In nursing school you come to understand that the person in front of you is someones loved one. They are someones mother. They are someones grandfather. They are someones friend. They are someones world. I believe that understanding is at the core of why I decided to become a nurse. I am a junior at Randolph-Macon College working on my BSN and my long-term dream is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. I am attracted to high-acuity care. Because I want to be the person who stays calm when everything else feels uncertain. I want to have the knowledge to make decisions the confidence to speak up for my patients and the kindness to remember that behind every machine, every medicine and every medical record is a person who might be having the hardest day of their life. My reason for becoming a nurse is more than wanting a exciting career. I have seen people I care about go through sickness. I have seen how much a healthcare professional can influence not only a patient but also a whole family. Sometimes the important part of someones experience isn't the treatment or the medicine. It's the nurse who explains what is happening one time. The nurse who sees their fear. The nurse who sits down of hurrying away. The nurse who makes them laugh when they don't feel like laughing. That is the nurse I want to be. Clinical experiences have made that dream feel real. I have learned that nursing is not about memorizing information for a test and hoping you remember it when its needed. It is about communication being able to change, being humble and seeing the person before the illness. A sense of humor is also important. Nursing can be hard, messy, tiring and sometimes A little strange. If I can make a smile on their worst day that is part of my job. Fortunately making people laugh is something I'm much better at than pretending I have everything figured out. My education has shown me that taking care of people means understanding their world. Studying in Puerto Rico taught me about health literacy, cultural differences and barriers to healthcare. I saw how important it is for patients to understand their choices and to ask questions. These lessons will stay with me through my career. The story of Susan Rita Murray speaks to me. After forty-two years of nursing she was remembered for her kindness her attitude, her humor and her devotion, to her patients. Her memory reminds me that a nursing career is not really measured by how years you have the title "RN." It is measured by the people whose lives you touched while you had the title. I want to become the kind of nurse people remember. That nurse who made them feel safe. A nurse who listens. A nurse who speaks up. A nurse who knows when to be serious and when to laugh. One day after many years of taking care of patients I hope I can look back and know that I did more than treat sickness. I made people feel cared for when they needed it most.

I want to build something that does not fit into bricks, bills, or plans. I want a life shaped by service. I want the training I get to help other people, not just sit on paper. I am working toward a nursing degree. My goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. I will care for people during some of the hardest and most stressful moments they face. Still, I think about the bigger picture. What I am working for is not only a role. It is the strength to stay steady, and the kind of care that makes patients feel safe. Getting into healthcare has never felt like a simple checklist. It is not just a degree and then a job. Nursing taught me that little things can matter a lot. A calm talk can lower fear. Clear explanations can help someone feel less trapped. Even a steady hand at the right time can say what a person cannot put into words. I want my work to center on those moments. I also want what I learn to reach past the bedside. I hope to speak up for patients who have trouble speaking for themselves. I want to guide new nurses as they start out. I want to help shape care settings where people feel noticed, not like they are being processed. I studied in Puerto Rico, and that experience changed how I think about health. I learned about health literacy, differences in culture, and barriers that stop people from getting care. I learned that being kind means seeing the whole person, not only the diagnosis. Building this will take more than drive. It will take long study, clinical hours, wrong turns, and hard situations that test you. It will take the choice to learn again and again. That is why this opportunity matters to me. Money for school would not only cover tuition for me. It would help me keep working toward the nurse I want to be. It would also support the kind of advocate and leader I plan to grow into. Someday, I want to be part of a moment where a patient wakes up after anesthesia and feels calm. I want to know I helped make that safety happen. I also want to teach. I hope a nursing student leaves my class feeling ready, not lost. If I can do that, I feel like I am giving back in a real way. This is bigger than my own path. I want my work to reach beyond me. I hope other people can feel what I put into it.

"Do you think they'll believe me?" It was a short question. Still, it hung in the air like a weight. Across the table sat my best friend, someone who's truly felt like a sister ever since we were young. She was playing with the hem of her sweatshirt, her brow furrowed. She'd recently found a lump in her breast, knew she had to call her doctor. But more than the health report she'd been anticipating, it was whether she’d feel comfortable enough to even pick up the phone. A member of the LGBTQ+ community for years, she had long become familiar with healthcare spaces where she'd felt less seen than accounted for. Her identity was missing from intake forms. Educational materials were, it seemed, written for someone else. Breast health conversations were almost invariably structured around a narrow notion of "womanhood." Before she even thought about an exam room, she had to manage an anxiety that no patient should have to experience: would she be welcomed, understood and respected? That interaction profoundly changed the way I approached healthcare, then and forever. Like most people, I had previously assumed that physical distance or a lack of adequate insurance or transportation would be the biggest obstacles in accessing health care. It took my friend's situation for me to fully understand just how impactful emotional and social barriers can be. A lack of trust is a barrier. A perception of bias is a barrier. An absence of self-worth is a barrier. Uncertainty regarding your provider's understanding is a barrier. For my friend, they were a stark reality. I watched her delay booking appointments. I heard her question whether her complaints would be taken seriously. I saw the immense challenge in finding educational resources tailored to her experiences, without making assumptions, for so much of the medical system wasn’t made for people like her. It shouldn’t have required such emotional effort; it should have been about breast health, pure and simple. Mercifully, she found nurses and doctors who truly cared to understand. They asked thoughtful questions. They explained clearly. They allowed her to be awkward and scared. Most importantly, they respected her as human, not an icon. That day provided me with knowledge that has been my guide throughout nursing school: it's no use knowing about excellent health services if you don't feel safe enough to access them. Information about breast health is invaluable for detecting cancer early, but it is meaningless if it doesn't feel applicable to each of us. Breast health discussions overwhelmingly use a narrowly defined "woman" construct that excludes too many people - and when information on risk factors and early detection methods excludes transgender and non-binary people, this can create undue confusion and barriers to access for communities at higher risk. A patient should never question whether the information they receive applies to their circumstances. They should never be forced to decide between their physical health and their lived experience of self. They should not have to push medical care to the side simply due to anxiety about being misunderstood. This became an even more significant truth to me as my own personal path towards healthcare bloomed from navigating childhood Graves’ disease and Thyroid eye disease, giving me direct experience of being the patient. I’ve sat anxiously in exam room chairs and felt overwhelmed by medical jargon. I know the trust patients place in the hands of healthcare providers when vulnerable. Today, as a nursing student on an orthopedic med-surg floor, I am present for patient experiences every day filled with a mixture of fear and hope. Patients search for understanding and acceptance as much as treatment. The very best nurses I have worked with understand that delivering information alone is not care. It is about empowerment. It is about building confidence in each patient's ability to advocate for their own well-being and helping them realize the inherent value of their health, no matter who they are or where they come from. That's why Annie Pringle's work is so personally meaningful to me. She knew that healthcare is about far more than prescriptions and procedures; through education, advocacy, and deep compassion, she offered support that could make the difference in navigating a life’s most intimate and fraught moments, a profound application of knowledge that is guided by care. My friend’s dilemma gave me insight into a set of issues I’d never even considered. And my own journey through illness and into the profession of nursing has underscored the vital power of education when it is delivered with compassion and sensitivity. Breast health is important to me because every person deserves the chance to understand their body, know what feels wrong, and pursue medical care without the threat of dismissal. Every individual deserves professionals who are listening before they respond, ready to provide support before they judge. I aspire to be one of those nurses. I dream of creating a medical practice where patients feel secure in asking anything, can express their worries clearly and boldly advocate for themselves and where those historically marginalized receive the targeted information and care they so rightfully deserve. Above all, I want every single person who comes under my care to leave feeling what my friend eventually experienced: that they were seen, heard and deeply respected. When people see themselves reflected in the system that serves them, they are more likely to access the services that can sustain and save them. And often, seeing is believing in its truest, most life-affirming sense.

Children do have a way of asking tough questions at the most unexpected times. “Will this hurt?” “When can I go home?” “Am I going to be ok?” The answers matter as much as the people giving them. The pediatric healthcare professionals’ ability to offer comfort, reassurance and hope not only during tough times but in life’s darkest moments has made me realize what truly makes a healthcare provider special. Being their biggest fans, their protectors, and teachers throughout this tough times allows parents feel hopeful and children feel braver when times feel like their scariest . It’s because of these extraordinary individuals that I have set a path for myself; to also become an inspirational pediatric health care professional. The health care professionals have helped make these moments unforgettable even through all the trials that I have been through. Growing up, with all my challenges had gave me great opportunities, that were beyond clinical outcomes that open my eyes in how the patients feel the more comfortable that person feel. Through out my growth and development, I had work with a health care facility where I been through many life changing events where not even one patients felt like they were an outsider in this facility. Being a patient transporter, allowed me to bring patient in to the location with the smile on my face not caring about the locations but the smile on the patient face after the conversation that I give to them, where i later discovered that even a short conversation bring solace. When I took to a medical surgical orthopedic unit the same process has lead me to see that every person needed to feel comfortable in the presence of all health Care workers , where all the patients were given comfort and care just like every single person needs it . “ I have long considered you nurses and physicians have always inspired me”. My decision has always and will always be towards pediatric, I know it have come to you because I had experiences that had impacted my decision toward becoming a pediatric Nurse and i have never regret the experiences even though there have been hard days. The Children I think are always strong as one who is going to help you as a whole and in the end a strong caring Pediatric healthcare provider can help one feel better about what they are going through not only they have an amazing strong impact of life but that we will always look out for each other no matter what the consequences. Therefore, to have the responsibility to provide care to children and ensure every aspect of their health is an inspiring and humbling duty.

If you would have asked me a few years ago what it takes to run a hospital, I would have said doctor, nurse, medications, and technology. Now, after years of working in healthcare, if you were to ask me that question, I would add something unique and surprising to the list: A chair. Don’t get me wrong, a chair will not cure your patient, nor will it bring their pain to rest. But a chair has taught me something valuable: What it enables around a person. I’ve seen weary family members sit all night long at a bedside following their loved one’s surgery, I’ve seen doctors pull up a chair to deliver difficult news to families, and I’ve seen nurses slide their chair to eye level with patients, making them feel truly seen. A number of the most impactful moments in healthcare happen around an ordinary chair, during conversations, in reassuring glances and compassionate interactions between two human beings. Those moments inspired me to become a nurse. I realized there was something much greater to healthcare than a procedure or a treatment, a part of healthcare often overlooked and just as important: The human touch. Even before nursing school, I was working as a patient transporter in a hospital. Though the nature of my job was essentially taking people from point A to point B, it became quickly apparent that many of my patients were not only looking for transport, but also an escort. So many were scared and anxious, needing someone to talk to, and during those few-minute trips up and down the hallways, I answered questions as best as I could, provided reassurance, and listened. By the time my patients were safe in their destination room, they weren’t only in a new location, but also more at ease. And in this, I learned that Healthcare not only entails the curing of illnesses, but the caring of people. I deepened that understanding as I progressed through nursing school and was assigned as a student nurse in an orthopedic medical-surgical unit. Day in and day out, the very real nature of this demanding career unfolds. I’ve been able to assist patients with taking their first post-operative steps, changed hundreds of dressings, provided medication under the guidance of my mentor nurses, and supported patients as they’ve faced some of their darkest moments. As a student, I have been fortunate to learn a multitude of skills, but more importantly, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary and immense privilege that is earning the trust of a patient. I have learned to provide effective and safe healthcare, yet I believe patients will forever remember the nurse who listened to them when they couldn’t sleep, who encouraged them through pain, or who sat quietly beside them while they were filled with fear. Nursing marries compassionate, intuitive care with sharp clinical reasoning and an analytical mindset. In essence, nurses can change the lives not just of patients, but also of their families. As I advance my nursing studies, my intent is to not only become competent at diagnosing and treating, but also skilled at delivering individualized, family-centered care. I wish to dedicate my efforts to the care of pediatric patients, aiding families through daunting times and ensuring a compassionate journey for all. My aim is to empower them, inspire hope and establish a positive rapport, so that at the end of their hospital experience, no one feels just like a room number or a diagnosis. I discovered this scholarship on Bold.org.

The first time someone called me “nurse,” I did a double take, scanning the room to see who they could be addressing. At the time, I worked as a patient transporter; I wasn’t yet a nurse or even in nursing school. My job primarily consisted of shuttling patients between different departments in the hospital. As I helped an elderly patient onto bed, tucked her blankets, and listened to her nervous murmurings about an upcoming surgery, she took my hand, gave it a gentle squeeze, and said, “Thank you, nurse.” I remember offering a slightly awkward smile and thinking, Not quite yet. It wasn't about the fact that she used the wrong term, but rather the fact that titles simply melted away in that moment. In her mind, I was simply someone who was there for her, someone who instilled in her a sense of calm and security. That moment became a turning point. From childhood, medicine had fascinated me; it wasn't just the science but the human aspect. In my own life, I'd seen healthcare professionals wade into the most vulnerable instances of life and respond not only with expertise but also with reassurance, respect, and a sense of hope. That ability to blend compassion and clinical skill motivated my desire to pursue a career in nursing. Now, I am a student nurse working in a general medical-surgical unit with a focus on orthopedics, caring for individuals recuperating from surgery, trauma, or life-altering conditions. Every shift reinforces the notion that healing involves more than the latest treatments and prescribed medications. It can involve walking an injured patient through their first pain-filled steps after surgery; it can mean demystifying a medical procedure to allay fear; it can involve merely sitting down, truly present, and listening. I’ve observed that patients rarely recall every medication they received, but they vividly remember their human interactions. The reason behind my nursing ambition is straightforward: to be an individual who makes difficult days just a little brighter. Looking forward as a nursing professional, my goal is to make a meaningful impact by becoming a patient advocate, a compassionate provider, and a source of connection for those under my care. I have a particular interest in pediatrics, where I aspire to support children and their families as they confront some of the most challenging moments. Hospitals can feel overwhelming to anyone, but particularly so to a child, and I envision myself as a nurse who brings solace to this environment, offering education, encouragement, or even a much-needed smile. Although medicine will continue to advance with innovative technologies and treatments, the core of healthcare will remain rooted in the fundamental principle of human beings tending to other human beings. Ultimately, when someone refers to me as “nurse,” I want to see that they are indeed addressing me and-more significantly-that they are interacting with a professional who not only delivers competent care but also affirms their worth, their voice, and the knowledge that they are not alone. This is the impact I aspire to achieve, and why I proudly embrace the pursuit of a career in the medical field.

Just a few years ago I sat in a hospital bed watching nurses walk in and out of my room. Today I am walking those same hallways as a student nurse. Becoming that person is the reason I chose nursing. Having grown up with two chronic health conditions of my own, Graves’ Disease and Thyroid Eye Disease, I became acquainted with the healthcare system at an age when I should have been learning how to apply for college. Yet even after years, when I think of that time, I don’t remember the diagnoses or the many procedures. I remember the nurses. I remember the nurses as the ones who explained what exactly was happening around me when it became too much, as the ones who didn’t only see a medical chart or an illness, but a kid, and the ones who reassured me that those hard days didn’t have to define who I was going to be. I planted the first seed for nursing during that time as a patient. Right now I am working towards my Bachelor of Science in Nursing while gaining experience as a student nurse on an orthopedic medical-surgical unit. Each shift solidifies that I chose this particular profession for a very good reason. In these past months, I have had opportunities to assist patients with the critical task of standing and taking their first steps after surgery, offer reassurance during periods of painful healing, reinforce information regarding medications and physical mobilization and collaborate with some of the most compassionate, skilled nurses in our field. Through these opportunities, I’ve seen how nursing is indeed an art as well as science. While a deep clinical knowledge is vital to providing the most safe and efficient care, a nurse’s ability to truly listen, communicate effectively, to advocate on behalf of his or her patient and connect with individuals during some of the most challenging points of their lives is just as critical. The right encouraging words from the right nurse can help a patient persist after a surgery in order to continue their path towards recovery, or offer comfort for anxieties when a person does not know what comes next. It is my experience on both sides of the hospital bed, the anxious, fearful patient and the student nurse, that has given me my perspective. The knowledge that I once received support from nursing professionals has been transferred into the way that I deliver care as I try to provide the type of all-encompassing care, not just for an illness or condition, but for the whole individual as well. By focusing on becoming a pediatric nurse where I plan to work in a pediatric Intensive Care Unit, my focus is to provide care to children who are facing life’s toughest health challenges along with their parents, caregivers and loved ones. As someone who has navigated the complexities of the healthcare system myself, I want to act as a source of knowledge, calm and resilience. Eric Maurice Brandon lived a life devoted to service and was both a courageous soldier in our nation’s military and a dedicated caregiver to vulnerable patients. His exemplary life is a testament to the notion that nursing is not just a vocation, but a sincere call to serve. I am pursuing a nursing career because I am personally inspired by the impact one person’s caring actions can have upon another. I am motivated by the principle that each person we encounter as nurses is deserving of an individualized experience that fosters trust and promotes wellbeing.

Many people encounter the smell of medical antiseptic and the sound of squeaking rubber clogs throughout their days and experience a sense of stress. Personally, I view such signs and sounds as prompts. I did not need to pick a textbook to learn why I was interested in nursing. I understood that at the most desperate or demanding times, people need a bridge between fear and healing; that is where my profession interest lies. I chose nursing, because it is a profession that, without coffee, demands you to be a scientist, the biggest emotional supporter, and a politician. I am interested in the career because it is always changing; however the main, or central aspect, is the bond found between humans. I want to be that person, to monitor vital signs, but also I want to be the person that notices when a patient has anxious or desperate searching eyes, and need a sense of comfort and reassurance. That is why I want to be a Registered Nurse and not have her clinical skill to be my legacy; I want to have the “Sara Jane” standard of her care, because I want and believe that you always need to humanize the person in front of the chart. I want to be that person. I've enjoyed small accomplishments from balancing my heavy course load carrying a 3.8 GPA and volunteering 100 hours. These small victories have built my confidence for future plans. Staying calm proved to be my greatest accomplishment. I recall this during a busy volunteering shift when I was charged with soothing a child at a clinic. To distract the child from the procedure, I turned this into a “superhero training session.” I appreciate that this small moment proved I have the temperament for the medical field and helped the staff complete the task without a tear. I've built a practical understanding of the medical field and l gotten a look inside nursing. Through my volunteering, I learned that nursing requires clinical skills and the ability to keep people calm. I have a sense of what an active hospital floor is like after spending my weekends comforting distraught family members. I found volunteering in the hospital to be a hands-on experience unlike any other. Medicine has no small tasks. To care means nursing a patient in pain, keeping his family calm, and to in the middle of the night, answer the call to fetch a blanket. I have both particular and ambitious goals in my career. I have always advocated for underserved communities, and I will continue to do so. I would like to be there for and support those patients who feel unheard, lost, and abandoned in the system. I will set my goals to target healthcare systems where the demand far exceeds supply, but healthcare literacy is the lowest and the need is the highest. I want to make patients my first priority. The Sara Jane Memorial Scholarship would be a huge honor, and it is a lot more than just financial assistance to me. It's laying down the frames for the torch to be passed. I promise to continue her legacy in my journey, the legacy of the nurses who unflinchingly advocate for patients and continue to put patients first. I look forward to putting on my clogs, picking up my stethoscope, and getting to work, all the while hoping I can replace the smile of Sara Jane Memorial Scholarship, with a smile even Sara would be proud of.

Unequal access to health care shows up starkly in how chronic diseases are diagnosed, taught about, or handled over time, this remains a major unspoken problem right now. Though many never notice it, people within affected groups feel the weight every day, blocked from learning, reaching, or speaking up for treatment they need. My journey into nursing shapes part of my response; so does leading community projects, plus navigating life both as someone who has been ill and as a learner meeting varied realities head-on. Dealing with Graves’ disease and Thyroid Eye Disease, I’ve felt what it’s like when doctors shrug or look away. Not knowing what was wrong sat heavy some mornings; being heard later lifted more than just symptoms. That shift, from silence to someone finally paying attention, stuck deep inside. Now, nursing isn’t just a path, it pulls from those hours spent waiting, hoping, adjusting. One moment changed everything while I was learning in Puerto Rico at the University of Mayagüez. Not only did my own journey shift, but so did what mattered most to me. While there, I looked closely at how Hispanic communities understand health - especially where words get lost, silence grows heavy, or schools fall short. Language blocks people; beliefs shape behavior; gaps widen when knowledge stays locked away. Among young Hispanic groups, help for STDs and HIV often feels distant, if seen at all. Talking with neighbors, joining local efforts, sitting through lectures - I began seeing a pattern others missed. Prevention doesn’t win by showing up late with pamphlets no one reads. It wins through trust, clarity, and messages that meet people where they live. Looking back, the moment shifted how I see healing. Not only did it question old ways of treating people, it opened space for deeper connection. Trust matters more than procedures, so does listening before acting. Reaching out comes first when working with communities left behind. Teaching young people about staying healthy stopped feeling like coursework. It started feeling necessary, real. A quiet promise formed during those days. As I travel through my BSN Nursing program, I learn how care works up close - yet most growth happens outside lecture halls. Working with First Tee Howard County pulls me into kids' lives where trust grows slowly through sport and talk. Leading parts of HOBY Maryland means shaping events where teens face real community problems instead of just discussing them. Watching these threads connect reveals something quiet: unfairness in health ties to gaps in school access, which tie to chances missed elsewhere. Moments like these reshape what service feels like - not one act at a time, but layers piling up. Because kids in the PICU face intense health struggles, my work there means tending to them closely while walking beside parents during overwhelming times. Starting strong in childhood shapes long-term well-being - this idea drives my path into pediatrics. Kids from different cultures or overlooked communities deserve care that truly sees them, understands them, meets them where they are. One aim stands clear: connect broken pieces in healthcare, not just at the bedside but beyond it. Instead of waiting, real change comes when people understand their health better. Getting preventive tools to those who miss out makes a difference. Unequal treatment patterns need to be seen, then shifted. Following someone like Jeannine Schroeder means putting ability into action for neighbors, strangers, everyone. Nursing opens doors, yes - but so does stepping up when guidance matters. Growth never stops if learning stays close. A fairer medical world? Possible. Kindness built in? Necessary. Clarity along the way? Non-negotiable.

What draws me to nursing sits at the crossroads of knowledge and care, raw and real. Not merely fixing bodies, but standing beside people, holding space during moments thick with worry. Living through Graves’ disease and Thyroid Eye Disease carved this path into me - long stretches of confusion inside clinics and waiting rooms left marks. Those years taught how silence can weigh heavy, how small gestures tilt entire days. Healing isn’t only meds or machines; sometimes it lives in who shows up, fully present. Moments matter more than milestones. This journey shaped my view: strength often whispers instead of shouts. Through years of navigating chronic illness, I’ve come face to face with care that lifts you up and moments when it feels like no one is paying attention. A quiet moment of genuine listening from a doctor can mean more than pages of advice printed out. On other days, waiting too long for answers or being brushed aside chips away at your trust. That mix of highs and lows shaped how I show up as a nurse now - not just focused on symptoms but tuned into what someone isn’t saying aloud. Healing doesn’t happen only through treatments; it grows where kindness meets knowledge. Now my work leans on that balance: skill paired with presence, so each person knows they matter beyond test results. Right now I’m working on my BSN, aiming to care for kids in intensive settings later. What pulls me toward that area is how intense medical work blends with deep personal moments. Moments matter most when machines beep loudly yet someone holds a child’s hand gently. Care goes beyond treatments - it includes standing beside parents who feel lost. Later down the path, more schooling waits, focused on anesthesia practice. Critical thinking fits alongside quiet compassion in these spaces. These jobs demand sharp skills plus steady hearts during crises. Hard days come often, though purpose shows up clearly even then. Helping tiny patients breathe can be science, still feels like something closer to art. The journey takes time, each step shaped by real rooms filled with worry and hope. Though most of the people I care for are children, what drives me is supporting anyone living with long-term health challenges. Living with a condition that never goes away - be it something tied to hormones, heart function, or daily medical routines like managing an ostomy - needs more than just doctor visits. It takes steady support, clear explanations, and strength on hard days. Because I know how it feels firsthand, guiding others through changes in their lives matters deeply to me. Understanding helps reduce fear, small details make big differences, speaking up at the right moment can shift outcomes. Working with kids matters to me, thanks to how strong they are despite being so easily hurt. When young patients struggle to explain what hurts - or what scares them - it pushes me to speak up, louder. Standing by a child’s side, calm and clear, means standing by their parents too, turning confusion slowly into clarity, shaky moments into something steadier. Really, it’s part of why I do any of this: making sure nobody slips through cracks, especially the smallest ones. Even though I haven’t taken specific courses in stoma care just now, I see how vital it is for people managing ongoing health challenges. Still, growing my hands-on abilities matters - so every person I work with feels respected and fully supported. What drives me toward nursing isn’t just books or training - it’s moments I’ve lived through, feelings I still carry. Healing means more than fixing symptoms; it means standing beside someone when they feel unseen. My goal takes shape in small acts - listening closely, speaking up quietly, staying present without rushing. This path chooses me as much as I choose it. Each step forward roots back in real stories, real people, quiet struggles turned meaningful.

Most people remember the exact moment their life changed; mine happened to involve a heart rate of 140 bpm while I was sitting perfectly still. Before I was a nursing student, I was a patient caught in the vibrating, high-speed whirlwind of Graves’ Disease. My thyroid had essentially decided to run a marathon without telling the rest of my body, leaving me exhausted, shaky, and terrified. But amidst the clinical chaos of blood draws and beta-blockers, I found my North Star: the nurses. They weren't just checking my vitals; they were the ones who noticed the slight tremor in my hands before I even spoke. They managed my hyperthyroidism with a blend of elite technical precision and the kind of dry wit that reminded me I was still a person, not just a malfunctioning endocrine system. They were the "backbone" the medical world talks about, sturdy, flexible, and entirely indispensable. Standing on the patient side of the bed didn't just teach me about pathology; it gave me a front-row seat to the kind of woman I wanted to become. That experience lit a fire that a 3.5 GPA alone can’t describe. While I’ve worked tirelessly to master the complexities of hemodynamics and fluid shifts in my undergraduate program, my sights are set on the highest stakes possible: Shock Trauma or the Cardiac Surgery ICU. I don’t just want to be a nurse; I want to be where the margins are thinnest. I am drawn to the adrenaline of a crashing patient and the intricate "dance" of a recovery following open-heart surgery. To me, the ICU is where the science of medicine meets the art of human resilience, and I want to be the one holding the line. I know the reputation of these units, the 12-hour sprints, the alarms that never seem to quit, and the heavy emotional weight of critical care. But if Graves’ Disease taught me anything, it’s how to find my footing when the world is spinning. I’ve learned that "stressful" is just another word for "opportunity" when you have the right training and a bit of a sense of humor. I want to be the bright spot in a family’s worst day, providing the same "architecture of calm" that my nurses provided for me. This scholarship is the fuel for that journey. It represents the support I need to finish my degree and transition from the student observing the monitors to the professional managing them. I have the drive, I have the personal history, and, thanks to a very overactive thyroid and a lot of caffeine, I certainly have the energy. I am ready to be the backbone of the ICU, one heartbeat at a time.

Most people remember the exact moment their life changed; mine happened to involve a heart rate of 160 bpm while I was sitting perfectly still. Before I was a nursing student, I was a patient caught in the vibrating, high-speed whirlwind of Graves’ Disease. My thyroid had essentially decided to run a marathon without telling the rest of my body, leaving me exhausted, shaky, and terrified. But amidst the clinical chaos of blood draws and beta-blockers, I found my North Star: the nurses. They weren't just checking my vitals; they were the ones who noticed the slight tremor in my hands before I even spoke. They managed my hyperthyroidism with a blend of elite technical precision and the kind of dry wit that reminded me I was still a person, not just a malfunctioning endocrine system. They were the "backbone" the medical world talks about; sturdy, flexible, and entirely indispensable. Standing on the patient side of the bed didn't just teach me about pathology; it gave me a front-row seat to the kind of woman I wanted to become. That experience lit a fire that a 3.5 GPA alone can’t describe. While I’ve worked tirelessly to master the complexities of hemodynamics and fluid shifts in my undergraduate program, my sights are set on the highest stakes possible: Shock Trauma or the Cardiac Surgery ICU. I don’t just want to be a nurse; I want to be where the margins are thinnest. I am drawn to the adrenaline of a crashing patient and the intricate "dance" of a recovery following open-heart surgery. To me, the ICU is where the science of medicine meets the art of human resilience, and I want to be the one holding the line. I know the reputation of these units: the 12-hour sprints, the alarms that never seem to quit, and the heavy emotional weight of critical care. But if Graves’ Disease taught me anything, it’s how to find my footing when the world is spinning. I’ve learned that "stressful" is just another word for "opportunity" when you have the right training and a bit of a sense of humor. I want to be the bright spot in a family’s worst day, providing the same "architecture of calm" that my nurses provided for me. This scholarship is the fuel for that journey. It represents the support I need to finish my degree and transition from the student observing the monitors to the professional managing them. I have the drive, I have the personal history, and, thanks to a very overactive thyroid and a lot of caffeine, I certainly have the energy. I am ready to be the backbone of the ICU, one heartbeat at a time.

I chose nursing because I like the times when people need both knowledge and compassion when technical skill alone is not enough and human presence becomes essential. Nursing sits at the crossroads of science and empathy. Nursing is the place where I feel most called to serve. Nursing is a profession rooted not in healing the body but, in preserving dignity, trust and hope. My interest, in nursing began when I watched health care from a view. I saw that many professionals help with treatment. The nurses stay closest to the patient experience. The nurses turn information into language. The nurses notice fear behind silence. The nurses speak up when the patient cannot speak for the patient. I watched the nurses give reassurance during uncertainty. I watched the nurses stay steady during chaos. The nurses have an influence, on outcomes. I realized that nursing is not, about what's done. Nursing is also, about how nursing's done. As I moved through school my respect, for the nursing profession grew into a purpose. Nursing tested my mind. Shaped my character. I learned that clinical excellence needs thinking, flexibility and responsibility. Nursing also needs empathy, patience and resilience. Each class showed that good nursing rests on duty and lifelong learning. I felt motivated not to master the material but to become a nurse that patients trust and a colleague that others can rely on. Working directly with the patients confirmed my choice to study nursing. In the hospitals and the clinics I watched the nurses lead, teach and speak up for the patients. I saw the nurses listen closely explain things clearly and give reassurance. I saw the nurses calm fear and bring back confidence. Those times showed me that nursing relies on relationships. Nursing shows that even a small act can leave a lasting mark. Nursing inspires me because nursing can grow and serve. Nursing changes, with science and technology. Nursing gives chances to learn to specialize and to widen nursing impact.. At the core nursing stays human. Nursing needs humility, strength and a steady commitment, to others. I choose the career that pushes me to keep improving and lets me serve individuals and communities with purpose. I am pursuing nursing because it aligns with both my values and my ambitions. I aspire to be a nurse who combines clinical excellence with compassion, who advocates fiercely for patients, and who contributes positively to the healthcare team. Nursing is more than a career choice, t is a commitment to showing up for others in moments that matter most, and that is the responsibility I am proud to embrace.

The phone call happened on a regular day — the type of day that is just usual until suddenly the universe makes a complete shift. My mother had a heart attack. I can still recall how everything around appeared to freeze, as if the atmosphere had become heavy and my heartbeat was the only sound that was louder than the rest — it was the only sound that I could hear actually. That was when I had this profound understanding of the human body's frailty but at the same time, of the tremendous power it takes to endure — not only physically but mentally as well. The battle of my mother for life was something that was both frightening and life-changing at the same time. I was there at her hospital bed, surrounded by machines that were making sounds continuously — every sound a reminder that science, kindness, and skill were all together in the hands of the nurses who were looking after her. The nurses became more than just the doctors; they were the ones who kept the situation under control, the ones whose voices were always reassuring, and the reason why I could not allow fear to conquer me. The compassion and expertise of the nurses not only helped the mother recover but also something in me as well. For a long time, I have seen my mother bearing pain, weakness, and the emotional burden of getting better. The lively and cheerful character of my mom was no more, instead, she was a patient suffering from a must-have-operation-heart. Still, I noticed the power of her character in every inhale and exhale. I picked up the skill of measuring power not in the loudness of our fighting but in the silence of our endurance. I supported her in cardiac rehabilitation, learned how to monitor the administration of her drugs, and was there accompanying her as she regained her heart's trust — both literally and figuratively. The experiences that I had during these times laid the groundwork of my character and also the kind of person I want to be. They pushed me towards nursing — a profession combining both the practical know-how and gentle care. I aspire to be the kind of nurse that would be sitting with families in waiting areas, telling them about the treatments with great care and understanding. I wish to be the one who not only recognizes the disease but also sees the story

Man, Taylor Swift’s got this wild superpower—she turns stadiums into living rooms. Seriously, she could be headlining some massive arena, fireworks and all, and somehow it still feels like she’s singing only to you. Doesn’t matter if she’s belting out “Shake It Off” with pyrotechnics or strumming alone under a single spotlight. But if I had to pick a favorite show? Easy. The 2021 Grammys. That medley from folklore and evermore? Still gives me goosebumps. Picture this: Taylor perched on a mossy cabin, smack in the middle of a fairytale forest, just her and a guitar. Stage glowing with twinkle lights—felt like you’d wandered into some secret storybook. She started with “cardigan,” then glided into “august” and “willow” (shoutout to Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner for those dreamy vibes). Everything about it was so stripped-down, almost raw. You could tell she wasn’t just performing—she was letting us in. No walls. No glittery distractions. Just heart. Honestly, I think that’s why it hit so hard. The world was still a mess, everyone stuck inside, barely seeing anyone. I’d worn out my copy of folklore by then—no shame. Those songs were my escape hatch, my therapy, my soundtrack for endless days in pajamas. Watching Taylor bring them to life on that stage? It felt like she was singing for all of us hanging on by a thread. Like, “Hey, you’re not alone. Beauty still exists, even when everything sucks.” When she snagged Album of the Year? Felt like we all won. Thing is, Taylor’s never been afraid to reinvent herself. Country Taylor, Pop Taylor, now Woodsy Indie Taylor—she just does what she wants and somehow nails it every time. And she’s been at it for, what, over a decade? Still leveling up, with each album a testament to her talents. That Grammy performance wasn’t about glitz or breaking the internet. It was about showing up, being real, and reminding everyone that sometimes the quietest moments are the most powerful. That whole vibe stuck with me. If Taylor can keep adapting, maybe the rest of us can too, right? She made being vulnerable look strong, and she turned a weird, lonely year into art that actually helped people. I mean, the woman can sell out a stadium tour and make you cry with an acoustic guitar. Who else does that? So when she dropped “The Life of a Showgirl” (album twelve, because of course she’s already there), it just made sense. She’s all about balancing spectacle and soul. Her biggest flex isn’t even the fireworks—it’s how she connects for real. And on that Grammys night, she wasn’t the over-the-top showstopper; she was just Taylor, and that was more than enough. Bottom line? Taylor Swift’s music isn’t just background noise for me. It’s been a hand to hold, a pep talk, a reason to keep going. That 2021 Grammys set—yeah, it was a performance, but for a lot of us? It was pure survival. And honestly, I’ll never forget it.

Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect — four humble words that pulse within the heart of the EDM community like a bassline through speakers. PLUR means more to me than a festival motto or a token exchanged among strangers. It's a philosophy — an invitation to be with openness, compassion, and honesty in a world that all too often seems fragmented and chaotic. The values of PLUR have not only shaped the way I engage with music but also the way I engage with people, especially in my student, leadership, and future nursing life. Peace begins from the inside out for me. Growing up anxious and having Graves' disease, peace from within was something I had to intentionally create. EDM helped. The beat, the words, the vibe — it calmed the storm in my head and made space for me to just be. I've held onto that sense of peace and used it to help others, particularly as a Resident Assistant on my campus. When residents are overwhelmed with schoolwork or other issues in life, I try to be an earthy presence — someone who listens without judgment, who reminds them to breathe. Love is the basis of what I am. Whether hugging strangers at a music festival or advocating for mental health on campus, love is how I try to show up in the world — honestly and unconditionally. In the EDM community, I have seen love transcend all barriers: friends formed in the middle of a track, festival attendees helping each other with sunscreen and hydration, even random therapy circles between sets. These experiences have inspired me to establish such circles in my daily life — places of kindness, especially for those often ignored or misunderstood. Unity is where magic occurs. I'm amazed every day by how various people become one because of the power of music. At festivals, no one cares about what you look like, where you're from, or your GPA. It's about the vibe, the bonding, and the feeling of being there. A college debate society Vice President and a part of various student organizations, I make a conscious effort to instill that same feeling of inclusivity — whether it's getting shy members to speak up or organizing events best representing various interests and identities. Finally, Respect puts it all into perspective. Respect is the recognition of the human in every individual we encounter — honoring their narrative, their boundaries, and their space. In a culture like EDM, where expression is loud and diverse, respect is key. I carry that attitude with me into my life in leadership and healthcare. When I'm speaking to residents, classmates, or potential patients, I feel like everyone ought to feel heard, valued, and safe. PLUR is not just something that I do when music gets loud and lights start flashing. It's something that I aim to live every day — how I put myself out there to others, stand for inclusivity, and stay grounded in empathy. It's the beat behind every connection that I ever make. And it’s what makes EDM more than just music to me — it makes it a movement I’m proud to carry with me, long after the last song fades out.

If I were to receive the KC MedBridge Scholarship, I would use the funds to finance my undergraduate studies as a student nurse leading to a BSN/RN degree. In particular, I would use the scholarship to buy clinical scrubs, nursing supplies (e.g., stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and lab kit), and certification courses that increase my hands-on skills—e.g., ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support). These aren't checkboxes on a syllabus to be completed—they're the foundation of safe, respectful care. I would also put some of the funding into going to conferences for nurses and monitoring critical and pediatric care practitioners, specializations I plan to achieve. These will educate me to bridge the gap from book knowledge to bedside care, and make me a more competent, capable, and caring nurse. As someone who has various medical conditions an have been in and out of hospitals, I know the difference that a compassionate, empathetic nurse can make. My goal is to be that person for others—to speak up, to educate, and to heal. This scholarship would not only take away the financial burdens of nursing school from my shoulders but also bring with it wider possibilities that allow me to serve compassionately and efficiently.

If there's one thing softball has ever taught me, it's that life—like the game—has an off day. Occasionally the ump gets the call wrong, the ball bounces in some weird way, or your cleat breaks right as you're getting up to bat. But you adapt, you grin through the dirt in your teeth, and you play on. I started playing softball when I was old enough to think the infield was made up of chocolate powder. My glove was stiff, my helmet too big, and my throw, well, let's just say questionable. But I loved the game. I loved the smell of freshly cut grass and dirty dugouts, the thrill of sliding into home, and how a team is like a second family. Two people impacted me the most on the field: Coach Ms. Holly and my dad. Ms. Holly had a saint's patience and a chess player's mind: her being a diamond, and her pawns being a team of teens who still got psyched about snow cones. My dad taught me with just enough "shake it off" and "you've got this," always showing up prepared with a bucket of balls and a heart full of belief in me. Softball didn't necessarily give anything to me in terms of coordination or a killer swing (although I do have a fairly decent bunt). What it did give me was values that I carry with me into all areas of my life. Perseverance: Either it was taking laps when I missed signs or plowing through slumps, I learned never to quit. That same drive propels me through long nights studying anatomy and clinical rotations as I pursue my nursing degree. Teamwork: In softball, you lose and win as a team. That has stuck with me. Teamwork is essential in nursing—whether with docs, patients, or other nurses. You have to listen, support each other, and pass the ball (or the scalpel) when it's not your turn. Compassion: I know this sounds ridiculous, but the sport had taught me empathy. I've seen teammates sob after a terrible loss, battle self-doubt, and push through injuries. I learned how to be present for others at their worst—something that I'll bring with me into pediatric nursing, where empathy is just as vital as any pill. Eventually, I hope to be a pediatric ICU nurse. Children are so brave, and I want to be the kind of nurse that sees not just their disease, but their bravery. The kind of nurse who, as a good coach, might see the player you will become, and not your current stats. I also intend to coach one day—little league or rec softball—transferring the lessons that taught me who I am: respect, heart, hustle, and the power of a good pep talk. I want to be the kind of guide that Ms. Holly and my dad were for me. In the end, it's not trophies or scoreboards. It's how the game molds you. Through softball, I approach life with determination, compassion, and passion for something bigger than me. And whether I'm on the mound or a hospital bed, I know how to show up, give it all I've got, and always give it my heart.

When I was little, I believed superheroes wore capes. Now I realize they dress in scrubs and bubble-carrying coat pockets. My motivation to become a pediatric medicine professional didn't come in a flash of a moment—it came quietly, in hospital rooms, through the courage of children facing conflicts far beyond their own. It came with holding my cousin's hand through her chemo sessions, observing the way pediatric doctors and nurses didn't simply provide care—instead, they gave joy, dignity, and a sense of familiarity amidst an otherwise strange world. The thing is, children are not miniature adults. They're brutally honest, goofy, and heartbreaking strong. The practice of pediatrics is meeting them where they are—at the floor playing, in the middle of a game of tag, or in the midst of a tantrum—and offering something greater than medical care. It's offering safety, goofiness, and hope. And to me, that's sacred. My own illness experience with Graves' disease and Thyroid Eye Disease provided me with a personal glimpse at how life-changing a diagnosis can be—particularly when you are young. Although my disease was not cancer, I experienced the loneliness of hospital trips, the anxiety of the unknown that was to come, and the simple exhaustion of being "the sick kid." I was lucky enough to have people around me who kept reminding me that I was still me—and not just a patient. That understanding formed the basis of my work. I am pursuing a degree in nursing with the hope of one day becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Anesthesia and Critical Care specializing in pediatric patients. I want to be the one kneeling beside the bed, telling scaring things in not-scaring language, and never forgetting the individual behind the diagnosis. I wish to stand up for children and their families at the most difficult times in their lives—not just recovering from illness, but building resiliency. My volunteer work with youth leadership seminars, campus wellness programs, and children’s service initiatives has only deepened my passion. I’ve seen firsthand how much power there is in simply showing up—with a juice box, a joke, or just a warm presence. Pediatric medicine is built on moments like those. The work of the Noah Jon Markstrom Foundation is precisely the sort of legacy I wish to create: one of joy in the midst of hardship, of family, and of limitless compassion. Noah's life educates me on how healing is not only medical—five-step, clipboard-oriented—but one that is deeply emotional and horrifically human. I wish to be the kind of provider who makes a difference in a child's life in the midst of the battle of it, who heals not only the patient but the whole family as well. Ultimately, I don't just want to practice pediatric medicine. I want to live it—with the same heart, courage, and imagination that children bring to each and every interaction. After all, who says medicine can't have a side of stickers and superhero capes?

I learned early on that strength isn’t found in how high we climb, but in how many people we bring with us. My earliest memories of community service are not "red-carpet moments," but, soft moments of kindness. Holding my cousin's hand through chemotherapy. Sitting beside a resident in the assisted living facility as she shared stories of her youth. Packing lunches for kids I'd never meet. These small actions have taught me to move through the world: with empathy, with intention, and with the unyielding belief that one can effect change. I am pursuing a nursing degree because I feel that healthcare is perhaps the most powerful way to serve. My diagnosis with Graves' disease and Thyroid Eye Disease was a harsh teacher, and I learned firsthand how isolating and exhausting illness can be. But it also taught me the power of compassion. I aim to be a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Anesthesia and Critical Care Pediatric Nurse, not just to heal, but to speak up—for ignored patients, for those families struggling to be heard, and for those communities who fall through the cracks of the health care system. My impact begins, however, outside the classroom or hospital bed. I’ve spent years volunteering with the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Seminar, helping empower high school students to lead with empathy and purpose. I’ve served meals through SERVE RMC, cleaned parks through Outdoor Leadership, and organized campus-wide wellness initiatives as a Resident Assistant. Each moment—whether it’s mentoring a student leader or simply sitting with someone who needs to talk—reinforces my belief that kindness isn’t a trait; it’s a practice. My long-term vision is to combine my nursing career with nonprofit work in health access and education in underserved populations. My dream is to create a mobile health clinic that travels to rural villages, providing preventative care, health education materials, and a comforting hand to grasp. I want to rewrite the narrative that says healthcare is a privilege. It's not. It's a human right. But service, to me, isn't only about programs and goals—it's about being present. It's showing up, day after day, time and again, for those who need us most. It's honoring those who came before us by building the world they dreamed of—a world in which compassion is the rule, not the exception. I don't want my legacy to be what I did. I want my legacy to be how I made others feel: seen, safe, and valued. The Priscilla Shireen Luke Scholarship is at the heart of the kind of individual I hope to be. To honor a person whose life was marked by unselfish service would be an honor. And to honor their legacy in more than what I do, but how I live, would be the difference I could make that will be the most meaningful. Because in the end, our future isn't defined by the loudest voices or the largest megaphones. It's defined by small, consistent acts of kindness. And I mean to spend my life ensuring those acts echo.

I learned early on that strength isn’t found in how high we climb, but in how many people we bring with us. My earliest memories of community service are not "red-carpet moments," but, soft moments of kindness. Holding my cousin's hand through chemotherapy. Sitting beside a resident in the assisted living facility as she shared stories of her youth. Packing lunches for kids I'd never meet. These small actions have taught me to move through the world: with empathy, with intention, and with the unyielding belief that one can effect change. I am also pursuing a nursing degree because I feel that healthcare is perhaps the most powerful way to serve. My diagnosis with Graves' disease and Thyroid Eye Disease was a harsh teacher, and I learned firsthand how isolating and exhausting illness can be. But it also taught me the power of compassion. I aim to be a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Anesthesia and Critical Care Pediatric Nurse, not just to heal, but to speak up—for ignored patients, for those families struggling to be heard, and for those communities who fall through the cracks of the health care system. My impact begins, however, outside the classroom or hospital bed. I’ve spent years volunteering with the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Seminar, helping empower high school students to lead with empathy and purpose. I’ve served meals through SERVE RMC, cleaned parks through Outdoor Leadership, and organized campus-wide wellness initiatives as a Resident Assistant. Each moment—whether it’s mentoring a student leader or simply sitting with someone who needs to talk—reinforces my belief that kindness isn’t a trait; it’s a practice. My long-term vision is to combine my nursing career with nonprofit work in health access and education in underserved populations. My dream is to create a mobile health clinic that travels to rural villages, providing preventative care, health education materials, and a comforting hand to grasp. I want to rewrite the narrative that says healthcare is a privilege. It's not. It's a human right. But service, to me, isn't only about programs and goals—it's about being present. It's showing up, day after day, time and again, for those who need us most. It's honoring those who came before us by building the world they dreamed of—a world in which compassion is the rule, not the exception. I don't want my legacy to be what I did. I want my legacy to be how I made others feel: seen, safe, and valued. The Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship is at the heart of the kind of individual I hope to be. To honor a person whose life was marked by unselfish service would be an honor. And to honor their legacy in more than what I do, but how I live, would be the difference I could make that will be the most meaningful. Because in the end, our future isn't defined by the loudest voices or the largest megaphones. It's defined by small, consistent acts of kindness. And I mean to spend my life ensuring those acts echo.

