Ever since I was a little girl, I've had a longing heart to help others. Whether it was opening the door for a friend or helping with something as simple as a math problem, I always felt called to do something more. I enjoyed being someone others could count on, but I often felt like my heart was searching for something deeper. That longing persisted for years, until a life-changing experience helped me realize exactly what I was meant to do. When my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma, my world shifted. Watching someone I love go through such a painful and uncertain journey was heartbreaking. But in the midst of that darkness, I saw something powerful, compassion in action. The nurses who cared for my dad didn't just treat his illness; they treated him like a person. They listened to him, comforted him, and supported our family when we felt at our most helpless. Their kindness and strength left a lasting impression on me. It was during thoes hospital visits that I realized I wanted to be that kind of person and comforting presence for others. That is the experience that sparked my passion for nursing and, more specifically, pediatric oncology. I want to work with children who are facing life-changing illnesses and be a source of comfort and hope for them and their families. Pediatric oncology is a field that requires not only medical knowledge but also emotional resilience and a deep understanding of empathy. I believe that I have the heart and determination to make a difference in this area and in these children's lives. I want to help children feel safe and supported, even when they feel like they have no control. Giving back to my community is something I already strive to do and plan to continue throughout my career. I just recently graduated Running Start with my AA in pre-nursing aswell as being a part of HOSA ( Health Occupations Students of America). I was my high school's vice president for the club and attended state to educate the public on health concerns and addiction, including alcohol and drugs. I helped organize and create presentations and speeches to help children and teenagers understand the impact of these highly addictive substances. My goal is to not only be a nurse but also a leader and advocate in my community. I am currently containing my education at SPSCC in Olympia WA to retake some nursing pre-reqs swell as obtaining my CNA while working two jobs, and doing full time school to prepare for the nursing program. I turned my anger and resentment towards the world into something beautiful and powerful. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education but also bring me one step closer to fulfilling the purpose that has guided me for years. It would allow me to dedicate more time to clinical training, volunteer work, and community outreach without the constant worry of how to afford tuition, books, and living expenses 1. For over a year and a half, I lived with constant gastrointestinal pain and severe bloating. I couldn’t eat a normal meal without getting sick, and every day felt like a cycle of discomfort, nausea, and frustration. What began as occasional stomach issues quickly spiraled into countless scans, labs, and procedures like an EGD. Despite all the testing, I went months without answers. I went from being completely healthy to chronically ill almost overnight, and the sudden decline was overwhelming. Eventually, my gallbladder became the focus, and when it failed, I underwent surgery. The recovery was difficult spent four days in the hospital, exhausted, scared, and hoping this would finally bring relief. That experience, along with the long journey leading up to it, changed me profoundly. Being a patient for so long taught me what true compassion in healthcare looks like. It strengthened my desire to pursue pediatrics even more. I want to be the nurse who listens, advocates, and supports children and families through confusing, painful, and frightening moments. My journey has given me empathy, resilience, and a deep commitment to patient‑centered care.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've had a longing heart to help others. Whether it was opening the door for a friend or helping with something as simple as a math problem, I always felt called to do something more. I enjoyed being someone others could count on, but I often felt like my heart was searching for something deeper. That longing persisted for years, until a life-changing experience helped me realize exactly what I was meant to do. When my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma, my world shifted. Watching someone I love go through such a painful and uncertain journey was heartbreaking. But in the midst of that darkness, I saw something powerful, compassion in action. The nurses who cared for my dad didn't just treat his illness; they treated him like a person. They listened to him, comforted him, and supported our family when we felt at our most helpless. Their kindness and strength left a lasting impression on me. It was during thoes hospital visits that I realized I wanted to be that kind of person and comforting presence for others. That is the experience that sparked my passion for nursing and, more specifically, pediatric oncology. I want to work with children who are facing life-changing illnesses and be a source of comfort and hope for them and their families. Pediatric oncology is a field that requires not only medical knowledge but also emotional resilience and a deep understanding of empathy. I believe that I have the heart and determination to make a difference in this area and in these children's lives. I want to help children feel safe and supported, even when they feel like they have no control. Giving back to my community is something I already strive to do and plan to continue throughout my career. I just recently graduated Running Start with my AA in pre-nursing aswell as being a part of HOSA ( Health Occupations Students of America). I was my high school's vice president for the club and attended state to educate the public on health concerns and addiction, including alcohol and drugs. I helped organize and create presentations and speeches to help children and teenagers understand the impact of these highly addictive substances. My goal is to not only be a nurse but also a leader and advocate in my community. I am currently containing my education at SPSCC in Olympia WA to retake some nursing pre-reqs swell as obtaining my CNA while working two jobs, and doing full time school to prepare for the nursing program. I turned my anger and resentment towards the world into something beautiful and powerful. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education but also bring me one step closer to fulfilling the purpose that has guided me for years. It would allow me to dedicate more time to clinical training, volunteer work, and community outreach without the constant worry of how to afford tuition, books, and living expenses

Ever since I was a little girl, I've had a longing heart to help others. Whether it was opening the door for a friend or helping with something as simple as a math problem, I always felt called to do something more. I enjoyed being someone others could count on, but I often felt like my heart was searching for something deeper. That longing persisted for years, until a life-changing experience helped me realize exactly what I was meant to do. When my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma, my world shifted. Watching someone I love go through such a painful and uncertain journey was heartbreaking. But in the midst of that darkness, I saw something powerful, compassion in action. The nurses who cared for my dad didn't just treat his illness; they treated him like a person. They listened to him, comforted him, and supported our family when we felt at our most helpless. Their kindness and strength left a lasting impression on me. It was during thoes hospital visits that I realized I wanted to be that kind of person and comforting presence for others. That is the experience that sparked my passion for nursing and, more specifically, pediatric oncology. I want to work with children who are facing life-changing illnesses and be a source of comfort and hope for them and their families. Pediatric oncology is a field that requires not only medical knowledge but also emotional resilience and a deep understanding of empathy. I believe that I have the heart and determination to make a difference in this area and in these children's lives. I want to help children feel safe and supported, even when they feel like they have no control. Giving back to my community is something I already strive to do and plan to continue throughout my career. I am currently a part of HOSA ( Health Occupations Students of America). I was my high school's vice president for the club and attended state to educate the public on health concerns and addiction, including alcohol and drugs. I helped organize and create presentations and speeches to help children and teenagers understand the impact of these highly addictive substances. My goal is to not only be a nurse but also a leader and advocate in my community. I turned my anger and resentment towards the world into something beautiful and powerful. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education but also bring me one step closer to fulfilling the purpose that has guided me for years. It would allow me to dedicate more time to clinical training, volunteer work, and community outreach without the constant worry of how to afford tuition, books, and living expenses

Ever since I was a little girl, I've had a longing heart to help others. Whether it was opening the door for a friend or helping with something as simple as a math problem, I always felt called to do something more. I enjoyed being someone others could count on, but I often felt like my heart was searching for something deeper. That longing persisted for years, until a life-changing experience helped me realize exactly what I was meant to do. When my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma, my world shifted. Watching someone I love go through such a painful and uncertain journey was heartbreaking. But in the midst of that darkness, I saw something powerful, compassion in action. The nurses who cared for my dad didn't just treat his illness; they treated him like a person. They listened to him, comforted him, and supported our family when we felt at our most helpless. Their kindness and strength left a lasting impression on me. It was during thoes hospital visits that I realized I wanted to be that kind of person and comforting presence for others. That is the experience that sparked my passion for nursing and, more specifically, pediatric oncology. I want to work with children who are facing life-changing illnesses and be a source of comfort and hope for them and their families. Pediatric oncology is a field that requires not only medical knowledge but also emotional resilience and a deep understanding of empathy. I believe that I have the heart and determination to make a difference in this area and in these children's lives. I want to help children feel safe and supported, even when they feel like they have no control. Giving back to my community is something I already strive to do and plan to continue throughout my career. I am currently a part of HOSA ( Health Occupations Students of America). I was my high school's vice president for the club and attended state to educate the public on health concerns and addiction, including alcohol and drugs. I helped organize and create presentations and speeches to help children and teenagers understand the impact of these highly addictive substances. My goal is to not only be a nurse but also a leader and advocate in my community, and with less financial stress, I can be more focused on my career.