When it comes to co-op gaming, few experiences compare to the joy and excitement of playing Mario Kart with my family, particularly during the pandemic. Our gaming sessions were not just casual races; they were what we called "family battles," where the ultimate goal was to earn the title of "living room champion." This title was coveted, and everyone in the family was determined to claim it. The rules of our "family battles" were simple: we’d play round after round of Mario Kart, racing on different tracks and occasionally switching things up with mini-games like Balloon Battle. The competition was fierce, with each of us trying to outmaneuver the others, deploy the most well-timed power-ups, and cross the finish line first. The intensity of these races was no joke, and the living room often echoed with shouts of victory or groans of defeat. One of the best parts of Mario Kart was the Balloon Battle mini-game, which became a favorite among us. In this mode, the objective was to pop each other’s balloons while protecting your own, adding a layer of strategy and anticipation that made it incredibly fun. Balloon Battle sessions were just as competitive as the races, and sometimes even more so, because they required a different kind of skill and focus. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of dodging a well-aimed shell or pulling off a last-minute attack to pop someone else’s balloon just as they’re about to win. But it wasn’t just about the mini-games or the races themselves—it was about the moments those games created. One particularly memorable moment that solidified Mario Kart as my top choice for co-op gaming involved a running rivalry between my dad and me. My dad was always a strong competitor and took pride in his gaming skills, so he was often the one to beat. However, during the pandemic, I found myself winning more and more often, much to his frustration. I’d race as my favorite character, Pink Gold Peach, and time and time again, I’d cross the finish line in first place. My dad, who loved being the winner, started getting increasingly annoyed at how often I was taking the "living room champion" title away from him. Sensing an opportunity to add some playful banter to our battles, I decided to create a custom t-shirt. The shirt featured Pink Gold Peach and had the words "living room champ" boldly printed across the front. It was my way of claiming the title not just for that round, but as an ongoing declaration of victory. Every time I won, I’d pull on that t-shirt and parade around the house, much to my dad’s chagrin. It became a symbol of our friendly rivalry, and wearing it added a layer of fun to our already lively gaming sessions. My dad would joke about how he was going to take the title back, but every time I’d win, I’d proudly wear that shirt, reminding everyone who the reigning champion was. The playful competition brought us closer as a family, turning what could have been just another game into a cherished tradition.

I consider myself a non-traditional student because my path to higher education has been shaped by unique life experiences that differ from the typical journey. Unlike many of my peers who may have transitioned directly from high school to college, I’ve had to balance my education with running a small business and caring for my sister, who has severe mental health issues. These responsibilities have made my academic journey more complex, but they have also strengthened my resolve to succeed. Running my cake business has provided me with the financial support needed to pursue my education, but it has also been demanding and time-consuming. Coupled with the responsibility of caring for my sister, this has required me to develop exceptional time management skills and resilience. Caring for my sister, who has undergone multiple surgeries and mental health-related hospital stays, has been both challenging and rewarding. It has given me a deep understanding of the importance of compassion, patience, and dedication—qualities that I believe will serve me well in my future nursing career. My decision to pursue nursing was deeply influenced by my personal experiences with healthcare, especially in supporting my sister through her health challenges. Witnessing the care and dedication of nurses who helped her through some of her most difficult times inspired me to follow this path. I realized that nursing was my true calling, even if it meant taking a longer or more complex route to get there. This scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve my education goals. While my cake business has been a vital source of income, the demands of running a business and providing care for my sister often limit the time and energy I can dedicate to my studies. Financial support from this scholarship would alleviate some of the pressures I face, allowing me to focus more on my nursing education and less on financial concerns. Additionally, the scholarship would help me invest in essential resources for my studies, such as textbooks, clinical supplies, and possibly reducing my work hours so I can devote more time to gaining practical experience in healthcare. It would also provide some relief, enabling me to better manage my responsibilities at home while pursuing my academic goals. As a non-traditional student, I bring a wealth of life experience, resilience, and determination to my academic pursuits. This scholarship would not only support my financial needs but also empower me to fully commit to my education and ultimately succeed in my goal of becoming a nurse. With your support, I can continue to work hard, overcome obstacles, and achieve my dreams in the nursing field, all while providing the best care possible for my sister.