As a nursing major, I’ve witnessed firsthand the stigma and stereotypes that disabled patients often face in healthcare settings. Many are assumed to have a lower quality of life or a diminished ability to make decisions about their health. This is not only untrue but also harmful to both the patients and the healthcare system. Through volunteering, and education, I intend to turn this on its head and create a more empathetic, inclusive society for disabled patients. One too-often-used scenario that pervades healthcare is the disabled patient is a passive recipient of care and not an active participant in receiving their care. I have seen this happen when disabled patients are addressed as if they cannot make their own medical choices or if their problems are minimized. I had a patient with cerebral palsy and she was addressed as if she could not learn basic medical procedures just because she was disabled. This experience reaffirmed that health workers need to learn that to refer any patient by only what their handicap makes them is not all, but one person. In my hospital volunteer life, it was my routine that handicapped patients need to be listened to in what they want, and what is due to them is to treat them as befits the respect due. I've worked with patients who have mobility impairments, mental disorders, and chronic illness, and I've seen the feeling of empowerment that patients experience when they are engaged and included in their care plans. By educating myself regarding disabled patient needs, I've become more aware of challenges they experience as well as problems they likely experience in medical settings. What I do, and what I do best, is patient-centered care and to treat the patient as an individual. It means that I learn about them and their choices, values, and aspirations. I have also collaborated with doctors and nurses so that the disabled patients do not stay quiet about their treatment and we shed the attitude of regarding them as illiterate and passive. In the practice of nursing in the future, I always will be a believer of this method, and all the patients regardless of his/her ability must be involved in making his/her health decisions. Apart from this, I am also of the view that mental health is neglected while curing disabled patients. Disabled patients also have mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, and loneliness. These issues can be exacerbated by societal barriers, such as lack of accessibility or the stigma surrounding disability. I’m working to raise awareness about the importance of integrating mental health care into the treatment of disabled patients. I’ve volunteered with organizations that support mental health for disabled individuals and have seen the positive impact that mental health resources can have on their overall well-being. The task that I am undertaking to deconstruct stereotypes and offer care to disabled patients is the culmination of my passion for public service and equality. It is also an extension of the dedication towards Jeannine Schroeder's projects for public service and the development of a better world. In a bid to erase such problems, I prefer to picture a healthcare system in which all of the patients irrespective of disabilities that they have are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. Throughout my career life, I commit to turn around the mentality and perception of disabled patients within the medical field. My ultimate hope is to one day live in a world in which all the patients are empowered, respected, and are in a position to actively contribute to their own care.

Books have been an essential part of my life—sources of comfort, insight, and guidance. As a nursing major, the lessons I’ve learned from literature have influenced not just my academic journey but also my desire to care for others. Barbara, the librarian this scholarship honors, dedicated her life to fostering a love of reading. Similarly, what I have learned while reading novels will also apply when I begin my working life as a nurse, where compassion and knowledge walk hand in hand. One of the novels that moved me so deeply is The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. This novel, which is about two cancer teenagers, has taught me that empathy is essential in healthcare. Hazel and Augustus don't merely exist with their illness; they live through their nightmares and dream worlds and support each other as they do. Their story recalled to me when, as a nurse, I am not merely present to control bodily symptomology but to touch the emotional and psychological hurts of my patients. I am dedicated to delivering care that is clinically centered but deeply empathetic as well, believing in and viewing the individual over the illness. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi shook me as well. Co-authored by a neurosurgeon with a terminal illness, it is a memoir that struggles with crossing life, death, and medical boundaries. It reminded me of how much one would want to have the power to strike a balance between technical expertise and empathy. As a physician, I wish to emulate Kalanithi in striking a balance between my doctor professional training and an unmatched respect for the dignity of my patients, especially at their most vulnerable moments of need. His autobiography moved me by showing how the bond that I establish with my patients would be as dear as the medicine that I prescribe to them. Another extremely heart-wrenching book, Rebecca Skloot's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, also brought forth the medical ethics of doctors. Henrietta Lacks's journey and how she had her cells removed without her consent in research made me reflect on the value of patient consent and dignity. I, as a future nurse, vow to be a patient rights advocate, empower them through education, and treat them as human beings. Reading this book brought me back to the reminder of how crucial it is to give priority to patient dignity and autonomy when one is practicing medicine. Finally, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho inspired me to push for my dreams no matter what. Santiago's pursuit of his own treasure reminds you again and again that progress toward one's ideal is ever a series of hurdles to pass and sacrifices to make in the pursuit of maturing. As a nursing student, challenges are thrown my way, but I am reminded of keeping in mind my vocation—caring for others and helping them become better. This book reminded me again on how to stay a caregiver and on continuous learning, growth, and development as a professional. From books like The Fault in Our Stars, When Breath Becomes Air, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, and The Alchemist, my nursing aspiration to become an empathetic, ethical, and dedicated nurse has been planted. These examples have encouraged me to work towards my dream of providing the best care, but blending facts with empathy and also as a patient advocate. Since Barbara's life had been a success story for the potential of books, I too want to utilize the lessons learned through books in order to be able to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Let's be real here: some days I am absolutely positive I can conquer the world. Other days, I just feel like I'm juggling a mountain of challenges. But the thing is, no matter how high I'm standing on top of the world or how low I'm wading through the depths of a giant mountain of dirty laundry, I do know this one thing for sure: I am worth the dreams I'm hoping to create. I've had a passion for serving others since I was as old as I can remember. I've always believed that women have a strength within them that can never be shattered, and I want to motivate other women to recognize that about themselves. I've volunteered over a few hundred hours, from doing shelter work around my community to tutoring schoolchildren to planning events for my community. I just find that volunteering is what makes us all be our best selves. But what's the use of helping others if we're not helping ourselves too? That's where my aspirations come in. I've always understood that I am meant for something—that something more than bare survival from day to day. I wish to become a leader, an inspiration, and a difference-maker. But among all the pandemonium of being a leader (balancing responsibilities), I do know this: the world can actually use more women who are not afraid to be unapologetic about their intentions and not afraid to go after them. It is because of this that "This Woman's Worth" Scholarship speaks to me because it is so squarely in line with my vision for empowering and nurturing women. Dr. Marilyn E. Porter, has devoted her life to empowering women to develop and flourish boldly, no matter what stands in their way. She is a woman dynamo who lives what she teaches in ministry and business, showing that women can do it all—without skipping a beat or, heaven forbid, a cup of coffee. I don't know what the answers are, but I do have drive. I've had enough setbacks, yet rather than using them to place limitations on myself, I have instead used them to energize myself. Whether it is intellectual challenges, personal setbacks, or uncertainty, I've come to realize that I can recover because I don't doubt for a second that the dreams I labor for are more than worth the fight. There have been times when I've questioned if I had expectations that were too high. When I've questioned whether or not I'm good enough. But then I consider this: if it was easy, everybody would be doing it. And I'm not everybody—I'm me. I've learned that grit equals talent, and that resilience can turn disappointments into opportunities to do things better. It's all part of the path. This award is not mine—it's for a movement. A movement that makes women like me realize they are worth knowing, claim their strength, and fight for their aspirations they are certain they deserve. I'm worth my dreams because I've struggled to make them happen. I've given myself time, I've given back to society, and I've never ceased pushing myself to learn and become better. I'm not apologetic for being ambitious, and I won't give up until I've made an impact. So, if you're looking for a woman who's not afraid to stretch for the stars and grab challenges with both hands, you've found me. And trust me, this women is going to achieve her dreams.

At age 14, my body had other plans for me. Between thyroid eye disease, Graves' disease, and celiac disease, I was rotating through doctor's offices before I ever received my driver's license. While most children were concerned with finishing math homework, I was spending my time studying lab work like a guru and learning about the gluten-free aisle. During the craziness of my war on health, I learned something I never imagined—something my purpose. I didn't become a nurse because I admire the career (which I do). I became a nurse because I have lived on the other side of the hospital bed. I've seen what it's like to be scared, confused, and exhausted. And I realize now how far a nurse at bedside can reach in righting a wrong. Those who had tended to me weren't simply administering meds and drawing blood labs—they were imparting hope. They showed me things I hadn't known existed, they gave me a much-needed laugh when I needed one, and treated me like an individual, not a diagnosis. They inspired me, simple as that. That is why I am attending Randolph-Macon College to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). I want to be that individual to someone else—peaceful in the storm, rock solid hand in the maelstrom, fleeting glimmer of hope in an ocean of helplessness. I want to give care that is not only clinically excellent but emotionally safe. Chronic illness also taught me what you can't read in a book: empathy, perseverance, and how to battle—not just for myself, but for others. I gained lessons that helped me to further understand what patients really need, not just what treatment they undergo, but from those who perform it. I would like to be the kind of nurse who doesn't just say, "Where does it hurt?" but "How are you?" To deepen my connection to healthcare, I’ve worked as a Patient Transporter at a local hospital. It’s not the flashiest role, but it’s one of the most humbling. I’ve wheeled patients to life-changing surgeries, sat in silence with those who were scared, and learned how impactful the “small” things really are—a smile, a short conversation, or just showing up with kindness. Working with nurses has only served to make me see how correct I was: this is where I belong. I am dedicated to being an RN not just delivering technical care but a sense of safety and dignity to every patient that I see. I want to infuse compassion into every room that I step into—just like the nurses who cared for me when I needed it most. And I want to make healthcare just a little less clinical for those that end up there. Sara Jane's 48-year career as a nurse is all I aspire to be. Her guidance, her commitment, and her kindness set the stage for me, and I would be honored to begin where she began. This award would allow me to continue my education and pursue a calling that I've been called to pursue—not because it's comfortable, but because it matters.

I did not grow up dreaming of IVs, vital signs, and sterile hospital walls. But life has a way of rewriting the script. I was diagnosed with not one, but a series of odd diseases—diseases so rare that doctors sometimes raised an eyebrow before opening their textbooks. At first, I was a walking question mark. Why me? Why this? But eventually, I stopped asking "Why?" and started asking, "What now?" In that transformation, I found my vocation. To be a patient in a confusing, foreign medical world is to be left in the midst of a storm with no compass. Yet there was always one constant—nurses. They did not treat me; they saw me. They addressed me as a person, not a pathology. They accompanied me through procedures when my own stamina faltered. They remembered I liked my ice chips crunchy, not melty, when to interrupt the silence, and when to crack a joke. They gave me back my control when everything else felt out of control. Those nurses didn't just save my health—they rescued my hope. I want to be that to someone else. I would want to be the calm in another storm. The steady voice within the hurricane. I would want to be the cause of one person not feeling quite so alone, quite so afraid, and rather so much a human being in a time of not knowing. Nursing is not just a job to me—it's a calling forged in experience. My diseases are rare, but my empathy is wide. Of course, I won't make a spectacle of how hard this has been. There were times I thought about giving up. Times when I mourned the life I thought I was supposed to live. But then something hit me: maybe my body isn't broken—maybe it's a blueprint. A map that is definitely unconventional, but one that built someone resilient enough to fight through agony, shatter through fear, and stand tall not in spite of adversity, but because of it. This is also why Wieland’s work resonates so deeply with me. They don’t just build furniture—they build experiences. I’ve seen firsthand how a sleep sofa lets a mother stay beside her child for one more night, how a well-designed recliner can make the difference between comfort and despair. Healing isn’t just about medicine—it’s about dignity, environment, and connection. Wieland gets that. And so do I. Yes, nursing school will be hard. I've suffered through more than most before even starting my first clinical rotation. But I wear my narrative like armor. Every scar, every battle, every restless night has hardened me into someone who won't quit—especially when others are counting on me. This scholarship would not just help me financially—it would be a continuation of turning pain into purpose. I do not want to just work in healthcare. I want to humanize it. Uncertain diagnoses gave me an unconventional perspective. And I plan to use it to change lives—one patient, one moment, one act of kindness at a time. ___________________________ I discovered this scholarship through Bold.org's personalized scholarship matching system, which connected me with opportunities that align with my aspirations and goals.

“You’re safe now. I’ve got you.” Those were the words that changed everything for me. I was fifteen when my body no longer made sense. My hands trembled. My eyes protruded. My heart raced so rapidly that I thought it would collapse. I was dragged into the ER in a panic, attempting to create words in a logical order, but struggling to catch my breath. The diagnosis was quick—Graves' Disease and Thyroid Eye Disease—two autoimmune disorders with which I was entirely unfamiliar but with which I became acquainted soon enough. Suddenly, I was no longer just a typical teenager, stressing over boys, friends, and what I'd wear to prom. I was a patient. A case. A walking medical chart. Except to her. A nurse. Just one. She didn't storm in with boisterous promises or guarantees she had no way of keeping. She came in softly, got down on her knees beside me, took my hand, and whispered, "You're safe. I've got you." Being there that moment was more medicating than any medication. She reminded me that I was bigger than my diagnosis. That I wasn't invisible. That I wasn't alone. One act of kindness sparked something within me. I did not just want to get through my disease—I wanted to be the reason that someone else could. That is when I knew that I was going to be a nurse. Being ill as a teenager was not simple. I had missed school time spent visiting the physician, describing symptoms most people couldn't see, wrestling with the dispensing of medication, blood extractions, and insecurity daily every day. All of that aside, though, I would not allow it to define me—I allowed it to fuel me. I learned to stand up for myself, question things hard, and never, ever give up—even on those days when I body begged me to. Resilience is not just toughing it out. It's coming up—with a purpose. That mission started with how I spent my time. As the Maryland Director of Operations for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY), I've helped hundreds of high school students discover their strengths and leadership potential for themselves. Organizing that event taught me how to lead in crisis situations and how to order chaos—similar skills that nurses and first responders practice on a daily basis. Through First Tee Howard County, I serve as a mentor to underprivileged children by not only teaching them the mechanics of the golf swing, but also grit, sportsmanship, and confidence. I've learned that the simplest of positive affirmations can be so powerful in their effect on an individual. Similarly, my volunteer work with Glen Burnie United Methodist Church—packing meals, serving the hungry, and aiding suffering communities—has made me a servant with heart and a leader with concern. These experiences did not just make me a nurse, but they also instructed me on how to be someone who will serve others—most especially when they need me most. I am currently pursuing this degree to gain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with the long-term intention of becoming a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurse and, in the future, obtaining my Doctor of Nursing Practice in Anesthesia. I did that because I hope to be there when seconds count. I want to be able to accompany families through the unimaginable, and be a voice of reassurance and peace when everything feels uncertain. Like Paramedic Eddie Hankins, I believe that medical care isn’t just about skill—it’s about heart. First responders do not necessarily wear capes. Occasionally, they wear badges. Occasionally, they dress in scrubs. Sometimes all they do is hold firm hands, steadfast eyes, and the strength to tell others, "I'm here. You're not alone." That is the legacy that I want to leave behind. I desire to be the nurse who runs to the crisis, rather than one who moves away from it. Who stands on the edge of fear and promise. Who doesn’t just treat a body—but honors the soul inside it. I have been afraid and uncertain myself, and I've seen the difference that one compassionate provider can make. This award would allow me to continue down the path I've already come—the one etched with grit, built with service, and fueled by empathy. And I'll soon kneel beside a terrified patient, take their hand, and softly say, "You're safe now. I've got you." Because that's what someone did for me once.

The moment my heart skyrocketed to 168 beats per minute, I wasn’t thinking about my future—I was wondering if I had one. My hands trembled so violently that I couldn't grip my phone. My chest felt like it was caving in, and I could barely utter a whole sentence before I had to catch my breath. I was fifteen, and my body had turned on me. The ER docs hustled—fearful eyes, wires on my chest, machines blindingly flashing. I didn't know what was happening. I just knew something was off. The diagnosis came like a tsunami: Graves' Disease and Thyroid Eye Disease. Unusual. Aggressive. Life-altering. Overnight, I was a full-time patient with a part-time sense of control. But even in the midst of it all, there was one constant: the nurse who sat by my side. She didn't just administer IVs or draw vitals—she turned fear into reassurance. She brought back humanity. She said, "You're safe now. I've got you." That single moment—one nurse, one sentence—changed my life. I knew that I didn't just want to heal. I wanted to be her. From that day forward, nursing was not just a career goal. It was a calling. Today, I'm pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing to become a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit nurse, and eventually earn my Doctor of Nursing Practice in Anesthesia. I wish to work in the PICU because I know what it is like to be young, scared, and faced with a world of unknowns. I wish to be the one who can face a terrified parent and say, "We're going to get through this"—and mean it. Children need someone who sees them as more than a chart. Families need someone who fights with them, not just for them. But I haven't merely dreamed of being a nurse—I've built the foundation upon which to become one. I serve as the Director of Operations of the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY) in Maryland and lead life-altering leadership seminars for high school students, juggling high-speed logistics and shepherding hundreds through rigorous dialogue on purpose, empathy, and service. It's taught me to stay cool under fire and speak compassionately. I volunteer with First Tee Howard County, mentoring underprivileged youth through the game of golf—where I’ve learned that patience, encouragement, and presence can make all the difference. Through my church’s youth group, I’ve packed meals, served at soup kitchens, and seen the impact of showing up consistently for others. Most importantly, I’ve been a patient. I’ve lived the anxiety. I’ve felt the helplessness. And I’ve also felt the difference one nurse can make in a moment that feels hopeless. This prize is not financial reward—it's the ability to be an investor in a person who's stood on both sides of that hospital curtain. I know what's at stake. And I am ready to be the kind of nurse who arrives, yes—but who arrives with passion, heart, and purpose. Because I remember how that felt for me.

I was fifteen when my body turned against me—and a nurse saved my life with nothing but her words. Not with a needle. Not with a chart. With words. “You’re not alone. We’re going to figure this out together.” That was the night I got the diagnosis of Graves' Disease (autoimmune hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis), a term I could not even speak, much less understand. As doctors read diagnoses and lab reports, the ground had somehow dissolved under me. But amidst the mayhem, a nurse sat down beside me, looked straight into my eyes, and made me feel heard. Seen. Human. That moment didn't just comfort me—it altered the course of my life. I've known, ever since, that I wish to be that nurse. The one who brings peace to fear, strength to weakness, and hope to heartbreak. Graves' Disease and Thyroid Eye Disease have turned me into a frequent flyer on the medical world. I've slept under the fluorescent buzz of hospital room lights more nights than I can count. I've discovered what it takes to stand up for yourself, to insist on asking the tough questions, and to be present, even when your body cries out for sleep. But above all, I've discovered the power of nurses: the ability not just to practice clinically, but to transform lives. That's a lesson that I carry with me each and every day. Outside of my own journey, I've committed to helping others. As Director of Operations for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, I lead young leaders to find their voice. Through First Tee Howard County, I coach vulnerable youth through golf—talking not just about swings and stances, but grit, sportsmanship, and confidence. At Glen Burnie United Methodist Church, I've packed meals, hugged strangers, and told people they are never alone. It all comes down to one: that people matter. That is what nursing means to me. It's not a job. It's a promise. A promise to arrive on someone's worst day, to struggle hard, to lead from the heart, and to never surrender fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves. I am seeking my Bachelor of Science in Nursing to become a Pediatric ICU nurse and eventually a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Anesthesia. I want to work in the most high-risk settings-not because they are sensationalistic, but because they require the kind of strength, clarity, and compassion that I think I can offer. This scholarship would not only reduce the cost burden, though. It would do much, much more. It would be an investment in someone who's going all in. Someone who knows what it's like to be the patient—and someone who's determined to become the nurse patients will never forget. Because I’ve been on the other side. And I’m ready to stand on this one—with open arms, steady hands, and a heart that will never stop fighting.

One such piece of technology that impresses me is the Smart Inhaler: this deceptively simple, yet revolutionary innovation is changing the face of healthcare, especially for people with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. Though it is not some high-flying thing compared to AI or space exploration tech, still, its potential to make a difference in the quality of life for millions can't be believed. As the future nurse, I am excited to see such technologies that change the healthcare landscape for the betterment of both patients and caregivers alike. So, what is a smart inhaler? In simple terms, it is any normal inhaler but with an added little "smarts" to it-it is fitted with a sensor that monitors the usage of the inhaler and how much medication is dispensed and even can send all that data to an app on your phone. I can sense what you are thinking: "Great, an inhaler that texts me. How exciting." Bear with me, though, because the implications are profound. It goes beyond remembering yes or not, whether medication was taken or not, towards finding insight into the true effectiveness of this medicine in real life. The Smart Inhaler is also keeping track of usage patterns of medication and allows basic analytics in assisting healthcare professionals towards informed decisions with respect to individual treatment plans. This, in turn, translates into better outcomes, fewer hospitalizations, and-most important-the best quality life for the patient. What really excites me with this technology is the facilitation of better patient control and engagement over the health conditions that were previously beyond their capacity or reach. Quite often, such chronic conditions end up feeling horribly isolating and can be completely overwhelming to keep track of, especially on one's own. With a smart inhaler, patients are never alone. Information picked up may also be forwarded to the providers or, as a matter of fact, close family members for follow-up continuously. Therefore, Smart Inhaler really brings a realistic approach in healthcare through technologies, having immense potential for life-changing events in the case where the patient could manage his or her condition better or when the practitioner gets valuable data from the same technology. As a woman entering the nursing field, I’m proud to see how technology is making healthcare more efficient, accessible, and patient-centered.

Becoming a nurse is far more than entering a profession; it is, in fact, answering a calling-a deep-rooted desire to serve others at those helpless moments of their lives. It is about care, comfort, and healing, not just physically but emotionally and mentally. To me, nursing represents a path to creating significant positive change in the world, one patient, one family, and one community at a time. The impact of nurses is often understated. While doctors may get the lion's share of attention, it is the nurse who spends the most time with patients, listening to their fears, offering reassurance, and offering comfort in ways that go beyond medical procedures. They are there in the moments of celebrations, such as when a new life is brought into the world, just as they are in moments of profound sorrow to help families bid farewell to their dear ones. In many ways, the nurse can change people's lives beyond their obvious clinical skills to bring humanity back into healthcare, and that really is what draws me to nursing. It is not about the diagnosis or the treatment; it's about meeting them on the level of the most basic humanness, a level that reminds them they matter and that there is more to life than an injury or disease. Nursing allows people a place of refuge from which they can recover and get well, not just physically but also emotionally. This means a supportive, comforting person to whom Wanda G. Lear has dedicated herself during her career. Her legacy as a nurse and educator—her ability to balance compassion with expertise, teaching with empathy—has inspired me greatly. I want to carry forward her passion for learning and serving others. Becoming a nurse will not, however, be without its challenges. It takes grit, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. Similar to Wanda's path, I know the nursing road ahead will be lined with hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance-from the balancing of family-raising, full-time working, and earning degrees to keeping with the rigorous demands that the path to licensure places upon the student. But I also know the rewards of this work-helping people heal, supporting families, and leaving a lasting impact-make every challenge worth it. Nursing is also about leadership. Nurses lead through example, teaching patients to believe in their care, guiding them through the darkness, and instilling in them the fight. As a future nurse, I want to be someone who does not only give care but leads with much compassion and humility. I want to be that person who is always learning, always growing, and always searching for ways to give better service to the people dependent on me. Most fundamentally, being a nurse means entering into a lifelong commitment to other people. That has taken on the sense of privilege from being part of anyone's most important moment and walking alongside them in that journey through good health or not so healthy times. And equally valuable, it was a way of honoring the knowledge, compassion, and wisdom for Wanda G. Lear and the countless professionals that came before me and passed this knowledge on through the generations ahead.

Higher education is like trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded-challenging and at times a little frustrating. However, adding a diagnosis of Thyroid Eye Disease and Graves' Disease, that cube now became the mountain. For me, it's not just academic workload that's challenging; it's life when your body doesn't always cooperate. But these realities have made little difference in the way my aspirations have evolved, my sense of empathy has deepened, and my urge to make real change- most especially in healthcare-has grown. My journey with TED and Graves' Disease has been an emotional roller coaster. Learning to care for myself through times of tiredness, changes in vision, and other uncertainties of health, how to balance academics with patience has not always been easy. Those difficulties have taught me, instead, resilience, empathy, and the way to press on through barriers-skills directly transferable to my goal of becoming a nurse. Having to find one's way in a world that sometimes feels inaccessible lit a fire within me to pursue healthcare, not just to understand the patient's struggle but to actually feel it. Beyond my personal experiences with illness, I’ve actively engaged in leadership opportunities to further shape my future in nursing. One of the most fulfilling has been tutoring at the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar. Serving as an assistant to the director of operations and on the green team, I’ve worked with youth who are eager to grow and succeed despite obstacles. It's there that I saw firsthand how leadership is about empowerment: helping others to see their potential even when they doubt themselves. I also learned that leadership isn't always about having all the answers; it's about asking the right questions and creating a supportive environment where people can thrive, even if it's one step at a time. Supplementing the seminar has been my role as a Truist Leader, work in soup kitchens, and involvement in activities of my youth group; all these experiences have taught me that leadership is service. As a nurse, my place will be to serve others, be it providing healthcare, giving emotional support, or sometimes just lending an ear when one needs it most. These experiences have shaped me into one who looks at healthcare with the view to offer professional competence and emotional compassion. It isn't just diagnosis; it is therapy for the whole human being. Living with a disability has influenced some core beliefs for me: the struggle has made me firm, more compassionate, and more driven that others, particularly those experiencing similar struggles, are heard and valued and cared for. It's also made me realize the value of access to health care because when you have had to fight through some of these health challenges yourself, you appreciate having someone supportive and truly empathetic on your side in the health sector. Overall, this personal experience of mine, relating to both TED and Graves' disease, was heavily influential on my vocation. The result has molded a personal will to enter the nursing profession, hence making one even more determined to contribute their valuable share toward making a change in the lives of people at large, struggling with one's health issues. I am determined to lead with empathy, and I’m excited to channel the lessons I’ve learned into a career that allows me to make a real impact—one patient at a time.

Nursing is so much more than dressing up in scrubs and having a stethoscope draped around your neck-although, it is kinda cool. It's about making differences in the lives of people that go way past the conventional roles of the "heroic" professions. Figures such as John Young, who went from being a fighter pilot to working on Apollo, have inspired me to take up nursing-the thing that draws me most to nursing is the ability to truly create real and lasting impact, one patient at a time. And let's be honest, what's cooler than getting to help people in comfy shoes all day? Nursing is a lot more than just taking vital signs or even handing out medication. To me, it's being there for that person in need and offering support, comfort, and care during moments that would feel like their very lowest. Although being interested in helping others wasn't anything new, I never knew just how much the difference created by nurses was until I had them working side by side with me. Whether with an assuring smile, an explanation of complicated procedures, or just holding someone's hand through a tough time, nurses don't simply heal bodies; they heal spirits. The thing that excites me most about nursing is its diversity. One minute you’re saving lives, the next you’re teaching a patient how to properly administer their own medication (with a side of gentle humor, of course). I’m particularly drawn to the idea of working in underserved communities where access to healthcare is often limited. There’s something incredibly rewarding about providing care to those who need it the most. I want to be that person who shows up when it gets tough, will listen when one just needs to talk, and gives not only care but emotional support, too. I also seek to use my career as a voice in the call for improved mental health care. We all know how mental health often takes a backseat in healthcare, but I'm committed to changing that. In this, as a nurse, I will be in a position to resolve such a gap through the support the patients will need in taking care of their emotional and mental health besides their physical health. Sometimes, all it takes is assurance that it is okay not to feel okay. The end of nursing for me is that it finally allows me to put together my passion for helping others with a constantly evolving career. This requires a profession based on care, skill, and humor-because, let's face it, if you cannot laugh throughout a 12-hour shift, then you might not make it. With a heart for others and a sense of humor, though, I am ready to be able to make the real difference in healthcare, one patient-and one laugh-at a time.

"Hell is other people." — Jean-Paul Sartre, No Exit (1944) Thesis: In *No Exit*, Sartre famously declares that "Hell is other people." This claim captures his existential philosophy wherein human freedom becomes restricted and deformed under the gaze of others. Rather than a hell of fire and brimstone or one imposed by an avenging force, Sartre's hell is the inescapable suffering that arises from living under constant judgment and scrutiny. The presence of others, far from offering companionship or solidarity, becomes a mirror that traps individuals in their own alienation. Parsing this quotation within the broader philosophy of Sartre will reveal to us exactly how this one line speaks volumes of deep existential tension between self-definition and the ways we are defined by others. The Epiphany: "Hell Is Other People" Let me set the stage. No Exit, is set in a room anything but cozy-a room bereft of mirrors, windows, or any other kind of outer-space distraction. There, three characters are condemned to spend eternity: Garcin, Inès, and Estelle. No demons. No fire. No brimstone. Yet, from what ensues, it is pretty clear that the torture they undergo lies in the field of the mind, rather than the physical one. Garcin's famous line, "Hell is other people," is not a casual complaint but an existential realization. Garcin is starting to realize that the agony he experiences in this hellish room emanates from his relationship with the others who share his eternal confinement. It is not the lack of food or the absence of physical torture that breaks him down; it is the suffocating awareness that the other characters continuously observe, judge, and define him. Now, don't get me wrong, there's a lot of ways people can be hellish-somebody cutting you off in traffic, somebody eating too loudly in a quiet café, or, perhaps more realistically, somebody perpetually trying to one-up you with their extensive knowledge of the latest obscure Netflix documentary. But Sartre's hell is far more insidious: the problem isn't other people's behavior or quirks. What's important, however, is how our being as a person gets constantly framed through the view of another mind, and in that very process, it is often our sense of free will that is lost. The Gaze: Objectification and the Loss of Freedom To understand fully why "hell is other people," we have to go back to the greater philosophy of Sartre on the gaze. Sartre's existentialism is famously built on the idea that "existence precedes essence." In other words, we are born without any meaning or preordained purpose and it's only through our choices and actions that we define ourselves. But this process of self-definition becomes complicated when we are observed by others. One's view of self is defined by an oppressive moment: another's regard or perception. This is perhaps dealt with in its most profound sense in the treatise called Being and Nothingness, in which Sartre sets out to describe what it is like to be "the object" created by another's gaze. When a person regards us, we are not just "ourselves," free to define who we are. We are caught in a web of definition by them, and this external definition siphons our freedom and self-determination. This has been brought to life with vengeance in No Exit. The three characters are incessantly aware of each other's gaze. They cannot get away from the fact that they are under constant scrutiny, judgment, and defining by each other. What is most insufferable for Garcin, Inès, and Estelle in their existence in the room is that they cannot get away from the judgment of the others. This is the core of Sartre's hell: it is not simply a matter of the characters being confined in a room but of their being caught in a relentless circle of self-definition through the eyes of others. The Elusion of Escape: Why Sartre's Hell Is Inescapable There is no escape from the hell in Sartre. The room has no exit, nor is there any escape from judgment by others. The lack of a physical, material escape in the play parallels Sartre's belief that actual hell we endure is internal. Sartre's *No Exit* is not just a play dealing with three people confined in a room but rather how we are all, in certain ways, held hostage by our relationships with others. The existence of others designedly entraps us. Sartre's characters, though in an area of their isolation, were never alone. Each and every thought and action of one is watched and criticized by the others, and every person is under compulsion to play his "role" as seen through the eyes of others. In this way, Sartre attacks the concept of individualism. While modern society often promotes an idea that we can define ourselves independently of other people, Sartre is of the opposite opinion. We are always defined in relation to others, whether we like it or not. The Absurdity of Being: Why Sartre's Hell Feels Like a Trap of Our Own Making: Of course, the true genius of Sartre's No Exit is in how it probes the ways through which we create our own hells. There is no torturous hand that is eventually going to treat these characters with physical torture; instead, they themselves are going to develop a psychological torture by just relating to each other. And in this regard, Sartre's version of hell is absurd because it is not imposed on us from an outside power; it's a trap we build ourselves. If you’re starting to feel a little claustrophobic just reading this, you’re not alone. Sartre’s depiction of hell is, in many ways, a reflection of the human condition. It’s the existential trap of needing others to define ourselves, even while wanting to maintain our independence. It’s the paradox of wanting to be free while simultaneously relying on others for validation. It's the feeling you get when you realize that the freedom to be who you are is often limited by the very people you interact with every day. But don't panic. Sartre wasn't entirely without a sense of humor. His characters, after all, have some of the sharpest, most biting exchanges in literature. Their exchanges are tinged with dark humor, sarcasm, and even absurdity, which remarkably underlines the tragicomic features of their situation. Actually, Sartre's humor is one of the most serious instruments of his critique of human existence, since we are all living in our own existential comedy to some extent, trying to make sense of a world that always seems to get in the way of our efforts at self-definition. Freedom to Define Ourselves—or Not: How can we be sprung from Sartre's hell? Although he offers no clear way of escaping, he does bequeath one avenue for freedom: self-authenticity. The reason the characters are condemned in *No Exit* is because none are willing honestly to accept their own selves. None of these persons comes to grips with what he has done; none recognize their frailty; and none would or could change their personas instilled in them by others. The solution to Sartre's hell is to be found, then, in embracing freedom to define ourselves without seeking confirmation from others. It is a tough road, requiring us to engage our own intolerance for visibility and judgment, most fundamentally, alone-ness about the definition of ourselves. The only true exit from hell is painfully realizing that the responsibility for definition had to belong with us at the end and in Sartre's world, no matter how others judged. ---   #Conclusion: The Weight of Other People's Eyes Among the most provocative and intellectual lines of modern philosophy is Sartre's "Hell is other people." This is a challenge to reflect on how others define us and the psychological toll that can take on our sense of self. In Sartre's existential hell, there are no flames or demons; instead, there is the suffocating awareness that we are always observed, judged, and shaped by others. For Sartre, the real agony of hell is not physical torture but the necessity of constantly bargaining over our identity through the gaze of others. But this bleakness is also a freedom-for the uncomfortable truth it presses upon us is that we, and only we, can define ourselves. So, next time you find yourself entrapped within the gaze of others, perhaps remember Sartre's warning and ask yourself, "Am I living authentically or merely playing the role that others have premised that I can only fulfill?" In Sartre's world, this is the means of escaping our own existential hell.

As someone who’s always been fascinated by how the body functions—both in the sense of anatomy and the way it responds to treatment—my path in healthcare has led me to anesthesia. It’s a field that combines science, precision, and the ability to make an immediate, tangible difference in people’s lives. But it wasn’t always clear that anesthesia was the direction I’d go. I was initially interested in occupational therapy, as I loved the idea of helping patients get their lives back and improve their quality of life. As I explored the broad world of healthcare, though, I found that anesthesia allows me to combine my love for science with my wish to help people, only in a different and high-stakes kind of way. Unbeknownst, the special and specific place for anesthesia in the care of a patient is perhaps the reason that finally led to my choice: Nurse Anesthetists are really the unsung heroes of the operating theatre. Their work, during which they keep a patient painless and safe through surgery, but may also have to deal with unexpected complications, interested me - the balancing game of science and critical thinking necessary in anesthesia care. It's not just about making people "sleep"; it's about understanding the sensitive human body and turning that knowledge into work to provide a non-threatening environment for the patient so they can wake up with the least discomfort possible. In many ways, anesthesia shares some of those same core ideas that I think I admired most in occupational therapy. Both deal with the best interest of the patient, both require an in-depth study of the body, and both are involved in making critical decisions to ensure better outcomes. While OT deals with the independence of the patient in performing daily activities after injury or surgery, anesthesia ensures that the patient gets through the surgery safely in the first place. I will still be using my passion for healthcare to help people live better, albeit a bit more indirectly compared to OT. I also view anesthesia as an opportunity to balance my passion for science with the calm nature under pressure. In OT, the focus is on making adjustments and strategies that directly impact a patient's daily routine and independence. The challenge with anesthesia, therefore, is to keep that sensitive balance in place during surgery-that the patient is stable while the surgeons are working their magic. It, of course, requires not only technical but also a high level of empathetic skills, a thread, I believe, that sews together my early interest in OT and my current pursuit of anesthesia education. Christina Taylese Singh's story is a reminder that life is unpredictable, and one should pursue their dreams with purpose. Her untimely death while preparing for her OT board exam makes me reflect on my journey in healthcare-to keep pushing forward, following through on my aspirations to honor those who came before me. I want to learn and grow and continue serving others, as Christina would have, and this scholarship would further my education and training in anesthesia. Though the focus has shifted from OT to anesthesia, the ultimate goal has remained the same: helping people and making their lives better. From helping a patient recover from surgery to being assured that the procedure is conducted without complications, this is going to be deeply meaningful work. A scholarship like this would provide me with another step in making this dream become a reality of a career balancing science and compassion with the ultimate potential to leave the kind of mark that Christina left.

Golf--the sport of precision, patience, and, in my case, very questionable shots which do a lot more in adding to frustration than finesse. Still, it's a game that taught me much: perseverance, focus, and more importantly, the skill to laugh at oneself. The moment I picked up that first golf club, little did I know that years later I would apply for the Samuel D. Hartley Memorial Scholarship. All I knew was that no matter how terrible my swing was, I loved the game. And I still do. Here's why I think I am a great candidate for this scholarship. First, let me talk about why I deserve this. My golf game is not perfect--to say the least--but I have always believed in the power of determination. Like Sam Hartley, serving his country and continuing to serve such a huge part of his community, each morning I wake up striving to be the best version of myself. Whether that be in academics, sports, or even extracurricular activities, working hard and working through challenges for myself--even when it feels like the fairway resembles the jungle--make me proud. Golf taught me that success doesn't lie in hitting every shot in a picture-perfect manner but learning from those mistakes and moving ahead. That's why, when my tee shot goes way off course, (I promise it was the wind), I don't give up; I laugh, reset, and keep going. Sam Hartley's legacy is one of commitment, and that is what I live by, whether it is acing a chemistry test or missing a putt by a foot. Every mistake is just another opportunity to get better, and in golf-just like in life-that is what matters. Now, about my passion for golf. I have played since I could walk, and though my swing has changed from "awkward toddler" to "slightly less awkward teenager," my love for the game has never changed. Much like Sam Hartley, who spent decades at Gettysburg Country Club, I have spent a lot of hours at my local course perfecting my swing or enjoying the camaraderie of golf. Sure, I won't claim the same history that Sam does, but what's in common between us is that we are enthusiastic about the game-and that matters. I believe golf isn’t just about the game itself but the values it instills: discipline, respect, and perseverance. Those qualities have carried me through life, whether it’s balancing academics and athletics or contributing to my community. I’ve volunteered for several local events, including coaching younger players, and have learned that helping others achieve their goals is just as rewarding as achieving your own. Ultimately, I want to carry on with the work that was started by Sam Hartley furthering my passion both in golf and education while of service to others in my community. If I was lucky enough to be selected recipient of this scholarship, I will use funds in furtherance of study and my golf journey knowing well that at the end of the day, success is doing one's best while encouraging other people at an opportune time. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll hit the perfect shot. But until then, I’ll keep laughing, learning, and striving to be the best golfer—and person—I can be. Thank you for your consideration.

There is an age-old adage: you can't pour from an empty cup. Yet, in my life, when your cup is filled with the urge to help others, it will never be dry. Since childhood, the sense of helping people--to helping them discover themselves and unleash their hidden potential has always been an interest to me. Whether it’s tutoring a classmate struggling with calculus or organizing a local food drive, I’ve always been passionate about making others feel seen, supported, and empowered to be their best selves. And as I’ve grown, so has my understanding of how to do this in more impactful, purposeful ways. I was born and raised in a small suburb in Maryland, where volunteering at the local community center started me on this journey of helping others, a centerpiece in my life. Little did I know just how much I was about to learn. Working with kids and families really fine-tuned not just my leadership skills but also my level of empathy and problem-solving. Every tutoring session or mentoring time became, in itself, another lesson in patience and understanding. And while initially I thought that I was just "helping" others, it wasn't long before I realized each experience was allowing me to grow my understanding of service. It wasn't just about giving; it was about celebrating in others' journeys of success and setbacks. But let's get real: helping others isn't always as glamorous as it seems. I remember having to tutor a student that seemed utterly disinterested. I felt like I was talking to a brick wall. But then, after weeks of persistence, that same student scored higher than they ever had on a test. It was slow, and some days it felt like I wasn't getting through, but those little victories were everything. They taught me that helping isn't always about immediate results; it's about consistent effort and belief in the potential of everyone to succeed. I continued to volunteer, and through this, I began to believe that sometimes it is not huge things that make a difference, but all those little, simple constant ones. I organized food drives, volunteered at local shelters, and spent time with the elderly in nursing homes, but some of the most powerful moments came from simply listening. Sometimes, the best one can do to help anyone is not with advice but with being there, giving an understanding ear. It has made me an individual who will always believe in empathy, resilience, and selfless service. The more I serve people, the greater the growth of my personality. Helping people isn't just what I do; helping people is really what I am. I have improved my communication and problem-solving skills and become a leader. Most importantly, I have also deeply strengthened my belief in the ability of people to help overcome any barrier in life and successfully work their way toward goals. This scholarship will give me the opportunity to continue my education with the further development of skills that I have been applying in order to help others. My goal is to continue growing as a person who can inspire and empower others, just as those helping me on my path have inspired me. Selflessness is not only a virtue but a way of life, and that is what I am committed to in the future.

Excellence is not a concept; it's a way of living. For me, excellence encompasses doing things with a sense of purpose, passion, and dedication. It involves striving to give my best in all undertakings, no matter how big or small. The legacy left by Harriett Russell Carr-a pillar in her community, a woman of selfless giving-has made me adapt this way of thinking in my life. She is truly dedicated to serving others with a spirit of excellence, something I have always admired and try to emulate. In my actions and work, I try to follow her example by pursuing excellence in everything I do and giving back to my community in meaningful ways. In my daily life, I prioritize excellence through a strong work ethic, continuous learning, and an attitude of diligence toward all tasks. Whether it be striving for excellence in my academic studies, volunteering at local events, or helping others through small, everyday acts of kindness, I try to approach each moment with purpose. I have always believed that every task-despite how minuscule-deserves my best effort, because even the smallest act can have a significant impact on those around me. For instance, I made sure to finish every assignment, putting in all the required details; I engaged in peer interaction with respect; I put thought and care into the community projects in which I participated. A very important part of my dedication to excellence involves work to give back to the community. Through my high school and college career, I actively participated in many volunteer groups that help deal with certain local needs: I have participated in food banks, organization of charity events, neighborhood cleanups-all to try to make changes in a real-life way in the community. I strongly believe giving back is not all about offering resources but about the relationships and connection to the people I get to serve. Be it through tutoring kids in my local community, helping in senior centers, or even raising funds, I do my best to approach every possible service opportunity with a heart of empathy and dedication. My community has molded me, and I believe it is my turn to give back to the community by doing the same to others. What I have learned through my community service experiences is that service isn't always about grand gestures; it's about consistency. Excellence is sustained when we make service a part of who we are, not just something we do. I am inspired by the way that Harriett Russell Carr seamlessly integrated service into life, giving and giving in whatever way is needed of her time and energy; I try, in any small way possible, using my own uniqueness to also serve. Small acts done by many indeed build an even stronger community with character. Therefore, with all these growths and developments, there remains an unflinching commitment to a spirit of excellence and service in my life. I do know that excellence is authenticated not by the number of honors and awards but by the lives touched and the hope for positive life change. This scholarship would be a great honor and further motivate me in continuing to follow the example of Harriett Russell Carr: committed to excellence, dedicated to service, and always striving to make a meaningful impact in my community.

To me, legacy is what one leaves on this world, what one leaves on the hearts and minds of people with whom they connect throughout their life's journey. It has absolutely nothing to do with leaving money, status, or recognition; instead, it is the way one brings about a difference, the values instilled upon future generations. Legacy entails a contribution to other people's lives, growing together with them, inspiring their lives, and setting an example for others. I believe that a meaningful legacy is built on kindness, integrity, and selflessness, enduring long after we're gone. It's about the lasting impact we have, in the most major and minute ways, that ripples through other people's lives and leaves a path for them to follow. My upbringing has influenced how I view legacy and shaped my path in life. Raised by a family that instilled in me the importance of hard work, responsibility, and service to others, I learned at a young age that what we do matters. Mom and Dad taught me that actions truly speak louder than words; through their examples, they showed me perseverance and dedication. I was given the gift of growing up in a family where material wealth did not bear the same relevance as people and their relationships, but a person's contribution to a community did. The single most powerful early influence in my life came from my biggest inspiration; my grandmother, Dottie Marsh Andre. She started out her life's work from being a home economist for Hope Gas to serving as a county supervisor with the Farmers Home Administration. Her dedication to service was unquestionable, serving and making a difference in people's lives-either through educating or serving her community. Dottie showed through example the power of teaching and giving back to others. She, again, only proved in my mind that it is the acts of selfless service and the eagerness to uplift others constantly that build legacy. Legacy, from what I learned growing up and through the example of my grandmother, has nothing to do with personal achievement but how we use our talents and opportunities to add to the good of others. My parents, grandparents, and mentors have taught me the importance of hard work, never giving up on one's ideals, and taught me that success, in fact, is a measure of how much we can change the world around us for the better. They showed me that kindness and integrity lay at the foundations of every great legacy, values that I always keep with me in whatever I do. As I continue to grow and forge my path, I will make sure the legacy of my family lives on through me, in my way. I will break this complacency and take ownership of that change I wish to see. I would like to lead a life that would translate, through my career or in daily life, into living the same values my family inculcated into my being: showing compassion, hard work, and helping others. I want to have my legacy-one that shall be conducive to a better future for all those coming after me. My long-term goal would be to continue the cycle of selflessness and dedication my family has shown me. Legacy, I believe, is what we can create and leave for others to build on; I am sure I am determined to leave a legacy of change that would be emulated by others.

