From the moment I began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, I knew that healthcare was more than just a job, it was a calling. Every day I step into the hospital, I have the privilege of walking alongside people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Whether it is assisting a patient after surgery, offering comfort to someone who feels afraid, or simply listening to a story from a patient who needs to be heard, I am reminded why I chose this path. These experiences have fueled my decision to pursue a degree in nursing: I want to expand my knowledge, deepen my skills, and provide the highest level of care possible. Nursing appeals to me because it bridges both science and humanity. It is a profession that requires critical thinking, clinical skill, and adaptability, but it also demands compassion, patience, and empathy. As a CNA, I have already witnessed how the smallest gestures, helping someone walk down the hallway, adjusting their pillow, or reassuring them during a difficult procedure, can bring comfort. As a nurse, I will be able to take that care further: administering medications, educating patients about their health, collaborating with providers, and advocating for patients’ needs. I want to become a nurse because I see it as the best way to combine my passion for helping others with a career that challenges me to grow. My family has also played a huge role in shaping this dream. My husband, who works as a 911 dispatcher, has shown me the importance of remaining calm and compassionate in moments of crisis. My young daughter, Stella, inspires me to work hard so I can show her that perseverance and kindness can open doors to a meaningful life. Together, they remind me that healthcare is not just about treating illness, it is about supporting families, building trust, and creating healthier communities. As a nurse, I hope to contribute to my community in several ways. First, I want to serve patients in an acute care setting, providing safe, evidence-based care while also supporting patients and families emotionally. I also hope to use my education to promote preventative health, particularly for vulnerable populations who may face barriers to care. Beyond the hospital, I plan to continue volunteering at the Weld County Food Bank and seek out opportunities to mentor future healthcare students. Long-term, I would like to explore becoming a clinical instructor, where I can share my knowledge and experiences with nursing students. Guiding the next generation of nurses would allow me to give back to the profession that has given me so much purpose. Ultimately, I see nursing as more than a profession; it is a lifelong commitment to serve others. By pursuing my degree, I am not only investing in my future but also in the well-being of my patients, my community, and the future nurses who will one day carry this work forward.

My name is Kelsi, and I have always been drawn to caring for others. Working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at UCHealth has given me the privilege of supporting patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. These experiences have shown me the power of compassion and taught me that even the smallest act of care can restore dignity and hope. My values have been shaped by two main influences: my family and my community. As a mother, I want to model for my daughter Stella that perseverance, kindness, and integrity matter. As a volunteer with the Weld County Food Bank, I’ve seen firsthand how service can strengthen a community and uplift those in need. These roles reinforce my belief that human health and wellness go far beyond physical healing, they encompass emotional support, access to care, and advocacy for those who cannot always advocate for themselves. My passion for health and wellness is rooted in this understanding. Nursing, to me, is more than a career; it is a calling to provide safe, evidence-based, and empathetic care to people from all walks of life. I am committed to carrying these values with me as I continue my journey to becoming a registered nurse. To me, empathy is the ability to truly step into another person’s experience, listening, observing, and caring without judgment. It means recognizing not only what someone is going through physically, but also the emotions, fears, and hopes that accompany their situation. Empathy goes beyond simply “feeling for” a person; it requires actively responding in ways that affirm their dignity and well-being. In healthcare, empathy is essential because patients are often at their most vulnerable. As a future nurse, I believe that providing care is not only about delivering medications or monitoring vital signs, it is about acknowledging the humanity of every patient. A nurse who practices empathy can anticipate unspoken needs, comfort patients through uncertainty, and build trust with families. For example, when I work with surgical patients as a CNA, I’ve learned that a calm explanation or gentle reassurance can make the difference between fear and comfort. Practicing empathy also ensures that my efforts remain grounded in a human-centered lens. I will approach each patient as an individual with unique stories and needs rather than just a diagnosis. This perspective means involving patients in their own care decisions, respecting cultural and personal values, and advocating for equitable treatment. To maintain this focus, I will continue to rely on active listening, reflective practice, and self-awareness. I believe healthcare professionals must also take care of their own wellness, because empathy requires presence and energy. By balancing professional skills with personal compassion, I will strive to provide care that heals both body and spirit. Ultimately, empathy is what transforms healthcare from a series of tasks into a meaningful connection between provider and patient. It is the foundation of the kind of nurse I aspire to be, one who treats every individual with respect, understanding, and compassion.

