I am 36 years old, a single mother of three boys, and from Dallas, Texas. Right now, I am working full-time in the PICU/TICU while also being a full-time nursing student. My life is busy, and some days are harder than others, but I continue to pursue nursing because I know this is what I am meant to do. I want to become a registered nurse, help people, and build a better future for my family. My journey to nursing has not been easy or perfect. I have worked in healthcare for several years in different roles, including patient care technician, nursing assistant, orthopedic cast technician, and health unit coordinator. Working around patients and their families has allowed me to see healthcare from many different sides. I have seen people come into the hospital scared, hurting, and unsure of what is going to happen next. I have also seen how much a nurse's attitude, patience, and compassion can mean to a patient and their family. Those experiences made me realize that I do not just want to work in healthcare. I want to become a nurse. My own experience as a patient also changed the way I look at nursing. My children and I were involved in a serious car accident caused by a drunk driver. During my recovery, I was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. Life became very different for my family. We had medical appointments, financial stress, and a lot of uncertainty. My boys even had to give up playing sports because our priorities had to change. Going through that experience showed me what it feels like to be on the other side of healthcare. I know what it is like to need someone who will listen, explain things, and treat you like a person instead of just another patient. As a Black woman pursuing nursing, I also want to be someone younger Black students can look at and know that they can do it too. I want my sons to see their mother working toward something even when the road is difficult. I want them to understand that where you start does not have to determine where you finish. I know my path is different from many traditional nursing students. I am raising three boys who are involved in multiple activities, working full-time, attending nursing school full-time, and carrying the financial responsibility for my household. I have reached the maximum financial assistance available to me and do not have additional support to rely on. There are nights when I am exhausted, but I still study after my children go to sleep because I refuse to give up on my goal. When I become a registered nurse, I want to make patients feel cared for, heard, and respected. I want to advocate for people who may not know how to advocate for themselves. Most importantly, I want my life and career to show my children and others that setbacks do not mean you have to give up. I have been through a lot, but I am still here, still working, still learning, and still moving forward. I plan to take everything I have experienced and use it to become the kind of nurse who makes a real difference in someone's life.

Balancing Motherhood, Work, and My Nursing Education My life as a single mother of three boys is a constant balancing act, but it is also my greatest motivation. I work full-time in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Trauma Intensive Care Unit (TICU), attend nursing school full-time, and keep up with my boys, who are involved in multiple activities. My days are busy, and there are times when I feel pulled in several directions at once. Still, I remind myself why I started. I am working toward a better future for my family while showing my sons that with determination, faith, and hard work, it is possible to pursue your dreams even when life gets difficult. Balancing these responsibilities requires planning, discipline, and sacrifice. I organize my schedule around my work shifts, classes, assignments, and my children's needs. I study after my boys go to sleep and use every quiet moment I can find to complete assignments or prepare for exams. I also make sure to be present for their activities and important moments because being a mother is just as important to me as earning my degree. Some days are exhausting, but I have learned how to prioritize, adjust, and keep moving forward. Working in the PICU/TICU has strengthened my commitment to nursing. Every day, I see patients and families experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Being part of their care has shown me how much knowledge, compassion, and support can mean to a family facing fear and uncertainty. These experiences motivate me to continue my education, strengthen my clinical skills, and become a registered nurse who can make an even greater impact on the patients and families I serve. As the sole provider for my household, paying for school while raising three children is one of my greatest challenges. I have reached the maximum financial assistance available to me, and I do not have additional financial support to help cover the cost of my education. This means that tuition, textbooks, supplies, transportation, household bills, and my children's everyday needs all have to be managed within the same limited resources. I have learned to stretch every dollar and make sacrifices, but there are limits to what I can manage on my own. This scholarship would provide meaningful financial relief at a time when I truly need it. It would help me pay for tuition, textbooks, supplies, and other educational expenses without taking away from necessities my children need. More importantly, it would allow me to focus more of my energy on successfully completing nursing school instead of constantly worrying about how I will cover the next educational expense. I want my boys to see that being a parent does not mean giving up on your own dreams. I want them to learn that education is valuable, that hard work matters, and that setbacks do not have to determine the direction of your life. I am not only building a future for myself; I am showing my children what perseverance looks like. My journey is demanding, but I am determined to finish my nursing degree. Earning my degree will provide greater stability for my family and allow me to serve others through a career I am passionate about. This scholarship would be more than financial assistance. It would help a single mother continue pursuing her education while raising three boys, working full-time, and refusing to give up on the future she is working so hard to create.

My Motivation for Pursuing Higher Education in Nursing Pursuing higher education in nursing means more to me than earning a degree. It represents perseverance, personal growth, and my commitment to creating a better future for my three boys while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As a single mother and the sole provider for my family, I have learned that achieving a dream requires sacrifice, discipline, and faith. Despite the challenges I have faced, my determination to become a registered nurse has never disappeared. My motivation to pursue nursing comes from my personal experiences, my family’s medical history, and my time working in healthcare. I have served in different healthcare roles, including as a patient care technician, nursing assistant, orthopedic cast technician, and health unit coordinator in pediatric and trauma intensive care settings. Each position has allowed me to witness the importance of compassionate care, teamwork, and patient advocacy. These experiences have strengthened my desire to expand my knowledge, develop my clinical skills, and take the next step in my nursing career. My own medical experiences have also influenced my goals. After my children and I were involved in a serious car accident caused by a drunk driver, my recovery brought unexpected challenges, including a brain aneurysm diagnosis. Our family had to adjust to medical appointments, financial pressures, and changes in our daily lives. Experiencing healthcare as a patient helped me understand how vulnerable families can feel when their lives suddenly change. It strengthened my desire to become a nurse who not only provides quality care but also helps patients feel heard, respected, and supported. Balancing full-time employment, nursing school, and raising three children requires careful planning and personal sacrifice. Many nights, I study after my boys have gone to sleep, knowing I must wake up and manage another demanding day. Financial responsibilities can make pursuing higher education difficult, especially when tuition, books, household expenses, and my children's needs must all be considered. However, I refuse to allow these obstacles to determine my future. My faith, my children, and my passion for helping others continue to push me forward. Receiving this scholarship would ease some of the financial pressure associated with my education. It would help me cover educational expenses such as tuition, textbooks, and required supplies, allowing me to focus more of my time and energy on my coursework and clinical preparation. As the sole provider for my family, even a small reduction in financial stress would make a meaningful difference. This support would bring me closer to completing my degree and achieving the stability I am working so hard to provide for my children. My ambition extends beyond earning a nursing degree. I want to use my education and healthcare experience to provide compassionate, knowledgeable care to patients and their families during some of their most difficult moments. I also want my sons to see that setbacks do not have to end a dream and that determination can create new opportunities. I am committed to becoming a registered nurse, no matter how long the journey takes. This scholarship would be an investment not only in my education but also in the patients, families, and community I hope to serve. My journey has taught me resilience, and I intend to use every lesson to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Being a single mother to three boys has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. My children are my greatest motivation, and every decision I make is centered on giving them a better future. Balancing full-time work, motherhood, and nursing school has taught me perseverance, sacrifice, and the importance of never giving up on my dreams. Every challenge has helped shape the nurse I aspire to become. My decision to pursue nursing comes from my personal experiences and my desire to make a difference in the lives of others. One of the most life-changing experiences for my family was being involved in a serious car accident caused by a drunk driver. During my recovery, I was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. Suddenly, my focus shifted to healing, medical appointments, and finding a way to move forward while caring for my children. My boys even had to give up playing sports as our family adjusted to our new circumstances. This experience reminded me how quickly life can change and how important compassionate healthcare professionals are when families face uncertainty. These experiences helped me understand that nursing involves more than treating an illness or completing a medical task. Patients and their families need someone who will listen, show compassion, explain what is happening, and provide reassurance during frightening moments. I want to be that kind of nurse. I understand what it feels like to face uncertainty while trying to remain strong for the people who depend on you. I believe this understanding will help me approach patients and families with patience, empathy, and respect. As the sole provider for my family, I continue working full-time while pursuing my nursing degree. Many nights, I study after my children are asleep, knowing another demanding day awaits me just a few hours later. The financial and personal sacrifices can feel overwhelming, but I remain committed to my goal. My faith and the encouragement I receive through my church remind me that my circumstances do not determine my future. I want my sons to see that setbacks do not have to end a dream and that determination can carry us through difficult seasons. My healthcare experience has further strengthened my passion for nursing. Working in different healthcare roles has allowed me to witness the importance of teamwork, patient advocacy, and treating every person with dignity. Volunteering at my church and supporting my community have also taught me that meaningful service begins with recognizing the needs of others. These experiences continue to remind me why I chose this path. Rose Browne's legacy of pursuing nursing education while working full-time and raising her children reflects the determination I strive to demonstrate in my own life. Like Rose, I want my children to see that motherhood and professional ambition can exist together, even when the journey requires sacrifice. Earning my nursing degree means more than achieving a personal goal; it means creating a more secure future for my family and preparing myself to serve others. I am determined to become a registered nurse, no matter how long the journey takes. I hope to use the lessons my life has taught me to provide compassionate care, support families through difficult moments, and make a meaningful difference in my community. My challenges have not taken away my dream of becoming a nurse. Instead, they have strengthened my determination and deepened my understanding of why that dream matters.

Going to college means more to me than earning a degree. It means changing the direction of my family's future. As a student from an underrepresented background, pursuing higher education represents an opportunity to push beyond barriers that can make achieving a college degree feel out of reach. For me, education is not just about getting ahead. It is about creating opportunities that can reach beyond me and my children. I was raised by a single mother who raised my brothers and me while my father was in prison. My mother did not have an easy life, but she taught us to keep going. My brothers and I all graduated, and as I have gotten older, I understand more clearly how much of that accomplishment was because of her sacrifices. She taught me that education could open doors and that I should never allow where I started to determine where I would finish. Now, as a single mother myself, I understand her strength in a completely different way. I am raising three boys while working and going to school. There are days when I am exhausted and wonder how I am going to balance everything. There have been times when money was tight and I had to worry about tuition, books, housing, utilities, and providing for my children. Yet I continue because I want my sons to see that education is possible, even when the path is difficult. My journey to college has not been easy or straightforward. I have experienced the death of my brother, addiction, losing my job and my home, family and relationship struggles, and a severe car accident caused by a drunk driver that changed my life and my children's lives. I have experienced trauma, PTSD, and moments when I felt mentally and emotionally overwhelmed. I also had to leave nursing school more than once. For a while, those setbacks made me question myself. Eventually, they taught me something different: I am capable of starting over. Today, I am in nursing school again. I am returning with more maturity, self-awareness, and determination. I am grateful that even my hardest experiences have prepared me for this moment. My goal is to become a registered nurse and use my education to help people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I also know what it feels like to be on the other side of healthcare. After a severe accident, my children and I received care at the facility where I now work. Being able to work in the same place that helped my family recover is something I do not take for granted. It reminds me why I chose this path. I want to provide other families with the compassion, patience, and hope that my family received. My education is also about breaking cycles. I want my sons to see that their mother's circumstances did not determine her future. I want them to understand that being raised with challenges does not mean you have to remain defined by those challenges. I am pursuing college because I want to build something different for my family. I want my degree to become part of a new legacy—one built on education, perseverance, service, and opportunity. I will earn my nursing degree. I will become an RN. And when I do, I hope my accomplishments will show my children and others who come from difficult circumstances that their dreams are still worth pursuing.

