were both absent in my life. My mother and father both were in jail most of my life. My younger brother passed away due to hypothermia because we didn't have our heat turned on by the gas company in time. My mother and father ended up getting a settlement and when the settlement finally came in my mother was in jail and my father was out. My father used all the money on drugs. Growing up my father was an alcoholic and a crack addict. It was the hardest thing because it was completely invisible as a child. You just thought "That's just how daddy acts". My father was what you called a "functioning alcoholic". That was the hardest pill I had to swallow as an adult. My father passed away when I was 18 years old to cancer. The last thing I saw in his hand was a pack of cigarettes and a cold beer. I had to go back and realize that my father had an addiction, and it could run in my family. It does in fact run in my family on both sides. My mother when I got older started to pick up alcohol and drink every single night. She would offer me the same drink and I would drink with her unknowingly that I was starting an addiction. I would drink every night with my mother. I didn't know that I was drowning my sorrows with a liquid that was so toxic. Eventually I would move out of mom's place and into my own house that's when I realized that I couldn't go to sleep without a drink, and I saw the issue. I stopped and recollected myself I realized that I was battling depression and that I needed to sober up. I started to find a daily routine and incorporated working out and journaling in my routine instead of drinking alcohol. I didn't want to be like my parents and have the same fate as my father. It's a hard battle when it becomes a habit when you get off you drink until you fall asleep and get up and do it all over again. I broke the habit before I had kids and luckily their father doesn't have that issue. I am working on letting my kids know that picking up bad habits are hard to put down. Self-control is the key to everything even when it can run in your family.

Growing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates feel that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " Well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me. Being a nontraditional student makes you feel out of place, but I know that I want to pursue my career goals as a nurse. This scholarship would help in many ways towards my education.

Growing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates feel that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " Well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me. Being a nontraditional student makes you feel out of place, but I know that I want to pursue my career goals as a nurse. This scholarship would help in many ways towards my education.

Growing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates are that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me. I want to pursue a life where I am helping people in every way that I can. I want to show my children to never give up on your dreams and that it is never too late in life to further your education. My goal is to become a nurse and be able to provide my children with the best education.

rowing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates are that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me.

rowing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates are that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me.

rowing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates are that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me.

rowing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates are that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me. I try to be strong every day for not only myself but for my children. Having the background as a foster child and a 16-child household has given me resilience and to be unselfish and sharing. Luckily, I have grown to be focused as an adult and determined to start school again. I work every day to provide for my family and put food on the table for them. These are all great qualities that I strive for everyday.

rowing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates are that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me. Being a nontraditional student is honestly one of the most unconventional but honoring things that I can do. I love being a mom and I love being a mom that can show my children what it's like to be a hard worker.

rowing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates are that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me.

rowing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates are that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me.

rowing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates are that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me.

When I was 10 years old, I was diagnosed with Chronic Depression. When I was 11, I was institutionalized and again when I turned 15. I tried many times to try to end my life. I even tried running into ongoing traffic on a highway. I had so many issues with self-esteem and loving myself. I would run away from my home for days or weeks at a time. I felt like I had no control over any situation in my life. I was mostly raised by my grandmother, the foster care system and my aunt. My father was a alcoholic/ drug addict and my mother is a thief. I ended up in a great foster home when I was 16 years old. Then I aged out of foster care at the age of 18 years old. I moved with my mother and stepfather. My mother had just got out of prison. I ended up on the streets shortly after I got home to my mother's house. I lived with my grandmother after that off and on. My father passed away when I was 18 years old from cancer. I was homeless at that time and when I found out I was by myself. I wanted to end my life again, but my friends showed up and I felt like that was a sign a sign to keep living. I felt like I was given a bad hand by God from the beginning. For some reason I kept pushing to want to keep living so I did. I entered an abusive relationship when I was 21 years old and tried to go back to therapy and take my medications again. My boyfriend didn't like that I was more focused on trying to be a better person. So, I ended up getting in a fight and trying to leave one final time. I did leave and I was so happy when I did. I was free but I wasn't free from the trauma. I couldn't sleep having to drink alcohol just to get a good night's rest. Then came addiction and depression all together in one. I gave everything a break for a while even dating. I moved back with my mother and gave that a try and it didn't work. I was kicked out in the middle of the pandemic. I moved back with my grandmother until I could get my own place. Eventually I did find my own place. A place that I could call mine and that I couldn't get kicked out of. I made that place mine and it was wonderful to work and come to my own home. Mental health is definitely something that influences the way I move every day in my life because I know how it is to have very bad days. I know how it feels not to want to be on this earth any longer. I have to struggle with it every day my past everyday but the best thing to do is keep moving forward. I ended up meeting a guy in a bookstore in my area. He has a daughter and now she is our daughter We got married May 25th, 2024. We have a son born March 20, 2023. We are both baptized and are in the church. We go as a family every Sunday. We volunteer for different events inside and outside of our church. I decided that I wanted to stay here not just for me but for my kids for my husband. My mental health has changed the way I see the world and other people with the same issues that I have.

