Books have been central to my education, personal growth, and vision for the future. They have taught me that knowledge is not just information to be memorized but a tool for discovery, imagination, and transformation. Science books have deepened my curiosity about the natural world, shaping my commitment to biology and environmental studies. Children’s books, on the other hand, have revealed the profound impact that stories can have on young learners, nurturing creativity, empathy, and confidence. Together, they have inspired me to integrate literacy, science, and technology in the classroom to make learning both accessible and meaningful. My qualifications reflect this commitment to knowledge and education. I am an undergraduate student in Molloy University’s highly competitive five-year dual-degree program that merges Biology, Childhood Education, and Educational Technology. This program, along with my double minors in Biology and Environmental Studies, has prepared me to teach science at multiple levels while also equipping me with the skills to use technology to engage diverse learners. My academic background also includes time at Duquesne University’s nursing program, where I built a strong foundation in healthcare, and I am currently earning my Medical Assistant certification to expand my expertise in the life sciences. These experiences give me a unique perspective as an educator who values both scientific rigor and the human side of learning. Equally important are the lessons I’ve learned through libraries. Volunteering at Bar Harbour Library and reading to children every Friday morning at Central Public Library have shown me firsthand the power of books to build community and transform lives. Whether guiding families toward resources or watching children’s eyes light up during story time, I have witnessed the way libraries nurture curiosity and provide equitable access to learning. These experiences resonate deeply with me because they embody the values of the librarian whose memory this scholarship honors: a lifelong love of books, a dedication to service, and a belief in the power of literacy to shape futures. My goal is to carry these values into my own career as a science educator. I hope to create classrooms that mirror the spirit of the library—spaces where every student feels welcome, inspired, and empowered to explore. In doing so, I will honor both the lessons I have learned from books and the legacy of those who believed in their transformative power. I would like to conclude by thanking your for considering me for this scholarship to further my education.

One summer afternoon, during my fifth year working as a counselor and early childhood coordinator at our local recreation camp, I met Lily—a quiet six-year-old girl with large eyes and an anxious demeanor. It was her first summer away from home, and she arrived each morning clinging to her older sister and fighting back tears. While many of the other children quickly dove into activities, Lily stood apart, hesitant and withdrawn. As a coordinator and counselor, I was responsible not only for organizing daily activities but also for ensuring each child felt safe, seen, and supported. With Lily, I sensed that what she needed most wasn't more games or structure—it was connection. So, I sat with her on the sidelines during a craft activity, asking gentle questions about her favorite colors, books, and pets. Slowly, she opened up. By the end of that first week, Lily was laughing with the other children and even volunteering to lead part of our morning circle time. At the end of the summer, her mother approached me with tears in her eyes and said, “This is the first time my daughter has ever loved being away from home. You helped her feel like she belonged.” That moment remains one of the most powerful in my journey toward becoming an educator. It reminded me that education—and the spaces where it takes place—isn’t just about curriculum. It’s about connection, empathy, and the small, everyday choices we make to uplift a child’s spirit. Although I began my academic journey in nursing at Duquesne University, I’ve always been fascinated by how children think, learn, and grow. I made the switch to education because I realized that my passion wasn’t limited to healing bodies—it was about nurturing minds and spirits. Today, I am an undergraduate student at Molloy University in a competitive five-year dual-degree program that merges my interests in Biology, Childhood Education, and Educational Technology. This unique path allows me to bring the best of science, creativity, and pedagogy into the classroom. In addition to my formal studies, I babysit and work as a teacher’s aide—roles that continue to teach me the importance of meeting children where they are emotionally, socially, and intellectually. These experiences have taught me to notice the quiet child in the back of the room, the one who might need a little encouragement, just like Lily did. Whether I’m helping a second grader understand how plants grow or encouraging a middle schooler to use digital tools to explore scientific questions, my goal is always the same: to make sure every student feels valued and inspired to learn. Looking ahead, I plan to use my interdisciplinary training to become a science educator who makes STEM accessible, exciting, and inclusive. I want to challenge the notion that science is only for the few who “get it” right away. Too many students, especially those from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds, never see themselves as scientists because no one ever told them they could be. I want to be that person for my students—the one who tells them they are capable, curious, and creative enough to solve big problems. Sierra Argumedo’s story deeply resonates with me because her mission—to ensure that every child feels seen and loved in the classroom—is the very heart of why I chose this path. I believe that the classroom can be a sanctuary. A place where a child like Lily learns to lead. A space where curiosity and compassion coexist. And a stage where every child’s potential can shine. I am committed to carrying forward Sierra’s legacy by creating classrooms that foster confidence, critical thinking, and community. I know firsthand that sometimes, all it takes is one person to change the trajectory of a child’s life. I hope to be that person for many. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship. It would be an honor to continue my studies with support from a program that so beautifully reflects the values I hope to embody every day as an educator.