I did not grow up with the picture-perfect family people sometimes imagine. My mother raised my brothers and me as a single mother while my father was in prison. As a child, I did not understand the weight she carried. I only knew that my mother was the person who kept showing up. She made sure we were cared for, encouraged us to stay in school, and taught us that our circumstances did not have to determine our future. My brothers and I all graduated, and I now realize how much of that accomplishment belongs to her. She gave us something more important than an easy childhood: she gave us an example. She showed me that strength is not always loud. Sometimes strength is getting up every morning when you are exhausted, taking care of your children, and continuing to believe that tomorrow can be better. That lesson became part of me, and I have needed it throughout my own life. Today, I am a single mother of three boys. I understand my mother's sacrifices in a way I never could as a child. I know what it feels like to work, provide for your children, manage a household, and still have dreams of your own. I know how difficult it can be to keep everything together when you are tired and life keeps adding more to your plate. My life has brought me more challenges than I ever expected. I lost my brother, struggled with addiction, lost my job and my home, experienced family and relationship difficulties, and survived a severe car accident caused by a drunk driver that changed my life and my children's lives. I have experienced trauma, PTSD, and moments when I felt completely overwhelmed. I have also had to leave nursing school more than once. But I learned from my mother that a setback is not the same thing as the end. Today, I am back in nursing school. I am also working at the same place that helped my children and me recover after our accident. That part of my life feels almost full circle. I once walked through those doors needing someone to care for my family. Now I walk through them as a healthcare worker, preparing to become the person who can provide that care to someone else. My future goal is to become an RN, but my goal goes beyond earning a title. I want to use my education, compassion, and life experiences to help people when they are scared, hurting, or uncertain about what comes next. I want to be the kind of person who sees the patient behind the diagnosis and understands that people may be carrying struggles that cannot be seen. Whether I am caring for a patient, supporting a family, educating someone about their health, or simply giving someone hope during a difficult moment, I want my life to be useful to others. Being raised by a single mother taught me that one person's determination can change an entire family. Now, as a single mother myself, I want my children to see me turn that lesson into action. I want them to know that where you come from does not limit where you can go. My mother taught me to keep going. My children give me another reason to keep going. And my future in nursing will give me the opportunity to turn everything I have survived into something that helps someone else. No matter how long it takes, I will become an RN—and I will use what I have learned to do good.

My education and life experiences have taught me that health is about much more than treating an illness after something goes wrong. It is also about prevention, support, education, and the small choices people make every day. As I continue my nursing education, I hope to use my experiences and passion for helping others to promote wellness in a way that is realistic, compassionate, and sustainable. My journey has given me a unique perspective on health and recovery. I have experienced loss, addiction, trauma, and major life changes while balancing motherhood, work, and school. I have also experienced a severe car accident caused by a drunk driver that changed my life and my children's lives. We were fortunate to receive care at the facility that helped us begin our recovery. Today, I have the privilege of working at that same place. Being able to work where my children and I were once patients is something I do not take for granted. I have seen healthcare from both sides—as a mother who needed someone to care for her children and as a healthcare worker learning how important compassion, patience, and encouragement are to a patient's recovery. That experience has strengthened my desire to become a nurse and has shown me that caring for people is about more than completing a task or treating a diagnosis. It is about helping people feel safe, heard, and hopeful during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. My own struggles have also taught me that people cannot always make healthy changes simply because someone tells them they should. I have experienced times when I was overwhelmed and struggling emotionally. Those experiences taught me the importance of meeting people where they are rather than judging them for where they are not. Sometimes people need education, encouragement, resources, and someone willing to believe that change is possible. As a future nurse, I want to teach patients that wellness can begin with small, achievable steps. Improving nutrition, becoming more active, managing stress, getting enough rest, taking medications as prescribed, attending preventive appointments, and reaching out for mental-health support can all make a difference. I want to help patients set realistic goals that fit their lives instead of making them feel as though they have to change everything at once. I also want to use my nursing education to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and recovery. My experiences have taught me how easily someone can hide their struggles while continuing to work, parent, and live their everyday life. I want my patients to feel safe being honest about what they are experiencing and know that asking for help is a strength. Ultimately, I hope to carry Dr. Steve Aldana's message into my nursing career by helping people understand that meaningful health improvements can begin with small, sustainable choices. My goal is not only to care for people when they are sick, but to educate and empower them to protect their health, build healthier habits, and believe that a better quality of life is possible. I have experienced what it means to be on the receiving end of compassionate healthcare. Now, through my education and future nursing career, I want to help provide that same hope and support to others.

For a long time, I felt like life was taking something from me every time I tried to rebuild. I have experienced loss, addiction, trauma, financial hardship, and moments when I honestly did not know how I would keep going. But through everything I have been through, one thing has remained: I have continued to fight for my future. My journey with mental health and substance abuse began during one of the most painful periods of my life. My brother died just 16 days before my birthday. Losing him changed me in ways I did not know how to explain. I was grieving while trying to continue being a mother, working, and figuring out what I was supposed to do with my life. Eventually, I became addicted to opioids, and addiction became something I struggled with before entering nursing school for the first time. I had dreams of becoming a nurse, but at that point, I was struggling just to make it through each day. Then I lost my job, and alcohol became my best friend. What I was really looking for was an escape from grief, stress, and emotions I did not know how to handle. Instead, I found myself further away from the person I wanted to be. My life took another devastating turn when I was involved in a severe car accident with my children. The accident left me with an aneurysm and even more trauma. Once again, nursing school was taken away from me. I was mentally and emotionally exhausted. I was dealing with PTSD, grief, financial problems, relationship struggles, family issues, and the pressure of being a single mother. Eventually, I lost my home as well. It felt like every part of my life was falling apart at the same time. For a while, I was simply surviving. But surviving eventually became the beginning of my growth. I realized that I could not change what had happened to me, but I could decide what happened next. I learned that asking for help is not weakness and that recovery is not about pretending the past never happened. It is about facing it, learning from it, and choosing something different. Today, I am in nursing school again. This time, I am not entering the program as the same woman who struggled before. I am mentally prepared in ways I was not before. Every loss, mistake, setback, and painful experience has taught me something I needed for this moment. I am grateful that the experiences I once wished I could erase have helped prepare me to understand myself, recognize when I need support, and appreciate the opportunity in front of me. My plan for continuing my recovery is to remain honest with myself, recognize my triggers, protect my sobriety, seek support when I need it, and never become ashamed of asking for help. I know recovery is a lifelong process, and I do not expect every day to be easy. I also know that I have survived days I once believed would destroy me. My educational goal is to finish nursing school and become a nurse who understands that patients are more than their diagnoses or their worst moments. I know what it feels like to be hurting while still trying to function, and I want to give others the compassion and dignity I needed during some of the darkest moments of my life. I am not proud of everything I have been through, but I am proud that I did not let it be the end of my story. I am here. I am sober. I am in nursing school again. I am mentally ready. And this time, I am moving forward with everything my past has taught me.

My inspiration to pursue a career in nursing began with my grandmother. Losing her during my first year of college was one of the most defining experiences of my life. Watching her health decline and eventually experiencing her passing showed me how fragile life can be. But during that difficult time, I also witnessed the incredible impact nurses can have. I remember the nurses who cared for my grandmother with patience, compassion, and dignity. They not only cared for her medical needs, but they also supported our family through fear, grief, and uncertainty. They became a source of comfort when we needed it most. Seeing that made me realize that I wanted to become that same source of strength for others. My desire to become a nurse has also been shaped by my own life experiences. As I grew older, I began to understand how much adversity and having to grow up too quickly had affected me. Those experiences taught me resilience, but they also gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to carry pain that other people cannot see. I know what it feels like to keep moving forward when life feels overwhelming and to need someone to offer compassion instead of judgment. Because of this, I believe nursing is about caring for the whole person—not simply treating a diagnosis, but understanding the person behind it. My experiences have also inspired an idea I hope to bring to my community one day: an “Adult Recess Center.” I imagine a safe place where adults can step away from stress and responsibilities and reconnect with joy through games, creativity, movement, mindfulness, and community. Many people are forced to grow up too quickly and spend years carrying responsibilities without taking time to rest or heal. I believe laughter, connection, and play can be meaningful parts of healing. This idea reflects the kind of nurse I hope to become—someone who understands that emotional well-being matters alongside physical health. My journey toward nursing has not always been easy, but every experience has strengthened my determination. My grandmother showed me the difference compassionate nursing care can make, while my own experiences have taught me empathy and perseverance. I want to become a nurse who provides excellent clinical care while also making patients feel seen, respected, and safe. Ultimately, I hope to give others the same sense of compassion, dignity, and hope that inspired me to choose nursing in the first place.

Being the daughter of a U.S. military veteran has shaped my career aspirations in a way I never expected. My father is a veteran, but for most of my life, he was incarcerated. Because of that, I did not grow up experiencing many of the benefits or opportunities that can come with being the child of a veteran. My relationship with his service was not something I experienced firsthand through family traditions or military life. Instead, I came to understand it through learning about his history and, eventually, through my own experiences serving veterans. I am now 37 years old, a single mother, and pursuing my goal of becoming a nurse. One of the most meaningful experiences in my journey was working in the VA in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. Being around veterans and hearing their stories changed me. I listened to people who had sacrificed so much, and I saw firsthand the physical and emotional challenges that some veterans continue to carry long after their service has ended. Those experiences inspired me to pursue nursing because I realized that caring for veterans is more than providing medical treatment—it is an opportunity to show compassion, dignity, and gratitude to people who have given so much to our country. My grandfather also served during wartime, although he passed away before I was old enough to know him or understand the significance of his service. I sometimes think about how different my life might have been if I had been able to hear his stories firsthand. Still, his service, along with my father's, became part of the history I carry with me. My father's incarceration could have caused me to turn away from that part of my family history, but I chose a different path. I chose to honor the sacrifices veterans have made rather than allowing the circumstances of my childhood to define me. Working at the VA showed me that I can turn something complicated and painful in my life into something meaningful. Becoming a nurse is my way of serving others. As a single mother, I know what it means to keep moving forward when life does not go according to plan. My experiences have taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of never judging someone solely by their circumstances. I hope to carry those lessons into my nursing career, particularly in caring for veterans and other patients who may be facing challenges that are not always visible. Being the daughter of a veteran has not given me the traditional story I once might have imagined. Instead, it has given me a reason to look beyond my circumstances, honor the service of those who came before me, and dedicate my future to caring for others. My father's service and my experiences at the VA helped me discover that nursing is not simply a career I want—it is the way I want to make a difference.

