My mother is a strong, amazing, woman. When my alcoholic father became abusive toward my younger brother and me, she left. Despite, a low-paying job as a waitress with only a High School education and no additional resources, she didn't hesitate to go it alone with 2 kids. We lived a meager life, often not having money for food or clothes. There were times when we couldn't afford living expenses, and we would often live and sleep together in one room because that was all we could afford to heat. I remember many freezing midwestern mornings, getting dressed for school in front of an open oven door for warmth. My mom often worked two jobs and sometimes had to give up meals so we kids could eat. We all supported each other and together we made it through, with love and laughter, taking joy in being together. My mom continues to support me in all of my endeavors. I would love to be able to take care of her, as she took care of me. She recently had to go back to work, despite recently retiring. She simply couldn't afford to live on her Social Security alone. I hope to have the means to afford her the comfort she deserves in her later years. I am also divorced, after living through mental and verbal abuse from my ex-husband and the father of my children. It has not been an easy road. I had been a stay-at-home mom, involved in every aspect of my kid's lives and always available to support them. Caring for my family was my honor. However, I was financially dependent on the children's father, without an income of my own. I planned on going to nursing school when my youngest child started first grade. My ex-husband refused, saying he would not support my return to school. He began degrading and belittling me more and more, becoming increasingly angry and aggressive. I separated from him, the moment my daughter told me she did not feel safe with him in the house, not knowing how I was going to afford to make it on my own. I had gone back to work part-time, as a Certified Medical Assistant when my youngest child entered 2nd grade. Suddenly being on a single income, I took a full-time Medical Assisting position, along with 2-3 other part-time jobs, while also starting classes. This was in addition, to the time, stress and expense of a lengthy five-year divorce and custody battle. My ex-husband forced the sale of the home where the children and I lived, the only place our kids had ever known as their home. I earned my AS in pre-nursing while working 2 jobs. I was accepted into the Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing program at Harding University, which will be starting in January. The only thing that can stop my success, is a lack of means to attend. I am proud of my tenacity and diligence in overcoming obstacles to obtain my goal. I hope that seeing my hard work will inspire my children to follow their dreams as well. In my role as an RN, I will have the financial stability to finance their pursuits and always have a safe, loving place for my family. I love the medical field and consider it my privilege to care for others. Patient care gives me joy and purpose. I look forward to furthering my education and career. Once I am working as an RN, I aspire to continue my education to eventually practice as a Nurse Practitioner or Certified Nurse Midwife.