"Single motherhood is the worst hood to grow in". Growing up, I heard my mother's friends say this statement often. Most of my mother's friends were single mothers. I didn't see or hear much about marriage, coparenting, or functioning familial relationships. I remember seeing my mother juggle so many roles and so many tasks in a single day. She had to play the role of nurturer, chef, provider, protector, employee, friend, confidant, and all the other roles associated with being head of household. In all of this, I still saw her get up and everyday to get it all done: no complaints. My upbringing taught me how to persevere through difficult situations. Whether it was watching my mom juggle everything or finding ways to support our family, I learned that no matter how tough things got, I could always push through and find a way to succeed. My mother has no post secondary education and coming from a teenage parent background, she worked purely for financial gain, not for her passions. She did not have much financial literacy and the paychecks were far from large. I can recall being home during the summer times and the electricity turning off abruptly. I can recall walking home from school and seeing a bright, orange eviction notice on our front door. I can recall not having breakfast, lunch, or dinner options, but having just one of those options. I can recall being on the free, reduced lunch program at school. I can recall my mother telling me that I was unable to do extracurricular activities that required money. Growing up in this kind of household where resources were limited taught me the value of community and compassion. I’ve always been motivated to help others because I understand what it’s like to face challenges alone. Being the child of a single mother meant that I had to learn to take initiative, whether it was helping with household responsibilities or pursuing my own educational goals. In all sense of things, I became a mother at 15 years old. I have a younger sister, 9 years my junior, and I was in charge of her care. I was in charge of the household. I would walk my sister to school in the morning. When I finished school, I walked home and was in charge of cooking dinner, cleaning up, self care, my sisters' care, and the bedtime routine. This sense of independence has fueled my ambition and my desire to succeed on my own terms. Single motherhood is a neighborhood that most people do not cross into nor do they want to. It is so many sleepless nights and stressful days. A never-ending cycle of turmoil. My upbringing presented me with so many tools that I utilize as a parent, friend, community partner, and will resource as a nurse.

When it comes to adversity, it might as well be what my middle initial should stand for. As a minority, low income, first generation, woman, I have had my fair share of adversity, in the workplace and in my educational journey. I was always the odd ball out in my secondary education. My parents wanted me to have a fighting chance against people who are more affluent in the world, so they enrolled me into predominantly white schools. My education was a constant reminder that I didn’t fully belong. I was one of the few minority students, and my achievements were often dismissed as mere favoritism, never acknowledging the hard work behind them. Whether it was my appearance, my grades, or the awards I earned, there was always a shadow of doubt cast over my success. It was exhausting, feeling like I had to prove myself not only to my peers, but to an entire system that didn’t understand or appreciate my presence. That is a debilitating world for a child. When I made the transition to college, I thought things would be different, that I would finally find a space where I could just be myself without constantly having to prove my worth. But the reality was, I was once again navigating a world where I was expected to be something I wasn’t, while still fighting for my place in it. To make matters even more difficult, I began to notice a shift within myself. My energy was depleted. My mood was uncontrollably low. My appetite almost nonexistent. School had always been easy for me, something that I naturally exceled at. Suddenly, I found it almost impossible. This shift led to my diagnosis of bipolar disorder. I felt like I was in a large ocean full of opportunities and people, but I was standing on an island alone, watching it all swim past me. This onset of mental health issues led to a lot of withdrawals, dropped classes, lack of finances, and a lack of community. As I faced these challenges, I realized that I needed to redefine my sense of self—not just for others, but for me. It was a painful, but necessary, turning point that forced me to confront my mental health and my place in the world. While I couldn’t see it then, those struggles were shaping me into someone who would learn to navigate the complexities of life with a different kind of strength. In my current educational journey, I am more grounded and sure of my path in life. I am excited to embark on my nursing school journey. Admittedly, the costs of nursing school have been daunting. I just refuse to let it hold me back from my goals. This scholarship opportunity would be a lifeline to jumpstarting a career of helping those in the worst times of their lives.