When my three boys look at me, I hope they see more than just their mom. I hope they see a woman who refused to let her past decide her future. I did not grow up with a lot. I was raised in a single-parent home, and my father was a veteran who was incarcerated for most of my life. We had less than many other families, but we always found a way to make something out of what we had. Growing up that way taught me how to survive, but becoming a mother taught me why I needed to do more than survive. I have experienced things that could have easily changed the direction of my life, including drug abuse, physical abuse, alcohol, and years of struggling with my self-esteem. There were times when I did not believe in myself or believe that I could become something more. For a long time, I thought my past would always define me. Then I became a mother to three beautiful boys. They changed the way I saw myself. I realized they were watching me, and I wanted them to see that where you come from does not have to determine where you end up. I wanted to show them that you can struggle, fall, start over, and still chase your dreams. That is why becoming a nurse is so important to me. My boys are a big part of the reason I chose nursing. They have taught me compassion, patience, and what it means to show up for someone even when you are tired. Those are the same qualities I want to bring to my patients. I want to care for people when they are scared, vulnerable, and going through some of the hardest moments of their lives. I am currently in nursing school while working full-time in the ICU and raising my three sons. It is not easy. There are days when I come home exhausted from work and still have schoolwork to complete. There are mornings when I am preparing for work while making sure my boys have everything they need. Some days I wonder how I am going to keep everything together. Then I look at them, and I keep going. Working in the ICU has confirmed that nursing is where I belong. I have seen patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments, and I want to be the nurse who brings compassion into those moments. I want my patients to feel heard, respected, and cared for. My biggest challenge is paying for school while supporting my children and working full-time. This scholarship would help me continue my education and take some of the financial pressure off my family. It would help me move closer to earning my nursing degree without having to choose between my children's needs and my education. I refuse to let money be the reason I do not finish. I refuse to let my past be the reason I stop. I want my boys to watch me earn my degree and understand that hard circumstances do not have to become your future. I am becoming a nurse for myself, but I am also doing it for them. One day, I hope they look back and understand that every long shift, every late night studying, and every sacrifice was worth it. Most of all, I want them to remember that their mother never gave up.

Breast health education is important to me because breast cancer is not just something I have learned about. It is something my family has lived through, and it has changed the person I want to become. My mother is a breast cancer survivor. My grandmother was not so fortunate. She passed away from cancer when she was only 53 years old. She was Native American and did not believe in or trust medicine. Her experience has always stayed with me. I sometimes wonder what could have happened if she had felt comfortable seeking medical care, had more information about her options, or had someone she trusted to advocate for her. Years later, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the same age my grandmother was when she passed away. That was one of the scariest experiences of my life. Hearing that my mother had cancer immediately brought back the memories of losing my grandmother. But there was something else that frightened me even more: my mother had initially been misdiagnosed. I remember knowing that something did not feel right. As her daughter, I was scared and overwhelmed, but I also knew I could not simply sit back and accept an answer that did not make sense to me. I kept thinking, "What if we are wrong? What if we don't ask another question? What if we just accept this and it costs my mother her life?" I was not a doctor. I was not a nurse yet. I did not have all the medical answers. But I knew my mother deserved someone who would speak up for her. Because of the relationships I had developed with people in healthcare, including the chief of surgery and the hospital president, I decided to use my voice. I reached out to them and explained what was happening. I asked questions. I asked them to look at my mother's situation again. Most importantly, I asked for a second opinion. That was not easy for me. There is something intimidating about questioning a medical professional when you are already scared. Part of me worried that I was being difficult or asking too many questions. Another part of me kept thinking about my grandmother and wondering if my mother would become another person my family lost to cancer. I chose to keep speaking anyway. The second opinion helped my mother receive the care she needed, and I truly believe that advocating for her helped save her life. I will never forget that feeling. I learned that advocacy is not always about knowing exactly what to say or having all the answers. Sometimes advocacy means having enough courage to say, "Please look again. Something isn't right." That experience completely changed the way I look at healthcare. I realized that there are so many patients who are sitting in hospital rooms and doctor's offices feeling scared, confused, or overwhelmed. Some may not understand their diagnosis. Some may be afraid to question their doctor. Some may not know that they can ask for another opinion. Others may come from families or communities where there is already a lack of trust in the healthcare system. My grandmother's experience made that especially real to me. I want to help change that. I participate in breast cancer walks and advocate for breast cancer awareness because I want to turn my family's experiences into something positive. I also know that because of my family history, I need to be proactive about my own breast health and learn whether I carry a hereditary cancer risk. That can be frightening to think about, but it also motivates me to become more educated. I am pursuing my nursing degree because I want to become the person I needed during my mother's experience. I want to be the nurse who sits with a patient when they are scared. I want to explain things in a way they can understand instead of making them feel embarrassed for asking questions. I want to listen when a patient says something does not feel right. I want to encourage people to advocate for themselves and to know that their concerns deserve to be heard. To me, breast health education is about much more than learning the facts about cancer. It is about giving people knowledge before they are faced with a diagnosis. It is about helping people understand screenings, risk factors, treatment options, and the importance of asking questions. Education can help take away some of the fear that comes from not knowing what is happening. My grandmother's story reminds me of what can happen when someone does not trust medicine or does not have the information and support they need. My mother's story reminds me of the difference that advocacy and a second opinion can make. I cannot change what happened to my grandmother. I cannot erase the fear my family felt when my mother was diagnosed. But I can carry their stories with me as I continue my education. I want to become a nurse who does more than care for a patient's physical needs. I want to educate, listen, support, and advocate. I want my patients to know that they are not just a diagnosis and that they do not have to face their healthcare journey alone. My family's experience gave me a reason to speak up. My mother's survival gave me hope. My grandmother's story gave me a purpose. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing my nursing degree so that one day I can use my education and my voice to help another person feel heard, informed, and supported when they need it most. Because I have learned firsthand that sometimes, one person being willing to speak up can change everything.

Being a first-generation college student means a lot to me because I am doing something that no one in my immediate family has done before. I did not have someone to show me exactly how to navigate college or tell me what to expect. I have had to learn along the way, make mistakes, and keep figuring things out. For me, being the first means opening a door that I hope my three boys will one day walk through without being afraid to dream big. My journey has not been easy. I am a single mother, I work full-time, and I attend school while raising my children. There have been many days when I was exhausted and wondered how I was going to manage everything. There have also been times when money was so tight that paying for school, books, rent, utilities, and groceries felt impossible. But I kept going because I know what I am working toward. In 2022, I lost my brother and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Trying to recover while working, raising my children, and staying in school became overwhelming. I eventually failed out of my nursing program. That experience hurt because becoming a nurse was something I had worked so hard for. For a while, I questioned myself, but I never completely gave up on my dream. I decided to go back and try again. My boys are one of the biggest reasons I keep pushing. I want them to see that life can be difficult and that sometimes you may fall, but you do not have to stay down. I want them to know that their circumstances do not decide their future. I am also doing this for myself. I have worked too hard and overcome too much to believe that my dream is no longer possible. My dream is to become a nurse and use my career to help people when they need compassion and someone willing to care for them. My faith, my church, and volunteering have also taught me the importance of serving others and giving back. This scholarship would help me continue my education by taking some of the financial pressure off of me. It could help pay for tuition, books, supplies, or other expenses that come with nursing school. Even $1,000 would make a real difference for me and my family. I am not a perfect student, and my journey has definitely not been perfect. But I am determined. I have been knocked down, and I have had to start over, but I am still here. I am still working toward my nursing degree, and I am not giving up. My goal is to finish what I started, build a better future for my children, and use my education to make a difference in someone else's life.

I am a single mother of three boys, a full-time employee, and a nursing student. My journey through college has not been easy, but giving up has never been an option for me. I have had many moments when I wondered how I was going to keep going, but I always remind myself why I started. I want to become a nurse because I want to help people. I want to be there for someone when they are scared, hurting, or going through one of the hardest moments of their life. I know what it feels like to go through difficult situations, and I want to use those experiences to show compassion and understanding to my patients. My road to becoming a nurse has been filled with challenges. In 2022, I lost my brother and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Trying to recover while working, raising three children, and going to school became more than I could handle at the time. I eventually failed out of my nursing program. That was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced because becoming a nurse was something I had worked so hard for. I could have let that failure convince me that I was not meant to be a nurse. Instead, I decided to try again. I went back because I still believe in myself and because I want my boys to see that failing does not mean you are a failure. Sometimes life knocks you down, but you have to find the strength to get back up. Being a first-generation college student has also been challenging. I have had to figure out many things on my own while working full-time and taking care of my family. There have been times when I have had to choose between paying for school, buying groceries, or paying a household bill. Even when money is tight and I am exhausted, I continue because I know that finishing my degree can change the future for my family. My faith, my church, and the people I have been able to help through volunteering have also kept me going. They remind me that there is a purpose behind the things I have been through. I want to use my nursing career to give back and help others who may be facing difficult circumstances. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than just $1,000 to me. It would help with tuition, books, and other school expenses and take some of the financial pressure off of me. Most importantly, it would remind me that someone believes in my dream. I am determined to finish what I started. I want my boys to be proud of me, but I also want to be proud of myself. I have worked hard for this opportunity, and I believe I deserve the chance to finish my nursing degree and make a difference in the lives of others

My impact on women’s empowerment begins with the women who came before me. I come from a family of strong women who took care of their families and faced difficult situations, often putting their own needs last. My great-grandmother, a Native American woman, raised many children and showed me what strength and resilience look like. My grandmother was raised by my great-aunt, which also taught me how women have always stepped up to care for one another. When I look at the women in my family, I see strength, but I also see generations of women whose health and well-being were sometimes overlooked. Those experiences have made me passionate about encouraging women to take care of themselves, speak up, and know that their health matters. My passion for women’s health is also personal. Since I was 14 years old, I have experienced heavy and painful menstrual cycles, along with migraines. Even after having my children, these symptoms continued. Although I have not been formally diagnosed with PMDD or PME, my experiences have shown me how frustrating it can be when women’s symptoms are misunderstood or dismissed. With more than 16 years of healthcare experience in roles including Registered Orthopedic Technologist, Patient Care Technician, Certified Medical Assistant, Nursing Assistant, and Health Unit Coordinator, I have learned that listening is one of the most important parts of healthcare. Women know their bodies, and they deserve healthcare providers who listen, believe them, and take their concerns seriously. As a future registered nurse, I want to empower women through education, advocacy, and compassionate care. I want to encourage women to ask questions, understand their health, and speak up when something does not feel right. I am especially passionate about bringing more awareness to women’s menstrual and reproductive health and advocating for African American women who may experience healthcare disparities. Women of color deserve providers who respect their experiences and do not dismiss their pain. Sometimes, simply having a healthcare professional say, “I hear you, and I believe you,” can make a woman feel empowered to keep advocating for herself. My own journey has taught me that empowerment also comes from example. As a single mother of three boys, I have faced personal, financial, and educational challenges while continuing to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. I want my children and other women to see that difficult circumstances do not have to determine their future. Through my career, I hope to help women feel seen, heard, respected, and confident. I want to honor the women who came before me by helping create a better healthcare experience for the women who come after me. To me, women’s empowerment means reminding women of their strength and helping them know that their voices, health, and dreams matter.