While the title of “greatest basketball player of all time” is deeply subjective, I believe LeBron James has earned a legitimate place at the top of that conversation. What makes LeBron unique is not just his exceptional athleticism, but his ability to evolve, lead, and uplift—on and off the court. LeBron’s basketball career spans over two decades, and in that time, he has demonstrated unmatched versatility. He can score, rebound, pass, and defend at an elite level, making him one of the most complete players the sport has ever seen. He holds the record as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and ranks in the top ten for assists, which reflects both his consistency and his ability to adapt over time. However, what elevates LeBron beyond just numbers is his leadership and character. He’s never allowed fame or pressure to compromise his values. He used his platform to speak out against racial injustice, support educational equity, and open the “I PROMISE School” for at-risk youth in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. His commitment to his community makes him a role model not just for aspiring athletes, but for young people everywhere who believe in using their success to lift others. Critics may argue that Michael Jordan’s perfect Finals record or Kobe Bryant’s killer instinct puts them ahead. But greatness is not just about winning—it’s about longevity, impact, and purpose. LeBron’s ability to play at an elite level while mentoring younger players, raising a family, and remaining socially active shows a type of greatness that transcends basketball. For these reasons, I do consider LeBron James the greatest basketball player of all time—not only for what he has done with a ball in his hands, but for the legacy he’s building off the court as well.

One lyric from Olivia Rodrigo’s *"GUTS"* that resonates deeply with my own teenage experience is: “I think I’ve seen this film before, and I didn’t like the ending.” This lyric, though simple, captures the cyclical and sometimes frustrating nature of adolescence—where the same struggles, heartbreaks, and self-doubts seem to repeat themselves, even though you wish you could just break free from the cycle. As a teenager, I’ve often found myself revisiting similar emotional challenges: the insecurity of fitting in, the pressure of meeting expectations, and the constant search for identity. The lyric reflects that moment of realization when you’re stuck in a loop of patterns—where you feel like you know how things will turn out but are still helpless to change them. In adolescence, these cycles can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s navigating the complexity of friendships, family expectations, or simply figuring out who you want to be in the world, it can feel like a constant tug-of-war with yourself. The line also speaks to the disappointment of re-experiencing familiar emotional wounds. In my own life, there have been moments when I thought I had grown past certain struggles—whether it’s the pain of a failed friendship or the challenge of balancing academic pressures with personal life—only to find myself back in that same emotional place, facing the same feelings of uncertainty. Rodrigo’s lyric acknowledges the frustration that comes with realizing how much of adolescence feels like re-watching the same difficult moments, hoping for a different outcome each time. However, this cyclical nature of adolescence isn’t necessarily a negative thing. It’s also a reflection of the process of growth. Though it’s tough to see at the time, each cycle brings new lessons, even if those lessons feel repetitive. The lyric also conveys a sense of self-awareness—understanding that you’re in the middle of something you don’t enjoy, but also knowing that you have the power to eventually break free from it. And this is part of growing up: the ability to reflect, learn, and, eventually, change. Olivia Rodrigo’s song perfectly captures the essence of adolescence—the emotional highs and lows, the constant self-reflection, and the sometimes painful but necessary process of figuring out who you are. For me, that lyric is a reminder that even when it feels like I’m stuck in a cycle, every experience, every struggle, is part of a larger journey toward understanding myself and the world around me. It’s the messy, imperfect reality of being a teenager.

Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most devastating forms of dementia, deeply affected my family when my uncle passed away in November 2022. Watching a loved one deteriorate, not physically but mentally, as Alzheimer’s slowly stripped him of his memory, personality, and recognition of his loved ones, was both heartbreaking and profound. This experience changed me, shaping my understanding of aging, caregiving, and the importance of empathy in healthcare, and it also inspired me to pursue a path that combines my love for science, education, and compassion for others. Alzheimer’s disease is a relentless, progressive illness that robs individuals of their memories, leaving behind a shell of the person they once were. As my uncle’s symptoms worsened, I witnessed firsthand the emotional toll it took on him, his family, and the community. He was a vibrant, intelligent man, full of stories and jokes, but over time, those moments of clarity became fewer and fewer. He no longer recognized family members, and simple activities like reading, watching his favorite television shows, or even finding his way around the house became monumental tasks. My family, while loving and supportive, also experienced the frustration and sorrow that come with caring for someone who is slowly slipping away. It was not just the memory loss that was heartbreaking but the emotional disconnect. Seeing someone who once had so much to give, now lost in a fog of confusion and forgetfulness, was difficult to bear. The disease didn’t just affect my uncle; it affected the entire family. We had to navigate the deep sorrow of losing the person, even as we tried to hold onto whatever fragments of recognition and connection we could. The experience taught me that Alzheimer’s doesn't just change the person diagnosed—it changes the dynamics of family and community relationships, often in ways that are difficult to articulate. My time in nursing school provided me with a deeper understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia. During my clinical rotation, I had the opportunity to work with elderly patients suffering from similar cognitive impairments. I observed how the disease created a ripple effect in the lives of caregivers, patients, and healthcare professionals alike. One particular patient stands out to me: an elderly woman who had lost the ability to recognize her children and grandchildren. Despite her cognitive decline, she would often light up when someone spoke to her softly or held her hand. It reminded me that even though Alzheimer’s robs the mind, it doesn’t necessarily take away the soul or the need for connection. I saw the vital importance of providing not just medical care, but also emotional and psychological support for both patients and their families. The experience reinforced my commitment to improving care for those affected by Alzheimer’s, ensuring that patients are treated with dignity and compassion, and that their families receive the emotional support they desperately need. To those families struggling with Alzheimer’s or any other dementia-related illness, I want to offer a message of hope. While it may feel like a long, hard road with no clear end in sight, there are moments of connection—moments where a smile, a touch, or a word can bridge the gap between loved ones and patients, even in the midst of the disease’s cruel progression. I’ve learned that being present, offering reassurance, and creating a supportive environment can bring comfort, even when the disease has taken so much. The love and memory of your loved one may fade over time, but the bond you share remains. My uncle may have lost his memory, but the impact he made on all of us will never be forgotten. The lessons I’ve learned from Alzheimer’s disease, both through personal experience and my work as a nursing student, have shaped my perspective on life and education. They’ve deepened my commitment to promoting scientific literacy, advocating for better care for aging populations, and most importantly, providing empathy and compassion in everything I do. I hope to carry these lessons forward as I continue my journey toward becoming a science educator, teaching students not only about biology but also about the importance of human connection and the profound impact we can have on others, especially those facing diseases like Alzheimer’s.

