A very wise woman once asked me this, "Did you know that you're an empath?". Sure, I knew I was a bit of an emotional person--but an empath? What even is that? Psychalive has a great definition. A highly sensitive individual with a keen ability to sense what people are thinking and feeling (Firestone, 2017). Empaths can feel what others are feeling around them, and often mistake these feelings as their own. Oh, the relief this provided me when looking deeper into this! I'm not just an emotional person, I'm an empath, and I feel a career in Nursing is the ideal career for me to use these gifts. I wouldn't say I can literally feel someone's physical pain, but I feel the emotions behind it. When I walk into a hospital, I see families waiting for answers regarding their loved ones, and I see health professionals on a mission, B-lining to their destinations. All at once, I feel the anxieties of the families, yet I also feel the health professionals' desire to get some answers. This sparks a fire inside of me, I want to be part of this. I feel that hospitals are a genuine place of empathy, and that can be hard to find in today's world. I have a background involving two amazing parents, a beautiful home, religion, and leadership within my high school drill team. My background also involves drug abuse, borderline alcoholism, and the heartache of losing the ones I loved. I've been through the wringer a few times, and I've put loved ones through many sleepless nights, but it has all landed me where I am today. I am a single mom to a beautiful three-year-old boy, I'm seven years clean from meth, and I'm back in Nursing school for my second semester. As mentioned, life has handed me plenty of experiences that today help me understand people differently. I do not believe that it all happened for no reason. It's so easy to look back and think of the "should haves and could haves". "I should have never picked up the pipe. I could have been a nurse by now." I wasn't ready, and the one God I believe in knew that. In becoming a Nurse, I want to apply my knowledge and experiences to the way I care for people. I also want to teach my son to never let the negativity of the world defeat the love and empathy inside of him. It is okay to make mistakes, and no matter how far he travels off of his desired path, it is always possible to come back ten times stronger. Reference: Firestone, L., (2017), Empaths: What Does It Mean To Be An Empath?, Psychalive, Retrieved on 24, January 2023 from https://www.psychalive.org/empaths/

The human body is one of the most amazing organisms on the planet. Everything is perfectly in place, down to the organelles within our cells--and they all have a specific purpose. When something goes wrong, the body even has its own systems to FIX the problem at hand. Each player on the team knows exactly what to do, and when to do it...its truly amazing how the body works for itself or against itself. When I was in high school trying to figure out what path of life I was going to take, I was consistently drawn to the medical field. I'm an empathic individual that has a particular passion for helping people feel their best. When I got my first job as a CNA, all of the necessary attention to detail was eye-opening, and the rewarding feeling when I clocked out is something I have not gotten at any other job. After I graduated, I started school at Utah State University for a couple of years. Unfortunately, I had some life-learning to do, so I dropped out in 2014. Over time, these "life lessons" planted a belief deep within me that I was not good enough or smart enough to be a nurse. The thought of going back to school to be a nurse, of all things, seemed ludicrous. I believed that drugs had permanently ruined my mental and social abilities. Playing it safe was the path I was taking until I had a baby boy. He has opened my eyes to a new outlook on life. I am good enough, and I am smart enough to pursue the things that I want in life. These mental barriers will no longer hold me down, and I will reach my full potential. I've always had the ultimate goal to be a nurse in Labor and Delivery. Being a consistent witness to the miracle of life sounds like a dream to me. I understand there are downfalls to this career, and as I progress through nursing school, I hope to wade through the pros and cons of every specialty. I can then, proceed from there, and see if L&D is still the ultimate dream. I have also put some thought into being a plastic surgeon. Everyone has their own insecurities, and if I can help others to feel amazing about themselves for a career, I believe there would be that same rewarding feeling as mentioned above. I believe I am an excellent candidate for this scholarship because I now know, without a doubt, that I want this. Before, when I was going to school at USU, I was not absolutely certain what I wanted or where I was going in life. I had no idea what the world outside of Heber City, UT was like. Life has taught me a lot thus far, I know who I am, I know what I want, and now I have plenty more reason to strive for it.