There are many things' people say about their father, and I can say that my father was many things. My father was there for me towards the end of his life, and we wrote so many letters to each other during that time. I had stacks of letters that were just beautifully written about him and his life. My father had cancer and was in prison the first time that he had colon cancer. At that time, I didn't know if he would live or die. I just wanted to build a connection with my father. I ended up doing that for the very first time in my life. I would be very excited to see a letter from him on my bed with his art that he made on the cover of each envelope. We would talk about everything in those letters and honestly, I preferred it that way. I preferred scanning my hands over the black ink and lined paper. My father had beautiful handwriting almost out of a book. The things that I loved most about my father is that he had the kindest crooked smile. His smile would light up a room even though he had so many teeth missing. He had the most contagious belly laugh I can still hear it sometimes. My father was very, and I mean very creative. I remember watching my father as a child draw me and my mother together. He really loved art and had a skill like no one in my family. I think that's a skill that I carry with me and every time I use it, it reminds me of my father. My father loved video games, and he would teach me how to play as a kid when he was around. I loved those moments. My father could fix any car, and I mean any car. He could make anything work just by touching it. It was one of his magic skills, I guess. My dad ended up getting colon cancer again and then it spread to his brain and spine. My father ended up passing away in May of 2015. I was 18 years old and that was a hard age for me. I think I never got over his death it will be something that lives with me, and I will continue to repeat those great memories in my head of him and share those memories with my children.

I started playing Minecraft when I was in a dark place mentally. It was the only game that I played for a long time. It was the game that I would get home from work and play it to turn off my brain. It honestly put me into a realm that I could be myself and have fun whether it's creator or survival mode. My personal favorite is creative mode. As an artist I love the endless possibilities of creativity with the touch of a button. My particular goal is to have fun in the game and to be able to either survive and conqueror or be creative and make the cutest little farm you'd ever see. Watching tutorials or even freestyling your own creations within the game will always be my favorite thing to do within the game. Exploring my imagination while being able to listen to the soothing soundtracks of Minecraft is a need. I love Minecraft and now I play it with my husband and my 11-year-old daughter which she loves it so much. Having games like Minecraft help build imagination and strategy. It's a great way to relieve stress from a long day or just bond with people around you.

Anime as a genre has captivated audiences for decades, offering a diverse array of stories that span across different worlds, timelines, and dimensions. Among the myriad of anime series that have emerged, Inuyasha stands out as a classic that continues to resonate with fans around the globe. Created by the legendary Rumiko Takahashi, Inuyasha first aired in 2000 and quickly garnered a dedicated following. Its unique blend of historical elements, fantasy, and romance sets it apart from other series, making it a timeless piece of storytelling. In this article, we will explore the various facets that contribute to Inuyasha being heralded as one of the best anime series. From its intricate and compelling storyline to its dynamic characters and breathtaking visual appeal, Inuyasha is a masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on the world of anime. Through a detailed examination of its storyline, characters, and aesthetic achievements, we aim to uncover the magic that makes Inuyasha a beloved favorite among anime enthusiasts. Emotionally, Inuyasha is a rollercoaster, offering moments of intense passion, heart-wrenching sorrow, and joyous triumph. The central romance between Inuyasha and Kagome is both tender and tumultuous, marked by misunderstandings, sacrifices, and unwavering support. Additionally, the series does not shy away from exploring darker themes such as betrayal, loss, and redemption. The backstories of characters like Kikyo, Sango, and Miroku add further emotional layers, presenting tales of love, revenge, and duty that are as compelling as they are tragic. This emotional richness ensures that Inuyasha resonates deeply with its audience, leaving a lasting impact long after the final episode concludes. In summary, the compelling storyline of Inuyasha is a harmonious blend of historical intrigue, fantasy adventure, detailed character development, and emotional resonance. It is this intricate weaving of narrative threads that elevates Inuyasha to a pinnacle of anime storytelling, captivating audiences across generations and cultures. Inuyasha" stands as a monumental achievement in the realm of anime, seamlessly blending historical and fantasy elements to craft a compelling storyline that captivates audiences of all ages. The intricate narrative, punctuated by rich character development and profound emotional depth, ensures that viewers remain enthralled from the first episode to the last. The dynamic characters, from the titular half-demon Inuyasha to the time-traveling schoolgirl Kagome, alongside a memorable supporting cast, breathe life into the series, making each episode a journey of personal growth and adventure. Their struggles, triumphs, and evolving relationships resonate deeply, offering viewers a multifaceted experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Visually, Inuyasha excels with its distinct art style and high-quality animation, capturing the essence of its fantastical world while delivering breathtaking action sequences and serene landscapes. The soundtrack further elevates the series, with its evocative compositions perfectly complementing the narrative's emotional and dramatic beats. Ultimately, Inuyasha's enduring appeal lies in its ability to weave a timeless tale that balances action, romance, and supernatural intrigue. Its masterful storytelling, complex characters, and aesthetic allure collectively position it as one of the best anime series ever created, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of its viewers and securing its place in the pantheon of anime greatness.

