Reading the World Happiness Report 2025 shifted something in me. I expected to see rankings based mostly on money and national success, but what I discovered was far more meaningful. The report revealed that emotional connection, community, and everyday joy play a deeper role in happiness than wealth alone. It was honest, human, and eye-opening. One of the most surprising insights I found in the interactive data table was the power of sharing meals with others. This simple habit was linked more strongly to life satisfaction than even income or unemployment. In Filipino culture, food is how we gather, celebrate, and heal. Seeing this reflected in global data reminded me that happiness is often rooted in small moments of connection, not grand accomplishments. The countries with the highest levels of positive emotions, such as Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and the Netherlands, are often praised for their healthcare systems, education, and social trust. What truly surprised me, however, was that countries like Senegal, Gambia, and Paraguay also ranked high in joy and laughter despite having fewer resources. This reminded me that a meaningful life is not dependent on material wealth, but on strong relationships, shared values, and emotional resilience. When I looked at the data on negative emotions like stress and worry, I noticed that the countries with the lowest levels of those feelings were the same ones that ranked high in joy and connection. This told me that we cannot separate emotional support from emotional health. When people feel safe, supported, and valued, their burdens become lighter. If I had to choose one measure to focus on, it would be positive emotions. Joy, curiosity, laughter, and love help people recover, connect, and keep going. These feelings make life meaningful. They are not just pleasant—they are essential. I believe that nurturing emotional wellbeing should be a public health priority, not an afterthought. As I continue my journey toward becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, this report gave me clarity on the kind of provider I want to be. I want to create spaces that support healing through connection. I want to remind my patients that their everyday wellbeing matters and that it is okay to slow down, to rest, and to seek joy. I want to live that truth myself by creating balance between my work, my relationships, and my personal growth. This report taught me that happiness is not something we chase. It is something we build, one meaningful moment at a time. In my future role as a nurse, I will carry this with me. My goal is not just to treat symptoms, but to walk with people as they rediscover what makes their life worth living.

Pursuing my Master of Science in Nursing is more than a career step. It is a calling rooted in compassion, faith, and a deep desire to serve others through mental health care. As a Licensed Vocational Nurse with 14 years of experience, I have cared for patients across the lifespan, but my heart has always been drawn to those struggling with psychological pain. I am currently enrolled in an Entry-Level Master’s program that will eventually allow me to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, a role I believe I was made for. This scholarship would directly support my ability to stay focused on my studies while minimizing the financial strain I currently face. After leaving a higher-paying position at Kaiser Permanente to return to school full time, I now work part-time on weekends to stay afloat. Balancing clinicals, lectures, assignments, and a demanding job has challenged me mentally, physically, and financially. Still, I have maintained a 3.85 GPA because I believe in this path and know it leads to something bigger than myself. In addition to tuition and living expenses, I am carrying a significant amount of student loan and credit card debt. Receiving this scholarship would ease that burden and allow me to purchase essential academic resources such as textbooks, exam prep tools, and clinical supplies without sacrificing basic needs. It would also give me peace of mind to focus on what truly matters: developing the skills and knowledge to offer trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and spiritually grounded care to patients with mental illness. One experience that solidified my purpose was caring for a chronically ill child who became like a son to me. He faced multiple life-threatening conditions, but through every hospital stay, transplant, and treatment, I stood by his family not just as a nurse, but as a source of hope. That experience shaped who I am today and reminded me that healing goes beyond medicine. It is about presence, empathy, and advocacy. As a future nurse practitioner, I hope to continue providing that kind of transformative care to people in crisis, especially those battling depression, trauma, addiction, or co-occurring disorders. This scholarship would be a meaningful investment in someone who is not only committed to finishing strong, but also dedicated to giving back. I plan to use my degree to work in underserved communities, help destigmatize mental health treatment, and eventually mentor future nurses. With your support, I will not only graduate, but also rise into a leadership role that brings healing where it is needed most. Thank you for considering my application and helping students like me turn passion into purpose

My name is Khrystyn Balacania, and I am a Licensed Vocational Nurse with 14 years of experience and a Psychology graduate pursuing my master’s in nursing. My decision to dedicate my life to healthcare is deeply rooted in a desire to support people during their most vulnerable moments. Growing up as an Asian and Middle Eastern woman, I witnessed firsthand the diverse healthcare needs within my community and the critical role of culturally competent care. These experiences have fueled my passion to make a difference in healthcare—not just as a provider but as an advocate for compassionate, holistic, and inclusive care. One of the most defining moments of my nursing career came when I cared for a young boy who faced unimaginable health challenges, including developmental delays, liver cancer, and kidney failure. Over seven years, I supported him and his family through peritoneal dialysis, a kidney transplant, and the fight for his life. Despite his hardships, he overcame them with resilience and transformed into a living miracle. Caring for him was more than a job; it was a privilege. I became a source of comfort and strength for both him and his family. Witnessing his triumphs solidified my commitment to nursing and deepened my desire to expand my impact. Choosing healthcare was not simply a career path for me—it was a calling. My fascination with the connection between the mind and body has guided my journey. Psychology provides me with insight into the emotional and mental challenges patients face, while nursing equips me with the hands-on skills to care for their physical needs. Together, these disciplines allow me to take a holistic approach to patient care, addressing both physical and mental well-being. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I hope to address one of the most urgent issues of our time: mental health. Mental illness is often stigmatized, leaving many individuals without the care they need. I want to help reduce this stigma by creating safe spaces where patients feel seen, heard, and respected. My unique cultural and professional background has taught me the importance of empathy and representation in healthcare. I aim to be a voice for women, minorities, and underserved populations, advocating for equitable, patient-centered care that addresses systemic disparities. In addition to my work with patients, I am committed to empowering the next generation of women in healthcare. I understand the challenges women face in this field, and I want to mentor and inspire others to overcome barriers and thrive. By fostering a supportive network, I hope to help create a more inclusive and diverse workforce where women can lead with confidence and compassion. This scholarship would allow me to focus on my education and expand my ability to serve others, particularly in the area of mental health. My experience caring for my young patient and his family showed me the power of hope and holistic care. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am determined to be an advocate for mental health awareness, addressing both the physical and emotional needs of my patients. My ultimate goal is to leave a legacy of hope, healing, and inspiration—not just for my patients but for the healthcare community as a whole. I believe that as a woman in healthcare, I have the opportunity to help shape a more compassionate, inclusive future for all.