My name is Layla, and one thing that has always defined me is my desire to help others feel safe, supported, and understood. Growing up, I learned how powerful it can be to have someone in your corner who listens, cares, and shows up when you need it most. That understanding inspired me to dedicate my future to making sure others, especially children, have that same kind of support. I want to be the person who provides care, comfort, and hope when life feels confusing or scary. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my career in pediatric forensic nursing. While many people enter nursing to work at the bedside, my passion goes beyond traditional care. I want to use my degree to advocate for children who cannot protect themselves, to provide both medical care and emotional support, and to ensure that vulnerable children feel heard and valued. Pediatric forensic nursing allows me to do more than treat symptoms it allows me to protect, comfort, and empower young patients while helping guide their families through difficult situations. In this specialty, I hope to be a voice for children who may be scared, confused, or unsure how to express what they are experiencing. I want to create a safe environment where children feel understood and supported, and where families receive guidance and reassurance during challenging times. Even small actions offering a gentle explanation, providing a comforting presence, or carefully documenting important information can make a lasting difference in a child’s life, and I hope to provide those moments every day. Through my career, I want to combine medical skill with empathy, patience, and strength. I want to use my education to protect children, advocate for their needs, and contribute to a system that prioritizes their safety and well-being. Nursing, for me, is not just a career it is a purpose. Each interaction with a child and their family is an opportunity to bring comfort, hope, and healing. Ultimately, my goal is to make the world safer and more supportive for children, one patient at a time. By dedicating myself to pediatric forensic nursing, I hope to leave a meaningful, lasting impact helping children feel heard, valued, and cared for, even in their most vulnerable moments. This is the kind of nurse I aspire to be, and it is the way I hope to make a difference in the world.

I want to enter the nursing field as a pediatric forensic nurse because my passion goes beyond traditional bedside care. Many people choose nursing because they want to help patients recover physically, and that is important but for me, nursing has always meant something deeper. I want to use my degree to protect children who cannot protect themselves, to be a voice for those who are afraid to speak, and to make sure that every child receives the care, respect, and support they deserve. Pediatric forensic nursing stood out to me because it combines medical care with advocacy. It allows me not only to treat children medically, but also to help ensure their safety and well-being when they are going through situations no child should have to face. I feel called to this specialty because I want to be part of the healing process in a way that reaches further than the hospital room. I want to help create a space where children feel safe, heard, and believed. Entering this field, I hope to gain the skills to carefully assess, comfort, and support young patients while working with teams who protect their physical and emotional well-being. I want to learn how to stay calm in stressful situations, how to speak gently with children who are scared or confused, and how to document and communicate clearly so that nothing important is overlooked. More than anything, I hope to grow into a nurse who balances compassion with strength someone who can care for a child while also standing up for them. The impact I hope to make in this specialty is simple but powerful: I want to help break cycles of harm by giving children safety, support, and hope. Even small moments listening without judgment, offering comfort, or helping them feel safe in a medical environment can mean everything to a child who has been through something difficult. I want to be the nurse who makes those moments count. I hope that my work will help protect children, guide families toward the right resources, and make a real difference in their futures. For me, becoming a pediatric forensic nurse isn’t just a career choice it’s a purpose. It’s a way to use my voice, my skills, and my heart to help children feel safe again and to make sure their stories matter. That is the kind of nurse I aspire to be.

