Dear Scholarship review committee, I am a 42-year-old single mother of three teenaged children. I decided to return to school about seven years ago. I was feeling unfulfilled in life. I honestly felt like I was just surviving and working to support my children. I wanted to be thriving and to feel as though I mattered. As parents, especially mothers. We always tend to brush our personal needs aside, because they aren't that important in comparison to the grand picture of our daily lives. One day I decided I wanted different for myself so I began working to complete my prerequisites for Solano Community College nursing program. I was down to my last three classes when COVID hit. I had to drop out to assist my two younger children with the transition from in person to distance learning. Initially, I tried to balance both while working full time, but eventually had to drop out because my youngest was really struggling both mentally and academically. So, I did what was second nature and sacrificed my own needs and goals because his were important at the time. Once he was able to return to in person learning and I was confident in his academic performance I decided to reenroll in my program. I completed all of my prerequisites in May of 2023. I received two associate degrees. One in Biomedical Science and the other in General Science. I then studied for and took my TEAS exam, which was a new requirement for the nursing program. I did well. I applied for the nursing program when the application opened in September 2023. I got accepted April 2024. I've worked as a Cardiovascular Technician at a Bay Area hospital for the last twenty-one years. My job includes doing all tests heart rhythm related. That includes performing 12 lead electrocardiograms (EKG’s), scanning Holter monitors, and performing cardiac stress testing. Although my job has allowed me to provide for my children and gain invaluable patient care experience in both the in and outpatient setting, I’ve always known that I was capable of doing more During the COVID pandemic a few of my coworkers were laid off due to not meeting vaccination requirements and various other reasons. I was left to care for both our inpatient and outpatient population alone due to a hiring freeze and our inability to hire more support. I worked in my current role alone for two and a half years. This by far was one of my biggest challenges I've ever experienced professionally. It was extremely exhausting, but it also showed me that I was capable of doing anything I put my mind to. I managed to get the job done daily even when I didn’t believe I could. Also, seeing how hard nurses worldwide worked during such a scary time sparked my passion even more. I believe that obtaining my nursing license would give me a renewed sense of self. I will also be able to build on top of all the skills I already possess and that will make me even more of an asset in my new role. I would love to still work in the same pediatric facility and serve lower income children of Oakland, CA. This is the same city I grew up in. The same hospital I received care in, and the same hospital I've given twenty-one years of my life to. Throughout this time, I've received countless awards and recognition for my amazing patient care and received three promotions. I would like to thank you in advance for your consideration for this award.

Dear Scholarship review committee, I am a 42-year-old single mother of three teenaged children. I decided to return to school about seven years ago. I was feeling unfulfilled in life. I honestly felt like I was just surviving and working to support my children. I wanted to be thriving and to feel as though I mattered. As parents, especially mothers. We always tend to brush our personal needs aside, because they aren't that important in comparison to the grand picture of our daily lives. One day I decided I wanted different for myself so I began working to complete my prerequisites for Solano Community College nursing program. I was down to my last three classes when COVID hit. I had to drop out to assist my two younger children with the transition from in person to distance learning. Initially, I tried to balance both while working full time, but eventually had to drop out because my youngest was really struggling both mentally and academically. So, I did what was second nature and sacrificed my own needs and goals because his were important at the time. Once he was able to return to in person learning and I was confident in his academic performance I decided to reenroll in my program. I completed all of my prerequisites in May of 2023. I received two associate degrees. One in Biomedical Science and the other in General Science. I then studied for and took my TEAS exam, which was a new requirement for the nursing program. I did well. I applied for the nursing program when the application opened in September 2023. I got accepted April 2024. I've worked as a Cardiovascular Technician at a Bay Area hospital for the last twenty-one years. My job includes doing all tests heart rhythm related. That includes performing 12 lead electrocardiograms (EKG’s), scanning Holter monitors, and performing cardiac stress testing. Although my job has allowed me to provide for my children and gain invaluable patient care experience in both the in and outpatient setting, I’ve always known that I was capable of doing more During the COVID pandemic a few of my coworkers were laid off due to not meeting vaccination requirements and various other reasons. I was left to care for both our inpatient and outpatient population alone due to a hiring freeze and our inability to hire more support. I worked in my current role alone for two and a half years. This by far was one of my biggest challenges I've ever experienced professionally. It was extremely exhausting, but it also showed me that I was capable of doing anything I put my mind to. I managed to get the job done daily even when I didn’t believe I could. Also, seeing how hard nurses worldwide worked during such a scary time sparked my passion even more. I believe that obtaining my nursing license would give me a renewed sense of self. I will also be able to build on top of all the skills I already possess and that will make me even more of an asset in my new role. I would love to still work in the same pediatric facility and serve lower income children of Oakland, CA. This is the same city I grew up in. The same hospital I received care in, and the same hospital I've given twenty-one years of my life to. Throughout this time, I've received countless awards and recognition for my amazing patient care and received three promotions. I would like to thank you in advance for your consideration for this award.