During my first attempt at college, I enrolled at the University of Texas right after high school, full of excitement and hope. Yet I struggled in ways I couldn’t explain. Undiagnosed bipolar disorder and ADHD made it nearly impossible to concentrate, keep a schedule, or maintain steady motivation. Assignments that should have taken hours stretched into days, and my moods swung from intense energy to overwhelming exhaustion. Eventually, after a serious mental-health crisis that led to a hospital stay, I withdrew from school for nearly two years. That turning point became the start of my recovery. While inpatient, I finally received an accurate diagnosis and began treatment with a mood stabilizer. I committed to regular therapy and learned practical coping strategies that continue to guide me. My faith also became central to my wellness. As a believer in Christ, I draw strength from prayer and the support of my church community, which helps me stay grounded when life feels unpredictable. Today, my mental health no longer feels like an obstacle but a responsibility I actively honor. I keep consistent appointments with my therapist and psychiatrist, follow my medication plan, and maintain daily routines that include exercise, adequate sleep, and time for reflection. These habits allow me to manage stress, stay focused in class, and balance my roles as a student, mother, and employee. By making my mental health a daily priority, I’ve transformed what once derailed my education into a source of discipline and resilience. This journey has also clarified my purpose: to become a nurse. During my hospitalization I witnessed firsthand the power of skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals. Nurses monitored not just my physical needs but my emotional safety, listening without judgment and offering reassurance when I felt most vulnerable. Their steady presence inspired me to provide that same comfort for others who may feel unseen or misunderstood. Even the camaraderie I developed with the other patients inspired me to see mental health in an entirely new light. Now, as I pursue my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Chamberlain University, I bring not only academic commitment but also firsthand understanding of how mental health and physical health intertwine. I plan to specialize in pediatric or labor and delivery nursing, and eventually become a nurse practitioner. My experience reminds me that prioritizing mental health is not a distraction from academic success, it is the very foundation that makes success, and meaningful service to others, possible.

Education has become both my anchor and my launchpad. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Chamberlain University, with the goal of becoming a pediatric or labor and delivery nurse and, eventually, a nurse practitioner. Nursing allows me to combine my love of science with a calling to serve families during their most vulnerable and joyful moments. Living with bipolar disorder has shaped my educational journey in profound ways. The unpredictable cycles of highs and lows once felt like barriers I might never overcome. Managing mood shifts while working and raising a child requires careful planning, consistent treatment, and self-awareness. Before I knew of my disability, I more than struggled. I was enrolled in university, but had to withdraw many times. I felt like a failure, and I couldn't understand why school and life had become so hard for me to navigate. Yet this challenge has also sharpened my empathy and resilience. I’ve learned to recognize when I need support, to advocate for myself, and to create routines that protect my well-being, skills that will make me a more compassionate and attentive nurse. Independence, to me, means more than providing financially for myself and my three-year-old daughter. It is the confidence that I can navigate life’s uncertainties while caring for my mental health. Education is the most powerful tool I have to achieve that independence. Every lecture, clinical rotation, and late-night study session is an investment in a future where we stand securely on our own. My ambition drives me to maintain high academic standards while balancing motherhood, work, and wellness. In my current role as a Collector II in the Revenue Cycle Department at Baylor Scott & White, I’ve developed strong organizational and communication skills and gained a clear understanding of the healthcare system. These experiences will help me become a nurse who not only provides exceptional care but also understands the complex processes patients must navigate. The impact of this scholarship would extend far beyond tuition. It would provide the stability to focus on my studies and on raising my daughter, showing her that determination can overcome any obstacle. I want her to see that a woman of color, a mother, and someone managing bipolar disorder can rise, lead, and care for others with dignity and excellence. By choosing me, you are investing in someone determined to create lasting change—for my family, for the patients I will serve, and for the next generation of nurses who will see that obstacles are not stop signs, but stepping stones.