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've had a longing heart to help others. Whether it was opening the door for a friend or helping with something as simple as a math problem, I always felt called to do something more. I enjoyed being someone others could count on, but I often felt like my heart was searching for something deeper. That longing stayed with me for years, until a life-changing experience helped me realize exactly what I was meant to do. When my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma, my world shifted. Watching someone I love go through such a painful and uncertain journey was heartbreaking. But in the midst of that darkness, I saw something powerful, compassion in action. The nurses who cared for my dad didn't just treat his illness; they treated him like a person. They listened to him, comforted him, and supported our family when we felt helpless. Their kindness and strength left a lasting impression on me. It was during thoes hospital visits that I realized I wanted to be that kind of person and comforting presence for others. That is the experience that sparked my passion for nursing and, more specifically, pediatric oncology. I want to work with children who are facing life-changing illnesses and be a source of comfort and hope for them and their families. Pediatric oncology is a field that requires not only medical knowledge but also emotional resilience and a deep understanding of empathy. I believe that I have the heart and determination to make a difference in this area and in these children's lives. I want to help children feel safe and supported, even when they feel like they have no control. Giving back to my community is something I already strive to do and plan to continue throughout my career. I am currently a part of HOSA ( Health Occupations Students of America). I was my high school's vice president for the club and attended state to educate the public on health concerns and addiction, including alcohol and drugs. I helped organize and create presentations and speeches to help children and teenagers understand the impact of these highly addictive substances. My goal is to not only be a nurse but also a leader and advocate in my community. Grand Canyon University's values of service, leadership, and faith align perfectly with my own. I'm not just seeking a degree; I'm seeking a foundation that will prepare me to serve my community and patients with love, compassion, and integrity, without the added stress of financial strain. It would be an investment not only in my future but in the lives of children that I will one day care for. My dad is now in full remission and has been for 4 years, thanks to God and the amazing nurses who supported my dad every step of the way. I carry my dad's strength with me every day. His source of fuel, my determination, and his experience remind me why this path matters. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship and for supporting students who are committed to making a meaningful impact through compassion, resilience, and service.

I want to pursue a degree in nursing because it is more than a career path to me—it is a calling rooted in compassion, resilience, and service. Ever since I was a little girl, I have carried a longing heart to help others. Whether it was opening the door for a friend or helping with a math problem, I found joy in being someone others could rely on. Yet I often felt my heart searching for something deeper. That search became clear when my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma Watching someone I love endure such a painful and uncertain journey was heartbreaking, but it also revealed to me the power of nursing. The nurses who cared for my dad didn’t just treat his illness—they treated him as a person. They listened to his fears, comforted him when he was discouraged, and supported our family when we felt most helpless. Their kindness and strength left a lasting impression on me. It was during those hospital visits that I realized I wanted to be that kind of presence for others. That experience sparked my passion for nursing, and more specifically, pediatric oncology. I want to work with children who are facing life-changing illnesses and be a source of comfort and hope for them and their families. As a nurse, I hope to contribute to my community not only through patient care but also through advocacy and education. I have already begun this work as vice president of my high school’s HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) chapter, where I helped organize presentations on addiction and health concerns. Educating children and teenagers about the dangers of alcohol and drugs showed me how powerful knowledge can be in creating healthier communities. I plan to continue this work by using my nursing education to promote health equity, provide compassionate care, and serve as a leader who empowers others to make informed choices about their well-being. Grand Canyon University’s values of service, leadership, and faith align perfectly with my own. Pursuing my nursing degree here would not only prepare me to serve patients with love and integrity but also equip me to give back to my community in meaningful ways. My dad’s remission reminds me daily why this path matters. His strength fuels my determination, and the nurses who cared for him inspire me to carry that same compassion into my own practice. Nursing is my way of honoring that legacy—by bringing hope, dignity, and healing to those who need it most, and by ensuring my community feels supported and cared for.