A career in nursing was an easy choice, one influenced by personal experiences and a need to contribute to the well-being of others. I have always been passionate about helping people, and my experiences with health and the healthcare system have cemented my ambition to pursue a future in this field. From a young age, the idea of making a tangible difference in the lives of people drew me, and it is within the health sector that I find the perfect avenue to do so. Growing up, the powerful role that healthcare professionals play in the lives of my family members unfolded right before my eyes. From regular check-ups to lifesaving treatments, many times, it was health professionals behind much of the well-being of my family, most of the time unsung heroes. Their dedication and empathy really impressed me. However, personal health issues were the main reason for my interest in this field. When I had been diagnosed with a chronic illness, I was compelled to spend my time in and out of the hospital. This made me personally see the great difference good health care makes. These were the many people that I encountered, adept and sensitive in equal measure, during my stays in hospitals. From them, I learnt more about healthcare-that it's not all about the treatment or medication one gets; it's the comfort of being cared for, that glimmer of hope, those reassuring words all matter the most to the patient and the relatives. This combination of hard scientific knowledge and emotional sensitivity is really an inspiration for me. What really drives me, other than the personal experiences, is inequity in the healthcare system. Too many people have been denied quality care, and it's about time these inequities be bridged for many underserved communities. It has further fueled my ambition to pursue healthcare-to be in that generation that bridges those gaps, advocates for more accessible care, and promotes health equity. I believe that everyone deserves the same amount of care, which shall be done without bringing into account background or economic disparities. Nursing gives me a channel toward better systems, policies, and access for all toward their health, be it hands-on work in the front lines, public health education, or perhaps policy that takes care of them in various ways. I chose the nursing profession because the notion of helping people gives me a feeling of actually having an impact on society and making it a better place. In the future, my aspirations will be changing with the improved health status and well-being of every patient, especially among the population where health disparity is mostly occurring. I look to a work environment where I can extend medical aid and a tender approach to the patients. Healthcare is not only the treatment of the illness itself but is about the care for the whole person, comprehension of his or her needs, and being able to accompany him or her in his or her path of recovery. This scholarship would lighten the financial burden of pursuing a healthcare degree, allowing me to reach my goals. This scholarship would give me more time to concentrate on my studies and less time on thinking about the financial aspects of funding my nursing education. It would mean I am one step closer to my dream of becoming a health professional whose services bring positive, lifelong impact in people's lives. This is a gift: the privilege to practice in healthcare. I pledge that through this scholarship, I am committed to unrelenting work for change in the world.

Nursing is a calling for me, not a profession. Ever since my childhood, I have always felt an urge to help people, but it was much later in life when I experienced the complexities of health care myself that this urge was transformed into a burning desire to take up nursing as a career. My Graves' Disease and TED diagnosis proved to be life-changing. It was through this challenging experience that I discovered the profound impact nurses can have, not only on patients' physical health but on their emotional well-being. It's this combination of medical expertise and compassionate care that fuels my passion for nursing, especially in the Pediatric ICU. Graves' Disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, affected many aspects of my life. I struggled with fatigue, weight loss, and emotional stress. But it wasn't just these physical symptoms that did this, but rather the psychosocial burden of the diagnosis of a condition I'd never heard about. Next came Thyroid Eye Disease, which caused the bulging of the eyes, and every simple function in life became a problem-like seeing, or even socializing. I felt so vulnerable and overwhelmed, and yet the nurses during this time became sources of comfort. They didn't just administer treatments; they listened, reassured, and made me feel seen during one of the most challenging times in my life. It was their kindness and professionalism that inspire me to this day to pursue a career whereby I, too, can comfort others. It was during my treatment that I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, and more importantly, in pediatric nursing. What really draws me to Pediatric ICU nursing is the intensity of critical care with the added impact one gets to have on children's lives. I have always been interested in working with children. Being that constant source to them and their families when they need it most truly resonates deeply within my being. The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit is where medical knowledge and emotional strength both go hand in hand. I want to be on a team that provides professional care with compassionate support in equal measure. These personal experiences with sickness and injury have shaped not only my desire to be a proficient nurse but to offer hope to families navigating these challenging times. I understand what it is like to lie in the hospital bed, scared and feeling alone, and to know what a difference a kind, understanding nurse made in one's life. I am motivated to build trust in my patients and their families, as well as to provide an environment where they are heard, understood, and cared for. Ultimately, I want to make a difference in the Pediatric ICU field by advocating for person-centered care that caters to the emotional and psychological needs of the patients and their families. I believe in the power of empathy in nursing, and therefore I will mentor future nurses in understanding that being a great nurse goes beyond knowing the right treatment options; it's about connecting with patients on a human level and giving them care that truly matters. Nursing is a way of applying my skills to help people and heal them. It is one field where I have great passion for serving, not because it requires a lot in medical expertise, but also because it is an avenue through which to bring light into the lives of people who are at their most dire moments of need. Specializing in Pediatric ICU nursing is therefore how I aspire to comfort others by changing those struggles into strengths that enable people to heal.

Nursing is a calling for me, not a profession. Ever since my childhood, I have always felt an urge to help people, but it was much later in life when I experienced the complexities of health care myself that this urge was transformed into a burning desire to take up nursing as a career. My Graves' Disease and TED diagnosis proved to be life-changing. It was through this challenging experience that I discovered the profound impact nurses can have, not only on patients' physical health but on their emotional well-being. It's this combination of medical expertise and compassionate care that fuels my passion for nursing, especially in the Pediatric ICU. Graves' Disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, affected many aspects of my life. I struggled with fatigue, weight loss, and emotional stress. But it wasn't just these physical symptoms that did this, but rather the psychosocial burden of the diagnosis of a condition I'd never heard about. Next came Thyroid Eye Disease, which caused the bulging of the eyes, and every simple function in life became a problem-like seeing, or even socializing. I felt so vulnerable and overwhelmed, and yet the nurses during this time became sources of comfort. They didn't just administer treatments; they listened, reassured, and made me feel seen during one of the most challenging times in my life. It was their kindness and professionalism that inspire me to this day to pursue a career whereby I, too, can comfort others. It was during my treatment that I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, and more importantly, in pediatric nursing. What really draws me to Pediatric ICU nursing is the intensity of critical care with the added impact one gets to have on children's lives. I have always been interested in working with children. Being that constant source to them and their families when they need it most truly resonates deeply within my being. The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit is where medical knowledge and emotional strength both go hand in hand. I want to be on a team that provides professional care with compassionate support in equal measure. These personal experiences with sickness and injury have shaped not only my desire to be a proficient nurse but to offer hope to families navigating these challenging times. I understand what it is like to lie in the hospital bed, scared and feeling alone, and to know what a difference a kind, understanding nurse made in one's life. I am motivated to build trust in my patients and their families, as well as to provide an environment where they are heard, understood, and cared for. Ultimately, I want to make a difference in the Pediatric ICU field by advocating for person-centered care that caters to the emotional and psychological needs of the patients and their families. I believe in the power of empathy in nursing, and therefore I will mentor future nurses in understanding that being a great nurse goes beyond knowing the right treatment options; it's about connecting with patients on a human level and giving them care that truly matters. Nursing is a way of applying my skills to help people and heal them. It is one field where I have great passion for serving, not because it requires a lot in medical expertise, but also because it is an avenue through which to bring light into the lives of people who are at their most dire moments of need. Specializing in Pediatric ICU nursing is therefore how I aspire to comfort others by changing those struggles into strengths that enable people to heal.

Leadership is about empowering others, inspiring growth, and leaving a positive impact. My experiences as a tutor and in leadership roles at the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar have shaped my understanding of leadership and strengthened my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. One of the most enriching experiences in leadership that I have ever undertaken is tutoring minority students within the high school system, many of whom were part of the ESOL program. Many of these children had great difficulties adjusting to a new school system and communicating in another language. I worked with students individually to help them improve their reading, writing, and communication skills. What I realized rather quickly was that leadership in this context was much more than teaching-it was about creating an environment of support and trust where these students felt empowered to succeed. The challenges I faced were immense, especially when it came to modifying my teaching approach to meet the unique needs of each student. Some students were just beginning to learn English, while others needed assistance with academic language. I developed tailored lesson plans that included visual aids, hands-on activities, and real-life examples to make lessons more engaging. As I saw my students gain confidence and improve their skills, I understood that leadership is as much about encouragement and relationship-building as it is about providing knowledge. Another very formative leadership experience was the one of Assistant Director of Operations at the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY). In this role, I assisted in logistics with the planning and facilitated leadership workshops for high school sophomores. HOBY seeks to inspire and develop the leadership potential of young people; my role was to help them reach this mission by smoothly operating the event and guiding the students through the leadership exercises. One of the most important challenges I had to deal with in this position was how to manage logistics for more than 100 participants without losing the focus on leadership development. I had to be very organized and flexible to ensure that every session, discussion, and activity was well-conducted. I also worked directly with students, mentoring them through the leadership exercises to realize their potential as leaders. It has indeed been fulfilling to encourage such students out of their comfort zones into leadership. Watching them leave the seminar with a renewed sense of confidence and a commitment to lead in their communities only strengthened my belief in the necessity of cultivating leadership in others. Both of these experiences have taught me that leadership isn't about managing or commanding; it's about empowering. Whether in the classroom, making sure ESOL students succeed, or mentoring young leaders at HOBY, I've learned that leadership requires empathy, patience, and adaptability. In my future career, I would want to apply these leadership skills in ways that will benefit my community. I am passionate about education and community outreach, and I plan to continue advocating for underrepresented groups while cultivating leadership in others. This scholarship would help me further my education and continue developing the skills I need to make a meaningful impact as a leader in my chosen field. After all, leadership is more than just showing people the way forward; it's about enabling them to realize their potential to make a difference. These experiences as a tutor and Assistant Director at HOBY have taught me invaluable lessons, and I am excited to apply these skills in my future career. This scholarship will support my continued growth, ultimately helping me create positive change within the communities I serve.

Nursing is much more to me than a career; nursing is a calling. All my life, I have felt drawn to healthcare, and the reasons are not necessarily tied back to any love for sciences and medical knowledge per se, but to something so profoundly human in giving care. I have lived a life in which many friends and family have struggled with illness, and those incidences have always created in me the urge to help. Consequently, earning a degree in nursing is very important to me; this way, I could support people in the most desperate moments of their lives. What drives me to be a nurse is the ability to make a difference in people's lives. Nurses are one of the major pillars in the health care system and sometimes the first and last contact for patients. They offer not only medical treatment but emotional support, guidance, and reassurance. I would want to be an advocate for my patients: to make them feel that they are heard, that they are understood, and cared for throughout their recovery. A compassionate approach is just as important to me in the practice of nursing as technical skill, and I pledge to continually work on both during my education and career. Complementing my intention of providing direct care, contributing to the community deeply enlightens me. I envision myself working as a nurse within underserved populations who do not have appropriate means to health care services. Communities in rural or low-income settings face challenges due to deficient health care services, and that is where I want to make a difference. Whether it be through the provision of basic care, educating families on health practices, or advocating for better healthcare resources, I want to make a difference where it is most needed. By becoming a nurse, I will not only be able to care for individuals but also contribute to the long-term health of the communities I serve. Furthermore, nursing offers a path to lifelong learning and growth, another very important reason I am interested in this field. Because the healthcare industry is continually changing, as a nurse, I will be afforded the opportunity to continue expanding my knowledge and skills to serve my patients better. Through advanced certifications, research opportunities, or leadership positions, I hope to grow in my career and move into roles where I can mentor future nurses, helping to shape the next generation of healthcare providers. This scholarship would alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with pursuing a nursing degree, enabling me to focus more on my studies and clinical training. It would not only support my academic journey but also help me continue toward my goal of becoming a nurse who contributes to the health and well-being of my community. I am committed to working hard to ensure that the investment made in me will help make a positive difference in the world, just as the nurses before me have inspired and impacted my life. The reason I want to pursue a nursing degree is because of my urge to care for others and contribute to the well-being of my community. Nursing offers an opportunity to create a lasting impact on individuals and the greater healthcare system, and I am excited to be part of that change. I am committed to this path and will, therefore, surmount the adversities in my way towards becoming a nurse with empathy, ability, and service towards people's health.

Healthcare workers are considered the backbone of our society. Reflecting on my own aspirations, I am in full agreement. From nurses to doctors and all healthcare professionals, many hours are dedicated to those in need. I look forward to being a part of this team by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, working in pediatric care, and then moving into anesthesia. My passion to help others, my experiences as a volunteer, and my future goals have guided me toward healthcare. From a young age, I felt an innate desire to serve and support others, whether that was organizing neighborhood cleanups or helping a friend with their schoolwork. This passion deepened when I volunteered as the assistant director of operations to the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar in Maryland, where I helped high school students develop leadership skills while assisting in seminar logistics. The experience taught me how to lead, communicate, and show empathy toward others. It also reinforced the importance of service in health care, whereby providers not only deliver clinical care but also bring emotional support to patients and families. My volunteer work thus made me realize that nursing was the perfect fit for me. It takes not just clinical skills but also lots of empathy, patience, and the ability to think on my feet. I want to be a pediatric ICU nurse because it is a setting where I can make a difference. Many pediatric patients are in life-threatening situations, and to comfort and care for them through such critical times is a situation very close to my heart. The chance to be a caregiver and source of emotional support for families during times of stress is a challenge I would welcome. Though the pediatric ICU is my first priority, I do have long-term plans concerning anesthesia. The role of a nurse anesthetist has always been of great interest to me; it requires a high level of medical knowledge and at the same time is hands-on with the patient. I am excited about the opportunity to make patients safe and comfortable during their surgical experiences. Nurse anesthesia is an area of precision that requires art. It is just the kind of challenge I'm looking for. This career goal will enable me to combine my skills in patient care with a specialized area of healthcare that I find intellectually stimulating. However, the financial aspect of pursuing a nursing degree is an obstacle. The cost of tuition is a major one, but I am determined to overcome it. This scholarship would alleviate some of the financial burden and allow me to focus more on my studies and clinical training rather than the financial burden of paying for school. This desire to make a lasting difference in others' lives was my drive for healthcare; taking care of children in the pediatric ICU and then moving forward to anesthesia nursing to provide the most safe and compassionate care to the patients. The scholarship will help me in the completion of both my goals, after which I will be contributing towards the improvement of the health and wellness of others.

My name is Mallary, and I’m on a mission to become the world’s most compassionate Pediatric ICU nurse—think of me as a healthcare superhero, minus the cape (I haven’t figured out how to make it work without tripping over it). Inspired by figures like Marian Sturz, who juggled archaeology, music, adventure, and probably a few secret spy missions, I’m determined to follow in her footsteps. I may not be uncovering ancient artifacts in remote jungles, but I’m diving deep into the world of medicine, ready to help children in need while keeping a strong sense of curiosity, kindness, and humor. What drew me to nursing was my insatiable curiosity, much like Marian’s own inquisitive nature. I’ve always been the type to ask, “But why? Whether it was as a kid, endlessly asking why the sky is blue, or trying to figure out how human organs are connected in some sort of intricate puzzle, I have always been fascinated by the way things work. What better way to put that curiosity to use than in the Pediatric ICU, where I can learn and apply that knowledge in helping children at their most vulnerable? The world of medicine, with all its fascinating science and cutting-edge technology, is my personal adventure—though, instead of ancient ruins, I'm in the ICU surrounded by life-saving equipment and hopefully lots of hugs from grateful parents. But, like Marian, my curiosity isn't just about knowledge for the sake of knowledge; it's about using what I learn to make a real difference. Nursing involves not only the technicality of the job but also requires an amount of hard-won tenacity and heart. There will be days in ICU when the going gets really tough-kids are sick, emotions run high, and it feels like the world is a little heavier than usual. It is at this point that my tenacity will come in. Whether it's working late into the night on homework or continuing to persevere through challenges in my personal life, I've always found a way to push through. I really can't imagine facing the pressure of the ICU without maintaining that same "never give up" attitude. After all, Marian didn't back down when she faced danger on her expeditions, and neither will I when a child's health is on the line. Another skill that I have been developing is communication. I learned the power of being able to not only talk through some tough spots but also listen deeply to what needs to be said. Whether it's explaining medical procedures to an anxious parent or soothing a frightened child, I know that clear, compassionate communication can be a lifesaver. It's one of the core pillars of nursing that I look forward to honing the longer I'm in school, much like Marian likely honed her communication skills while she tacked her way through political and cultural landscapes. Ultimately, my goal is to make a lasting, positive impact on the world, one tiny human at a time. I believe that every child has a right to be treated with tender, loving care and respect, especially in tender moments. My caring nature, combined with my determination, will see me through to follow my dreams of becoming a nurse in the Pediatric ICU. I might not evade booby traps nor decode ancient languages, but the spirit of Marian stays within me-the spirit that met each challenge with fearlessness, curiosity, and unshakeable faith in our human ability to make things a little better. Thank you for considering my application.

Hello, my name is Mallary, and I'm a big-dreaming freshman nursing student with an admittedly slightly unhealthy obsession with medical dramas. As a kid, I loved playing "doctor" with my stuffed animals, bandaging up their imaginary wounds and giving them advice about their "health." Well, fast forward to now, and not much has changed except that my patients are a little less fluffy and a little more… human. Growing up, I had the chance to witness a lot in my family when one of my close relatives passed through a big medical crisis. It was the pediatric nurses who really made a difference-not necessarily in expertise but in bringing calm and comfort to a chaotic situation. And from that moment on, I knew I wanted to be that calm presence in the room, making a difference when it mattered most. Nursing school, however, is not for the faint of heart. Between the endless textbooks, demanding clinical hours, and memorizing medical terms that sound like they were invented by a mad scientist, I’m realizing that nursing is the perfect blend of passion, science, and sheer willpower. This scholarship would be an enormous game-changer, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on the stress associated with tuition and textbook costs that, to be honest, weigh as much as I do. With more free time away from thoughts of financial concerns, means that I can really learn how to take a blood pressure reading properly, without my classmates wondering if I am secretly applying for a WWE wrestler position. Quite simply, my goals are to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, register as a nurse, and eventually enter pediatric critical care. Later on, I would love to be a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and work in the PICU with children. It's a tough road, but it's one I'm prepared to take-after all, if I can make it through my first semester of nursing school without becoming a human coffee machine, I can do pretty much anything. Pediatric care has always called to me because, quite honestly, I feel like kids deserve the best, and I want to be part of the team that makes that take place. Plus, kids are honest—if I mess up, I know they'll tell me. Speaking to community involvement outside the college campus, I have volunteered at local hospitals and clinics and have taken part in health education outreach. Lives aren't being saved yet-thought I've truly issued my fair share of Band-Aids-but I've learned a valuable lesson in the importance of compassion and communication. Volunteering has been teaching me that nursing is not all about medical expertise; rather, it is being there for patients and their families in addition to comfort over and above the physical. I’ve had my fair share of failures—hello, first biology exam—but I’ve learned that failure is just another word for “lesson learned.” I’ve adapted my study strategies, sought help when needed, and have emerged stronger and more resilient because of it. I’ve learned that mistakes are a part of growth and that the key is not to avoid them but to learn from them. My greatest strengths include that I can keep my cool under pressure, and I have a lot of compassion for others. Other strengths of mine are that I'm a very determined individual, and I work at self-improvement always. Nursing is a journey, and I would not avoid any distress or defeats on the way. Its a journey meant to be challenging, and I am here to embrace every. single. step. Thank you for your consideration.

The universe is vast. Really vast. It's so big, in fact, that if you tried to wrap your head around it, your brain would probably short-circuit. If that sounds overwhelming, well, you're not alone. Even seasoned physicists like Sean Carroll-who runs the podcast Mindscape-spend their days wrangling the cosmos and all its mysteries. So why bother trying to understand the universe better? Setting aside the fact that it is-you know-kind of the whole point of existence, understanding the universe-through physics, philosophy, biology, or heck, even nursing-can help us better understand everything from why stars explode to why your body reacts to that second cup of coffee like it is a life-or-death decision. It is not that important to understand the world outside as a nursing student, but it is more valuable to recognize that each person I am caring for is a small universe unto himself or herself. Every person is a system of systems, where their body, mind, and environment are so interconnected that he or she represents a unique being, and this will warrant a holistic approach in rendering care to these patients. It is so similar to nursing, studying how parts of a whole are interconnected. Much the same way Sean Carroll tries to decipher the intricacies of the universe, I do exactly the same thing when trying to understand the inner complexities of the human body, so I can give the very best in care. By now, you must be thinking, "What does the vastness of space have to do with nursing?" It's all to do with systems thinking. The universe is a web of intertwined forces: gravity, dark matter, and those weird things known as "quantum particles"-don't ask me to explain those. The same can be said about the human body because it is a web of intertwined systems: the circulatory system, the nervous system, the digestive system, etc. While the physicists look up to the stars in an attempt to understand the laws which rule the universe, nurses do the same-but into the body-to understand how to maintain its balance. Sure, we may not be able to explain dark energy-yet-but I can sure explain to you why your blood pressure is too high, and that is a starting point. Why do we want to go through the universe? Quick answer: because it's a bottomless well of curiosity and wonder. But deeper than that, knowing what the nature of the universe is allows us to draw connections we might have otherwise have missed. The same principle applies to nursing. I want to learn not only the symptoms my patients present with, but their root causes, too-what's actually driving them, in both a biological and emotional sense. It's just not good enough to simply bandage up a wound and call it a day. We need to see forces at play-be it the microbiome within the gut, the influence of stress on the heart, or in what way emotions can really impact physical health. This scholarship would afford me an opportunity to dive deeper into studying these interrelated systems. This fund enables me to further my nursing education, somewhat like embarking on a continuous journey into the universe of knowledge. Nursing is not just about memorizing procedures in medicine, but it's about how the body, mind, and spirit interact to bring about wellness. Somewhat like the study of the universe is not merely about mathematical equations but about understanding the big picture in which everything fits. I want to be that nurse who will be able to connect the dots between a patient's emotional health, physical health, and overall well-being. You may think about me this way: I am some sort of galactic navigator, except in place of space, I am navigating the complicated systems of the body to facilitate healing and good health. As for the ideas and concepts I'd like to incorporate into my practice, I would include scientific knowledge with a big dose of holistic care. Just as Sean Carroll doesn't confine his study of the universe to one narrow path, neither will my approach to nursing. It will be multidisciplinary in nature, with a focus on the biological perspective of the body regarding its biological makeup but also considering the psychological and emotional factors which affect a person's well-being. This allows me to give more holistic care and recognize that patients are not just bodies but human beings with their unique needs. You might say I'll be merging hard-core scientific rigor with the art of compassionate care. It's almost like Einstein trying to comfort a black hole while calculating the speed of light. In the future, I want to be a pediatric nurse, guiding these children through their own "universe" of health challenges that range from colds to chronic illnesses. Just as the universe is great and unpredictable, so too often does a child's health journey become. But just like every step forward in research-whether it be learning about the cosmos or strengthening our understanding of the human body-brings us closer to a healthier, informed world. So, why do we need to better understand the universe? Because the more we know, the more we can do for lives to get better. Be it in finding a cure for diseases, space explorations, or coming into being with the universe itself, knowledge is power. To me, this scholarship is one step toward acquiring that sort of knowledge and eventually using that to help people in their health and well-being who deserve such interventions. It is all connected, and I am very excited to be exploring everything from the stars to the cells in our bodies.

The life of Jim Coots has been one of a very compassionate and serving nature, and it has served as a great inspiration to me in my journey toward a career of nursing. His commitment to service for others, always with a natural, whole-person approach, is in line with my aspirations to incorporate principles of wholism into pediatric nursing. This scholarship would be instrumental in continuing a professional path that brings honor to Jim's dedication through wholistic care to children and their families in need, integrating natural with traditional healing methods. As a nursing major, I was taught that the healthcare system focuses on what is wrong with a body; how to fix it, and cure an illness. However, I firmly believe healing must involve the whole person-body, mind, and spirit. Basically, this is the reason why my passion is in holistic care: I do not believe that nursing consists of clinical treatment alone but also in the personal treating of each child, including emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs. I would love to work as a pediatric nurse who could help the families, besides medication and treatment, understand the importance of nutrition, stress management, and emotional healing. The principles of nutrition, mindfulness, and natural healing practices that are inherent in holistic health have always resonated with me. I have happened to witness how traditional medicine often doesn't really care about finding the actual cause of a disease. One missing link that I have in my nursing practice is to work with holistic approaches complementary to the treatments the patients receive. I plan, for example, to pursue more certifications in pediatric nutrition, stress-reduction techniques, and child-centered wellness practices to further offer a complete care plan for my future patients. This scholarship will be a big factor in supporting nursing education and furthering my capability to infuse holistic care practices into my professional life. I work part-time while taking a full load of classes. I enjoy nursing immensely, but sometimes the tuition, books, and other expenses associated with pursuing a nursing degree are impossibly high. This scholarship will afford me more time for studies and clinical training to acquire the knowledge and abilities that will prepare me to become a nurse who heals children. My personal vision is that children should receive not only the best medical care, but also be taught how to take care of their body, mind, and spirit. I teach them about practical ways to bring healthy lifestyle choices, such as healthy eating, mindfulness, and stress management, into daily life. This is a general statement of my attempts to help children develop a safe environment, one in which young people can take responsibility for their health and find support from conventional medicine as well as holistic wellness. Ultimately, I would wish to apply to pediatric care with holistic treatment processes that allow the space for healing on all levels to take place for children and families. The idea is to take these practices into hospitals and outpatient facilities to fill this gap between old-style health care and natural therapies for a more rounded approach toward children's wellness. By awarding this scholarship, one would not only be supporting my education but also furthering the legacy of Jim Coots by affording me the opportunity to become a nurse who approaches each patient with compassion, selflessness, and a holistic-oriented mindset. I look forward with anticipation at an opportunity to learn and grow in service, giving back to my community by offering the kind of comprehensive care that Jim personified in his life.

As Joe Gilroy once stated, "Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan," and thus describes the road I have designed for my nursing and anesthesia career. My long-range goal is to work as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in pediatric anesthesia. A clear and focused scheme towards this objective consists of attaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with practical exposure as a PICU nurse, followed by enrollment into the course for CRNA. 1. Complete my BSN in Nursing Objective: Graduation with BSN by 2028 Resources: Tuition, textbooks, clinical experiences, nursing supplies. Budget: I expect the nursing program to cost about $40 000, which I hope to fund through scholarships, financial aid, and working part-time. Plan: I plan on working part-time in a health care setting while I am in school completing my BSN. I will continue to search for other available scholarships so I will have to take out as few student loans as possible. 2. PICU Nurse Goal: To secure an employment opportunity as an RN in the PICU upon completion of my BSN program. Resources: Nursing license, clinical rotations, mentorship Budget: I would expect a median salary of $70,000-$80,000 per year as a PICU nurse, which would obviously help repay student loans and save up to go back to graduate school. Plan: Once I get through NCLEX, I will start applying for PICU jobs. The experience in the high-acuity environment will prepare me for the critical care requirements needed as a pre-requisite to most CRNA programs. 3. Attend an NP-Anesthesia Program.CRNV Goal: Attend a Nurse Practitioner-Anesthesia program and specially train in pediatric anesthesia. Resources: Savings from my PICU nursing salary, scholarship, and financial aid. Budget: The estimated cost for a CRNA program is around $40,000 to $90,000. I will try to pay for it by savings, financial aid, and scholarships. Action plan: After 2-3 years in the PICU, I plan on applying to the CRNA programs. Most programs require critical care nursing experience, which, by the time I apply, will be met after having worked in the PICU. 4. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Anesthesia Goal: To work as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Anesthesia within a pediatric hospital or surgical center. Resources: All CRNA certification exams, networking, continuing education Budget: My expectation is to generate $160,000–$180,000 in annual income upon completion of this CRNA program. Further, any remaining student debt obligations can be paid off. Plan: I will take the CRNA certification exam and seek employment in a pediatric hospital or surgical center, while continuing my professional development to stay current. Timing and Contingencies The timeframe for becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Anesthesia is basically about 8-10 years. This is really long-term, and I'm sure to keep my eyes on the prize with any challenges that might arise in my pursuits. I have a detailed plan, including step-by-step procedures and rationales, both from a financial viewpoint, toward reaching my objective of becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Anesthesia. Most definitely, this scholarship will help me decrease my debt burden, focus on education rather than finance, and give back in meaningful ways to pediatric anesthesia care.

The decision to build a career in medicine was an entirely transformative life choice that I have made. More specifically for me, it has not been merely about curing the sick but about rendering empathy, healing, and helping in perhaps the most vulnerable moments of one's life. A personal experience that stimulated my interest in a medical career is the diagnosis of Graves' disease and a complication known as thyroid eye disease. These rare diseases have changed, if nothing else, my perception of healthcare and influenced my passion for nursing as a way to help others with similar challenges. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid, and TED causes an inflammation in the musculature of the eye. Diagnosis and management for either was truly burdensome. Other symptoms included weight loss, fatigue, bulging eyes, and muscular weakness-all very alarming. It was the emotional toll, however, that was most hard to bear: feelings of isolation, misunderstanding, frustration when trying to find healthcare providers who truly grasped the complexity of my condition. In this process, there were definitely moments of frustration, confusion, and fear; I was also fortunate enough to be taken care of by medical professionals who listened, taught me about my health, and gave me hope. Their compassion and attentive abilities really struck me, and it was these instants that truly made me realize how very important a role healthcare practitioners play-maybe not just in the treatment of the body but in the whole care of a human being. This experience really sealed the deal in my decision to pursue nursing. I want to be that nurse who will be able to treat her patients with more emotional support and understanding, not just technical know-how. I want to be the voice for those, just like me, with rare or complex medical conditions often so easily disregarded or misunderstood. I want to specialize in ICU care; thus, Graves and TED autoimmune diseases will be the points of my treatment, education, and support for the patients to go through with these challenging situations. I would like to make a difference in the general medical community by raising awareness of the existence of very rare diseases and improving the quality of life of patients with similar challenges. However, even today, only a meager understanding and knowledge of Graves' disease or TED persist among the general public, and in fact among some health professionals. By being a nurse, I hope to do my part in raising awareness, continue to advocate for superior methods of diagnosis, and strive to assure treatments regarding patients with such rare diseases. I am equally concerned with the support of the patients on an emotional-psychological level in order to help them bear the mental health problems most long-term illnesses come with. The Maxwell Tuan Nguyen Memorial Scholarship would certainly help enable me to realize my educational and professional goals. This scholarship would go a long way in off-setting the high cost of tuition, which would allow more time for studies, clinical rotations, and hands-on experiences. I want to be a nurse who can provide medicine and care, but at the same time offer hope and solace to anyone in need. It is my personal experience as a patient that shaped my vision for healthcare, and I am committed to making sure I will be able to contribute toward changing people's lives with my work. I am determined to utilize my knowledge, enthusiasm, and personal experience, just like others did with me in the past, to truly make a difference in the lives of patients with rare and complex conditions.

My future, as a nursing major, is creating a healthy and kind community, one in which quality health care will be universally available as a right and not a privilege. The pathway for my vision starts with knowledge and the building of skills both to provide medical care and to advocate for systemic changes that will address health disparities. This is especially so in the desire to make health more accessible to economically disadvantaged populations. I grew up in a community where access to health resources was minimal, and this often resulted in preventable illnesses and useless suffering at individual and family levels. This motivated me toward the nursing profession as a means by which I can contribute to the elimination of gaps in health service delivery, particularly in rural or economically disadvantaged communities. It is one of my main aims to provide a health network system with a focus on health care and education. Empower the individuals in taking care of their health with the tools and knowledge so that the burden would be minimized to the hospitals and clinics for the better overall community wellness. As a nurse, I want to be an educator-helping the patient understand their conditions, the importance of screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices. By doing so, I hope to be part of improving chronic disease rates such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, which disproportionately impacts underserved populations. This scholarship would play an important role in helping me to realize this objective. Receiving a scholarship would relieve me of part of the financial burden associated with tuition and give me more time to study and participate in extracurricular activities. In addition, it would offer me the means to further develop my skills with internships, rotations of clinical experience, and volunteer work in communities needing most of the care. By continuing to learn and grow, both theoretically and practically, I will be in a better position to contribute to these communities upon graduation. My education will not stop with my career. A compassionate trained nurse, I aspire to serve as an inspiration for others to pursue health careers that will enable them to make long-lasting difference in their respective communities. I also wish to be a partner in the call for changing policies for increased funding toward health services for less privileged areas, so everyone has the opportunity to live healthy lives irrespective of financial background. I envision a future in health wherein access is equal and centered on the wellness of all. It is in this regard that, through education and a career in nursing, I want to contribute toward that vision by way of making tangible differences in individuals' lives and communities where needs persist.

I knew right from the first listen that Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club" shared a raw emotion and unapologetic individuality with it. The song's style, blending an unmistakable deep tone of pop-country for an intimate personal narrative, cut deep like nothing I'd ever heard. It wasn't just the sound; the authenticity of the music lay within my heart. Chappell Roan has this rare capability to weave together vulnerability with boldness in a way that the songs become personal testimonials of her journey and also a celebration of any person who dares to be themselves. What impresses me most about Chappell is that she is not afraid to be fully herself and to encourage others to do the same. Her lyrics talk to themes of love, pain, self-discovery and empowerment-all merged in the complexity of life and identity. Through songs such as "Good Hurt," she discusses matters of relationships, inner turmoil, and heart ache within her lyrics; therefore, listeners can reflect on experiences that could be personal. Her music will invite us to understand that it's okay to feel so deeply to hurt and to heal while remaining true to oneself. Chappell Roan's music encouraged me to be myself, for I have been fighting long enough to accept myself and fit in with society. In some of her songs, she sings about being "too much" or "too loud," the stuff I grew up thinking was wrong, which actually makes sense to me now. Through Chappelle, what I have learned is that it's not just okay but something to be celebrated. I support Chappell Roan's career beyond music because she used her platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, at this point in time, and raise awareness for mental health. I wish to relate to someone who is so open about their personal struggles and yet successful in the music industry, giving me hope that maybe someday I will be able to overcome my issues as well. She is more than an artist to me; she is a role model that has shown me self-expression and authenticity is not just acts of bravery but in fact revolution. I admire how devoted Chappell is to her art and advocacy. Her creativity inspires me to be fearless in my passions because vulnerability is strength, and living life authentically means living a powerful life. Each time I listen to her, she enables me to live my truth, and that's why I support her career with all my heart. Chappell Roan is not just an artist; she is freedom, strength, and courage, all traits to be proud of as a fan.

When I think of an embodiment of excellence, resilience, and hard work, one such athlete that comes foremost into my mind is Katie Ledecky. A Team USA swimmer, she has rewritten the record books regarding what can be done in the pool. But beyond her extraordinary accomplishments, it's her relentless work ethic and quiet humility that make her such an inspiring figure. Katie Ledecky came into my consciousness when, as a 15-year-old, she won her first Olympic gold medal in the 800-meter freestyle during the 2012 London Olympics. What exactly was so stunning wasn't just her ability to win, but how she swam with a maturity and confidence well out of proportion for her years. She was untouchable, yet incredibly, even more than this, it was a determination to take herself further than anyone could have ever imagined. Katie wasn't just racing the clock or the competition-she was racing herself, to be better each lap. Since then, her career has only picked up momentum. With an overall count of five Olympic gold medals and many world records, Katie positioned herself as one of the greatest swimmers in history. What separates her, however, is not just the velocity with which she cuts through the water, but in how she approaches training and competition alike. She's known for being rather low-key and always looking for ways to improve. It has taken lots of discipline, accepting training pain, and realization that true champions are never satisfied with natural talent but work at perfecting every aspect of their sport. I draw most from the way Katie operates: how she has continually shown the need for persistence and hard work. Her story just reminds us that success is not often overnight, but it takes years of hard work and setbacks with true love for the process, not just the end result. It's been exciting to watch her compete at both the Olympics and World Championships, but her ability to face tough losses, learn from them, and move forward has truly been what's made her such an incredible role model. Katie also distinguished herself by the way she took the pressure of being one of the most renowned athletes in the world. She is always so humble and focused on her most loved sport, swimming. She has always put the team before the individual and represents the heart of Team USA by striving to bring the best of herself to every competition. Katie has balanced her athletic successes with an equal amount of humility and graciousness; she has been such a valuable example to me, as well as to many others. Her example has taught me to approach difficulties in my life the way she does, with the same determination and perspective. Katie shows me that one will never know success if one is only avoiding failures; rather, it comes from learning from those failures for growth. Her story reminds me that if I do put in the work and remain focused on my goals, then I can achieve great things, no matter the obstacles. For that reason, Katie Ledecky is way more than my favorite athlete to cheer for-she represents a model of what it is to personify in spirit: Team USA, unyielding in dedication, humble, and with a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Chosen Lyric: "I'm so tired of being so tired" From "All-American Bitch" - Olivia Rodrigo Olivia Rodrigo's album GUTS articulates raw emotions of adolescent lives, and the line "I'm so tired of being so tired" in "All-American Bitch" can relate quite deeply to my personal teenage experience. The tiredness in this line is not only physical but speaks volumes of the emotional fatigue arising from trying to live up to the overwhelming expectations of society, school, and relationships. This lyric speaks to the plight of so many teens who feel a need to live in a constant performance, supposedly having it all together, but in reality, we're just tired of keeping up with it all. I am very often feeling pressures of academic excellence being put on me as a teenager, of being a good friend, maintaining a nice online profile, and always striving to please everybody. This verse from Olivia really emphasizes the frustration in trying to balance these demands against mental and emotional exhaustion. The exhaustion isn't about being busy but rather the weight of trying to appear perfect, or at least as if we have it all together. Rodrigo's honesty about saying she is "tired" in this context allowed me to understand that it is acceptable not always to be okay and to know when I need a break. I have felt this emotional draining, especially when trying to please everyone around me. The pressure to be the "perfect" student and friend is overwhelming, and so it is often easy for me to lose sight of myself in the process. As it says, sometimes I want to raise my hand and say, "Hey, I'm tired," and that is okay. Olivia's music confirms an exhaustion among teens that few seem to voice. What strikes most from the above lyric is the realization that these feelings are normal: feelings of disillusion or feeling overwhelmed. As we grow up, we face some hard realities that deny the idealistic version of teenage years we were brought up to believe in. Whether it be self-image issues, the constant noise on social media, or difficult relationships-there come those periods when it genuinely seems we can't keep up. By Rodrigo, who has shared with me his vulnerability, I am allowed to express my own frustration without shame. With GUTS, Olivia isn't offering any easy fixes; she's leaning into the paradoxes of growing up. The takeaway is this: it's okay to be tired, it's okay to rest, it's okay not to know what's next. What I hear in this lyric, mainly, is that I don't have to put on a show for the world at all times. It's okay to retreat and say, this is my boundary. This song and lyric have been a source of comfort and empowerment, teaching me that the most true strength comes from being vulnerable and accepting that we don't always have to be "on." Olivia's music has shown me that exhaustion is part of the process, and it's okay to take time to recharge as we navigate the ups and downs of growing up.

I had never imagined that, with veganism, the changes would be so big in my life. I thought: I just won't eat cheese anymore, and maybe will feel a little less guilty concerning the environment. Little did I know that veganism was going to turn me into a fully-fledged environmental superhero, a passionate animal rights advocate, and a walking, talking plant-based encyclopedia. So, why am I vegan? Simple: I watched a Netflix documentary. Kidding… kind of. While the documentaries-What the Health and Forks Over Knives-were really eye-opening, it also stirred the fire in my gut to make a real difference in this world. I learned that veganism isn't just about what we eat; it's about how we live and treat the planet. It felt like the right thing to do with climate change, water waste, and animal cruelty at such an alarming level. So, I swapped out burgers for black bean patties, cheese for cashew-based alternatives-trust me, they're getting better-and started my new adventure as a proud plant-eater. The funny thing is, people always say to me, "So, you just eat salads all day? and I always say, "Yes, but they are really good salads." While it's fair to say that my diet these days is a lot of kale and hummus, let's not knock it 'til we try it, veganism has very little to do with the food-it is a lifestyle. It's about making conscious choices that promote not just a healthier planet, but fewer animal lives harmed and a future that is at least a little bit brighter. Not to mention, I can now make one killer tofu scramble. So, there's that. What veganism means to me is that I have learned how small choices can make all the difference. It's not only about me being satisfied with my diet; it's about contributing to a movement that's changing the world-one plant-based meal at a time. Every time I make a decision to forgo an animal product, I feel like I am playing my part in reducing animal suffering and carbon footprints this world will carry. In fact, that's my superpower-the power of choosing lentils over leather. Honestly, I am okay with that. Looking into the future, I am excited to apply my education to continue growing the vegan movement. I'd love to major in environmental science, policy, or whatever it is that I can to make the world better for people and animals. Whether it be inspiring people to go onto plant-based diets or actually motivating policy changes to help with sustainability, I really believe the vegan movement must be at the forefront of any solution concerning our global issues. Often, I dream of devising programs, apps, or just fun and interactive campaigns that can make the lifestyle of veganism more enjoyable and approachable to these greenhorns. Think about it: "Veganism, but make it trendy. This scholarship will bring me one step closer to those dreams, and I know that with the right tools and education, I'll be able to take my passion for veganism and use it to help others, inspire them, cultivate a world that's positive. What's next? More tofu. More sustainability. And a whole lot more compassion for our fellow earthlings. Let's make the world a greener place, one plant-based bite at a time.

I do believe, being a Christian, that from the very start to the very end, life is a gift from God, precious and dignified. It has been the foundation of my faith and has defined both my personal and professional goals in life. My commitment to the pro-life movement continued to grow through my experiences, in particular living with a rare disease, and motivated me to pursue a career as a nurse so that I can take care of others too and fight for life in any situation. This completely changed my life when I was diagnosed with a rare disease several years ago. My diagnosis imposed on me physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that would test my inner strength. But in the middle of all these, my faith in God has seen me through. One verse that has spoken more or less to me is 2 Corinthians 12:9, which says, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'." This assurance of God's grace comforts and gives hope in hard times, embraces my condition, and sees it as an opportunity to grow in resilience and empathy for others. Aside from the molding of my character, my illness has influenced my stand on pro-life. I have learned how fragile life is, and how meaningful each moment is despite everything. While living with a chronic condition increased my sensitivity toward persons with medical challenges, it gave me more regard for the value of life. I believe each human life, no matter how small, how weak, is a special creation made in God's image and should be loved, cared for, and protected. This conviction has driven me into the nursing profession. My need to help other people has always been great, but my personal experience with illness gave me a new perspective on what it means to be a healer. I will be able to work as a nurse who can provide medical care and, at the same time, give emotional and spiritual support to my patients so that they will always feel valued and respected in their own personal battles. I am very much interested in caring for women and children, and I firmly believe in the protection of every life from conception to natural death. Beyond my education in nursing, my faith has motivated me to be very active in pro-life advocacy. I volunteer at pregnancy centers to help women in crisis due to unplanned pregnancies. I want to be part of a culture that chooses life-a culture where women feel supported in their decisions to carry a pregnancy to term, no matter how difficult. I feel that through the provision of care, love, and practical support, we are showing women that their children are worth protecting, even in difficult circumstances. Receiving this scholarship would further enable me to continue my education and mission in service to the pro-life cause. I will combine work and the desire to be sure that not only are the patients healed physically, but cared for with dignity worth every human being as I pursue a nursing career. This is my life speaking on behalf of those who don't have words, and I strongly believe this scholarship will help me answer that call.

My "Connections" puzzle consists of a 4 x 4 grid containing sixteen words. The goal is to be able to divide these words into four categories of four words each. Here is the grid: Water Pablo Picasso Shark Hydrogen Forest Fossil Artist Liquid Beetle Neutron Leaf Bacteria H2O Insect Oil Painting Molecule Groups Category 1: States of Matter Water Liquid H2O Molecule Explanations: These terms are all related to substances or states of matter. Water and H2O are the same compound, with H2O being the molecular formula of water. Liquid is a state of matter that water usually exists in and a molecule is the tiny unit of a substance and is usually used in chemistry to define matter. Category 2: Artists and Art Forms Pablo Picasso Artist Oil Painting Fossil Explanation: This set involves the creative and historic arts. Pablo Picasso was an artist who changed the face of modern art. "Artist" is a general term for one who creates art, and "Oil Painting" is a classic medium used in art. "Fossil" seems out of place at first glance, but it ties in as an art in itself, especially in archaeology and the study of ancient remains, as sometimes fossil patterns influence the artistic depiction. Category 3: Organisms and Living Things Shark Beetle Leaf Bacteria Reasoning: This category includes different life forms. Sharks and beetles are living animals, while bacteria are microorganisms. A leaf is part of a plant, which also is a living organism. All these words belong to the realm of biology and life sciences. Category 4: Scientific Concepts Hydrogen Neutron Forest Insect Reasoning: This group contains words from science, from "Hydrogen" as an element down to "Neutron" as a subatomic particle, whereas "Forest" and "Insect" relate to environmental science and ecology. Even though the words "Forest" and "Insect" may appear rather biological in nature, they both form part of environmental and ecological studies, which do have a scientific basis. Grouping Explanation: These categories were chosen because of how the words in these categories relate to each other through science, nature, art, and matter. A challenge for an "Connections" puzzle is to look beyond surface associations and make deeper connections between seemingly disparate words. Common themes in science and art were used for creating these categories, as they tend to open one's thinking during the course of solving puzzles. The categories I have identified all pertain to the very manifestations of knowledge: matter and chemistry, the arts and creative expressions, living organisms, and scientific concepts running from physics into biology. Each category adds its special element into the puzzle, from the microscopic level of molecules to the macroscopic scale in a forest ecosystem. In this manner, categorizing the words this way, I have tried to present an entertaining and interactive method of stimulating critical thinking and creativity. Conclusion: In making this game, I was therefore able to put into practice problem-solving skills that require the discovery of unique connections within ideas. Much like the "Connections" game in The New York Times, this game requires one to look beyond the obvious, finding patterns across a wide gamut of topics-exhilarating for both the enthusiast and the learner. I hope this puzzle is as much a challenge to others to think critically and have fun finding connections as it was for me in devising it.

The latest album by Charli XCX, brat, is an unrestrained and unapologetic compilation of tracks from this talented artist. It shows apparent growth in her artistry, with her being true to her foundations within each track. There are so many amazing tracks, but most of the time, I love "Used to Know Me." That song deeply spoke to me down inside and was just perfect due to the mix of empowerment, self-assessment, and release that Charli's music has always given us fans. I find the lyrics of "Used to Know Me" an interesting mix of bravery and vulnerability. Some lines that stood out for me a bit more, like an anthem for personal growth and transformation, would be: "You don't know me, I'm not who you used to know.". That lyric just really resonated with me, someone who has struggled to find an identity and deal with how others perceive me. It's a reminder that change is not only okay, but it's necessary. It reflects the experience of shedding past versions of yourself and embracing who you are now, unapologetically. The electro-pop beats of the song, combined with its catchiness, give it an infectious energy, but it is the rawness within the lyrics that really hits home. I feel like the way Charli expresses herself in this song is, in a way, a declaration of independence. Having always been drawn to the concept of self-expression and breaking free from expectations, Charli's unapologetic approach to her music and persona is really so inspiring. It's a great reminder from Charli that in a world which really does force people into boxes, not accepting those labels and just being true to oneself means your growth gets messy and imperfect, but totally empowering. What makes "Used to Know Me" special isn't really the catchiness of the chorus or the production style, but how it captured that universal feeling of outgrowing one's version that no longer serves him. We all have those points in our lives when we know we've grown through relationships, personal struggles, or achievements. Not only does Charli capture that feeling of change and reinvention, but she also conveys a pop anthem. That, in every way, is everything about the evolution of her music-always pushing the envelope and challenging the status quo. This song gave me the spirit to stop caring about what others thought about me and to start owning my own narrative. It reminds me that, just as Charli did, when the time comes for me to shift into whatever's waiting in store, the folks I'll need to share my life with will appreciate the real me. Obviously, this has always been part of Charli's message, but through brat she's truly taken the art of self-expression and has spoken to self-discovery in a way that is both unflinching and heartfelt, even by today's standards. The song "Used to Know Me" means more to me than just a song; it's a reminder that, well, personal growth and being true to oneself is a real thing-one that no matter what people would tell you, that power will surely reside within the individual. That is one reason why Charli XCX continues to be a source of inspiration to so many of us: not only has she managed to make music that sounds both deeply personal and universally relatable, but also an escape from the discomfort associated with reality. Through her music, she has taught us to change, own our identity, and most importantly, never to apologize for what we were.