My goal is to become a Registered Nurse and use my career to provide compassionate, quality care to people from all backgrounds. I have worked in healthcare since I was 19 years old and have experience in both front-office and back-office positions. Over the years, I have earned multiple healthcare credentials and developed a deeper appreciation for patient care. After nearly two decades in healthcare, I know that nursing is more than a career for me; it is something I feel called to do. As a nurse, I hope to work in a specialized area such as the ICU, NICU, flight nursing, or even sports medicine. While I am still exploring which specialty will be the best fit for me, my goal will remain the same: to provide care with compassion, respect, and understanding. I also hope to mentor other students and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in healthcare. I believe increasing racial diversity in healthcare is important because representation matters. I am Black, and I did not see my first Black doctor until I was 21 years old. That experience stayed with me. For me, seeing really is believing. When I see people who look like me in healthcare, it reminds me that there is a place for people like me in these careers. When I see people who look like me being treated with respect and receiving good care, it means something. It creates a sense of comfort and trust and shows that everyone deserves to feel represented and valued in healthcare. Representation is also important for the next generation. When young people see doctors, nurses, dentists, and other healthcare professionals who look like them, they can begin to picture themselves in those positions. I want my three sons to grow up knowing that their background does not limit what they can accomplish. I also want to be an example for other Black students who may not have seen many people who look like them in healthcare. My journey to nursing has not been easy. As a 37-year-old single mother of three boys, I have had to balance school, work, parenting, and financial responsibilities. I have also experienced significant loss and personal challenges that could have changed the direction of my life. Instead, those experiences strengthened my determination to keep moving forward. Becoming a nurse will allow me to create a better future for my family while serving my community. I want to provide patients with the same respect and quality of care that I would want for my own family. I also want my presence in healthcare to show others that representation matters. Sometimes, simply seeing someone who looks like you succeed can be the encouragement you need to believe that you can do it too.

I believe one of the biggest contributions I could make is helping people feel comfortable asking for help when they are struggling with their mental health. As a mother of three sons and a future nurse, I understand that life can become overwhelming. People may be dealing with family, school, work, financial stress, or simply trying to get through a difficult time. Sometimes people need someone to listen, but they may not know where to go or may feel embarrassed to ask for help. As a future nurse, I want to be someone who listens without judgment and makes patients feel safe talking about what they are going through. I also want to learn about affordable resources in my community so I can help connect people with counseling, support groups, and other services they may need. Being a mother has taught me that having support can make a big difference. Raising three sons while working toward my goals has not always been easy, and I have learned that asking for help is not a weakness. I want my sons to grow up knowing that it is okay to talk about their feelings and ask for help. I may not be able to fix every problem, but I can listen, show compassion, and help someone take the first step toward getting support. I believe making mental health care more accessible starts with making people feel seen, respected, and comfortable enough to ask for help.

Bishop Mozell Haymon's belief that "life begins with sobriety" has a special meaning to me because I have seen how addiction can affect an entire family, not just the person struggling with it. While I have never battled addiction myself, I grew up watching my father struggle with alcoholism, drug use, and the consequences that followed. Those experiences have shaped the person I am today and the nurse I hope to become. For most of my life, my father was absent because of addiction and incarceration. Growing up without him left a lot of unanswered questions, and for years I wondered what our relationship could have been if addiction had not taken such a strong hold on his life. When I finally got to know him as an adult, I realized he was carrying more than addiction. He also lived with PTSD and used alcohol to cope with pain he never seemed able to escape. A few years ago, his drinking became so severe that he developed pancreatitis and nearly lost his life. Watching him in the hospital was heartbreaking. It made me realize how quickly addiction can take away a person's health, relationships, and future. It also taught me that addiction is often connected to deeper struggles that many people never see. That experience changed the way I look at people. Instead of asking, "What's wrong with them?" I learned to ask, "What have they been through?" Those experiences have also influenced my own choices. I may have an occasional drink in a social setting, but I have always been intentional about making sure alcohol never becomes something I rely on. Seeing what it did to my father made me realize how important healthy coping skills are. My faith, my children, exercise, and my support system have become the ways I manage life's challenges instead of trying to escape them. Recovery has also played a role in my own life. In 2023, I suffered a traumatic brain injury that changed my life overnight. Recovering physically, mentally, and emotionally required patience, determination, and faith. That experience gave me an even deeper appreciation for the healthcare professionals who cared for me and reminded me how important compassion is during someone's most difficult moments. It also reinforced my decision to become a registered nurse. I have worked in healthcare since I was 19 years old, and every experience has strengthened my desire to care for others with empathy and respect. My father's struggles taught me not to judge people by their circumstances, and my own recovery taught me what it feels like to be vulnerable and depend on others for care. Together, those experiences have shaped the kind of nurse I hope to become—someone who listens, encourages, and treats every patient with dignity. Although addiction has been part of my family's story, it does not define mine. Instead, it has taught me the importance of resilience, compassion, and making healthy choices. As I continue my education, I hope to use those lessons to care for others, support patients on their own journeys of healing and recovery, and be the kind of nurse who makes people feel seen, respected, and never alone.

My involvement in my local church has taught me that faith is more than something you believe—it is something you live out by serving others. Over the years, my church has given me opportunities to give back to my community, and those experiences have shaped the way I see people and the way I hope to serve throughout my life. One of the ways I serve is by volunteering with Faith Formula every third Sunday. During these outreach events, we provide free clothing, food, toiletries, and other essential items to individuals and families in need. While we are there to meet practical needs, I've learned that sometimes the most important thing we can offer is kindness. Taking the time to listen to someone, have a conversation, or simply make them feel seen can have just as much of an impact as the items we hand out. Those moments have reminded me that everyone deserves compassion, no matter their circumstances. I also enjoy volunteering at our church's back-to-school community events. It's rewarding to see children excited about starting a new school year and to know that our church is helping families who may be struggling financially. Being part of those events has shown me that even small acts of service can make a big difference in someone's life. Another experience that has stayed with me was participating in community tours throughout the city to learn about the history of the neighborhoods we serve. Learning about the challenges, history, and strengths of our community gave me a greater understanding of the people around me. It taught me that serving others starts with listening, learning, and meeting people where they are instead of making assumptions about their lives. As a single mother of three boys, I want my children to grow up seeing the importance of serving others. I want them to understand that giving back isn't something you do only when it's convenient. It's a responsibility and a way to show love to your community. I hope that by serving alongside me, they will develop the same compassion and desire to help others. I've worked in healthcare since I was 19 years old, and I'm currently pursuing my nursing degree. The lessons I've learned through my church have influenced the way I care for people in my professional life. Whether I'm volunteering in my community or caring for a patient, I want every person I meet to feel respected, heard, and valued. My church has done more than give me opportunities to volunteer—it has shaped my heart for service. It has taught me that faith is shown through action and that serving others is one of the greatest ways we can reflect God's love. Those lessons will continue to guide me as I become a registered nurse and dedicate my career to caring for others.

Most people do not realize my journey into STEM started on the sidelines of a football field. In high school, I was a student athletic trainer, and with my brothers heavily involved in sports, I spent countless hours watching athletic trainers and orthopedic providers care for injuries. I was fascinated by how the human body worked, how injuries healed, and how science could help people recover. That curiosity sparked a passion that has stayed with me ever since. As I got older, I knew I wanted a career where I could combine science with helping others. Instead of waiting until nursing school to gain experience, I immersed myself in healthcare. Over the years, I have worked as an Orthopedic Cast Technician, a Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA), a Patient Care Technician (PCT), a Nursing Assistant (NA), and I currently work nights as a Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) in the Pediatric and Trauma Intensive Care Units (PICU/TICU). Every position has given me a new perspective on patient care and reinforced that nursing is exactly where I belong. My passion for STEM has also been shaped by personal experiences. I watched my grandmother battle multiple cancers that began with cervical cancer. My father fought prostate cancer, and my mother battled breast cancer. I have experienced postpartum complications, survived a car accident that led to the discovery of a brain aneurysm, and lost my brother after his cancer was initially mistaken for pneumonia. Those experiences showed me the importance of healthcare professionals who not only understand the science behind medicine but also treat patients and families with compassion, respect, and empathy. They inspired me to become the kind of nurse who advocates for patients and never stops learning. As a woman in STEM, I hope to make a difference by showing that compassion and resilience are just as valuable as technical knowledge. I know what it means to balance full-time work, nursing school, and raising three boys as a single mother. There are many days when I leave work in the morning, get my children ready for school, cook, clean, study, and squeeze in a workout before getting a few hours of sleep. It is not always easy, but every challenge reminds me why I started this journey. I want my career to be about more than providing excellent patient care. I hope to mentor future nurses, advocate for families during difficult moments, and encourage other women—especially mothers—to pursue careers in STEM without believing they have to choose between their families and their dreams. My journey has taught me that strength is built through perseverance, and I hope to inspire others by showing that success is possible with determination, hard work, and a passion for serving others. Becoming a nurse will allow me to combine my love for science with my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, and I cannot imagine a more rewarding career.