1. My inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing was born out of one of the most challenging and defining moments of my life, when my 20-month-old daughter, my first and only child, became seriously ill earlier this year. What initially appeared to be a mild illness quickly escalated into a two-week inpatient hospitalization for pneumonia and an empyema. As a mother, I experienced overwhelming fear, guilt, and anxiety as I watched my baby fight to get well, all while entrusting her care to strangers. But those strangers, the nurses at the children’s hospital , became our lifeline. They showed a level of empathy, attentiveness, and compassion that forever changed my life. Their ability to not only care for my daughter but also to comfort and guide me through the chaos revealed to me the true impact of nursing. It was in those hospital hallways, during the long nights and tearful days, that I discovered my purpose. I knew I wanted to be that light for other families : a source of knowledge, comfort, and advocacy during their most vulnerable times. My journey has not been easy. I lost my full-time job during my daughter's hospitalization, and as a single mother, I’ve had to shoulder every responsibility on my own. We've had to downsize, make sacrifices, and navigate difficult seasons. Despite all of this, or perhaps because of it, my desire to become a nurse has only grown stronger. This career path is not only a means of stability for my family, but it is also a calling I feel deep in my spirit: one I believe is God-given. As a woman of color, I also feel a deep responsibility to represent and advocate for underserved communities. I want to ensure that minority families feel seen, heard, and understood, that their pain is not minimized or ignored, and that someone who looks like them is in their corner, fighting for their health and wellbeing. Nursing, to me, is more than a profession, it is a purpose. It is a way to give back the love, support, and expert care that was once so crucial to me and my daughter. I am honored to begin this journey and look forward to becoming a nurse who not only heals with skill, but with heart. 2. To me, the phrase “human touch” is more than just a physical act, it’s a bridge. The human touch reminds us that we are not alone, that someone sees us, feels our pain, and chooses to stand beside us in it. As someone who deeply loves and values children, I believe that human touch is especially powerful in pediatric care. Children often don’t have the words to express their fears or pain, but they can feel your energy, your presence, and your touch. Whether it's holding a tiny hand during a scary procedure, or gently brushing the hair off a sweating forehead, those small gestures can bring enormous comfort. I’ve seen the power of human touch firsthand. Whilst in the hospital, I watched how the nurses didn’t just administer medicine or monitor vitals: they connected with her. They crouched to her level, smiled, sang to her, and held her when I needed a moment to breathe. Their touch made her feel safe in an unfamiliar environment and helped me, as a mother, feel that my child was being cared for as more than just a patient, she was being loved. That changed everything for me. In a world where healthcare can often feel cold and rushed, the human touch brings back humanity. It reminds the patient, that they matter. That they are not just a number or a diagnosis. And it humbles the provider too. In moments of human connection, the power dynamic that often exists between provider and patient begins to dissolve. It allows patients to see their nurse not as someone superior, but as someone with them: someone who cares, who listens, who advocates. Because in the end, healing isn't just physical: it's emotional and spiritual, too. And sometimes, what makes the greatest difference is not just what we do with our hands, but how we touch others with our heart.

People in my surrounding circle always exclaim how strong I am and how I exhibit so much strength no matter what circumstance I am engulfed in. I can accredit the strength that I outwardly present is a God given quality. When I think of a time where I absolutely had to be strong and had to be determined that there would a positive outcome as well as be determined to get things resolved, I recall the time where my daughter was severely ill. As a mother, one of the biggest agendas you have in mind is your child's safety and wellbeing. When that very agenda is threatened, it feels as though the floor beneath your feet just falls away. I am a single, full time working mother. Everything falls and depends on me. In March of 2024, I received a call from my child's daycare that she spiked a fever and wasn't feeling well. Regardless of the medication and remedies I tried to alleviate her pain and rid her of whatever 'bug' she was ailed with, nothing worked. After 3 days of a non breaking fever, I took her to the children's emergency room. The medical professionals there tested her for RSV, Covid, and the flu. All in which came back negative. They advised that I should continue giving her fever medication, that a lot of kids were showing up with the same symptoms, and for us to follow up with her primary care physician (PCP) for a potential urinary tract infection. Her fever lasted for a week. She was far from the joyful and energetic baby that I was used to. She was barely even eating. All she could do was sleep and cry in misery. I felt so helpless, but I continued to monitor her, go to work, and research different ways I could help her. As advised I took her to her PCP, who tested her and stated the same as the ER doctors. We left that office feeling like so many things were not adding up. But what do you do when the experts who you are supposed to trust and allow guide you, are telling you answers that go against your gut instinct? I eventually took her to a pediatric urgent care. She was given a chest x-ray and was determined to have pneumonia with a potential lung collapse. From there, she was admitted to the children's hospital for approximately 2 weeks. I can't say that her stay went without a hitch, but we all made it through. From the start of that debut, I had to fight tooth and nail to be heard and to be the voice for my daughter who could not be a voice her pain or problems herself. With my limited medical knowledge, I learned the expertise so that I could speak to and be heard by the experts. I was at the hospital 24 hours a day with her, and even though I was locked in a white box, I still had to worry and deal with the matters outside of those 4 walls. Everyday, I fought and I advocated for her. That experience is what drove me to my aspiration of being a pediatric nurse. I want to advocate, fight, and care for the underdogs. Kids are unable to fight for themselves. Most parents do not have any knowledge of medial terminology and are 'lost in the sauce' of medical technicalities. Because I know what it feels like to be in pain, to feel defeated, to feel helpless, I want to provide better for my patients.