I want to enter the nursing field as a pediatric forensic nurse because my passion goes beyond traditional bedside care. Many people choose nursing because they want to help patients recover physically, and that is important but for me, nursing has always meant something deeper. I want to use my degree to protect children who cannot protect themselves, to be a voice for those who are afraid to speak, and to make sure that every child receives the care, respect, and support they deserve. Pediatric forensic nursing stood out to me because it combines medical care with advocacy. It allows me not only to treat children medically, but also to help ensure their safety and well-being when they are going through situations no child should have to face. I feel called to this specialty because I want to be part of the healing process in a way that reaches further than the hospital room. I want to help create a space where children feel safe, heard, and believed. Entering this field, I hope to gain the skills to carefully assess, comfort, and support young patients while working with teams who protect their physical and emotional well-being. I want to learn how to stay calm in stressful situations, how to speak gently with children who are scared or confused, and how to document and communicate clearly so that nothing important is overlooked. More than anything, I hope to grow into a nurse who balances compassion with strength someone who can care for a child while also standing up for them. The impact I hope to make in this specialty is simple but powerful: I want to help break cycles of harm by giving children safety, support, and hope. Even small moments listening without judgment, offering comfort, or helping them feel safe in a medical environment can mean everything to a child who has been through something difficult. I want to be the nurse who makes those moments count. I hope that my work will help protect children, guide families toward the right resources, and make a real difference in their futures. For me, becoming a pediatric forensic nurse isn’t just a career choice it’s a purpose. It’s a way to use my voice, my skills, and my heart to help children feel safe again and to make sure their stories matter. That is the kind of nurse I aspire to be.

The teacher who influenced me the most is Mrs. Modlin. I’ve known her since the third grade, and from the moment I met her, something about her felt different. Back then, I didn’t realize how important she would become in my life, but looking back now, I can honestly say she grew into someone who felt like a second mother to me. She wasn’t just a teacher who stood at the front of a classroom—she was someone who saw me, listened to me, and understood me in ways I didn’t even understand myself yet. Throughout the years, especially as I got older, she became a steady place for me whenever life felt confusing or overwhelming. Whenever I had a down day, she always seemed to notice before I even said a word. She had this gentle way of checking in, making me laugh, or simply reminding me that things would get better. I could talk to her about almost anything—boys who broke my heart, situations at home that I didn’t fully understand, or moments where I felt unsure of who I was becoming. She never brushed off my feelings or made me feel dramatic. Instead, she listened with patience and spoke with honesty, even when the truth was something I needed to hear more than I wanted to hear. What made Mrs. M so special wasn’t just her kindness, but the way she guided me through the most vulnerable parts of my childhood and early teenage years. Elementary and middle school can be intense, full of changes and emotions that feel too big sometimes. But she walked with me through all of that. There were days when she celebrated my wins like she was proud of her own child, and other days when she helped me find strength I didn’t think I had. She taught me how to be confident, how to stand up for myself, and how to recognize my own worth even when I doubted it. Her impact went far beyond academics. She supported every dream I mentioned, no matter how big or small. If I wanted to try something new, she encouraged me. If I failed at something, she helped me understand that one mistake didn’t define me. She believed in me in moments when I struggled to believe in myself, and that kind of support leaves a mark that lasts a lifetime. Now, as I look at the person I’m becoming and the goals I’ve set for my future, I can clearly see her influence woven into all of it. Mrs. Modlin didn’t just help shape my education—she helped shape my heart, my confidence, and my understanding of what it means to have someone truly in your corner. That’s why she will always be one of the most meaningful and unforgettable people in my life.