Most people are going to bed when I am heading to work. I work nights as a Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) in the Pediatric and Trauma Intensive Care Units (PICU/TICU), and when my shift is over, I don't get to go home and sleep. I go home to make breakfast, get my three boys ready for school, clean the house, cook, fit in a workout when I can, and study for nursing school before getting a little rest and doing it all over again. It isn't easy, but every sacrifice I make is for my children and for the future I have worked so hard to build. My plan is to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and continue working in critical care as a registered nurse. Healthcare has always been where my heart is. My interest started in high school when I was a student athletic trainer. My brothers played sports, so I spent a lot of time around athletes, trainers, and orthopedic providers. Watching injuries heal and seeing how medical professionals helped people recover sparked my love for science and medicine. That passion led me to work as an Orthopedic Cast Technician, a Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA), a Patient Care Technician (PCT), a Nursing Assistant (NA), and now as a HUC. Every position has taught me something different, but they have all confirmed that nursing is exactly where I belong. My passion for healthcare has also been shaped by personal experiences. I watched my grandmother, father, and mother battle cancer. I experienced postpartum complications after having my children, survived a car accident that led to the discovery of a brain aneurysm, and lost my brother after his cancer was initially mistaken for pneumonia. Those experiences changed the way I see healthcare. They taught me how important it is to listen to patients, advocate for them, and treat every family with compassion and respect. They also reminded me that every patient is someone's loved one. As a single mother of three boys, paying for nursing school while working full-time has been challenging. There have been many times when I questioned how I was going to cover tuition, books, and everyday expenses, but I never questioned whether I would finish. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve some of that financial stress, allowing me to focus more on my education and less on how I will pay for the next semester. This scholarship would do more than help me earn my degree. It would help me continue a journey that started years ago with a love for science and has grown into a lifelong commitment to caring for others. My goal is to become the kind of nurse who makes a difference not only through clinical knowledge but through compassion, empathy, and advocacy. More than anything, I want my sons to see that no matter how difficult life becomes, hard work, determination, and faith can help you achieve your dreams.

The moment I lost my brother to cancer after it was initially mistaken for pneumonia, I realized how profoundly a healthcare professional can impact a patient's life. That heartbreaking experience reinforced something I had known for years—my purpose is to care for others. It strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in nursing, where I can combine science, compassion, and advocacy to make a meaningful difference. My passion for science began long before I entered nursing school. As a student athletic trainer in high school, I worked alongside athletes, witnessed injuries firsthand, and became fascinated by how the body heals. With my brothers actively involved in sports, I spent countless hours around trainers, physicians, and rehabilitation professionals. Those experiences sparked my initial interest in sports medicine and laid the foundation for my healthcare career. That passion continued to grow as I gained experience in the medical field. Over the years, I have worked as an Orthopedic Cast Technician, a Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA), a Patient Care Technician (PCT), and a Nursing Assistant (NA). Each position allowed me to care for patients with different needs while expanding my clinical knowledge and strengthening my desire to become a registered nurse. Every role confirmed that serving others is where I belong. Healthcare has also shaped my life personally. My grandmother battled multiple cancers beginning with cervical cancer. My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and my mother fought breast cancer. I have experienced serious postpartum complications, survived a motor vehicle accident that led to the unexpected diagnosis of a brain aneurysm, and endured the devastating loss of my brother. These experiences have allowed me to see healthcare through the eyes of both a caregiver and a patient. They have taught me the importance of compassion, critical thinking, and advocating for every person entrusted to my care. Today, I work in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, where I witness the resilience of children and their families every day. Outside of work, I volunteer through my church and at my children's school because serving my community is just as important to me as serving my patients. As a single mother of three boys, I work full-time while pursuing my nursing degree because I want my children to see that perseverance, faith, and compassion can overcome life's greatest challenges. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of completing my nursing education and allow me to focus more fully on becoming the best nurse I can be. More importantly, it would help me continue a journey that began years ago through sports medicine and has grown through every patient I have cared for, every challenge I have overcome, and every life that has inspired me. My goal is to use my education and experience to provide exceptional, compassionate care while advocating for patients and improving the health of the communities I serve.

The most challenging part of being a student and a single parent is learning how to balance the responsibilities of raising my children while also working toward a better future for my family. As a single mother of three boys, I have learned that strength is not about never facing difficulties; it is about continuing forward even when life feels impossible. My journey has been filled with challenges, but those challenges have shaped my faith, strengthened my character, and reminded me of the purpose I have for my life. Balancing full-time work, motherhood, and pursuing my nursing degree has required many sacrifices. As the sole provider for my family, I have had to carefully manage my time, finances, and responsibilities. There have been countless nights when I waited until my children were asleep to begin studying. I have worked extra hours, sacrificed sleep, and pushed myself because I know the importance of completing my education. The journey has not always been easy, but every sacrifice has been worth it because I know I am building a better future for my children. My children have been my greatest motivation throughout this journey. They have seen the late nights, the stress, and the hard work it takes to continue pursuing my goals. There have been moments when I fell asleep while studying, and my boys woke up, covered me with a blanket, warmed up my half cup of coffee in the microwave, and turned on my rain sounds so I could rest. Those moments may seem small, but they mean everything to me. They remind me that my children are not just watching my journey; they are part of it. Even when life has been difficult, I have never allowed my storms to take away my children’s childhood. I have worked hard to make sure they continue to experience happiness, opportunities, and a sense of normalcy. They continue to play the sports they love, including baseball, track, and soccer. We pray together, eat meals together at the table, and work out together as a family. We remind each other that we are a team and that we are in this together. My journey has included seasons where I felt like I had lost everything. I remember coming home the day before Thanksgiving to find a notice of eviction proceedings. I was thankful my children were with their grandmother because I needed a moment to cry, pray, and figure out what I was going to do next. I had lost my home, my car, and the security I thought I had. However, during that season, I gained something much greater—my faith grew stronger. I learned to let go, trust God, and believe that my circumstances were not the end of my story. My family has also faced a life-changing accident caused by a drunk driver. During my recovery, I was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. Medical appointments, financial stress, and uncertainty became part of our lives. There were moments when I questioned how I would overcome everything in front of me, but I continued to push forward. My faith, my children, my church family, and my desire to fulfill my purpose gave me the strength to keep going. My faith and my church community have played an important role in my life. Through volunteering and serving others, I have learned the importance of compassion, kindness, and being present for people during difficult times. These experiences have helped shape the nurse I hope to become. I want to provide more than medical care; I want to provide comfort, encouragement, and hope to patients and families who may feel afraid or overwhelmed. One of the most meaningful parts of my journey is that the same hospital that cared for me during one of the hardest moments of my life is now the hospital where I work in the ICU. Going from being a patient receiving compassion to being part of the team providing that same compassion to others is a true full-circle moment. My experiences have given me a unique perspective, and a deeper understanding of what people need when they are facing some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing my nursing degree by reducing some of the financial pressure that comes with being a single parent and student. More importantly, it would help me continue working toward my purpose of becoming a nurse and serving my community. My goal is to show my children that difficult circumstances do not have the power to stop us from achieving our dreams. I may have lost many things along the way, but I never lost my faith, my determination, or my purpose. I am committed to completing my degree, creating a better future for my children, and using my story to encourage and serve others. My journey is proof that even after the hardest storms, there is still a way forward.

Being a single mother of three boys has taught me that challenges do not define my future. They have taught me faith, perseverance, sacrifice, and the importance of continuing forward even when life feels overwhelming. Balancing full-time work, raising my children, and pursuing my nursing degree has been one of the hardest and most rewarding journeys of my life. As the sole provider for my family, I have made many sacrifices to pursue my goals. I have spent countless nights studying after my children were asleep, sometimes falling asleep at my desk with my books open. My boys have seen the dedication behind my journey. There have been times when they woke up, covered me with a blanket, warmed up my half cup of coffee in the microwave, and turned on my rain sounds so I could rest. Those moments remind me that we are not doing this alone—we are in this together. My family has faced many hardships, including a serious car accident caused by a drunk driver. During my recovery, I was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, and our lives changed. There were moments when I felt like I had lost everything, but I never lost my faith. Through prayer, my church community, and determination, I continued moving forward. One of the most meaningful parts of my journey is that the same hospital that cared for me during one of the most difficult times in my life is now the hospital where I work in the ICU. Going from being a patient receiving compassion and care to now providing that same care to others is a true full-circle moment. I am pursuing nursing because I want to use my experiences to bring compassion, hope, and understanding to patients and families during their hardest moments.

Being a single mother to three boys has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life. Every decision I make is centered on providing them with love, stability, and the opportunity to build a better future. My journey toward becoming a nurse has not been easy, but it has shaped me into a person who understands the importance of compassion, perseverance, and serving others during their most difficult moments. Balancing full-time work, motherhood, and pursuing my nursing degree has required tremendous sacrifice and determination. Many nights, after my children were asleep, I stayed up studying and completing assignments because I knew this goal represented more than a career—it represented a better future for my family. As the sole provider for my children, I have learned how to manage responsibilities, overcome challenges, and continue moving forward even when circumstances felt overwhelming. One of the greatest challenges my family faced was being involved in a serious car accident caused by a drunk driver. During my recovery, I was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, and our lives changed in ways we never expected. Medical appointments, financial stress, and uncertainty became part of our daily reality. My children even had to give up activities they loved, including sports, as we focused on recovery and meeting our essential needs. During that season, I felt like I had lost so much, but I never lost my faith. My faith has remained my foundation and has reminded me that my circumstances do not define my future or my purpose. Through every hardship, my children and I have stayed united. Even though life is busy, we make time to pray together, share meals at the table, work out together, and encourage one another. We remind each other that we are a team and that we are in this together. My children have witnessed every sacrifice, every late night, and every challenge, and they have become my greatest motivation to keep going. It took me years to earn my Associate of Science degree, especially while navigating the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I continued because I wanted my children to see that perseverance leads to achievement. One day, they will be able to say, “My mother was a college graduate.” Those words represent so much more than a degree—they represent faith, courage, and the determination to finish what I started. My experiences have strengthened my desire to become a nurse who serves with empathy and understanding. Through volunteering at my church and supporting my community, I have learned the value of compassion and meeting people where they are. I know what it feels like to face uncertainty, fear, and difficult circumstances, and I want my patients and their families to feel seen, supported, and cared for. I believe completing my nursing degree is part of my purpose. Although my journey has included obstacles I never expected, I have continued forward because I know the impact I hope to make. My goal is not only to provide excellent patient care but also to offer hope and encouragement to those who are experiencing some of their hardest moments. My children are my inspiration, my faith is my strength, and my purpose is my motivation. I am determined to complete my nursing degree and use my story to serve others. My journey has taught me that success is not measured by the challenges we face, but by the courage and faith we have to keep moving forward.