An important experience in my life that has profoundly shaped my understanding of myself, the world, and my community occurred during my time as a nursing student at Duquesne University. It was a moment of realization that has fueled my passion for both science and education, and guided my path toward becoming a teacher who not only imparts knowledge but also empowers young minds to think critically and compassionately. While studying in the nursing program, I found myself increasingly drawn to the intersection of healthcare and education. I had always been fascinated by biology and the human body, but my time in the program revealed the depth of human vulnerability and the power of education in fostering healing and empowerment. One pivotal moment occurred during my clinical rotation at a local hospital, where I had the opportunity to interact with patients from diverse backgrounds. I witnessed firsthand the impact of patient education on their understanding of their own health and well-being. In one particularly memorable experience, I worked with a young child who had been diagnosed with asthma. By explaining the condition and its management in simple, relatable terms, I saw how empowered this child felt in taking control of their health. The child's transformation—from confusion to clarity—was an eye-opening moment for me. It underscored the importance of education in not only imparting knowledge but also nurturing empathy and self-confidence. This experience deeply influenced my decision to shift my focus toward childhood education, while still maintaining my love for biology and the life sciences. I began to realize that education was not just about teaching facts—it was about fostering understanding, encouraging inquiry, and empowering students to become active participants in their own learning and lives. The experience also reinforced my belief in the importance of making complex topics accessible to all learners, regardless of their background or prior knowledge. It also made me acutely aware of the disparities that exist within communities, particularly in terms of access to quality education and healthcare. I realized that students, especially those in underserved communities, face unique challenges in both the classroom and the world beyond it. As I began my journey at Molloy University, I chose to focus on how I could bridge these gaps through my studies in Educational Technology and Environmental Studies, aiming to not only teach students but also inspire them to think critically about the world and their place in it. This experience shaped my identity as an educator and as a person who believes deeply in the transformative power of knowledge. It taught me that my role, whether in a hospital room, a classroom, or in the community, is to be a guide—helping others navigate complexity, fostering understanding, and nurturing a sense of responsibility and agency. As I continue my studies and move toward a career in science education, I remain committed to creating environments where students feel seen, heard, and empowered to make a positive impact in their communities and the world.

As an undergraduate student at Molloy University in a competitive five-year dual-degree program, my academic journey has been shaped by my passions for Biology, Childhood Education, and Educational Technology. This unique intersection of disciplines has enabled me to explore the potential of technology to enrich science education, and one technology, in particular, stands out as having the power to transform how we learn: Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR). Virtual and Augmented Reality offer powerful, immersive ways to bring the complexities of biology and environmental studies to life. Instead of relying solely on textbooks, students can virtually dive into the human body, explore ecosystems, or watch the process of cellular division unfold right before their eyes. These technologies engage students in a hands-on way that traditional methods simply cannot. The ability to visualize abstract concepts makes learning more accessible and tangible, especially in subjects like biology, where the scale of the subject can be overwhelming. A student can not only learn about the solar system but also take a virtual trip to Mars, or walk through a rainforest to observe its biodiversity firsthand. These experiences spark curiosity and deepen understanding in ways that are not possible with static images or lectures. As someone who is passionate about both science and education, I see VR/AR as a powerful tool for fostering not only scientific literacy but also empathy. These technologies can connect students to distant places, cultures, and perspectives, making them more aware of the world’s challenges. Through virtual simulations, I can inspire students to explore complex environmental issues, like climate change or habitat destruction, in ways that are both engaging and emotionally impactful. My long-term goal is to integrate educational technology like VR/AR into science classrooms, creating immersive, interactive, and inclusive learning environments. By using these technologies, I hope to spark a sense of wonder and responsibility in students—encouraging them to become not only critical thinkers but also compassionate stewards of the planet. As I continue my education and work toward becoming a science educator, I am committed to utilizing innovative technologies to empower future generations, promote scientific literacy, and advocate for environmental awareness. I am honored to be considered for this scholarship as I work toward my goal of transforming education with the power of technology.

