Hello, and thank you so much for your consideration. I chose to pursue a degree in healthcare because I’ve experienced firsthand how meaningful and life-changing quality care can be. By the time I was 16, I had already undergone two shoulder surgeries. While I didn’t know exactly where I fit in the healthcare world, I was sure it was where I wanted to be. I earned my CNA and med-tech certifications in Florida and started working in a assisted living/memory care unit. That job felt more like visiting family than working. I was surrounded by residents who saw us as their only support system, and it sparked something in me. The defining moment in my journey came when I had to call 911 for my grandmother, my Malmal. The EMS crew that responded lacked empathy, and I knew I wanted to do better for others in that same situation. I moved to Tennessee and became an EMT, and eventually a paramedic. I’ve worked calls ranging from BLS to ALS and found strength and confidence in chaos, always remembering my “why.” My experience also includes working alongside local pediatric hospitals during critical care transfers, where I discovered my passion for pediatric and NICU nursing. Working full-time in a male-dominant field in East Tennessee has had its challenges, not just with coworkers but many patients and their families. Many of the older male medics I’ve encountered are set in their ways and often dismiss the voices of female providers. We’re seen as weak or emotional, and I’ve had to work twice as hard to earn the respect that should be freely given. Or, when a female crew jumps out of the truck with all the equipment and the family on scene makes comments about how small we are or "wow two women?!" Still, I show up every day, because I know who I am and what I bring to the table. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I also know the power of visibility. I've had the privilege of being someone younger providers or patients look up to. I've faced many of the same challenges they’re just beginning to experience, and I try to be the support system I wish I had growing up. Representation matters, and I carry that responsibility with pride. My long-term goal is to become a NICU or pediatric flight nurse, blending my EMS background with critical nursing care for our most vulnerable patients. In case I did not have enough on my plate,I also plan to open my own mobile business that combines my love for healthcare and EMS. I want to create a space that empowers and supports female first responders through something fun but can provide education, and community outreach. A woman-owned, first responder–driven brand that hopefully bring more attention to what we do in healthcare aspects. For me, nursing isn’t just a career but it’s a calling. I want to make a lasting impact, not only at the bedside but in the community, as a leader and advocate for others. Supporting my journey means investing in a future where more voices are heard and hopefully I will make a difference to them.

Hello, and thank you for this opportunity. Mental and physical wellness is incredibly important to me because they are the foundation for everything else,success in school, work, relationships, and personal growth. I’ve experienced firsthand what happens when those areas are neglected, and I’ve worked hard to protect them as I continue moving toward my goals. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s shaped who I am and why I’m so committed to caring for others and myself. Growing up was a challenge in many ways. In elementary school, I dressed in boy clothes and didn’t feel like I fit in with the other kids. I remember being pushed into the boys’ bathroom by classmates and even having a teacher question if I was a boy or a girl. At the time, those moments felt confusing and scary, but I was shielded from a lot of it by my parents until that changed. In middle school, I came out as LGBTQ+ at age 13. It wasn’t the right time, but I was essentially forced into it by "I kissed a girl" by Katy Perry had to come on around my neighbors, who already knew. The reaction from my parents was heartbreaking. They stopped being the people I knew and loved, and by the time I was 16, I was basically on my own. I couch-hopped for a while until I moved in full-time with my Malmal, who became my greatest source of support and stability. Around that time, I met someone who became like a second mom to me. She gave me the love and encouragement I needed to finish high school six months early and start college courses while working in healthcare. Things were looking up until I lost my Malmal when I was 19. The 911 team that responded that day was cold and unprofessional, and I’ll never forget how helpless that made me feel. That moment was the turning point. I decided I wanted to become the kind of paramedic she deserved that day. So I moved to Tennessee to pursue that dream and I did it. I became an EMT, an AEMT, and eventually a licensed paramedic. But the challenges didn’t stop there. Being LGBTQ+ in a conservative part of East Tennessee came with new difficulties. I struggled to find friends I could relate to. I faced uncomfortable dynamics at work and, at times, outright exclusion even with the patients I am trying to care for. I tried seeking help through medication, but it wasn’t effective. Eventually, I realized I needed a deeper change, so I left the toxic environments and focused on finding my peace and a passion where I could thrive. I’ve learned that protecting my mental and physical health isn’t selfish it’s necessary. As a student, I juggle school, work, and my family while still navigating the emotional weight of past trauma. I’ve had to fight for my wellness, and I continue to advocate for others who feel like they don’t belong. My new passion is in nursing, especially pediatric and NICU care, where I can be a voice of empathy and strength for families facing the hardest moments of their lives.