Watching my mother, who is a labor and delivery nurse, has been a significant influence on me. Seeing her dedication, compassion, and resilience as she works night shifts to care for others has inspired me to follow in her footsteps. Specifically, I aspire to become either an ER or ICU nurse, working in high-pressure situations where I can make a real difference in people’s lives. My journey toward nursing has been shaped by personal experiences, especially through my sister's health challenges. She has undergone several surgeries and has had multiple mental health-related hospital stays. Witnessing the care and attention she received during these difficult times deeply impacted me. I saw firsthand the critical role that nurses play not just in physical healing, but also in providing emotional support to patients and their families. The kindness, patience, and professionalism displayed by the nurses who cared for my sister inspired me to pursue this path. They were often the ones who made her smile on the toughest days, and their ability to bring comfort and hope in such moments left a lasting impression on me. Although I haven’t had formal experience in healthcare beyond these personal encounters, I’ve learned a great deal about what it takes to be a nurse through my own life experiences. Running my cake business to support my schooling has taught me essential skills that I believe are transferable to nursing. Time management, problem-solving, and the ability to work under pressure are all crucial in both fields. Balancing the demands of school, work, and personal life has made me more resilient and prepared for the challenges of a nursing career. Additionally, my entrepreneurial experience has fostered a sense of empathy and understanding. Interacting with customers, many of whom share their life stories with me, has strengthened my communication skills and my ability to connect with others on a personal level. I believe these qualities will serve me well as a nurse, where building trust and rapport with patients is vital to providing effective care. My ultimate goal as a nurse is to provide the same level of care and compassion that I’ve seen in the nurses who have impacted my life. I want to be there for patients during their most vulnerable moments, offering not only medical support but also the empathy and understanding that can make all the difference in their recovery. Nursing, to me, is not just a job; it’s a calling that allows me to blend my passion for helping others with a career that is both fulfilling and challenging. I’m committed to pursuing this path and making a positive impact in the lives of those I care for.

The healthcare industry interests me deeply due to its impact on individuals and communities, as well as my personal experiences watching nurses like my mother in action. Growing up with a mother who is a labor and delivery nurse has allowed me to see firsthand the difference a skilled and caring nurse can make. The dedication, compassion, and kindness she brings to families during one of the most important moments of their lives has inspired me to pursue a similar path. My education is currently my primary goal as I am taking multiple classes at once to get through school in 2 years. I plan on going after my B.S.N once my education for my A.S. is finished. My primary goal as a future nurse is to provide high-quality, compassionate care to my patients. I aspire to work Emergency Room or Intensive Care Unit where I can handle critical situations and impact patients' lives. Working night shifts, like my mother, appeals to me because of the unique challenges that come with this schedule. Several personal accomplishments have helped support my journey toward my nursing career. I have successfully managed a small baking business selling desserts to support my schooling. It has taught me valuable time management, organization, and customer service lessons. Managing my work and school has strengthened my ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively. My small business has also broadened my understanding of empathy and communication. I am dedicated to listening and addressing my customer's concerns and questions. These skills are essential in providing patient-centered care. I have gained valuable insight by observing the care provided by nurses and doctors to my family members. These personal experiences have shown me the role that healthcare professionals have in patient care. My sister has had multiple visits not only to the ER but also surgery. Including help with her mental health issues. We met some amazing nurses who have helped with my sister's procedures and recovery. Watching my mother and other nurses at work has given me a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of the profession. My interest in the nursing industry is driven by a passion for helping others and making a difference. My goals for a successful nursing career include high-quality care, specializing in the ER or ICU, and continuing to develop my education. Personal accomplishments such as my small business help me learn essential skills. I am excited about the opportunity to pursue nursing and look forward to the challenges and rewards that lie ahead.

The nursing industry interests me deeply due to its impact on individuals and communities, as well as my personal experiences watching nurses like my mother in action. Growing up with a mother who is a labor and delivery nurse has allowed me to see firsthand the difference a skilled and caring nurse can make. The dedication, compassion, and kindness she brings to families during one of the most important moments of their lives has inspired me to pursue a similar path. My education is currently my primary goal as I am taking multiple classes at once to get through school in 2 years. I plan on going after my B.S.N once my education for my A.S. is finished. My primary goal as a future nurse is to provide high-quality, compassionate care to my patients. I aspire to work Emergency Room or Intensive Care Unit where I can handle critical situations and impact patients' lives. Working night shifts, like my mother, appeals to me because of the unique challenges that come with this schedule. Several personal accomplishments have helped support my journey toward my nursing career. I have successfully managed a small baking business selling desserts to support my schooling. It has taught me valuable time management, organization, and customer service lessons. Managing my work and school has strengthened my ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively. My small business has also broadened my understanding of empathy and communication. I am dedicated to listening and addressing my customer's concerns and questions. These skills are essential in providing patient-centered care. While I have not had any formal experience in healthcare, I have gained valuable insight by observing the care provided by nurses and doctors to my family members. These personal experiences have shown me the role that healthcare professionals have in patient care. My sister has had multiple visits not only to the ER but also surgery. We met some amazing nurses who have helped with my sister's procedures and recovery. Watching my mother and other nurses at work has given me a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of the profession. My interest in the nursing industry is driven by a passion for helping others and making a difference. My goals for a successful nursing career include high-quality care, specializing in the ER or ICU, and continuing to develop my education. Personal accomplishments such as my small business help me learn essential skills. I am excited about the opportunity to pursue nursing and look forward to the challenges and rewards that lie ahead.