The decision to pursue nursing is not one I came to lightly, but it is one that has been shaped by personal experiences, a deep desire to help others, and the impact of seeing the difference compassionate healthcare can make in people's lives. My interest in nursing has been fueled by my work on a Inpatient Behavioral Health unit since 2022, my own personal experiences with loss, and a deep passion for supporting individuals who are going through their most vulnerable moments. The life of Eric Maurice Brandon, his commitment to serving others, and his career as a nurse in both the military and civilian sectors further inspire me to pursue a nursing career and continue the legacy of care and compassion he embodied. My experience in the mental health field has shown me firsthand the importance of patient advocacy, especially for individuals who often feel isolated or misunderstood due to their conditions. I have seen the profound impact that compassionate, dedicated care can have on a patient’s emotional well-being and recovery process. It was through this experience that I realized nursing is not just about physical care—it is about offering emotional support, advocating for patients, and helping them feel seen and valued. Nursing requires empathy, resilience, and a deep understanding of the human experience, qualities that resonate deeply with me. Growing up, I faced my own struggles with family mental health and addiction, which has shaped my desire to contribute to a system that offers both physical and emotional care. The loss of my father to addiction in 2023 was a pivotal moment in my life, and it fueled my commitment to advocating for better mental health care and supporting those who feel marginalized or stigmatized. I want to be the kind of nurse who listens to my patients, advocates for them, and ensures they receive the care they deserve. Eric Maurice Brandon’s career exemplified this kind of dedication, as he served our country with unwavering commitment and continued to care for others after retiring from the military. His legacy as a nurse—especially in his work with children and youth—resonates with my desire to serve others and make a meaningful impact in their lives. Just as he did, I aspire to be a nurse who is not only skilled in clinical practice but also compassionate and dedicated to improving the lives of my patients. This scholarship will allow me to focus on my studies, overcome financial barriers, and achieve my goal of becoming a nurse who contributes positively to the healthcare field, especially in mental health care. I am motivated by the example of Eric’s life and my own passion for nursing to make a difference in the lives of others. By honoring his memory and legacy, I hope to continue the work of compassionate care that he dedicated his life to.

Mental health has profoundly shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations in ways I could not have anticipated. Growing up, mental health was not openly discussed in my family, particularly within the context of addiction. With a father who struggled with substance abuse, and eventually lost his life to an overdose in 2023, mental health became a silent but constant presence in my life. This personal experience, combined with my professional work in a mental health hospital, has fueled my deep passion for advocating for mental health awareness, compassion, and support. Throughout my life, I’ve learned that mental health struggles can often go unnoticed or misunderstood, especially when wrapped in the stigma of addiction. I’ve seen firsthand how those who are suffering may not receive the support they need, or even have the language to express their pain. This experience has influenced my belief that we must approach mental health with understanding and empathy. It’s not just about treating symptoms, but about offering a sense of dignity, compassion, and support to individuals who are struggling. This belief motivates me to break the stigma around mental health, to normalize conversations about it, and to create environments where people feel safe seeking help without judgment. My journey through mental health struggles has also impacted my relationships. The challenges my family faced created an emotional barrier between us, as we all struggled silently with our respective issues. Over time, I learned the importance of open communication and self-awareness in healing relationships. I became determined to seek support when I needed it and to be more understanding and compassionate toward others who were going through their own struggles. I’ve learned to advocate for myself, and I work to help those around me do the same. Professionally, my personal experiences have shaped my desire to pursue a career in healthcare, particularly as a behavioral health nurse. Since May 2022, I have worked in an inpatient behavioral health unit, gaining invaluable insight into the challenges patients face when struggling with mental health. This has only deepened my commitment to the field. I want to help people who are experiencing mental health crises feel heard, supported, and empowered to seek help. I am committed to becoming a nurse who understands that mental health care is not just about clinical intervention but also about emotional support, education, and advocacy. This scholarship represents not just financial support but an acknowledgment of the growth I’ve made in my personal journey. It will help alleviate some of the financial burdens I face as I continue my education and pursue my dream of becoming a nurse who advocates for mental health. I am passionate about contributing to a society that values mental health, where every person feels seen and supported, and this scholarship will allow me to move one step closer to realizing that goal.