My name is Kelsi, and my journey toward becoming a nurse has been shaped by a combination of personal experiences, professional dedication, and the deep values I hold as both a mother and a healthcare worker. Growing up, I was always drawn to helping others, but it wasn’t until I began working in the hospital setting that I truly understood the impact compassionate care can have on someone’s life. For the past several years, I have worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at UCHealth, where I spend my days caring for patients on the surgical and post-surgical floor. I have learned how to support people during their most vulnerable moments, helping them recover after surgery, restoring their dignity, and easing their fears with kindness. While this role has been rewarding, it has also motivated me to continue my education and expand my ability to provide safe, evidence-based care as a registered nurse. Alongside my career, I am pursuing my education with determination. I currently attend Aims Community College, where I have maintained a 4.0 GPA while retaking prerequisite courses to strengthen my academic foundation. This fall, I will begin the Associate Degree in Nursing program at Morgan Community College, with plans to dual-enroll at the University of Northern Colorado to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Balancing full-time work, family responsibilities, and rigorous coursework has not been easy, but it has taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of perseverance in achieving long-term goals. One of my greatest motivations is my daughter, Stella, who is three years old. Being a mother has not only deepened my compassion but has also fueled my drive to succeed. I want to show her that with hard work, faith, and determination, she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. My husband, who works as a 911 dispatcher, has also inspired me, his calm presence in crisis and commitment to serving the community reflect the kind of professional I aspire to be in nursing. Outside of work and school, I dedicate time to volunteering with the Weld County Food Bank. Giving back to my community is a responsibility I take seriously, and I believe service is at the heart of true leadership. These volunteer experiences, coupled with my healthcare background, have shaped my vision of nursing as a profession built on advocacy, compassion, and teamwork. My ultimate aspiration is to work as a registered nurse in an acute care setting, where I can combine my technical knowledge with my natural empathy. I am especially interested in critical care and surgical nursing, areas where patients often need both skilled intervention and emotional reassurance. In the future, I also hope to mentor new nursing students and contribute to building strong, supportive healthcare teams. Every challenge I have faced so far, balancing long shifts, late-night study sessions, financial hurdles, and the responsibilities of motherhood, has only strengthened my resolve. I see nursing not just as a career, but as a calling to serve others with both skill and heart. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus fully on becoming the kind of nurse who makes a lasting difference in the lives of patients and families.

My name is Kelsi Shannon, and I recently attended Aims Community College. This fall, I will begin nursing school at Morgan Community College while also pursuing my BSN through a dual enrollment program with the University of Northern Colorado. I’ve worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) since 2014, and my experiences, both professional and personal, have shown me just how important mental health is, and how much work still needs to be done to break the stigma surrounding it. After the birth of my daughter, Stella, who is now three years old, I struggled with postpartum depression. I had always imagined motherhood would come naturally to me, but instead I found myself feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and ashamed. Even though I had a medical background, I hesitated to ask for help. I didn’t want to be seen as a bad mother or as someone who couldn’t handle it. The stigma around postpartum mental health is real, and it made me feel incredibly alone at a time when I needed connection the most. Getting help was one of the hardest, but most important, decisions I’ve ever made, and it taught me just how powerful support and compassion can be. In my work at the hospital, I see mental health struggles all the time, though they’re not always acknowledged. I’ve cared for patients who cry during baths or refuse food, not because of physical pain, but because they’re emotionally drained. I've seen people recover from surgery but fall into depression from being isolated or losing their independence. Despite this, mental health is rarely talked about during treatment. Many patients don’t know how to express what they’re feeling, and even when they do, they’re often met with silence or redirected toward “more pressing” physical issues. As a society, we need to do better. We need to normalize talking about mental health the way we talk about broken bones or infections, without shame. It starts with education: teaching kids that mental health is just as important as physical health. We need better access to care, especially in underserved communities, and we need to integrate mental health support into all areas of healthcare. But most of all, we need to listen, with empathy and without judgment. I want to be part of that change. As a future nurse and as a mother, I want Stella to grow up in a world where she knows it’s okay to ask for help, and where people are supported through every part of their healing, mind and body. Mental health matters, and I’m committed to making sure it’s no longer treated like a taboo, but as the vital part of wellness that it truly is.