My passion for women’s health began long before I ever considered becoming a nurse. It began with the women who came before me. My great-grandmother, a Native American woman, carried the strength and resilience of generations of women while raising many children. My grandmother was raised by my great-aunt, reminding me that women have always carried the responsibilities of family, caregiving, and survival, often while their own health needs went unseen. When I look at the women in my family, I see strength, but I also see generations of women who struggled with health challenges without having the answers or support they deserved. Since I was 14 years old, I have experienced severe menstrual cycles with heavy bleeding and intense pain. After having my children naturally, I was told that the pain I experienced was similar to labor cramps, but my symptoms did not improve after childbirth. I continued to experience heavy cycles and migraines that I have also been diagnosed with. Although I have not received a formal diagnosis of PMDD or PME, my lived experience has shown me how many women suffer with symptoms that are overlooked, misunderstood, or dismissed. My story reflects a larger issue in women’s healthcare. For generations, women have endured pain and emotional struggles connected to their menstrual cycles without having the language, research, or medical support to understand what was happening in their bodies. PMDD and PME represent conditions that deserve greater awareness, education, and recognition. I want to be part of changing that. With over 16 years of healthcare experience as a Registered Orthopedic Technologist, Patient Care Technician, Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant, Nursing Assistant, and Health Unit Coordinator, I have learned that one of the most important parts of healthcare is listening. Patients know their bodies, and they deserve providers who believe them, investigate their concerns, and advocate for their well-being. As a future registered nurse, I hope to help move PMDD and PME from the margins of healthcare into routine recognition. One specific way I want to make an impact is by promoting better screening and education during women’s health visits. Healthcare providers should be encouraged to ask about menstrual patterns, mood changes, pain, and how symptoms affect daily life. Earlier recognition can help women receive support, resources, and appropriate care sooner. My passion also extends to addressing healthcare disparities among African American women. I have advocated in Austin, Texas, because I believe women should not suffer or lose their lives because their pain is ignored. Women of color deserve healthcare providers who listen, respect their experiences, and take action. My journey has taught me resilience. As a single mother who has faced hardships, returned to nursing school, and continued pursuing my dream of becoming a registered nurse, I understand the importance of perseverance. I want to use my experiences to help other women feel seen and heard. My purpose is to honor the women who came before me by creating a better healthcare experience for the women who come after me. Through nursing, advocacy, education, and compassion, I will continue fighting for women’s health and working toward a future where women’s pain is recognized, researched, and treated with the seriousness it deserves. My

For more than 16 years, I have dedicated my life to caring for others in healthcare. Throughout my journey as a Registered Orthopedic Technologist, Patient Care Technician, Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant, Nursing Assistant, and Health Unit Coordinator, I have learned that some of the most meaningful moments in healthcare are not always the biggest or most dramatic. Sometimes, the greatest acts of care happen quietly—when someone takes the time to listen, offer reassurance, or remind another person that they are not alone. One moment that has stayed with me was caring for a patient who was overwhelmed and afraid during their healthcare experience. I could see that their fear was not only about their medical condition but also about feeling uncertain and vulnerable. I took the time to sit with them, listen to their concerns, answer their questions, and provide reassurance. That moment did not require a complicated medical intervention. It required patience, compassion, and the willingness to truly see the person in front of me. It revealed to me that presence is one of the most powerful forms of care we can provide. Shaunterrio “Shaun” Hudson’s legacy represents the type of healthcare professional I aspire to become. Shaun’s work as a NeuroInterventional Radiology technologist required advanced skill and knowledge, but what stood out most was the kindness and humanity he brought to others. He understood that every patient was someone’s whole world. His story reminds me that healthcare is not only about what we do with our hands—it is also about what we give with our hearts. My own journey has strengthened my connection to Shaun’s values. I have experienced hardship, including setbacks in nursing school that caused me to fail twice. However, I refused to give up. After facing personal challenges, I was accepted back into my nursing program, and I am determined to finish what I started. As a single mother raising three boys, my children are my motivation. I want them to see that challenges do not define us—our determination to keep going does. My experiences have taught me that many people enter healthcare carrying more than a diagnosis. They may be carrying fear, financial stress, family struggles, or emotional pain that is not immediately visible. Because I have faced my own challenges, I have developed a deeper level of empathy for others. I understand the importance of having someone believe in you, encourage you, and remind you that your circumstances do not determine your future. The moments when I have shown up for patients, my family, and others have revealed my true calling. I am not pursuing nursing simply as a career; I am pursuing it because caring for people is part of who I am. I want to become the nurse who notices when someone is struggling, who takes an extra moment to listen, who advocates for patients, and who provides care with dignity and compassion. As I continue my nursing journey, I hope to honor Shaun’s legacy by bringing together knowledge, skill, and humanity. My goal is to make every patient feel seen, valued, and cared for. For my three sons, for my future patients, and for the people who need someone willing to show up, I will continue moving forward. Shaun’s life reminds me that the greatest impact a healthcare professional can make is not only saving lives, but also touching lives through compassion, kindness, and genuine presence.

My experience with mental health has shaped every part of who I am today—my goals, my relationships, and the way I understand the world. Mental health is not just a topic I have learned about; it is something I have experienced, struggled with, and grown through. My journey has taught me that behind every person is a story, and many battles are invisible to the people around them. In 2023, my life changed in a way I never expected. During a difficult period involving my children’s father, I experienced a legal hardship that resulted in me being separated from my children. During that same season, both of my older children experienced a mental health crisis. As a mother, watching my children struggle emotionally was one of the most painful experiences of my life. It forced me to look deeper—not only at what my children needed but also at the pain I had carried throughout my own life. My understanding of mental health began long before that moment. I was raised in Flint, Michigan, by a single mother who did everything she could to provide for me. My father was incarcerated for my entire childhood, and growing up without him left emotional wounds that I did not fully understand until I became an adult. My mother loved me, but she also carried her own trauma from experiencing abuse and hardship. As I matured, I realized that unresolved pain can affect families for generations unless someone chooses to acknowledge it, heal from it, and create a different future. For years, I searched for healing in places that could never truly provide it. I experienced the struggles of being a single mother, being in a toxic relationship, and trying to cope with the pressure of life. I looked for comfort through alcohol and relationships, hoping something outside of myself could heal what was hurting inside. Eventually, I realized that avoiding my pain was keeping me from growing. Healing required honesty, self-reflection, and the courage to face the parts of myself I had ignored. My healing journey began when I focused on understanding myself and breaking unhealthy patterns. I started reading personal development books such as The Mastery of Self by Don Miguel Ruiz Jr., which helped me examine my thoughts, emotions, and choices. I learned that I could not change my past, but I could change how I responded to it. Most importantly, I found healing through my relationship with God. Years ago, during a time when I felt overwhelmed by the pressures of being a single mother and life’s challenges, Pastor Freddie Haynes welcomed me into Friendship-West Baptist Church. That community gave me encouragement, faith, and a reminder that my struggles did not define my future. My experiences with mental health have shaped my goals by giving me a deeper purpose. After facing hardships, I was accepted back into nursing school, and I am determined to become a registered nurse. Nursing is more than a career choice for me—it is a calling. I want to care for patients not only physically but emotionally. I understand what it feels like to need compassion, support, and someone willing to listen. I hope to become the type of nurse who sees the whole person, not just their diagnosis. My relationships have also changed because of my mental health journey. I have learned the importance of communication, boundaries, forgiveness, and self-awareness. I strive to be a better mother by creating a safe environment where my children know their emotions matter and that asking for help is a strength. I have learned that love requires patience, understanding, and the willingness to grow. Most importantly, my experiences have changed how I view the world. I no longer judge people based only on what I see on the outside. I understand that many people are carrying trauma, grief, fear, or struggles that others may never know. Mental health has taught me to lead with compassion instead of judgment and to remember that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal. At 37 years old, I believe my life experiences were not meant to break me but to prepare me. Every challenge has shaped my resilience, strengthened my faith, and guided me toward my purpose. My journey with mental health has transformed me into a stronger mother, a more compassionate future nurse, and an advocate for others. I want to use my story to remind people that healing is possible, that their past does not define them, and that with support, faith, and determination, a better future can be created.

The day my mother rang the bell to celebrate the end of her cancer treatment changed my life forever. Although she survived cancer, she continues to manage diabetes every day. As a single mother, I have also watched my son, who is high functioning with ADHD and considered borderline prediabetic, face health challenges of his own. I also live with a brain aneurysm while working night shifts, raising my son, and pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse. Despite these obstacles, I remain committed to living a healthy lifestyle because I believe the choices we make today can change our future. These experiences have shown me that nutrition is not just about food—it is about prevention, healing, and giving people the opportunity to live healthier lives. They have inspired me to pursue a nursing career where I can make a lasting difference in the health of others. My family's health challenges have taught me the importance of education and prevention. I have seen how proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and consistent medical care can improve quality of life. I have also learned that healthy living requires discipline and consistency. Even while working overnight shifts, managing my own health, and caring for my son, I make time to work out regularly because I believe I must practice the lifestyle I hope to encourage in others. My experiences have shown me how difficult it can be for families to prioritize their health without the right knowledge, support, or resources. As a nurse, I want to bridge that gap by helping patients understand how everyday choices can prevent chronic diseases and improve their overall well-being. I plan to encourage healthier eating habits by providing practical nutrition education that patients can use every day. I want to teach families how to prepare balanced meals, understand portion sizes, read nutrition labels, and choose healthier foods that fit their budgets. I know firsthand that healthy eating does not have to be expensive or complicated—it simply requires education, planning, and consistency. I also plan to promote gardening as a way to improve nutrition and overall wellness. Growing fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs can make healthy foods more affordable while encouraging physical activity and family involvement. Gardening teaches children and adults where their food comes from and helps build lifelong healthy eating habits. I believe it is a simple yet powerful way to strengthen both physical health and community wellness. In addition to healthy eating, I believe mental health is essential to creating a healthier lifestyle. A positive mindset helps people stay motivated, manage stress, and make healthier decisions. As a nurse, I will encourage patients to care for their emotional well-being through stress management, self-care, and healthy coping strategies because lasting health begins with both the mind and the body. My experiences as a single mother, the daughter of a cancer survivor living with diabetes, the mother of a son with high-functioning ADHD who is also borderline prediabetic, and a woman managing my own health while working night shifts have given me compassion, resilience, and determination. Throughout my nursing career, I plan to improve people's nutrition and overall health by leading through example, promoting healthier eating habits, encouraging gardening, supporting mental wellness, and empowering patients to take control of their health. Nursing is more than my career goal—it is my opportunity to transform my family's experiences into hope, education, and healing for others.