Nursing is not just a career—it’s a calling, a commitment to caring for others during their most vulnerable moments and advocating for those in need. Growing up in an environment where mental health and addiction were significant struggles, I’ve witnessed firsthand how crucial it is for people to receive compassionate, knowledgeable, and understanding care. My experiences, both personal and professional, have shaped my desire to pursue a nursing degree and advocate for better mental health care, particularly in my community. I’ve always had a strong desire to help others, but it wasn’t until I began working in a mental health hospital in May 2022 that I truly understood the profound impact nurses have on patients facing mental health crises. Working in an inpatient behavioral health unit, I interact with patients who often feel isolated, misunderstood, or stigmatized. I’ve seen how important it is for healthcare providers to offer not only clinical treatment but also emotional support and reassurance. Nursing is about building relationships, understanding each patient’s unique experience, and advocating for them in a complex and often overwhelming healthcare system. These experiences confirmed my passion for becoming a nurse, especially one who specializes in mental health care. My family’s struggles with addiction have deeply influenced my nursing aspirations. After losing my father to an intentional overdose in 2023, I became even more determined to break the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. I want to contribute to creating a healthcare environment where patients are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their condition, and where mental health care is equally prioritized as physical health care. As a nurse, I hope to advocate for systemic changes that ensure better resources and support for individuals dealing with addiction and mental health disorders. Becoming a nurse is a challenging journey. Nursing students must juggle rigorous coursework, long clinical hours, and financial stress. As a student, balancing these responsibilities with personal obligations can feel overwhelming, but my passion for nursing keeps me motivated. I am committed to overcoming these challenges and earning my nursing degree to make a positive impact. Once I graduate, my goal is to advocate for mental health and addiction recovery within my community. I envision a healthcare system where mental health and addiction are treated with the same respect and care as physical health issues. As a nurse, I aim to educate patients, provide compassionate care, and help eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. I want to empower individuals to seek the help they need and foster an environment where mental health care is seen as essential. This scholarship will significantly ease the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus on my studies and clinical work. It will help ensure that I am fully prepared to make a meaningful difference as a nurse and advocate for mental health care and addiction recovery in my community.

From an early age, I was drawn to the idea of helping others, but it wasn’t until later in life that I truly understood the profound impact healthcare professionals have on individuals and communities. Having grown up in a family affected by addiction and witnessing firsthand the lack of mental health support for those in need, I realized the importance of accessible, compassionate care. This realization led me to pursue a degree in healthcare, specifically nursing, where I hope to make a lasting impact by advocating for those who face mental health challenges and ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve. The path to pursuing a career in healthcare has not been easy. Growing up in a family where addiction and mental health struggles were prevalent, I often saw how stigma and limited access to care prevented individuals from seeking the help they desperately needed. My father’s death in 2023 from a drug overdose left a deep mark on me, solidifying my desire to break the cycle of silence around mental health in my community. I recognized that while healthcare is about more than just treating the body, it is also about understanding and addressing the emotional and psychological needs of patients. This became my driving force to pursue nursing, as I saw an opportunity to not only provide care but to advocate for change in the way mental health is treated within the healthcare system. As a woman pursuing a career in healthcare, I feel a deep responsibility to use my voice and experiences to make a positive difference. Historically, women have faced barriers to accessing education and attaining leadership positions in the healthcare field. However, I see my journey as an opportunity to challenge these norms. I hope to inspire other women to pursue careers in healthcare and make their voices heard. As a future nurse, I am committed to advocating for gender equality and diversity within healthcare, ensuring that women’s unique experiences and strengths are valued in every aspect of patient care, from policy decisions to clinical practice. My ambition is not only to provide compassionate care as a nurse but also to contribute to creating an environment where patients feel heard, understood, and supported in their mental health journey. I envision a healthcare system where mental health care is given equal importance as physical health, and where individuals from all backgrounds feel comfortable seeking the help they need without fear of judgment or discrimination. I plan to use my career to advocate for better mental health resources, educate others on the importance of mental well-being, and break down the stigma that still surrounds mental health struggles in many communities. The financial challenges of pursuing a healthcare degree are not lost on me. However, I view these challenges as stepping stones to a greater purpose. By investing in my education, I am not only pursuing a career but also equipping myself with the tools necessary to make meaningful change. I am determined to use my education and experiences to contribute to a future where healthcare is truly accessible, inclusive, and supportive for all. As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to make a positive impact by advocating for better mental health care, ensuring that diverse voices are heard, and leading by example to show that women can drive meaningful change in the healthcare system. This scholarship will help me take one step closer to that goal by easing the financial burdens of my education, allowing me to focus on my studies and prepare for a career where I can make a difference.