Spider-Man, one of the most iconic superheroes in the world, has swung his way into the hearts of millions since his comic book debut in 1962. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Spider-Man's relatable persona as Peter Parker, a high school student grappling with everyday challenges while moonlighting as a crime-fighting superhero, has made him a cultural touchstone. Over the years, Spider-Man has transcended the pages of comic books, becoming a staple in animated television series, merchandise, and, most notably, blockbuster films. The journey of Spider-Man on the big screen began in earnest in the early 2000s, and since then, several actors have donned the iconic red and blue suit, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the beloved character. Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland are the three actors who have had the honor of portraying Spider-Man in major motion pictures, each contributing to the character's evolution and enduring appeal. Tobey Maguire was the first actor to bring Spider-Man to life in a major film series, starring in Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man" trilogy from 2002 to 2007. Maguire's portrayal of Peter Parker/Spider-Man was characterized by his earnestness, vulnerability, and relatability. He captured the essence of a young man grappling with newfound powers while trying to navigate the challenges of everyday life. Spider-Man's legacy continues to thrive, evolving with each new portrayal while retaining the core elements that make the character so beloved. The different interpretations by Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland have each contributed to the enduring popularity of Spider-Man, ensuring that he remains a significant cultural icon for generations to come. Ultimately, Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man holds a special place in my heart, not just for his groundbreaking impact but also for the nostalgic and emotional connections he fostered. As Spider-Man swings into the future, his legacy as a symbol of hope, resilience, and heroism remains unshakable.

My first experience with a Starbucks Fall inspired drink was maybe around two years ago. I finally had given it a try after all these years. The memes that were made about the girls that drank Starbucks drinks and wear long boots and hats; it had turned me away from wanting to try it. Most of the time I would get a regular iced coffee with cream and sugar and call it a day. One day I pulled up to a Starbucks in my city and I was browsing the menu for something new. I wanted something warm on a chilly fall day. I just love something warm on a chilly day. I looked at the fall arrivals on the menu and then I finally picked what I wanted. It wasn't like me to pick a Pumpkin Spiced Latte from Starbucks. So, I ordered it with no hesitation because I really wanted to know what the hype was about. For some reason I ordered a Venti I guess to act like I ordered it on a regular. Who knows I just did it and didn't look back. When I got to the drive thru window I paid and received my drink. I always loved the fact that Starbucks only has one window. Anyways I start to drive off and take a sip. It was like fall in a cup. To me it reminded me of my foster mom's house. She would always have pumpkin candles that burned and illuminated the house on chilly fall days. It reminded me of the times we spent outside during the fall and the crisp air hitting my nose as we road our bikes or the times my grandmother would put the winter sheets on the bed, they had reindeer and pine trees on them. The smell of them were sweet and calming. I had no idea that one drink had so many feelings of nostalgia. I think that's why people drink it. It reminds them of family, being a child and those fond fall memories. Now I can make even greater memories with my own family. My daughter loves Starbucks especially during the fall. She can't wait until we can make more fall memories as a family. She sends me drinks at Starbucks that we can try together. We both love fall. The weather and just the atmosphere in general that is what I'm looking forward to especially the Fall Starbucks Drinks !