By the time I was 16 years old, I had already undergone two shoulder surgeries. While those experiences were difficult, they unexpectedly opened my eyes to the world of healthcare. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to be part of something that helped people. I took my first step by earning my CNA and Med Tech certifications in Florida and started working in an assisted living memory care unit. That job didn’t feel like work,it felt like spending time with a bunch of grandparents. For many of those residents, we were their only family, and that made every moment special/fun. While I enjoyed the experience, I still wasn’t drawn to nursing just yet. I had only seen a small glimpse of the field and didn’t know what all the possibilities were. Everything changed when I was 19. I had to call 911 for my “malmal,” and the experience with the EMS crew that arrived was terrible. They were cold, dismissive and even laughed at me,exactly the opposite of what anyone would hope for in a time of crisis. My Malmal died shortly after. That experience stuck with me, but instead of letting it make me bitter, I let it fuel me. I decided to become the kind of provider I wished she had that day. I moved to Tennessee and became an EMT, then a paramedic not long after. Since then, I’ve worked some incredibly difficult and life-changing calls. The kind of calls that stick with you. But I always go back to my “why.” For every bad call, there’s a sweet patient who reminds me of my malmal and keeps me grounded. Those are the moments that make it all worth it. I’ve had the chance to work closely with our local children's hospitals, especially when our crew was asked to assist with transport. Watching the nurse clinician handle those calls with such skill and grace was the turning point for me. I remember thinking, That’s what I want to do. Since then, I’ve worked in an adult ER, med-surg, and completed several clinicals at our children’s hospital. I don’t know what it was about that transport, but it lit a fire in me and I’ve been chasing that goal ever since. At first, I struggled with the idea of leaving the ambulance. It felt like I was walking away from the very thing that gave me my purpose. But over time, I’ve realized that my “why” hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s just led me to new places and new passions. I truly believe my malmal would want me to keep growing and to be happy in the work I do. That’s why I’m pursuing a nursing degree with the goal of becoming a pediatric or NICU nurse, and eventually, a flight nurse. Thank you so much for this opportunity. Your support makes it possible for students like me to follow their passion and make a lasting difference in healthcare. I have found out about this scholarship on Bold.org

Hello and thank you for your time and consideration. To be honest, I didn’t always know I wanted to be a nurse. I had a strong interest in healthcare from a young age, but as an inexperienced teenager, nursing didn’t initially appeal to me. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the scope of what nurses could do or the critical roles they play. It wasn’t until later, through a series of personal experiences and hands-on medical work, that I truly discovered my passion for nursing and realized how much impact I could make through this profession. I entered healthcare during a particularly challenging time, right at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I worked as a CNA and Med Tech for nearly two years. That experience tested me in many ways, but it also solidified my desire to keep moving forward in the medical field. Most of the residents became family and for most we were all they had to call family. It gave me my first real understanding of what it means to care for others, not just physically but emotionally as well. The defining moment in my career journey came when I had to call 911 for my “MalMal” my grandmother and the woman who raised me. Unfortunately, the EMS crew that arrived lacked compassion and professionalism. That experience left a deep impression on me, and I knew I never wanted another family to feel that way. That’s when I chose to become a paramedic. I’ve now spent over two years in EMS, first as an EMT and now as a licensed paramedic. Through my work in EMS, I’ve found a deep respect for nurses, especially those in pediatric and critical care. Working closely with hospital teams, especially in pediatric settings, has shown me what seamless, compassionate care looks like. Over time, I realized that nursing could allow me to do more and be more hands-on in patient care, to build long-term connections, and to continue growing in my ability to advocate for others. My ultimate goal is to become a pediatric flight nurse. It’s a highly specialized field with limited openings, but I believe my EMS background, work ethic, and commitment to serving families will prepare me well. I also believe I try to be the positivity in a bad situation. I can be my funny goofball self and it is worth it to make my patients smile. I’m currently enrolled in the hybrid accelerated BSN program at South College and plan to continue working full-time as a paramedic while in school. In addition to nursing, I’m launching a mobile coffee and drink business called First Fizz. The drinks will have fun, medically themed names, and I plan to post at local hospitals not just to support healthcare staff, but to bring a little joy. A percentage of proceeds will go toward monthly donations to healthcare/EMS-related volunteer groups. I want to give back and make EMS and healthcare more approachable in a fun and creative way. At the heart of everything I do is my “why” which is my MalMal. While staying in EMS has helped me feel connected to her, I know she would want me to follow my passion and pursue what makes me happy. Nursing is that path. It's where I’ve found purpose, growth, and a future I’m proud to work toward. Thank you again.