Mental health has always played a pivotal role in shaping who I am, how I view the world, and how I interact with others. It has influenced my beliefs, relationships, and aspirations in ways that I could not have anticipated as a young person. Growing up in a family plagued by addiction, I was exposed to the complexities of mental illness early on. However, it wasn’t until I lost my father to an intentional overdose in 2023 that I fully understood the far-reaching implications of mental health struggles, not only on the individual but also on their loved ones. My personal journey with mental health has fueled my desire to advocate for change, educate others, and ultimately become a behavioral health nurse, providing compassionate care to individuals who are often marginalized and misunderstood. My story is marked by experiences with both mental health challenges and the deep-seated stigma that surrounds them. Each day being an affliction I watched closely as it consumed my parents lives. Addiction, in my family, was both a curse and a silence that no one dared to break. It was the kind of silence that makes it hard to ask for help, a silence that makes individuals feel as though they must bear their burdens alone.There is a stigma surrounding mental illness that makes it seem like a personal failure rather than an illness that deserves care and treatment. Losing my father was a heartbreaking experience, and it left me grappling with a multitude of emotions—grief, anger, confusion. But it also forced me to face the undeniable truth that mental health issues, including addiction, are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and tragically overlooked. The mental health crisis is not just an individual struggle; it is a societal issue that needs to be addressed openly and without shame. This realization ignited a fierce passion within me to change the narrative surrounding mental health, both within my own community and beyond. In my role as a Nurse Extern in Inpatient BH, I’ve witnessed how deeply untreated mental illness and addiction can affect individuals. I have seen patients who feel isolated, misunderstood, and hopeless. The pain in their eyes is a constant reminder of the urgency of mental health advocacy. However, I have also seen the transformative power of compassionate care. It is amazing how simple acts of kindness and emotional support can make a significant difference. Listening without judgment, offering reassurance, and being there for someone can help them feel seen and valued. I have learned that healing begins with acceptance and understanding. I strive to provide this in my daily interactions with patients, encouraging them to express their emotions and work through their struggles, knowing that they are not alone. Working in the mental health field has reshaped my understanding of what it means to truly help others. I no longer see mental health struggles as isolated incidents but as part of a much larger system that requires empathy, education, and proactive care. This experience has had a profound impact on my relationships. In the past, I may have felt uncomfortable or unsure of how to respond when friends or family members expressed their own struggles with mental health. But now, I approach these conversations with empathy and compassion. I’ve learned that being present, listening, and offering support are often more helpful than trying to fix the situation immediately. This understanding has deepened my personal relationships and reinforced my belief that mental health should be a priority in every aspect of life. The impact of my experiences with mental health has also guided my career aspirations. As I pursue my nursing education, I am focused on specializing in behavioral health nursing. I want to be a part of the solution—helping individuals navigate the complexities of mental illness, offering emotional support, and advocating for systemic change in the healthcare field. I believe that the future of mental health care lies not only in advanced clinical treatments but also in cultivating empathy and compassion within the healthcare community. I want to be a nurse who advocates for those who are suffering in silence and ensure they receive the care and attention they deserve. Moreover, I am committed to advocating for mental health on a broader scale. Beyond direct patient care, I want to be a part of changing the way mental illness is viewed within society. Mental health issues should not be hidden or treated with shame; they should be openly discussed, supported, and addressed with the same level of seriousness as physical health issues. In my future career, I plan to be a voice for those who may feel too intimidated or afraid to speak up. I want to help break down the stigma that surrounds mental health and create an environment where people feel empowered to seek help when they need it most. My experiences with mental health have shown me that change is possible, but it requires persistence, understanding, and a willingness to listen. I am determined to help bring mental health struggles out of the shadows and into the light. In doing so, we can begin to dissolve the stigma that holds so many people back from seeking the help they desperately need. This scholarship represents a significant opportunity to continue my education and my mission to advocate for mental health in the healthcare field. It would allow me to further my ambition to become a behavioral health nurse and, ultimately, a voice for those struggling with mental health in my community. Mental health has given me the drive to make a difference in the lives of others and has fueled my desire to break the silence surrounding mental illness. I am committed to using my education, experiences, and future career to foster understanding, compassion, and support for those who are often overlooked and stigmatized. Through my work, I hope to honor my father’s memory by advocating for mental health and making a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.

