Mr. Michael Womack had a profound impact on my life during high school, especially during times when I was struggling with family issues, personal challenges, and the weight of balancing school and life. As a teacher, he made coming to school worth it, even on the hardest days. In a time when many students face immense pressure, Mr. Womack’s presence provided something different: understanding, encouragement, and genuine care. I first encountered Mr. Womack in 9th grade when he taught me AP Literature and AP Language. I had him again in 10th grade, and then in 11th and 12th grades, when he taught Tools for College Success. Because I was part of the Early College program, I stayed with the same teachers for multiple years, which allowed me to develop a special connection with Mr. Womack. Throughout those years, he didn’t just focus on grades or teaching content, he focused on us as people, and that made all the difference. He cared about our well-being, making sure we felt supported no matter what we were going through. What made Mr. Womack stand out from other teachers was how he truly understood the pressure we were under. High school isn’t easy, especially when you have family struggles or are trying to figure out who you are. Mr. Womack was always checking in with his students, asking how we were doing, and creating a classroom atmosphere where we could feel comfortable being ourselves. It wasn’t just about schoolwork, but about personal growth. He made sure we were more evolved people when we left his class. One unique thing Mr. Womack did was give each student a nickname. For me, he called me “Mama,” because he said I resembled his mom. At first, I wasn’t sure how to feel about it, but over time, I began to appreciate it. It reminded me that Mr. Womack saw me as more than just a student, he saw me as a person, and that personal connection meant a lot. Even now, as a senior, he still calls me “Mama,” and I carry that nickname with pride. Mr. Womack also instilled values that have stuck with me. He hated when students brought each other down or used negative language like “Shut up.” He believed in building each other up and creating an environment where we could all grow. His classroom was a place where we were expected to be better people, not just better students, and that has stayed with me long after I left his class. But the most significant impact Mr. Womack had on me was as a father figure. I grew up without a present father, and having someone like Mr. Womack to look up to made a huge difference. He became someone I could trust, confide in, and seek advice from. I told him things I never had the chance to tell my own dad, and Mr. Womack always listened without judgment. He was there when I needed him most, and his support helped me navigate through some of my toughest times. Thank you, Mr. Womack, for being that guiding presence in my life. Your wisdom, care, and unwavering support have shaped who I am today, and I’ll carry your lessons with me as I continue my journey.

Throughout my entire school experience, I have faced bullying in some form. Not a single year went by without it. The words, the isolation, and the constant feeling of being unwanted shaped my view of life in ways that were painful to endure. For years, I struggled with self-worth, wondering why I was treated that way and if I would ever escape it. But through all of it, I found resilience. I refused to let my pain define me, and now, I am committed to ensuring no child or teenager has to go through what I did. One of the most important ways to protect children from bullying and cyberbullying is by fostering an environment where they feel safe to speak up. Too many kids suffer in silence because they believe no one will listen or care. If someone had stepped in for me earlier, things might have been different. That’s why I take an active role in supporting younger students, whether by being someone they can confide in or by educating them about the dangers of cyberbullying. In today’s digital age, social media has made bullying even more relentless, following kids home where they should feel safe. Encouraging open discussions, monitoring online activity responsibly, and teaching kids to block, report, and seek help are all essential in preventing long-term emotional damage. Beyond my commitment to keeping youth safe, I am deeply involved in my community. I have completed over 150 hours of service, including volunteering at Savannah Court, an assisted living facility where I assisted elderly residents with daily activities and provided companionship. I am also involved in multiple school organizations that allow me to contribute to my peers' growth and well-being. As a dual enrollment student, I have balanced high school, college coursework, and a job while maintaining a 3.8 GPA. I recently became a Certified Nursing Assistant, earning my technical certificates in Nurse Aide and Nurse Aide Essentials. These experiences have solidified my passion for healthcare and my desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Despite my achievements, financial need remains a significant challenge as I enter higher education. I come from a single-parent household where financial struggles have been a constant reality. My mother has always done her best to provide for me, even when it meant sacrificing her own needs. As I prepare for college, I need financial aid to cover my tuition, housing, books, and fees. Receiving this scholarship would relieve a significant burden and allow me to focus on my education without the overwhelming stress of financial hardship. I refuse to let my past define me, but I will use it to fuel my future. The challenges I have faced, from bullying to financial struggles, have made me stronger and more determined to succeed. My goal is to become a registered nurse so that I can care for others in the same way I have longed for someone to care for me. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to turning that dream into reality.