I have chosen to pursue a career in healthcare because I want to help people and I believe that becoming a NICU nurse will allow me to do that since I want to help children. I love the process of child birth and I know that I want to be a part of that special moment in a parents life when they have the child that they have always wanted and I know that I want to be a part of this special process. As a woman in the healthcare industry I hope to make a positive impact by helping parents through the hard but beautiful process of having a child and I want to be an inspiration to others who want to do careers such as this one but may be doubting themselves or lack motivation or opportunities. I’m also deeply motivated by the strength and compassion I’ve seen in women who work in healthcare. Whether they’re doctors, nurses, therapists, or researchers, these women have shown me what it means to lead with empathy and determination. They balance intelligence and kindness, professionalism and care, all while making sure their voices are heard in a field that hasn’t always treated women equally. Seeing their courage and success makes me want to follow in their footsteps and continue breaking barriers for women who come after me. As a woman entering the healthcare field, I hope to make a positive impact by bringing more empathy, understanding, and representation to the profession. I want to show young girls that women belong in every part of healthcare—from the exam room to the research lab to the leadership table. I want to be an example of someone who uses her voice to advocate for patients, for fairness, and for the next generation of women pursuing this field. I also believe that representation matters deeply in patient care. When people see someone who understands them or reflects their experiences, they often feel more comfortable and supported. I want to create that kind of environment—one where everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, feels valued and respected. Ultimately, my goal is to help people live healthier, happier lives while continuing to push for positive change within the healthcare system. I want to use my education and compassion to make healthcare not just about treatment, but about trust, hope, and humanity. As a woman in healthcare, I see an opportunity to make a lasting difference—not only for my patients but also for the future of the field itself.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to help people feel better and live healthier lives. I’ve always been drawn to healthcare because it combines compassion, science, and service the three things that matter most to me. I’ve seen how much of a difference kindness and understanding can make when someone is going through a hard time, especially when it comes to their health. I want to be that person who brings comfort and care to people who need it most. I’m especially passionate about helping people with lung disease and rare medical conditions. Breathing is something we all do without thinking, but for someone with lung problems, every breath can be a struggle. Watching people fight for something that most of us take for granted has made me realize how fragile and precious life really is. I want to dedicate my career to helping those individuals breathe easier both physically and emotionally. What draws me most to this kind of work is the connection with patients. People with chronic or rare conditions often feel overlooked or misunderstood, and I want to make sure they always feel seen and supported. I don’t want to just treat symptoms I want to listen to their stories, learn about their struggles, and help them feel less alone. Sometimes, the best kind of medicine isn’t found in a prescription but in patience, encouragement, and compassion. I also know that healthcare isn’t always easy. There will be long days, tough cases, and heartbreaking moments. But I believe that being there for someone during their most difficult time is one of the most meaningful things you can do in life. Even if I can’t fix everything, I want to make sure that every person I help feels cared for, respected, and valued. In the future, I hope to work in a hospital or clinic where I can make a real difference every day. I want to continue learning about new treatments, especially those related to lung diseases and rare disorders, and maybe even get involved in research that helps improve patient outcomes. My goal is to always keep growing not just as a healthcare professional, but as a person who truly cares about others. Ultimately, my dream is to help people live fuller, more comfortable lives no matter what challenges they face. Whether it’s through helping a patient breathe easier, offering comfort to a worried family, or just being someone who listens when others don’t, I want to leave a positive mark on the lives I touch. That’s what inspires me to pursue a career in healthcare—because every small act of care can make a big difference in someone’s world.

One of the hardest times in my life was the summer before my junior year, when someone very close to me got into serious trouble and was locked up. He was more than just a friend — he was like family to me. We met when I switched schools in 10th grade, and he helped me find my place when I felt completely out of my comfort zone. Losing him so suddenly left me feeling heartbroken, confused, and alone. I didn’t understand why something like that had to happen, and for a while, I felt angry at the world — even at God. In the weeks that followed, I struggled to stay focused. I isolated myself from my friends, stopped doing the things I loved, and questioned what the purpose of it all was. It felt like everything I had built emotionally had just fallen apart. But in that silence, I started turning to my faith — not because I had all the answers, but because I didn’t have any. I began praying again, even when I didn’t know what to say. I asked God for peace, for understanding, and for the strength to get through the pain. Little by little, I started to feel comfort in that connection. Reading scripture reminded me that everything happens for a reason, even when I can’t see it in the moment. I came across verses that spoke about patience, forgiveness, and trusting God’s timing, and those words began to heal something inside me. My faith helped me realize that this challenge wasn’t meant to destroy me — it was meant to help me grow stronger. With time, I started to see that I couldn’t change what happened, but I could control how I responded to it. Instead of letting the situation pull me down, I used it as motivation to focus on my goals. I threw myself into schoolwork and sports, surrounding myself with positive people and reminding myself that God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers. My faith gave me hope when it felt like everything around me was falling apart. That experience taught me what it truly means to rely on faith — not just when life is easy, but when it feels impossible. I learned that sometimes, God’s plan doesn’t align with what we expect, but that doesn’t mean it’s not leading us somewhere better. Now, whenever I face obstacles, I remind myself of that summer and how faith helped me stand back up when I thought I couldn’t. It’s what keeps me grounded, hopeful, and determined to keep moving forward, no matter what life brings.