The mental health crisis has deeply impacted individuals worldwide, including those pursuing careers in healthcare. As someone who has worked in a mental health hospital since May 2022, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges patients face due to stigma, limited access to care, and the overwhelming burden of mental illness. My passion for behavioral health nursing stems from both my professional experience and my personal journey—having parents and grandparents who struggled with addiction and losing my father to an overdose in 2023. These experiences have fueled my determination to provide compassionate care, advocate for mental health, and contribute to systemic change within healthcare. In my current role, I support individuals navigating severe psychiatric conditions by providing emotional reassurance, helping them develop coping strategies, and fostering a sense of dignity in their healing process. Many patients arrive feeling isolated, unheard, and misunderstood. By listening without judgment and offering validation, I strive to create a space where they feel seen and supported. My goal is not just to assist in immediate crises but to empower individuals with the skills and confidence they need to continue their recovery beyond hospitalization. As I continue my nursing education, I am gaining the clinical knowledge necessary to bridge the gap between mental and physical health care. I plan to use my training to advocate for holistic treatment approaches that prioritize mental well-being alongside physical health. Whether working in psychiatric care, addiction recovery, or general healthcare settings, I will ensure that my patients receive compassionate, patient-centered support. Beyond direct patient care, I am committed to addressing the stigma surrounding mental health within the healthcare field. Many providers struggle with their own mental well-being but hesitate to seek help due to fear of judgment. I want to be part of the shift toward a culture where healthcare professionals feel supported in prioritizing their mental health, allowing them to provide better care for others. This scholarship represents an opportunity to further my mission of advocating for mental health, both for patients and for the healthcare community. With my ambition, drive, and firsthand understanding of mental illness, I am committed to fostering an environment of empathy, support, and change within the field of healthcare.

Having ADHD-PI (Predominantly Inattentive Type) profoundly affects both my academic performance and personal life as I navigate nursing school. The challenges of maintaining focus, managing time efficiently, and staying organized make studying, completing assignments, and balancing responsibilities more difficult. However, over time, I have learned to adapt by implementing strategies that help me stay on track while prioritizing my mental health. Nursing school demands structure, memorization, and critical thinking, all of which can be particularly challenging with ADHD-PI. Long lectures and large amounts of information can be overwhelming, making it difficult to sustain focus and retain material. Procrastination, forgetfulness, and mental fatigue after extended study sessions are frequent struggles. Clinical settings require quick decision-making and multitasking, which can also feel draining due to the extra effort needed to maintain concentration. Despite these challenges, ADHD-PI also comes with strengths that I have learned to embrace. My natural curiosity, creative problem-solving skills, and passion for behavioral health nursing help keep me motivated. When deeply engaged in something I care about—such as advocating for patients or learning about mental health—I can hyperfocus, allowing me to absorb information effectively. Understanding my own learning style has allowed me to develop study methods that cater to my strengths while addressing my difficulties. Beyond academics, ADHD-PI influences my daily routines, relationships, and overall well-being. Managing time effectively remains an ongoing challenge, making it easy to feel overwhelmed when juggling school, work, and personal responsibilities. Maintaining consistent self-care habits, such as eating well, exercising, and following a regular sleep schedule, requires conscious effort. Additionally, emotional regulation can be difficult, and stress or frustration can build up quickly if I am not mindful of my mental health. Communication in relationships can sometimes be challenging, especially when I get distracted mid-conversation or forget important details. However, being open about my struggles has helped foster understanding and support from those around me. My personal experiences with mental health also allow me to connect more deeply with others who face similar challenges, whether they are friends, classmates, or patients in my clinical work. To manage my ADHD and support my mental well-being, I have developed several key strategies: Structuring My Time: I rely on planners, apps, and timers to break tasks into smaller steps and prevent feeling overwhelmed. Setting reminders helps me stay organized and manage assignments effectively. Optimizing Study Techniques: Active learning strategies, such as teaching concepts aloud, using visual aids, and taking frequent breaks, help me retain information and prevent mental exhaustion. Choosing study environments with minimal distractions also improves my focus. Prioritizing Self-Care: I make a conscious effort to maintain healthy habits, including proper sleep, regular exercise, and mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and improve concentration. Advocating for Support: I utilize available resources, such as extended test-taking time and quiet study spaces, and communicate with professors and classmates when I need assistance. Managing Emotional Well-Being: I practice self-awareness and coping strategies like journaling, deep breathing, and engaging in activities that bring me joy. A strong support system of friends, mentors, and therapists also plays a crucial role in my mental health. Although ADHD-PI presents challenges, it has also taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of prioritizing mental health. By recognizing both my strengths and weaknesses, I continue to refine strategies that allow me to thrive academically while maintaining balance in my personal life. My experiences fuel my passion for behavioral health nursing, as I understand firsthand how essential mental health support is. Through self-advocacy, structured routines, and self-care, I am committed to succeeding in my education and future career while remaining mindful of my well-being.