Becoming a nurse has always been the dream. Many people I know despise the hospital setting; I thoroughly enjoy it. I like the smell, the cleanliness, and most of all, I like to watch the professionals carry out their duties. It is so intriguing to hear how the human body works for itself or against itself. I see hospitals and doctor’s offices as places where miracles happen, as well as places of genuine empathy, which can be difficult to find at times. The journey to where I’ve gotten today has a lot to do with my past. Ever since high school, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the healthcare field. I got my CNA certification at the end of Senior year, then later went to school at Utah State University pursuing a degree in Nursing. I was driven, a leader, confident, and excited about where my life was going. Unfortunately, being young and wanting to explore the “real adult” world, I got myself into drugs for a couple of years. It started as all fun and games, then eventually became my mental lifeline. This stripped me of every last ounce of confidence I had in myself. The mental barriers I had created over that time told me that I was not smart enough to be a nurse and probably should just play it safe. That ends here. Three years ago, I became a single mom to a beautiful little boy and the view of life through the eyes of a parent can really change you. Over the last three years, I’ve realized how important it is to do what makes you happy. I dipped my toe back into the college world starting out “safe” with Psychology, then Sociology. Meanwhile, I’ve known the whole time that I was meant to be a nurse, so I’m diving in. I am good enough and I am smart enough to have the life I’ve always imagined. I’m officially enrolled at Provo College to get a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing as well as my RN. I start this September, and previous college credits have shaved off an entire semester. This means that in April of 2025 I will have the proper tools to get started in my career. The estimated total for this schooling is $66,500, which includes the credits, scrubs, clinicals, etc. My full-time job, Pell grants and loans are my sure and secure ways of paying for this. I’m in high hopes of scholarships that will help me pay this off as well. I will use this degree to not only be financially independent, but to also show my boy that no matter how far you fall from your dreams, you can always come back. I want him to see that it is possible to achieve whatever you set your mind to, even as a single parent. As mentioned before, it can be difficult to find genuine empathy in today's world. This quality is one of my strongest suits. I want to use my empathy and compassion in my work as a force for good. I want to make that difference in people's lives and be a part of a place where the broken are fixed. I’m ready, and admittedly scared to death, to do the hard things in order to get where I want to go. I plan to use this degree to work hard, feel the reward from helping others, and be an inspiration to my son and future generations. This scholarship will truly help me in accomplishing these things.

Becoming a nurse has always been the dream. Many people I know despise the hospital setting; I thoroughly enjoy it. I like the smell, the cleanliness, and most of all, I like to watch the professionals carry out their duties. It is so intriguing to hear how the human body works for itself or against itself. I’ve also seen hospitals and doctor’s offices as places of genuine empathy, which can be difficult to find these days. The goal of being a nurse started in high school. I became a CNA, went to Utah State University for a couple of years, then faced a few hardships that have led me to where I am today. Being young and wanting to explore the “real” world, I got myself into drugs for a couple of years. This stripped me of every last ounce of confidence in myself. My dreams of being a nurse became unrealistic to me and was put on the back burner. To make a long story short, I made the choice to get clean, it was one of the hardest things I have ever done. The mental barriers I had created told me that I was not smart enough to be a nurse, the thought almost seemed laughable at the time because my social skills were as good as gone. It truly felt like drugs had stripped me of everything I once was, confident, bubbly, goal-oriented, and strong. Among other things, drugs left me with anxiety. This mentality has constantly told me that "playing it safe" is the best way to go, that my dreams are too big. Well that ends here. Three years ago I had a beautiful baby boy who has inspired me in some of the most amazing ways. As a single mom, I have taken a fresh look at the world, and the view of life through the eyes of a parent can really change you . I never want my son to let mental barriers stop him from accomplishing his dreams, regardless of his mistakes. He needs to know the importance of doing what makes you happy, no matter how hard it is to get there. If he sees himself the way I see him, he won't ever let anything stop him...so why am I not doing the same for myself? I have not decided on any specific area of nursing as of yet. Labor and Delivery was the ultimate goal, which I may strive for again. However, I am trying to keep my eyes open to all options that may be a good fit for me. I know I want to be a part of a place where miracles happen, and as mentioned before, it can be difficult to find genuine empathy in today's world. This quality is one of my strongest suits. I want to use my empathy and compassion in my work as a force for good. I want to make that difference in people's lives and be a part of a place where the broken are fixed. I’m ready, and admittedly scared to death, to do the hard things in order to get where I want to go. I will be that example to my son that it's possible. This is my dream, so I’m taking the leap.