Hello and thank you for your consideration for this scholarship. Since I was younger, I’ve known that I was meant to work in healthcare. While I didn’t immediately know what specific role I wanted to pursue, I always felt drawn to helping others. As a teenager, I underwent two shoulder surgeries and from there I explored different paths, from physical therapy to the military, but it wasn’t until I had to call 911 for my MalMal,that my purpose became clear. The EMS crew who arrived that day failed to provide the care and compassion we desperately needed. That experience lit a fire in me. I became a paramedic to be the kind of provider I wished had shown up for us. For the last few years, I’ve poured my heart into EMS, working hard to deliver both medical care and emotional support to every patient I meet and treating them the way I would want my family treated. Despite the pride I feel in my work, I began to sense that something was missing. Through my time in EMS, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with pediatric hospital teams. Watching how they seamlessly combine skill with compassion,especially in high-pressure situations,inspired me to take the next step in my journey: nursing. I am currently enrolled in the hybrid accelerated BSN program at South College, and I plan to continue working full-time as a paramedic while in school. My goal is to become a pediatric flight nurse, a role that combines my EMS experience with my passion for pediatric care. Nursing opens so many doors, and I’m excited to be stepping into a profession where I can do even more for the people I serve. Outside of school and EMS, I’m also in the process of starting a mobile coffee and drink business. (First Fizz- will be in east TN!) While it might not sound directly related to healthcare, I’ve intentionally designed it to tie back to the medical field with drink names themed around medical terms to keep things light and fun. I plan to post up at local hospitals, not just because it’s good business, but because I want to bring something new and enjoyable to hardworking staff. It’s one small way I hope to bring a smile to the people who give so much of themselves every day. More importantly, this business will also serve as a platform to give back. Each month, I plan to partner with local volunteer and healthcare groups to raise donations and awareness. Public education is very important to me, and I want to use creative outlets to make healthcare and EMS more visible and approachable in the community. Becoming a nurse means continuing to grow as a provider, advocate, and educator. It means taking everything I’ve learned in EMS and using it to do even more for patients and families, especially those in pediatrics. My journey has been anything but traditional, but I believe it’s preparing me to make a unique and lasting impact. Thank you again for your consideration!

Hello, and thank you for considering me for this scholarship. I Grew up in Florida around St. Augustine so I appreciated it even more! My journey into healthcare began with personal experiences that left lasting impressions. I’ve had two shoulder surgeries as a teenager, which exposed me to both good and not-so-good experiences within the medical system. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what role I wanted to play in healthcare, but I knew I wanted to make a difference. I thought about physical therapy and even considered the military. But it wasn’t until I had to call 911 for my Malmal who raised me that I truly understood what it meant to provide care, and how devastating it can be when that care lacks empathy. The EMS crew that arrived on that day made me feel helpless and frustrated. They weren’t the people I needed in that moment. I never wanted another family to feel like we did, so I became a paramedic to be the kind of provider who not only treats but truly cares. That experience was the start of a journey I didn’t see coming but one that has become incredibly meaningful. Now, after years in EMS, I’ve realized that nursing is where my heart truly lies. Becoming a nurse means stepping further into the role of a not only a healer, but an advocate, and a steady presence for those in crisis. It’s not just about medical knowledge or getting a task done, or "treat em' and yeet em'" as that is a popular one. It’s about connection, compassion, and communication. Nurses are often the ones at the bedside, the ones families turn to with questions, and the ones who make patients feel seen and heard in the midst of fear and uncertainty. They are also the ones who can bring a smile or good laugh to someone who needs it. For me, becoming a nurse, especially a pediatric nurse, means combining my clinical background with a deeply personal mission. I’ve had the chance to work alongside pediatric teams at our children’s hospital, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the powerful impact a nurse can have. Whether it’s distracting a scared child with a joke, holding a parent’s hand, or acting quickly in a life-threatening moment, nurses are the glue that hold it all together. I want to be that nurse. I’m currently enrolled in the hybrid accelerated BSN program at South College, and my ultimate goal is to become a pediatric flight nurse. I know the road ahead will be challenging, but I’m ready to continue growing, learning, and serving. It was said early in my EMS career that if you dont want or if you stop learning then you probably need to leave. I live by that because despite everything I have seen in the feild there is always room to grow and learn and share that knowledge. Nursing isn’t just a job to me it’s a calling. My Paramedic instructor asked if we chose the job or if the job chose us. That applies to nursing too. It takes a special heart and special person. Becoming a nurse means carrying the weight of others’ pain while doing everything in my power to ease it. It means being calm in chaos, gentle in fear, and strong when others can’t be. It means becoming someone who makes a real difference, moment by moment, patient by patient. Again thank you for your consideration.