Mental health is important to me as a student because it directly impacts my ability to learn, focus, and succeed in my academic and personal life. Balancing coursework, clinicals, and personal responsibilities can be overwhelming, and I have come to understand that maintaining good mental health is just as essential as studying for exams or gaining clinical experience. Without proper self-care and emotional well-being, even the most dedicated students can struggle with burnout, stress, and feelings of self-doubt. Given my background and experiences with mental health and addiction in my family, I have learned firsthand how crucial it is to prioritize mental health, not just for myself but also for those around me. As a student, I have faced the challenges of managing stress, maintaining motivation, and dealing with emotional hardships, all while pursuing my goal of becoming a behavioral health nurse. The loss of my father to an overdose in 2023 was an incredibly difficult experience, one that reinforced my understanding of how unaddressed mental health struggles can have devastating consequences. This has made me even more committed to fostering an environment where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized, both in my personal life and within my academic community. Advocating for mental health is something I strive to do in multiple areas of my life, whether at school, work, or home. In my school community, I encourage open conversations about mental health among my peers, recognizing that many students face similar struggles with stress, anxiety, and burnout. Nursing school, in particular, is a demanding field, and I try to remind my classmates that it is okay to seek support when needed. Whether it’s checking in with friends, sharing mental health resources, or simply being a listening ear, I make an effort to create a supportive and understanding environment. In my work on the Behavioral Health Unit, I see the impact of mental illness on individuals from all walks of life. This experience has motivated me to advocate for better mental health education, both in healthcare settings and beyond. By working closely with patients who struggle with addiction and mental illness, I have learned how vital it is to treat individuals with compassion and dignity. I take these lessons into my everyday life, challenging stigma and misinformation whenever I encounter it. At home and in my personal life, I advocate for mental health by setting an example of self-care and healthy coping mechanisms. Coming from a family where addiction and behavioral issues has been a recurring struggle, I know how important it is to break cycles of untreated mental illness and keeping open, honest communication without judgment! All of that being said, I recognize that mental health advocacy is about more than just talking—it’s about taking action. Whether it’s educating others, offering support, or pushing for better mental health policies in schools and workplaces, every effort makes a difference. My goal as a student and future behavioral health nurse is to continue advocating for mental health in every space I occupy. I believe that by normalizing conversations about mental health, we can create a culture where people feel safe asking for help and receiving the care they need. Ultimately, my commitment to mental health advocacy stems from both my personal experiences and my career aspirations. I want to be part of the change that ensures no one has to suffer in silence. By prioritizing my own mental health and encouraging others to do the same, I hope to make a meaningful impact, both in my community and in the field of behavioral health nursing.

Mental health has played a defining role in my life, shaping not only my beliefs but also my relationships and career aspirations. Growing up in a family where addiction was prevalent, I saw firsthand how mental illness and substance use can deeply impact individuals and their loved ones. My parents and grandparents struggled with addiction, and in 2023, I lost my father to an intentional overdose. These experiences have profoundly influenced my perspective on mental health, reinforcing my belief in the importance of empathy, support, and access to quality care. They have also shaped my relationships and fueled my passion for becoming a behavioral health nurse. Through my personal experiences, I have come to understand that mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it is often overlooked, stigmatized, or misunderstood. Witnessing addiction in my family opened my eyes to the reality that mental health disorders and substance use are not simply a matter of willpower. Many people view addiction as a choice or moral failing, but I have seen the truth—addiction is a disease, one that can consume a person’s life no matter how much they want to escape it. These experiences have strengthened my belief that compassion, education, and proper treatment are key to changing the way society views mental health and addiction. Instead of punishing those who struggle with substance use, I believe we need to offer them treatment, understanding, and support. I have seen the devastating consequences of untreated addiction, but I have also witnessed the transformative power of recovery when the right resources are available. This has motivated me to be an advocate for mental health awareness, pushing back against the stigma that keeps so many people from seeking help. My experiences with mental health have also shaped the way I approach relationships. Having grown up around addiction, I learned early on how deeply mental health struggles can impact not just the individual but their entire support system. I have seen how addiction can strain relationships, create mistrust, and lead to cycles of hurt. However, I have also learned that love and support can make a significant difference in someone’s recovery. These experiences have made me both more empathetic and more aware of the importance of boundaries. On one hand, I have developed a deep sense of compassion for those who are struggling. I understand what it feels like to watch a loved one suffer, and I try