For my Love Island challenge, I suggest the Couple's Carnival: light-hearted, fast-paced, one that blends teamwork, communication, and a little friendly competition into one heck of an event. The idea for this challenge, in terms of assessing the compatibility of couples and their teamwork ability when under pressure, draws inspiration from carnival games and offers the audience what they are looking for-excitement and drama. Challenge Overview: The Couple's Carnival is a series of carnival games in which the couples will be racing each other through a timed relay at five stations. Each one of the games challenges different areas of their relationship, from physical coordination to mental teamwork. A surprise at the end of the challenge keeps everyone on their toes. Station Breakdown: "Ring Toss of Trust" One throws rings around pegs while the other guides them-blindfolded. The secret of success is in communication; couples must trust each other's guidance in order to rack up points. If they fail at communicating, or if they miss the rings, they lose points. "Tug-of-Love" A classic tug-of-war gets a romantic twist herein. Couples pull across a giant heart-shaped object through the finish line. It requires them to synchronize their strength and pacing to win, proving they can work under pressure together. "The Balloon Pop" 3. The couples have balloons tied onto their feet and must pop each other's balloons while protecting their own. The last couple standing wins with balloons intact, testing their strategy, agility, and teamwork in action. "Love Language Match Match romantic words in other languages with their English translations. This stop will challenge the time of the couple, how much they know as a team, and the way they work together as a team within a specific time. Kiss and Seek The couples, in this final round, have to go on a scavenger hunt for the hidden love notes. Each time they find a note, they have to head to a kissing booth where they will kiss and also get the next clue. One kiss gets a bonus point, and to add the pressure, the timer is running. After the games, couples get treated to The Love Island Spin-a giant wheel that comes out with surprise challenges like "Do a romantic dance" or "Answer a deep relationship question." This last twist in the tail means that, in this challenge, things have to be done on the spot with pressure, and where the potential drama and excitement heighten. Why This Works for the Challenge: The Couple's Carnival was planned in such a way that it aims to capture the essence of Love Island itself-romance, drama, and light-hearted fun. It encourages them to work in tandem, communicate with each other, and compete-teasing their relationship in a series of fun and engaging ways. From the light-hearted Ring Toss of Trust to the chaotic Tug-of-Love, there's always something that will make this challenge memorable: filled with moments of laughter, and perhaps even a little weirdness. A surprise twist at the end ensures the excitement goes right down to the wire. This would have been an absolute perfect challenge for Love Island: full of drama, humor, and the connection that the fans love, but at the same time showing the ability of couples to work together under pressure and with love.

Chosen Paragraph: "The good for man is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, in a complete life. If there is a life that is complete and self-sufficient, this must be the best. And the best life must be a life that is lived in accordance with virtue, for this is the most fulfilling and the most enjoyable life." —Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I Essay: In the excerpt above, from Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, the philosopher gives an in-depth explication of what has become known as the "good life"-that is, that type of life which leads to human flourishing, or what Aristotle calls eudaimonia. The following selection preserves Aristotle's thinking that for humans, the highest form of good consists in activity of the soul, and that such activity must be in conformity with virtue:. Aristotle's ethical outline focuses on how persons fulfill themselves, not through passing pleasures or goods from outside, but rather in the development of virtue within their actions, character, and life choices. This is, in fact, the point of Aristotle's concept-the "best life"-which insists on one's living purposefully and self-sufficiently with the right balance. The first central idea in this passage has to do with how the "good for man" is such to be an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue. The soul, for Aristotle, was the seat of human action and reason, virtue a quality that aligns our actions with the best version of ourselves. Yet for Aristotle, virtue is by no means some passive or static quality; it is active and dynamic. The term virtuous means to actively exercise the correct actions guided by reason, developing that which comes from moral excellence. That is important because it sets it apart from other philosophical standpoints where virtue is noted as innate or given. Aristotle goes on to assert that virtues are those things we develop and practice over time as we work deliberate effort and rational choice. It is not enough that one has virtue; virtuous activities must be put into practice, and the active exertion of the soul therein forms the essentials of a person's life. In the quoted passage above, Aristotle identifies that virtue should be practiced along a whole span of life. In identifying this "whole span of life", it questions the idea that virtue can be an act or good deed of an individual at any given time. Aristotle believes that the fullness of life represents a wide circle of experiences-moral, intellectual, social, and physical. Virtue can never be practiced in isolation; it needs to permeate all levels of life, from personal friendships to professional success. Thus, for Aristotle, the perfect life requires not just acting virtuously but the activity of realizing a well-rounded, balanced life. In that sense, eudaimonia isn't just a moment of happiness or pleasure but rather the general fulfillment obtained from the practice of living a virtuous and comprehensive life. Another important element in this passage is Aristotle's use of "self-sufficiency." He thinks of the best life as self-sufficient, by which he means that its happiness comes, as it were, from within, rather than depending on external circumstance. While friendships, fortune, and prestige may altogether create a person's well-being, these are all external goods that cannot form the basis of the truly fulfilling life. Happiness is inner orientation, meaning one is able to live in consonance with one's virtues guided by reason and with one's purposed direction. In that sense, the self-sufficient life is never one of isolation but of inner independence by which the individual is not dependent upon externals for happiness. In this day and age, wherein most equate happiness with material wealth or at least external success, Aristotle's notion of self-sufficiency challenges us to look within ourselves for our sense of fulfillment. The sentence "the best life must be a life that is lived in accordance with virtue" epitomizes Aristotle's view of the critical role of virtue in human flourishing. The most pleasurable and fulfilling life will not be the one filled by pursuit of temporary pleasures but rather the one invested in developing moral and intellectual excellence. Happiness for Aristotle is a deeper and more sustained contentment than mere pleasure, one that results from liv­ing a life in conformity with the rational nature peculiar to man and with virtuous practices. True happiness, therefore, will not be ques­tion either of having more or of experiencing more but rather of being the best version of oneself and carry on virtuous decisions in all spheres of life. It is common for Aristotle's ethics to be contrasted with hedonism, where pleasure is the good. For Aristotle, however, while pleasure might form part of the good life, it is virtue, lived consistently over time, that results in the most significant and long-lasting form of happiness. Yet this text carries within it an underlying message that the good for man consists of the cultivation of virtue, and this is done through incessant effort in the activation of life. It also calls upon us to move beyond these superficial sources of happiness-wealth, fame, or pleasure-and instead aims at the development of a virtuous, rational character that is consonant with our true nature. For Aristotle, the good life means embracing virtue not as one rule after another but as an active, continuing practice. In living virtuously, one is acting in concert with one's purpose, one's best self, and this produces a profound and enduring happiness. This passage also brings into view Aristotle's belief in the importance of the well-rounded life-a life that is not just punctuated by isolated acts of goodness, but by a constancy of commitment to virtue in all areas of life. Living a "complete life" involves integration of moral, intellectual, and social virtues and requires that one's life be in harmony with reason and the rational order of the world. In this integrating of the virtues, there comes to be a final fulfillment beyond momentary pleasure or the external awarding of praise and honors. This passage from the Nicomachean Ethics presents one of the profound visions of the good life that surpasses the active practice of virtue in a complete and self-sufficient life. Aristotle's philosophy encourages us to perceive happiness not as a reward or as an event related to episodic pleasures but, rather, as a matter of living to the highest potential-guided by reason, virtue, and inner harmony. According to Aristotle, it is precisely such a life-one completely lived-that is the best, with virtue shaping every part of being, and through which one reaches true fulfillment and contentment. In this sense, Aristotle's ethics present us both with a guide and a challenge: to live fully, to live virtuously, and to seek fulfillment from within, not from the world surrounding us.

Let's get real-Sabrina Carpenter didn't just catch my attention as Maya Hart on Girl Meets World. She captured my heart, my sense of humor, and my love for sarcastic one-liners that I'm still trying to replicate at every Zoom meeting. The moment Maya popped up on screen with those perfectly timed zingers, I knew I was in for a wild ride. She played that one character who wasn't afraid to say what was running through all our minds: "Why does everybody else have their life together, and I'm just here making awkward jokes? " If Maya was my spirit animal, Sabrina was my spirit guide. But Sabrina wasn't contented staying within the four corners of the Disney Channel. Oh no, she went forth to become a pop star. And let me tell you, the first time I listened to "Thru My Hands," it was like, "Yaaas, this is a bop," but also, "Can we talk about how she just casually went from Disney queen to indie pop goddess? " Sabrina's transition from acting to music is basically like that caterpillar-to-butterfly thing. Except, in this case, the butterfly also dropped hit singles that were just as catchy as they were deep. Her song "Skinny Dipping" made me realize two things: one, I am not ready for a summer pool party, and two, I want to live my life with the same unapologetic vibe she brings to every lyric. That was the moment I knew Sabrina was more than just an actress; she was a life coach wrapped in a pop star's body. Sabrina's career has taught me something very important: It's okay to not have everything figured out, and it's okay to evolve. Because, let's get real, in her career, Sabrina has done it all: been the comic relief best friend, indie pop queen, and somehow still manages to be a mental health and environmental advocate. Talk about multitasking. She is literally the human form of an over-achieving planner that somehow manages to brunch and hit yoga on Sundays. That is the energy I am trying to bring into my life. First, it was the fact that Sabrina changes genres as fast as she changes hair, and that was inspiring enough; second, she uses her platform to talk about actual issues-mental health, body positivity, climate change. She makes me remember that I am allowed to care about more than just getting my homework done on time-usually, a win in my case. She has shown me you can be talented, funny, and still care about the world beyond your Instagram feed. But now, how has Sabrina's career really impacted me? Well, each and every time I feel like I am lost or doubt myself, I am always thinking, "What would Sabrina do?" And then I promptly remember that Sabrina would probably record a banger about self-empowerment and then drop the single on a Tuesday. So that's what I am going to do-minus the banger part, but I'll get to work on that. Ultimately, though, Sabrina Carpenter has been part of some pretty deep impacts on my life, teaching me that it's okay to be myself, grow, or even challenge myself. In any case, she manages to teach me to embrace every aspect of myself-whether she is making us laugh, cry, or groove along to a song about skinny dipping-and perhaps throw in a few dance moves while I'm at it.

One of the greatest challenges I have ever overcome was when I was diagnosed with Graves' disease and thyroid eye disease at the age of a teenager. Graves Disease-an autoimmune disorder-was responsible for extreme fatigue, very rapid weight loss, and anxiety; meanwhile, TED caused bulging of my eyes and other vision problems. These conditions made it difficult to focus on my studies and provided physical discomfort that seemed overwhelming. Despite these struggles, I refused to let my health define my future. With time, I slowly learned how to manage my health, become an advocate for myself in doctor's offices and hospitals, and readjust my way of life to make sure that my needs were fulfilled. These experiences built not only my resilience but deepened my passion for healthcare. I soon knew I wanted to be a nurse, a person who would not only take care of the needs for medical attention but also be in a position where they could understand the pain others were suffering due to their health challenges. What basically fired me up to do nursing is because of my personal story, the desire to make a real difference in patients' lives, especially in areas that are disadvantaged and have limited access to healthcare services. This scholarship would, therefore, help me pursue my desired nursing course. The financial burden that comes with higher education is just huge, and with these tuition and other expenses, it always seems like a mountain that cannot be surmounted. This scholarship would lighten that burden, and I would be able to focus on my education rather than financial issues. It will provide me with the competencies and knowledge to become a skilled nurse who also advocates for public health and health equity. In conclusion, I want to specialize in public health nursing so that I can dedicate myself to reducing health disparities and improving access to care in vulnerable communities. More than helping me achieve my career goals, I would like my education to serve as an example for others in my community to pursue their own education. I understand how tough it may get to pursue dreams while experiencing personal setbacks, having undergone health challenges myself. I want to be in a position where I could show others that a good education is still an avenue through which they can achieve a better future with persistence. Through this, I hope to set a good example to the youth with their struggles so that they would see that indeed it is possible for them to surmount bad situations and reach their potential through education. Unconventionally, perhaps, I believe in encouraging young people in the study and collecting of postage stamps-what one calls philately. It offers the one and only way to study history, geography, and cultures of the world while teaching the value of patience and organization. I would advise young people to start off with some kind of theme that interests them, perhaps stamps of a certain country or era. It is a hobby that breeds interest and could instigate a lifelong love for learning, connecting them to the world in an enjoyable yet educative way. Overcoming my health adversities surely has strengthened my will to pursue my nursing degree and then allow me to pay it forward in my community. The scholarship would meet my financial need to continue my education and eventually apply myself in the field of public health to assist others. Through my education and subsequent career, I envision the concept of persuading others to follow their dreams, no matter how insurmountable the obstacles may be.

To me, attending college is more than getting a degree; it is about building a career through which I can make a difference in people's lives. Since I have an interest in serving others, studying to become a nurse will provide me with the best avenue of combining my desire to serve my community with my love for health. I view college as a means to channel this passion into a concretized career, whereby I am able to grow professionally and meaningfully contribute to the well-being of others. Even though I am not the first in my family to pursue a degree, I am fully aware of the particular challenges that come with pursuing a career in nursing, which requires both academic rigor and emotional resilience. My parents have always led me to believe in the importance of education, and their support gave me the confidence to choose a career that is both challenging and rewarding. Yet, I am also aware that hard work is inadequate to make a good nurse; it calls for technical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience to extend quality care. College is my way of achieving this knowledge and acquiring the necessary credentials that will make me a relevant nurse to be able to serve my community effectively. My objectives in college go beyond graduating with a nursing degree; it is more of acquiring practical and emotional knowledge that will equip me in my transformation to a caring giver of service. I would like to work either in public health or community health, providing care for the underserved population. Nursing, to me, is the treatment of a person, not an illness, and my education will equip me to treat the whole person with cultural competence, empathy, and professionalism. Apart from clinical expertise, I want to build leadership skills to help me advance in my career. Throughout college, I envision taking on leadership roles in student organizations and seeking out internships or volunteer opportunities that will add to my experience concerning the delivery of healthcare. Whether it be with hospital staff, community health endeavors, or healthcare policy, I want to have experience in an area that will make me grow as both a nurse and a leader. One of my high ambitions is to act as a role model to others in my community. Growing up, I feel like I did not always see people who look like me in healthcare, and I would like that to change. By entering the nursing field, I would like to be an inspiration to other students of underrepresented backgrounds who may think healthcare is a viable and rewarding career. That is the role education can play in breaking such cycles of inequality, and by being a nurse, I show other people that they, too, can add their contribution to healthcare. Ultimately, college is about gaining knowledge, skills, and experiences that will prepare me toward my passion for nursing and health equity advocacy. Nursing calls-you don't just get yourself into it. This will be the education that equips me to be a nurse who not only cares for her patients but ensures there is equality in health. This will be my first step toward college, embracing all the opportunities that allow me to make a difference that will last in my community and greater society. In essence, college will provide me with the means to prepare for a future in which I can give back to my community, inspire future generations of healthcare professionals, and positively affect the lives of those who require it most.

The first time I heard "Defying Gravity," I was hooked. Wicked isn't just a musical; it is an experience: so full of courage and individuality, standing up for beliefs even when the world does not understand. It's a journey of friendship, identity, and acceptance, all through the lens arguably of two of the most compelling characters in musical theatre: Elphaba, the misunderstood "Wicked" Witch of the West, and Glinda, the bubbly and oftentimes naive "Good" Witch. What draws me into Wicked so much is how it flips the usual narrative on its head. This is because growing up, I have often found myself being an outsider, never fitting into the mold that others expected of me. The struggle of Elphaba-people being different, outcasts, and yet never compromising on who she is-rends deep within my soul. In some ways, her journey of self-acceptance and determination was a powerful reminder that it is often the things that make us different which make us extraordinary. This anthem, "Defying Gravity," is a rallying cry for any person that ever had to live within the confinements of limitation or was ever told that they weren't good enough. It's one of those songs that reminds me I have the power to rise above and be unapologetically myself no matter how weighted the world may feel. But the transformation of Glinda from a shallow, "popular" girl into a friend who comes to realize what it truly means to be there in a friend's time of need is equally profound. The song "For Good" simply captures and puts into words what their friendship was, how these acts of kindness bestowed upon someone leave an indelible mark. What really resonates with me is the emotional power of this song, which lingers long after the curtain call. It reminds us that we are all touching each other's lives and that, in our own small ways, we can make the world a little bit nicer. Aside from the actors and the music, Wicked speaks volumes about the dynamics of storytelling. It takes a world with which so many people are familiar, Oz, and presents an offering never spoken or looked at-the one showing how perception can be manipulated, how power can corrupt, and choices have consequences. It is from this theme of challenging authority and making a path for one's self that has most influenced me in my personal life and my academic journey. Wicked taught me that sometimes doing the right thing does not equate to following the crowd, and that sometimes the right thing can be incredibly hard. The more hype builds up for the film adaptation, the more in love I've fallen with the musical. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo will bring their special kind of magic to Glinda and Elphaba, and I really cannot wait to see that magic come onto film. Wicked, for me, is more than a musical-it's one strong message of survival, friendship, and the need to be true to oneself. For that, I also consider Wicked to have entertained me, but at the same time, it gave me that power of being brave, different, and standing up for what I believe in. This musical is the kind that speaks to the heart, and for years to come, its themes of empowerment will reverberate in my memory.

I will be the nurse who is not just a technician but a source of comfort; one that makes patients and families feel seen and heard in a way that they remember years to come. Nurses like Sheila A. Burke, who dedicated her life to the advancement of nursing education, mentorship, and positivity, are the kind of professionals I look up to. What really impresses me is Sheila's legacy of motivating others to pursue their dreams in nursing and advancing the growth and improvement of the profession. My journey to nursing is personal, chiseled from not just academic pursuits but also from the experiences I have had relating to illness. When I was 16 years old, Graves' disease and thyroid eye disease turned my teenage years into a series of adventures courtesy of two very rare autoimmune disorders. Graves' sent my thyroid into an overactive gear-instantly plunging me into a jittery, anxious haze, as if the amount of espresso I was drinking had come straight from the pot. But the real "wow" factor was from thyroid eye disease: My eyes bulged out so much, I could have played a role in some sort of science fiction movie. Seriously, my eyes were so prominent I could've probably started a trend in horror films. The worst combination for any teenager, I plainly realized very soon that taking oneself too seriously could turn out to be a pretty grave mistake. As time passed by in months and I tried my best to keep up with school and life, it slowly began to dawn on me that my conditions did not have any real cure. Treatments were either too limited or came with risks which no 16-year-old needed to contemplate. The doctors came up with experimental treatments that had never been tried on a patient my age. They were brutally honest: "This may work, but we have never done it on anyone this young. But hey, it's a new adventure!" Needless to say, not the reassurance I was looking for. Yet amidst all that uncertainty, something clicked. I realized that either I would be mastered by fear or I should confront this test of my life courageously with humor, bravery, and resilience. One of the worst moments was when I had been admitted to the hospital for the most dangerous surgery for the Thyroid Eye Disease. Scared out of my mind, this nurse comes beaming at me with this big smile on her face and this little stuffed bear in her hand. "This is my little helper," she said, "and we're going to make you feel better, one bear hug at a time." And, well, I couldn't help myself, I just smiled. It was not the bear that comforted me but her infectious positiveness. She wasn't there only to manage my medical needs but to make me feel that all would be well. I think that's when I truly realized the power behind being a nurse. Nurses are the ones that hold your hand, tell you it's going to be okay, and maybe even make you laugh when the situation is anything but funny. That experience instilled a burning fire in my heart for nursing, especially pediatric ICU nursing, whereby I too can bring the same composure, good humor, and reassurance to numerous families whose dear loved ones are lying in life-critical conditions. I want to be that nurse who knows not just the science behind the treatments but can bond with the families on a human level. I want to be the one explaining a complicated procedure in the simplest of terms, joking with kids to help them be at ease, and at least offering a glimpse of hope during that overwhelming hospital stay. My experiences with rare diseases also made me realize the importance of advocacy. In treatment, much time was spent learning about my own health conditions, self-advocating when doctors were not initially receptive to my concerns, and asking questions that were not always easy to ask. It is this experience that has taught me just how important it is that healthcare professionals listen to their patients, not just cases, but individuals who come with their own background stories, fears, and hopes. I want to be the kind of nurse who will listen, take her time with the shift, and build relationships with patients and their families on the basis of mutual respect and trust. In the process, I have also found myself being pulled into leadership and mentorship. Just like Sheila A. Burke, I want to be able to establish an environment in which growth, encouragement, and learning can take root among the other upcoming nurses. Throughout my health career, I have enjoyed the opportunity to be mentored by some great nurses, and it is now time I pay back. I want to be that kind of nurse who will excel not only in patient care but also in lifting others up in their careers-encouraging fellow nurses to go on and advance their educations in reaching their full potential. Nursing is not only a profession; it's a community, and I want to be part of contributing to a stronger and supportive community where each single nurse would feel empowered to give their best. Moreover, with my intention to work in the pediatric ICU, I am excited about the prospect of becoming a mentor for other young nurses just starting their journey. I have also volunteered in various healthcare settings, one of which is the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar. I shared with them my experiences about rare diseases and how they had shaped my career goals. I urged my fellow young leaders to follow their passions, look beyond their challenges, and be the kind of persons who carry positivity and care with them in whatever they do. I want to inspire future generations to be more than caregivers: advocates, mentors, and at times when needed, comforters with a bit of humor. Though there have been tough moments in my life, now more than ever, I believe this is the right path for me. As a nurse, I know I will bring with me empathy, humor, and indomitable determination into my work. I will be able to provide the same kind of care and encouragement that I have received from the nursing staff who have taken care of me in my hard medical journey. This would mean a step toward my goal of becoming a pediatric ICU nurse and mentor, carrying on the legacy left behind by positive growth like that of nurses such as Sheila A. Burke. Be it through a well-timed joke or through a heart-to-heart talk, I aspire to be a light in the child and his family's lives when both are facing some of life's worst moments, much as those nurses were to me. In the end, I will be the nurse who not only understands the medical aspect but makes it easier for patients and families to get through the toughest of days. After all, if I've learned anything, it's that sometimes the best medicine is a smile, a bear hug, and a good laugh-even in the face of a life-threatening illness.

I was diagnosed with Graves' disease and thyroid eye disease—two weird autoimmune conditions that flipped my world on its axis—when I was 16. Because of Graves', my thyroid went into overdrive, making my heart beat at warp speed, the pounds melt off, and my energy become jittery, like I'd been mainlining espresso. But the real shocker was thyroid eye disease, which caused my eyes to bulge out in a way that truly made me feel like some type of wild, science-fiction movie star. I went from being a typical, awkward teenager to one who barely recognized herself in the mirror. After months of ineffective treatments, my doctors gave me the devastating news: there was no cure for my conditions. The medications that would help manage my symptoms were not working, and the other available options involved experimental treatments, some of which were even life-threatening. One option included surgery never performed on someone my age. The doctors made it clear that there was no guarantee of a successful outcome and that complications could be severe. Terrified, I sat at 16 with the prospect of a dangerous procedure and did not even know my future. At first, I felt being asked to leap into the unknown with no safety net, but then something inside shifted. While I couldn't control the medical outcomes, I could control my attitude. I could give in to the fear of the unknown, or I could face it with strength and resilience. I chose the latter. Yes, treatments were fearful, but then I wasn't going to allow this disease to define me. I refused to let fear take control of my life. Instead, I embraced the challenge and put all my effort into doing those things that would make me stay positive and hopeful against the elements of uncertainty that were overwhelming. The coming months were filled with a number of procedures, some very challenging. There were days when I would wonder if I would ever feel normal again, but there were small victories: the day my eye swelling began to reduce, for instance, or how a new medication at one point helped my racing heart. All these small victories kept me running. But most of all, I started realizing that having compassionate people by my side mattered. I feel a difference that could come when doctors and nurses actually listened and explained things in a manner that scared less. I wanted to be that person for others. That's when I knew I wanted to be a pediatric ICU nurse. I wanted to be the kind of nurse who doesn't just treat a diagnosis but who also provides the emotional support that's so vital to children facing life-threatening illnesses. I wanted to help kids not just survive but thrive-just as I had learned to do in my own journey. I have also volunteered for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, where I shared with other young leaders my story of resiliency. I encouraged them to look beyond medical diagnoses and stereotypes and see people for who they are, not just what they're going through. Through my struggle with Graves' disease and thyroid eye disease, I learned the power of resilience, empathy, and the importance of facing adversity with courage. Now more than ever, I am determined to use that passion in pediatric healthcare. It would mean the next step in becoming the kind of nurse I have always aspired to-be the one who provides a gentle touch, not just medicine, and hope during those tender moments in which a child may need it most.

People always ask me why I am pursuing nursing as a career. My stock answer is that I have spent the past decade either in hospitals or playing nurse at family gatherings. Funny as that may sound, my route into nursing began with a spate of unplanned events that ended in one irrefutable conclusion: this healthcare system was one big, crazy family reunion-type thing that gets messy, and someone better take charge and clean it up. It all started with my dad falling sick. Nothing serious, really-just a light case of "being a stubborn man who thinks he is invincible." One day, though, his health took an abrupt turn for the worse, and we were thrown into the hospital. In the turmoil that followed, I realized I was the only one who could make out what the doctor was saying. I didn't have any formal training, so I nodded a lot and faked like I knew what "following a heart health regimen" consisted of. My dad recovered, but that moment stuck with me. I thought, I need to know more about this stuff-just in case I ever find myself in the ER again, this time in scrubs. Well, the universe wasn't quite done testing me yet. Then, a couple of years later, my mom had a heart attack. Wholly unprepared, I sat in the ER trying to hold it together for her but inside spiraling like a toddler on a sugar high. Thankfully, she made it through, and it ended up being a wake-up call. Afterward, I dove headfirst into learning about cardiovascular health and CPR. It came as a very important reminder that, during such instances, one is called upon not only to deliver life-saving techniques but also to remain composed in the midst of chaos. Well, the plot thickened-the ultimate plot twist, I later learned, was that I had Graves' Disease. I had no idea what that was, but from the serious tone set by this doctor, it wasn't good. So, I did what any modern-day patient would do: religiously Google it. At one point, my doctor even was impressed at how knowledgeable I was regarding the condition. Thanks, WebMD! This was my introduction to what it means to be proactive about your health, and I realized how much I wanted to help others do the same. Through it all, I learned that nursing isn't just about reacting to emergencies; it's about being prepared, remaining composed when everything seems out of control. Whether it is knowing how to give CPR to mom right after a heart attack or knowing some condition one didn't know existed, nursing is all about stepping up where no one else knows what to do; it is to be the calm in the storm. These experiences have shaped my urge to help others navigate their own health crises. I want to be that nurse who is not just there to take the vital signs but to spread knowledge, lend compassion, and a firm hand during peoples' neediest moments. The ebb and flow of life have brought me full circle to realize that while I may not be able to control what happened in my life, I can control how I react. And so, here I am: a nursing student with a little humor in my pocket, an immense amount of respect for the world of healthcare professionals, and a whole load of personal experiences. I am ready to be that kind of nurse-the kind who can show up prepared, calm, and capable amidst whatever life throws at my doorstep.

So let me paint this picture: there I was, 17 years old, on this "simple" hiking trip with friends-nothing too extreme, mind you. Just a nice, easy, "we're definitely not lost" hike. You know, the kind of hike where you wear cute shoes and take more selfies than steps. My plan was Having views, having a picnic, and maybe-just maybe-doing a little "outdoor soul searching" is part of the fun of the trip (read: nap in a hammock with my phone on airplane mode.) Well, life had other plans. Four hours later, I tumbled down a rocky slope and twisted my ankle in a way that made my high school gym teacher's "don't be dramatic" mantra echo in my head. No cute Instagram moment of me being all at peace with nature, no "look how at peace I am with nature" caption-just me, my twisted ankle, and my friends arguing over whether we should call for help or just walk it off. It was the day I made the realization that the outdoors isn't just about fresh air and pretty, 'gram-worthy sunsets. It's also about the survival part. And trail mix is the most underappreciated snack of all time. But I digress. With a great deal of deliberation-mostly me, groaning in pain-one of my friends, who actually did pay attention in first aid class, applied her emergency training and wrapped up my ankle. We limped our way back to civilization, while I thought to myself, "What if nobody had known what to do?" What if I needed more than just an ankle wrap? What if someone else had gotten seriously injured? And it was then that it actually clicked-what I wanted to become was a person who could stand up, rise to the occasion in incidents of this sort. The great outdoors is one heck of a teacher, but she gets the point across. It is there where we learn not only about the world, but also about ourselves. I did learn that day that the wilderness can be as unpredictable as my attempts to cook. How important it is to be prepared for those times when, heaven forbid, a twisted ankle or something even worse happens. That's how I pursued my nursing career. Of course, nursing isn't about dressing people up in those hospital gowns without making them feel like they are on some crazy fashion runway. It is that calm when things are chaotic and the steady hand at that one particular crisis point who knows what to do when it all goes wrong. It is helping the world when all isn't quite "Instagram perfect.". Since that day, I have volunteered at local clinics during my summers, learned first aid, and hiked way more responsibly, (and of course, I bring the trail mix.) But above all, it helped me realize my calling: taking care of people in the wild and in the hospital. The experience taught me that life is not about just making it on the trails yourself but also letting others do so. So next time you are out on that hike and someone twists an ankle, well, do not freak out. Just break out some trail mix and remember, this could be the start of your next big adventure both in the wild and beyond.

I used to think activism was for people who could wear protest T-shirts without looking like they just walked out of a thrift store, and could pull of bold statements. I'd click "like" on posts about equality, sure, but I didn't exactly do much about it. Then I met Jamie. Jamie was a non-binary student at my high school who entered every room like they were on a red carpet-glitter falling from their hair like confetti. I used to think that they were just those kinds of people who loved being the center of attention. As I got to know Jamie, though, I found they were way more than a human disco ball: they were living their truth no matter what anybody else thought. Watching Jamie navigate with confidence through an often lack-of-understanding world was kind of an eye-opener to me. They weren't fighting for the right to be themselves; they were fighting for the right to exist on their own terms. That's when it clicked: if Jamie could be that brave, why couldn't I? I'd been hiding behind the security of my comfortable life, safe in the security bubble of not challenging anything. It was watching people treat Jamie a certain way that made me really appreciate how much I had taken my privilege for granted. I decided I wanted to do more than just "like" posts online; I wanted to support the LGBTQIA+ community. It began with a lot of research: reading about the movement in LGBTQIA+ rights, watching documentaries, and listening to podcasts about the history that has never been taught in classrooms. The Stonewall Riots, the AIDS crisis, and the ongoing struggles for equality opened my eyes as to how society has marginalized this community. The more I learned, the more determined I had become to advocate for change-especially in the area of healthcare, where the LGBTQIA+ are misunderstood or mistreated. But that wasn't enough; I needed to involve the community directly. I joined local LGBTQIA+ organizations, volunteering at youth centers, and starting to have conversations with people whose lives were being shaped by this struggle. I listened to stories of rejection, discrimination, and resilience. These are not mere statistics or news headlines; they are real people, stories that have lit a fire in me. It wasn't just about talking but listening, learning, and acting. Through this, I came to the realization that my career was not going to be in marketing or business-even though I am great at Photoshop. I needed to be in a field where I could make a real, tangible impact; I wanted to be a nurse. Nursing is so much more than simply taking vitals and administering medications; it is an art form of creating space where each client is seen and heard. LGBTQIA+ individuals face very real challenges in health care, which run the gamut from discrimination to lack of understanding around their needs. I want to be a nurse with no restrictions to treating the soul through the body and advocating dignity and respect for people who have been continuously marginalized. Jamie's glittery entrance was not only about changing my perspective, but it was about a career in nursing, where, hopefully, I will be able to create an inclusive and compassionate environment for one and all. Activism is much more than raising awareness; the difference that activism wants to create, it wants to do so where it counts. That is the change I want to be part of.

Writing has always been my refuge, my creative way out from the ordinary. That is where I can be anybody, say anything, travel to worlds which don't exist yet. It is thrilling and at the same time therapeutic: creating stories from scratch, weaving the words into something meaningful. I see writing as one of the ways of processing emotions, sharing thoughts, and trying to make sense of the world around me. It is a means of expression that is mine alone, and it's the only place where I can ever be free. What I love most in writing is the fact that it could always transcend everything, be it cultural, emotional, or personal boundaries. I, as a writer, can take people into my world-what I am feeling and seeing. I like knowing that something I have said, written, or done will perhaps spark someone else-a thought, an idea, or even a change. Through poetry, fiction, or nonfiction, writing bridges myself and the world, inviting others closer to my point of view. That connection, that shared moment between writer and reader, is incredibly rewarding. And writing allows me to delve into the deepest puzzles of human nature, pose big questions, and investigate the "what ifs" that shape the various incidents of our lives. I write to untangle the knotted threads of my emotions, to make sense of difficult experiences, and to give them form. For example, in times of personal or world troubles, I can give rise to characters, stories, and poems that say what has not been said-messy and complicated. In writing, I find clarity. In writing, I heal. However, even as writing has been one of my continuing passions, I also know that much more lies with which to challenge myself. I would like to perfect the craft, get newer techniques, and sharpen my storytelling skills. The reason behind this is why I need to continue learning about writing. Formal learning—be it through workshops, courses, or mentorship—will usher in, I believe, a change in me as a writer. I have a desire to study the technical aspects of writing: structure, pacing, and voice, which are some of the areas I have not mastered so far. I want also to expose myself to new genres and forms of writing in order to expand my creative boundaries. What really excites me about continuing to develop my writing education is the opportunity to participate in a network of other prospective writers, mentors, and instructors who will help mold me into a more resourceful and nimble writer. More often than not, writing is a single task, and I am looking forward to having a group for myself with similar interests who can challenge me to become better. I want to take my writing from something personal to possibly resonating with an audience on a much wider scale. This scholarship would give me the tools, resources, and knowledge to make that leap. I want to make a career out of writing-to have confidence and skill to pursue it professionally-and I know furthering my education is the key to unlocking my full potential. Writing isn't just something I love; it's something I want to build my future on. I'm ready to take that challenge.

Poetry has always been the way I reflect upon life's complexities, especially in its most fragile and sacred moments. It allows me to reflect on the value of life-its fragility, its strength, its inalienable worth. My being pro-life is not just a belief but a conviction shaped through the encounters I have had with women who have had impossible decisions, often while pregnant and in very distressing circumstances. These experiences shaped my understanding of the sanctity of all life, especially the unborn. One of those poems which influenced me profoundly into a pro-life perspective was "A Mother's Lament" by Shadia Hrichi. This heart-rending piece he has written on losing a child to abortion: "I placed her into the hands of wicked men, / behind closed doors they give birth to death." His words, so crisp, like a wail of sorrow, catch the intensity of anguish that abortion brings with it-not to the unborn alone but also to the mother. The grief is palpable: the mother reflecting on her decision, the irreversible nature of the loss. It reminded me that abortion is not just a political issue; it's a deeply emotional, life-altering decision for both mother and child. My pro-life position didn't, however, come about merely through literature. It was through being directly involved with women in a homeless shelter that I came to a full understanding of the struggles that lead to abortion and the unyielding value of life, regardless of circumstance. There, I had met Maria, who was pregnant and living on the streets. She confided in me about the fear of not being able to take care of her child, yet amidst so much uncertainty she had chosen to give her baby a chance to live. "He deserves a chance," she said. "I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I want him to know life." Maria's words continued to ring in my mind for a very long period of time. She knew one thing: that every life, however fragile, is a treasure worth hanging on to. In time, I spoke with other women at the shelter, each of whom had her own special problems, her own fears, her own hopes. Some were pregnant and frightened; others had given up their children to abortion and talked of it with tears. One of these women said in telling me her story, "I don't regret my child. I regret not having the strength to keep her sooner." Her words therefore brought into light the psychological cost of abortion, and how it affects a woman's heart and mind for many years. These conversations with women, some of whom had to make difficult choices, others who were still navigating their fears, deepened my conviction that life, in all its stages, is sacred. It is not just the unborn who need our advocacy; it's the women who carry them-usually alone, scared, and unsupported. Working at this shelter, together with reflection upon poems like "A Mother's Lament", instilled in me a very strong belief in the intrinsic value of every human life. Pro-life means for the baby, but also pro-woman-actually, pro-the woman who faces those very difficult decisions. We must create a culture of hope, of support, and compassion, wherein every life-born and unborn-can live a life full of dignity and love.

As an ultra fan of The Bear, I've spent hours daydreaming about how this rollercoaster of chaos, family drama, and unhinged restaurant antics could possibly wrap up. And honestly? The best ending for The Bear is one in which this team somehow doesn't burn down the restaurant-again-and actually finds a way to make it all work… at least for a little while. Carmy Berzatto: Poor Carmy's been running on fumes since day one. From the PTSD-driven, sweat-soaked nights to the high-stakes, high-risk chef shenanigans, it's all just been a mess-and we love him for it. The perfect ending, though? Carmy learns to finally delegate. Instead of trying to save the restaurant single-handedly during the day and then destroying himself at night, he realizes a team can actually make that dream work. This is where Carmy would open another restaurant in the final season, but not just any restaurant-he goes all in on a bizarre fusion concept like "Italian sushi" or "Taco burgers"-and then somehow resists the urge to micromanage. He stands back, gives Sydney full control, and finally trusts his staff to make the decisions. He might even take a vacation. A real vacation. Where he isn't checking the kitchen emails every five minutes. Real talk, this is the least realistic part of this whole hypothetical, but hey, it's the dream. Sydney Adamu Sydney's arc has been one of the greatest highlights of The Bear—going from barely holding it together to full-on embracing her power as a chef. Perfect ending for her? Opening her own restaurant, duh, but not just any restaurant. It's the restaurant that finally puts "fine dining" and "convenience" in the same sentence. Think: Michelin stars for takeout. Sydney gets the respect she deserves, but somehow, she's still low-key terrified Carmy's gonna show up one day and try to take over her kitchen. Spoiler: he does. But this time, instead of steamrolling her, he just brings a really nice bottle of wine and asks if she needs help- like, actual help. Richie Jerimovich Richie, poor guy, has always been the one you root for because, well, he's trying. He really is. But it's like watching a cat trying to learn how to swim-messy, frustrating, but occasionally kind of impressive. In the final season, Richie finally gets his act together and opens the best dive bar on the block. You know, that kind of a place with questionably blurred neon signs, awful karaoke, and exactly three patrons, all with questionable life choices. Still, Richie is happy, having learned that it was okay to be a mess and yet still have a future. The pièce de résistance of the finale? Richie gets his own redemption arc, finally having a heart-to-heart with Carmy—where they both agree that they definitely need therapy, but also definitely don't want to talk about their feelings right now. Classic Richie. The Restaurant: By the time the final scene rolls in, the restaurant isn't just about chaos, burnt toast, and stress-induced breakdowns. It's actually doing pretty well, thanks to the combined powers of Carmy, Sydney, and a surprisingly competent kitchen staff. Sure, there's the occasional fire drill, and someone probably forgets to turn off the stove at least once, but hey, progress is progress. The final shot? Carmy and Sydney high-fiving each other as the staff gets their first glowing review… and then immediately dropping a plate. Classic. In the end, The Bear proves that sometimes you just have to survive the madness, slide into the weirdness, and just hope that somehow it may all work out. But probably not without a little fire extinguisher action.

My journey toward becoming an ICU nurse with a focus on anesthesia is deeply personal and rooted in my own experiences. Dealing with Graves’ disease and Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) has shown me how crucial compassionate care is during some of the toughest moments in a patient’s life. Going through these health challenges opened my eyes to the complexities of the medical world. While the emotional and physical toll was overwhelming at times, it was the healthcare professionals who supported me that truly inspired me. Their skill and kindness made a significant difference in my experience. Each interaction made me appreciate the hard work that nurses and anesthetists put in, especially in high-stakes environments where every decision matters. Another powerful influence in my life has been my cousin, Dr. Jaclyn Gabriel. Watching her battle epithelioid hemangioendothelioma was a profound experience. Despite her illness, she remained dedicated to her patients, showing incredible strength and compassion. Jaclyn exemplified the qualities I admire most in healthcare providers. Her journey emphasized how vital nurses and anesthetists are in providing comfort and safety during critical procedures. I hope to honor her legacy by becoming a nurse practitioner who offers not only technical skills but also emotional support to patients and their families. ICU nursing, especially in anesthesia, feels like the perfect fit for me. I’m drawn to the challenges of managing complex cases and collaborating with a diverse team of professionals. I want to be more than just a monitor; I aim to advocate for patients and help them feel secure during their surgeries. The idea of using cutting-edge technology to improve patient outcomes truly excites me, and I’m eager to contribute to the field of critical care. I also know how emotionally charged this role can be. Patients in the ICU often face life-altering situations, and I want to be a calming presence in those moments. Building trust and maintaining open communication with patients and their families is essential, and I want them to feel supported even in the most uncertain times. Receiving this scholarship would be a huge help as I work toward my nursing degree and specialized training in anesthesia. Financial assistance would alleviate some of the stress that comes with medical education, allowing me to focus on my studies and clinical training. I’m determined to carry forward my cousin’s legacy and the inspiration I’ve drawn from many others in healthcare. Together, we can create a future where every patient feels seen, heard, and cared for, even in the most challenging situations.

Mental health is the cornerstone of our overall well-being, profoundly influencing every aspect of our lives, especially during pivotal times like college. As I embark on my nursing journey, I recognize that understanding and prioritizing mental health is essential not only for myself but also for those I aim to serve in the healthcare field. College is a transformative experience filled with new challenges, opportunities, and, at times, overwhelming stress. For many students, including myself, this transition can provoke feelings of anxiety, confusion, and isolation. I believe that acknowledging and addressing these feelings is crucial for academic success and personal growth. Mental health is not merely the absence of illness; it encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and influences how we handle stress and relate to others. To maintain my mental wellness, I have adopted several strategies that have proven effective. First and foremost, I prioritize open communication with my support system, which includes friends, family, and mentors. Sharing my feelings and experiences helps alleviate the burdens I carry and fosters deeper connections with those around me. I’ve learned that vulnerability is not a weakness; it’s a strength that allows for authentic relationships. Additionally, I incorporate regular physical activity into my routine. Exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood, and I find that engaging in activities like yoga or going for a run not only boosts my physical health but also enhances my mental clarity. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep-breathing exercises, have become integral to my daily life, helping me stay grounded amid the whirlwind of college life. Moreover, I actively seek to create a balanced lifestyle by setting boundaries. I allocate specific times for study, socializing, and relaxation, ensuring that I don’t become overwhelmed by any one aspect of my life. By managing my time effectively, I can focus on my studies while also carving out moments for self-care and enjoyment. Recognizing the importance of mental health extends beyond personal wellness; it influences how I will interact with patients as a future nurse. Understanding the complexities of mental health will allow me to provide holistic care that addresses both physical and emotional needs. I aspire to advocate for my patients, ensuring they receive the support necessary to navigate their challenges. In conclusion, my mental health is vital not only for my success as a student but also for my future as a healthcare professional. By prioritizing my well-being and maintaining strategies that promote mental wellness, I am better equipped to handle the demands of college and to support others in their journeys. The Pettable Mental Health Importance Scholarship would empower me to further my education in nursing while reinforcing my commitment to mental health advocacy. I am dedicated to contributing to a culture that values mental wellness, ensuring that those around me feel supported and understood.

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get: we make a life by what we give.” This quote resonates deeply with me as I pursue my nursing degree and engage in community service. My desire to make a meaningful impact stems from a personal commitment to compassion and the belief that small acts of kindness can lead to profound change in people's lives. Growing up, I witnessed the challenges faced by individuals in my community, especially those struggling with health issues and food insecurity. These experiences ignited a passion within me to serve others, prompting me to actively seek out opportunities for community involvement. My inspiration primarily comes from the idea that everyone deserves access to care, support, and kindness, regardless of their circumstances. One of the most impactful ways I’ve contributed is through tutoring ESOL students. Many of these students are immigrants navigating the complexities of a new language and culture while trying to excel in school. I worked closely with them, creating individualized lesson plans that not only improved their English skills but also fostered their confidence. I found immense joy in watching them grow, knowing that I played a part in helping them integrate into their new community. This experience reinforced my belief that education is a powerful tool for change. Additionally, I volunteered with Harvest for the Hungry, an organization that addresses food insecurity in our area. Participating in food drives and distribution events opened my eyes to the harsh realities many families face. By working alongside other volunteers, I witnessed firsthand the difference we can make by providing basic necessities to those in need. This experience inspired me to advocate for greater awareness about food insecurity and the importance of community support systems. My involvement with the American Legion also significantly shaped my understanding of service. Organizing events to honor veterans and support their needs allowed me to connect with individuals who have sacrificed so much for our country. I realized that serving those who served us is a vital aspect of community service, and I have worked to raise awareness about the challenges veterans face after returning home. This advocacy aligns perfectly with my future goals as a nurse, where I hope to provide care for all, especially underserved populations. Through these experiences, I have learned that community service is not just about giving back; it’s about building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging. As I continue my journey in nursing, I am committed to upholding these values. I believe that compassionate care can transform lives, and I aim to carry this philosophy into my future practice. In conclusion, my desire to give back to my community is fueled by personal experiences and a deep-seated belief in the power of kindness. The Walking in Authority International Ministry Scholarship would allow me to further my education in nursing and enhance my ability to serve others. I am dedicated to making a lasting impact on my community, one small deed at a time, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story.