Some of the most defining moments of my life have happened under open skies, away from the noise of the world, surrounded by trees, rivers, and mountains. Growing up in Colorado, the outdoors has always been my second home. Whether it was hiking with my family, camping under a blanket of stars, or walking trails alone to clear my mind, nature has consistently been a source of healing, strength, and clarity for me. One of my most memorable outdoor experiences was a solo hike I did during a tough period in my life. I had just gone through some major changes, shifting schools, juggling responsibilities as a mom, and navigating the stress of getting into nursing school. I needed to breathe, to think, and to reconnect with something bigger than myself. So I drove out to Rocky Mountain National Park, laced up my boots, and headed out on a trail I had never done before. That hike was more than just exercise, it was spiritual. I remember reaching a quiet alpine lake and sitting down in awe at the silence, the wind, the beauty. It reminded me that no matter how chaotic life gets, there is peace out there, unchanging and steady. I came back from that hike feeling grounded and recharged. That moment helped solidify my belief in the power of nature to restore and heal, not just physically but emotionally and mentally too. That experience continues to shape who I am and how I want to show up in this world. I’m now pursuing a nursing degree because I want to help others heal, just like nature has helped me. I believe that health isn't just about medication or procedures, it’s about holistic care, which includes mental and emotional well-being. When I become a nurse, I want to encourage my patients to connect with the outdoors, even in small ways, because I know firsthand how transformative it can be. T Lau’s story resonates with me deeply. Like him, I believe that protecting our wild spaces isn’t just about conservation, it’s about preserving places where people can go to reconnect, recover, and remember what really matters. I want my future to include not only a career in nursing, but also continued involvement in environmental stewardship. Whether that means volunteering for trail clean-ups, teaching my child to respect the earth, or simply encouraging others to spend more time outdoors, I plan to keep giving back to the land that has given me so much. Thank you for this opportunity to honor T Lau’s legacy. I hope to carry forward his love for the outdoors and his passion for healing through my career in nursing and in the way I live my everyday life.

My name is Kelsi Shannon, and I am currently pursuing a degree in nursing, with the goal of becoming a registered nurse and later advancing to a nurse practitioner role. My passion for healthcare stems from a deep desire to care for others during their most vulnerable moments, a calling that has only grown stronger through my years of experience as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and my ongoing academic journey. I have been working in healthcare since 2014, and the impact I’ve seen nurses make on patients and their families has inspired me to further my education. I am currently enrolled in a nursing program where I maintain a 4.0 GPA, and I am also dual-enrolled in a BSN program to continue building on my education. I believe in a holistic approach to care, meeting not just the physical needs of patients, but supporting their emotional and psychological well-being as well. This perspective is what draws me to nursing and aligns closely with the patient-centered vision that occupational therapy also embraces. What makes this scholarship especially meaningful to me is Christina Taylese Singh’s story. Though I am not pursuing occupational therapy, I deeply admire the compassion, patience, and purpose that drive professionals in that field. Like Christina, I want to make a difference in people’s lives. Her dedication reminds me of the fragility of life and the importance of using every moment to help others live theirs to the fullest. I want my career to reflect the same kind of empathy and ambition that Christina carried with her. In addition to my academic and professional commitments, I believe strongly in giving back to my community. For the past three summers, I’ve volunteered with the Weld County Food Bank, helping package and distribute food to families in need. This experience has strengthened my understanding of how social determinants of health, like food security, directly impact a person’s overall well-being. It’s also shown me that healthcare doesn’t stop at the hospital doors; it continues into homes, neighborhoods, and communities. Looking ahead, I am committed to advancing health equity and promoting compassionate care for all. Whether I’m supporting patients post-surgery, caring for older adults in long-term care, or eventually working as a nurse practitioner in underserved communities, I will carry the values that Christina represented, dedication, kindness, and an unwavering belief in the power of healing. Thank you for considering my application. It would be an honor to carry forward Christina’s legacy through my continued education and service in healthcare.

My name is Kelsi Viola, and I have worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for over 11 years. I currently work on a surgical unit in a hospital, where I provide direct care to patients recovering from procedures. My passion for nursing has grown from real-life experiences, helping people through difficult times, learning from seasoned professionals, and seeing firsthand how healthcare can change lives. These moments have made me realize that nursing is more than a job to me; it’s a lifelong purpose. Outside of my role in healthcare, I’m also a wife to my high school sweetheart, who works as a 911 dispatcher, and a proud mom to a three-year-old daughter. My family is my motivation to keep pushing forward and be a positive example. Balancing parenthood, marriage, work, and education isn’t easy, but it’s taught me patience, time management, and resilience, qualities that are essential in nursing. In Fall 2025, I will begin the Associate Degree in Nursing program at Morgan Community College and am also excited to be dual enrolled at the University of Northern Colorado to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Being accepted into both programs is a dream come true, especially after overcoming academic setbacks earlier in life. I once struggled with school, earning withdrawals and failing grades. But I’ve grown since then. Now I maintain a 4.0 GPA, and that growth has shown me that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. I plan to use my nursing career to make a meaningful impact on the world. First and foremost, I want to provide compassionate, competent care to every patient I encounter, regardless of their background, income, or status. I believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity and empathy. I also want to focus on underserved and rural communities, where access to healthcare is limited. My long-term goal is to help reduce health disparities by offering care, education, and advocacy to those who often go unheard. In addition to bedside care, I want to continue giving back through community service. I currently volunteer at the Weld County Food Bank, where I help package and distribute food to families in need. In the future, I hope to participate in health fairs, mobile clinics, and educational events to promote wellness and early intervention in my local community. Eventually, I would love to become a nurse educator or mentor, supporting students who may not have had a traditional path to nursing. I want to inspire others, especially working parents and adult learners, to believe in themselves and keep pushing forward, just like I have. Nursing gives me the opportunity to blend science, heart, and service. Through every patient I care for and every community I serve, I hope to leave the world a little better than I found it.