Being a single mother to three boys has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life. Every decision I make is centered on providing them with stability, love, and the opportunity to build a better future. Balancing full-time work, raising my children, and pursuing a nursing degree has taught me perseverance, resilience, and sacrifice. Through every challenge, my faith has reminded me that my circumstances do not define my future or my worth. Pursuing my nursing degree has required countless late nights studying after my children were asleep, careful financial planning, and many personal sacrifices. As the sole provider for my family, I have worked hard to keep us moving forward while remaining committed to my education. One of the most difficult moments in our lives came when we were involved in a serious car accident caused by a drunk driver. During my recovery, I was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, and everything changed. Medical appointments, financial stress, and uncertainty became part of our daily lives. My boys even had to give up playing sports because our priorities shifted to recovery and meeting our basic needs. Despite these hardships, I refused to give up on my education because I knew earning my nursing degree would create a better future for my family. My church and faith have been a constant source of strength. Through prayer, encouragement, and the support of my church family, I learned that although I have had to work harder than many to reach my goals, I am just as deserving of the opportunity to earn my degree. Those experiences strengthened my confidence and my commitment to serving others. My children inspire me every day. I want them to see that resilience, faith, and determination can overcome even life's greatest obstacles. I also want them to know that success is not determined by where you begin but by the courage to keep moving forward. These experiences have shaped the nurse I hope to become. Through volunteering at my church and supporting my community, I have learned the importance of compassion, service, and meeting people where they are. I want to provide not only excellent patient care but also hope and encouragement to families facing difficult circumstances. My journey has prepared me to serve others with empathy, integrity, and gratitude, and I am determined to use my education to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients and my community.

Working as a Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has given me a firsthand view of the healthcare challenges many individuals and families in my community face. One of the most significant issues I have witnessed is the impact of delayed medical care caused by financial hardship, limited access to healthcare resources, and a lack of health education. Too often, patients arrive in critical condition after postponing treatment because they could not afford medical care, lacked health insurance, or did not recognize the severity of their symptoms until it was too late. These experiences have shown me that healthcare extends far beyond treating illness—it also requires education, prevention, advocacy, and compassion. My understanding of these challenges is not limited to what I have witnessed in the hospital. As a single mother of three boys, I have personally experienced the stress of balancing work, school, and financial responsibilities while trying to meet my family's healthcare needs. There have been times when every dollar had to be carefully budgeted to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and educational expenses. Those experiences have given me a deeper appreciation for the difficult decisions many families make when financial limitations compete with healthcare needs. They have also strengthened my empathy for patients who are facing circumstances beyond their control. My own journey has included significant obstacles. In 2022, I lost my brother, and while coping with that devastating loss, I also suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Managing my recovery while working full-time, raising my children, and pursuing nursing school became overwhelming, and I was ultimately dismissed from the nursing program. Although that setback was heartbreaking, it taught me resilience and reinforced my commitment to serving others. After three years of healing, rebuilding my confidence, and continuing to work, I was proud to be readmitted to nursing school. My healthcare studies are providing me with the knowledge and clinical skills needed to make a meaningful difference in my community. Beyond learning evidence-based patient care, I am developing a greater understanding of disease prevention, patient education, cultural competence, and the importance of advocating for vulnerable populations. These skills will allow me to help patients understand their health conditions, navigate available resources, and make informed decisions before medical problems become life-threatening. My goal is to become an ICU Registered Nurse, where I can provide exceptional care to critically ill patients while supporting families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I also hope to use my experiences to build trust with patients who may feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the healthcare system. Having faced adversity myself, I understand the importance of compassion, listening without judgment, and treating every patient with dignity and respect. The challenges I have witnessed in my community have strengthened my desire to become a nurse who not only delivers excellent clinical care but also serves as an advocate for education, prevention, and equitable access to healthcare. I believe my personal experiences, combined with my nursing education, will allow me to improve the lives of the patients and families I serve and make a lasting impact within my community.

As a single mother of three boys, my academic journey has been shaped by challenges, sacrifice, and perseverance. While pursuing my nursing degree, I have worked full-time to provide for my family, often juggling work, parenting, and school responsibilities with very little rest. Many nights have been spent studying after my children were asleep, only to wake up a few hours later to start another long day. The exhaustion has been overwhelming. Financial hardship has also impacted my education. As the sole provider for my household, I have struggled to balance tuition, books, rent, utilities, and groceries. There have been periods when food was scarce and every dollar had to be carefully stretched to meet my family's needs. The stress of financial insecurity, combined with the demands of school and work, has made earning a degree especially difficult. In 2022, I experienced one of the most devastating losses of my life when my brother passed away, while trying to cope with that grief, I also suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Recovering from my injury while managing work, school, and parenting became overwhelming, and despite my determination, I ultimately failed out of the nursing program. Although that setback was heartbreaking, I refused to give up on my dream. Over the past three years, I have continued working, healing, and rebuilding my confidence. I am proud to have been reaccepted into nursing school. I am pursuing a nursing degree because I want to make a difference in the lives. My goal is to become an ICU Registered Nurse. My experiences with loss, hardship, and recovery have strengthened my compassion and resilience. Completing my degree will allow me to provide a better future for my children while serving others with empathy, dedication, and exceptional care.

My journey toward becoming an ICU Registered Nurse has been marked by challenges, loss, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to my dream. While my path has not been traditional, every obstacle I have faced has strengthened my determination to succeed and serve others through nursing. I am a single mother of three amazing boys, and they are the driving force behind everything I do. Balancing full-time employment, raising three children, and pursuing a nursing education has required sacrifices, long hours, and tremendous resilience. There have been many moments when the demands of life felt overwhelming, but my desire to create a better future for my family and make a difference in the lives of patients has kept me moving forward. In 2022, just before starting nursing school, I experienced one of the most devastating losses of my life when my brother passed away. Losing him was heartbreaking, and the grief affected every aspect of my life. While trying to navigate that loss, I also suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which created additional physical, emotional, and academic challenges. Tasks that once seemed simple became difficult, and I struggled to keep up with the rigorous demands of nursing school. Despite giving my best effort, the combination of grief, recovery from my injury, and the pressures of school ultimately led to me failing out of the nursing program. That experience was incredibly painful. I questioned myself and my future, but I never stopped believing in my goal of becoming a nurse. I knew that the setbacks I faced did not define my abilities or my potential. Instead of giving up, I focused on healing, rebuilding my confidence, and preparing for another opportunity. Over the last three years, I have continued working full-time, supporting my family, and proving to myself that I could overcome adversity. Today, I am proud to say that I have been reaccepted into nursing school and am ready to finish what I started. This second chance means everything to me. My experiences have given me a deeper understanding of compassion, resilience, and the importance of quality healthcare. Having personally experienced loss, recovery, and hardship, I understand how critical it is for patients and families to have nurses who provide not only excellent clinical care but also empathy and support during difficult times. My career goal is to become an ICU RN, caring for critically ill patients and their families when they need it most. I am drawn to critical care because it combines advanced medical knowledge with compassionate patient advocacy. I want to be the nurse who remains calm in a crisis, provides comfort to families, and helps patients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Receiving this scholarship would have a significant impact on my educational journey and career goals. As a single mother, the financial burden of tuition, books, fees, and living expenses can be overwhelming. This scholarship would allow me to reduce financial stress, dedicate more time to my studies, and focus on successfully completing my nursing education. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to providing a stable future for my children and achieving a dream that I have worked tirelessly to pursue. My story is one of perseverance. Despite loss, injury, setbacks, and the challenges of single parenthood, I have continued moving forward. I am determined to complete nursing school, become an ICU nurse, and use my experiences to provide compassionate care to others while showing my sons that resilience, hard work, and faith in yourself can turn even the most difficult obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.

One of the “awkward” things about me—something that makes me a little different in a way that has shaped who I am—is that I often carry both deep seriousness and unexpected lightness in the same breath. On the surface, I can seem like someone who has had to grow up quickly, and in many ways I have. I am a single mother of three boys, I work multiple jobs, and I have navigated homelessness, financial instability, and a traumatic brain injury that forced me to rebuild my life and restart my nursing education. Because of that, people sometimes expect me to always be hardened, constantly serious, or emotionally guarded. But what makes me stand out is that I never lost my ability to find joy in small, almost childlike moments—even in the middle of heavy responsibility. I am the kind of person who believes adults need “recess,” laughter, and space to breathe, even when life feels overwhelming. That idea actually led me to imagine an “Adult Recess Center,” a place where people can reconnect with joy, creativity, and play no matter how heavy their responsibilities are. It might sound a little unusual, but it comes from a very real place in me: I understand what it feels like to grow up too fast, to carry stress that most people never see, and to still need space to feel human. Another “awkward” thing about me is that I do not fit neatly into a traditional timeline or path. While many people my age may feel settled into their careers or routines, I am re-entering nursing school again at 36, but i look like I'm 26. I have been a healthcare worker for 19 years in roles like Patient Care Technician, Medical Assistant, and trauma coordinator, yet I am still a student working toward my RN. Instead of seeing that as something to be embarrassed about, I have learned to embrace it as part of my story. It means I bring both lived experience and humility into every classroom and clinical setting. On the flip side, i send my condolences because gun violence it is something that has shaped the environment I grew up in and continues to affect how I move through the world as a mother, student, and future nurse. Those experiences left a lasting impression on me and made me aware of how quickly lives can be changed or taken away. Even as I worked hard to build a different path for myself, those realities never fully left my awareness and i work level one trauma. I see it. All in All, what makes me stand out is not one single unusual trait, but the combination of seriousness and softness, hardship and humor, structure and imagination. I have lived through situations that required me to grow up quickly, but I have also held onto a sense of creativity, empathy, and hope that keeps me moving forward. That balance is what I will bring into nursing—especially in high-acuity environments where both skill and humanity matter. I'm me and that is my power which is awkward to most.