One of the hardest times in my life was the summer before my junior year, when someone very close to me got into serious trouble and was locked up. He was more than just a friend — he was like family to me. We met when I switched schools in 10th grade, and he helped me find my place when I felt completely out of my comfort zone. Losing him so suddenly left me feeling heartbroken, confused, and alone. I didn’t understand why something like that had to happen, and for a while, I felt angry at the world — even at God. In the weeks that followed, I struggled to stay focused. I isolated myself from my friends, stopped doing the things I loved, and questioned what the purpose of it all was. It felt like everything I had built emotionally had just fallen apart. But in that silence, I started turning to my faith — not because I had all the answers, but because I didn’t have any. I began praying again, even when I didn’t know what to say. I asked God for peace, for understanding, and for the strength to get through the pain. Little by little, I started to feel comfort in that connection. Reading scripture reminded me that everything happens for a reason, even when I can’t see it in the moment. I came across verses that spoke about patience, forgiveness, and trusting God’s timing, and those words began to heal something inside me. My faith helped me realize that this challenge wasn’t meant to destroy me — it was meant to help me grow stronger. With time, I started to see that I couldn’t change what happened, but I could control how I responded to it. Instead of letting the situation pull me down, I used it as motivation to focus on my goals. I threw myself into schoolwork and sports, surrounding myself with positive people and reminding myself that God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers. My faith gave me hope when it felt like everything around me was falling apart. That experience taught me what it truly means to rely on faith — not just when life is easy, but when it feels impossible. I learned that sometimes, God’s plan doesn’t align with what we expect, but that doesn’t mean it’s not leading us somewhere better. Now, whenever I face obstacles, I remind myself of that summer and how faith helped me stand back up when I thought I couldn’t. It’s what keeps me grounded, hopeful, and determined to keep moving forward, no matter what life brings.

The person who has had the biggest impact on my life is my best friend. We met when I transferred schools in 10th grade, and from the start, we connected in a way that felt rare and genuine. I was the new student—quiet, uncertain, and trying to find my place—but he had a way of making people feel seen. He made me laugh when I felt out of place and encouraged me to open up when I wanted to stay in my shell. Over time, he became more like family than a friend. We spent hours talking about life, dreams, and our plans for the future. He believed in me before I learned to believe in myself, and for that, I’ll always be grateful. During the summer before my junior year, everything changed. He got into trouble and was locked up. I didn’t realize how deeply that would affect me until it happened. One day we were making plans for the school year ahead, and the next, he was gone. The silence that followed was heavier than I expected. It felt like a piece of my world had suddenly been taken away. I went into isolation, not because I didn’t care about other people, but because I didn’t know how to talk about what I was feeling. I was angry, confused, and heartbroken all at once. That period of my life taught me a lot about grief and growth. I had to learn how to keep moving forward when someone I cared about wasn’t there to push me anymore. I started focusing more on school and sports, using them as outlets for the emotions I couldn’t put into words. Over time, I realized that isolating myself wasn’t helping me heal—it was only holding me back. So I slowly began to open up again, talking to teachers, teammates, and family members about what I was going through. Their support helped me understand that I didn’t have to carry everything alone. His absence also gave me a new perspective on choices and consequences. It showed me how quickly life can change, and how important it is to stay on the right path, even when it’s hard. I realized that the best way I could honor our friendship was by doing better—by focusing on my goals and becoming someone he could be proud of. His mistakes didn’t make me think less of him; they reminded me that everyone has battles they’re fighting, and sometimes people just need someone to believe in them. Even though things are different now, the bond we shared continues to shape who I am. He taught me what real loyalty looks like and what it means to care for someone even when life gets complicated. He helped me see that strength isn’t about never falling apart—it’s about finding the courage to rebuild yourself afterward. His impact will always stay with me, reminding me to lead with compassion, to forgive, and to keep growing no matter what life brings.

