My name is Lily, and I am currently pursuing a career in nursing. This is a path that has been deeply shaped by both my family and my personal experiences. I always looked up to my mother who became a nurse when I was a teenager and I knew I wanted to follow the same path. However, the moment that truly solidified my desire to become a nurse came about three years ago, when my sister’s mental health reached a severe point and I had to step up as her caregiver. At that time, my sister was struggling with multiple mental health and medical issues that deeply affected her daily functioning. Our family was doing everything we could to support her, but there came a point when she needed constant care and supervision. My mother was working long shifts at the hospital, and my father also worked throughout the week, which meant that I picked up most of the day-to-day responsibility. As a result, I made the difficult decision to pause both my schooling and my job so I could be there for her full time. That period was one of the hardest experiences of my life. Watching someone you love suffer and not being able to “fix” it can feel helpless. There were days when I felt overwhelmed and uncertain, but I knew that my family needed me to be there for them. I learned how to manage her medications, take her to appointments, and help her with everyday tasks. I became her advocate when she couldn’t speak up for herself and her comfort when she felt isolated or afraid. I also spent time learning about her conditions, reading about mental health care, and learning from the professionals who treated her. The nurses who cared for my sister had an incredible impact on my entire family. Their patience and empathy inspired me more than they’ll ever know. They treated my sister with compassion, even when she was struggling and not herself. They also supported us as a family, helping us understand her care plan and reassuring us when things felt uncertain. As time went on and my sister began to stabilize, I slowly returned to school with a new sense of purpose and direction. These past couple of years changed me in ways I never expected. They taught me how to remain calm in crisis, how to listen without judgment, and how to put someone else’s needs before my own. It also gave me a firsthand understanding of the challenges that patients and their families face when dealing with chronic mental health conditions. Because of this experience, I approach everything with more empathy and patience than before. Now, as I start my nursing education, I carry that experience with me every day. It’s what motivates me to push through long study sessions and challenging exams. It fuels my passion for patient care, especially for those struggling with mental health conditions. I want to be the kind of nurse who not only provides excellent medical care but also sees the person behind the diagnosis. In the future, I hope to specialize in psychiatric or pediatric nursing. Mental health, especially among young people, is a cause that’s close to my heart. I want to help patients and families navigate the same struggles my family has faced, offering them the same empathy and support that made a difference for us.

My name is Lily and I’m a student, small business owner, and the oldest daughter of a nurse who has deeply inspired the person I’m becoming. Ever since I was young, I’ve cared for others whether it was helping my little sister with schoolwork or supporting my mom after her night shifts. But it wasn’t until my sister began struggling with mental health that I truly understood the kind of impact nurses can have. That time in our lives was scary and overwhelming. My sister’s health affected our whole family, but the care we received from nurses and other healthcare workers gave us stability and hope. They didn’t just treat her condition. They treated her as a whole person. They were calm, kind, and clear in moments when we felt lost. I remember thinking how powerful it was to bring that kind of peace into someone’s hardest moments. That experience didn’t just inspire me it motivated me. When I was younger I was watching my mom go through nursing school while working and raising me and my sister. I was 12 years old at the time, old enough to understand that what she was doing was not easy. I saw her stay up late studying, head straight to work from class, and still make time to take care of us. She eventually became a labor and delivery nurse and would come home with stories, some joyful, some heartbreaking, but always full of meaning. Right now, I’m finishing up my final prerequisites and preparing to apply to nursing school. I’ve been able to maintain a 3.6 GPA while running a small baking business to help support myself. Balancing school and work hasn’t always been easy, but it’s taught me time management, emotional resilience, and strong communication skills. Things I know will help me as a nurse. As for what I want to specialize in, I’m still exploring. There are several paths that call my heart. Labor and delivery feels meaningful because of my mom’s impact and the beauty of supporting people through birth. Children’s psychiatric care feels deeply personal because of what my sister went through. I’d love to be the person who helps kids like her feel safe and supported. I may not know my exact specialty yet, but I do know that wherever I end up, I’ll lead with empathy, curiosity, and care. Becoming a nurse is the future I’ve been working toward. Shaped by the people I love and the experiences that taught me what care really looks like. I want to show up for others the way so many showed up for my family. This scholarship would help me take the next step toward doing exactly that.