Dear Scholarship review committee, I am a 42-year-old single mother of three teenaged children. I decided to return to school about seven years ago. I was feeling unfulfilled in life. I honestly felt like I was just surviving and working to support my children. I wanted to be thriving and to feel as though I mattered. As parents, especially mothers. We always tend to brush our personal needs aside, because they aren't that important in comparison to the grand picture of our daily lives. One day I decided I wanted different for myself so I began working to complete my prerequisites for Solano Community College nursing program. I was down to my last three classes when COVID hit. I had to drop out to assist my two younger children with the transition from in person to distance learning. Initially, I tried to balance both while working full time, but eventually had to drop out because my youngest was really struggling both mentally and academically. So, I did what was second nature and sacrificed my own needs and goals because his were important at the time. Once he was able to return to in person learning and I was confident in his academic performance I decided to reenroll in my program. I completed all of my prerequisites in May of 2023. I received two associate degrees. One in Biomedical Science and the other in General Science. I then studied for and took my TEAS exam, which was a new requirement for the nursing program. I did well. I applied for the nursing program when the application opened in September 2023. I got accepted April 2024. I've worked as a Cardiovascular Technician at a Bay Area hospital for the last twenty-one years. My job includes doing all tests heart rhythm related. That includes performing 12 lead electrocardiograms (EKG’s), scanning Holter monitors, and performing cardiac stress testing. Although my job has allowed me to provide for my children and gain invaluable patient care experience in both the in and outpatient setting, I’ve always known that I was capable of doing more During the COVID pandemic a few of my coworkers were laid off due to not meeting vaccination requirements and various other reasons. I was left to care for both our inpatient and outpatient population alone due to a hiring freeze and our inability to hire more support. I worked in my current role alone for two and a half years. This by far was one of my biggest challenges I've ever experienced professionally. It was extremely exhausting, but it also showed me that I was capable of doing anything I put my mind to. I managed to get the job done daily even when I didn’t believe I could. Also, seeing how hard nurses worldwide worked during such a scary time sparked my passion even more. I believe that obtaining my nursing license would give me a renewed sense of self. I will also be able to build on top of all the skills I already possess and that will make me even more of an asset in my new role. I would love to still work in the same pediatric facility and serve lower income children of Oakland, CA. This is the same city I grew up in. The same hospital I received care in, and the same hospital I've given twenty-one years of my life to. Throughout this time, I've received countless awards and recognition for my amazing patient care and received three promotions. I would like to thank you in advance for your consideration for this award.

Dear Scholarship review committee, I am a 42-year-old single mother of three teenaged children. I decided to return to school about seven years ago. I was feeling unfulfilled in life. I honestly felt like I was just surviving and working to support my children. I wanted to be thriving and to feel as though I mattered. As parents, especially mothers. We always tend to brush our personal needs aside, because they aren't that important in comparison to the grand picture of our daily lives. One day I decided I wanted different for myself so I began working to complete my prerequisites for Solano Community College nursing program. I was down to my last three classes when COVID hit. I had to drop out to assist my two younger children with the transition from in person to distance learning. Initially, I tried to balance both while working full time, but eventually had to drop out because my youngest was really struggling both mentally and academically. So, I did what was second nature and sacrificed my own needs and goals because his were important at the time. Once he was able to return to in person learning and I was confident in his academic performance I decided to reenroll in my program. I completed all of my prerequisites in May of 2023. I received two associate degrees. One in Biomedical Science and the other in General Science. I then studied for and took my TEAS exam, which was a new requirement for the nursing program. I did well. I applied for the nursing program when the application opened in September 2023. I got accepted April 2024. I've worked as a Cardiovascular Technician at a Bay Area hospital for the last twenty-one years. My job includes doing all tests heart rhythm related. That includes performing 12 lead electrocardiograms (EKG’s), scanning Holter monitors, and performing cardiac stress testing. Although my job has allowed me to provide for my children and gain invaluable patient care experience in both the in and outpatient setting, I’ve always known that I was capable of doing more During the COVID pandemic a few of my coworkers were laid off due to not meeting vaccination requirements and various other reasons. I was left to care for both our inpatient and outpatient population alone due to a hiring freeze and our inability to hire more support. I worked in my current role alone for two and a half years. This by far was one of my biggest challenges I've ever experienced professionally. It was extremely exhausting, but it also showed me that I was capable of doing anything I put my mind to. I managed to get the job done daily even when I didn’t believe I could. Also, seeing how hard nurses worldwide worked during such a scary time sparked my passion even more. I believe that obtaining my nursing license would give me a renewed sense of self. I will also be able to build on top of all the skills I already possess and that will make me even more of an asset in my new role. I would love to still work in the same pediatric facility and serve lower income children of Oakland, CA. This is the same city I grew up in. The same hospital I received care in, and the same hospital I've given twenty-one years of my life to. Throughout this time, I've received countless awards and recognition for my amazing patient care and received three promotions. I would like to thank you in advance for your consideration for this award.