When I was 10 years old, I was diagnosed with Chronic Depression. When I was 11, I was institutionalized and again when I turned 15. I tried many times to try to end my life. I even tried running into ongoing traffic on a highway. I had so many issues with self-esteem and loving myself. I would run away from my home for days or weeks at a time. I felt like I had no control over any situation in my life. I was mostly raised by my grandmother, the foster care system and my aunt. My father was a alcoholic/ drug addict and my mother is a thief. I ended up in a great foster home when I was 16 years old. Then I aged out of foster care at the age of 18 years old. I moved with my mother and stepfather. My mother had just got out of prison. I ended up on the streets shortly after I got home to my mother's house. I lived with my grandmother after that off and on. My father passed away when I was 18 years old from cancer. I was homeless at that time and when I found out I was by myself. I wanted to end my life again, but my friends showed up and I felt like that was a sign a sign to keep living. I felt like I was given a bad hand by God from the beginning. For some reason I kept pushing to want to keep living so I did. I entered an abusive relationship when I was 21 years old and tried to go back to therapy and take my medications again. My boyfriend didn't like that I was more focused on trying to be a better person. So, I ended up getting in a fight and trying to leave one final time. I did leave and I was so happy when I did. I was free but I wasn't free from the trauma. I couldn't sleep having to drink alcohol just to get a good night's rest. Then came addiction and depression all together in one. I gave everything a break for a while even dating. I moved back with my mother and gave that a try and it didn't work. I was kicked out in the middle of the pandemic. I moved back with my grandmother until I could get my own place. Eventually I did find my own place. A place that I could call mine and that I couldn't get kicked out of. I made that place mine and it was wonderful to work and come to my own home. Mental health is definitely something that influences the way I move every day in my life because I know how it is to have very bad days. I know how it feels not to want to be on this earth any longer. I have to struggle with it every day my past everyday but the best thing to do is keep moving forward. I ended up meeting a guy in a bookstore in my area. He has a daughter and now she is our daughter We got married May 25th, 2024. We have a son born March 20, 2023. We are both baptized and are in the church. We go as a family every Sunday. We volunteer for different events inside and outside of our church. I decided that I wanted to stay here not just for me but for my kids for my husband. I want a better life.

I remember when I was a child and the only technology that I had was a Tv and a VCR in our front living room. When I was a kid, we had a collection of VCR tapes in our living room coat closet, and we'd pick from our selection of tapes. That closet was stacked up to the ceiling with all kinds of movies from Disney, Nickelodeon and so much more. The coolest thing to me was rewinding the tapes and how you watch the movie go backwards to rewind it and you'd hear that click that it was done. We now can watch any show, movie and YouTube video in the palm of our hands, without going into that living room coat closet to grab it. Without the smell of the inside of the tape cover. Without hearing that magical click when it rewinds to the beginning of a movie. I miss all those things, but it has made society a lot better. You don't have to wait so long to see a movie. You don't have to go in stores to buy the tape. There are so many ways that you can watch Tv. In a lot of cases, you don't even need a TV to watch your favorite show or movie. It has given people a brand-new way to tune into your favorite new show or even an old show that brings you that same nostalgia from watching tapes you use to rewind. Technology has advanced so much since I was a child and has made movie lovers like me very happy to be able to sit at home and rent a movie that is still in theaters. Technology is a beautiful thing especially because it took someone who saw something needed improvement and I hope we can continue doing that in this world.

Growing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My mother and father were constantly in prison. My father was constantly on drugs. I had my grandmother. My grandmother is a two-time cancer survivor who is still alive today. My grandmother took care of me and my siblings while having cancer and on radiation. We didn't have much money, but we did have her. I appreciate her every day. She is who I devoted my yearbook quote to when I graduated high school. When I graduated high school, I never knew what I wanted to do when I graduated. After I graduated there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates are that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I wanted to make the person who raised me proud. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration.

Growing up I did not have a caring mother of father. My father was a drug addict that passed away when I was 18 years old. My mother could never stay out of prison for 1 year. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates are that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. It bothered me that I couldn't be the one to save them. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. Success looks like when you've come from the worst situation and see the glass half full. I have always had little optimism and seeing that I have found my true passion is just enough for me. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration. That is what success looks like to me.

Growing up I did not have a caring mother of father. I did however have a caring foster mother she would bandage me up mentally, physically and emotionally. My foster mom knew the right words to say the nurturing spirit she has. Although we were from different worlds, I am black, and she is white she treats me like I am her own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I got out of high school. After I graduated from high school there was a period of being lost in the world. I think a lot of high school graduates are that way. I just wanted to do anything at that point in my life. I went to trade school to be a pharmacy technician. I graduated from Virginia College, and it was a great experience. In the end I didn't like it because I never got to know the patients and I never got to help as much as I wanted to. A year ago, I started working for a nursing home in my city doing security on the night shifts. On that job I would have to respond to emergency calls from the residents. They would fall and have accidents most of the time. The accidents were pretty bad and even walked on a resident that fell and passed away. Even all of that I still loved my job. I loved talking to the residents and seeing if they needed anything. I would work alongside nurses, fire fighters and EMT's. My favorites were the nurses. They were always kind, and I would always hate the fact I wasn't able to help the residents physically. The way that the nurses could just bandage them up and lift them up with a smile. They felt like the ultimate problem solver. It always made me happy to see that most of the time they were okay afterwards. I still didn't see the signs that a nurse is what I wanted to be. My husband told me while working on that job that he could see me being a nurse. I asked him why? He said, " well my mom was a nurse, and I can see that same passion in you when it comes to people". I want to be a nurse to help people get better. No matter how hard it would be that would be my dream. I would want my loved ones to be proud of me as well. That is my true inspiration.