For a long time, I have wondered what my purpose was or what my calling from the Lord was. I had failed so many tries of obtaining a degree from the colleges that I attended. I had entered into this cycle of hearing about a profession that guaranteed stability and a healthy bank account, applying it to my life, going back to school, and feeling no passion towards the path that I began walking on. Then when I had my daughter, I figured, "ok Lord, I guess my purpose is to be a mother and train her up in Your ways". I became so hopeless and defeated that I was called to be nothing more than a struggling single mother. However, the Father finally revealed to me my true purpose for His Kingdom earlier this year: nursing. It is never been more important to me than now as a parent, having God as the beacon of my life and Him being the only one guiding my steps. Unfortunately for our fleshy nature, He doesn't always lead us down a path that we want to walk down and He doesn't always answer our prayers in ways which we expect. This became very true to me this year. I began working for the highest paying job I have ever worked at. It wasn't a job that I was passionate about or that I loved doing, but I was happy to have the opportunity to provide for my family in a way I hadn't been able to before. It wasn't until I stood in the face of my one year old daughter facing a medical emergency, a time where I felt only darkness surrounded me, is where God showed me His light the most. My daughter spent two weeks in Children's hospital: seeing multiple specialists and physicians, having several medicines pushed into her body daily, requiring a blood transfusion, and so much more invasive concepts. The craziest thing occurred in me while I was there. The knowledge I learned from the clinical rotations course I took my junior year in high school, just came rushing back to me. I knew medical concepts and comprehended medical jargon so well that my daughter's medical team asked me if I myself was in the medical field. That was the first spark that was used by the Holy Spirit to nudge me in the direction the Lord was telling me to go. After her inpatient hospitalization, I lost that high paying job, went through 7 months of unemployment, and went through a season of isolation. However during all of this, the Holy Spirit kept whispering little things of confirmation that I was supposed to start my journey into nursing. One of the biggest indications that I started walking in God's purpose for my life, is how hard the enemy began to come after me when I started looking into schooling and completing the process: one of those tactics being the attack on my finances. I say all of this to say that it feels empowering to be in one accordance with my Heavenly Father and now I am making sure to be obedient to His will for my life. I know He will see me through it all. I also know that when I make it as a nurse, my patients will see Christ radiate through me, and that He will use me a vessel of His healing powers. I am excited to continue down this path that the Lord has placed me on. It of course will not be easy, but it will be glorious.

I plan on becoming a pediatric nurse in a major hospital or for home health patients. I want to be a light for children and a trusted advisor for families to rely on in times of pure chaos. As a woman of color, I also want to provide relief to other minorities that their pain is not being overlooked or ignored, and that they have someone who looks like them in their corner. In pursuing my nursing degree, I believe I am fulfilling God's calling for my life, and to provide the most empathetic, knowledgeable care to people in their most vulnerable times of need. I think it is important for me to mention what brought me to pursuing a degree and license in nursing. Earlier this year, my 20 month old daughter, my first and only child, fell ill. What seemed to start off as allergies or a simple sinus infection, turned into a two week inpatient hospitalization for pneumonia and an empyema. I cannot describe the amount of fear, worry, guilt, and anxiety that coursed through my veins everyday, being there with my baby and having to entrust others in the care of her. However, it was at Children's Hospital, where the spark ignited and I discovered my purpose. I can remember the care and concern each nurse exhibited for my baby as well as the nurses who went above and beyond to make her as comfortable as possible. I am honored to start my journey into nursing and to be able to truly make a difference into the lives of those who really need a miracle, just as the special nurses did for my daughter and our family. My experience with my daughter was a haunting one. When you or your loved one is sick, you have to rely on medical professionals to properly diagnose and heal them. However, before it was discovered that my daughter had pneumonia, I took her to the emergency room for a high fever and then followed up with her primary care provider. In both instances, my child was sent home and diagnosed with a sinus infection. Because of my intuition and my consistent pushing, it was discovered days later that her condition was much more severe. This experience drives me to be an advocate for other children who needed intervention just like my baby did. I have faced obstacle after obstacle this year alone. Because I was in the hospital day in and day out with my baby during her inpatient stay, I lost my full time job, and have been unemployed for the last 7 months. We fell behind on most of our bills and have had to downsize a lot. I know that profession in nursing will not only feed my desire to help others but also provide for my household. However, I do need the assistance to make this goal a plan of action. It is not easy or simple living in my shoes. Most days, I am overwhelmed, stressed, and overstimulated. My drive to set myself and my family up for the future pushes me forward daily. I maintain a pretty organized schedule to ensure that I am completing all of my duties as an employee, mother, and now as a student.