Volunteering has always been an important part of my life, and one way I give back is through my church. While I don’t volunteer every week, I make a point to help whenever I can, especially during special events or food distribution days. During these times, I assist my church in handing out food to the homeless and those in need. We work together as a team to prepare meals, organize donations, and make sure everything runs smoothly. It is always humbling to see the gratitude on people’s faces, to hear their stories, and to know that even my small contributions can make a real difference in someone’s day. These experiences have taught me the importance of compassion, patience, and treating everyone with dignity, regardless of their circumstances. One of the most memorable experiences came after our church suffered severe flooding. The flood caused significant damage throughout the building, and we had to act quickly to remove water, clean, and restore the space. What stood out the most to me was seeing many of the people we usually serve—the homeless and other community members—come to help us. Despite the struggles they face in their own lives, they showed up ready to work, helping to mop floors, clear debris, and repair damaged areas. Their generosity and willingness to give back, even after receiving support from us, was both inspiring and humbling. It reminded me that community is not just about receiving help but also about supporting one another in times of need. Through these experiences, I have learned that helping others is not just about giving material support; it’s about building relationships and creating a cycle of care. Volunteering has allowed me to witness firsthand how acts of kindness and service can strengthen a community. The people we serve are not just recipients of assistance—they are active participants in sustaining and uplifting our church community. These moments have also taught me valuable life lessons about empathy, responsibility, and the importance of stepping up to help when others need it most. Overall, volunteering at my church has been a transformative experience. It has deepened my understanding of what it means to serve others, and it has shown me the power of a united community working together. Whether it is distributing food to those in need or helping repair the church after a disaster, each experience reinforces the idea that everyone has something to contribute, no matter their circumstances. These experiences have shaped me into a more compassionate and responsible individual and have inspired me to continue serving others in whatever way I can, knowing that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact.

I have learned since I was a child that life is not always predictable. I have faced challenges that forced me to mature quickly and learn how to be strong. Through those experiences, I became the strong, compassionate woman I am today. My life was not always easy, but it has taught me the value of education, work, and compassion. I am committed to pursuing a higher education because I consider it to be the way to break barriers for my family and build a better life for myself and my family. I will be the first college graduate in my family, and that alone gives me a push to keep going even when times are difficult. Education is opportunity, security, and self-sufficiency. It is having the ability to build a life that was unattainable before and being a role model for younger members of my own family who look up to me. With my nursing degree, I hope to work in a hospital setting where I can grow professionally while giving back to my community. Eventually, I’d like to specialize in pediatric or emergency nursing, helping families during their most difficult times. Higher education is not just my path to a career—it’s my chance to transform my life and use my knowledge and compassion to uplift others. My long-term goal is to become a registered nurse. Nursing allows me to combine my compassion for others with my desire to have a real positive effect on people's lives. I want to provide care that heals the body but also touches the heart. My early days in hospitals have taught me the importance of kindness and human touch in medicine, and I want to bring that warmth to all of my patients. I personally feel that I am dedicated to making a kids or a family day better everyday. My inspiration for a nursing career comes from my own childhood life going to doctors' offices and hospitals. I remember the apprehension that most frequently I had sitting in a waiting room, never knowing what would happen. Many of the nurses with whom I came into contact were professional and capable, but were in a hurry and distant. They worked their job without stopping to offer kindness or compassion. As a child, that lack of humanness made me invisible, fearful, and alone. Those experiences had lasting effects on me and shaped the kind of caregiver I work to be.