Dear Scholarship review committee, I am a 42-year-old single mother of three teenaged children. I decided to return to school about seven years ago. I was feeling unfulfilled in life. I honestly felt like I was just surviving and working to support my children. I wanted to be thriving and to feel as though I mattered. As parents, especially mothers. We always tend to brush our personal needs aside, because they aren't that important in comparison to the grand picture of our daily lives. One day I decided I wanted different for myself so I began working to complete my prerequisites for Solano Community College nursing program. I was down to my last three classes when COVID hit. I had to drop out to assist my two younger children with the transition from in person to distance learning. Initially, I tried to balance both while working full time, but eventually had to drop out because my youngest was really struggling both mentally and academically. So, I did what was second nature and sacrificed my own needs and goals because his were important at the time. Once he was able to return to in person learning and I was confident in his academic performance I decided to reenroll in my program. I completed all of my prerequisites in May of 2023. I received two associate degrees. One in Biomedical Science and the other in General Science. I then studied for and took my TEAS exam, which was a new requirement for the nursing program. I did well. I applied for the nursing program when the application opened in September 2023. I got accepted April 2024. I've worked as a Cardiovascular Technician at a Bay Area hospital for the last twenty-one years. My job includes doing all tests heart rhythm related. That includes performing 12 lead electrocardiograms (EKG’s), scanning Holter monitors, and performing cardiac stress testing. Although my job has allowed me to provide for my children and gain invaluable patient care experience in both the in and outpatient setting, I’ve always known that I was capable of doing more During the COVID pandemic a few of my coworkers were laid off due to not meeting vaccination requirements and various other reasons. I was left to care for both our inpatient and outpatient population alone due to a hiring freeze and our inability to hire more support. I worked in my current role alone for two and a half years. This by far was one of my biggest challenges I've ever experienced professionally. It was extremely exhausting, but it also showed me that I was capable of doing anything I put my mind to. I managed to get the job done daily even when I didn’t believe I could. Also, seeing how hard nurses worldwide worked during such a scary time sparked my passion even more. I believe that obtaining my nursing license would give me a renewed sense of self. I will also be able to build on top of all the skills I already possess and that will make me even more of an asset in my new role. I would love to still work in the same pediatric facility and serve lower income children of Oakland, CA. This is the same city I grew up in. The same hospital I received care in, and the same hospital I've given twenty-one years of my life to. Throughout this time, I've received countless awards and recognition for my amazing patient care and received three promotions. I would like to thank you in advance for your consideration for this award.