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've had a longing heart to help others. Whether it was opening the door for a friend or helping with something as simple as a math problem, I always felt called to do something more. I enjoyed being someone others could count on, but I often felt like my heart was searching for something deeper. That longing persisted for years, until a life-changing experience helped me realize exactly what I was meant to do. When my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma, my world shifted. Watching someone I love go through such a painful and uncertain journey was heartbreaking. But in the midst of that darkness, I saw something powerful, compassion in action. The nurses who cared for my dad didn't just treat his illness; they treated him like a person. They listened to him, comforted him, and supported our family when we felt at our most helpless. Their kindness and strength left a lasting impression on me. It was during thoes hospital visits that I realized I wanted to be that kind of person and comforting presence for others. That is the experience that sparked my passion for nursing and, more specifically, pediatric oncology. I want to work with children who are facing life-changing illnesses and be a source of comfort and hope for them and their families. Pediatric oncology is a field that requires not only medical knowledge but also emotional resilience and a deep understanding of empathy. I believe that I have the heart and determination to make a difference in this area and in these children's lives. I want to help children feel safe and supported, even when they feel like they have no control. Giving back to my community is something I already strive to do and plan to continue throughout my career. I am currently a part of HOSA ( Health Occupations Students of America). I was my high school's vice president for the club and attended state to educate the public on health concerns and addiction, including alcohol and drugs. I helped organize and create presentations and speeches to help children and teenagers understand the impact of these highly addictive substances. My goal is to not only be a nurse but also a leader and advocate in my community.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've had a longing heart to help others. Whether it was opening the door for a friend or helping someone with a math problem, I always felt called to do more. I enjoyed being someone others could count on, but I often felt like my heart was searching for something deeper. That longing persisted for years, until a life-changing experience helped me realize exactly what I was meant to do. When my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma, my world shifted. Watching someone go through such a painful and uncertain journey was heartbreaking. But in the midst of that darkness and uncertainty. I saw something powerful, compassion in action. The nurses who cared for my dad didn't just treat his illness; they treated him like a person. They listened to him, comforted him, and supported our family when we felt at our most helpless. Their kindness and strength left a lasting impression on me. It was during thoes hospital visits that I realized I wanted to be that kind of comforting presence for others. That experience sparked my passion for nursing, and more specifically, pediatric oncology. I want to work with children who are facing serious illness and be a source of comfort and hope for them and their families, like thoes nurses were once there for my own dad. To me, nursing is more than a profession; it is a calling rooted deeply in compassion, resilience, and service. My academic interests lie in developing the medical knowledge and clinical skills necessary to provide excellent care, but also in cultivating the emotional strength to walk alongside patients and families during their most difficult moments. Pediatric oncology is a field that demands both science and empathy, and I am determined to pursue both with equal dedication. Through my education, I hope to not only treat illness but also advocate for equal access to healthcare, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, receives the same quality of care and dignity. Equally important to me is the concept of the “human touch.” Human touch means recognizing the humanity in every patient and offering comfort that goes beyond medicine. It is the gentle reassurance of a hand held during a procedure, the warmth of a smile, or the patience to listen when someone feels unheard. Human touch transforms patient care because it reminds people that they are not alone in their struggles. When my dad was sick, the nurses’ compassion gave him strength and gave our family hope. That is the kind of impact I want to have on my patients, helping them feel safe, valued, and supported even in the face of uncertainty. Human touch also builds trust. Patients are more likely to share their fears, follow treatment plans, and feel empowered when they know their caregivers truly care about them. In pediatric oncology, where children often feel powerless, human touch can restore a sense of security and courage. It is what turns healthcare from a clinical process into a healing journey. My involvement in HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) has already given me opportunities to practice this kind of leadership and advocacy. As vice president of my high school’s chapter, I helped organize presentations on addiction and health concerns, teaching children and teenagers about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. These experiences showed me how education and compassion can create positive social change. I plan to continue this work as a nurse, using my education to serve not only in hospitals but also in my community, promoting health equity and justice. Grand Canyon University’s values of service, leadership, and faith align perfectly with my own. I am not simply seeking a degree; I am seeking a foundation that will prepare me to serve with integrity and compassion. This scholarship would allow me to pursue my education without financial strain, enabling me to focus fully on becoming the kind of nurse who embodies both knowledge and human touch. My dad has now been in remission for four years, thanks to God and the incredible nurses who cared for him. His strength fuels my determination, and his journey reminds me why this path matters.