Hello, My name is Kayla and I appreciate your consideration for this scholarship. Around the age of 10 I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, though I wasn’t quite sure which path was right for me. By the time I was 16, I had undergone two shoulder surgeries. Finding a pediatric specialist was challenging, which opened my eyes to the importance of accessible care for children. For a while, I considered physical therapy or even a career in trauma/injury for children . Later, I explored joining the military. But at 19, everything changed when I had to call 911 for my “MalMal” who was my grandmother and primary caregiver, who wasn’t doing well. The EMS crew that arrived delivered care that I hope to never replicate. Their lack of empathy and professionalism stayed with me. She ended up passing shortly after. That difficult day became a turning point. I took a painful experience and turned it into a purpose. I decided to become the provider I wished we had that day. That’s when I chose to become a paramedic. At the time, nursing wasn’t on my radar. I didn’t yet understand the broad scope of what nurses do or the impact they can have. Since working in EMS, I’ve had countless opportunities to collaborate with our local pediatric hospital. I’ve watched pediatric teams work seamlessly, providing not only high-quality care but also emotional support to both patients and families. The way they blended skill with compassion was inspiring. That’s when I began to feel a shift. EMS gave me purpose but I still felt like something was missing. I wanted to do more. While I didn’t grow up knowing I wanted to be a pediatric nurse, the field has grown to mean everything to me. It has become my mission. I am currently enrolled in the hybrid accelerated BSN program at South College, with the long-term goal of becoming a pediatric flight nurse. It’s a competitive field with limited opportunities, but I believe my EMS background, strong work ethic, and motivation will help prepare me for success. Being a paramedic and working on an ambulance it is rare to have a pediatric patient. Pediatrics is where I have gotten to be my goofball self and put a smile on a sick kids face that the mother has not seen in a couple days. It is also where I need to be compassionate to the families of the not so good outcomes. Most paramedics are nervous for these calls and it is hard not to be. One bad call and it makes a few rethink their career. Not everyone is meant for pediatrics. It takes a special heart. For the good and the bad. I have felt fulfilled. I have felt sad. I have also felt joy seeing these patients and that is where I feel I most belong. Looking ahead, I see myself growing in this field for the long haul. I hope to eventually pursue a Nurse Practitioner degree, continuing to advocate for and care for children and their families at the highest level. Thank you again for considering me for this scholarship. Your support would help me continue working toward my goal of making a meaningful impact in pediatric nursing.

Since I was around ten years old, I’ve known I wanted to work in healthcare,I just didn’t know exactly where I belonged. My journey began after undergoing two shoulder surgeries before I turned sixteen. That experience initially led me to consider physical therapy as a career. However, life had a different plan for me. Toward the end of high school, my grandmother who was also my primary caregiver, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. One morning, I had to call 911 due to her going unresponsive. The EMS crew that arrived left me feeling helpless and disappointed. They lacked compassion and professionalism, and I remember thinking, “I could do better.” That moment changed everything. It was then I decided I wanted to become a paramedic and be the kind of provider I needed that day. I went to school shortly after and I’ve been a full-time paramedic ever since. I plan to remain at least part-time in the field even as I transition into nursing. EMS will always be close to my heart. It has not only shaped me into a confident provider but also taught me a whole other meaning to family that I thought was just made up in movies. I could not have chosen a better work family as they have encourage me through paramedic school and now through nursing school. Through my time in EMS, I discovered a strong passion for pediatric care. Working with children during emergencies is uniquely challenging and rewarding. I’ve also had the privilege of collaborating with our local pediatric hospital on several calls. Watching their pediatric lifeline team and clinical staff work seamlessly to provide high-level care was inspiring. It was those experiences that fueled my decision to return to school and pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at South College. My ultimate goal is to specialize in pediatric emergency and critical care, particularly in the NICU and as a pediatric flight nurse. I want to combine my emergency medical background with the advanced training nursing offers to provide compassionate care to our most vulnerable of patients. Positions in pediatric specialties, especially flight nursing, are limited and highly competitive. I understand that it will take not only strong academic performance but also real-world experience, resilience, and dedication to succeed. To prepare myself, I currently work part-time for both a 911 EMS service and a medical transport company. Each role provides valuable insights and keeps me well-rounded as a clinician. I’ve learned how to manage critical situations independently, communicate effectively with both patients and healthcare teams, and provide care that is both technically sound and deeply compassionate. Ultimately, my “why” is what drives me every day. The memory of needing a provider who truly cared, and the commitment to becoming that person for someone else. I am proud of how far I’ve come and excited for what lies ahead. Nursing will allow me to grow even further and give me the opportunity to make a lasting impact, especially in the lives of children and their families.