Dear Scholarship review committee, I am a 42-year-old single mother of three teenaged children. I decided to return to school about seven years ago. I was feeling unfulfilled in life. I honestly felt like I was just surviving and working to support my children. I wanted to be thriving and to feel as though I mattered. As parents, especially mothers. We always tend to brush our personal needs aside, because they aren't that important in comparison to the grand picture of our daily lives. One day I decided I wanted different for myself so I began working to complete my prerequisites for Solano Community College nursing program. I was down to my last three classes when COVID hit. I had to drop out to assist my two younger children with the transition from in person to distance learning. Initially, I tried to balance both while working full time, but eventually had to drop out because my youngest was really struggling both mentally and academically. So, I did what was second nature and sacrificed my own needs and goals because his were important at the time. Once he was able to return to in person learning and I was confident in his academic performance I decided to reenroll in my program. I completed all of my prerequisites in May of 2023. I received two associate degrees. One in Biomedical Science and the other in General Science. I then studied for and took my TEAS exam, which was a new requirement for the nursing program. I did well. I applied for the nursing program when the application opened in September 2023. I got accepted April 2024. I've worked as a Cardiovascular Technician at a Bay Area hospital for the last twenty-one years. My job includes doing all tests heart rhythm related. That includes performing 12 lead electrocardiograms (EKG’s), scanning Holter monitors, and performing cardiac stress testing. Although my job has allowed me to provide for my children and gain invaluable patient care experience in both the in and outpatient setting, I’ve always known that I was capable of doing more During the COVID pandemic a few of my coworkers were laid off due to not meeting vaccination requirements and various other reasons. I was left to care for both our inpatient and outpatient population alone due to a hiring freeze and our inability to hire more support. I worked in my current role alone for two and a half years. This by far was one of my biggest challenges I've ever experienced professionally. It was extremely exhausting, but it also showed me that I was capable of doing anything I put my mind to. I managed to get the job done daily even when I didn’t believe I could. Also, seeing how hard nurses worldwide worked during such a scary time sparked my passion even more. I believe that obtaining my nursing license would give me a renewed sense of self. I will also be able to build on top of all the skills I already possess and that will make me even more of an asset in my new role. I would love to still work in the same pediatric facility and serve lower income children of Oakland, CA. This is the same city I grew up in. The same hospital I received care in, and the same hospital I've given twenty-one years of my life to. Throughout this time, I've received countless awards and recognition for my amazing patient care and received three promotions. I would like to thank you in advance for your consideration for this award.

Dear Scholarship review committee, I am a 42-year-old single mother of three teenaged children. I decided to return to school about seven years ago. I was feeling unfulfilled in life. I honestly felt like I was just surviving and working to support my children. I wanted to be thriving and to feel as though I mattered. As parents, especially mothers. We always tend to brush our personal needs aside, because they aren't that important in comparison to the grand picture of our daily lives. One day I decided I wanted different for myself so I began working to complete my prerequisites for Solano Community College nursing program. I was down to my last three classes when COVID hit. I had to drop out to assist my two younger children with the transition from in person to distance learning. Initially, I tried to balance both while working full time, but eventually had to drop out because my youngest was really struggling both mentally and academically. So, I did what was second nature and sacrificed my own needs and goals because his were important at the time. Once he was able to return to in person learning and I was confident in his academic performance I decided to reenroll in my program. I completed all of my prerequisites in May of 2023. I received two associate degrees. One in Biomedical Science and the other in General Science. I then studied for and took my TEAS exam, which was a new requirement for the nursing program. I did well. I applied for the nursing program when the application opened in September 2023. I got accepted April 2024, on my first try! Yay me! I've worked as a Cardiovascular Technician at a Bay Area hospital for the last twenty-one years. My job includes doing all tests heart rhythm related. That includes performing 12 lead electrocardiograms (EKG’s), scanning Holter monitors, and performing cardiac stress testing. Although my job has allowed me to provide for my children and gain invaluable patient care experience in both the in and outpatient setting, I’ve always known that I was capable of doing more. I believe that obtaining my nursing license would give me a renewed sense of self. I will also be able to build on top of all the skills I already possess and that will make me even more of an asset in my new role. I would love to still work in the same pediatric facility and serve lower income children of Oakland, CA. This is the same city I grew up in. The same hospital I received care in, and the same hospital I've given twenty-one years of my life to. Throughout this time, I've received countless awards and recognition for my amazing patient care and received three promotions. I would like to thank you in advance for your consideration for this award.