I had it all together. I was going to Utah State University, very active within my religion, held leadership positions, and I loved meeting new people. Some life-altering events took place, the expectation to be successful in college seemed daunting, and the changes in my life started to feel like too much. Partying became my escape. It all seemed harmless, I "knew" this was only going to be a phase. Pot led to drinking, which led to acid, which led to meth. I started losing friends due to my behavior, failed my 3rd year of college, my confidence transformed into anxiety which became my shadow, and the worry in my parents' faces drenched me in shame. Meth was my only escape from it all. However, my parents never gave up on me, and I'll be forever grateful for that. I wouldn't have gotten clean without their help and encouragement. I am now seven years clean and going back to school to fulfill the original dream...to be a nurse. Drug recovery is it's own type of monster until you decide to befriend it. True recovery is deciding for yourself that you want better things in life. You face the anxieties and the daily life struggles everyday knowing you would MUCH rather be doing this sober than high. I also believe that once you are truly recovered, your story no longer begets shame, it brings a special type of dignity that no one can ever take away from you. You did it.

I will never forget the day that I realized I was going to be a single parent. The responsibility of an actual human life was scary enough, but now I was doing it by myself. I had a reasonably decent job to support myself, however, I knew there would be many other expenses in the coming future such as daycare, food, clothes, doctor bills, etc. Every kick that I felt reminded me that this little man will be counting on me to be strong, he will be watching my every move. I had no idea the impact my son, Ridge, would actually have on me in just the next three years. The beginning, I will admit, was extremely hard. Ridge was born a month early so had to be on oxygen 24/7 for the first 7 months of his life and learning how to breastfeed was an absolute struggle. I still chuckle to myself about a time where my mom was feeding me a sandwich, while I breastfed my boy with one arm and held a heating pad to my inflamed breast with the other. I was doing something hard and had immense fear of the unknown, but the support I had from my parents was more than I could have asked for. Considering the circumstances to this day, I am very blessed. I would not be able to pursue my education without the support from my parents. As this little boy has grown over the last three years, I have found myself inspired to do better. The way Ridge has looked at me sometimes helps me to see that I have far more potential than what I’ve been doing. I was not doing terrible before I gave birth to him, I had been clean from drugs for four years, and had put my life back together the best I could at that time; but I was playing it safe. Shortly after having him, I was inspired to get an even better job, then later go back to school. I started with Psychology, then Sociology, however, I’ve always known that it wasn’t psychology that I was meant for, it was nursing. Being a nurse had always been the dream I had been working towards since high school. I got my CNA certification, and was going to school at Utah State University. Drugs caused all of it to come to a screeching halt and any ounce of confidence I had in myself was taken. The state of mind I was left in constantly told me I was not smart enough nor did I have the people skills to be a nurse. I knew I wanted bigger and better for my little guy, and I did not want him ever growing up believing he wasn’t enough. I ironically was setting an example to do just that. I’ve been letting mental barriers set me back. That stops here. I am good enough, and I am smart enough. I will pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. I will use this degree to not only be financially independent, but to also show my boy that no matter how far you fall from your dreams, you can always come back. It is so important to do what makes you happy and whatever that may be, you can accomplish it if you set your mind to it. I plan to use this degree to work hard, feel the reward from helping others, and be an inspiration to my son and my future generations. Linnea Stanley

