My name is Olivia McDaniel, and I’m a dedicated high school student at Sparkman High School, excited about my journey toward becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in Alabama. While my heart is set on starting my career here, I also dream of venturing out to discover new opportunities and grow professionally. The medical field has always fascinated me. Ever since my sophomore year, I’ve immersed myself in my school’s medical academy, taking every healthcare-related course I could find. This hands-on experience has given me a solid foundation and essential skills that I know will be crucial as I move forward in my nursing career. I approach my studies with genuine enthusiasm, always looking to deepen my understanding and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. To lay a strong groundwork for my future as a nurse, I’ve been proactive in my education. I completed prerequisite courses in critical subjects like anatomy and psychology, which not only enriched my understanding of the human body but also fueled my passion for helping others during their times of need. These classes have given me valuable knowledge, but more importantly, they’ve broadened my desire to care for patients. Alongside my academic efforts, I actively sought out volunteer opportunities at local hospitals and clinics. These experiences have opened my eyes to the realities of patient care—helping me develop hands-on skills and learn the importance of compassion, empathy, and strong communication. Building genuine connections with patients has only solidified my commitment to a career in healthcare. I’ve also had the chance to shadow nurses in various departments, watching them in action and observing different specialties. Each encounter has given me insights that refine my interests and show me where I can make a meaningful contribution. These experiences have been crucial in shaping my understanding of nursing and the impact I hope to have. To stay informed in this constantly evolving field, I make it a point to engage with online courses and read current healthcare literature. Being committed to lifelong learning not only enhances my knowledge but also keeps me inspired by the innovative trends in healthcare. This dedication helps me feel empowered to contribute effectively to patient care and embrace new practices that can improve health outcomes. With solid academic preparation, rewarding volunteer experiences, and a focus on ongoing professional growth, I feel ready to excel in nursing. I’m eager to pursue my dreams and genuinely impact my patients’ lives by utilizing my skills and knowledge to provide exceptional care. I’m excited about the journey ahead and the opportunities that await me in the medical field as I strive to become a compassionate healthcare professional.

Ten years from now seems like a long time, but it seems that way until it creeps up on me. I have plans of going to Calhoun Community College for two years and getting my basics because it is cheaper and then transferring to a university. I have been accepted to UAB already so I would love to go there after finishing up at Calhoun. I plan to be a CRNA and I also would love to work as a tech while I am in school. I enjoy giving back to the community now and I'm sure I will enjoy it in the future. I give blood as frequently as I can at the new Lifesouth blood bank down the street from Sparkman High School on Highway 53. I also have volunteered at several blood drives that the school has hosted as well. I enjoyed volunteering at Sparkman Elementary's Trunk-or-Treat last year and I plan to volunteer again this year after I graduate. I like to donate canned goods and supplies to the House of harvest and help in any way I can. I enjoy helping my community in any way that I can. As I have previously stated, I plan to go to Calhoun for two years before transferring to a university because it is cheaper that way. I would love to be able to go to a four year and get the full experience and this scholarship would get me one step closer. My grandfather has recently been diagnosed with bone marrow cancer and this has put a real financial strain on our family since he has to go to California for chemotherapy. I could barely afford my cap and gown this year and debated going to prom to keep the cost of senior year especially low. My mother is not able to work as she suffers from a traumatic brain injury and I don't have time to get a job because I have practice for track in the afternoons. This scholarship could be the thing that dictates whether I go straight to a four-year college or not. I would greatly appreciate this help as everything helps! I have started to fundraise and ask family members to pitch in towards a college fund. I would love to be an example to my siblings and make my family proud by being a first-generation college student. Thank you for your time!