Dear Scholarship review committee, I am a 42-year-old single mother of three teenaged children. I decided to return to school about seven years ago. I was feeling unfulfilled in life. I honestly felt like I was just surviving and working to support my children. I wanted to be thriving and to feel as though I mattered. As parents, especially mothers. We tend to brush our personal needs aside, because they aren't that important in comparison to the grand picture of our daily lives. One day I decided I wanted different for myself so I began working to complete my prerequisites for Solano Community College nursing program. I was down to my last three classes when COVID hit. I had to drop out to assist my two younger children with the transition from in person to distance learning. Initially, I tried to balance both while working full time, but eventually had to drop out because my youngest was really struggling both mentally and academically. So, I did what was second nature and sacrificed my own needs and goals because his were important at the time. Once he was able to return to in person learning and I was confident in his academic performance I decided to reenroll in my program. I completed all of my prerequisites in May of 2023. I received two associate degrees. One in Biomedical Science and the other in General Science. I then studied for and took my TEAS exam, which was a new requirement for the nursing program. I did well. I applied for the nursing program when the application opened in September 2023. I got accepted April 2024, on my first try! Yay me! I've worked as a Cardiovascular Technician at a Bay Area hospital for the last twenty-one years. My job includes doing all tests heart rhythm related. That includes performing 12 lead electrocardiograms (EKG’s), scanning Holter monitors, and performing cardiac stress testing. Although my job has allowed me to provide for my children and gain invaluable patient care experience in both the in and outpatient setting, I’ve always known that I was capable of doing more During the COVID pandemic a few of my coworkers were laid off due to not meeting vaccination requirements and various other reasons. I was left to care for both our inpatient and outpatient population alone due to a hiring freeze and our inability to hire more support. I worked in my current role alone for two and a half years. This by far was one of my biggest challenges I've ever experienced professionally. It was extremely exhausting, but it also showed me that I was capable of doing anything I put my mind to. I managed to get the job done daily even when I didn’t believe I could. Also, seeing how hard nurses worldwide worked during such a scary time sparked my passion even more. I believe that obtaining my nursing license would give me a renewed sense of self. I will also be able to build on top of the skills I already possess and help the underserved children of Oakland, CA whose parents don't have private insurance. I would love to still work in the same pediatric facility and serve lower income children. This is the same city I grew up in. The same hospital I received care in, and the same hospital I've given twenty-one years of my life to. Throughout this time, I've received countless awards and recognition for my amazing patient care, and I've received three promotions. I would like to thank you in advance for your consideration for this opportunity.

Dear Scholarship Review Committee, I am a 42-year-old single mother of three teenaged children. I know not the typical applicant, right? I decided to return to school about seven years ago. I began working to complete my prerequisites for Solano Community College nursing program. I was down to my last three classes when COVID hit. I had to drop out to assist my two younger children with the transition from in person to distance learning. Initially, I tried to balance both while working full time, but eventually had to drop out because my youngest was really struggling both mentally and academically. Once he was able to return to in person learning and I was confident in his academic performance I decided to reenroll in my program. I completed all of my prerequisites in May of 2023. I received two associate degrees. One in Biomedical Science and the other in General Science. I then studied for and took my TEAS exam, which was a new requirement for the nursing program. I did well. I applied for the nursing program when the application opened in September 2023. I got accepted April 2024, on my first try! Yay me! I decided to pursue nursing due to my passion to care for and help people. I've worked as a Cardiovascular Technician at a Bay Area hospital for the last twenty-one years. My job includes doing all tests heart rhythm related. That includes performing 12 lead electrocardiograms (EKG’s), scanning Holter monitors, and performing cardiac stress testing. Although my job has allowed me to provide for my children and gain invaluable patient care experience in both the in and outpatient setting, I’ve always known that I was capable of doing more. Plus, nursing was always my true passion/ dream career ever since I was a teen and had to care for my aging Grandmother who raised me and my siblings. My current role has allowed me to develop bonds with many patients and families I’ve cared for. I’ve received countless awards and acknowledgements for my superior patient care. During the COVID pandemic a few of my coworkers were laid off due to not meeting vaccination requirements and various other reasons. I was left to care for both our inpatient and outpatient population alone due to a hiring freeze and our inability to hire more support. I worked in my current role alone for two and a half years. This by far was one of my biggest challenges I've ever experienced professionally. It was extremely exhausting, but it also showed me that I was capable of doing anything I put my mind to. I managed to get the job done daily even when I didn’t believe I could. Also, seeing how hard nurses worldwide worked during such a scary time sparked my passion even more. A financial award would help me so much with obtaining my Registered nursing degree, because I will have to decrease my work hours by more than half due the demanding schedule of the nursing program. I still have to support my family and will also have to pay for all fees up front. The fees include a $1500 book bundle, two nursing software systems, uniforms, shoes, background checks and drug testing, and various other equipment required just to begin. Financial aid isn't released for a few weeks into the program., and even then, it's disbursed in increments to limit the numbers of students applying to school for the aid and then dropping. I would like to thank you in advance for your consideration and hope to hear from you. Best, Karole Cyrus