As we grapple with the growing impacts of climate change, I have made it a personal mission to live sustainably and minimize my carbon footprint. This commitment stems from a deep understanding of our interconnectedness with the planet and a desire to contribute positively to the world around me. One of the most significant choices I’ve made is to adopt a plant-based diet. Transitioning to this lifestyle has not only improved my health but has also significantly reduced my environmental impact. The livestock industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and by choosing to consume plant-based meals, I am playing my part in mitigating these effects. I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and discovering local produce, which supports sustainable agriculture and reduces reliance on industrial farming practices. Additionally, I actively participate in community clean-up events and tree-planting initiatives. These hands-on experiences allow me to contribute directly to my local environment and educate others about the importance of maintaining green spaces. Through volunteering, I’ve fostered a sense of community among like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference, amplifying our collective impact. In my daily life, I also prioritize reducing waste. I’ve adopted a zero-waste lifestyle by utilizing reusable bags, containers, and water bottles. I practice mindful consumption by avoiding single-use plastics and opting for products with minimal packaging. My family and I engage in composting to minimize organic waste, which not only reduces landfill contributions but also enriches our garden soil. This approach reinforces my belief that even small, intentional choices can lead to significant environmental benefits. Furthermore, I am an advocate for sustainable transportation. Whenever possible, I bike or use public transit instead of driving. This choice not only reduces carbon emissions but also promotes a healthier lifestyle. I encourage my peers to consider similar alternatives, sharing information on the environmental and personal health benefits of sustainable transportation options. Reducing my carbon footprint is vital because it reflects my commitment to preserving the planet for future generations. Climate change is a pressing issue that affects not only the environment but also public health, economic stability, and social equity. By taking responsibility for my own actions and encouraging others to do the same, I hope to inspire a ripple effect of sustainable practices that can lead to meaningful change. In conclusion, the intentional choices I make to live sustainably are a reflection of my values and aspirations for a healthier planet. By adopting a plant-based diet, reducing waste, participating in community efforts, and choosing sustainable transportation, I actively contribute to the fight against climate change. I believe that everyone has the power to make a difference, and through education and advocacy, we can collectively create a more sustainable future. This scholarship would not only support my educational pursuits but also empower me to continue promoting sustainable living in my community.

Faith has been a guiding light throughout my life, especially as I navigated the challenges associated with chronic illness and my aspirations in nursing. Growing up with Graves’ disease, thyroid eye disease, and celiac disease has not only tested my resilience but also deepened my connection to my faith, shaping my character and ambitions in profound ways. In times of hardship, my faith has provided me with comfort and strength. The emotional and physical toll of managing chronic illnesses can be overwhelming, often leading to feelings of isolation and despair. However, my faith has instilled in me a sense of hope and purpose. It has taught me the importance of perseverance and the belief that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Through prayer and reflection, I’ve learned to embrace my struggles as part of a larger plan, fostering a mindset of gratitude and resilience. My experiences with chronic illness have also enhanced my compassion and understanding, qualities essential for a nursing career. I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact that empathetic care can have on patients facing health challenges. This perspective has reinforced my desire to become a nurse who not only provides medical care but also offers emotional support. I believe that my faith compels me to treat each patient with dignity and respect, recognizing their unique stories and struggles. As I pursue a career in nursing, I am committed to upholding the moral values that my faith has instilled in me. Integrity, compassion, and service are foundational principles that I aim to embody in my professional life. I believe that being guided by faith will help me make ethical decisions, advocate for my patients, and create a nurturing environment for those in my care. Whether it’s comforting a patient during a difficult diagnosis or collaborating with a team to provide the best possible care, my faith will be the compass that guides my actions. Moreover, my faith encourages me to engage in community service and outreach, which are vital aspects of the nursing profession. I aspire to participate in health initiatives that support underprivileged communities, helping to bridge gaps in healthcare access and education. By serving others, I hope to reflect the values of my faith and contribute positively to society. In conclusion, my faith has been instrumental in shaping who I am today. It has provided me with the strength to overcome personal challenges, the compassion to care for others, and the moral foundation necessary for a career in nursing. I am confident that my faith will continue to guide my journey, enabling me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of my patients and the broader community. This scholarship would not only support my educational endeavors but also empower me to fulfill my calling to serve others with integrity and compassion.

Being part of the disabled community has profoundly shaped my worldview, influencing my perspectives on resilience, empathy, and advocacy. My journey with physical disabilities, including thyroid eye disease, celiac disease, and Graves’ disease, has taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and the importance of inclusivity. Growing up with these conditions often meant navigating a world that was not designed with my needs in mind. Thyroid eye disease, for example, has affected my vision and caused physical discomfort, while Graves’ disease brought on fatigue and other health challenges. Celiac disease requires constant vigilance regarding my diet, which can be isolating in social situations. These experiences have illuminated the daily obstacles that individuals with disabilities face, from physical limitations to the emotional toll of feeling misunderstood or marginalized. Through these challenges, I have developed a deep sense of empathy for others, particularly those who may also feel isolated or disenfranchised. I’ve learned that many individuals with disabilities share a common struggle for recognition and respect. This realization has fueled my desire to advocate for inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their physical abilities. One way I plan to use my experiences to positively impact my future endeavors is through a career in healthcare. Having firsthand experience with the limitations that come with physical disabilities, I am motivated to become a healthcare professional who prioritizes patient-centered care. I envision a practice where every patient, especially those with chronic conditions, is treated with understanding and compassion. I want to ensure that healthcare facilities are equipped to support individuals with diverse needs and that all voices are heard in medical discussions. Moreover, I aim to use my platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those with disabilities, particularly hidden ones like thyroid eye disease and autoimmune conditions. By sharing my story and advocating for policy changes in educational and healthcare systems, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive society that recognizes and values the experiences of all individuals. In conclusion, being part of the disabled community has not only shaped my identity but has also instilled in me a commitment to advocate for change. I understand the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe, respected, and empowered. With my experiences as a foundation, I am determined to work toward a future where individuals with disabilities are recognized for their strengths and contributions, rather than their limitations. This scholarship would not only support my educational goals but also allow me to further my advocacy efforts, enabling me to help others in the disabled community thrive.

As a dedicated fan of LeBron James, I have always admired not only his extraordinary talent on the basketball court but also his profound impact off the court. To me, LeBron represents a unique blend of skill, resilience, and leadership that sets him apart as one of the greatest athletes in history. Why I’m a Fan From the moment I first watched him play, I was captivated by his court vision and athleticism. LeBron's ability to read the game and make split-second decisions is nothing short of remarkable. He can score, assist, and defend at an elite level, often dominating games in ways that leave fans in awe. But what truly resonates with me is his work ethic and dedication to constant improvement. Even after achieving incredible success, he continues to push himself and his teammates, demonstrating a relentless pursuit of excellence. Beyond the numbers, LeBron's leadership is inspiring. He is a player who elevates those around him, making his teammates better and fostering a culture of teamwork and accountability. His willingness to pass the ball during critical moments reflects a deep understanding of the game and a selflessness that is rare in elite athletes. This quality has made him a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere, showing that success is not just about individual accolades but also about lifting others up. Is He the Greatest of All Time? In my opinion, LeBron James is indeed one of the greatest basketball players of all time. While debates about the "greatest of all time" often feature names like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, LeBron's versatility and longevity in the game give him a unique edge. He has redefined the small forward position, blending power and finesse while consistently adapting his game as he ages. LeBron's impact extends beyond statistics. He has led teams to four NBA championships and has been a Finals MVP multiple times, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His records, including being the all-time leading scorer, are a testament to his durability and skill. Inspirational Legacy LeBron's influence transcends basketball. He uses his platform to advocate for social justice, education, and community development. His philanthropic work, especially through the LeBron James Family Foundation and the opening of the “I PROMISE School” in Akron, Ohio, demonstrates his commitment to giving back and making a positive impact on society. This dedication to uplifting his community is a significant reason why I admire him so much. In conclusion, LeBron James is more than just an athlete; he is a symbol of perseverance, leadership, and social responsibility. His journey from Akron to global icon illustrates the power of hard work and determination. As a fan, I am not only inspired by his achievements on the court but also by his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. I believe that LeBron’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and I am proud to be among his admirers.

As a passionate fan of Billie Eilish, her music has played a transformative role in my life. Here are my top three songs by Billie and the deep connections I feel with each of them. 1. "Ocean Eyes" "Ocean Eyes" was the first Billie Eilish song I ever heard, and it instantly captivated me. The haunting melody and vulnerable lyrics struck a chord, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing. During a time when I was navigating the complexities of adolescence and feeling overwhelmed by expectations, this song reminded me of the beauty in vulnerability. The way Billie expresses emotions so honestly made me feel less alone in my own struggles. It taught me that it's okay to feel deeply and to express those feelings through art, whether it's music, writing, or any other form of creativity. 2. "Bellyache" "Bellyache" resonates with me for its exploration of guilt and the consequences of our actions. The upbeat tempo contrasts with the dark narrative, creating a compelling tension that reflects the complexity of human emotions. This song often plays in my mind when I’m faced with moral dilemmas or when I’ve made choices that weigh heavily on me. It encourages me to reflect on my decisions and reminds me of the importance of accountability. Billie's ability to blend catchy melodies with profound themes is a reminder that art can be both entertaining and deeply meaningful. 3. "Happier Than Ever" "Happier Than Ever" stands out as an anthem of self-empowerment and growth. The transition in the song from a soft, reflective tone to a powerful outburst perfectly encapsulates the journey of reclaiming one's voice and confidence. This song speaks to the importance of authenticity and knowing when to let go of toxic relationships. It resonates deeply with my own experiences of navigating friendships that no longer serve me. Whenever I listen to it, I feel a surge of strength, motivating me to prioritize my well-being and surround myself with positivity. Conclusion Billie Eilish’s music has not only provided a soundtrack to my life but has also offered solace during challenging times. Her ability to convey complex emotions and experiences through her lyrics has inspired me to embrace my own feelings and share them authentically. Billie’s work reminds me that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to reflect on my choices, and to prioritize my mental well-being. Her influence has shaped my understanding of myself and my journey, and for that, I am incredibly grateful. This scholarship would not only support my educational goals but also celebrate the profound impact Billie Eilish has had on my life.

My journey with mental health, shaped by the challenges of living with Graves' disease, thyroid eye disease, and celiac disease, has profoundly influenced my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world around me. Goals Experiencing chronic illness has ignited a deep passion for advocating for mental health awareness and support for those with similar conditions. Initially, my focus was on managing my own health; however, as I navigated the emotional turmoil that often accompanies these diagnoses, I realized the importance of fostering community and understanding around mental health issues. This realization has led me to pursue a career in healthcare, specifically in mental health advocacy, where I aim to create environments that empower individuals to share their struggles and seek help without fear of stigma. I want to work towards ensuring that no one feels as isolated as I once did, particularly within communities that often overlook the complexities of chronic illness. Relationships My mental health journey has also transformed how I connect with others. Initially, the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding my illnesses made me hesitant to share my experiences, leading to feelings of isolation. However, as I began to open up about my struggles, I discovered the power of vulnerability in relationships. Sharing my experiences has allowed me to build deeper, more meaningful connections with friends and family. I have learned that many people have their own battles, and by being open, we create a space for mutual support and understanding. This shift has fostered empathy in my relationships, as I strive to be a source of comfort for others facing their own challenges. Understanding of the World My experiences have profoundly shaped my understanding of the world, particularly regarding the importance of empathy and compassion. Living with chronic illnesses has highlighted the need for greater awareness and understanding of mental health, particularly in marginalized communities where stigma is prevalent. I have come to appreciate that everyone carries unseen burdens, and the way we interact with one another can have a significant impact on someone’s mental well-being. This perspective has motivated me to advocate for inclusivity and support for those with chronic conditions, encouraging conversations that can help break down barriers. In conclusion, my experiences with mental health have fundamentally reshaped my goals, relationships, and worldview. They have propelled me toward a career in mental health advocacy, deepened my connections with others, and fostered a profound understanding of the importance of compassion in our interactions. I am committed to using my voice to advocate for awareness and support, striving to create a world where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized, especially for those living with chronic illnesses.

Free expression is a cornerstone of effective healthcare, fostering an environment where knowledge is shared, innovation thrives, and patient care is continually improved. In medicine, this ideal allows healthcare professionals to engage in open discussions about research findings, clinical practices, and ethical dilemmas, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients and the advancement of medical science. One of the most significant benefits of free expression in medicine is the ability to challenge the status quo. Established practices are essential for ensuring consistency and safety in patient care, but they must also be scrutinized to adapt to new evidence and changing societal values. For example, conversations around patient rights and consent have evolved dramatically over the years. Open discussions among healthcare providers about these issues lead to more compassionate and ethical practices, ensuring that patient autonomy is respected. Moreover, free expression empowers healthcare professionals to voice concerns about systemic issues within the medical field. Many practitioners encounter ethical dilemmas, whether related to resource allocation, patient care, or workplace policies. When professionals feel free to share their experiences and concerns, it fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. This transparency is vital for addressing problems such as burnout and inequity in healthcare delivery, allowing for collaborative solutions that benefit both providers and patients. To protect and bolster free expression in medicine, individuals in the healthcare field must actively advocate for a culture that values openness and dialogue. This can start with educational institutions fostering environments where students and professionals feel safe discussing controversial topics without fear of retribution. Mentorship programs can also play a crucial role, as experienced professionals guide newcomers in navigating the complexities of ethical discussions and the importance of voicing their opinions. Healthcare organizations should implement policies that encourage feedback and facilitate open communication among all staff members. Creating forums for discussion, whether through regular team meetings or anonymous suggestion boxes, can help ensure that all voices are heard. Additionally, supporting whistleblower protections can provide assurance to those who speak out against unethical practices, reinforcing that free expression is not only encouraged but necessary for the integrity of the medical field. In conclusion, free expression is essential in medicine for fostering innovation, improving patient care, and upholding ethical standards. By prioritizing open dialogue and encouraging a culture of transparency, healthcare professionals can ensure that the principles of free expression are preserved and promoted. As the next generation of healthcare providers, it is our responsibility to champion these ideals, creating a medical landscape that is patient-centered, ethically sound, and continually evolving. Winning this scholarship would empower me to further advocate for these values in my future career, enhancing my ability to contribute positively to the healthcare field.

As a female student navigating the challenges of college life, I have come to understand the profound impact that mental health has on both my academic performance and personal well-being. Balancing rigorous coursework, part-time work, and social commitments can be overwhelming, and for many women, including myself, this pressure can lead to heightened anxiety and stress. Acknowledging this reality has been crucial for my journey, allowing me to actively prioritize my mental health and create a more sustainable and fulfilling college experience. In my first year of college, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy and anxiety as I faced the demands of my coursework and the expectations I set for myself. I quickly realized that the pressures of academic excellence, coupled with societal expectations of success, were taking a toll on my mental well-being. This period was marked by sleepless nights and an inability to concentrate, which ultimately affected my grades and left me feeling discouraged. It became clear that neglecting my mental health was not an option if I wanted to thrive in my studies and maintain a balanced life. To combat these challenges, I took proactive steps to prioritize my mental health. One of the first changes I made was incorporating a structured routine that included dedicated time for self-care. I began setting aside specific hours each week for activities that rejuvenate my mind and body, such as yoga, meditation, and journaling. These practices have not only helped me manage stress but also provided a valuable outlet for self-reflection and emotional release. Additionally, I learned the importance of seeking support when needed. I became involved with my university’s mental health resources, attending workshops and participating in group therapy sessions where I could share my experiences and connect with other students facing similar challenges. This community support has been instrumental in reducing feelings of isolation and empowering me to voice my struggles. Understanding that I am not alone in my experiences has been both validating and uplifting. Moreover, I have cultivated a strong network of friends who prioritize mental health and well-being. We regularly check in on one another, sharing our struggles and celebrating our achievements, no matter how small. This camaraderie has reinforced the idea that mental health is not just an individual journey but a collective effort. We engage in activities together that promote well-being, such as group study sessions that incorporate breaks for mindfulness exercises or casual hangouts that allow us to unwind and recharge. Academically, prioritizing my mental health has led to noticeable improvements. By managing my anxiety and fostering a balanced lifestyle, I have found that I can focus more effectively in my studies, leading to better retention of information and enhanced performance on exams. I have learned that my well-being is not separate from my academic success; rather, they are intertwined. When I feel mentally strong, I am more engaged, motivated, and capable of tackling challenges head-on. In conclusion, my journey through college has taught me the critical importance of mental health in both academic and personal realms. By actively prioritizing self-care, seeking support, and building a strong community, I have transformed my approach to the demands of college life. As I continue to navigate my educational path, I am committed to maintaining this focus on mental wellness, understanding that it is not just essential for my success but also for my overall happiness and growth. Winning this scholarship would not only validate my experiences but also provide further resources to continue advocating for mental health awareness among my peers, helping to foster a more supportive and understanding academic environment for all women.

Mathematics has always been a significant part of my life, serving as both a subject of fascination and a crucial tool for understanding the world around me. What I love most about math is its elegance and its ability to solve real-world problems through logical reasoning and creativity. From a young age, I was captivated by the way math provides clarity in complexity. Whether it's the simplicity of a straightforward equation or the intricate patterns found in advanced calculus, math has a unique way of revealing the underlying structure of reality. I find joy in the process of problem-solving; it feels like embarking on a treasure hunt, where each step taken brings me closer to the solution. The satisfaction of finally unraveling a challenging problem is unparalleled, providing a sense of accomplishment that fuels my love for the subject. Moreover, math is a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. Its principles apply everywhere, whether in the precision of engineering, the logic of programming, or the unpredictability of economic trends. This universality is both inspiring and humbling, reminding me that we are all connected through the shared understanding of mathematical concepts. It’s incredible to think that math plays a crucial role in technological advancements that shape our daily lives—from smartphones to medical imaging—and empowers us to innovate and improve our world. Additionally, the logical thinking and analytical skills developed through studying math have equipped me to approach challenges methodically in all aspects of my life. Whether organizing a project, planning a budget, or making data-driven decisions, I find that the skills honed through math enable me to think critically and strategically. In conclusion, my love for math stems from its beauty, its universal nature, and its power to enhance our understanding of the world. It is a field that not only enriches my mind but also equips me with invaluable skills for the future. This passion drives me to pursue further studies in math, and I am excited about the endless possibilities it presents. Winning the Learner Math Lover Scholarship would help support my educational journey and allow me to continue exploring the wonders of mathematics.

Calculus is often perceived as one of the most daunting branches of mathematics, yet its significance in nursing and medicine is profound and far-reaching. In these fields, calculus serves as a vital tool for understanding complex biological processes, optimizing patient care, and enhancing treatment outcomes. As healthcare continues to evolve, the integration of calculus into nursing and medical practices becomes increasingly essential. One of the primary applications of calculus in medicine is in pharmacokinetics, the study of how drugs move through the body. Understanding how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted requires knowledge of rates of change, which is fundamentally what calculus provides. For instance, nurses must be able to calculate the correct dosages based on the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream over time. This involves applying calculus concepts to determine how quickly a drug's concentration changes and how it interacts with the body's systems. Accurate dosing is critical to ensuring patient safety and maximizing therapeutic effects. Additionally, calculus plays a significant role in understanding vital signs and their changes. For example, nurses monitor parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. By using calculus to analyze these measurements over time, they can identify trends that may indicate deterioration in a patient's condition. This ability to interpret data through a calculus lens enables healthcare providers to make informed decisions quickly, ultimately improving patient outcomes. In the realm of medical imaging, calculus is indispensable. Techniques such as MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound rely on mathematical models derived from calculus to create detailed images of the body's internal structures. Understanding how these imaging modalities function involves grasping the underlying calculus principles that enable the interpretation of complex data. For instance, calculus is used to reconstruct images from the data collected during scans, allowing for accurate diagnoses and treatment planning. Furthermore, calculus is essential in modeling the spread of diseases, particularly in public health. Epidemiologists use differential equations—an application of calculus—to predict how diseases will spread through populations. This modeling helps inform healthcare policies and resource allocation during outbreaks. For nursing professionals, understanding these models can enhance their ability to educate patients about prevention and control measures, thus contributing to community health initiatives. Calculus also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are crucial in nursing and medicine. The rigorous analysis required to tackle calculus problems mirrors the thought processes needed to assess patient conditions and devise appropriate interventions. By mastering calculus, nursing students develop a strong analytical foundation that equips them to handle the complexities of patient care, from clinical assessments to the implementation of treatment plans. As healthcare becomes more data-driven, the relevance of calculus in nursing and medicine will continue to grow. With the increasing use of electronic health records and data analytics, nurses and medical professionals will need to interpret vast amounts of data effectively. Calculus provides the tools to analyze this data, leading to evidence-based practices that enhance patient care and improve health outcomes. In conclusion, calculus is not merely an academic requirement; it is a crucial component of nursing and medicine that underpins many aspects of patient care and medical practice. Its applications range from pharmacokinetics and vital sign analysis to medical imaging and epidemiology. By embracing calculus, nursing students prepare themselves to excel in a dynamic healthcare environment, where critical thinking and analytical skills are paramount. This scholarship would help alleviate financial burdens as I pursue my nursing degree, enabling me to fully engage with the essential concepts of calculus that will ultimately enhance my ability to make a meaningful impact in the lives of my patients.

Throughout my life, I have embraced the belief that kindness has the power to change lives. Inspired by the legacy of Jennifer and Rob Tower, I strive to make a positive impact in my community through various volunteering efforts. My experiences—tutoring children with English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), raising funds for the First Tee program through the American Legion, and participating in initiatives like Harvest for the Hungry and Trunk or Treat—have all shaped my understanding of compassion and service. One of the most rewarding experiences has been tutoring ESOL children. Many of these students come from diverse backgrounds, facing the challenges of adapting to a new language and culture. I remember working with a young boy named Amir, who was struggling to keep up with his peers. He often felt isolated and frustrated, unsure of how to express himself in English. Through patient guidance and engaging activities, I created a supportive environment where Amir could practice his language skills without fear of judgment. Over time, I saw him grow more confident, not just in his English proficiency but in himself. The joy in his eyes when he successfully completed a reading assignment was a testament to the impact that encouragement and kindness can have on a child’s life. My commitment to service extends beyond tutoring. Volunteering with the American Legion to raise money for the First Tee program has been another meaningful experience. This organization uses golf as a tool to teach children valuable life skills, such as discipline, perseverance, and respect. By organizing fundraising events, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with veterans and community members who share a common goal of supporting youth development. Through these events, I’ve learned the importance of teamwork and collaboration in creating a brighter future for our children. Additionally, participating in Harvest for the Hungry has deepened my understanding of food insecurity in our community. As a volunteer, I helped collect and distribute food to families in need. It was eye-opening to witness the impact of hunger on families, and it fueled my passion for making a difference. By working alongside others who are equally dedicated to combating food insecurity, I’ve realized that kindness is not just about individual acts but about creating a collective effort to uplift those in need. Another rewarding initiative I’ve been involved with is Trunk or Treat, an event that brings joy to children in our community during Halloween. By decorating car trunks and providing treats, we create a safe and festive environment for kids to celebrate. The smiles on their faces and the laughter shared among families remind me of the power of community and how even small acts of kindness can foster connection and joy. In all these experiences, I’ve witnessed how kindness can ripple through the lives of individuals and communities. The relationships I’ve built and the lives I’ve touched have reinforced my belief that everyone has the potential to make a difference. These volunteer efforts have not only enriched the lives of those I’ve helped but have also profoundly impacted my own life, teaching me resilience, empathy, and the importance of giving back. As I pursue my education and future career, I carry these lessons with me. My commitment to kindness and service will guide my path, whether I’m tutoring students, advocating for those in need, or working in a healthcare setting. I aim to continue embodying the spirit of compassion that Jennifer and Rob Tower represented, ensuring that my actions contribute to a legacy of goodness and generosity. In conclusion, my experiences in tutoring, fundraising, and volunteering have shaped my understanding of the transformative power of kindness. By continuing to serve my community, I hope to inspire others to recognize the impact of their actions, reinforcing the belief that we can all contribute to a better world, one act of kindness at a time. This scholarship would further enable me to pursue my goals, allowing me to continue making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Choosing to pursue a degree in healthcare is not just a career decision for me; it is a calling shaped by personal experience, passion, and a deep desire to make a positive impact. As a woman who has faced my own health challenges, particularly living with Graves’ disease, I understand firsthand the importance of compassionate care and the need for advocacy in the healthcare system. My journey has instilled in me a commitment to empowering others and transforming the way healthcare is delivered, particularly for those who are marginalized or misunderstood. From a young age, I have been drawn to the healthcare field, inspired by the frontline workers who provide not only medical care but also emotional support to patients and their families. When I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, I encountered a healthcare system that was often overwhelming and daunting. It was during this time that I realized the critical role that empathy plays in healing. I witnessed how compassionate healthcare professionals could make a significant difference in the lives of patients, not just through medical interventions but through genuine connections and understanding. As a woman in healthcare, I recognize the unique strengths we bring to the field. Women often possess qualities such as empathy, resilience, and effective communication skills, all of which are vital in healthcare settings. However, I also understand that women have historically faced barriers to accessing education and leadership roles. This is why I am passionate about breaking down those barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in healthcare. I want to be a role model who inspires young girls to pursue their dreams in this field, showing them that their voices and experiences are invaluable. In pursuing my nursing degree, I hope to focus on pediatric care, where I can advocate for children living with chronic illnesses. I aim to create a supportive environment where young patients feel seen and understood. I envision implementing programs that educate families about managing chronic conditions, fostering a sense of community and resilience. By prioritizing mental health alongside physical care, I hope to change the narrative around chronic illness and demonstrate that patients can lead fulfilling lives despite their challenges. Furthermore, I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the healthcare field. I plan to advocate for policies that support equal opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in healthcare. By actively engaging in mentorship programs, I hope to empower aspiring healthcare professionals to navigate their paths with confidence and determination. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease my financial burden but also reinforce my commitment to making a positive impact in healthcare. It would provide me with the resources needed to focus on my studies and advocacy efforts, ultimately allowing me to become a more effective healthcare provider. In conclusion, my decision to pursue a degree in healthcare is rooted in a desire to empower others and create meaningful change. As a woman in this field, I am committed to using my experiences to advocate for compassionate care, inclusivity, and the well-being of my patients. Together, we can build a healthcare system that values diversity and ensures that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the care and support they deserve.

Life has a way of presenting challenges that ultimately shape our paths. My personal experience with Graves’ disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder, has profoundly influenced my desire to pursue a career in nursing and advocate for those living with disabilities and chronic illnesses. This journey has not only inspired me to make a change in my own life but also motivated me to uplift others in their struggles. The diagnosis of Graves’ disease was a turning point for me. It brought physical symptoms and emotional challenges that often left me feeling isolated and misunderstood. Through this experience, I came to realize the importance of empathy and support in healthcare. I want to change the way society perceives chronic illness, moving beyond stereotypes to foster a culture of understanding and compassion. I believe that everyone, regardless of their health condition, deserves a chance to lead a fulfilling life, just as Nelson Vecchione believed in offering second chances. To bring myself closer to my goal of becoming a nurse, I have actively sought opportunities to learn and grow. I enrolled in community college to pursue my nursing degree and have become involved in health awareness initiatives. These experiences have allowed me to connect with others who share my passion for advocacy and to educate my peers about the realities of living with chronic conditions. By sharing my story and the importance of mental health, I hope to inspire others to embrace their journeys, no matter how challenging they may be. Receiving the Second Chance Scholarship would be invaluable in my pursuit of a nursing career. It would ease my financial burden, enabling me to focus more on my studies and volunteer work. With this support, I would be able to dedicate myself to gaining the knowledge and skills needed to provide empathetic care to patients facing their own health challenges. In honoring Nelson’s legacy, I am committed to paying it forward. My goal is to create support networks for individuals living with chronic illnesses. These networks would provide a safe space for sharing experiences, fostering resilience, and encouraging personal growth. By empowering others to navigate their health journeys, I aim to continue the cycle of giving and support that Nelson exemplified throughout his life. In conclusion, my desire to make a change stems from my own experiences with adversity and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. Through my nursing studies and advocacy efforts, I am dedicated to transforming perceptions of chronic illness and ensuring that others feel seen and supported. The Second Chance Scholarship will not only help me achieve my goals but will also empower me to make a lasting impact on the lives of others, creating a community of understanding and compassion. Together, we can inspire hope and change, honoring the legacy of those who believe in the power of second chances.

Living with Graves’ disease, a chronic autoimmune condition, has profoundly shaped my understanding of mental health and the importance of compassionate care. The diagnosis brought not only physical challenges but also emotional struggles, including anxiety and uncertainty about my future. This journey opened my eyes to the intricate connection between chronic illness and mental health, inspiring me to become a nurse dedicated to supporting children in their most vulnerable moments. During my own experience with Graves’ disease, I encountered feelings of isolation and fear. There were days when the symptoms felt overwhelming, and I struggled with the fear of the unknown. Through this process, I discovered the crucial role mental health plays in managing chronic illness. I realized that emotional support is just as vital as medical treatment. This understanding motivates me to ensure that children facing similar challenges receive not only physical care but also emotional and psychological support. As I pursue my nursing degree, my goal is to specialize in pediatric care, focusing on helping children navigate their own health journeys. I want to be the nurse who listens, empathizes, and provides a safe space for young patients to express their fears and concerns. I believe that by acknowledging their emotional struggles, I can help alleviate some of the burdens they carry. Whether it's through offering comfort during treatments or facilitating conversations about their feelings, I aim to advocate for mental health within healthcare settings. I also plan to create support programs that educate families about the emotional aspects of chronic illnesses. By equipping parents with tools to understand their children's mental health needs, we can foster an environment of support and resilience. Workshops and resources that emphasize the importance of mental well-being will be key components of my approach, ensuring that both children and their families feel empowered throughout their healthcare journeys. In conclusion, my personal experience with Graves’ disease has ignited a passion for advocating for mental health within the nursing profession. I am committed to helping children during their most vulnerable moments, providing the compassionate care and support they need. By combining my clinical skills with a deep understanding of the emotional challenges faced by young patients, I aspire to make a meaningful impact on their lives, ensuring they know they are not alone in their journey.

One of the lesser-known yet profoundly impactful book-to-film adaptations is The Secret Garden, directed by Agnieszka Holland. Based on Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved novel, this adaptation beautifully captures the themes of healing, friendship, and the transformative power of nature, making it a standout interpretation that resonates with me. Holland’s film immerses viewers in the lush, atmospheric world of the English countryside. The cinematography is particularly striking, with sweeping shots of the garden itself—initially overgrown and wild, later blooming with vibrant colors. This visual journey reflects the internal growth of the characters, especially Mary Lennox, played by Kate Maberly. The garden becomes a symbol of hope and rejuvenation, echoing the novel's central themes of regeneration and the healing process. The transformation of the garden mirrors Mary’s own evolution from a lonely, spoiled child to a caring and compassionate friend. Maberly’s performance is both captivating and poignant. She portrays Mary’s initial coldness and isolation convincingly, allowing viewers to witness her gradual emotional awakening as she befriends Dickon and Colin. The scene where Mary first introduces Colin to the garden is particularly moving; it symbolizes not only Colin’s physical healing but also the emotional bonds that form between the characters. This moment highlights the power of friendship and nature in overcoming personal struggles, a message that resonates deeply. Another compelling aspect of the film is its score, composed by composer Patrick Doyle. The music enhances the emotional depth of the story, capturing the wonder and magic of the garden. The delicate melodies during moments of discovery and joy create an enchanting atmosphere, drawing the audience into Mary and Colin’s transformative journey. The combination of visual beauty and evocative music makes the experience immersive, illustrating how film can convey feelings that words sometimes cannot. Holland’s adaptation also takes creative liberties that enhance the narrative. The film emphasizes the theme of isolation not just in Mary but also in Colin, showcasing how both characters are trapped by their circumstances—Mary in her grief and Colin in his illness. By intertwining their journeys, the film effectively illustrates the idea that healing often requires connection and vulnerability. This nuanced exploration deepens my appreciation for the original story and highlights how adaptations can expand upon the themes presented in literature. In conclusion, The Secret Garden stands out as a beautifully crafted adaptation that captures the essence of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel. Through its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and enchanting score, the film brings to life the themes of growth, healing, and the importance of friendship. This adaptation inspired me to reflect on the ways in which stories can be reimagined across different mediums, revealing new layers of meaning and emotional resonance. It serves as a reminder that the magic of storytelling lies in its ability to connect us to the deeper aspects of our humanity, regardless of the form it takes.

One of my most transformative experiences in leadership occurred during my time as a volunteer with HOBY MD (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Maryland), where I had the opportunity to speak to sophomore students about medical stereotypes and the adversity that often accompanies them. This experience not only allowed me to share my personal story but also highlighted the importance of empathy and understanding in the healthcare field. The Challenge Preparing to address a room full of eager high school students was daunting. I knew they were at a pivotal point in their lives, grappling with societal expectations and the pressures of choosing future paths. My journey, marked by my diagnosis of Graves’ Disease, provided a unique lens to discuss the challenges faced by those with chronic illnesses, especially in relation to the stereotypes surrounding them. The challenge lay in conveying my experiences and encouraging the students to think critically about the biases they might encounter in healthcare. I wanted them to understand that medical professionals, like patients, carry their own sets of biases that can influence care. Demonstrating Leadership To make my presentation impactful, I focused on crafting a narrative that was both relatable and educational. I began by sharing my story—how my diagnosis left me feeling misunderstood and isolated. I described my symptoms, the misconceptions surrounding my condition, and the importance of seeking compassionate care. By sharing my vulnerabilities, I aimed to break down the barriers that often separate patients and providers. I incorporated interactive elements, encouraging students to share their thoughts on medical stereotypes and facilitating discussions on how these biases can affect patient care. This created an environment where students felt comfortable voicing their opinions, leading to insightful conversations. The Impact The impact of my presentation was profound. Many students approached me afterward to share their own experiences with stereotypes related to health, race, or gender. This exchange fostered a supportive atmosphere and emphasized the need for understanding and compassion in our interactions. Feedback from program coordinators highlighted the effectiveness of my presentation, noting that it resonated with students and encouraged critical thinking about the healthcare system. Future Applications of My Leadership Skills As I advance in my nursing career, I plan to harness the leadership skills I developed through this experience. My goal is to advocate for patients, especially from marginalized communities who may face additional barriers to care. I envision creating educational programs that raise awareness about chronic illnesses, dismantle stereotypes, and promote empathy among healthcare providers. I also hope to continue speaking publicly to share my journey and inspire others to challenge stereotypes in medicine. By equipping future healthcare professionals with the understanding that every patient has a unique story, we can foster a more compassionate healthcare environment. Conclusion In conclusion, my experience speaking at HOBY MD was pivotal in my leadership journey. It reinforced the importance of sharing personal stories to address medical stereotypes and promote empathy. The challenges I faced ultimately strengthened my commitment to advocating for patients and fostering understanding in healthcare. This scholarship would support my ongoing development as a leader in nursing, allowing me to make a lasting impact on the lives of those I serve. Thank you for considering my application.

Books have always been my refuge, a source of wisdom, comfort, and inspiration. As I delve into different genres, I discover stories that not only entertain but also educate, challenge, and shape my aspirations. My journey with Graves’ Disease, a chronic illness I was diagnosed with during my teenage years, has been a pivotal part of my life, influencing my goals and aspirations to become a nurse. The books I've read have played an essential role in this transformation. Lessons from Literature One of the most profound books that impacted me is "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green. This novel explores the lives of two teenagers battling cancer, illustrating the complexities of living with illness. Reading about Hazel and Augustus's struggles taught me the importance of empathy, resilience, and the ability to find joy in the smallest moments, even amid adversity. Their journey resonated deeply with my own experience with Graves’ Disease, a condition that affects the thyroid and can cause a myriad of physical and emotional challenges. This book made me realize that while illness can be isolating, it also fosters connections and understanding among those who share similar struggles. Another influential book was "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot. This nonfiction narrative sheds light on the ethical dilemmas surrounding medical research, particularly concerning race and consent. It opened my eyes to the disparities in healthcare and the importance of compassionate, informed care. The stories of Henrietta and her family inspired me to advocate for patients, especially those from marginalized communities who often face barriers in accessing quality care. This understanding is vital as I pursue a career in nursing, aiming to provide not only medical support but also emotional and social advocacy for my patients. Shaping My Goals The cumulative lessons from these books and many others have profoundly influenced my desire to become a pediatric nurse. I envision working with children facing chronic illnesses, helping them navigate their healthcare journeys. My own experiences have taught me the importance of empathy and effective communication in a clinical setting. I want to be the nurse who listens, understands, and offers support beyond medical treatments—someone who helps children and their families feel seen and cared for. Moreover, the resilience I developed through managing my own health challenges drives my ambition to promote wellness and education in the community. I have begun volunteering at local libraries and community centers, sharing my story and encouraging children to read and learn about health and wellness. This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of knowledge and the importance of fostering a love for reading, much like Barbara did in her career as a librarian. Books can empower individuals with information that may change their lives. Conclusion In conclusion, the lessons I’ve learned from books have shaped my understanding of illness, healthcare, and the importance of empathy in nursing. My journey with Graves’ Disease has not only strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in nursing but has also highlighted the need for compassion and understanding in the healthcare system. This scholarship would provide essential support as I continue my education and work toward my goal of becoming a nurse who makes a meaningful impact on the lives of children facing health challenges. Thank you for considering my application and for honoring Barbara’s legacy through this opportunity.

The American healthcare system is a complex tapestry woven with numerous barriers, disparities, and inefficiencies. While it has made remarkable advancements, there are significant gaps that continue to hinder access to quality care, especially for marginalized communities. If I could make one substantial change to the healthcare system, it would be to implement a comprehensive community health initiative that emphasizes preventative care and health education, particularly for underserved populations. The foundation of this initiative would be to establish community health hubs in areas with limited access to healthcare resources. These hubs would serve as accessible points of care where individuals can receive not only medical treatment but also education on preventive measures and healthy living. By integrating healthcare services with community resources, we can empower individuals to take charge of their health and reduce the need for reactive, costly treatments down the line. One key aspect of these health hubs would be the incorporation of health educators—individuals trained not only in health information but also in cultural competency. These educators would engage with the community to address health literacy, providing tailored information that resonates with the specific cultural and socioeconomic contexts of the populations served. For instance, in a community with a high prevalence of diabetes, health educators could conduct workshops focused on nutrition, cooking demonstrations, and the importance of regular check-ups. Furthermore, these hubs would facilitate partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses to create a network of support. Schools could incorporate health education into their curriculums, emphasizing the importance of physical activity, nutrition, and mental health. Local businesses could contribute by offering discounts for healthy food options or fitness programs, creating a holistic approach to wellness within the community. To address the disparities in healthcare access, these community health hubs would operate on a sliding scale based on income, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can receive quality care. Additionally, telehealth services would be integrated into the hubs, allowing those with mobility issues or transportation challenges to consult with healthcare providers remotely. I believe that by prioritizing preventative care and education, we can shift the focus of healthcare from treatment to wellness. This proactive approach not only improves individual health outcomes but also alleviates the strain on emergency services and reduces overall healthcare costs. A healthier population is less reliant on expensive emergency care and more engaged in managing their well-being. As a nursing student, I am passionate about advocating for patient-centered care and addressing the systemic issues that contribute to health disparities. My personal experiences have shown me the importance of education and empowerment in healthcare. I’ve witnessed how knowledge can change lives—how a simple understanding of managing a chronic condition can lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life. In conclusion, if I could enact one change in the healthcare system, it would be to establish comprehensive community health hubs that prioritize preventative care and health education. By fostering a culture of wellness and providing equitable access to resources, we can create a healthcare system that truly serves everyone. This initiative has the potential to transform not just individual lives but entire communities, paving the way for a healthier future. Thank you for considering my application for this scholarship opportunity to help support innovative ideas in healthcare reform.

Selflessness is best expressed through actions—those moments when we extend ourselves to uplift others without expecting anything in return. Inspired by the legacy of Michael Rudometkin, who believed in the power of helping others, I strive to make a meaningful impact through my community service and my journey in nursing. One of the most transformative experiences I’ve had was volunteering with HOBY MD (Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Maryland), an organization dedicated to empowering sophomore students with fundamental leadership skills. As a volunteer facilitator, I had the privilege of guiding young minds as they explored their potential and developed the confidence to make a difference in their communities. During the weekend leadership seminar, I worked closely with students from diverse backgrounds, each with their own aspirations and challenges. One student, Emma, stood out to me; she was initially shy and hesitant to engage in discussions. I recognized that she needed encouragement to share her voice. Through personalized support and encouragement, I helped her realize her ideas were valuable. By the end of the seminar, she confidently presented a group project focused on community service, highlighting the importance of giving back. Witnessing Emma's transformation was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced my belief that selflessness isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s about being present and attentive to the needs of others. Empowering students like Emma through HOBY MD not only nurtured their leadership skills but also deepened my commitment to service. It reminded me that investing time in others can have profound effects on their self-esteem and future endeavors. In another session, I led a workshop on teamwork and collaboration, where students engaged in various activities to develop their problem-solving skills. One group was struggling with a challenge, and tensions began to rise. I intervened, encouraging them to communicate openly and listen to each other. By facilitating a constructive dialogue, I helped them rediscover their common goals, allowing them to work together more effectively. Seeing their camaraderie blossom was a testament to the power of cooperation and understanding in leadership. My time with HOBY MD also taught me the importance of perseverance. Many students arrived feeling unsure of their abilities, but through encouragement and guidance, they began to see their potential. I learned that being a leader is about uplifting others, believing in them even when they struggle to believe in themselves. This experience has influenced my approach as a future nurse, where I aim to empower my patients and foster an environment of support and hope. Inspired by Michael Rudometkin's legacy, I strive to embody his values of kindness and community service. Volunteering with HOBY MD has reinforced my belief that small acts of encouragement can lead to significant changes in others’ lives. As I advance in my nursing career, I remain dedicated to selflessness, understanding that true fulfillment comes from helping others. In conclusion, my experiences with HOBY MD have deepened my commitment to selflessness, emphasizing the impact we can have on the lives of those around us. I am honored to apply for this scholarship in memory of Michael Rudometkin, who exemplified these qualities throughout his life. With your support, I hope to continue his legacy and further my education in a way that allows me to make a lasting impact in the world. Thank you for considering my application.

Movies have a unique ability to inspire and shape our perspectives. For me, The Pursuit of Happiness, directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith, has had a profound impact on my life, especially as I navigate my journey as a nursing student while managing Graves’ Disease. The film tells the true story of Chris Gardner, a man who faces immense challenges while trying to provide a better life for his son. His relentless pursuit of a brighter future resonates with my own experiences. Living with Graves’ Disease has presented physical and emotional hurdles, but Gardner’s journey has inspired me to embrace resilience and tenacity in the face of adversity. One of the film's most impactful moments is Gardner’s unwavering commitment to his son’s well-being and education. This mirrors my aspirations as a future nurse. My experiences with Graves’ Disease have deepened my empathy for patients facing health challenges, reinforcing my desire to provide compassionate care. Like Gardner, I strive to empower my future patients, ensuring they receive holistic support during difficult times. The film also emphasizes hope and self-belief. Gardner's journey, filled with setbacks, reminds me that perseverance is essential. There are days when managing my condition feels overwhelming, but embracing hope fuels my ambition to succeed in nursing. I want to be a nurse who not only treats illnesses but also inspires hope in others. Education is a transformative force in the film, as Gardner pursues an internship despite lacking resources. This principle resonates with me as I work toward my nursing degree. The knowledge I gain will empower me to make a significant impact, especially for patients managing chronic conditions like mine. The Pursuit of Happiness also highlights the importance of community support. Gardner’s story illustrates that many face barriers to success. This understanding motivates me to engage in advocacy work, aiming to support underserved patients who may lack access to quality healthcare. I aspire to be a voice for those in need, ensuring everyone receives the care they deserve. In conclusion, The Pursuit of Happiness has shaped my understanding of resilience, hope, and the value of education. As I pursue my nursing career, I carry the lessons from Chris Gardner's story with me. I am dedicated to uplifting others and using my education to foster positive change. I appreciate the opportunity to apply for the Big Picture Scholarship, which will help me further my dreams and support my community. Thank you for considering my application.

Success is a multifaceted concept that varies from person to person, shaped by individual experiences, aspirations, and values. For me, success transcends academic achievements and professional accolades; it encompasses personal growth, resilience, and the positive impact I can make in the lives of others. As I pursue my nursing degree while navigating the challenges of Graves’ Disease, my vision of success integrates academic excellence, compassionate care, and community involvement, all driven by a profound desire to make a difference. My journey with Graves’ Disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid, has been both challenging and enlightening. The diagnosis brought a whirlwind of symptoms—anxiety, fatigue, and rapid heart rate—that often made everyday tasks feel insurmountable. Initially, I struggled to balance my health with the demands of school and work. However, this experience taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and self-advocacy. I learned to listen to my body and prioritize my well-being, which ultimately strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in nursing. Success for me begins with a commitment to lifelong learning and growth. Nursing is a field that constantly evolves, requiring a deep understanding of both science and human connection. While academic excellence is essential, I believe it is only one part of the equation. I strive to blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills, recognizing that empathy and effective communication are just as vital as mastering medical protocols. My success in nursing is rooted in my desire to provide holistic care that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of patients, especially those facing challenges similar to my own. Throughout my nursing program, I have encountered numerous challenges that have tested my resolve. Balancing coursework, clinical rotations, and managing my health has not been easy. Yet, each obstacle has reinforced my belief in the importance of perseverance. Late nights spent studying for exams and the demands of clinical shifts have taught me adaptability and time management. I’ve learned that success is not merely a destination but an ongoing process of improvement and learning. This mindset is especially crucial for those of us dealing with chronic conditions, as it fosters a greater appreciation for the journey itself. My experience with Graves’ Disease has also deepened my commitment to community service. I have actively sought opportunities to volunteer in health education initiatives, particularly aimed at underserved populations. Whether participating in health fairs or mentoring younger students interested in healthcare, I find that sharing my knowledge and experiences enriches my understanding while empowering others. I aspire to be a nurse who not only provides care but also advocates for equitable healthcare access, especially for those navigating similar health challenges. Receiving this scholarship would significantly enhance my journey toward success. The financial support would alleviate some of the burdens associated with tuition and living expenses, allowing me to focus more on my studies and community involvement. With this opportunity, I would be able to participate in specialized training programs and workshops that enhance my nursing skills and broaden my perspective, particularly regarding chronic illness management. Moreover, being recognized as a scholarship recipient would serve as a powerful motivator. It would validate my hard work and commitment to my chosen path, inspiring me to push further in both my academic and personal endeavors. Knowing that I have the support of the scholarship community would instill a sense of responsibility to give back, reinforcing the cycle of impact and empowerment that I deeply value. In conclusion, my vision of success is a dynamic interplay of academic excellence, personal growth, and community impact. As I continue my journey in nursing, I remain committed to embodying these values, understanding that each step I take contributes to a larger purpose. This scholarship would not only facilitate my educational pursuits but also empower me to make a lasting difference in the lives of others, particularly those facing health challenges. Thank you for considering my application.