At some point, everyone sees their parents' struggle. Most people don’t fully understand it until they’re older, but I understood as a child. I saw my mother cry at the kitchen table when I was seven. I noticed how she wiped her tears in church when I was ten. I didn’t just witness those moments, I felt them. Instead of letting those struggles weigh me down, I used them to push myself forward. I knew I had to take everything I had been given, no matter how little, and turn it into something bigger. That mindset has shaped everything I do. Right now, I juggle high school, dual enrollment, a job, and extracurricular activities while maintaining a 3.8 GPA and a job. I have become a CNA, earned my Pre-Nursing technical certificate, Early College Essentials technical certificate, Nurse-Aide Essentials technical certificate, CPR certification, and over 150 hours of community service. Balancing it all hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned to thrive under pressure because I know where I come from and where I’m going. My passion for nursing started in the fifth grade when I realized how much I cared for others. That passion only grew stronger as I got older, especially when I had the opportunity to complete my clinical at Lynn Haven, an assisted living facility. During those three days, I assisted residents with daily tasks like feeding, bathing, dressing, and checking vitals. More importantly, I formed meaningful connections with them. It was in those moments where I held a resident’s hand, made them smile, and listened to their stories that I realized nursing isn’t just a job for me. It’s my calling. Growing up in a single-parent household, I have always understood the value of hard work. My mother did everything she could to provide for me, even when resources were scarce. I remember nights when dinner was just bread or when we rented DVDs instead of having cable. I remember washing clothes at my grandmother’s house because we had no working washer and dryer. Those experiences shaped me. They made me resilient, resourceful, and determined to create a better future for myself and my family. Despite financial hardships, I have never let my circumstances limit my ambition. I have pushed myself to excel in both academics and service. I take pride in my ability to balance rigorous coursework, college classes, and employment while still making time to give back to my community. I have volunteered at the Savannah Court assisted living facility, participated in multiple school organizations, and taken on leadership roles that have strengthened my ability to connect with and help others. This scholarship would be more than just financial assistance, it would be a symbol of everything I have worked for. It would allow me to continue my education without placing additional stress on my family. It would bring me one step closer to becoming a registered nurse, where I can dedicate my life to caring for others just as I always have. I refuse to let my struggles define me. Instead, I chose to define my future, and this scholarship would help me turn that future into a reality.

My personal experiences with finances have been shaped by growing up in a single-parent household where money was always tight. From a young age, I learned to appreciate the value of a dollar and the importance of budgeting. My mother worked hard to make ends meet, and while we didn’t always have much, she always found a way to ensure that I had what I needed. However, I could see the stress that came with managing limited resources, and that gave me an early understanding of how vital it is to be financially literate. Even though I didn’t always have access to formal financial education, I quickly learned to prioritize needs over wants and to find creative ways to save money. During high school, I took on part-time jobs to help contribute to my own expenses, such as clothes and school supplies, which provided me with firsthand experience in managing my own finances. Balancing school and work weren’t easy, but it taught me responsibility and the importance of budgeting my time and money. I had to learn how to stretch each paycheck, paying attention to the little things that added up, and how to make sure I didn’t overspend on things that weren’t necessary. When I started looking into higher education, I realized how important it was to gain a deeper understanding of personal finance, especially when it came to student loans, budgeting for tuition, and understanding credit. That’s when I began seeking out information on financial literacy, reading books, attending workshops, and talking to financial advisors. While I’m still learning, I’ve made it a priority to understand things like saving for the future, the importance of building credit, and the benefits of investing. My experiences growing up, combined with my efforts to learn about finances now, are laying a strong foundation for me as I move forward into adulthood. As I continue my education and prepare for my future as a Nurse Practitioner, I plan to use the financial knowledge I’ve gained to manage my student loans, plan for my career, and make smart decisions about saving and investing for long-term goals. I also want to be able to use what I’ve learned about finances to support my family, particularly my mother, who has worked tirelessly her whole life to provide for me. I plan on staying disciplined with my finances, creating a budget that accounts for both short-term needs and long-term goals, and continuing to educate myself on how to best manage money. In addition to personal financial education, I’m also passionate about sharing what I learn with others. I want to help my community, especially those who haven’t had the same financial education opportunities, by providing resources or guidance on managing money, saving for the future, and planning for financial stability. Understanding finances not only allows me to create a secure future for myself, but it also empowers me to help others do the same, and ultimately, build stronger, more financially resilient communities.