Education is more than a goal for me it is my calling. Guided by my Christian faith and a deep commitment to service, I view learning not only as a personal responsibility but as a powerful way to uplift others, especially those who have been historically under resourced and underserved. As I pursue multiple certifications and degrees, I am preparing myself to become a transformative educator, mentor, and advocate, especially for children and families in marginalized communities. Currently, I am working toward certification as a medical assistant while completing requirements for speech-language pathology (SLP) certification. At the same time, I am enrolled in a five-year master’s program in early education and educational technology, with a specialty in elementary teaching. I will also be graduating with a minor in biology and an additional minor in environmental studies in May 2027. These areas of study may seem broad at first glance, but they are intentionally interconnected. My goal is to meet the needs of the whole child mentally, physically, academically, and spiritually. My faith teaches me that every person is created with purpose and deserves dignity, compassion, and opportunity. As a future educator, I am committed to making my classroom a place where students feel seen, valued, and empowered, no matter their background or circumstances. I am especially passionate about working with children who have speech or developmental delays, those facing trauma, and those growing up in underfunded school systems students who are too often written off or left behind. Becoming a certified medical assistant and gaining my SLP certification equips me with tools to support students not only in their learning but in their overall development and health. Many children in underserved areas lack access to early intervention and basic healthcare, which deeply impacts their ability to thrive academically. By combining my medical and educational training, I aim to bridge these gaps and offer holistic support. The environmental and biological aspects of my education are just as intentional. I believe that access to clean air, water, and green spaces is a justice issue. Children cannot learn effectively when they are battling the consequences of environmental neglect, which often hits low-income communities hardest. As an educator with a background in environmental studies, I will integrate nature-based learning and sustainability education into my teaching. I want students to know that their well-being is connected to the world around them and that they have the power to care for and protect it. Beyond the classroom, I hope to start faith-based community initiatives that focus on early childhood education, literacy, and family wellness. I want to create programs that support young parents, provide tutoring and mentorship, and offer resources for navigating healthcare and educational systems. My Christian faith calls me to be a servant leader, and I see education as the most powerful way to answer that call. This scholarship will not only help ease the financial burden of my education but also allow me to devote more time to gaining hands-on experience in schools and clinics. Every certification I earn and every class I complete brings me closer to building a future where all children regardless of zip code have access to quality education, compassionate support, and the opportunity to thrive. In a world filled with division and inequality, I choose to be a bridge between science and faith, education and healing, knowledge and compassion. My educational journey is not just about achieving titles or degrees; it’s about preparing myself to be a light for others, a guide for children in need, and a voice for communities that are too often silenced. With your support, I will not only reach my goals but I will help others reach theirs.

My name is Katelyn Tierney, and I am currently an undergraduate student in the Honors Program at Molloy University, enrolled in a unique five-year interdisciplinary track that combines Biology, Childhood Education, and Educational Technology. This program has allowed me to explore the intersection of the fields of healthcare and education, particularly in supporting the developmental needs of children. My passion for helping others and fascination with how the human body and mind work have led me to pursue a career in pediatric healthcare, where I hope to become a practitioner who integrates compassion, science, and innovation in caring for young patients. During my academic journey, I’ve earned certifications as both a medical assistant and in speech-language pathology (SLP), and I’ve completed coursework through Duquesne University’s nursing program to build a strong biological and clinical foundation. My hands-on experiences in both healthcare and education have shown me the life-changing potential of early, individualized interventions, particularly for children who face developmental or communicative challenges. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a path that allows me to support children not only medically but holistically, through both therapy and advocacy. Though I am not currently enrolled in an occupational therapy (OT) program, I have a deep appreciation for the work occupational therapists do, especially in the pediatric field. OT embodies many of the values I strive to bring to my career: client-centered care, developmental support, and restoring the dignity and independence of individuals through compassionate practice. Like Christina Taylese Singh, I am driven by the desire to help people reach their full potential, and I intend to do so by bridging healthcare and education through a future in pediatric therapy or speech-language pathology. I view this field not just as a profession but as a calling—one that requires empathy, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the human capacity to grow. I also remain actively involved in volunteer work, including educational outreach and child-focused community programs, which has only strengthened my commitment to serving others and giving back. These experiences, along with my academic path, continue to shape the person and healthcare professional I am becoming—one who leads with heart, purpose, and the ambition to make a meaningful impact in others’ lives. Receiving this scholarship would not only be an incredible honor, but it would also motivate me to carry forward Christina's legacy of service, compassion, and commitment to improving lives. I am ready to walk a path similar to hers—uplifting others through healthcare—and I hope to make her proud through the work I will do.