Growing up, my mom was tired a lot. She worked very hard, studying late into the night long after we had gone to bed and somehow still managed to help me with school projects and show up for every parent-teacher conference. It wasn’t until I was older that I understood how much strength it took for her to go back to school for nursing while raising two daughters. She earned her degree while working and parenting. Something I look back at now and I understand that this was not easy. Watching her put on her scrubs, exhausted but ready to help other moms, taught me that nursing is a profession built on dedication, compassion, and resilience. That same resilience became a lifeline for our family when my younger sister began struggling with mental health. During that time, I became more than just the older sibling. I helped my mom manage appointments, offered support when things got overwhelming, and saw firsthand how powerful nurses and mental health professionals can be. The care my sister received wasn’t just medical, it was human. It was the way nurses spoke gently, stayed present, and made sure we were all okay, even when they were busy. That experience changed everything for me. It made nursing feel personal. It made it feel like something I was meant to do. Since then, I’ve been working to carve out my own path toward a nursing career. I’m currently finishing up my prerequisites and preparing to apply to nursing school. Juggling school and work hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught me how to stay focused, manage stress, and connect with people. Skills I know will help me in nursing. Seeing my mom thrive in that environment and hearing the stories she’s told over the years has inspired me to want to be part of those meaningful moments, too. I want to be a nurse who helps families feel safe, informed, and supported, especially those going through challenges like my family once did. This scholarship feels especially meaningful to me because of who it honors. Wanda, the woman it honors not only earned her associate’s degree in nursing while parenting and working full-time, but went on to earn her BSN and MSN. Her story reminds me so much of my mom’s. Two women who refused to let circumstances limit their dreams. As her daughter, I saw the hard work, the late nights, and the sacrifices my mom made. It shaped how I see the world and how I approach challenges in my own life.

One of the most defining moments that inspired me to pursue nursing came when my sister started struggling with mental health issues. During that time, I witnessed firsthand how compassionate, attentive nurses and healthcare providers rallied around her. Not just treating her symptoms, but caring for her as a whole person. They explained things patiently, reassured our family, and made us feel seen in one of the scariest times of our lives. That experience stayed with me. It shifted my perspective on what it means to work in healthcare and inspired me to do the same for others. I saw how a nurse’s kindness could ease anxiety, how their confidence could build trust, and how their presence alone could offer comfort. That’s the kind of impact I want to have in my career. I want to be the person families remember for helping them get through a hard day just a little bit easier. This calling was also shaped by my mother, who has worked as a night-shift labor and delivery nurse. She went to nursing school when I was 12 years old, and I saw the dedication and sacrifice it took firsthand. She would talk about the babies she helped deliver, the challenges of long shifts, and how proud she was of the work she did. After my sister became more stable, I began working to find my own path toward becoming a nurse. Right now, I’m finishing up my last few prerequisites before applying to nursing school. I’ve been able to maintain a 3.6 GPA and have passed all of my classes, something I’m proud of given everything I’ve been juggling. Outside of school, I run a small baking business, which has helped me build resilience, discipline, and strong communication skills. Balancing a business with school hasn’t always been easy, but it’s taught me how to manage stress, meet deadlines, and pour care into everything I do. Skills that I know will serve me well in career. I hope to follow in my mother’s footsteps and work in labor and delivery, combining my passion with the desire to support families the way mine was supported. I want to be the kind of nurse who listens deeply, advocates fiercely, and reminds people that they’re not alone even in their hardest moments. I found out about this scholarship through social media while looking for ways to help fund my schooling.

Growing up, I watched my mom work as a labor and delivery night shift nurse, and I was always amazed by what she did. She worked long shifts but no matter how tired she was, she always had stories about helping her patients and their families during life-changing moments. Seeing the impact she had on others inspired me and sparked my interest in nursing. My desire to pursue nursing became even more personal when I saw nurses care for my own family during tough times. My sister struggles with severe mental health issues, and there were moments when she needed to stay in the hospital to get the help she needed. Watching the nurses interact with her left a lasting impression on me. They didn’t just treat her as another patient; they showed her compassion, patience, and understanding. I realized then that nursing isn’t just about treating illnesses—it’s about making people feel seen, supported, and cared for during some of their hardest moments. That’s the kind of nurse I want to be: someone who uses both personal experience and professional skills to help others feel less alone in their struggles. I’m especially drawn to working in the ER or ICU. I know these environments are fast-paced, emotionally challenging, and require a lot of critical thinking, but I feel like that’s where I belong. I’ve always been able to stay calm under pressure, and I love the idea of working in a space where quick decisions can save lives. I also want to work night shifts, just like my mom. I’ve seen how strong the bond is between her and her team during those hours, and I’m excited to be part of a similar environment where trust and teamwork are everything. To support myself on this journey, I’ve been running a small cake business. What started as a way to earn money for school has taught me so much more than I expected. Managing orders, meeting deadlines, and adapting to customer needs has been great preparation for the multitasking and problem-solving I’ll need as a nurse. It’s also taught me the value of hard work and resilience—qualities I know will carry me through nursing school and beyond. For me, nursing isn’t just a career—it’s a way to give back. It’s about being there for people in their most vulnerable moments. I’ve always valued hard work and finding ways to help others, which is why nursing feels like the right fit for me. Running my cake business has taught me how to stay organized and manage my time, while my personal experiences have shown me how important it is to treat people with kindness and patience. I’m excited to bring these qualities into my career as a nurse. I know the job won’t always be easy, but I’m ready to face the challenges and grow into someone who can truly make a difference in people’s lives.

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.