I believe that my deep sense of empathy positions me as a positive force in society both now and in the future. In a world where individuals are focused on their own personal struggles or ambitions, I aim to stand out by showing genuine care for the emotions and well-being of others. Today, empathy feels like a rare trait, something that is often overlooked in favor of practicality, individual success, or even self-interest. Yet, I believe that empathy is what can truly bring people together and make a lasting impact on those around us. Whether it's offering a hand to someone who's feeling isolated or providing encouragement to a peer who's doubting themselves, I know that these small acts of kindness can make a big difference. I have learned that showing empathy doesn’t always require grand gestures, sometimes it’s simply being present and attuned to the needs of others. As I look to the future, I plan to carry this empathy into my career as a Nurse Practitioner, where I will have the privilege of caring for others during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Healthcare is often seen as a technical field, where expertise and efficiency are paramount. What makes a great healthcare provider is the ability to connect with patients on a human level, to offer comfort and understanding, and to make them feel heard. I want to be the kind of healthcare professional who doesn’t just treat the illness but cares for the whole person. In today’s world, where many people feel like they are just another number in a system, I want to change that by offering personalized care and being a source of emotional support when it’s needed most. In today’s society, empathy often feels like a missing element. We live in a fast-paced, individualistic culture where personal success, productivity, and efficiency often take priority over emotional connection and understanding. With technology constantly evolving, many of our interactions are becoming more impersonal, and it’s easier to overlook the emotional needs of others. It’s easy to dismiss someone's pain or struggle because we don’t see it directly or because we’re too caught up in our own lives. Social media, for example, has created an environment where people can hide behind screens and interact without truly connecting. Empathy is being replaced with convenience, and in many ways, this has led to a lack of genuine human connection. However, I see myself as part of a movement that can shift this mindset. By fostering empathy in my everyday interactions and taking the time to truly understand others, I believe I can be a positive force in changing this trend. In the future, I believe that if we all took the time to be more empathetic, the world would be a kinder, more supportive place. The social norms of today may make it difficult to prioritize empathy, but I believe that it is more important now than ever. People are craving meaningful connections, and the ability to understand and validate each other’s emotions can bridge gaps and bring people closer. By embracing empathy and making it a central part of my life, I hope to inspire others to do the same and create a ripple effect that leads to more compassionate communities. Whether it’s in my personal relationships, my future healthcare career, or in society at large, I want to contribute to a world where empathy is not only valued but practiced every day.