I am an undergraduate student at Molloy University. Previously I had attended Duquesne University for nursing before transferring to education with a specialty in biology. From a young age, I developed a passion for biology through my academic achievements in science. In high school, I was in advanced science classes and thrived learning about different aspects of science. With this scholarship, the money will help me continue my study of science. I am hoping to find a career as an educational teacher with a way to incorporate biology as a science teacher at the elementary or high school level. I chose a degree with a biology concentration because biology is something that is very intriguing to me. I have always not only been invested and good at my classes in sciences including biology but I have taken courses like microbiology, biology, and chemistry which have expanded my knowledge of the different forms of science the world has to offer. This scholarship will provide essential financial support, allowing me to focus on my studies in science as I have at both my universities it is remarkable that my passion for science through my major and school change has remained the same. I hope to finish my dual degree 5 year program at Molloy University without the burden of financial stress for myself and my family who have shown me unconditional support through my educational journey thus far. Currently, to try to stay afloat on my student loans I work two jobs while going to school full-time at Molloy University as I am responsible and diligent in paying my loan payments by myself every academic year. Post graduation I hope to pass my teaching certification exam and start teaching biology to an elementary student of high school students. With the program I am in a dual degree in childhood education with biology and educational technology I am fortunate enough to take 2 classes in addition to my program to be certified in adolescence education so high school level, biology, childhood education, and educational technology which opens many career paths that I can choose to explore and test to my best abilities until I find something that not only makes me happy every day to do but is something I can make the most impact on the most people as which is my ultimate goal in whatever career within education I decided to embark on.

Going to college has been a journey for me as a first-generation college student in my family. Initially, I went away to college for two years to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. After two years into the program, I realized that I was not financially able to complete my degree and had to transfer home to continue my college education for my bachelor's degree. Transferring to a new university was very difficult for me as I had not even been home in two years and knew things were going to be a lot different at home. For starters, my parents were having trouble in their marriage which was very hard for me too. Deal with this while now trying to find a new school and continue my education at a new institution my support system of my friends had resided at school in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Nonetheless, I transferred to Molloy Univeristy but financially not being able to afford college I went for education as I was fortunate enough to have tuition remission through my father but none of my nursing. Credits had transferred over meaning I would have to restart the nursing program that I was halfway done with from my previous university. The decision to change from nursing to an education major was not a light decision. Just entering my twenties less than a month ago it felt very rushed to have my major and career all picked out for me at such a early age. I have been working with children since I was 12 through babysitting or spending 4 years working at a summer camp to realize that I want to spend every day not caring for children but being around their laughter and presence in a positive atmosphere such as a classroom. To confirm this idea I started working as a Teacher's Aide at the beginning of this semester to see how I would like teaching for my career and I fell in love with it. The after-school program I TA for is full of children from grades Pre-K through 8 the grade which allows me to not only explore and observe different teaching techniques but also get a feel for what age I would like to teach when for my career and I have chosen childhood education with my love for biology through the nursing courses incorporated as a biology concentration in childhood education. I hope with my ups and downs to get where I am in my educational journey today financially and personally that I have the opportunity to make a difference in this evolving world.

My name is Katelyn Tierney and I am passionate about learning to help others. I went to school for nursing for two years at Duquesne University to explore my passion for helping others through healthcare in which I gained much knowledge and experience. Currently, I am pursuing my passion to help others through education at Molloy University as a transfer student in which I am utilizing my biology expertise from my previous university with my studies in childhood education to graduate with my Masters degree in May of 2028. These two passions of helping people through healthcare and education have helped me to realize that life is truly a blessing to be able to go to school for any career you want and even go back to school to do what you are most passionate about. This scholarship would provide me with the financial support to pursue my education further as from gaining experience in health care at Duquesne University I was not able to continue my studies for financial reasons and debt I had collected. Being fortunate enough to gain an education from two universities has allowed me to gain knowledge and skills that are essential for my career. The money from this scholarship would pay off my interest on my student loan so I could have a sense of financial relief to pursue my education without finances being a reason I would have to lose my master's degree from not being able to financially finish my degree which is in about 3 more years. Although I am only a sophomore in my program I have the dedication and the strive to succeed in being one of the first grandchildren in my family to graduate college while being fortunate enough to obtain a job that I truly enjoy. I hope to as a teacher teach the next generation of children with the inspiration to become whatever they want when they grow up and change young minds for the better which I can influence shaping the young minds of our future through a great foundation of elementary education I would be fortunate enough to give some of this children. I hope that by finishing my education with the benefit of having enough finances through my student loans and working two jobs I can make my family and my future children proud from the educational journey I have come from to pursue my dream career.