My inspiration for a nursing career comes from my own childhood life going to doctors' offices and hospitals. I remember the apprehension that most frequently I had sitting in a waiting room, never knowing what would happen. Many of the nurses with whom I came into contact were professional and capable, but were in a hurry and distant. They worked their job without stopping to offer kindness or compassion. As a child, that lack of humanness made me invisible, fearful, and alone. Those experiences had lasting effects on me and shaped the kind of caregiver I work to be. As I progressed with time, I began to understand that nursing is more than procedure or pill. It is a compassionate-based service grounded in empathy and human connection. A soothing touch, a reassuring word, or a calm presence can have a huge impact on a patient's physical and emotional well-being. Research shows that gentle touch eases stress, calms pain, and accelerates healing, but I also know through my own experience that it passes on something more: "You are seen. You are valued.". You are not alone. This realization inspires my dream of becoming a nurse who seeks out both the body and the spirit. My own childhood experiences compel me to treat the care of patients differently. I want to establish a scenario where patients are treated with respect and safety, where they can trust that their problems are being heard and their emotions are understood. I want every patient to be treated with care that considers him/her as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. Nursing is the opportunity to combine technical ability with empathetic compassion and offer the patient comfort, dignity, and hope in the midst of adversity. I am also inspired by the broader impact that nurses have on society. Nurses are not merely caregivers but also advocates, educators, and leaders who help guide patients through bewildering healthcare systems. I hope to become a nurse who educates patients with wisdom, supports families in times of crisis, and develops a culture of compassion in healthcare. My aim is to make a positive difference to the lives of all patients that I see, delivering not only the medical care but the emotional support I so desperately yearned for myself as a child. Finally, my personal experiences, combined with my desire to provide comfort, healing, and humanity to others, encourage me to pursue nursing. With persistence, empathy, and skill, I hope to be a nurse who makes a significant, lasting impact in the lives of my patients and in the community as a whole.

Being biracial—Black and white—has given me a unique perspective on identity, opportunity, and resilience. I've had both the privilege that lighter skin can bring and the challenges that still confront those who look like me or who have shared my family's history. My ancestry has taught me to cling to every part of who I am while understanding that representation and access still make a great difference. To my family, college has been just barely out of reach, not for lack of interest, but for lack of funds and systemic support. Receiving this scholarship would not only remove the stress of having to pay for school, but it would transform the future of my family for generations to come. I am the first in my family to actually have the opportunity to go to college and earn a degree. My grandparents and parents struggled, but the opportunities were not available—going to college was many times a dream and not a viable option. That's what makes this scholarship so much more than just financial assistance. It represents a breakthrough from one generation to the next. It's a means of stating that my family's story can change, that hard work and education can lead to doors opening that were once locked. Being a mixed individual, I have become accustomed to bridging worlds. I understand what it means to walk between cultures, expectations, and outlooks. This has shaped me into someone who hungers for unity, understanding, and empathy—attributes that I would like to take with me in my future career and into my community. Due to the assistance of this scholarship, I plan to study nursing and build a career that not only secures my family but also serves others. I wish to utilize my own education to give voice to underrepresented populations and allow youth of all backgrounds to see that their dreams are valid and within reach. Receiving this scholarship would also set an example for my younger cousins and siblings. They would see that one of us—someone who looks like them, someone who has our story—can overcome financial barriers and attend college. It would shift our family mindset from "we can't afford it" to "we can do it." That sort of mindset shift is powerful, and it is something that can echo through generations. To me, this scholarship is opportunity, legacy, and healing. It is a chance to justify the sacrifices of those who have come before me while paving a more concrete path for those who will come after. My desire is not merely to receive a degree but to make my family proud and to motivate others in my community to dream more. By receiving this scholarship, I would not only be investing in my own future—I would be rewriting my family's entire narrative, demonstrating that with tenacity, representation, and support, we can create lasting change for generations to come.