To me, community service means stepping up to make a difference in the lives of others, especially when no one is watching. It's about giving time, energy, and compassion to support people in need and helping to build a stronger, more connected community. Community service is more than volunteering, it’s a mindset. It means recognizing that we all have a role in lifting each other up and creating a more supportive and healthier world. This belief has shaped who I am, and it’s one of the biggest reasons I chose nursing as a career. As a longtime Certified Nursing Assistant and volunteer at the Weld County Food Bank, I’ve seen firsthand how small acts of kindness can leave lasting impacts. Whether I’m packaging food for families facing food insecurity or comforting a post-operative patient in the hospital, I always try to give my full heart to the work I do. These experiences have taught me that real change starts with service and compassion, which is exactly what I want to bring into my nursing career. Becoming a nurse isn’t just about advancing in my profession, it’s about becoming someone who can serve others in more meaningful and skilled ways. As a nurse, I’ll have the opportunity to provide not only clinical care but also emotional support to people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. I want to be the nurse who takes the time to listen, to educate, and to advocate for patients who may feel voiceless or overwhelmed. Through my career, I plan to give back to my community in several ways. First, I want to continue volunteering, especially in health-related outreach. I’d love to take part in free health screenings, community education events, or even mobile clinics that reach underserved areas. I also have a strong desire to work in public health nursing or in local clinics that serve low-income and rural populations. Everyone deserves quality care, and I want to be part of the solution to make healthcare more accessible. Long-term, I hope to become a nurse educator or mentor for future nursing students, especially those who, like me, didn’t start with a perfect academic record but grew into strong, compassionate learners through life experience and hard work. I know what it’s like to struggle and come back stronger, and I want to be someone who helps others do the same. Community service has always been part of my life, and I believe it will continue to be a driving force in my career. Nursing offers me the chance to combine my skills, passion, and heart in a way that directly benefits others every single day. I’m committed to using my education and experience not just to care for patients, but to be a resource, advocate, and active member of the community I love.

From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to helping others, but it wasn’t until I started working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) that I realized nursing was my true calling. Over the past 11 years, my experiences in healthcare, combined with personal challenges and growth, have deeply influenced my decision to pursue a nursing career. Being a CNA has allowed me to work closely with patients during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. These moments, whether joyful or heartbreaking, have shaped me into someone who not only wants to provide care, but also be a source of comfort and strength for others. One of the most defining aspects of my journey has been working on a surgical unit. It’s fast-paced, demanding, and requires a strong sense of teamwork and compassion. I've helped patients recover after major procedures, supported families through difficult news, and celebrated small victories like a first walk after surgery. These experiences have shown me that nursing is more than a job, it’s a commitment to showing up for people when they need it most. I've witnessed how nurses are not only medical professionals but also advocates, educators, and emotional support systems. Outside of work, my personal life has also strengthened my desire to become a nurse. I’m a mom to a vibrant three-year-old daughter, and being her role model has made me even more determined to build a career I’m proud of. My husband, who is my high school sweetheart and a 911 dispatcher, has been my biggest supporter throughout this journey. Together, we’ve navigated the challenges of balancing work, family, and education, and I’ve learned the importance of resilience, patience, and time management, skills that are vital in nursing. There was a time when I struggled academically. I had withdrawals and failing grades from when I was younger and less focused. But over the years, I’ve grown tremendously. I’ve gone from being unsure of my path to maintaining a 4.0 GPA while working and raising a child. That growth has shown me that with hard work and the right mindset, I can overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. It has also given me a deeper understanding of what many patients face when dealing with setbacks and how important it is to have someone by their side who believes in them. Now, as I prepare to start the ADN program at Morgan Community College and pursue my BSN through dual enrollment at the University of Northern Colorado, I’m more motivated than ever. My journey hasn’t been easy, but every step has brought me closer to becoming the kind of nurse I aspire to be, one who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Nursing isn’t just a career choice for me; it’s a personal mission rooted in experience, growth, and compassion. I’m ready to take the next step and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, just as nursing has already made in mine.