I am honored to apply for the Travis Ely Memorial Scholarship, inspired by Travis's legacy in the fishing community. As a passionate angler and dedicated mechanical engineering student, I strive to embody the character, sportsmanship, and work ethic that Travis exemplified both on and off the water. Fishing has been a way for me to connect with nature and build lasting relationships. I believe that good sportsmanship is essential; it’s about respecting fellow anglers and the environment. While enjoying casual outings with friends, I’ve made it a point to prioritize fairness and ethics, focusing not just on my catches but also on supporting others. For instance, during one outing, I helped a fellow angler untangle their line instead of concentrating solely on my own success. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of community and collaboration. Beyond the water, I actively participate in my local fishing club and organize community clean-up events aimed at preserving our lakes and rivers. I am committed to being a steward of the environment, ensuring future generations can enjoy the sport as I do. My journey as a mechanical engineering technology student has also honed my work ethic. Balancing my studies with my passion for fishing has taught me discipline and time management. I dedicate time each week to both my academic work and fishing, striving for excellence in both areas. Looking ahead, I aim to work in sustainable engineering, creating solutions that minimize environmental impact. Inspired by Travis’s determination, I want to ensure that both fishing and engineering thrive together. In summary, I strive to exemplify character, sportsmanship, and a strong work ethic in all aspects of my life. I hope to honor Travis Ely’s memory through my actions and commitment to the fishing community. Thank you for considering my application. You said: nursing student ChatGPT said: ChatGPT Travis Ely Memorial Scholarship Application I am honored to apply for the Travis Ely Memorial Scholarship, inspired by Travis's legacy in the fishing community. As a passionate angler and a dedicated nursing student, I strive to embody the character, sportsmanship, and work ethic that Travis exemplified both on and off the water. Fishing has always been a way for me to connect with nature and build meaningful relationships. I believe that good sportsmanship is essential; it’s about respecting fellow anglers and the environment. During casual outings with friends, I focus on fairness and ethics, supporting others rather than just concentrating on my own success. For example, when I saw a fellow angler struggling to untangle their line, I offered my help, reinforcing my belief in the strength of community and collaboration. Beyond the water, I actively participate in my local fishing club and organize community clean-up events aimed at preserving our lakes and rivers. I am committed to being a steward of the environment, ensuring that future generations can enjoy fishing as I do. As a nursing student, I have developed a strong work ethic and resilience. Balancing my studies with my passion for fishing has taught me valuable lessons in time management and dedication. I set aside time each week for both my academic responsibilities and fishing, striving for excellence in all areas of my life. Inspired by Travis’s determination, I want to make a positive impact in my community, combining my love for fishing with my commitment to healthcare. I strive to exemplify character, sportsmanship, and a strong work ethic in every aspect of my life. I hope to honor Travis Ely’s memory through my actions and dedication to both the fishing community and my nursing career. Thank you for considering my application.

Mental health is a vital aspect of our overall well-being, yet it often remains in the shadows, overshadowed by physical health concerns. My own journey with mental health has been profoundly shaped by my diagnosis of Graves’ Disease, a rare autoimmune disorder that not only affected my body but also challenged my emotional resilience. As I reflect on this experience, I recognize how intertwined physical and mental health can be and how perseverance through adversity has shaped my aspirations. At first, my diagnosis felt like a storm that came out of nowhere. I was a high school student, balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and social pressures. The sudden onset of symptoms—anxiety, fatigue, and rapid heart rate—left me feeling like a stranger in my own body. As I struggled to understand my condition, my mental health took a hit. I often felt overwhelmed and helpless, unable to keep up with the demands of daily life. The fear of the unknown loomed large, creating a constant state of anxiety that compounded my physical symptoms. Initially, I kept my diagnosis a secret, convinced that sharing my struggles would make me appear weak or different. I felt isolated, navigating a challenging path without a map. However, this silence only deepened my anxiety. It wasn’t until I confided in a close friend that I began to recognize the importance of opening up about my experiences. This conversation marked a turning point; I learned that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but rather a powerful tool for connection and healing. Seeking help was a crucial step in my journey. I began attending therapy, where I learned strategies to manage both my physical and emotional health. My therapist helped me reframe my perspective, guiding me to view my diagnosis as part of my narrative rather than my entire identity. I discovered mindfulness techniques that not only alleviated my anxiety but also grounded me during moments of chaos. These practices became lifelines, helping me navigate the ups and downs of living with a chronic illness. Moreover, my experience with Graves’ Disease ignited a passion for advocacy. I became determined to educate others about the connection between physical health and mental wellness, particularly in the context of chronic illness. As I engaged in advocacy, I learned that mental health education is crucial in breaking down the stigma surrounding chronic illnesses. I began to collaborate with local health organizations, creating workshops that addressed not only the medical aspects of conditions like Graves’ Disease but also the emotional toll they can take. I aimed to empower individuals to seek help and support, emphasizing that mental health is just as important as physical health in the healing process. Through my journey, I have cultivated resilience and determination. The challenges I faced have shaped my desire to pursue a career in nursing, specializing in mental health. I want to bridge the gap between physical and mental health care, ensuring that patients receive holistic support. My goal is to advocate for comprehensive care that addresses both the body and mind, empowering individuals to reclaim their health and well-being. In conclusion, my experience with Graves’ Disease has profoundly impacted my understanding of mental health. The challenges I faced forced me to confront my vulnerabilities, ultimately leading to growth and empowerment. As I apply for the Elijah’s Helping Hand Scholarship, I am reminded of the importance of sharing our stories and supporting one another through our struggles. This scholarship would not only support my educational pursuits but also honor the spirit of resilience and advocacy that I strive to embody. Thank you for considering my application.

As a young woman navigating the complexities of higher education and personal growth, I have often relied on a strong sense of accountability to guide my journey. My name is Mallary Krieger, and I am currently pursuing a degree in nursing. My ambition to serve others, particularly in pediatric care, is deeply rooted in my own experiences, and I believe that my commitment to accountability has been a key factor in my success thus far. Growing up, I was often the quiet one in the room, preferring to observe rather than participate. However, after facing my diagnosis of Graves’ Disease, a rare autoimmune disorder, I quickly learned that life’s challenges demanded more than passive observation; they required action and resilience. The emotional and physical hurdles I encountered taught me the importance of taking ownership of my health and my future. This realization ignited a passion within me to not only overcome my struggles but to transform them into a driving force for my career aspirations. Accountability, for me, manifests in several ways. First and foremost, I set clear, achievable goals for myself. Whether it’s academic targets, health milestones, or personal development objectives, I break down larger aspirations into manageable steps. For instance, when I decided to apply to nursing school, I created a timeline that included coursework, volunteer experiences, and networking opportunities. This structured approach not only kept me focused but also provided a tangible roadmap for my journey. Additionally, I hold myself accountable by seeking support and mentorship. I believe that accountability is not just a solitary endeavor; it thrives in community. I regularly engage with mentors who challenge me to push my limits and reflect on my progress. These relationships have been invaluable, offering insights that help me stay aligned with my goals. I also find it crucial to surround myself with like-minded individuals who share similar ambitions. Together, we hold one another accountable, celebrating each success and learning from setbacks. One of my proudest achievements came when I organized a community health workshop aimed at educating families about managing chronic illnesses. Drawing from my own experiences with Graves’ Disease, I wanted to create a space for open dialogue and support. I coordinated with healthcare professionals, recruited volunteers, and facilitated discussions. The event not only empowered attendees with knowledge but also strengthened my leadership skills and confidence. Witnessing the impact of our collective efforts reaffirmed my belief in the power of accountability and collaboration. Moreover, I maintain accountability through self-reflection. Regularly assessing my progress helps me identify areas for improvement and celebrate my achievements. Journaling has become a vital tool in this process, allowing me to document my thoughts, feelings, and insights. Reflecting on my journey enables me to recognize patterns, learn from experiences, and adjust my strategies when necessary. This practice has instilled a sense of discipline and commitment to my personal and academic growth. In conclusion, my journey as a woman pursuing a career in nursing has been marked by a steadfast commitment to accountability. By setting clear goals, seeking mentorship, fostering community, and engaging in self-reflection, I have navigated the challenges of both my health and my education. This scholarship would not only support my academic dreams but also serve as a reminder of the importance of uplifting and empowering other women. I am dedicated to using my experiences to inspire those around me, helping them achieve their goals as we collectively strive for success. Thank you for considering my application.

Adversity often arrives uninvited, challenging our resolve and shaping our paths in unexpected ways. For me, this moment came when I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease, a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. This diagnosis introduced a whirlwind of physical and emotional struggles that tested my limits, yet it also became a catalyst for my career aspirations in nursing. Graves’ Disease manifested through symptoms that felt overwhelming: extreme fatigue, anxiety, and an unpredictable emotional landscape. The challenges were not just physical; they infiltrated my daily life, affecting my ability to focus on my studies and participate in activities I loved. I found myself grappling with feelings of isolation, as if I was the only one navigating this complicated journey. However, amid these struggles, I discovered a profound source of strength within myself. When confronted with the harsh realities of my condition, I chose to be brave. Instead of allowing my diagnosis to define me, I leaned into my passion for helping others. My experiences in healthcare transformed from a personal battle into a motivating force. I remembered the healthcare professionals who had supported me during my treatment—nurses who exhibited unwavering compassion, skill, and hope. Their kindness ignited a fire within me, inspiring me to pursue a career in nursing, particularly in pediatrics, where I could provide that same level of care and support to children and their families. As I progressed through my academic journey, I faced many obstacles. There were days when fatigue would weigh heavily on me, making it challenging to study or attend classes. Yet, I kept reminding myself of the children I hoped to help—vulnerable souls facing their own medical challenges. This thought became my guiding light. I began to develop coping strategies, prioritizing self-care and seeking support from friends, family, and mentors who encouraged me to keep pushing forward. I also became actively involved in support groups, both for individuals with Graves’ Disease and for those aspiring to enter the nursing field. Sharing my story with others helped me gain perspective and resilience. It was empowering to connect with people who understood my struggles and to offer encouragement to those facing similar challenges. This experience reinforced my belief that adversity can foster community and connection. Looking to the future, I aspire to work in the pediatric ICU, where I can be a source of strength for families during some of their most trying times. The ICU is an environment that demands not only clinical expertise but also deep empathy and emotional intelligence. My own experiences with chronic illness have equipped me with a unique understanding of what patients and families go through. I intend to create a comforting presence, ensuring that every family knows they are not alone on their journey. Eventually, I plan to specialize in anesthesia, further expanding my ability to make a difference. I envision a career where I can combine technical skill with compassionate care, ensuring that children have safe and comfortable experiences during surgeries. Each step I take is rooted in the desire to transform my personal challenges into a source of healing for others. In conclusion, my diagnosis with Graves’ Disease has shaped me in ways I never anticipated. While it presented significant challenges, it also ignited a passion for nursing and a commitment to serve those in need. I have learned that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the determination to move forward despite it. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue to embrace my journey, using my experiences to fuel my aspirations in nursing. Thank you for considering my application.

My reasons for becoming a nurse are a pile of papers, each one listing a reason why I want to pursue this profession. If you were to sift through the stack, you would find a multitude of cultural references and compassionate statements. However, there was a neon paper that caught your eye. You picked it up and saw the words “Because I was inspired.” As a child, I always had an interest in human anatomy. I would memorize bodily facts and proudly share them in my elementary school. When my parents noticed my interest, they bought me a "pretend-and-play doctor kit." I took it everywhere and asked my friends to call me "Med-Mal." I used to place the thermometer on my cat's fur and "listen" to his heartbeat. I would chase after insects, set them onto a plastic otoscope, and teach others about the importance of hand-washing. I kept an eye out for my friends while they played in the fields, ready to swoop in at any moment. As a child, a family friend introduced me to the nursing profession. During his visits, he would share fascinating stories about his work: funny anecdotes about colleagues, the sad moments he encountered, and most importantly, the "miracle moments". These stories of miraculous recoveries gave me goosebumps and inspired me to create such moments myself. As I grew older, I was reminded of my respect and love for nurses when I faced my own medical adversity. I was diagnosed with a rare medical condition called Graves' Disease and Thyroid Eye Disease. Throughout this extremely difficult process and the influx of emotions, it was the nurses who made what was perhaps the darkest time of my life so full of light. It was then that I realized I wanted to do something similar for fellow children with rare diseases and diagnoses. I want to remind everyone that we are never less worthy of life because we look "different"; instead, it's our unique qualities that make us human, and be a pillar of support for those who need it, just like how the nurses were for me. In December 2020, my mother suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the ICU. Overwhelmed with emotions, I quickly went to the hospital with my family. After a few hours, I was permitted to visit my mother's hospital room one by one. I entered alone, after my father and sister, and was greeted by a nurse who was checking my mother's vital signs. As I laid eyes on my mother's body, tears erupted from me. With my emotions in disarray, I held my mother's hand. The nurse immediately broke the coronavirus guidelines by embracing me in a hug, assuring me that she would do everything in her power to help my mother recover. When my mom was discharged, I saw the nurse again, who winked at me as a sign that she remembered her promise. It was her kindness that made me want to return the favor. While providing emotional support to colleagues, families, and patients, I promised to have a positive impact on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. I am dedicated to attending college to achieve my goals. This scholarship will not only help me fulfill my ambitions but also ensure that I can secure my dream job. Knowing how expensive a college education is, financial assistance will help me reduce the burden of student loans and debt, allowing me to focus on my passion for medicine. When asked why I want to be a nurse, I simply say, "Because it's my calling."

I like to think of my reasons for becoming a nurse as a pile of papers, each one listing a reason why I want to pursue this profession. If you were to sift through the stack, you would find a multitude of cultural references and compassionate statements. However, there was a neon paper that caught your eye. You picked it up and saw the words “Because I was inspired.”  This represents my motivation. As a child, I always had an interest in human anatomy. I would memorize bodily facts and proudly share them in my elementary school. When my parents noticed this interest, they bought me a 'pretend-and-play doctor kit.' I carried the kit everywhere, wearing the stethoscope and insisting on being called "Nurse-Mal." I would place the thermometer on my cat's fur and 'listen' to his heartbeat. I would chase after insects, set them onto a plastic otoscope, teaching them about hand-washing. I kept an eye out for my friends while they played in the fields, waiting for the moment one of them would hurt themselves so I could swoop in. When I was a child, a family friend introduced me to the nursing profession. He would visit and tell me fascinating stories about his work, sharing funny anecdotes about colleagues, the sad moments he encountered, and most importantly, the "miracle moments". As a child, these stories of miraculous recoveries gave me goosebumps and inspired me to create such moments myself. As a teenager, I saw the nurses at the hospital take care of my grandparents. I was touched by their kindness and understanding towards my grandparents. They would sit by their bedside for hours, holding their hands and explaining everything. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I experienced an event that impacted my life.  In December 2020, my mother was rushed to the ICU for a heart attack. I remember feeling overwhelmed with thoughts as I got out of bed. I was worried and on the verge of breaking down. After several hours, my family and I were allowed to visit my mom's hospital room, one at a time. I went in alone, after my father and sister, and was greeted by a nurse who was checking my mother's vital signs. As I laid eyes on my mother's body, tears erupted from me. With my emotions in disarray, I held my mother's hand tightly. The nurse immediately broke the coronavirus guidelines by embracing me in a hug, assuring me that she would do everything in her power to help my mother recover. When my mom was discharged, I saw the nurse again, who winked at me as a sign that she remembered her promise. On that day, I pledged to return the favor. I vowed to provide compassionate care to patients and their families, making a positive impact on their lives. While extending emotional support to fellow staff and families, I plan to leave a positive effect on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. When I was diagnosed with a rare pediatric disease known as "Graves' Disease," my passion for medicine deepened. I became determined to dispel stereotypes surrounding pediatric disabilities and rare diseases, and I wanted to become an advocate for children. No child should feel any less worthy of success because of a medical condition they cannot control, and as a nurse, I aim to break that barrier. So, when asked why I want to be a nurse, I simply smile and say, "Because it's my calling." Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I have a myriad of reasons for choosing to become a nurse. Each reason is listed on a separate piece of paper, forming a stack. If you were to go through the stack, you would find numerous cultural references and compassionate statements. However, a neon paper stood out to you. It read, "Because I was inspired." As a child, I had a deep interest in human anatomy. I would enthusiastically memorize facts about the human body and share them with my classmates in elementary school. When my parents noticed this interest, they bought me a 'pretend-and-play doctor kit.' I carried this kit with me everywhere, wearing the stethoscope around my neck and asking my friends to call me 'Med-Mal.' I would even place the thermometer on my cat's fur and pretend to 'listen' to his heartbeat. I would chase after insects and place them on a toy otoscope, teaching them about the importance of hand-washing. I would also keep a lookout for my friends while they played, ready to help if any of them got hurt. As a child, a family friend introduced me to the nursing profession. He used to visit me and tell me captivating stories about his work, sharing funny anecdotes about his colleagues, the sad moments he encountered, and most importantly, the "miracle moments." As a child, these stories of miraculous recoveries gave me goosebumps and inspired me to create such moments myself. Upon being diagnosed with a rare medical condition known as Graves' disease, I experienced firsthand the power of nurses. When faced with the toughest battle of my life, the compassionate care and advocacy of the nursing team deeply impacted me. This inspired me to aspire to do the same for other children like me. The peak of the COVID-19 pandemic brought an event that greatly influenced my life. In December 2020, my mother suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the ICU. Overwhelmed with emotions, I hurried to the hospital with my family. After a few hours, my family and I were allowed to visit my mother's hospital room one by one. I entered the room after my father and sister and was greeted by a nurse who was checking my mother's vital signs. As I looked at my mother's body, tears welled up in my eyes. Emotionally overwhelmed, I held my mother's hand. The nurse, breaking the coronavirus guidelines, hugged me and reassured me that she would do everything in her power to help my mother recover. When my mother was discharged, I saw the same nurse again, and she winked at me as if to remind me of her promise. On that day, I made a vow to myself. While providing emotional support to colleagues, families, and patients, I pledged to make a positive impact on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. My aspirations of attending college will help me achieve my goals, of being a successful nurse, similar to those that inspired me to pursue this career. This scholarship will not only assist me in fulfilling my ambitions but also guarantee the attainment of my dream job. A college education is costly, and financial assistance will enable me to reduce student loans and debt, allowing me to focus on my passions. When asked why I want to be a nurse, I simply say, "Because it's my calling." The scholarship will support my goal of dispelling stereotypes related to pediatric disabilities and diseases through nursing. Thank you.

July 2023. The sun peeked through the window, filling me with an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. I would listen to the beeps of a heart monitor, feeling increasingly discontented. Catching a glimpse of a mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. All I wanted was to scream and curse at the unfairness of it all. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of the sweet, buttery smell of funnel cakes, my nose was filled with the scent of sanitizers and chemicals. Instead of excitedly celebrating summer break, I was introduced to medical staff whose faces wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. "It's Graves' Disease, one hundred percent," said another doctor, flipping through a stack of papers. As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious about how people would react. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Unfortunately, my unique appearance meant that I was often subject to ridicule, degradation, and mockery from strangers, adults, and classmates alike. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, it felt like every passing gaze was drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity, a caged bird for them to observe and make comments about. After a period of introspection, I finally gained clarity. I realized that life would continue, with each passing day, second, and minute ticking away as they always had. The sun would continue to set, painting the horizon in golden light and every day would pass like it always had. Just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my mind, the light shone and dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I would confront my reflection and remind myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. Instead of keeping my head down, I chose to speak out, stand up, and embrace my differences. I seized every opportunity to talk about my disease and raise awareness about the rare condition. Whenever I had the chance to speak about my experiences, be it in a project, presentation, or public speaking event, I did so with the hope of challenging the stereotypes I faced and reminding everyone that differences should never make you feel inferior or less worthy of love or success. Based on my passion for advocacy and awareness of rare diseases, I plan to pursue a career in nursing. I aim to empower the world to achieve the impossible, regardless of having a rare disease or physical difference. I hope to inspire children to strive for success while providing care for families in need. The scholarship supports my aim to end stereotypes related to pediatric disabilities through nursing. I found my purpose and the message I wanted to share with the world through my experiences: 'Light will always shine at the end of the tunnel, but one must continue walking until they see it.'

The sun peeked through the window, filling my otherwise chilly room with warmth. Looking up at the sky through the glass, I felt an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. Catching a glimpse of a mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. All I wanted was to scream and curse at the unfairness of it all. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of excitedly meeting up with friends, I was introduced to medical staff and teams, whose faces occasionally wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious about how people would react. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Unfortunately, my unique appearance meant that I was often subjected to ridicule, degradation, and mockery from strangers, adults, and classmates alike. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, it felt like every passing gaze was drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity, a caged bird for them to observe and make comments about. As a result, my confidence and self-worth felt depleted, and I battled with mental health and feelings of withdrawal. But just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my saddened mind, the light shone and dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me. But to begin to have control over my own life, I would need to spread awareness as to what I was going through. I would need to advocate for myself and the millions of other people battling rare medical conditions. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I would confront my reflection and remind myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. I realized that I wasn't ugly, but rather my differences were what made me truly beautiful. Instead of staying quiet held back by a fear of public speaking, I chose to speak up, stand out, and embrace my uniqueness. I took every opportunity to discuss my illness and raise awareness about this rare condition, the associated stereotypes, and the importance of understanding mental health. Whenever I had the chance to share my experiences, whether, in a project, presentation, or public speaking engagement, I did so intending to challenge the stereotypes I encountered and emphasize that our differences should never lead us to feel inferior or unworthy. I have made it my mission to become a pediatric ICU nurse based on my experience and challenges with being diagnosed with a rare disease. I am dedicated to providing compassionate care to patients and their families, to make a positive impact on their lives. I want to remind the world that no one should feel any less worthy of success and kindness just because of a medical condition, physical difference, or something they cannot control. No child should feel alone in their battles, and as a nurse, I aim to be a support and advocate and will continue to practice this in university.

Swoosh! Dink! Those are the two most satisfying sounds to hear. To swing your club and watch as the ball traverses across the sky. You watch from afar, hoping you managed to hit it on the green, and turn to find your family laughing, telling you that you "pulled a shank maneuver." So that's why the ball did a hard curve to the right! Golf has always had a significant impact on my life. It has created lasting memories shared with friends and family and taught me valuable core values that I have used throughout my life. For instance, I had to use problem-solving skills to maneuver around the course on a windy day. I also learned about respect, not only for myself and others but also for the golf course. I learned to be quiet when someone is about to hit the ball and not to jump into someone's line. Patience was also essential, as I had to take one shot at a time and not jump ahead. These values have been crucial to becoming the person I am today, and I love to watch others use them in golf. I also enjoy the hearty laughs on the course, learning about different golf terminology, and watching people succeed with the help of others. However, as a female golfer, I recognize that I am not alone in facing challenges. One of the most prominent problems in golf is the stigma surrounding gender and sports. Golf has been a male-dominated sport for a long time, and there is still very little diversity when it comes to being paired in groups. Usually, there are few, if any, women. I also note the hesitancy in my team's voices regarding my ability to play due to my gender. When I first faced this challenge, I felt excluded from my peers. But I looked to trailblazers like Annika Sorenstam, Karrie Webb, and Betsy Rawls, who overcame these barriers through perseverance. Instead of sitting back and listening to the comments, I chose to speak out and become a role model. I give presentations and speak publicly about these stereotypes, volunteer for First Tee - a youth golf organization, and empower younger students to take on the world of golf. By turning these challenges into positive experiences, I am only igniting my love for golf. Challenges shouldn't be barriers but rather growth opportunities. My core values, strengthened through golf, have transferred to my passion for service and aid. I use qualities such as patience and respect to provide for the common good, which are essential to my success and path to becoming a nurse. Thanks to golf shaping my core values of service, self-discipline, and dedication, I believe I have the necessary tools to pursue a career in nursing. Through my enhanced "pillars of values," I can choose to lead, show compassion, and establish effective change throughout the medical field and for families in need. This is something I wouldn't have been able to feel confident in if I had never picked up the putter.

The sun peeked through the window, filling my otherwise chilly room with warmth. Looking up at the sky through the glass, I felt an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. Catching a glimpse of a mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. All I wanted was to scream and curse at the unfairness of it all. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of excitedly meeting up with friends, I was introduced to medical staff and teams, whose faces occasionally wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious about how people would react. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Unfortunately, my unique appearance meant that I was often subjected to ridicule, degradation, and mockery from strangers, adults, and classmates alike. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, it felt like every passing gaze was drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity, a caged bird for them to observe and make comments about. As a result, my confidence and self-worth felt depleted, and I battled with mental health and feelings of withdrawal. But just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my saddened mind, the light shone and dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me. But to begin to have control over my own life, I would need to spread awareness as to what I was going through. I would need to advocate for myself and the millions of other people battling rare medical conditions. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I would confront my reflection and remind myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. I realized that I wasn't ugly, but rather my differences were what made me truly beautiful. Instead of staying quiet held back by a fear of public speaking, I chose to speak up, stand out, and embrace my uniqueness. I took every opportunity to discuss my illness and raise awareness about this rare condition, the associated stereotypes, and the importance of understanding mental health. Whenever I had the chance to share my experiences, whether, in a project, presentation, or public speaking engagement, I did so intending to challenge the stereotypes I encountered and emphasize that our differences should never lead us to feel inferior or unworthy. I have made it my mission to become a pediatric ICU nurse based on my experience and challenges with being diagnosed with a rare disease. I am dedicated to providing compassionate care to patients and their families, to make a positive impact on their lives. I want to remind the world that no one should feel any less worthy of success and kindness just because of a medical condition, physical difference, or something they cannot control. No child should feel alone in their battles, and as a nurse, I aim to be a support and advocate and will continue to practice this in university.

The sun peeked through the window, filling my otherwise chilly room with warmth. Looking up at the sky through the glass, I felt an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. Catching a glimpse of a mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. All I wanted was to scream and curse at the unfairness of it all. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of excitedly meeting up with friends, I was introduced to medical staff and teams, whose faces occasionally wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious about how people would react. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Unfortunately, my unique appearance meant that I was often subjected to ridicule, degradation, and mockery from strangers, adults, and classmates alike. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, it felt like every passing gaze was drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity, a caged bird for them to observe and make comments about. As a result, my confidence and self-worth felt depleted, and I battled with mental health and feelings of withdrawal. But just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my saddened mind, the light shone and dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me. But to begin to have control over my own life, I would need to spread awareness as to what I was going through. I would need to advocate for myself and the millions of other people battling rare medical conditions. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I would confront my reflection and remind myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. I realized that I wasn't ugly, but rather my differences were what made me truly beautiful. Instead of staying quiet held back by a fear of public speaking, I chose to speak up, stand out, and embrace my uniqueness. I took every opportunity to discuss my illness and raise awareness about this rare condition, the associated stereotypes, and the importance of understanding mental health. Whenever I had the chance to share my experiences, whether, in a project, presentation, or public speaking engagement, I did so intending to challenge the stereotypes I encountered and emphasize that our differences should never lead us to feel inferior or unworthy. I have made it my mission to become a pediatric ICU nurse based on my experience and challenges with being diagnosed with a rare disease. I am dedicated to providing compassionate care to patients and their families, to make a positive impact on their lives. I want to remind the world that no one should feel any less worthy of success and kindness just because of a medical condition, physical difference, or something they cannot control. No child should feel alone in their battles, and as a nurse, I aim to be a support and advocate and will continue to practice this in university.

On a crisp fall day on September 5th, 1954, Robert Lee Frost was interviewed for the Sunday paper supplement of "This Week Magazine" titled "Robert Frost's Secrets". During the interview, when asked about the important lessons he learned in his years of life, Frost pondered for a moment. Then, with a smirk on his face and a twinkle under his brow, he responded with a now-famous quote: "In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on." While many individuals may interpret this quote differently, to me it means that no situation lasts forever. This quote parallels my experiences with a life-changing event that I went through. It was a warm summer day in July of 2023. The sun peeked through the window, filling my otherwise chilly room with warmth. Looking up at the sky through the glass, I felt an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. Catching a glimpse of a mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. All I wanted was to scream and curse at the unfairness of it all. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of the sweet-buttery smell of funnel cakes, my nose was filled with the scent of sanitizers and chemicals. Instead of excitedly meeting up with friends, I was introduced to medical staff and teams, whose faces occasionally wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. When my time ended in the hospital, I reflected deeply on what I was told by the doctors. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. "It's Graves' Disease, one hundred percent," said another doctor, flipping through a stack of papers. A Med-Student hovered nearby, "I honestly don't know what to say. And your eye? It must be thyroid eye disease." I closed my eyes and remembered the sinking feeling in my stomach when I was told there was no cure. But life goes on, right? As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious about how people would react. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Unfortunately, my unique appearance meant that I was often subjected to ridicule, degradation, and mockery from strangers, adults, and classmates alike. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, it felt like every passing gaze was drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity, a caged bird for them to observe and make comments about. As a result, my confidence and self-worth felt depleted, and I battled with mental health and feelings of withdrawal and sadness. But just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my saddened mind, the light shone and dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me. I was determined to maintain control over my life's reins. But to begin to have control over my own life, I would need to spread awareness as to what I was going through. I would need to advocate for myself and the millions of other children in the world who get diagnosed with rare diseases. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I would confront my reflection and remind myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. I realized that I wasn't ugly, but rather my differences were what made me truly beautiful. Instead of staying quiet held back by a fear of public speaking, I chose to speak up, stand out, and embrace my uniqueness. I often asked myself, "What's the worst that could happen?" If sharing my story empowers others and myself, then what's the worst that can happen? So I took every opportunity to discuss my illness and raise awareness about this rare condition, the associated stereotypes, and the importance of understanding mental health. Whenever I had the chance to share my experiences, whether, in a project, presentation, or public speaking engagement, I did so intending to challenge the stereotypes I encountered and emphasize that our differences should never lead us to feel inferior or unworthy. By advocating and speaking out, I gained the strength to break down barriers and inspire others to have confidence in themselves. I couldn't let one obstacle stop me from achieving success in life. Life won't stop when barriers arrive in your journey and adventures, if anything it continuously passes. The birds will continue to chirp, the sun will continue to rise, and time will continue to tick. Ultimately, during his 1959 interview, Robert Frost wasn't merely suggesting that life goes on, but rather that in times of uncertainty and darkness, one can find solace in the fact that good things will happen as long as they persevere. Light will always shine at the end of the tunnel, but one must continue walking until they see it. I have made it my mission to become a pediatric ICU nurse based on my experience and challenges with being diagnosed with a rare disease. I am dedicated to providing compassionate care to patients and their families, to make a positive impact on their lives. I strive to have a positive effect on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. I want to remind the world that no one should feel any less worthy of success and kindness just because of a medical condition, physical difference, or something they cannot control. No child should feel alone in their battles, and as a nurse, I aim to be a support and advocate.

On a crisp fall day on September 5th, 1954, Robert Lee Frost was interviewed for the Sunday paper supplement of "This Week Magazine" titled "Robert Frost's Secrets". During the interview, when asked about the important lessons he learned in his years of life, Frost pondered for a moment. Then, with a smirk on his face and a twinkle under his brow, he responded with a now-famous quote: "In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on." While many individuals may interpret this quote differently, to me it means that no situation lasts forever. This quote parallels my experiences with a life-changing event that I went through. It was a warm summer day in July of 2023. The sun peeked through the window, filling my otherwise chilly room with warmth. Looking up at the sky through the glass, I felt an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. Catching a glimpse of a mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. All I wanted was to scream and curse at the unfairness of it all. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of the sweet-buttery smell of funnel cakes, my nose was filled with the scent of sanitizers and chemicals. Instead of excitedly meeting up with friends, I was introduced to medical staff and teams, whose faces occasionally wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. When my time ended in the hospital, I reflected deeply on what I was told by the doctors. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. "It's Graves' Disease, one hundred percent," said another doctor, flipping through a stack of papers. A Med-Student hovered nearby, "I honestly don't know what to say. And your eye? It must be thyroid eye disease." I closed my eyes and remembered the sinking feeling in my stomach when I was told there was no cure. But life goes on, right? As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious about how people would react. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Unfortunately, my unique appearance meant that I was often subjected to ridicule, degradation, and mockery from strangers, adults, and classmates alike. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, it felt like every passing gaze was drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity, a caged bird for them to observe and make comments about. As a result, my confidence and self-worth felt depleted, and I battled with mental health and feelings of withdrawal and sadness. But just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my saddened mind, the light shone and dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me. I was determined to maintain control over my life's reins. But to begin to have control over my own life, I would need to spread awareness as to what I was going through. I would need to advocate for myself and the millions of other children in the world who get diagnosed with rare diseases. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I would confront my reflection and remind myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. I realized that I wasn't ugly, but rather my differences were what made me truly beautiful. Instead of keeping my head down, I chose to speak out, stand up, and embrace my differences. I seized every opportunity to talk about my disease and raise awareness about the rare condition, the stereotypes attached to it, and the educational aspect regarding mental health. Whenever I had the chance to speak about my experiences, be it in a project, presentation, or public speaking event, I did so with the hope of challenging the stereotypes I faced and reminding everyone that differences should never make you feel inferior or less worthy. Advocating and speaking out gave me the strength to shatter barriers and empower others to have confidence in themselves. I couldn't let one obstacle stop me from achieving success in life. Life won't stop when barriers arrive in your journey and adventures, if anything it continuously passes. The birds will continue to chirp, the sun will continue to rise, and time will continue to tick. Ultimately, during his 1959 interview, Robert Frost wasn't merely suggesting that life goes on, but rather that in times of uncertainty and darkness, one can find solace in the fact that good things will happen as long as they persevere. Light will always shine at the end of the tunnel, but one must continue walking until they see it. I have made it my mission to become a pediatric ICU nurse based on my experience and challenges with being diagnosed with a rare disease. I am dedicated to providing compassionate care to patients and their families, to make a positive impact on their lives. I strive to have a positive effect on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. I want to remind the world that no one should feel any less worthy of success and kindness just because of a medical condition, physical difference, or something they cannot control. No child should feel alone in their battles, and as a nurse, I aim to be a support and advocate.

On a crisp fall day on September 5th, 1954, Robert Lee Frost was interviewed for the Sunday paper supplement of "This Week Magazine" titled "Robert Frost's Secrets". During the interview, when asked about the important lessons he learned in his years of life, Frost pondered for a moment. Then, with a smirk on his face and a twinkle under his brow, he responded with a now-famous quote: "In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on." While many individuals may interpret this quote differently, to me it means that no situation lasts forever. This quote parallels my experiences with a life-changing event that I went through. It was a warm summer day in July of 2023. The sun peeked through the window, filling my otherwise chilly room with warmth. Looking up at the sky through the glass, I felt an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. Catching a glimpse of a mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. All I wanted was to scream and curse at the unfairness of it all. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of the sweet-buttery smell of funnel cakes, my nose was filled with the scent of sanitizers and chemicals. Instead of excitedly meeting up with friends, I was introduced to medical staff and teams, whose faces occasionally wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. When my time ended in the hospital, I reflected deeply on what I was told by the doctors. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. "It's Graves' Disease, one hundred percent," said another doctor, flipping through a stack of papers. A Med-Student hovered nearby, "I honestly don't know what to say. And your eye? It must be thyroid eye disease." I closed my eyes and remembered the sinking feeling in my stomach when I was told there was no cure. But life goes on, right? As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious about how people would react. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Unfortunately, my unique appearance meant that I was often subjected to ridicule, degradation, and mockery from strangers, adults, and classmates alike. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, it felt like every passing gaze was drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity, a caged bird for them to observe and make comments about. As a result, my confidence and self-worth felt depleted, and I battled with mental health and feelings of withdrawal and sadness. But just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my saddened mind, the light shone and dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me. I was determined to maintain control over my life's reins. But to begin to have control over my own life, I would need to spread awareness as to what I was going through. I would need to advocate for myself and the millions of other children in the world who get diagnosed with rare diseases. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I would confront my reflection and remind myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. I realized that I wasn't ugly, but rather my differences were what made me truly beautiful. Instead of keeping my head down, I chose to speak out, stand up, and embrace my differences. I seized every opportunity to talk about my disease and raise awareness about the rare condition, the stereotypes attached to it, and the educational aspect regarding mental health. Whenever I had the chance to speak about my experiences, be it in a project, presentation, or public speaking event, I did so with the hope of challenging the stereotypes I faced and reminding everyone that differences should never make you feel inferior or less worthy. Advocating and speaking out gave me the strength to shatter barriers and empower others to have confidence in themselves. I couldn't let one obstacle stop me from achieving success in life. Life won't stop when barriers arrive in your journey and adventures, if anything it continuously passes. The birds will continue to chirp, the sun will continue to rise, and time will continue to tick. Ultimately, during his 1959 interview, Robert Frost wasn't merely suggesting that life goes on, but rather that in times of uncertainty and darkness, one can find solace in the fact that good things will happen as long as they persevere. Light will always shine at the end of the tunnel, but one must continue walking until they see it. I have made it my mission to become a pediatric ICU nurse based on my experience and challenges with being diagnosed with a rare disease. I am dedicated to providing compassionate care to patients and their families, to make a positive impact on their lives. I strive to have a positive effect on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. I want to remind the world that no one should feel any less worthy of success and kindness just because of a medical condition, physical difference, or something they cannot control. No child should feel alone in their battles, and as a nurse, I aim to be a support and advocate.

Robert Lee Frost, a world-renowned American poet, was best known for his masterful works such as "The Road Not Taken" and "Nothing Gold Can Stay". He left the world yearning for more of his colloquial speeches and erratic rhyming schemes. On a crisp fall day on September 5th, 1954, Mr. Frost was interviewed for the Sunday paper supplement of "This Week Magazine" titled "Robert Frost's Secrets". During the interview, when asked about the important lessons he learned in his years of life, Frost pondered for a moment. Then, with a smirk on his face and a twinkle under his brow, he responded with a now-famous quote: "In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on." While many individuals may interpret this quote differently, to me it means that no situation lasts forever. Life may be tough at times, but eventually, something else will come along. This quote parallels my experiences with a life-changing event that I went through. It all began on a warm summer day in July of 2023. The sun peeked through the window, filling my otherwise chilly room with warmth. As I looked up at the sky through the glass, I felt an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. I would listen to the beeps of a heart monitor, feeling increasingly discontented. I turned my head away slowly, peeling my eyes from the window as I grumbled about the sun taunting me. Catching a glimpse of a mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. All I wanted was to scream and curse at the unfairness of it all. I longed for one more summer where I could be "normal". This wasn't how I had planned my year to go, and I began to feel weighed down by it all. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of the sweet-buttery smell of funnel cakes, my nose was filled with the scent of sanitizers and chemicals. Instead of excitedly meeting up with friends, I was introduced to medical staff and teams, whose faces occasionally wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. When my time ended in the hospital, I slid into the hot leather of the family car and reflected deeply on what I was told by the doctors. Their voices echoed in my mind and reverberated throughout my body. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. "It's Graves' Disease, one hundred percent," said another doctor, flipping through a stack of papers. A Med-Student hovered nearby, "I honestly don't know what to say. And your eye? It must be thyroid eye disease." I closed my eyes and remembered the sinking feeling in my stomach when I was told there was no cure. But life goes on, right? As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious about how people would react. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Unfortunately, my unique appearance meant that I was often subject to ridicule, degradation, and mockery from strangers, adults, and classmates alike. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, it felt like every passing gaze was drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity, a caged bird for them to observe and make comments about. After a period of introspection, I finally gained clarity. I realized that life would continue, with each passing day, second, and minute ticking away as they always had. The sun would continue to set, painting the horizon in golden light, trees would keep growing, animals would prance across the green grass, and every day would pass like it always had. Just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my saddened mind, the light of the sun and stars shone and dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me. I was determined to maintain control over my life's reins. But to begin to have control over my own life, I would need to spread awareness as to what I was going through. I would need to advocate for myself and the millions of other children in the world who get diagnosed with rare diseases. And that is exactly what I did. I began with change. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I would confront my reflection and remind myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. I realized that I wasn't ugly, but rather my differences were what made me truly beautiful. Instead of keeping my head down, I chose to speak out, stand up, and embrace my differences. I seized every opportunity to talk about my disease and raise awareness about the rare condition, the stereotypes attached to it, and the educational aspect. Whenever I had the chance to speak about my experiences, be it in a project, presentation, or public speaking event, I did so with the hope of challenging the stereotypes I faced and reminding everyone that differences should never make you feel inferior or less worthy. Advocating and speaking out gave me the strength to shatter barriers and empower others to have confidence in themselves. I couldn't let one obstacle stop me from achieving success in life. Life won't stop when barriers arrive in your journey and adventures, if anything it continuously passes. The birds will continue to chirp, the sun will continue to rise, and time will continue to tick. Ultimately, during his 1959 interview, the renowned poet Robert Frost was conveying a message to the world. He wasn't merely suggesting that life goes on, but rather that in times of uncertainty and darkness, one can find solace in the fact that good things will happen as long as they persevere. Light will always shine at the end of the tunnel, but one must continue walking until they see it. I have made it my mission to become a pediatric ICU nurse based on my experience and challenges with being diagnosed with a rare disease. I am dedicated to providing compassionate care to patients and their families, with the goal of making a positive impact on their lives. In addition to extending emotional support to fellow staff and families, I strive to have a positive effect on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. I want to remind the world that no one should feel any less worthy of success and kindness just because of a medical condition, physical difference, or something they cannot control. No child should feel alone in their battles, and as a nurse, I aim to be a support and advocate.

July 2023: The sun peeked through the window, fueling an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. I would listen to the beeps of a heart monitor, feeling increasingly discontented. Catching a glimpse of a mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. All I wanted was to scream and curse at the unfairness of it all. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of the sweet-buttery smell of funnel cakes, my nose was filled with the scent of sanitizers and chemicals. Instead of excitedly celebrating summer break, I was introduced to medical staff, whose faces wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. "It's Graves' Disease, one hundred percent," said another doctor, flipping through a stack of papers. As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious about how people would react. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Unfortunately, my unique appearance meant that I was often subject to ridicule, degradation, and mockery from strangers, adults, and classmates alike. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, it felt like every passing gaze was drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity, a caged bird for them to observe and make comments about. After a period of introspection, I finally gained clarity. I realized that life would continue, with each passing day, second, and minute ticking away as they always had. The sun would continue to set, painting the horizon in golden light and every day would pass like it always had. Just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my saddened mind, the light shone and dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I would confront my reflection and remind myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. Instead of keeping my head down, I chose to speak out, stand up, and embrace my differences. I seized every opportunity to talk about my disease and raise awareness about the rare condition. Whenever I had the chance to speak about my experiences, be it in a project, presentation, or public speaking event, I did so with the hope of challenging the stereotypes I faced and reminding everyone that differences should never make you feel inferior or less worthy of love or success. The scholarship supports my aim to end stereotypes related to pediatric disabilities, through nursing.

I was deeply moved after reading Ms. Janie Maes's story of perseverance, optimism, and kindness. She embodies the core values that I strive to achieve in my life. Similar to Janie Maes, I have also faced hardship, but I turned these challenges into opportunities for personal growth and service, while also encouraging kindness in others. After being diagnosed with a rare pediatric medical condition called Graves' disease, I experienced a lot of inner turmoil and faced stereotypes, mainly surrounding my altered appearance. I remember feeling anxious about how people would react to my drastically altered appearance. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Unfortunately, my unique appearance meant that I was often subjected to ridicule and mockery from strangers, adults, and classmates alike. Every passing gaze felt like it was drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a spectacle for others to observe and comment on. After a period of introspection, I gained clarity. I realized that life would continue as it always had. Just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my mind, the light of the sun and stars dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me and was determined to maintain control over my life. To gain control over my own life, I needed to spread awareness of what I was going through and advocate for myself and the millions of other children in the world who are diagnosed with rare diseases. That is exactly what I did. I began with acceptance. Embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, regardless of my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I would confront my reflection and remind myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. I realized that I wasn't ugly; my differences were what made me truly beautiful. Instead of keeping my head down, I chose to speak out, stand up, and embrace my differences. I sought every opportunity to talk about my disease and raise awareness about the rare condition, the stereotypes attached to it, and the educational aspect. Advocating and speaking out gave me the strength to shatter barriers and empower others to have confidence in themselves. I couldn't let one obstacle stop me from achieving success in life. Life won't stop when barriers arrive in your journey; it continues to pass. I made it my mission to empower other individuals in my community, regardless of physical differences, to love themselves and remember their self-worth. Instead of choosing to wallow in self-pity, I found solace in spreading love and kindness to others. I shared my story with my community hoping to impact a greater tomorrow for all children with or without rare diseases or physical differences. Because of this passion, I plan on obtaining my bachelor of nursing degree where I can work in a pediatric ICU and continue to spread the love. Janie Mae's story is truly inspiring. As I step into the next chapter of my life, I aim to embody Janie's qualities: selflessness, empathy, compassion, and loving others "to wholeness."

I have a myriad of reasons for choosing to become a nurse. Each reason is listed on a separate piece of paper, forming a stack. If you were to go through the stack, you would find numerous cultural references and compassionate statements. However, a neon paper stood out to you. It read, "Because I was inspired." As a child, I had a deep interest in human anatomy. I would enthusiastically memorize facts about the human body and share them with my classmates in elementary school. When my parents noticed this interest, they bought me a 'pretend-and-play doctor kit.' I carried this kit with me everywhere, wearing the stethoscope around my neck and asking my friends to call me 'Med-Mal.' I would even place the thermometer on my cat's fur and pretend to 'listen' to his heartbeat. I would chase after insects and place them on a toy otoscope, teaching them about the importance of hand-washing. I would also keep a lookout for my friends while they played, ready to help if any of them got hurt. As a child, a family friend introduced me to the nursing profession. He used to visit me and tell me captivating stories about his work, sharing funny anecdotes about his colleagues, the sad moments he encountered, and most importantly, the "miracle moments." As a child, these stories of miraculous recoveries gave me goosebumps and inspired me to create such moments myself. Upon being diagnosed with a rare medical condition known as Graves' disease, I experienced firsthand the power of nurses. When faced with the toughest battle of my life, the compassionate care and advocacy of the nursing team deeply impacted me. This inspired me to aspire to do the same for other children like me. The peak of the COVID-19 pandemic brought an event that greatly influenced my life. In December 2020, my mother suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the ICU. Overwhelmed with emotions, I hurried to the hospital with my family. After a few hours, my family and I were allowed to visit my mother's hospital room one by one. I entered the room after my father and sister and was greeted by a nurse who was checking my mother's vital signs. As I looked at my mother's body, tears welled up in my eyes. Emotionally overwhelmed, I held my mother's hand. The nurse, breaking the coronavirus guidelines, hugged me and reassured me that she would do everything in her power to help my mother recover. When my mother was discharged, I saw the same nurse again, and she winked at me as if to remind me of her promise. On that day, I made a vow to myself. While providing emotional support to colleagues, families, and patients, I pledged to make a positive impact on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. My aspirations of attending college will help me achieve my goals, of being a successful nurse, similar to Sarah Jane. This scholarship will not only assist me in fulfilling my ambitions but also guarantee the attainment of my dream job. A college education is costly, and financial assistance will enable me to reduce student loans and debt, allowing me to focus on my passions. When asked why I want to be a nurse, I simply say, "Because it's my calling." The scholarship will support my goal of dispelling stereotypes related to pediatric disabilities and diseases through nursing. Thank you.