The movie The Fault in Our Stars had the greatest impact on me because it deeply reflects the struggles and emotions I experienced with my best friend during my junior year. Over the summer, my best friend got into trouble, and watching him face the consequences was one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through. I felt a mix of sadness, fear, and uncertainty. I missed him terribly, but I also questioned whether I should continue caring for him, knowing he was in a difficult situation. The Fault in Our Stars helped me understand that feeling conflicted in the face of hardship is normal, and that loyalty and love can be powerful even when circumstances are challenging. In the movie, Hazel struggles with the uncertainty of her life and the fear of loss, while Augustus faces challenges he cannot control. Even with all these hardships, they choose to support and love each other fully. Watching their relationship unfold reminded me of my bond with my best friend. Like Hazel and Augustus, my friend and I had shared laughter, secrets, and countless moments that shaped who we are. When his troubles came, it felt like the world had shifted, and I wasn’t sure if our friendship could survive the weight of reality. Seeing the characters in the film navigate similar emotions gave me perspective. It taught me that love and friendship are not always easy, but they are worth holding onto, especially when tested by difficult times. The movie also showed me the importance of being present for someone, even when you cannot fix their problems. Hazel could not change her circumstances, and I could not change my friend’s situation, but just being there—through messages, calls, or small gestures—made a difference. It reminded me that support is not measured by the ability to solve everything, but by the commitment to remain loyal, empathetic, and caring. This lesson resonated deeply with me, as I realized that choosing to continue loving and supporting my best friend was not a weakness but an act of strength. Ultimately, The Fault in Our Stars impacted me because it validated my feelings and gave me a framework to understand them. It showed me that it is okay to struggle with emotions, to feel sadness and doubt, and to miss someone even when circumstances are difficult. The movie highlighted the transformative power of loyalty and friendship, and it encouraged me to continue valuing my bond with my best friend, even in the face of adversity. This film did more than entertain me; it helped me grow emotionally, reflect on my relationships, and embrace the complexity of caring deeply for someone I love.

When I was a child, I used to dread going into a doctor's office or hospital. I remember how rushed and detached some nurses seemed, as if their role was to complete tasks rather than to connect with patients. As if they were just doing their jobs, not because they actually loved it. However, as a health care worker, you need to love your job and patients. You never know if this may be your patient's last time in ur department or last time getting a simple check-up. The majority of patients come into the ER with fear or unease. A nurse who takes the time to offer a single human touch can replace fear with comfort. As a nurse or any health care professional, you're working hands-on with people all day. We encounter some of the sweetest or funniest people. By practicing compassion through touch, I hope to give my patients what I once needed as a child: a reminder that their well-being is seen, valued, and cared for on every level physical, emotional, and human. My inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing comes from my own experiences as a child in doctors’ offices and hospitals. I remember the fear I often felt sitting in a waiting room, knowing I would soon be in the care of nurses who, while skilled, often seemed rushed and distant. They performed their duties, but there was little gentleness or compassion. As a child, that lack of human connection made me feel invisible, scared, and alone. Those early experiences left a lasting impression on me and shaped the kind of caregiver I aspire to become. I believe that every patient deserves care that treats them as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. Nursing provides the opportunity to combine technical skill with heartfelt compassion, giving patients comfort, dignity, and hope during vulnerable times. I am also inspired by the broader impact nurses have on their communities. Nurses are not only caregivers but advocates, educators, and leaders who help patients navigate complex medical systems. I aspire to be a nurse who empowers patients through knowledge, supports families in times of crisis, and contributes to a culture of compassion in healthcare. Over time, I began to realize that nursing is about so much more than procedures or medicine. It is about compassion, trust, and human touch—the simple but powerful ways we can comfort patients and make them feel seen. Research shows that something as small as a gentle touch can calm anxiety, reduce pain, and reassure patients in vulnerable moments. But for me, this goes beyond science. I know firsthand how meaningful it is to feel cared for not just physically, but emotionally as well. I want to be the kind of nurse who transforms fear into comfort and loneliness into connection. My goal is to provide the type of care I once longed for as a child: care that heals both body and spirit. Nursing gives me the opportunity to bring skill, compassion, and human touch together in a way that can truly change lives. That is the career I want to dedicate myself to. Ultimately, I am inspired to pursue nursing because I want to be the type of caregiver who makes a difference in ways I once wished for as a child. By offering both expertise and empathy, I hope to bring healing, hope, and comfort to those in need every day.