I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I have always been drawn to caring for people during their most vulnerable and critical moments. That calling became clearer through both my personal life experiences and my long career in healthcare. I have worked in patient care since I was 19 years old, serving in roles such as Patient Care Technician, Medical Assistant, and Coordinator in Level I trauma settings. In these environments, I witnessed the intensity of life-and-death situations and saw firsthand the difference skilled, compassionate nurses make for patients and families. Over time, I realized I did not just want to support healthcare teams—I wanted to be the nurse at the bedside providing direct care, advocacy, and comfort when it matters most. My inspiration to fully commit to nursing also comes from deeply personal experiences. During my first year of college, I lost my grandmother, who was one of the most important people in my life. Walking alongside her during her illness and experiencing her passing had a lasting impact on me. I remember the nurses who cared for her with patience, dignity, and compassion, not only supporting her but also helping our family navigate fear, grief, and uncertainty. In those moments, I saw that nursing is more than a profession—it is a human connection that brings stability and comfort during life’s most difficult times. That experience planted a seed in me that has never left. My journey has also been shaped by significant adversity. As a single mother of three boys, I have had to balance raising my children, working multiple jobs, and continuing my education. I have faced homelessness, financial instability, and periods where I felt like I was starting over from nothing. Three years ago, I suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a drunk driver, which forced me to step away from nursing school and focus on recovery. That experience challenged me physically, emotionally, and mentally in ways I never expected. Rebuilding my life while caring for my children required resilience, faith, and determination. Through it all, I refused to let go of my goal of becoming a nurse. These experiences have shaped not only my character but also the kind of nurse I aspire to become. I understand what it feels like to be vulnerable, overwhelmed, and in need of compassionate care. I also understand the importance of dignity, patience, and empathy in healing. Because of this, I am committed to providing care that treats patients as whole individuals—not just diagnoses or conditions. I am currently reaccepted into an ADN program for Fall 2026, and my long-term goal is to become an ICU and Flight Nurse. I am drawn to critical care because I thrive in fast-paced environments where critical thinking, teamwork, and compassion must come together under pressure. I want to be part of the team that stabilizes patients in their most critical moments and supports families through some of the hardest experiences of their lives. Pursuing nursing is not just a career choice for me—it is a lifelong commitment shaped by experience, loss, resilience, and purpose. I want to use everything I have lived through to provide compassionate, skilled care and to be a source of strength for others when they need it most. I found out about this scholarship through BOLD.

What inspired me to pursue an advanced nursing degree is both my personal journey and my professional experience in healthcare over the past 18 years. I have worked in patient care since I was 19, including roles as a Patient Care Technician, Medical Assistant, and Coordinator in Level I trauma settings. These experiences showed me early on how critical skilled, compassionate nursing care is in moments where patients and families are at their most vulnerable. Over time, I didn’t just want to support care—I wanted to be the one directly providing it, making clinical decisions, advocating for patients, and being fully present at the bedside as a nurse. My path has not been linear. As a single mother of three boys, I have had to balance parenting, working multiple jobs, and pursuing my education simultaneously. I have also faced significant adversity, including homelessness, financial instability, and a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a drunk driver, which forced me to step away from nursing school. Rebuilding after that experience required not only physical and cognitive recovery, but also emotional strength and faith. Being reaccepted into an ADN program for Fall 2026 represents more than a return to school—it represents resilience, restoration, and a continued commitment to my purpose. These experiences have deeply shaped my nursing goals. I am pursuing a career in nursing because I want to work in high-acuity environments where critical thinking, speed, and compassion intersect. My goal is to become an ICU nurse and ultimately a Flight Nurse. I am drawn to critical care because I understand, both personally and professionally, how quickly life can change and how essential it is to have skilled providers who can remain calm, focused, and compassionate under pressure. I want to be part of the team that stabilizes patients during their most life-threatening moments and provides families with both clarity and comfort in crisis. Beyond technical skill, my goal is to bring humanity into every patient interaction. My life experiences have taught me empathy in a way that cannot be learned from textbooks alone. I understand what it feels like to be overwhelmed, to fight through adversity, and to rebuild from loss. That understanding drives my commitment to patient advocacy and holistic care. Pursuing my nursing degree is not just an academic achievement for me—it is the continuation of a lifelong calling. My goal is to combine my extensive hands-on healthcare experience, my personal resilience, and my passion for critical care into a career where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families during their most critical moments.

My inspiration to pursue a nursing career began with my grandmother. Losing her during my first year of college was one of the most defining moments of my life. Watching her decline and experiencing her passing showed me how fragile life can be, but it also revealed something powerful: the impact of compassionate nursing care. In the middle of fear, grief, and uncertainty, I remember the nurses who showed patience, dignity, and kindness—not only to her, but to our entire family. They became a source of stability during one of the hardest times of my life, and in that moment, I knew I wanted to become that same source of strength for others. My path to nursing has also been shaped by my own lived experiences. I grew up believing I had a happy childhood, but as I matured, I began to recognize the effects of trauma that came from growing up too quickly due to environment, circumstances, and adversity. Those experiences shaped my resilience, but they also gave me a deep sense of empathy for others who carry invisible burdens. I understand what it means to function through pain, to keep going when life feels overwhelming, and to need compassion when you are at your most vulnerable. Nursing, to me, is about recognizing the whole person—not just the diagnosis, but the story behind it. If I had the opportunity to create something fun that could make the world better, I would create an “Adult Recess Center.” In a world where adults are constantly managing stress, responsibility, and emotional weight, I believe many people lose access to joy and simple play. My vision would be a safe space where adults could step away from pressure and reconnect with themselves through creative activities, movement, games, mindfulness, and community connection. It would be a place where laughter and healing are encouraged, not overlooked. This idea comes from my understanding that many people, like me, had to grow up too fast and carry adult responsibilities long before they were emotionally ready. Those experiences often leave people exhausted and disconnected from joy. An Adult Recess Center would be a reminder that healing is not only found in seriousness and struggle, but also in rest, laughter, and human connection. As I continue my journey toward becoming a nurse, I carry these experiences with me. They have shaped my compassion, strengthened my determination, and deepened my commitment to serving others with empathy and respect. My goal is to become the kind of nurse who not only provides excellent clinical care but also sees people fully—especially in their most vulnerable moments—and helps restore both dignity and hope.

When I think about the qualities that Margaret embodied—compassion, resilience, perseverance, and service to others—I see many of those same values reflected in my own journey. My dream of becoming a nurse has been with me for most of my life, and despite countless obstacles, I have never stopped pursuing it. At 37 years old, I have learned that true strength is not measured by how many times life knocks you down, but by your willingness to stand back up and keep moving forward. For the past 18 years, I have dedicated my career to healthcare. Since I was 19 years old, I have worked in various patient care roles, including as a Patient Care Technician, Medical Assistant, and Coordinator in Level I trauma settings. These experiences allowed me to witness both the fragility of life and the incredible impact compassionate healthcare professionals can have on patients and families during their most difficult moments. Those experiences solidified my desire to become a nurse and ultimately pursue my goal of becoming an ICU and Flight Nurse. My path has been anything but easy. I am a single mother raising three boys while working multiple jobs to support my family and continue my education. Along the way, I have experienced homelessness, financial hardship, and periods of overwhelming adversity. Three years ago, my life changed dramatically when I suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a drunk driver. The injury forced me to withdraw from nursing school, placing my dreams on hold and requiring me to focus on healing physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Losing my place in nursing school was devastating. I had worked so hard to get there, and suddenly everything I had built felt like it was slipping away. At the same time, I was trying to care for my children and navigate mounting financial challenges. The difficulties continued when my son suffered a serious injury and broke his pitching arm, creating additional emotional and financial strain on our family. To survive, I drained my savings and exhausted every resource available to me. There were moments when I felt completely overwhelmed, unsure of how I would rebuild my life. Yet through every setback, I refused to quit. My faith in God carried me through the darkest moments when I felt I had lost everything. When circumstances suggested that my dream was no longer possible, I held onto hope and continued moving forward one step at a time. Today, I am proud to say that I have been reaccepted into the Fall 2026 Associate Degree Nursing program. That acceptance represents far more than admission into a program—it represents perseverance, healing, and the fulfillment of a dream that adversity could not take away. Receiving this scholarship would significantly reduce the financial barriers that continue to challenge me as I pursue my nursing education. Supporting three children while balancing work, tuition, books, clinical expenses, transportation, and daily living costs is a constant struggle. This scholarship would allow me to devote more time and energy to my studies and clinical training instead of worrying about how to meet every financial obligation. My experiences have shaped the nurse I aspire to become. Having been a healthcare worker, a patient recovering from a traumatic injury, and a mother fighting for her family, I understand the importance of empathy, advocacy, and compassionate care. I know firsthand what it feels like to be vulnerable and in need of support. Because of this, I am committed to providing exceptional care to patients and families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. My goal is to serve in critical care and eventually become a Flight Nurse, caring for patients during emergencies when skilled, compassionate intervention can make the difference between life and death. I want to use both my professional experience and personal hardships to connect with patients, advocate for them, and provide the kind of care that leaves a lasting impact. My story is not one of defeat; it is one of perseverance. I have faced homelessness, financial hardship, single parenthood, serious injury, near death, mama issues, daddy issues you name it I'm sure I have a story. The setbacks that could have ended my educational journey made me a walking testimony. I could have had a pity party Instead; those experiences strengthened my resolve and deepened my commitment to nursing. I am still here. I am still standing. And I am more determined than ever to complete my education and dedicate my life to serving others. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue turning adversity into purpose and honoring Margaret's legacy through compassionate service, resilience, and unwavering dedication to those in need.

I believe I should be chosen for this scholarship because I have dedicated my life to helping others and have remained committed to my goals despite facing significant personal and financial challenges. As a 37-year-old single mother of three boys, I understand the importance of perseverance, responsibility, and hard work. Every decision I make is driven by my desire to create a better future for my children while pursuing a career that has always been my true calling. I have worked in healthcare since I was 19 years old and have gained experience in numerous roles, including both front-office and back-office positions. Throughout the years, I have earned multiple healthcare credentials and developed a deep appreciation for patient care. Working closely with patients and healthcare teams has strengthened my passion for nursing and confirmed that this is where I belong. I have spent nearly two decades serving others, and becoming a Registered Nurse is the next step in fulfilling my purpose and expanding the impact I can make. Financially, returning to school while raising three children on a single income presents many challenges. In addition to tuition, there are expenses for books, uniforms, clinical supplies, transportation, and household necessities. Like many adult learners, I must balance educational goals with the financial responsibilities of supporting a family. Receiving this scholarship would provide meaningful relief and allow me to focus more of my energy on succeeding in my nursing program rather than worrying about how I will cover educational expenses. It would help bridge the gap between where I am today and the future I am working so hard to achieve. My journey has also included overcoming adversity. In 2022 I lost my brother. He was misdiagnosed and died from what we now know was cancer. In 2023, I experienced a life-altering injury that challenged me physically and emotionally. A brain Aneurysm diagnosed from a drunk driver nearly killing me and my children. However, I refused to let that setback define me. Instead, it strengthened my determination to keep moving forward. I continue to show up every day for myself, my children, and my goals with resilience and a positive outlook. Once established in my nursing career, I plan to give back by serving patients with compassion, empathy, and excellence. I hope to work in specialized areas such as flight nursing, ICU, NICU, or even sports medicine as an NFL nurse. Beyond patient care, I want to mentor future healthcare professionals and encourage others who may feel that obstacles stand in the way of their dreams. My experiences have taught me that success is not about avoiding challenges but about continuing to move forward despite them. This scholarship would not only support my education—it would help me continue a lifelong mission of caring for others while building a brighter future for my family and community.