My reasons for becoming a nurse are a pile of papers, each one listing a reason why I want to pursue this profession. If you were to sift through the stack, you would find a multitude of cultural references and compassionate statements. However, there was a neon paper that caught your eye. You picked it up and saw the words “Because I was inspired.” As a child, I always had an interest in human anatomy. I would memorize bodily facts and proudly share them in my elementary school. When my parents noticed this curiosity, they purchased me a ‘pretend-and-play doctor kit.’ I carried this kit wherever I went, placing the stethoscope around my neck and asking my friends to call me ‘Med-Mal.' I would place the thermometer on my cat's fur and 'listen' to his heartbeat. I would chase after insects, set them onto a plastic otoscope, teaching them about hand-washing. I kept an eye out for my friends while they played in the fields, waiting for the moment one of them would hurt themselves so I could swoop in. When I was a child, a family friend introduced me to the nursing profession. He would visit and tell me fascinating stories about his work, sharing funny anecdotes about colleagues, the sad moments he encountered, and most importantly, the "miracle moments". As a child, these stories of miraculous recoveries gave me goosebumps and inspired me to create such moments myself. But as I got older, I had forgotten how much I applauded nurses.  I would be reminded of this passion when I watched hospital nurses taking care of my grandparents at the end of their lives. I couldn't help but admire the compassionate staff who took such phenomenal care of my family. They would sit and hold my grandparent's hands for hours, consoling their worries and explaining each action they were going to take over and over. As a teenager, it was always so moving to see a stranger show such love to another. It was something that warmed my soul tremendously.  During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I experienced an event that impacted my life. In December 2020, my mother suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the ICU. Overwhelmed with emotions, I quickly went to the hospital with my family. After a few hours, my family and I were permitted to visit my mother's hospital room one by one. I entered alone, after my father and sister, and was greeted by a nurse who was checking my mother's vital signs. As I laid eyes on my mother's body, tears erupted from me. With my emotions in disarray, I held my mother's hand. The nurse immediately broke the coronavirus guidelines by embracing me in a hug, assuring me that she would do everything in her power to help my mother recover. When my mom was discharged, I saw the nurse again, who winked at me as a sign that she remembered her promise. On that day, I pledged to return the favor. While providing emotional support to colleagues, families, and patients, I vowed to make a positive impact on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. My aspirations of attending college will help me achieve my goals. This scholarship will not only assist me in fulfilling my ambitions but also guarantee the attainment of my dream job. A college education is costly, and financial assistance will enable me to reduce student loans and debt, allowing me to focus on my passions. When asked why I want to be a nurse, I simply say, "Because it's my calling."

July 2023: The sun peeked through the window, filling my otherwise chilly room with warmth. As I looked through the glass, I felt an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. I would listen to the beeps of a heart monitor, feeling increasingly discontented. I turned my head away slowly, peeling my eyes from the window as I grumbled about the sun taunting me. Catching a glimpse of a mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. All I wanted was to scream and curse at the unfairness of it all. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of the sweet-buttery smell of funnel cakes, my nose was filled with the scent of sanitizers and chemicals. Instead of excitedly celebrating summer break, I was introduced to medical staff, whose faces wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. "It's Graves' Disease, one hundred percent," said another doctor, flipping through a stack of papers. A Med-Student hovered nearby, "I honestly don't know what to say. And your eye? It must be thyroid eye disease." I closed my eyes and remembered the sinking feeling in my stomach when I was told there was no cure. As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious about how people would react. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Unfortunately, my unique appearance meant that I was often subject to ridicule, degradation, and mockery from strangers, adults, and classmates alike. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, it felt like every passing gaze was drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity, a caged bird for them to observe and make comments about. After a period of introspection, I finally gained clarity. I realized that life would continue, with each passing day, second, and minute ticking away as they always had. The sun would continue to set, painting the horizon in golden light and every day would pass like it always had. Just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my saddened mind, the light would shine and refuse to let this setback stop me. I began with change. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I would confront my reflection and remind myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. Instead of keeping my head down, I chose to speak out, stand up, and embrace my differences. I seized every opportunity to talk about my disease and raise awareness about the rare condition. Whenever I had the chance to speak about my experiences, be it in a project, presentation, or public speaking event, I did so with the hope of challenging the stereotypes I faced and reminding everyone that differences should never make you feel inferior. I couldn't let one obstacle stop me from achieving success in life. Instead, I found solace in the fact that good things will happen as long as I persevere. Light will always shine at the end of the tunnel, but one must continue walking until they see it.

July 2023: The sun peeked through the window, filling my otherwise chilly room with warmth. As I looked through the glass, I felt an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. I would listen to the beeps of a heart monitor, feeling increasingly discontented. I turned my head away slowly, peeling my eyes from the window as I grumbled about the sun taunting me. Catching a glimpse of a mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. All I wanted was to scream and curse at the unfairness of it all. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of the sweet-buttery smell of funnel cakes, my nose was filled with the scent of sanitizers and chemicals. Instead of excitedly celebrating summer break, I was introduced to medical staff, whose faces wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. "It's Graves' Disease, one hundred percent," said another doctor, flipping through a stack of papers. A Med-Student hovered nearby, "I honestly don't know what to say. And your eye? It must be thyroid eye disease." I closed my eyes and remembered the sinking feeling in my stomach when I was told there was no cure. As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious about how people would react. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Unfortunately, my unique appearance meant that I was often subject to ridicule, degradation, and mockery from strangers, adults, and classmates alike. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, it felt like every passing gaze was drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity, a caged bird for them to observe and make comments about. After a period of introspection, I finally gained clarity. I realized that life would continue, with each passing day, second, and minute ticking away as they always had. The sun would continue to set, painting the horizon in golden light and every day would pass like it always had. Just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my saddened mind, the light of the sun and stars shone and dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I would confront my reflection and remind myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. Instead of keeping my head down, I chose to speak out, stand up, and embrace my differences. I seized every opportunity to talk about my disease and raise awareness about the rare condition. Whenever I had the chance to speak about my experiences, be it in a project, presentation, or public speaking event, I did so with the hope of challenging the stereotypes I faced and reminding everyone that differences should never make you feel inferior. I couldn't let one obstacle stop me from achieving success in life. Life won't stop when barriers arrive in your journey and adventures, if anything it continuously passes. The scholarship supports my aim to end stereotypes related to pediatric disabilities, through nursing.

Every aspect of our universe, from the tiniest atoms to the largest plants is built upon the principles of geometry and mathematics. When we examine the intricate pattern of nature, we see everything no matter how simple or complex is a part of a larger, connected geometric system. Perhaps the most fascinating of these structures is its relation with every living thing, including humans. From the delicate structure of a butterfly wing, the complex structure of DNA, or even the human anatomical structure follows the simple principles of geometry. While many might dismiss the study of these structures as a mere academic exercise, they are negating the understanding of the world around us. By taking a moment to understand geometry and its complexities we can appreciate the wonders of our universe and its workings on a fundamental level. For example, by studying the geometric patterns that form the basis of our world, we gain insight into the laws and principles that shape the cosmos. This insight can be used to make predictions about reality and establish technologies that go beyond this world. Geometry can also be used as a guide for one's decisions and choices, shaping our behavior. For example, the geometry of the space around us affects the way we move and interact with our environment. The dimensions, angles, and distance between objects influence how we see the world and make decisions. Perhaps the most engrossing aspect of geometry is the way it shapes our thought processes and perceptions, normally on a religious and belief level. Religion and geometry have a long history and this connection is reflected through religious architecture, and decorations to symbolize divine order and perfection. It also has symbolic meaning in many religious traditions. In Hinduism, for example, the mandala, a symmetrical geometric shape, is a symbol of the universe and the divine. Geometrical patterns, shapes, and designs highlight a deeper link and connection between geometry and religion. Geometry is everywhere and connected within us on a level beyond comprehension. This connection impacts human and environmental life forms. By understanding the basis and principles of these links, we are able to discover just how much geometry is in our lives. From the thoughts we think to the objects we see, geometry is everywhere and will always play a crucial role in society, environment, and functionality.

I like to think of my reasons for becoming a nurse as a pile of papers, each one listing a reason why I want to pursue this profession. If you were to sift through the stack, you would find a multitude of cultural references and compassionate statements. However, there was a neon paper that caught your eye. You picked it up and saw the words “Because I was inspired.” This represents my motivation. As a child, I always had an interest in human anatomy. I would memorize bodily facts and proudly share them in my elementary school. Whenever our teacher asked us about maintaining health, I eagerly waved my hands to contribute. When my parents noticed this curiosity, they purchased me a ‘pretend-and-play doctor kit.’ I carried this kit wherever I went, placing the stethoscope around my neck and asking my friends to call me ‘Medicine Madam'. I would place the thermometer on my cat's fur and 'listen' to his heartbeat. I would chase after insects, set them onto a plastic otoscope, teaching them about hand-washing. I kept an eye out for my friends while they played in the fields, waiting for the moment one of them would hurt themselves so I could swoop in. When I was a child, a family friend introduced me to the nursing profession. He would visit and tell me fascinating stories about his work, sharing funny anecdotes about colleagues, the sad moments he encountered, and most importantly, the "miracle moments". As a child, these stories of miraculous recoveries gave me goosebumps and inspired me to create such moments myself. As a teenager, I saw the nurses at the hospital take care of my grandparents. I was touched by their kindness and understanding towards my grandparents. They would sit by their bedside for hours, holding their hands and explaining everything. Even as a stranger, they showed so much love and care. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I experienced an event that impacted my life. In December 2020, my mother was rushed to the ICU for a heart attack. I remember feeling overwhelmed with thoughts as I got out of bed. I was worried and on the verge of breaking down. After several hours, my family and I were allowed to visit my mom's hospital room, one at a time. I went in alone, after my father and sister, and was greeted by a nurse who was checking my mother's vital signs. As I laid eyes on my mother's body, tears erupted from me. With my emotions in disarray, I held my mother's hand tightly. The nurse immediately broke the coronavirus guidelines by embracing me in a hug, assuring me that she would do everything in her power to help my mother recover. When my mom was discharged, I saw the nurse again, who winked at me as a sign that she remembered her promise. On that day, I pledged to return the favor. I vowed to provide compassionate care to patients and their families, making a positive impact on their lives. While extending emotional support to fellow staff and families, I plan to leave a positive effect on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. When asked why I want to be a nurse, I simply smile and say, "Because it's my calling."

Perhaps our motivations for success in life are based on our personal experiences with others. For me, medicine and nursing were my calling. As a child, I was fascinated with human anatomy and enjoyed memorizing bodily facts, which I proudly shared with my elementary school classmates. Whenever we were asked about maintaining health, I eagerly raised my hand to contribute. My parents noticed my curiosity and bought me a 'pretend-and-play doctor kit', which I carried with me everywhere. I put the stethoscope around my neck, asking my friends to call me 'Medicine Madam'. When I was a child, a family friend introduced me to the nursing profession. He would visit and tell me fascinating stories about his work, sharing funny anecdotes about colleagues, the sad moments he encountered, and most importantly, the "miracle moments". As a child, these stories of miraculous recoveries gave me goosebumps and inspired me to create such moments myself. As a teenager, I was touched by the nurse's kindness and understanding towards my grandparents. They would sit by their bedside for hours, holding their hands, and explaining everything. Even as strangers, they showed so much love and care toward my family. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, an event occurred that impacted my life. In December 2020, my mother was rushed to the ICU for a heart attack. I entered her hospital room alone, after my father and sister, and was greeted by a nurse who was checking my mother's vital signs. As I laid eyes on my mother's body, tears erupted from me. The nurse immediately broke the coronavirus guidelines by embracing me in a hug, assuring me that she would do everything in her power to help my mother recover. When my mom was discharged, I saw the nurse again, who winked at me as a sign that she remembered her promise. On that day, I pledged to return the favor. I vowed to provide compassionate care to patients and their families, making a positive impact on their lives. While extending emotional support to fellow staff and families, I plan to leave a positive effect on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. After getting diagnosed with a rare medical condition known as Graves' Disease and Thyroid Eye Disease, I became a frequent visitor to hospitals and specialist facilities. As I was beginning to deal with a drastic physical appearance change, I was also facing a plethora of different medical stereotypes surrounding children with rare physical diseases, and intelligence. I realized that I not only wanted to try and combat this stereotype but wanted to be a source of compassion and understanding for children who are also diagnosed with "Rare" diseases in life. I panned on perusing nursing with an emphasis in pediatrics so I can become an advocate for children who went though or are going through the similar process of adapting to new, rare, or sudden medical diseases. No child should feel any lesser than all because they have a physical difference or are getting diagnosed with serious medical conditions. My goal as a pediatric nurse is to inspire, uplift, and encourage fellow children who went the similar process that I did. I want to give them the strength to speak out, stand out and inspire others. Receiving this scholarship will enable me to fulfill my professional goals in the medical field. Through this, I can provide the necessary care and support to children who, like me, have undergone similar experiences, paying it forward as an advocate and care provider for those in need.

When I first began my journey of service, I used to believe that only big actions could make a difference. However, attending Hugh O'Brian's Youth Leadership Seminar changed my perspective. There, I learned about the importance of individual leadership qualities and how I could be a leader in my community. I realized that not all public issues require monumental solutions. The best solutions start with a willingness to help. After returning from the seminar, I put my individual characteristics to use. I am artistic, so I built a free community bookshelf to provide underprivileged children access to books. I am adaptable, so I tutored ESOL students in my school to break language barriers and encourage educational success. I am outspoken, so I created a presentation dedicated to pediatric Graves Disease and spoke about the stereotypes surrounding disease and disability diagnosis based on my own experiences. Although these actions may have seemed small to me, they made a significant impact on others and addressed public issues through informal actions. My bookshelf tackled child illiteracy and supported children's education. My tutoring helped break language barriers with Hispanic students and ensured that all students could succeed in school. My presentation challenged prior thoughts on disease and disability diagnosis and promoted the education of rare diseases. In essence, the leadership qualities I learned in this seminar have helped me address the world problems present in my local community. These are challenges and issues that I would not have attempted to solve if I had not overcome my preconceptions about what constitutes "accurate" or "better" service. As an alumnus of the Hugh O'Brian Leadership Seminar, I returned to take on a new project that tackled challenges around environmental sustainability. I regularly gave speeches about offsetting carbon emissions and established a clean plate club to control food waste. I also wanted to ensure that the new ambassadors didn't make the same conclusions about service as I did. I gave speeches and challenged them to think about how small efforts could have a significant impact on a local issue. I gave examples of what they could do to aid in the solution of world problems and allowed them to expand their knowledge on what problems could be solved through informal actions. At the end of the seminar, ambassadors completed a promise card, vowing to make an informal contribution to a public issue in their communities. Instead of giving the cards to friends and family, I had them hand the cards to me. After the 2023 seminar, I returned home with a newfound conclusion. I know that my engagements in service, leadership, and citizenship won't stop there, but will intensify with every contribution. By breaking barriers surrounding what I originally thought leadership was, I can better adapt, advocate, and collaborate with others to contribute to a cause. Nothing will ever stop my burning passion for giving back to others. It is a part of who I am today and a reason why I am pursuing a medical path in nursing. Not only can I leave a positive impression on my community through service, volunteerism, and civic engagement, but I can also make these contributions by breaking barriers of informal engagement, one small action at a time. Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the means to pursue my aspirations. The high cost of college would no longer be a barrier to my goals, and knowing that I am supported would strengthen my resolve. I hope to make a positive impact, inspire others, and become an advocate for change. Thank you for considering me for this award.

Perhaps our motivations for success in life are based on our personal experiences with others. For me, medicine and nursing were my calling. As a child, I was fascinated with human anatomy and enjoyed memorizing bodily facts, which I proudly shared with my elementary school classmates. Whenever we were asked about maintaining health, I eagerly raised my hand to contribute. My parents noticed my curiosity and bought me a 'pretend-and-play doctor kit', which I carried with me everywhere. I put the stethoscope around my neck, asking my friends to call me 'Medicine Madam'. When I was a child, a family friend introduced me to the nursing profession. He would visit and tell me fascinating stories about his work, sharing funny anecdotes about colleagues, the sad moments he encountered, and most importantly, the "miracle moments". As a child, these stories of miraculous recoveries gave me goosebumps and inspired me to create such moments myself. As a teenager, I was touched by the nurse's kindness and understanding towards my grandparents. They would sit by their bedside for hours, holding their hands, and explaining everything. Even as strangers, they showed so much love and care toward my family. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, an event occurred that impacted my life. In December 2020, my mother was rushed to the ICU for a heart attack. I entered her hospital room alone, after my father and sister, and was greeted by a nurse who was checking my mother's vital signs. As I laid eyes on my mother's body, tears erupted from me. The nurse immediately broke the coronavirus guidelines by embracing me in a hug, assuring me that she would do everything in her power to help my mother recover. When my mom was discharged, I saw the nurse again, who winked at me as a sign that she remembered her promise. On that day, I pledged to return the favor. I vowed to provide compassionate care to patients and their families, making a positive impact on their lives. While extending emotional support to fellow staff and families, I plan to leave a positive effect on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. After getting diagnosed with a rare medical condition known as Graves' Disease and Thyroid Eye Disease, I became a frequent visitor to hospitals and specialist facilities. As I was beginning to deal with a drastic physical appearance change, I was also facing a plethora of different medical stereotypes surrounding children with rare physical diseases, and intelligence. I realized that I not only wanted to try and combat this stereotype but wanted to be a source of compassion and understanding for children who are also diagnosed with "Rare" diseases in life. Receiving this scholarship will enable me to fulfill my professional goals in the medical field. Through this, I can provide the necessary care and support to children who, like me, have undergone similar experiences, paying it forward as an advocate and care provider for those in need.

Robert Lee Frost, a world-renowned American poet, was best known for his masterful works such as "The Road Not Taken" and "Nothing Gold Can Stay". He left the world yearning for more of his colloquial speeches and erratic rhyming schemes. On a crisp fall day on September 5th, 1954, Mr. Frost was interviewed for the Sunday paper supplement of "This Week Magazine" titled "Robert Frost's Secrets". During the interview, when asked about the important lessons he learned in his years of life, Frost pondered for a moment. Then, with a smirk on his face and a twinkle under his brow, he responded with a now-famous quote: "In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on." Robert Frost unknowingly stated one of the most monumental quotes, which is still used and referenced by Americans today. But what did he really mean by it? Numerous literary experts have attempted to dissect the aforementioned quote and derive their own interpretations from it. Some have drawn scientific conclusions on the inevitability of the passage of time, while others have delved deeper into the author's literary works on the themes of Man vs. Nature. While many individuals may interpret this quote differently, to me it means that no situation lasts forever. Life may be tough at times, but eventually, something else will come along. This quote parallels my experiences with a life-changing event that I went through. It all began on a warm summer day in July of 2023. The sun peeked through the window, filling my otherwise chilly room with warmth. As I looked up at the sky through the glass, I felt an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. I would listen to the beeps of a heart monitor, feeling increasingly discontented. I turned my head away slowly, peeling my eyes from the window as I grumbled about the sun taunting me. Catching a glimpse of a mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. All I wanted was to scream and curse at the unfairness of it all. I longed for one more summer where I could be "normal". This wasn't how I had planned my year to go, and I began to feel weighed down by it all. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of the sweet-buttery smell of funnel cakes, my nose was filled with the scent of sanitizers and chemicals. Instead of excitedly meeting up with friends, I was introduced to medical staff and teams, whose faces occasionally wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. When my time ended in the hospital, I slid into the hot leather of the family car and reflected deeply on what I was told by the doctors. Their voices echoed in my mind and reverberated throughout my body. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. "It's Graves' Disease, one hundred percent," said another doctor, flipping through a stack of papers. A Med-Student hovered nearby, "I honestly don't know what to say. And your eye? It must be thyroid eye disease." I closed my eyes and remembered the sinking feeling in my stomach when I was told there was no cure. But life goes on, right? As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious about how people would react. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Unfortunately, my unique appearance meant that I was often subject to ridicule, degradation, and mockery from strangers, adults, and classmates alike. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, it felt like every passing gaze was drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity, a caged bird for them to observe and make comments about. After a period of introspection, I finally gained clarity. I realized that life would continue, with each passing day, second, and minute ticking away as they always had. The sun would continue to set, painting the horizon in golden light, trees would keep growing, animals would prance across the green grass, and every day would pass like it always had. Just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my saddened mind, the light of the sun and stars shone and dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me. I was determined to maintain control over my life's reins. But to begin to have control over my own life, I would need to spread awareness as to what I was going through. I would need to advocate for myself and the millions of other children in the world who get diagnosed with rare diseases. And that is exactly what I did. I began with change. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I would confront my reflection and remind myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. I realized that I wasn't ugly, but rather my differences were what made me truly beautiful. Instead of keeping my head down, I chose to speak out, stand up, and embrace my differences. I seized every opportunity to talk about my disease and raise awareness about the rare condition, the stereotypes attached to it, and the educational aspect. Whenever I had the chance to speak about my experiences, be it in a project, presentation, or public speaking event, I did so with the hope of challenging the stereotypes I faced and reminding everyone that differences should never make you feel inferior or less worthy. Advocating and speaking out gave me the strength to shatter barriers and empower others to have confidence in themselves. I couldn't let one obstacle stop me from achieving success in life. Life won't stop when barriers arrive in your journey and adventures, if anything it continuously passes. The birds will continue to chirp, the sun will continue to rise, and time will continue to tick. Ultimately, during his 1959 interview, the renowned poet Robert Frost was conveying a message to the world. He wasn't merely suggesting that life goes on, but rather that in times of uncertainty and darkness, one can find solace in the fact that good things will happen as long as they persevere. Light will always shine at the end of the tunnel, but one must continue walking until they see it.

Perhaps our motivations for success in life are based on our personal experiences with others. For me, medicine and nursing were my calling. As a child, I was fascinated with human anatomy and enjoyed memorizing bodily facts, which I proudly shared with my elementary school classmates. Whenever we were asked about maintaining health, I eagerly raised my hand to contribute. My parents noticed my curiosity and bought me a 'pretend-and-play doctor kit', which I carried with me everywhere. I put the stethoscope around my neck, asking my friends to call me 'Medicine Mal'. When I was a child, a family friend introduced me to the nursing profession. He would visit and tell me fascinating stories about his work, sharing funny anecdotes about colleagues, the sad moments he encountered, and most importantly, the "miracle moments". As a child, these stories of miraculous recoveries gave me goosebumps and inspired me to create such moments myself. As a teenager, I was touched by the nurse's kindness and understanding towards my grandparents. They would sit by their bedside for hours, holding their hands, and explaining everything. Even as strangers, they showed so much love and care toward my family. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, an event occurred that impacted my life. In December 2020, my mother was rushed to the ICU for a heart attack. I entered her hospital room alone, after my father and sister, and was greeted by a nurse who was checking my mother's vital signs. As I laid eyes on my mother's body, tears erupted from me. The nurse immediately broke the coronavirus guidelines by embracing me in a hug, assuring me that she would do everything in her power to help my mother recover. When my mom was discharged, I saw the nurse again, who winked at me as a sign that she remembered her promise. On that day, I pledged to return the favor. I vowed to provide compassionate care to patients and their families, making a positive impact on their lives. While extending emotional support to fellow staff and families, I plan to leave a positive effect on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. After getting diagnosed with a rare medical condition known as Graves' Disease and Thyroid Eye Disease, I became a frequent visitor to hospitals and specialist facilities. As I was beginning to deal with a drastic physical appearance change, I was also facing a plethora of different medical stereotypes surrounding children with rare physical diseases, and intelligence. I realized that I not only wanted to try and combat this stereotype but wanted to be a source of compassion and understanding for children who are also diagnosed with "Rare" diseases in life. Receiving this scholarship will enable me to fulfill my professional goals in the medical field. Through this, I can provide the necessary care and support to children who, like me, have undergone similar experiences, paying it forward as an advocate and care provider for those in need.

Have you ever seen a Pediatric ICU Nurse who wasn't just decked out in bright neon unicorn scrubs but was a "Die-hard" for metal music? My name is Mallary Krieger, and I possess qualities such as effective communication, creativity, teamwork, and the desire to take on challenges. I am not afraid to speak, stand out, or try new experiences. I enjoy exploring new paths and embarking on adventurous journeys. I am actively involved in my community and advocate for positive things in life. I am a part of various organizations, including Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY), National Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, Mu Alpha Theta, Science National Honor Society, and Mock Trial. I was diagnosed with Graves' Disease, a rare medical condition, which has motivated me to dispel stereotypes surrounding illness diagnosis and educate people about medicine. To pursue this goal, I intend to study BSN in Nursing at Randolph-Macon College and then pursue a DNP in Anesthesia. I aim to help people during their most vulnerable moments by providing aid and support and making a positive difference in their lives. I believe that my academic achievements, leadership skills, and dedication to the field of medicine make me an ideal candidate for scholarships. I am honored to apply for your scholarship, and if awarded, I plan to use the proceeds to help defray the expenses of attending college. College is expensive, and dealing with rare medical conditions makes it even more challenging. I intend to finance my education through unsubsidized student loans, financial support from family members, and working part-time in student work-study programs offered by my school. I still remember the first time I heard heavy metal, which sparked my interest and love for this genre of music, more specifically Nu Metal. I was only eight years old, sitting in my family's 2000s silver accura with my dad. He inserted a CD into the portable device in the car, and a combination of slipknot and system of a down music filled the air. I still recall the chaotic, loud, heavy, and powerful sounds with emotional vocals that reverberated throughout my body. I remember the smile being plastered onto my face as my dad began singing in falsetto and I along with him. I remember feeling the inability to control my head as it bounced along to the beat. That was my first experience of music, and it has stayed with me ever since. When I was first diagnosed with Graves' Disease, I began to feel overwhelmed by the sudden changes in my surroundings. Not only was I trying to adapt to my altered appearance due to thyroid eye disease, but I was also trying to find my self-confidence despite my flaws and different appearance. I wanted to regain control of my life and, in doing so, I turned to listening to metal music once again. The blissful memories I shared with my family during that time were engraved in the records of popular metal artists. The sheer adrenaline rush I experienced brought me to clarity. I was introduced to a plethora of new artists such as Deftones, Rage Against the Machine, Windhand, Electric Wizard, Meshuggah, and many more. Although their musical structure varied from song to song, it was the intense, virtuosic, and powerful guitars, lyrics, and drums that inspired me to persevere and continue moving forward, in a time of uncertainty. "Heavy Metal" cannot be defined by a few words. Rather, it has allowed me to develop memories and inspired to keep moving forward in times of hardship. To me, Heavy Metal is the ability to create change and aspire. I know that Heavy Metal music will always be a part of my life, and as I continue my journey, my memories of this music will only continue to grow.

I like to think of my reasons for becoming a nurse as a pile of papers, each one listing a reason why I want to pursue this profession. If you were to sift through the stack, you would find a multitude of cultural references and compassionate statements. However, there was a neon paper that caught your eye. You picked it up and saw the words “Because I was inspired.”  As a child, I always had an interest in human anatomy. I would memorize bodily facts and proudly share them in my elementary school. Whenever our teacher asked us about maintaining health, I eagerly waved my hands to contribute while spilling trivial facts about the human body. When my parents noticed this curiosity, they purchased me a ‘pretend-and-play doctor kit.’ I carried this kit wherever I went, placing the stethoscope around my neck and asking my friends to call me ‘Medicine Mal'. When I was a child, a family friend introduced me to the nursing profession. He would visit and tell me fascinating stories about his work, sharing funny anecdotes about colleagues, the sad moments he encountered, and most importantly, the "miracle moments". As a child, these stories of miraculous recoveries gave me goosebumps and inspired me to create such moments myself. As a teenager, I saw the nurses at the hospital take care of my grandparents. I was touched by their kindness and understanding towards my grandparents. They would sit by their bedside for hours, holding their hands and explaining everything. Even as a stranger, they showed so much love and care. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I experienced an event that impacted my life. In December 2020, my mother was rushed to the ICU for a heart attack. I entered her hospital room alone, after my father and sister, and was greeted by a nurse who was checking my mother's vital signs. As I laid eyes on my mother's body, tears erupted from me. The nurse immediately broke the coronavirus guidelines by embracing me in a hug, assuring me that she would do everything in her power to help my mother recover. When my mom was discharged, I saw the nurse again, who winked at me as a sign that she remembered her promise. On that day, I pledged to return the favor. I vowed to provide compassionate care to patients and their families, making a positive impact on their lives. While extending emotional support to fellow staff and families, I plan to leave a positive effect on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. By fulfilling this promise, I aim to become a pediatric ICU nurse and inspire children, just as I was once inspired. So when asked why I want to be a nurse, I simply smile and say, "Because it's my calling."

July 2023: The sun peeked through the window, filling my otherwise chilly room with warmth. As I looked through the glass, I felt an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. I would listen to the beeps of a heart monitor, feeling increasingly discontented. I turned my head away slowly, peeling my eyes from the window as I grumbled about the sun taunting me. Catching a glimpse of a mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. All I wanted was to scream and curse at the unfairness of it all. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of the sweet-buttery smell of funnel cakes, my nose was filled with the scent of sanitizers and chemicals. Instead of excitedly celebrating summer break, I was introduced to medical staff, whose faces wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. "It's Graves' Disease, one hundred percent," said another doctor, flipping through a stack of papers. A Med-Student hovered nearby, "I honestly don't know what to say. And your eye? It must be thyroid eye disease." I closed my eyes and remembered the sinking feeling in my stomach when I was told there was no cure. As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious about how people would react. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Unfortunately, my unique appearance meant that I was often subject to ridicule, degradation, and mockery from strangers, adults, and classmates alike. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, it felt like every passing gaze was drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity, a caged bird for them to observe and make comments about. After a period of introspection, I finally gained clarity. I realized that life would continue, with each passing day, second, and minute ticking away as they always had. The sun would continue to set, painting the horizon in golden light and every day would pass like it always had. Just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my saddened mind, the light of the sun and stars shone and dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me. I began with change. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I would confront my reflection and remind myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. Instead of keeping my head down, I chose to speak out, stand up, and embrace my differences. I seized every opportunity to talk about my disease and raise awareness about the rare condition. Whenever I had the chance to speak about my experiences, be it in a project, presentation, or public speaking event, I did so with the hope of challenging the stereotypes I faced and reminding everyone that differences should never make you feel inferior. I couldn't let one obstacle stop me from achieving success in life. Life won't stop when barriers arrive in your journey and adventures, if anything it continuously passes.

When I was first beginning my journey of service, I thought that if you were not doing something grand or big, then you weren't making impacts. However, this idea was shaved away after I attended Hugh O'Brian's Youth Leadership Seminar. Through this seminar, I learned the importance of service through individual leadership qualities. I learned the kind of leader I am and how I could flourish in my community's needs. But most importantly, I learned that not all public issues require these monumental solutions. The best solutions start with you simply being willing to help. When I returned from the seminar, I realized my individual characteristics. I am artistic; so I built a free community bookshelf to allow underprivileged children to read books. I am adaptable; so I tutored the ESOL students within my school to break language barriers and encourage educational success. I am outspoken: so I created a presentation dedicated to pediatric Graves Disease while simultaneously speaking of the stereotypes surrounding disease and disability diagnosis. Even though these actions might have seemed small to my past self, the impacts they made benefited others and tackled public issues through informal actions. My bookshelf took on the problems surrounding child illiteracy and supported children's education through something as simple as a free book. My tutoring abilities allowed me to break language barriers with Hispanic students, and be able to ensure that all students possess the abilities to be successful in our school system. My presentation challenged prior thoughts on disease and disability diagnosis and promoted the education of rare diseases. Later, I would return as an alumnus to the Hugh O'Brian Leadership Seminar and take on a new project. This Project tackled challenges surrounding environmental sustainability. I regularly gave speeches about offsetting carbon emissions and established a clean plate club to control the seminar's food waste. However, this wasn't my only project. I wanted to ensure that the new ambassadors didn't make the same conclusions about service as I did. I would give speeches and challenge ambassadors to think of how large a small impact could be on a local issue. I gave examples of what they can do to aid in the solution of world problems and allowed them to expand their knowledge on what problems can be solved through informal actions. At the end of the seminar, ambassadors completed a promise card. This promise card was to allow the ambassadors to fulfill personal goals post-seminar. The ambassadors were meant to give the cards to the person to whom they were making the promise. However, I had students hand me the cards and vowed to make an informal contribution to a public issue in their communities. Once the 2023 seminar, I returned home to a newfound idea. Not only can I leave a positive impression on my community through my service, volunteerism and civil engagement, but I can be able to make these contributions by breaking barriers of informal engagement, through one small action at a time.

It all started on a warm summer day in July of 2023. The sun shone through the window, warming my chilly room. Looking up at the sky through the glass, I felt an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. Turning my head away slowly, I removed my eyes from the window and grumbled about the sun taunting me. Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of the sweet-buttery smell of funnel cakes, my nose was filled with the scent of sanitizers and chemicals. Instead of excitedly meeting up with friends, I was introduced to medical staff and teams, whose faces wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. When my time ended in the hospital, I thought deeply about what the doctors had told me. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. "It's Graves' Disease, one hundred percent," said another doctor, flipping through a stack of papers. A med student hovered nearby, "I honestly don't know what to say. And your eye? It must be thyroid eye disease." As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, passing gazes were drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity. After a period of introspection, I realized that life would continue, with each passing day, second, and minute ticking away as they always had. The sun would continue to set and every day would pass like it always had. Just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my saddened mind, the light of the sun and stars shone and dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me. But to gain control over my own life, I needed to start with change. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I confronted my reflection and reminded myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. Instead of being passive, I spoke out, embraced my differences, and raised awareness about my rare disease and the stereotypes associated with it. Whenever I had the opportunity to share my experiences, whether in a presentation or a public speaking event, I spoke with the intention of challenging the stereotypes I encountered and reminding everyone that differences should never make you feel inferior. Advocating and speaking out gave me the strength to break down barriers and inspire others to have confidence in themselves. I refused to let any obstacle hinder my success in life. Challenges may arise in our journey, but life goes on. My own medical adversity motivated me to pursue a career in medicine, so that I can be an advocate for children who are facing similar challenges as I did. This scholarship will assist me in pursuing my dream of advocating for medicine. I wish to become a nurse to make a difference and empower others who have gone through similar experiences as mine.

It all started on a warm summer day in July of 2023. The sun shone through the window, warming my chilly room. Looking up at the sky through the glass, I felt an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. Turning my head away slowly, I removed my eyes from the window and grumbled about the sun taunting me. Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of the sweet-buttery smell of funnel cakes, my nose was filled with the scent of sanitizers and chemicals. Instead of excitedly meeting up with friends, I was introduced to medical staff and teams, whose faces wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. When my time ended in the hospital, I thought deeply about what the doctors had told me. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. "It's Graves' Disease, one hundred percent," said another doctor, flipping through a stack of papers. A med student hovered nearby, "I honestly don't know what to say. And your eye? It must be thyroid eye disease." As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, passing gazes were drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity. After a period of introspection, I realized that life would continue, with each passing day, second, and minute ticking away as they always had. The sun would continue to set and every day would pass like it always had. Just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my saddened mind, the light of the sun and stars shone and dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me. But to gain control over my own life, I needed to start with change. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I confronted my reflection and reminded myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. Instead of being passive, I spoke out, embraced my differences, and raised awareness about my rare disease and the stereotypes associated with it. Whenever I had the opportunity to share my experiences, whether in a presentation or a public speaking event, I spoke with the intention of challenging the stereotypes I encountered and reminding everyone that differences should never make you feel inferior. Advocating and speaking out gave me the strength to break down barriers and inspire others to have confidence in themselves. I refused to let any obstacle hinder my success in life. Challenges may arise in our journey, but life goes on. My own medical adversity motivated me to pursue a career in medicine, so that I can be an advocate for children who are facing similar challenges as I did. This scholarship will assist me in pursuing my dream of advocating for medicine. I wish to become a nurse to make a difference and empower others who have gone through similar experiences as mine.

It all started on a warm summer day in July of 2023. The sun shone through the window, warming my chilly room. Looking up at the sky through the glass, I felt an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. Turning my head away slowly, I removed my eyes from the window and grumbled about the sun taunting me. Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of the sweet-buttery smell of funnel cakes, my nose was filled with the scent of sanitizers and chemicals. Instead of excitedly meeting up with friends, I was introduced to medical staff and teams, whose faces wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. When my time ended in the hospital, I thought deeply about what the doctors had told me. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. "It's Graves' Disease, one hundred percent," said another doctor, flipping through a stack of papers. A med student hovered nearby, "I honestly don't know what to say. And your eye? It must be thyroid eye disease." As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, passing gazes were drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity. After a period of introspection, I realized that life would continue, with each passing day, second, and minute ticking away as they always had. The sun would continue to set and every day would pass like it always had. Just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my saddened mind, the light of the sun and stars shone and dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me. But to gain control over my own life, I needed to start with change. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I confronted my reflection and reminded myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. Instead of being passive, I spoke out, embraced my differences, and raised awareness about my rare disease and the stereotypes associated with it. Whenever I had the opportunity to share my experiences, whether in a presentation or a public speaking event, I spoke with the intention of challenging the stereotypes I encountered and reminding everyone that differences should never make you feel inferior. Advocating and speaking out gave me the strength to break down barriers and inspire others to have confidence in themselves. I refused to let any obstacle hinder my success in life. Challenges may arise in our journey, but life goes on. My own medical adversity motivated me to pursue a career in medicine, so that I can be an advocate for children who are facing similar challenges as I did. This scholarship will assist me in pursuing my dream of advocating for medicine. I wish to become a nurse to make a difference and empower others who have gone through similar experiences as mine.

It all started on a warm summer day in July of 2023. The sun shone through the window, warming my chilly room. Looking up at the sky through the glass, I felt an overwhelming desire to break free and explore the world outside. However, my weakened body and trembling limbs prevented me from doing so. Turning my head away slowly, I removed my eyes from the window and grumbled about the sun taunting me. Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I sighed, refusing to look at my reflection. Instead of enjoying a carnival with friends, I found myself in a hospital. Instead of the sweet-buttery smell of funnel cakes, my nose was filled with the scent of sanitizers and chemicals. Instead of excitedly meeting up with friends, I was introduced to medical staff and teams, whose faces wrinkled into perplexity at the sight of me. When my time ended in the hospital, I thought deeply about what the doctors had told me. "You seem to have a rare disease," said one doctor curiously. "In my 30 years of practice, I've never seen this in a child," stated another woman flatly. "It's Graves' Disease, one hundred percent," said another doctor, flipping through a stack of papers. A med student hovered nearby, "I honestly don't know what to say. And your eye? It must be thyroid eye disease." As I stepped out into the world with my drastically altered appearance, I couldn't help but feel anxious. As a child with only one bulging eye, sickly pale skin, and hand tremors, I was not a common sight for most people. Whenever I stood in a grocery store or supermarket, passing gazes were drilling into my skin. It was as if I was nothing more than a product of people's curiosity, a caged bird for them to observe and make comments about. After a period of introspection, I realized that life would continue, with each passing day, second, and minute ticking away as they always had. The sun would continue to set, painting the horizon in golden light, trees would keep growing, and every day would pass like it always had. Just as quickly as the darkness had engulfed my saddened mind, the light of the sun and stars shone and dispelled the shadows of isolation, doubt, and self-pity. I refused to let this setback stop me. But to gain control over my own life, I needed to spread awareness about what I was going through. I started with change. Accepting myself and embracing the changes in my appearance allowed me to love and appreciate myself more, despite my differences. Instead of avoiding mirrors, I confronted my reflection and reminded myself that my unique qualities made me even more beautiful. Instead of being passive, I spoke out, embraced my differences, and raised awareness about my rare disease and the stereotypes associated with it. Whenever I had the opportunity to share my experiences, whether in a presentation or a public speaking event, I spoke with the intention of challenging the stereotypes I encountered and reminding everyone that differences should never make you feel inferior. Advocating and speaking out gave me the strength to break down barriers and inspire others to have confidence in themselves. I refused to let any obstacle hinder my success in life. Challenges may arise in our journey, but life goes on. My own medical adversity motivated me to pursue a career in medicine, so that I can be an advocate for children who are facing similar challenges as I did.

When I first started my journey of service, I used to believe that only grand or big actions could make an impact. However, attending Hugh O'Brian's Youth Leadership Seminar changed my perspective. There, I learned the importance of individual leadership qualities and how I could be a leader in my community. I realized that not all public issues require monumental solutions. The best solutions start with a willingness to help. After returning from the seminar, I put my individual characteristics to use. I am artistic, so I built a free community bookshelf to provide underprivileged children access to books. I am adaptable, so I tutored ESOL students in my school to break language barriers and encourage educational success. I am outspoken, so I created a presentation dedicated to pediatric Graves Disease and spoke about the stereotypes surrounding disease and disability diagnosis based on my own experiences. Even though these actions may have seemed small to me, they made a significant impact on others and addressed public issues through informal actions. My bookshelf tackled child illiteracy and supported children's education. My tutoring helped break language barriers with Hispanic students and ensured that all students could succeed in school. My presentation challenged prior thoughts on disease and disability diagnosis and promoted the education of rare diseases. As an alumnus of the Hugh O'Brian Leadership Seminar, I returned to take on a new project that tackled challenges around environmental sustainability. I regularly gave speeches about offsetting carbon emissions and established a clean plate club to control food waste. I also wanted to ensure that the new ambassadors didn't make the same conclusions about service as I did. I gave speeches and challenged them to think about how small efforts could have a significant impact on a local issue. I gave examples of what they could do to aid in the solution of world problems and allowed them to expand their knowledge on what problems could be solved through informal actions. At the end of the seminar, ambassadors completed a promise card, vowing to make an informal contribution to a public issue in their communities. Instead of giving the cards to friends and family, I had them hand the cards to me. After the 2023 seminar, I returned home with a newfound conclusion. I know that my engagements in service, leadership, and citizenship won't stop there, but will intensify with every contribution. By breaking barriers surrounding what I originally thought leadership was, I can better adapt, advocate, and collaborate with others to contribute to a cause. Nothing will ever stop my burning passion for giving back to others. It is a part of who I am today and a reason why I am pursuing a medical path in nursing. Not only can I leave a positive impression on my community through service, volunteerism, and civic engagement, but I can also make these contributions by breaking barriers of informal engagement, one small action at a time. Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the means to pursue my aspirations. The high cost of college would no longer be a barrier to my goals, and knowing that I am supported would strengthen my resolve. I hope to make a positive impact, inspire others, and become an advocate for change. Thank you for considering me for this award.

I like to think of my reasons for becoming a nurse as a pile of papers, each one listing a reason why I want to pursue this profession. If you were to sift through the stack, you would find a multitude of cultural references and compassionate statements. However, there was a neon paper that caught your eye. You picked it up and saw the words “Because I was inspired.” This represents my motivation. As a child, I always had an interest in human anatomy. I would memorize bodily facts and proudly share them in my elementary school. Whenever our teacher asked us about maintaining health, I eagerly waved my hands to contribute. When my parents noticed this curiosity, they purchased me a ‘pretend-and-play doctor kit.’ I carried this kit wherever I went, placing the stethoscope around my neck and asking my friends to call me ‘Medicine Mal'. I would place the thermometer on my cat's fur and 'listen' to his heartbeat. I would chase after insects, set them onto a plastic otoscope, teaching them about hand-washing. I kept an eye out for my friends while they played in the fields, waiting for the moment one of them would hurt themselves so I could swoop in. When I was a child, a family friend introduced me to the nursing profession. He would visit and tell me fascinating stories about his work, sharing funny anecdotes about colleagues, the sad moments he encountered, and most importantly, the "miracle moments". As a child, these stories of miraculous recoveries gave me goosebumps and inspired me to create such moments myself. As a teenager, I saw the nurses at the hospital take care of my grandparents. I was touched by their kindness and understanding towards my grandparents. They would sit by their bedside for hours, holding their hands and explaining everything. Even as a stranger, they showed so much love and care. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I experienced an event that impacted my life. In December 2020, my mother was rushed to the ICU for a heart attack. I remember feeling overwhelmed with thoughts as I got out of bed. I was worried and on the verge of breaking down. After several hours, my family and I were allowed to visit my mom's hospital room, one at a time. I went in alone, after my father and sister, and was greeted by a nurse who was checking my mother's vital signs. As I laid eyes on my mother's body, tears erupted from me. With my emotions in disarray, I held my mother's hand tightly. The nurse immediately broke the coronavirus guidelines by embracing me in a hug, assuring me that she would do everything in her power to help my mother recover. When my mom was discharged, I saw the nurse again, who winked at me as a sign that she remembered her promise. On that day, I pledged to return the favor. I vowed to provide compassionate care to patients and their families, making a positive impact on their lives. While extending emotional support to fellow staff and families, I plan to leave a positive effect on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. When asked why I want to be a nurse, I simply smile and say, "Because it's my calling."

I like to think of my reasons for becoming a nurse as a pile of papers, each one listing a reason why I want to pursue this profession. If you were to sift through the stack, you would find a multitude of cultural references and compassionate statements. However, there was a neon paper that caught your eye. You picked it up and saw the words “Because I was inspired.” This represents my motivation. As a child, I always had an interest in human anatomy. I would memorize bodily facts and proudly share them in my elementary school. Whenever our teacher asked us about maintaining health, I eagerly waved my hands to contribute. When my parents noticed this curiosity, they purchased me a ‘pretend-and-play doctor kit.’ I carried this kit wherever I went, placing the stethoscope around my neck and asking my friends to call me ‘Medicine Mal'. I would place the thermometer on my cat's fur and 'listen' to his heartbeat. I would chase after insects, set them onto a plastic otoscope, teaching them about hand-washing. I kept an eye out for my friends while they played in the fields, waiting for the moment one of them would hurt themselves so I could swoop in. When I was a child, a family friend introduced me to the nursing profession. He would visit and tell me fascinating stories about his work, sharing funny anecdotes about colleagues, the sad moments he encountered, and most importantly, the "miracle moments". As a child, these stories of miraculous recoveries gave me goosebumps and inspired me to create such moments myself. As a teenager, I saw the nurses at the hospital take care of my grandparents. I was touched by their kindness and understanding towards my grandparents. They would sit by their bedside for hours, holding their hands and explaining everything. Even as a stranger, they showed so much love and care. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I experienced an event that impacted my life. In December 2020, my mother was rushed to the ICU for a heart attack. I remember feeling overwhelmed with thoughts as I got out of bed. I was worried and on the verge of breaking down. After several hours, my family and I were allowed to visit my mom's hospital room, one at a time. I went in alone, after my father and sister, and was greeted by a nurse who was checking my mother's vital signs. As I laid eyes on my mother's body, tears erupted from me. With my emotions in disarray, I held my mother's hand tightly. The nurse immediately broke the coronavirus guidelines by embracing me in a hug, assuring me that she would do everything in her power to help my mother recover. When my mom was discharged, I saw the nurse again, who winked at me as a sign that she remembered her promise. On that day, I pledged to return the favor. I vowed to provide compassionate care to patients and their families, making a positive impact on their lives. While extending emotional support to fellow staff and families, I plan to leave a positive effect on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. When asked why I want to be a nurse, I simply smile and say, "Because it's my calling."