to approach people in my life with patience and kindness. Whether it’s a friend going through a hard time or a patient in crisis, I strive to be someone who listens without judgment. I know how powerful it can be to feel truly heard and understood, and I want to provide that for others. Perhaps the most significant impact of my experiences with mental health has been on my career aspirations. Since May 2022, I have worked in a mental health hospital, where I have been able to witness the challenges and triumphs of those battling mental illness and addiction. This work has reinforced my passion for behavioral health nursing, as I have seen firsthand the difference that compassionate and knowledgeable care can make in a person’s life. I want to be a behavioral health nurse because I understand the struggles that many of my future patients will face. I know what it is like to see someone you love suffer from addiction, and I know how difficult it can be to find the right resources and support. I want to use my experiences to help others navigate their own journeys toward recovery. My goal is not just to treat symptoms but to address the deeper issues that contribute to addiction and mental health disorders. Whether it’s providing direct patient care, educating families, or advocating for better mental health policies, I want to be part of the solution. One of the biggest challenges in mental health care is the stigma that still surrounds it. Many people are afraid to seek help because they fear being judged, labeled, or misunderstood. As a nurse, I want to create a safe and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable opening up about their struggles. I want to be a voice of encouragement, reminding them that they are not alone and that recovery is possible. In addition to direct patient care, I also hope to contribute to broader changes in the mental health field. I am particularly passionate about increasing access to quality addiction treatment. Too often, individuals with substance use disorders do not receive the help they need due to financial barriers, lack of resources, or societal stigma. I want to be involved in efforts to expand treatment options, improve community outreach, and advocate for policy changes that support those struggling with addiction. My experiences have shown me that mental health care is not just about treating symptoms—it is about offering hope, dignity, and a path forward. It is about recognizing the humanity in every patient and understanding that their struggles do not define them. By pursuing a career in behavioral health nursing, I am committing myself to this mission. I want to be the nurse who listens, who advocates, and who fights for better care for those who need it most. At the end of the day, my personal experiences with mental health and addiction have given me a deep sense of purpose. While I cannot change the past, I can use what I have learned to help others create a better future for themselves. My father’s story, and the struggles my family has faced, have motivated me to be part of the change that is so desperately needed in the mental health field. And that is a mission I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Addiction is a complex and deeply personal struggle, one that I have witnessed firsthand in my own family. My parents and grandparents battled substance use disorders, and in 2023, I lost my father to an overdose. These experiences have profoundly shaped my perspective on addiction, fueling my passion for helping others who are facing similar battles. Working in a mental health hospital since May 2022 has further solidified my commitment to becoming a behavioral health nurse, a career that will allow me to support individuals on their journey to recovery. One of the most important reasons I want to help those struggling with addiction is because I understand the devastating impact it can have—not only on the individual but also on their loved ones. Addiction is often misunderstood, with many people viewing it as a choice rather than a disease. However, I have seen firsthand how addiction can take hold of someone despite their best efforts to break free. I want to be an advocate for those who feel hopeless and alone, offering them the compassion and care they deserve. My personal experiences allow me to approach patients without judgment, fostering trust and encouraging them to seek the help they need. As a behavioral health nurse, I will use my career to provide both medical and emotional support to individuals struggling with addiction. I will work to ensure that patients receive evidence-based treatment while also addressing the underlying mental health conditions that often accompany substance use disorders. Additionally, I want to be a source of education, not just for patients but for their families as well. I have experienced the pain of watching a loved one suffer from addiction, and I know how difficult it can be to navigate the healthcare system in search of resources. By guiding families through the recovery process, I hope to help them better understand addiction and how to support their loved ones in a meaningful way. Beyond direct patient care, I also hope to advocate for better mental health and addiction treatment policies. The stigma surrounding substance use often prevents individuals from seeking the care they need, and I want to be part of the movement to change that. Whether through community outreach, patient education, or policy advocacy, I will use my voice to push for greater access to addiction treatment and mental health services. Ultimately, my decision to become a behavioral health nurse is deeply rooted in both my personal experiences and professional aspirations. I believe that every person struggling with addiction deserves compassion, dignity, and access to quality care. My goal is to be the nurse who listens, understands, and fights for their recovery, just as I wish someone could have done more for my father. Through my career, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those battling addiction, helping them find hope and healing in their most vulnerable moments.