From a young age, I have always carried a deep desire to help others. Whether it was opening the door for a friend or assisting with something as simple as a math problem, I found joy in being someone others could rely on. Yet I often felt my heart searching for something more meaningful. That search became clear when my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma. Watching him endure such a painful journey was heartbreaking, but it also revealed to me the power of compassion and action. The nurses who cared for him didn't just treat his illness; they treated him with dignity, listened to his fears, and supported our family when we felt most hopeless. Their example inspired me to pursue nursing, with a focus on pediatric oncology. Academically, I am committed to building the knowledge and skills necessary to care for children facing life-changing illnesses. Pediatric oncology is not only a medical specialty but also a calling that demands empathy, resiliency, and advocacy. My studies will prepare me to provide excellent clinical care, but equally important, they will equip me to stand up for children and families who often face inequities in acsess to healthcare. Illness does not discriminate, yet too often, resources and support do. My academic journey will be rooted in the belief that every child deserves equal access to compassionate, high-quality healthcare, regardless of their background or circumstances. Beyond the classroom, I have already begun working toward positive social changes. As the former vice president of my high school's HOSA ( Health Occupations Students of America) chapter, I helped educate the public about health concerns such as addiction to alcohol and drugs. I organized presentations and speeches to empower children and teenagers with knowledge about the dangers of these substances. This experience taught me that education is a powerful tool for justice; it gives people the ability to make informed choices and break cycles of harm. I plan to continue using my education not only to treat patients but also to advocate for healthier, more equitable communities. Grand Canyon University's values of service and faith align with my vision of education as a force for justice. I am not simply seeking a degree; I am seeking a foundation that will allow me to serve with compassion and integrity while addressing disparities in healthcare. This scholarship would allow me to pursue my studies without financial strain, enabling me to focus on fully preparing to make a difference in the lives of children and families who need it most. Today, my dad is in full remission, thanks to God and the incredible nurses who supported him every step of the way. His strength fuels my determination, and his journey reminds me of why this [ath matters. My academic interests in nursing and not just about career; they are about creating a positive social change, advancing equal justice in healthcare, and ensuring that every child feels seen, supported, and cared for. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship and for supporting students committed to making a meaningful impact through compassion and resilience.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've had a longing heart to help others. Whether it was opening the door for a friend or helping with something as simple as a math problem, I always felt called to do something more. I enjoyed being someone others could count on, but I often felt like my heart was searching for something deeper. That longing stayed with me for years, until a life-changing experience helped me realize exactly what I was meant to do. When my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma, my world shifted. Watching someone I love go through such a painful and uncertain journey was heartbreaking. But in the midst of that darkness, I saw something powerful, compassion in action. The nurses who cared for my dad didn't just treat his illness; they treated him like a person. They listened to him, comforted him, and supported our family when we felt helpless. Their kindness and strength left a lasting impression on me. It was during thoes hospital visits that I realized I wanted to be that kind of person and comforting presence for others. That is the experience that sparked my passion for nursing and, more specifically, pediatric oncology. I want to work with children who are facing life-changing illnesses and be a source of comfort and hope for them and their families. Pediatric oncology is a field that requires not only medical knowledge but also emotional resilience and a deep understanding of empathy. I believe that I have the heart and determination to make a difference in this area and in these children's lives. I want to help children feel safe and supported, even when they feel like they have no control. Giving back to my community is something I already strive to do and plan to continue throughout my career. I am currently a part of HOSA ( Health Occupations Students of America). I was my high school's vice president for the club and attended state to educate the public on health concerns and addiction, including alcohol and drugs. I helped organize and create presentations and speeches to help children and teenagers understand the impact of these highly addictive substances. My goal is to not only be a nurse but also a leader and advocate in my community. Grand Canyon University's values of service, leadership, and faith align perfectly with my own. I'm not just seeking a degree; I'm seeking a foundation that will prepare me to serve my community and patients with love, compassion, and integrity, without the added stress of financial strain. It would be an investment not only in my future but in the lives of children that I will one day care for. My dad is now in full remission and has been for 4 years, thanks to God and the amazing nurses who supported my dad every step of the way. I carry my dad's strength with me every day. His source of fuel, my determination, and his experience remind me why this path matters. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship and for supporting students who are committed to making a meaningful impact through compassion, resilience, and service.