I attend the Arizona College of Nursing at the Las Vegas campus. One area for growth in the nursing profession is strengthening and empowering compassion in patient care. Growing up in a Filipino household, I learned the word "malasakit," which means “compassion and empathy,” but also something deeper. It is a feeling so strong that it moves a person to take action. This value has shaped how I see nursing and what I believe deserves more attention in healthcare. While nurses are trained to provide safe and effective care, the emotional side of nursing can be affected by stress, burnout, and heavy workloads. As a result, compassion can sometimes be overlooked, even though it is an essential part of truly caring for patients. During one of my clinical rotations, I cared for a patient with ovarian cancer that had metastasized to multiple areas of her body. She was no longer receiving chemotherapy and was preparing to transition to end-of-life care. She required around-the-clock pain management due to constant pain. My nurse administered her Dilaudid medication, but an hour later, she was still in severe pain. While in the medication room, I overheard another nurse express frustration, saying the patient frequently requested pain medication and used the call light often. Hearing this was difficult and made me realize how burnout and stress can affect compassion and how easily vulnerable patients can be misunderstood. In that moment, I remembered the word "malasakit" and what it means to me, which moved me to speak up and take action for my patient. I spoke with my nurse and advocated for the patient, explaining that her pain level was still high despite medication and that she might need to be reevaluated. Seeing her still in pain stayed with me, and I knew I could not just stand there and do nothing. It reminded me that being a nurse is not just about feeling empathy; it is about having the courage to speak up when your patient needs you. That moment shaped the kind of nurse I want to be, someone who pays attention, cares deeply, and does not stay silent when something is not right. As I continue my journey in nursing, I plan to bring "malasakit" into my everyday practice by being present with my patients, especially during their most vulnerable moments. To me, compassion means enduring with others, standing beside them in their pain and suffering, and doing what I can to ease that burden. Whether it is through providing comfort, offering reassurance, or advocating for better care, I want my patients to feel seen, heard, and supported. I also believe that for nurses to give compassion, they must receive it as well. This profession faces real challenges, such as stress, frustration, and burnout, which affect the delivery of care. Because of this, I want to help create a work environment where nurses feel supported by being a team player, helping when others are overwhelmed, and encouraging open communication. I also hope to take part in unit-based efforts to improve workflow and reduce burnout. Even small actions, like checking in on a coworker or offering encouragement, can help create a more supportive environment. When nurses feel supported, they are better able to show up for their patients. By leading with compassion and continuing to advocate for both patients and nurses, I hope to help strengthen the human side of healthcare. "Malasakit" is more than a value I was raised with. It is the reason I will always choose to act, advocate, and stand beside my patients when they need it most.

As a Pacific Islander attending college, I carry my family’s sacrifices, values, and dreams with me every step of the way. I was born in the Philippines and brought to the United States at just 10 months old. My parents worked hard to build a better life for our family and instilled in me the importance of respect, perseverance, and hard work. Watching them overcome financial challenges while raising four children showed me what true dedication looks like. Because of them, I take pride in being a Filipino American and in representing where I come from. As the eldest child and the first in my family to attend college, I see this journey as more than earning a degree. It means breaking barriers and creating opportunities my parents never had. Their sacrifices motivate me to keep going, even in difficult moments. I carry not only my own goals but also my family’s hopes and the example I want to set for my siblings and my children. My decision to pursue nursing is deeply personal. When I was younger, my father underwent open-heart surgery, and I remember sitting at his bedside during one of the most vulnerable times in his life. I remember the fear and uncertainty and how much it meant to have nurses who were not only skilled but truly present. The nurses who cared for him were compassionate and attentive, and they made a lasting impact on my family. That experience helped shape my purpose. It showed me how powerful nursing can be, not only in providing care but also in offering comfort and reassurance when it is needed most. From that moment on, I knew nursing was the path I wanted to pursue. Today, I am working toward my Bachelor of Science in Nursing to become a registered nurse. As a wife and mother of three, returning to school has not been easy, but it has been one of the most meaningful decisions I have made. There have been moments of exhaustion and doubt, but I keep going because I know what this journey represents. I am doing this not only for myself but also for my children. I want them to see that even when life is busy or challenging, it is still possible to pursue their dreams and create a better future. Throughout my nursing program, I have remained dedicated to my education, earning a 3.9 GPA and being recognized on the Dean’s List every semester. I prioritize caring for myself, supporting my family, and staying disciplined in my studies so I can become the best nurse I can be. I was also honored with the Flower Bud Award during my clinical rotation, which recognizes student nurses who demonstrate compassion, initiative, and a strong commitment to patient care. This recognition meant a lot to me because it affirmed that the way I care for patients matters and that even as a student, I can make a difference. I believe I should receive this scholarship because I am committed to making a difference in nursing and using my education to give back to my community. This opportunity would ease the financial burden of my education and help me stay focused on my goals. More importantly, it would support a first-generation college student, a mother, and a future nurse determined to turn challenges into purpose. I want to honor my family’s sacrifices, represent my culture with pride, and grow into the kind of nurse who makes patients and families feel seen, supported, and cared for when they need it most.