I would be lying if I told you that the main reason I want to be a nurse is to help people. Not only do I want to help people, but I want to make a positive change wherever I go. When I was in 7th grade, my mother was t-boned by an 18-wheeler gas truck. My mother is my best friend, so to see her down was very scary for me, and I felt as if I couldn't do anything to help. My mother had broken ribs, her eye socket had fallen out, and she is still having back problems to this day. The doctor told us that my mother would be a vegetable and that she would never walk again. Not only is my mother walking and talking, but she is also working; we moved into a new 4-bedroom home after, and my siblings were staying In a 3-bedroom apartment, and she went to work three months after having multiple brain surgeries. To sum this story up, this miracle that I had the opportunity to witness taught me that even when you think you've hit rock bottom, never give up because there may be more in store for you! That feeling of not being able to help my mother infuriated me, so I decided to use that rage in a good way; I put my anger towards my school work, pulled myself up by the bootstraps, and made my helpful rage. I took classes that put credits towards high school classes and decided that since I couldn't help my mother, I would go into a career where I could help people like her. I plan to become an advanced practice registered nurse. I applied for this scholarship because coming from a low-income household is hard, but I plan to make it happen just like my mother did. I may not be the smartest or the coolest, maybe not even the kindest, But I can assure you that if I earn this scholarship, you all won't regret it. I have been dreaming of being a nurse since I was younger, but this accident made me realize even more that this is my calling and my purpose. enI have been taking medical classes since 6th grade and have more science credits now than any other subject. Even if you all don't award me this scholarship, I am genuinely grateful to have been able to tell my story and for your consideration.

My dream house is located on the beach, with a beautiful view of the ocean. It has a pink exterior with black accents and a rooftop pool. Inside, it has a grand staircase, a home theater, and a walk-in closet. My dream house would have a lot of pictures and decor (pink) . i would have records of classics like ex factor by lauren hill and come and talk to me by jodeci. It would have a game room with pink EVERYWHERE and all of my favorite games. It has a stone fireplace. Inside, it has a spacious kitchen, a cozy reading nook, and a loft bedroom. id also want a 3 car garage with a pink rolls Royce ghost along with a few other pink wrapped cars. my dream bedroom has a glamorous and feminine design. It has a large canopy bed with pink and white bedding, a plush pink carpet, and a vanity table with a large mirror. The room would be filled with fashionable accessories, such as high heels and designer handbags. It also has a walk-in closet with a rotating rack for my many outfits. my dream backyard is a beautiful oasis with a large swimming pool, a hot tub, and a waterslide. It has a patio with a barbecue grill and a dining area for outdoor entertaining. The backyard is filled with pink and white flowers, and there are several lounge chairs and umbrellas for relaxing in the sun. There's also a pool house with a changing room and a bathroom.

my life has been full of mountains and hills but i’ve climbed them, conquered them, dominated them. i’ve realized I am more than my struggle. Everyone has adversity but what really matters is do you let it overcome you or do you over come it? I’ve decided not to let adversity hold me back but instead let it boost me and use it to motivate me. My mom was in a care wreck, she was T-boned by an 18-wheeler and was on life support for thirteen days. Me being in middle school with no dad to really support me , I had no idea what to do it broke me. I was hopeless and thought she would never be the same. but my mother changed for the better. God showed her so much about her family , herself , and her children . He opened her eyes in some way . We may not have the most money but we are a very close knit family. I use adversity as motivation to keep my going . When I want to quit I remember what I’m doing this all for . I remember my sister , my brother, my mom and making them all proud. showing everyone who ever doubted me that what i’ve been through doesn’t define me and that my light will shine even through darkness through adversity and darkness. I will shine and help others see that they too can shine. We all have adversities but it’s up to you wether you overcome it or let it overtake you and make you believe that you can’t be something. All my life i’ve been so worried about everyone else and i didn’t realize i was going through adversity myself . when my mom was on life support she’d always wanted me to play basketball and I didn’t think i’d make it . so when i found out what she had been through i made up my mind right then , if she can do it i can do it. make it through the storm. i tried out for the basketball team and i made it . i was so excited to tell her even if i wasn’t sure she could hear me in her coma. I didn’t see her for months but some how that made me want to push harder just for her . i didn’t let adversity overcome me I dominated my adversity.