SWOOSH! DINK! Those are the two most satisfying sounds to hear. To swing your club and watch as the ball traverses across the sky. You watch from afar hoping you managed to hit it in the green and turn to find your family laughing, telling you that you "pulled a shank maneuver". So that's why the ball did a hard curve to the right! Golf has always had a significant impact on my life. It has created lasting memories shared with friends and family and taught me valuable core values that I have used throughout my life. For instance, I had to use problem-solving skills to maneuver around the course on a windy day. I also learned about respect, not only for myself and others but also for the golf course. I learned to be quiet when someone is about to hit the ball and not to jump into someone's line. Patience was also essential, as I had to take one shot at a time and not jump ahead. These values have been crucial to becoming the person I am today, and I love to watch others use them in golf. I also enjoy the hearty laughs on the course, learning about different golf terminology, and watching people succeed with the help of others. However, as a female golfer, I recognize that I am not alone in facing challenges. One of the most prominent problems in golf is the stigma surrounding gender and sports. Golf has been a male-dominated sport for a long time, and there is still very little diversity when it comes to being paired in groups. Usually, there are few, if any, women. I also note the hesitancy in my team's voices regarding my ability to play due to my gender. When I first faced this challenge, I felt excluded from my peers. But I looked to trailblazers like Annika Sorenstam, Karrie Webb, and Betsy Rawls, who overcame these barriers through perseverance. Instead of sitting back and listening to the comments, I chose to speak out and become a role model. I give presentations and speak publicly about these stereotypes, volunteer for First Tee - a youth golf organization, and empower younger students to take on the world of golf. By turning these challenges into positive experiences, I am only igniting my love for golf. Challenges shouldn't be barriers but rather opportunities for growth. My core values, strengthened through golf, have transferred to my passion for service and aid. I use qualities such as patience and respect to provide for the common good, which are essential to my success and path to becoming a nurse.

SWOOSH! DINK! Those are the two most satisfying sounds to hear. To swing your club and watch as the ball traverses across the sky. You watch from afar hoping you managed to hit it in the green and turn to find your family laughing, telling you that you "pulled a shank maneuver". So that's why the ball did a hard curve to the right! Golf has always had a significant impact on my life. It has created lasting memories shared with friends and family and taught me valuable core values that I have used throughout my life. For instance, I had to use problem-solving skills to maneuver around the course on a windy day. I also learned about respect, not only for myself and others but also for the golf course. I learned to be quiet when someone is about to hit the ball and not to jump into someone's line. Patience was also essential, as I had to take one shot at a time and not jump ahead. These values have been crucial to becoming the person I am today, and I love to watch others use them in golf. I also enjoy the hearty laughs on the course, learning about different golf terminology, and watching people succeed with the help of others. However, as a female golfer, I recognize that I am not alone in facing challenges. One of the most prominent problems in golf is the stigma surrounding gender and sports. Golf has been a male-dominated sport for a long time, and there is still very little diversity when it comes to being paired in groups. Usually, there are few, if any, women. I also note the hesitancy in my team's voices regarding my ability to play due to my gender. When I first faced this challenge, I felt excluded from my peers. But I looked to trailblazers like Annika Sorenstam, Karrie Webb, and Betsy Rawls, who overcame these barriers through perseverance. Instead of sitting back and listening to the comments, I chose to speak out and become a role model. I give presentations and speak publicly about these stereotypes, volunteer for First Tee - a youth golf organization, and empower younger students to take on the world of golf. By turning these challenges into positive experiences, I am only igniting my love for golf. Challenges shouldn't be barriers but rather opportunities for growth. My core values, strengthened through golf, have transferred to my passion for service and aid. I use qualities such as patience and respect to provide for the common good, which are essential to my success and path to becoming a nurse.

WOOSH DINK Those two sounds are the most satisfying noises in golf. Picking up a club, and praying that the wind doesn't carry the ball in the wrong direction. Being an avid golf connoisseur, nothing brings me more joy than walking on the green with a group of friends and family and having a laugh through a game of golf. I value being able to play a friendly game and utilizing my skills of leadership, communication and humor to bring light to a fun game of golf. However, while also being honored to have the opportunity to play such a sport and practice utilizing these qualities, I realize many children like myself do not have this luxury. As a result, I knew I wanted to give back, and what better way than to combine the two things I love most? Hello, My name is Mallary Krieger. one of my greatest passions in the world is service and golf. In my journey of service, I've had the privilege of being able to work alongside a bunch of organizations within my community. From building free library boxes around the neighborhood to tutoring ESOL students. Perhaps one of my favorite contributions was the First Tee organization. First Tee is dedicated to the improvement of adolescent lives by enhancing social and leadership skills through golf lessons. Being moved by this organization's mission, I knew I wanted to contribute in my own way. I decided it would be a perfect idea to raise money for this organization through a fun golf tournament. To do so, I paired up and invited members of the American Legion to participate. I also reached out to local businesses and sponsors and asked if they would be willing to donate to this cause and in return we give them representation on the golf course. Through working with the American Legion and collaborating with local businesses, we were able to raise enough money to contribute to a donation. Being able to donate to First Tee ensured that all children had a chance to improve their lives, through a fun game of golf. Being considered for this scholarship allows me to continue my higher education while simultaneously continuing my passion for all things golf and aiding others. Allowing some financial compensation for pursuing my dream, will make my professional career goals in life more true. I wish to become an individual who impacts lives in the medical field. My skills in communication, self-discipline, patience and ethics were formulated within my education and passion for golf. Without golf, I wouldn't have the necessary personal qualifications in the medical field. I certainly would be who I am today, if I never picked up the putter and went for it. Thank you for considering me for this award.

I like to think of my reasons for becoming a nurse as a pile of papers, each one listing a reason why I want to pursue this profession. If you were to sift through the stack, you would find a multitude of cultural references and compassionate statements. However, there was a neon paper that caught your eye. You picked it up and saw the words “Because I was inspired.” This represents my motivation. As a child, I always had an interest in human anatomy. I would memorize bodily facts and proudly share them in my elementary school. Whenever our teacher asked us about maintaining health, I eagerly waved my hands to contribute. When my parents noticed this curiosity, they purchased me a ‘pretend-and-play doctor kit.’ I carried this kit wherever I went, placing the stethoscope around my neck and asking my friends to call me ‘Medicine Madam'. I would place the thermometer on my cat's fur and 'listen' to his heartbeat. I would chase after insects, set them onto a plastic otoscope, teaching them about hand-washing. I kept an eye out for my friends while they played in the fields, waiting for the moment one of them would hurt themselves so I could swoop in. When I was a child, a family friend introduced me to the nursing profession. He would visit and tell me fascinating stories about his work, sharing funny anecdotes about colleagues, the sad moments he encountered, and most importantly, the "miracle moments". As a child, these stories of miraculous recoveries gave me goosebumps and inspired me to create such moments myself. As a teenager, I saw the nurses at the hospital take care of my grandparents. I was touched by their kindness and understanding towards my grandparents. They would sit by their bedside for hours, holding their hands and explaining everything. Even as a stranger, they showed so much love and care. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I experienced an event that impacted my life. In December 2020, my mother was rushed to the ICU for a heart attack. I remember feeling overwhelmed with thoughts as I got out of bed. I was worried and on the verge of breaking down. After several hours, my family and I were allowed to visit my mom's hospital room, one at a time. I went in alone, after my father and sister, and was greeted by a nurse who was checking my mother's vital signs. As I laid eyes on my mother's body, tears erupted from me. With my emotions in disarray, I held my mother's hand tightly. The nurse immediately broke the coronavirus guidelines by embracing me in a hug, assuring me that she would do everything in her power to help my mother recover. When my mom was discharged, I saw the nurse again, who winked at me as a sign that she remembered her promise. On that day, I pledged to return the favor. I vowed to provide compassionate care to patients and their families, making a positive impact on their lives. While extending emotional support to fellow staff and families, I plan to leave a positive effect on the world through professionalism, vulnerability, and empathy. My passion for anatomy will aid in scientific discoveries related to disease diagnosis, medical conditions, and treatment. Impacting the medical field through a scientific and cellular lens has always been my dream. Nursing seemed like the path that would assist in achieving this dream through its hands-on experience. When asked why I want to be a nurse, I simply smile and say, "Because it's my calling."

Throughout my four short years of high school, I have been involved in a plethora of extracurricular activities ranging from school and non-school-based clubs. Each of these activities in which I participated highlighted a passion, contribution, or strength within myself and my capabilities. Allow me to take you through some of my most exceptional experiences: Perhaps the first one that comes to mind, was the moment I joined my school's Mock Trial Team. Originally joining out of fear of public speaking, I was challenged to take on roles that involved immense communication with peers, judges, and coaches. Throughout these opportunities I was given, I saw my fear crumble away from me as I became more confident in my speaking abilities. Upon winning my first trial, I realized that this was where I wanted to be. I wanted to be in a collaborative environment where I could better understand law, regulations, and the importance of communication or advocacy for the team's defendant. As a result of joining this club and gained an extreme love for advocacy, I have made it my mission to give others a voice and confidence to speak out, stand out and say yes. I am also passionately involved in my schools diversity team as a ESOL-Tutor. Here, I challenge language barriers through my communication with students whose first language isn't English. I assist in their individual success while attempting to enrich their understanding of American school systems, lessons, and culture. I provide a shoulder of support when they feel the need to communicate to a fellow student and assisting in their educational transition. Another huge part of myself comes from my background in service. Being actively involved in my church's youth group, alongside a multitude of honor societies consisting of math, science , Spanish and the national society, I have become more accustomed and driven to positively impact those around me. I develop personal relationships to those whom I am serving, such as the men in the Arundel House of Hope or the Women in Sarah's House. I hear stories, lessons and values these people possess, rooting the values that ALL humans need a little bit of help, regardless of background. I have also had the pleasure of contributing to more larger organizations such as Rise against Hunger, where I alongside my church congregation donated over 10,192 packaged meals in the fight against world hunger. Finally, my most impactful extracurricular activity was my time spent at the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar. During my time as an ambassador, I developed and cultivated my understanding of leadership and was able to identify my own personal qualities when it comes to service. I broke my original stereotypes as to what I viewed as successful leadership, and began focusing on smaller and more informal acts of service. I would ultimately return to the seminar as a alumni and TA, where I would assist in cultivating the next group of world leaders. I also took it upon myself to be apart of "Green Team", where I spoke about environmental sustainability throughout the seminar and calculated carbon footprints and food waste mitigation systems. Through this I have developed the teams "Clean Plate Club" where ambassadors interactively mitigate food waste after each meal. Through my involvement in these extracurricular activities, I have developed who I am as a person and assisted in impacting the community around me - something I wish to to continue as I attend university. I am a advocate, challenge seeker, and open minded individual who isn't afraid to step in and provide innovative solutions to the task at hand.

My name is Mallary Krieger. In 2022, I was diagnosed with a rare medical condition that affected my physical appearance. It caused one of my eyes to become more enlarged than the other. Instead of looking normal, I had something known as a physical abnormality and to others, interpreted as a physical disability. Due to this interpretation and the change in my appearance, I was confronted with a hurricane of stereotypes surrounding the disabled community, the main one being that those who looked different often didn't possess a high level of intellectual capacity. I was rejected from leadership roles, educational opportunities and social growth as a result. I realized that these ideals were a major problem and something I needed to address. By pursuing a degree in nursing, I hope to challenge professional thinking regarding disease and disability diagnosis. I plan on treating all of my patients compassionately and personably, so no person feels as if they have to fight for their intelligence as a result of looking different. I plan on breaking barriers, challenging ideals, and demolishing stereotypes. Working in the medical field, I will be provided with a platform to make my voice heard when others are silenced.

I've always known that humans make a large contribution to the environment we live in. From smokey-filled air, trash littering the highway, or even leaving the water running and lights on. These small decisions we make can either make or break the environment for the next generation to come. When I arrived at the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar as a volunteer for the Green Team, I learned about how a small change can drastically affect outcomes. I calculated the entire seminar's carbon footprints through statistical data and presented just how large our neglect of the earth will be if we don't remain conscious of our action's effects. Through this calculation, it was my duty to assist in mitigating our outcomes. In doing so, I took it upon myself to establish a "Clean Plate Club" to tackle food waste reduction. Through this, I challenged participants to only take what they could eat and divided the members into two teams. The ones with the least food waste will be declared a winner. I also gave speeches about offsetting carbon emissions and challenged participants to volunteer at a local organization to battle emissions. Through the speech I gave, over 70% of participants went on to conduct service regarding this. When the seminar concluded, I realized that I needed to reevaluate the sustainable choices I made in my life. I could do better. In doing so, I identified some bad habits I use that increased my carbon footprint and brainstormed solutions. I would leave the lights on in a room I wasn't present in - so I challenged myself to ensure all lights were out in a room not being occupied. I would drive to places within walking distance of me - I invested in a bike to get to these places in a more eco-friendly way. I would be the only inhabitant in my vehicle to school - Now, I offer carpooling to the neighborhood to mitigate the amount of gasses released in my neighborhood. By allowing myself to measure my own carbon footprint, I was able to identify ways to make it even smaller. It's imperative to reduce your carbon footprint for several reasons. Not only are you saving money on electricity and water bills by turning off the lights and tap, but you are also helping reduce the number of greenhouse gasses emitted into the atmosphere. Not only are you saving gas money by biking or car pulling, but you are also reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. By being able to reduce these greenhouse gasses, we can increase overall public health, and biodiversity, and mitigate the effects of climate change! And this is all through the simplest of actions we can change. If we can change the way the globe is through something as simple as using a reusable container or mitigating food waste, then these small actions can amount to a positive impact.

SWOOSH! DINK! Those are the two most satisfying sounds to hear. To swing your club and watch as the ball traverses across the sky. You watch from afar hoping you managed to hit it in the green and turn to find your family laughing, telling you that you "pulled a shank maneuver". So that's why the ball did a hard curve to the right! Golf has always been an impactful sport in my life. It's allowed me some lasting memories shared by friends and family but has also taught me core values that have been utilized throughout my life. Problem-solving abilities were put to use when I had to manipulate my way around a course on a windy day. Respect was utilized among myself and my teammates. From being quiet when one is about to hit or not jumping into someone's line, I learned how to have respect for not just myself and others but the golf course as well. Patience is used through being able to take one shot at a time and not jumping ahead. To wait and calculate what is best for you and the team. These values were imperative to becoming the person I am today. I enjoy enhancing and watching others use these values that I care about so much through golf. I enjoy the hearty laughs on the course, learning about different golf terminology, and watching receiving assistance in success! However being a female golfer, I realize that I don't stand alone in many of the challenges I have faced. Perhaps one of the more prominently known problems surrounding women in golf is this stigma surrounding gender and sports. Golf has historically been a male-dominated sport, long before women were given a chance to participate. I find that there is very little diversity when it comes to being paired in groups, normally being few if any women. I also note the hesitancy in my team's voices regarding my ability to play due to my gender. As a result of this challenge I have faced, I began to feel excluded from my fellow peers when it came to golf. But this barrier in golf wasn't going to hold me back from enjoying this passion, hobby, and love of mine. It's done the opposite. When I was faced with this stigma for the first time, I simply looked to the trailblazers who have paved the way for women in golf. Annika Sorenstam, Karrie Webb, and Betsy Rawls all overcame these barriers like I have. All through perseverance. So instead of sitting back and listening to the comments, I speak out. I stand out. I choose to give presentations and speak publicly about these stereotypes. I volunteer for First Tee - a youth golf organization, to empower younger students to take on the world of golf. I became a role model, showing students that girls can do anything a boy can do and be just as educated in sports. By being able to turn these challenges into positive experiences, I am only igniting my love for golf. I can impact, contribute, and speak about these challenges I faced, I can evoke change through small contributions. And even after all this, I still am an avid golf enjoyer! Challenges shouldn't mean barriers, but rather growth and opportunity.

CLICK, CLICK, CLICK SCRIBBLE, SQUEAK, Those simple noises of a keyboard or pencil on paper broaden a smile already present. The ideas swirling like colors on a kaleidoscope, the eyes drawn onto each letter and punctuation being written, the face? Complete joy and concentration. Perhaps one of my greatest passions, following me since childhood, would be writing. It was a creative outlet, where my imagination could come to life on a piece of paper. Where ideas, conflict, and resolution would be displayed in manners surrounded by metaphors, symbolism or perhaps even personification. Where literary devices were utilized to form a theme, message or character. Where plot twists cause the "Jaw-Dropping" moments or pivotal events. My writing left no limitations. The impossible became possible, I refused to accept any different. I wasn't bound by the strings of reality, but instead freed through the scissors of fiction. To be waltzing in a ballroom surrounded by the low hums of classical instruments or to experience the horrors of delivering a pizza to an estranged man with a dark history, writing can take us as readers down an adventurous path where our minds wander. But writing does not stop there. It expanded thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences through the use of ink and paper. Allows us as readers to better understand, and become in tune with what we feel as humans. Isn't that just amazing? As I grew older I realized what I wanted my writing to do. I wanted it to bring people together through a commonality we all share, to challenge ideals either through personal experience or not. I want my writing to change, challenge and inspire. And that's exactly what I do. From writing poetry about love being lost through grief, or stories speaking of crime, My writing is meant to enlighten. It's meant to challenge ideas or stereotypes we once thought. To me, my writing is of great importance because I have a platform where my voice can be heard uniquely. Where I can bring on topics and allow my readers to leave with a better or different understanding. Where my readers can establish feelings of understanding or compassion for a certain medical illness. Where my readers take upon a moral or value and implement them into everyday life. My ideas, passions, or topics of discussion have no limitations and neither do the methods I use to express them. That's what I love about writing. Along my journey of writing, I have had the honor of my literary work being published twice in different Young Writers USA competitions. But my journey didn't stop, if anything this only fueled my love for it. I realized that this is something I wish to pursue either as a hobby or on the side. I want to be able to write about my experience and share passions and love within my reader's community. I want to impact, change and drive others. I wish to write from a variety of perspectives and form a variety of life lessons through my personal experiences. Through writing, I realized this is the perfect method. Writing is my ability to express. Without it, I wouldn't be the person I am. I wouldn't be so driven to speak out, stand out or influence change. Writing is my way of saying there are no limits in life, but to just go ahead and take on all the possibilities.

WOOSH DINK Those two sounds are the most satisfying noises in golf. Picking up a club, and praying that the wind doesn't carry the ball in the wrong direction. Being an avid golf connoisseur, nothing brings me more joy than walking on the green with a group of friends and family and having a laugh through a game of golf. I value being able to play a friendly game and utilizing my skills of leadership, communication and humor to bring light to a fun game of golf. However, while also being honored to have the opportunity to play such a sport and practice utilizing these qualities, I realize many children like myself do not have this luxury. As a result, I knew I wanted to give back, and what better way than to combine the two things I love most? Hello, My name is Mallary Krieger. one of my greatest passions in the world is service and golf. In my journey of service, I've had the privilege of being able to work alongside a bunch of organizations within my community. From building free library boxes around the neighborhood to tutoring ESOL students. Perhaps one of my favorite contributions was the First Tee organization. First Tee is dedicated to the improvement of adolescent lives by enhancing social and leadership skills through golf lessons. Being moved by this organization's mission, I knew I wanted to contribute in my own way. I decided it would be a perfect idea to raise money for this organization through a fun golf tournament. To do so, I paired up and invited members of the American Legion to participate. I also reached out to local businesses and sponsors and asked if they would be willing to donate to this cause and in return we give them representation on the golf course. Through working with the American Legion and collaborating with local businesses, we were able to raise enough money to contribute to a donation. Being able to donate to First Tee ensured that all children had a chance to improve their lives, through a fun game of golf. Being considered for this scholarship allows me to continue my higher education while simultaneously continuing my passion for all things golf and aiding others. Allowing some financial compensation for pursuing my dream, will make my professional career goals in life more true. I wish to become an individual who impacts lives in the medical field. My skills in communication, self-discipline, patience and ethics were formulated within my education and passion for golf. Without golf, I wouldn't have the necessary personal qualifications in the medical field. I certainly would be who I am today, if I never picked up the putter and went for it. Thank you for considering me for this award.

I always knew I wanted to work in medicine, but doing what? Why? If it wasn't for the events that I've experienced in my life, then I wouldn't be able to confidently answer these questions. Now, I can. I was first introduced to the career and life of a nurse through a family friend, who would stop by our home and tell me extravagant stories of his life. He would tell me hilarious stories of co-workers, the tragic and sad moments of his journey, but most importantly the miracle moments. As a child, those miracles he would speak of gave me goosebumps. It was like a hidden superpower he had, and I told myself that I wanted to make my own ‘Miracle Moments’. But as I got older, I had forgotten how much I respected nurses and my joy in all things medicine. I would be reminded of this passion when I watched hospital nurses taking care of my Grandparents at the end of their lives. I couldn't help but sit and admire the compassionate staff who took such phenomenal care of my family. They would sit and hold my grandparent's hands for hours, consoling their worries and explaining each process, each action they were going to take over and over. The nursing team made sure to keep my grandparents comfortable in their final moments. As a teenager, it was always so moving to see a stranger show such love to another, or in this case my family memes. It was something that warmed my soul tremendously. And in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I experienced an event that would change the course of my life forever. In December 2020, I was notified in the late hours of the night that my mother was being rushed to the ICU for a heart attack. I remember my thoughts rushing through my head as I forced myself to get out of bed and break the news to my sister. I was worried, anxious, and on the verge of breaking down. I couldn't believe this was happening, not to my mom, not like this. After several hours, my family and I were cleared to enter my mom's hospital room, one at a time. I entered alone, after my father and sister, and was greeted by a nurse taking my mother's vitals and checking in on her. Upon seeing my mother's frail and weakened body I exploded into tears. I sobbed like a child and held my mom's hand. The Nurse swiftly finished taking my mom's vitals and embraced me in a hug, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. She consoled me and swore to me that my mother would make it out and that she would do everything she could to ensure that. And after several weeks, my mom would return home and I would see the same nurse, who winked at me; a sign that she remembered her promise. That act of kindness is what inspired me. Her words and compassion she showed me that day, refueled my passion for becoming a nurse. And on that day I made a vow, ‘I will return the favor’. And that's what I plan to do. I promised to serve my patients with the same amount of compassion and care. I will ensure that all patients and their families feel cared for while simultaneously making a difference in one's life. I plan to provide emotional support to fellow staff, families, and patients. Through my career as a nurse, I plan to leave a positive effect on the world through the use of professionalism, compassion, and empathy.

When I was first beginning my journey of service, I thought that if you were not doing something grand or big, then you weren't making impacts. However, this idea was shaved away after I attended Hugh O'Brian's Youth Leadership Seminar. Through this seminar, I learned the importance of service through individual leadership qualities. I learned the kind of leader I am and how I could flourish in my community's needs. But most importantly, I learned that not all public issues require these monumental solutions. The best solutions start with you simply being willing to help. When I returned from the seminar, I realized my individual characteristics. I am artistic; so I built a free community bookshelf to allow underprivileged children to read books. I am adaptable; so I tutored the ESOL students within my school to break language barriers and encourage educational success. I am outspoken: so I created a presentation dedicated to pediatric Graves Disease while simultaneously speaking of the stereotypes surrounding disease and disability diagnosis. Even though these actions might have seemed small to my past self, the impacts they made benefited others and tackled public issues through informal actions. My bookshelf took on the problems surrounding child illiteracy and supported children's education through something as simple as a free book. My tutoring abilities allowed me to break language barriers with Hispanic students, and be able to ensure that all students possess the abilities to be successful in our school system. My presentation challenged prior thoughts on disease and disability diagnosis and promoted the education of rare diseases. Later, I would return as an alumnus to the Hugh O'Brian Leadership Seminar and take on a new project. This Project tackled challenges surrounding environmental sustainability. I regularly gave speeches about offsetting carbon emissions and established a clean plate club to control the seminar's food waste. However, this wasn't my only project. I wanted to ensure that the new ambassadors didn't make the same conclusions about service as I did. I would give speeches and challenge ambassadors to think of how large a small impact could be on a local issue. I gave examples of what they can do to aid in the solution of world problems and allowed them to expand their knowledge on what problems can be solved through informal actions. At the end of the seminar, ambassadors completed a promise card. This promise card was to allow the ambassadors to fulfill personal goals post-seminar. The ambassadors were meant to give the cards to the person to whom they were making the promise. However, I had students hand me the cards and vowed to make an informal contribution to a public issue in their communities. Once the 2023 seminar, I returned home to a newfound idea. Not only can I leave a positive impression on my community through my service, volunteerism and civil engagement, but I can be able to make these contributions by breaking barriers of informal engagement, through one small action at a time.

When I was first beginning my journey of service, I thought that if you were not doing something grand or big, then you weren't making impacts. However, this idea was shaved away after I attended Hugh O'Brian's Youth Leadership Seminar. Through this seminar, I learned the importance of service through individual leadership qualities. I learned the kind of leader I am and how I could flourish in my community's needs. But most importantly, I learned that not all public issues require these monumental solutions. The best solutions start with you simply being willing to help. When I returned from the seminar, I realized my characteristics. I am artistic; so I built a free community bookshelf to allow underprivileged children to read books. I am adaptable; so I tutored the ESOL students within my school to break language barriers and encourage educational success. I am outspoken: so I created a presentation dedicated to pediatric Graves Disease while simultaneously speaking of the stereotypes surrounding disease and disability diagnosis. Even though these actions might have seemed small to my past self, the impacts they made benefited others and tackled public issues through informal actions. My bookshelf took on the problems surrounding child illiteracy and supported children's education through something as simple as a free book. My tutoring abilities allowed me to break language barriers with Hispanic students, and be able to ensure that all students possess the abilities to be successful in our school system. My presentation challenged prior thoughts on disease and disability diagnosis and promoted the education of rare diseases. Later, I would return as an alumnus to the Hugh O'Brian Leadership Seminar and take on a new project. This Project tackled challenges surrounding environmental sustainability. I regularly gave speeches about offsetting carbon emissions and established a clean plate club to control the seminar's food waste. However, this wasn't my only project. I wanted to ensure that the new ambassadors didn't make the same conclusions about service as I did. I would give speeches and challenge ambassadors to think of how large a small impact could be on a local issue. I gave examples of what they can do to aid in the solution of world problems and allowed them to expand their knowledge on what problems can be solved through informal actions. At the end of the seminar, ambassadors completed a promise card. This promise card was to allow the ambassadors to fulfill personal goals post-seminar. The ambassadors were meant to give the cards to the person to whom they were making the promise. However, I had students hand me the cards and vowed to make an informal contribution to a public issue in their communities. Once the 2023 seminar, I returned home to a newfound idea. Not only can I leave a positive impression on my community through my service, volunteerism and civil engagement, but I can be able to make these contributions by breaking barriers of informal engagement, through one small action at a time. In doing so my journey begins in the medical field. Through my career in medicine, I hope to challenge barriers surrounding physical disabilities being correlated with a lack of intelligence. I hope to prove that this isn't always the case and complete this challenge by treating my patients with compassion, professionalism and care. No patient should feel lesser than others or be treated intellectually differently because of a physical difference. And I plan to ensure this never happens. So when asked how I will make a difference, I simply smile and say, "Small actions, lead to grander successes."

When I was first beginning my journey of service, I thought that if you were not doing something grand or big, then you weren't making impacts. However, this idea was shaved away after I attended Hugh O'Brian's Youth Leadership Seminar. Through this seminar, I learned the importance of service through individual leadership qualities. I learned the kind of leader I am and how I could flourish in my community's needs. But most importantly, I learned that not all public issues require these monumental solutions. The best solutions start with you simply being willing to help. When I returned from the seminar, I realized my individual characteristics. I am artistic; so I built a free community bookshelf to allow underprivileged children to read books. I am adaptable; so I tutored the ESOL students within my school to break language barriers and encourage educational success. I am outspoken: so I created a presentation dedicated to pediatric Graves Disease while simultaneously speaking of the stereotypes surrounding disease and disability diagnosis. Even though these actions might have seemed small to my past self, the impacts they made benefited others and tackled public issues through informal actions. My bookshelf took on the problems surrounding child illiteracy and supported children's education through something as simple as a free book. My tutoring abilities allowed me to break language barriers with Hispanic students, and be able to ensure that all students possess the abilities to be successful in our school system. My presentation challenged prior thoughts on disease and disability diagnosis and promoted the education of rare diseases. Later, I would return as an alumnus to the Hugh O'Brian Leadership Seminar and take on a new project. This Project tackled challenges surrounding environmental sustainability. I regularly gave speeches about offsetting carbon emissions and established a clean plate club to control the seminar's food waste. However, this wasn't my only project. I wanted to ensure that the new ambassadors didn't make the same conclusions about service as I did. I would give speeches and challenge ambassadors to think of how large a small impact could be on a local issue. I gave examples of what they can do to aid in the solution of world problems and allowed them to expand their knowledge on what problems can be solved through informal actions. At the end of the seminar, ambassadors completed a promise card. This promise card was to allow the ambassadors to fulfill personal goals post-seminar. The ambassadors were meant to give the cards to the person to whom they were making the promise. However, I had students hand me the cards and vowed to make an informal contribution to a public issue in their communities. Once the 2023 seminar, I returned home to a newfound idea. Not only can I leave a positive impression on my community through my service, volunteerism and civil engagement, but I can be able to make these contributions by breaking barriers of informal engagement, through one small action at a time.

Civic engagement has a variety of definitions, and each one differs from person to person. While others may argue that civic engagement is meant to be formal and addresses worldwide issues, I prefer to focus on the informal, addressing local and community issues through service and volunteerism. My name is Mallary Krieger. When I was first beginning my journey of service, I thought that if you were not doing something grand or big, then you weren't contributing to the solution of problems. However, this idea was shaved away after I attended Hugh O'Brian's Youth Leadership Seminar. Through this seminar, I learned the importance of civic engagement through individual leadership qualities - specifically the ones tailored to myself. I learned the kind of leader I am and how I could flourish in my community's needs. But most importantly, I learned that not all public issues require these large, monumental solutions. Sometimes the best solutions start with you simply being willing to help. When I returned from the seminar, I realized the capabilities I can give back to the communities. I am artistic; so I built a free community bookshelf to allow underprivileged children to read books. I am adaptable; so I tutored the ESOL students within my school to break language barriers and encourage educational success. I am outspoken: so I created a presentation dedicated to the education of disease diagnosis and pediatric Graves Disease while simultaneously speaking of the seterotypes surrounding disease and disability diagnosis. Even though these actions might have seemed small to my past self, the impacts they made benefited others and tackled public issues through informal actions. My bookshelf took on the problems surrounding child illiteracy and supported children's education through something as simple as a free book. My tutoring abilities allowed me to break language barriers with Hispanic students, and be able to ensure that all students possess the abilities to be successful in our school system. My presentation challenged prior thoughts on disease and disability diagnosis and promoted the education of rare diseases while simultaneously providing possible solutions in educational settings. Later, I would return as an alumnus to the Hugh O'Brian Leadership Seminar and take on a new project. This Project tackled public issues surrounding the environment. I regularly gave speeches about offsetting carbon emissions, spoke about reducing your carbon footprints, and established a clean plate club to control the seminar's food waste. However, this wasn't my only project. My other goal was to ensure that the newly founded ambassadors didn't make the same conclusions about leadership and civic engagement as I did. I would give speeches and challenge ambassadors to think of how large a small impact could be on a local issue. I gave examples of what they can do to aid in the solution of world problems and allowed them to expand their knowledge on what problems can be solved through informal actions. At the end of the seminar, ambassadors completed a promise card. This promise card was to allow the ambassadors to fulfill personal goals post-seminar. The ambassadors were meant to give the cards to the person to whom they were making the promise. However, I had some students hand me a promise card and vowed to make an informal contribution to a public issue in their communities. Once the 2023 seminar ended, I returned home to a newfound idea. Not only can I leave a positive impression on my community through my service, volunteerism and civic engagement, but I can be able to make these contributions through breaking barriers of informal engagement...through one small action at a time.

I was first introduced to K-pop by accident, but it was the best accident that had ever happened. I remember the moment visibly. I was standing outside on the freezing December morning, with my newly bought wired earphones, scrolling the internet for some new and exciting songs to listen to. That was when I scrolled across a thumbnail that caught my attention. It was of 5 young men, standing by a car. They were dripping in swag and looked incredibly cool. It was as if the video was calling me, taunting me to click on it. And I did, fueled by intense curiosity. I would immediately be swept off my feet as the combination of pop, R&B, hip-hop, and soul danced across my eardrums. Each of the member's voices has a certain pitch, certain uniqueness that contributes to the entirety of the song. I had no idea what the lyrics were, but it didn't matter. The unique beats were enough to satisfy my curiosity. I watched as the video panned into a dance section, where each member was in perfect unison, perfect synchronization. I was entirely starstruck. Through one tiny screen, I could feel the intense passion of the lyrics, the dance, and what they were doing. It was the moment I fell in love with K-Pop, and it was all thanks to "Big-Bang", with the first song I ever listened to being, "BANG, BANG, BANG". I couldn't pick a singular favorite thing from this band, as I love everything about them. The way they held themselves, the confidence in which they possessed, the talent and dedication to the music they were producing. I was moved by all of it. I was moved by their personalities, how one member could be kind and bubbly in an interview, but be dripping in power on the stage. It was something I was always in love with. Big Bang has allowed me to listen to a complex fusion of all genres consisting of Hip-hop, pop, ballads and even a little bit of jazz. Every song produced by this team, has a different melody, a different vibe, and a different story that leaves me on my toes. It keeps me curious, amazing, and envious of the versatility these artists possess. But perhaps the biggest impact Big Bang has had on me was the ability to open my eyes to global culture. I became more educated and well-versed in Korean culture, politics, traditions and standards. Not only this, but K-pop as a whole has positively impacted its perceptions of South Korea, through its artistic music videos that gained worldwide attention. I've been able to witness strong fanbases bring other global cultures together. I've witnessed individuals who shared a common interest in a K-Pop artist, with entirely different backgrounds be united by this common thread. It was something entirely motivating in the K-Pop community, and I am honored to not only be a part of it but to be able to witness these phenomenal experiences. And I can tie it all back to that accidental moment on a chilling December morning. When 'Big Bang', captivated my curiosity and compelled me to listen. Without 'Big-Bang', I wouldn't have been able to experience the positive cultural exchanges between individuals, nor be able to listen to such amazing music.

As the leaves begin to darken and decorate the world with their crisp, warm colors, and the cool breeze stirs your clothing, only then do you realize just how much you miss fall. But something is missing. No fall is complete without it. You went searching for a drink, THE DRINK. You passed the pumpkins, corn fields, and scarecrows lie the one place that always makes your fall season complete. A Starbucks coffee shop. Here, this magical place beholds the perfect drink for any fall aesthetic. A pumpkin chai tea latte. The sweet and spicy drink presses against your lips and the flavors of cool pumpkin pie, cinnamon, and a milky cream dance among your taste buds. It was truly the perfect drink to fit your fall aesthetic. You felt satisfied as you took another sip, this was worth the wait. The Pumpkin Chai Tea latte holds my heart with a tender grasp. Its newly crafted flavor and drink have perfected my fall narrative. The complex combination of sweet and spicy leaves a bold flavor lingering in your mouth. It urges me to take another sip, then another, and another. The Pumpkin cold foam harmonizes with the chai tea and makes me remember my childhood memories. The memories of rolling in the fall leave, carving a pumpkin, waltzing in a corn maze, sipping cider, and baking pie, this drink alone makes me reminisce on those memories. However, while being surrounded by nostalgia, I became motivated to create new memories. Write new characters, new journies, and new narratives within my life. This is the power the pumpkin chai tea latte holds. With its cold, iced cup, I find myself going on drives, eager to fulfill the next parts of my fall narrative with the drink in my possession. I find myself venturing to farms and apple-picking. I take another sip and am transported to a hiking trail where I am surrounded by the low hums of wind. I take another sip and find myself in a cabin, snugling up by the crackling fire. The Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte has become a companion in my feelings for fall. It influences my choices and my mood, and most importantly, it drives me on adventure. This perfect fall drink allows me to see the beautiful autumn season in a world of complex colors, destinations, and adventures. Without this fall drink, my fall narrative wouldn't be complete. So as I take another sip, I close my eyes and think of all the endless possibilities, endless journeys I can take part in this fall. The only difference, is I have a delicious drink who comes along for the ride.

@Therealmallary

Teachers are a source of inspiration that can lead confusion to clarity, darkness into light, and nonsense into sense. I've had my fair share of exceptional teachers, but perhaps the most influential was my guitar teacher. His name was Mr. Miller. He was a very laid-back teacher who always wore khaki pants and a sophisticated button-down with a coffee in hand. He greeted every student with a handshake, guitar pun, and "Song of the Day" quiz. He started his day with a smile and made sure he ended with one. I originally joined his guitar class because I thought I was incapable of playing an instrument. I tried and failed with violin, piano, and saxophone due to my inability to learn the "Right-Handed" method. Being left-handed, I struggled with most instruments. Most teachers would throw up their hands and give up, telling me that I should just take an art class. However, Mr. Miller never saw me as a tough case. He never gave up on me when I seemed hopeless. For hours on end, he would sit next to me with a guitar and walk me through each note, chord, and technique. He never got frustrated, and instead got more passionate about ensuring I knew how to play. His eyes lit up with every question, every little success, and every "failure". He restrung an entire instrument and taught me how to play left-handed and right-handed and never got annoyed. He was carefree, and easygoing and never made me feel stressed about not being able to play a song in time. Whenever I did feel stressed and upset, he would walk over to me and tell me, "Don't stress about it. Take your time learning the song, I won't drop your grade. I'd rather you play the song when you are ready and confident." To me, those words meant a lot. Being a student, I always felt pressured to be ahead of my work and turn it in on time. If I didn't meet a deadline, then I would stress myself out immensely to ensure my grades were up to my standards. Mr. Miller taught me that it's okay to wait. He gave me room to breathe and understand what I was learning. Another thing I value about Mr. Miller is the relationship he has with his students. Instead of treating us like children, he spoke to us like adults. Each student connected with Mr. Miller on professional and personal levels. One student would debate with Mr. Miller about fashion attire, another would discuss the best 70s songs or vintage shows. Mr. Miller made himself personable and in doing so created a safe space for students to be themselves. I've never experienced this before until now, and only a few teachers possess this ability. By creating this fun and safe learning environment, my peers were more motivated to learn, and I felt more free to be myself. Mr. Miller taught me more than just guitar skills. He taught me to slow down in life and understand that not all things are worth stressing over. He showed me how to live in the present and made me understand that it's okay to go at my own pace. He taught me how to become comfortable with being myself and proved to me that I am capable of learning anything. Now every time I pick up a guitar, I take a deep breath and diminish my stress. I take a look around and appreciate the present, before strumming my guitar strings. "There are things in life that are not worth fretting over"-Mr. Miller

Dream Future Me: I wish for my future self to be messy, embark on new journeys, embrace failure and change, cherish my experiences, and truly live life by taking a moment to slow down and appreciate the little things, while simultaneously achieving my career goal of becoming a nurse where I aid in the health and life enrichment of others.

My name is Mallary Krieger. I'm a senior at Old Mill High School and an aspiring ICU Nurse. Throughout my life, I have been intrigued by all things health. When I was a child, I received a pretend and play doctor kit. This was when I was first introduced to the stethoscope and always played the role of a nurse, taking the vital signs of my pet cats, or trying to hear my heartbeat. I would even put the stethoscope around my shoulders and pretend I worked in an ER, saving the little critters and insects in my neighborhood with a blood pressure cuff or a thermometer. Later in life, I would be in and out of hospitals visiting my grandparents. I couldn't help but admire the compassionate and caring nurses who took care of my grandparents. They would sit for hours and hold their hands, explaining over and over what they were doing, making them comfortable in the final moments. As a teenager, it was shocking to see someone have such kindness for a stranger, or in this case my family. It was something that always warmed my heart and I had a great admiration for these care providers and nurses. In December 2020, I finally realized that nursing was for me. In the late hours of the night, my mom was rushed to the hospital for chest pain. Her pain was unbearable and upon entering the hospital, she would get an EKG confirming the worst. She was having a heart attack. I woke up to my dad telling me what was going on before he ran out of the house to see her. Everyone was panicked, thinking the worst. After several hours, my mom was placed in the ICU and was allowed visitors. My dad would come home and take us to visit her. During the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, only one person at a time was allowed into her room. Upon entering my mom's room, I was greeted by a nurse taking her vitals. I took one look at my mom and broke down in tears. She was pale, tired, and her arm was bruised from receiving a heart stent. The nurse immediately approached me and held me, trying to calm me down. Despite the pandemic going on, I was shocked she decided to hug me. She held out her pinkie to me and said, "I understand how you feel. I want to promise you that I will make sure your mom is ok. I'll do everything I can. Please don't cry." Those words stuck with me forever. I will never forget how kind this nurse was to me in my most vulnerable moment. She held me, consoled me, and reassured me. I wasn't even a patient of hers, but she made me feel so much better. She was able to take all my worries away through this one action it meant the world to me. That was the moment I realized I wanted to become a nurse. Throughout my career as a nurse, I want to return the favor and serve my patients with the same amount of compassion and care. I will ensure that all patients and their families feel cared for while simultaneously making a difference in one's life. I plan to provide emotional support to fellow staff, families and patients. Through my career as I nurse, I plan to leave a positive effect on the world through the use of professionalism, compassion and empathy. Thank you so much for considering me for this award.

Music has been a vital and essential part of my life since I was young. From the first time I listened to the radio, I was instantly hooked and it quickly became an obsession for me. I would spend hours in my room listening to bands like Boston and singing along to the Carpenters. As a little kid, music was a source of comfort and a way for me to express myself. When I received my first acoustic guitar, I realized just how much music meant to me. Learning complex chords and melodies was challenging at times, but the satisfaction of eventually mastering them was rewarding. Music has allowed me to connect with people and cultures all around the world. I have been inspired and influenced by artists like Tammy Wynette who were similar to me. For example, her song "Stand by Your Man" connected me with and educated me on the emotional challenges that many women and men face in relationships. It reminded me of the importance of showing love and support to your partner to maintain balance, strength, and understanding in a relationship. Music has played such a huge role in my life, and I am grateful for it. It has allowed me to express myself, connect with the world and share my passion with other people. However, this wouldn't be the only thing I learned from music. When I was diagnosed with Graves Disease, I turned to music once again for comfort and healing. Listening to uplifting tunes helped to ease my anxiety and pain. After my first breakup, I found solace in Guns ‘n Roses' November Rain. The lyrics of the song allowed me to process my feelings and find acceptance. As I have gotten older and grown into myself, I have come to realize that music is much more than just notes and melodies. It has the power to connect us, to other cultures and ourselves. I have learned so much about life through music and I have been able to form my own identity and passions because of it. Music has helped me through my hardest times and has brought me incredible joy. It is truly a gift and I am thankful for it. Music has the power to connect and uplift every human on a global level. It is a wonderful way to express ourselves and share our emotions, experiences and stories. It's even a wonderful way to provide healing, support and strength in difficult times. I am excited to continue to learn and grow as a musician and to connect with people through music. I look forward to continuing to share my music and my love for music with others. Thank you for considering me more this award.

The math is one of a kind. It challenges the mind, the brian. It has the power to solve real problems. It explains actual observations and mostly appeals to intuition. And it surprises us with results we least expected. It gives accurate answers. Its abstract. It is man-made. The entire universe is modeled using mathematics. It is perfect. It can create art. It can inspire creative thinking. It allows us to practice the art of problem solving. And yet, however subjective the means of art may be, the ends are still objective. It has practical uses in everyday life. The list could go on. To me, math is the kind of complex love that couldnt be explained in simple words. It's made me cry, made me laugh, made me angry and made me overwhelmed. But one of the things I value most in math, is that there is always a solution - no matter how seemingly impossible the equation looks. I value manipulating numbers, cleverly trying new equations, and connecting "the dots" in ways I could have never imagined. While my love for math might be complex; I know that wihtout it, I wouldn't be where I am today. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Assume we have a time capsule, where inside represents an object that describes my core values. If you were to open it with me, perhaps you would be perplexed as to why you saw a plethora of random everyday objects. However, it wasn't the objects itself that hold the story of my life, but rather what they symbolize. I noticed that one item peaked your interest - a grain of rice. Normally you wouldn’t find a bag of rice in a time capsule, but this explains my greatest accomplishment. Allow me to tell you about my proudest moment; When gathering with the youth congregation, I was ecstatic to find out that we were aiding in the contribution to Rise Against Hunger. Rise Against Hunger is an organization dedicated to end world hunger by 2030 through the use of aid, rather that be through food, hygiene, or donations. At our Church, we were focusing on packing meals. Our pastor wanted our service to be absolute, and he directed every willing teenager to be the head of each station. Amongst the rows of rice, sandwich bags, and loading docks, I was directed to the end of the “line”, the packaging section. Here, each meal would be placed in a box and sealed up. I gathered with a mix of elderly helpers, young children, and parents. After evaluating the speed and effectiveness of their work, I stationed them in places that were most effective. The elders would scoop the rice, the adults would weigh it, and the children would place it into the box for another station to take. Our church congregation was able to make 10,152 meals in under 90 minutes, and the youth group aided in the success! Through this volunteer event I realized something important about myself, I valued the feeling of accomplishment. I valued the positive feeling of helping those in need and knowing that my action would contribute to a greater cause. But most importantly, I value leading. Through this volunteer experienced, I gained the ability to identify the strengths in other people and use those to lead to the success of a greater cause. Even after volunteering at multiple charity sites and seminars, it was this moment that I realized who I am going to become. I am going to become someone who helps other while simultaneously leading and striving for positive change. By being able to achieve this goal of mine, I knew I needed a career that suited this value. This is how I was able to realize that becoming a nurse was something I not only wanted, but needed. Through my career as a nurse, I strive to provide comfort, understanding and sureness to a patient while also advocating for their well being. I also strive to take it a step further, and provided reassurance and support for the families of my patients. I plan to advocate for my patients recovery, needs, and most importantly safety. So while you might see a grain of rice, I see a new adventure awaiting my arrival.