I plan on becoming a pediatric nurse in a major hospital or for home health patients. I want to be a light for children and a trusted advisor for families to rely on in times of pure chaos. As a woman of color, I also want to provide relief to other minorities that their pain is not being overlooked or ignored, and that they have someone who looks like them in their corner. In pursuing my nursing degree, I believe I am fulfilling God's calling for my life, and to provide the most empathetic, knowledgeable care to people in their most vulnerable times of need. I think it is important for me to mention what brought me to pursuing a degree and license in nursing. Earlier this year, my 20 month old daughter, my first and only child, fell ill. What seemed to start off as allergies or a simple sinus infection, turned into a two week inpatient hospitalization for pneumonia and an empyema. I cannot describe the amount of fear, worry, guilt, and anxiety that coursed through my veins everyday, being there with my baby and having to entrust others in the care of her. However, it was at Children's Hospital, where the spark ignited and I discovered my purpose. I can remember the care and concern each nurse exhibited for my baby as well as the nurses who went above and beyond to make her as comfortable as possible. I am honored to start my journey into nursing and to be able to truly make a difference into the lives of those who really need a miracle, just as the special nurses did for my daughter and our family. With that being said, I need as much financial assistance as possible to get my foot in the door of my dreams. I am a single mother without any support for my daughter. All of our needs are supplied from me working, however schooling, would take precedence over my full time job. My financial aid only covers some of my tuition and necessary supplies, so this scholarship would help take away the financial responsibility from me. Allowing me to truly devote my time to my studies and completing my degree. My experience with my daughter was a haunting one. When you or your loved one is sick, you have to rely on medical professionals to properly diagnose and heal them. However, before it was discovered that my daughter had pneumonia, I took her to the emergency room for a high fever and then followed up with her primary care provider. In both instances, my child was sent home and diagnosed with a sinus infection. Because of my intuition and my consistent pushing, it was discovered days later that her condition was much more severe. This experience drives me to be an advocate for other children who needed intervention just like my baby did.

Nurses are the true backbone of the patient care experience. They spend countless hours in direct contact with the patients. They advocate for patient intervention to the doctors and to the technicians with their observations. They build those close relationships that develops trust between medical professional and those seeking treatment. Nurses set the foundation for patient healing and maintaining the trusted position as a liaison between patient and their care team. I think it is important for me to mention what brought me to pursuing a degree and license in nursing. Earlier this year, my 20 month old daughter, my first and only child, fell ill. What seemed to start off as allergies or a simple sinus infection, turned into a two week inpatient hospitalization for pneumonia and an empyema. I cannot describe the amount of fear, worry, guilt, and anxiety that coursed through my veins everyday, being there with my baby and having to entrust others in the care of her. However, it was at Children's Hospital, where the spark ignited and I discovered my purpose. I can remember the care and concern each nurse exhibited for my baby as well as the nurses who went above and beyond to make her as comfortable as possible. I am honored to start my journey into nursing and to be able to truly make a difference into the lives of those who really need a miracle, just as the special nurses did for my daughter and our family. With that being said, I need as much financial assistance as possible to get my foot in the door of my dreams. I am a single mother without any support for my daughter. All of our needs are supplied from me working, however schooling, would take precedence over my full time job. My financial aid only covers some of my tuition and necessary supplies, so this scholarship would help take away the financial responsibility from me. Allowing me to truly devote my time to my studies and completing my degree. Once I am licensed and able to start practicing medicine, I do plan on declaring pediatric care or postpartum care as my specialty of choice. I want to be a light for children and a trusted advisor for families to rely on in times of pure chaos. As a woman of color, I also want to provide relief to other minorities that their pain is not being overlooked or ignored, and that they have someone who looks like them in their corner. In pursuing my nursing degree, I believe I am fulfilling God's calling for my life, and to provide the most empathetic, knowledgeable care to people in their most vulnerable times of need.