I am an undergraduate student at Duquesne University. I have just finished my first year as a freshman; however, with my credits from high school, I am a second-semester sophomore, but that is beside the point. During this past academic year, I have prided myself on school first. Although prestigious, the nursing program at Duquenese provides me with many opportunities for my passion for pursuing pediatrics within the medical field. Duquesne, unlike many schools, starts in-hospital clinics in the fall semester of sophomore year. This allows students like me who are exploring areas of expertise to be involved directly and begin to grasp what the medical field entails. Taking college credits like anatomy, physiology, and statistics in high school while being in 5 different clubs, playing two sports, and being part of the honor society with winning two academic awards has prepared me for the BSN program. Not only have I met the requirements for my entry to the BSN program, but I am actively striving to do more with my education and take advantage of every opportunity open to me as an undergraduate nursing major. My passion for pediatrics started when I started babysitting my neighbors. I often watched my 4 and 6 yea rold neighbors for several hours while their parents were at work during the week. I didn't really pick up about it then, but I had so much fun with my two little neighbors that I didn't realize that I was caring for them simultaneously. I felt fortunate to be able to care for and look after these kids for the time being. Exploring more on if I enjoyed looking after children and enjoying their safety as much as I had while babysitting applied for a summer recreational counselor job. I started watching 10-year-olds, then once I loved that I did 6-year-olds in my second year, and now this year, I will be watching 8-year-olds. I plan to start my practice with doctors who specialize in pediatrics one day. I have always wanted to not only help children but to be able to provide them with the adequate care they deserve. After obtaining my BSN, I plan to further my education by applying to medical school, attending for four years, and starting my pediatric residency for about three years. Although I have a long journey to get to where I want to be within pediatrics, I am confident that with more education and constant perseverance in exploring every option life offers, I will get to where I need to be within the medical field.

My mission for joining the healthcare industry has had a long history. Stemming from grade school, I was always asked what do you want to be when I grew up. My answer to this was always a doctor! However, when I was asked why a doctor, I would answer," I don't know; it makes a lot of money." Which probably was not the best answer, but at eight years old, I answered to the best of what I had thought. My mission for joining the healthcare industry from there was to explore the possibilities of being a doctor when I was older. However, I needed to figure out what field or specialty wanted to start the process of figuring it out. Being so young and naive without experience in the healthcare industry, being a doctor was fascinating. I felt so lucky to be in my early teens taking in everything happening by the side of my aunts. The stories I heard, the complaints, the chaos, and the people in agony were overwhelming. I have never been in an environment with so much happening and feeling like I shouldn't be there because I couldn't help anyone. Fortunately, I have two aunts who are nurses in hospitals nearby, so I twisted their hands to bring me to work to show me the ropes. To prepare for college and finalize my decision to help people and make a difference in healthcare, I took anatomy and physiology. I took college forensics, chemistry, statistics, and college-level anatomy and physiology classes to prepare me for my dream career. I had determined I would be in the pediatric area sINCE I am passionate about caring for children as a certified babysitter and summer recreational counselor. With my first year of college coming to an end and through the experimentation with my interests throughout grade school, I am excited to be in such a prestigious nursing program at Duquesne Univeristy of the Holy Spirit. My mission has only expanded from such a young age, and I am fortunate to be pursuing a career in the healthcare industry. My mission is to actively participate in the healthcare field to ensure each patient is comfortable, cared for, and given the best outcome possible. In the fall semester of the next academic year, I will be starting clinical in the fall. That means just as a sophomore in college; I will be able to be put into the health care field in the hospital I am assigned to. Although clinical is a part of my nursing program curriculum, I find it amazing that at 18 years old, I can start making my dream a reality, even through observing, shadowing, and taking notes.