From a young age, I realized that care is more than a task its a way to change lives. Watching nurses comfort patients and ease families fears inspired me to pursue a care I could offer that same hope and support. I feel as nursing is more than just a profession; it's a way of turning empathy into actions, of taking the moments that matter the most in someone's life using them to make an impact. My experiences with kids in my community has shaped me into the person I am today. Seeing different kids dealing with different things everyday is a challenging thing. I worked at a summer camp over the summer were I would clean up after kids, I would watch them do their task also. Every morning I saw kids come in upset, happy or just angry to be there. however I knew my task was to make them feel welcomed and happy before it was time to go home. I learned that small acts of care can make a big improvement in a kids day. No matter the age we all have emotions and feelings to deal with. I've seen how a smile, a conversation, or consistent attention can give someone confidence, comfort and a sense of belonging. These are lessons I will take into my nursing career.Those moments, though small, taught me that healing isn’t always medical—it’s human. It’s listening, noticing, and being present. Through nursing, I want to carry that lesson further. I want to be the nurse who not only treats illness but uplifts spirits, comforts families, and inspires patients to believe in their own strength. This scholarship would bring me closer to that goal, giving me the tools to turn compassion into action and the education to leave the world better than I found it—one life, one child, one patient at a time. I’ve always believed that care is more than a gesture—it’s a language of hope. I first realized this watching nurses comfort patients, offering reassurance when words failed and strength when fear took over. I wanted to speak that language too, to stand in those moments where someone feels small or alone and remind them they matter. Nursing isn’t just my future—it’s my way of turning empathy into action, of making the vulnerable feel seen, and of leaving a ripple of kindness in the world. This is why I want to be a nurse.

At the age of seven, I was learning to carry burdens most children never have to face. My mother, the woman who gave me life, left and never came back. I carried that absence with me for years, and forgiving her took a long time. At such a young age, I held anger and unforgiveness in my heart, struggling to understand why she wasn’t there. My father had just started to come around, but I struggled to call him “father,” since he often felt more like a stranger. As I grew older, both of their opinions about my life weighed on me, yet I rarely felt truly supported by either of them. Later, I learned that my mother had become seriously ill—she began losing her memory and was no longer able to work. Receiving that news as a high school senior, while already managing the stress of school and college applications, was overwhelming. Around the same time, I lost my best friend, the one person I had always depended on, after he got into trouble. Losing him was like losing my anchor, and I had to learn how to navigate life on my own. Although these experiences have been painful, they have not defined me. Instead, they have taught me independence, resilience, and the importance of creating stability for myself. These challenges have motivated me to work harder, focus on my goals, and pursue a future where I can make a meaningful impact. Receiving the Marcia Bick Scholarship would provide crucial financial support, allowing me to pursue my college education without the constant stress of tuition and expenses. This scholarship would give me the freedom to focus fully on my studies and clinical training as I work toward my goal of becoming a NICU nurse. I aspire to care for the world’s most vulnerable patients and provide comfort to families during their most difficult moments. This scholarship is more than financial assistance—it is a stepping stone that would allow me to transform my determination and resilience into real impact for others, just as I hope to transform my own life through education.