Resilience has been a constant theme in my life, something I have learned not only through my own experiences but also by watching others demonstrate it in their own ways. Growing up in a single-parent household, I saw firsthand what it meant to persevere through hardships, and I took those lessons with me into my own journey. My resilience stems from the struggles I have faced and the way I have learned to overcome them. Through these challenges, I have found ways to inspire others, particularly those who are going through tough times, to push forward and never give up. One of the most significant ways I have demonstrated resilience is through my ability to face adversity and stay focused on my goals. When I was younger, I didn’t fully understand the weight of the struggles my family was facing. We didn’t have much, and there were days when we went without basic necessities. But even in those moments of uncertainty, my mother never gave up. She worked tirelessly to ensure I had what I needed to succeed, and she kept me grounded in the belief that I could achieve anything if I worked hard enough. Her perseverance inspired me to do the same. When I faced academic challenges in school or struggled to balance work and studying, I would remember the sacrifices my mom made for me and use them as motivation to keep going. Another defining moment of my resilience came when I contracted COVID-19 at the age of thirteen, and my grandmother, who lived with us, caught it from me. At the time, I was terrified. My grandmother became very ill, and I watched her spend several days in the hospital. I felt an immense amount of guilt, believing that I had caused her suffering. It was during this difficult time that I saw the strength of my mother and grandmother. Despite the fear, they never lost hope, and I learned the importance of holding on to faith during challenging times. I knew my family needed me to be strong, so I pushed through my own fears to be there for them. In addition to my personal struggles, I have worked hard to build a future in healthcare, despite the obstacles that come with pursuing a career in this field. I earned my CNA certification and completed clinicals, where I assisted patients with daily tasks and provided essential care. This experience was both physically and emotionally demanding, but I kept going, determined to push through my doubts. I found strength in my compassion for the residents I cared for, knowing that even the smallest act of kindness could make a difference. These experiences of resilience have shaped my journey and allowed me to inspire others. Whether through a kind word, an encouraging gesture, or simply being there for someone when they need support, I have learned that resilience isn’t just about pushing through difficult moments; it’s about lifting others up. I have shared my story with friends and classmates, encouraging them to keep going when they feel like giving up. My journey has shown me that resilience is not a trait we are born with, but something we develop over time through our experiences. I have learned to embrace the challenges in my life, knowing that each one is an opportunity for growth. I hope to continue using my resilience to inspire others, showing them that even in the face of adversity, we have the strength to rise above and keep moving forward.

When I was thirteen, I spent my birthday sick with COVID-19, overwhelmed with guilt because my grandmother had caught it from me. She was hospitalized for days, and I feared she would die alone. My mother and I spent nights crying and praying, holding on to faith that she would recover. That experience changed me. I saw firsthand how nurses became lifelines, offering not just medical care but also compassion and comfort. It was then that I knew I wanted to be that source of hope for others. From a young age, I have always felt deeply connected to the emotions of others. If a classmate is sitting alone, I feel the weight of their loneliness. If a friend is hurting, I feel their pain as if it were my own. Some might see this level of empathy as a burden, but I see it as a gift. It allows me to connect with people on a level that goes beyond words, to understand what they are feeling, even when they cannot express it themselves. I want to use that sensitivity to be there for people when they are at their lowest, when they are scared, sick, or feeling like they have no one else in the world. Growing up in a single-parent household, I saw what it meant to struggle. I know what it feels like to go without, to wonder how the bills will get paid, and to be grateful for even the smallest things. My mother worked tirelessly to provide, even when we had little, and through her example, I learned resilience, determination, and the power of kindness. I want to be the nurse who listens when a patient is scared, who takes an extra moment to offer reassurance, and who holds a hand when there is no family around. Because I know what it feels like to have nothing, I want to be a nurse who gives everything. Throughout my journey, I have worked hard to build the foundation for my future in healthcare. I earned my CNA certification and completed hands-on clinicals, where I assisted residents with daily needs, checked vital signs, and provided personal care. I loved every moment of it, not because the work was easy, but because I saw how much small acts of kindness could brighten someone's day. That experience solidified my dream of becoming a Nurse Practitioner, where I will have the opportunity to advocate for patients and provide passionate care. Nursing is not just a career for me; it is my calling. It is the path where my empathy, sensitivity, and passion for helping others align perfectly. I know that this profession will be challenging, emotionally demanding, and sometimes heartbreaking, but I also know that it will be the most rewarding thing I could ever do. I am committed to lifelong learning, to improving patient care, and to being the kind of nurse who makes a difference, not just in medicine, but in people’s lives. This scholarship would help me continue my journey, ensuring that I can fulfill my dream of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. With it, I can continue to grow, learn, and prepare for the day when I can walk into a hospital room, take a patient's hand, and let them know that they are not alone. Because no matter how hard life gets, no matter how much someone has lost, I believe that everyone deserves to feel cared for. And that is exactly what I intend to do.