Becoming a single mom was the first time I had to practice raw and true bravery. I'll never forget the crippling fear in the beginning from all of the what-ifs. My son did not come with a handbook and he was looking to me for his every need. Who would assign someone like ME such a huge responsibility of this beautiful piece of life staring back at me? Myself, apparently. So with the help from my family, and lots of sleepless nights, I took it step by step until I realized one day "I'm actually doing this, and I'm doing it well. What else am I capable of?" I started with going back to school online. I played it safe with Psychology, then Sociology, essentially beating around the bush of what I truly wanted to be. This year I'm taking the full leap into my dream of becoming a nurse. My son is now 3-years-old and he is the one who inspired me to do what makes me happy to provide the best for him. However, I feel like I'm at the top of a roller coaster, inching closer to the drop-off. This is going to be an adventure. I know it's not always going to be easy, it's going to cost a lot of money, and most unfortunately, I'm going to lose some time with my son. However, I know in the end it will be worth it. I want to be the example to my little boy that anything is possible.

Becoming a nurse has always been the dream. Many people I know despise the hospital setting; I thoroughly enjoy it. I like the smell, the cleanliness, and most of all, I like to watch the professionals carry out their duties. It is so intriguing to hear how the human body works for itself or against itself. I see hospitals and doctor’s offices as places where miracles happen, as well as places of genuine empathy, which can be difficult to find at times. The journey to where I’ve gotten today has a lot to do with my past. Ever since high school, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the healthcare field. I got my CNA certification at the end of Senior year, then later went to school at Utah State University pursuing a degree in Nursing. I was driven, a leader, confident, and excited about where my life was going. Unfortunately, being young and wanting to explore the “real adult” world, I got myself into drugs for a couple of years. It started as all fun and games, then eventually became my mental lifeline. This stripped me of every last ounce of confidence I had in myself. The mental barriers I had created over that time told me that I was not smart enough to be a nurse and probably should just play it safe. That ends here. Three years ago, I became a single mom to a beautiful little boy and the view of life through the eyes of a parent can really change you. Over the last three years, I’ve realized how important it is to do what makes you happy. I dipped my toe back into the college world starting out “safe” with Psychology, then Sociology. Meanwhile, I’ve known the whole time that I was meant to be a nurse, so I’m diving in. I am good enough and I am smart enough to have the life I’ve always imagined. I’m officially enrolled at Provo College to get a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing as well as my RN. I start this September, and previous college credits have shaved off an entire semester. This means that in April of 2025 I will have the proper tools to get started in my career. The estimated total for this schooling is $66,500, which includes the credits, scrubs, clinicals, etc. My full-time job, Pell grants and loans are my sure and secure ways of paying for this. I’m in high hopes of scholarships that will help me pay this off as well. I will use this degree to not only be financially independent, but to also show my boy that no matter how far you fall from your dreams, you can always come back. I want him to see that it is possible to achieve whatever you set your mind to, even as a single parent. As mentioned before, it can be difficult to find genuine empathy in today's world. This quality is one of my strongest suits. I want to use my empathy and compassion in my work as a force for good. I want to make that difference in people's lives and be a part of a place where the broken are fixed. I’m ready, and admittedly scared to death, to do the hard things in order to get where I want to go. I plan to use this degree to work hard, feel the reward from helping others, and be an inspiration to my son and future generations. This scholarship will truly help me in accomplishing these things.