Currently, in my nursing program, a lot of attention and focus is needed, which is extremely difficult when one of my eyes has an Amblyopia(aka a Lazy Eye). Having an Amblyopia in my left eye has caused significant difficulty in my education. Becoming more severe as I have gotten older, this condition has caused me to experience things like double vision, consistent blurriness, and impaired vision during class/study sessions. Having online work and in-class lectures, especially online homework, makes my condition more difficult to manage because of the strain staring at a screen can put on my eye. My lazy eye gets a lot worse when I don't get enough sleep, which is hard to achieve in college. Although there are ways to significantly decrease how often my lazy eye is with eye therapy or even surgery, those options were never for my family as a kid when diagnosed. Growing up was extremely difficult with this setback because many kids would point out my eye or tease me. Of course, I can't feel it when my eye wanders, making it so much harder to control. Trying not to be embarrassed about it since I cannot control it is hard, but I've learned to accept it. In middle school, my eye started to get worse, impacting some of my grades in class since I kept having to refocus and focus on that rather than my coursework. This carried on throughout high school and impacted my education the most when my friends started to create posts of pictures of my eye wandering in photos and post them. Not letting this get to me, I went away to college to get a fresh start, but there is always that part inside of me that knows this issue will be something that happens when I'm tired, or anytime I may stare/look at something for too long. I feel like with all my struggles of having Amblyopia in which I have experienced double vision, drop in grades, short attention span, failure to make eye contact, and less self-confidence, I would be a perfect candidate for this scholarship because of how I have continued my education adjusting to my setbacks due to my eye. Becoming a nurse has been challenging so far, but I know in a program as good as it is, my setbacks will pay off when I achieve my dream career in pediatrics.

The loss of a close family member has caused me to reevaluate what matters most in my life to me. My uncle, who recently passed, suffered from Alzheimer's. This deteriorating disease taking my uncle also still lives on with me. Ever since he passed, I started questioning what impact I should have and what cause I want to know that I did everything for in my lifetime. Thinking more about what I wanted to pursue major-wise to create this reason I would focus my career on caused me to know how to start my fight. The first step was to apply to nursing school upon high school graduation. I quickly discovered that besides helping people, I wanted to take it a step further and eliminate the struggle many people have today with their diagnosis, no matter how severe. Watching my uncle's condition progress was draining on the whole family; I could never wish that upon anyone. Enrolling in nursing school at Duquesne was my first step to wanting to fight and relieve some stress families have to go through. Fighting to help those in need, I must go through many years of financial struggle to become a doctor. Still, I know that when I actively work in the hospital helping many people, all my hard work will pay off, and I have made headway in supporting my cause.

The Career Path I am pursuing is a pathway to achieve my dream of becoming a pediatrician. In becoming a pediatrician I hope to make a positive impact on the world through helping and caring for others in need. By being trained and educated to help people who are not able to help themselves would truly be a privledge. By exercising the knowledge I have been taught through the Bachelor's Degree in Nursing I will earn to carry on to the next steps to can achieve this dream of mine to truly do good in becoming a pediatrician. As the medical field today continues to change I have noticed that worldwide the message that does no harm and help those in need has never changed with these changing times. Doing no harm I believe that everyone should have the right and privilege to seek medical care in any way possible without the constant financial worries or fears. Health is a top priority when it comes to doctors as they are there for that reason alone to help and care for you. I have in the past been prepared for my career path through my employment at Major Post for the past 2 summers as a camp counselor while possessing my certification to care for children through daycare and babysitting. From my experience of certification to care for children I believe I have changed from the certification. I started to volunteer at my local library and take opportunities in the babysitting industry. Shortly after taking involvement in the babysitting industry, I started my employment at Majorie Post where I watched, entertained, and cared for ages 6-10. On a daily basis, I would see these children every morning and leave every afternoon content with the knowledge of knowing and learning things like what they ate for breakfast, their favorite colors, the names of their dogs, etc. Although every day was completely different with many ups and downs it was such a joy to care for these kids and now have the experience to achieve my dream career. Currenly enrolled at Duquesne University I am in the process of my Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Proogram. Once achieving this degree I will go on to earn my Master's Degree. Then with my Master's Degree I will hopefully have a college internship, and some type of employment in the medical field an dnow start to browse my permanent employment options.