I never thought my mental health would get the best of me. I was a leader, I had all the confidence in the world, the only people who intimidated me were the ones who inspired me, and I believed I could accomplish anything. Then I let drugs enter my life. It started out as all just fun and games, then somehow became my mental lifeline. I won't go into the entire story as that is not what the prompt is asking for, but I will admit that drugs stripped me of every ounce of confidence that I had before. Getting clean was the best yet hardest thing I have ever done. Learning social skills and gaining any grain of confidence back was like learning how to walk all over again. The cravings went away eventually over the years, however, the depression and anxiety have stuck around. To this day, I still struggle with the lies that my anxiety tells me, "Everyone is laughing at you", "You are stupid", "No one wants to be around you". There are days where I feel strong and am able to "call it out", however there are other days where it's not that simple. I have sought the help that I needed and take care of my mental health the best that I can. I also let drugs create mental barriers that I have hid behind ever since. Obviously, I could not accomplish my dream of being a nurse while actively using, then after I got clean, I had never thought highly enough of myself to pursue Nursing again. Every person I came into contact with intimidated me, even my own parents sometimes, so I constantly told myself that my people skills were as good as gone. This belief made dating and/or making friends a struggle. Then I had a baby; and reviewing the world from a child's perspective changes a few things. I was able to expand the view of myself from the eye of a parent. I never want my son to let mental barriers stop him from accomplishing his dreams. No matter what mistakes that boy decides to make, I always want him to see his worth. I had expressed this to a very wise lady, and she said "How do you think YOUR parents feel about YOU then?" That was the first wrecking ball to my ultimate mental barrier of "You're not good enough". Of course I still struggle with mental health. I still overanalyze stuff I do and say, I question the quality of my parenting, I still can get intimidated, and yes, I still wonder if I should remove myself from some people's lives sometimes. It's an everyday battle, and some days are harder than others. I have come a long way over the past seven years of being drug-free and I'm not yet where I want to be, but I can feel myself getting stronger in the process. The support that I've had from my parents and a few close friends has gotten me this far. Well, I finally made the jump and enrolled myself into Nursing school, which is exciting and terrifying all at the same time because those mental barriers are not all the way gone yet. That being said, I'm going to prove the anxiety wrong and conquer what I've always wanted. I want my son to know he can do whatever he sets his mind to if he puts in the work. It is so important to do what makes you happy regardless of what the world (or even your own mind) tells you.

Becoming a nurse has always been the dream. Many people I know despise the hospital setting; I thoroughly enjoy it. I like the smell, the cleanliness, and most of all, I like to watch the professionals carry out their duties. It is so intriguing to hear how the human body works for itself or against itself. I’ve also seen hospitals and doctor’s offices as a place of genuine empathy, which can be difficult to find at times. The goal of being a nurse started in high school. I became a CNA, went to Utah State University for a couple of years, then faced a few hardships that have led me to where I am today. Being young and wanting to explore the “real” world, I got myself into drugs for a couple of years. This stripped me of every last ounce of confidence in myself. My dreams of being a nurse became unrealistic to me and was put on the back burner. To make a long story short, I made the choice to get clean, one of the hardest things I have ever done. The mental barriers I had created told me that I was not smart enough to be a nurse, the thought almost seemed laughable at the time because my social skills were as good as gone. It truly felt like drugs had stripped me of everything I once was, confident, bubbly, goal-oriented, and strong. Among other things, anxiety has constantly told me that "playing it safe" is the best way to go, that my dreams are too big. Well that ends here. Three years ago I had a beautiful baby boy who has inspired me in ways I can't describe. As a single mom, I have taken a fresh look at the world from a toddler's perspective. And wow, who knew that could really change you? I never want my son to let mental barriers stop him from accomplishing his dreams, regardless of his mistakes. He needs to know the importance of doing what makes you happy, no matter how hard it is to get there. If he sees himself the way I see him, he won't ever let anything stop him...so why am I not doing the same for myself? As mentioned before, it can be difficult to find genuine empathy in today's world. This quality is one of my strongest suits (which doesn't always work in my favor, but that's another story for another time). I want to use my empathy and compassion in my work as a force for good. I want to make that difference in people's lives and be a part of a place where the broken are fixed. I’m ready, and admittedly scared to death, to do the hard things in order to get where I want to go. I will be that example to my son that it's possible. This is my dream, so I’m taking the leap.