Some of the most important moments in my life have not been big or dramatic. They have been the quiet moments when someone I love needed me to simply be there. When my mom was battling breast cancer, I learned what it really means to show up for someone. Cancer changed a lot of things in our family. There were appointments, uncertainty, fear, and days when things just felt overwhelming. I couldn’t fix what was happening to my mom, and I definitely did not have the answers. What I could do was be there. Sometimes showing up meant sitting with her when she was having a hard day. Sometimes it meant helping with laundry or trying to make her laugh when neither of us really felt like laughing. Other times, there was nothing to do except sit together. I learned that you do not always have to have the right words. Sometimes just being present is enough. That experience changed the way I think about healthcare. Before my mom's cancer, I probably thought mostly about doctors and nurses as the people who gave medicine, checked vital signs, and helped patients get better. Watching my mom go through cancer showed me that healthcare is also about caring for the person and the family behind the diagnosis. That is the kind of nurse I want to become. I have earned my CNA certification and am now pursuing my nursing degree. I know nursing will be challenging, but I also know that I have learned how to keep going when things are hard. My life has given me plenty of practice with that. I struggled academically in high school, went through major changes in my family, and watched my mom battle cancer. I made mistakes, but I have worked hard to move forward just like my mom. After graduating, I took college courses during the spring and summer and earned a 4.0 GPA. I am also a collegiate wrestler, which has taught me a different kind of resilience. Wrestling has taught me to get back up when things do not go my way. I think that lesson will matter in nursing too. I do not know exactly what kind of nurse I will become yet. I just know I want to be the person who shows up. I want to be the nurse who notices when someone is scared, listens when someone needs to talk, and makes a difficult day feel a little less crappy. Shaun's legacy is a reminder that caring for people is not always about doing something huge. Sometimes it is about being there when someone needs you most. That is the kind of legacy I hope to build through my own career in healthcare. I am working toward becoming the kind of person my mom has always taught me to be: someone who shows up, works hard, and takes care of others.

I am a college student, a wrestler, a CNA, and someone who has learned that mistakes do not have to determine your future. High school was not my strongest chapter academically. I made choices that affected my grades, and I take responsibility for that. At the time, I did not fully understand how much those decisions would affect my future. Now I do. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that you cannot go back and change what you did, but you can decide what you are going to do next. I am now proving to myself that I am capable of much more. After graduating high school, I took college courses during the spring and summer and earned a 4.0 college GPA. I also earned my CNA certification and am continuing my education with the goal of becoming a nurse. I am proud of how much I have changed because I know I had to work for it. College is expensive, especially because my academic struggles in high school limited some of the opportunities I had for scholarships and financial aid. My family has had to take on a significant amount of student loan debt to help pay for my education. I am incredibly grateful for that support, but I also understand that it comes with a cost. Receiving this scholarship would help reduce the amount of debt my family has to take on and allow me to focus more on my education and less on the financial pressure of paying for college. I am also continuing to wrestle in college. Wrestling has taught me discipline, mental toughness, and how to keep going when something is difficult. Between practices, classes, work, and preparing for my nursing career, I have a lot on my plate. Some days I feel like I need a clone of myself just to get everything done. But I have learned that being busy is not an excuse to stop working toward my goals. My goal is to become a nurse and build a career where I can help people. I want to take the lessons I have learned from my own experiences and use them to become someone patients can trust and depend on. This scholarship would mean more to me than simply helping pay a bill. It would give me another opportunity to move forward from my mistakes and continue building the future I am working so hard to create. I cannot change my high school record, but I can change the story that comes after it. My 4.0 college GPA is just the beginning, and I am determined to keep proving what I can do.

I have learned that the things that challenge you can also become the things that make you stronger. My life has not always gone exactly the way I planned, and I have had to work through challenges that made school and life harder than they were for some of my peers. Instead of letting those experiences define me, I have learned to use them as motivation. I have learned how to keep going, ask for help when I need it, and prove to myself that one difficult chapter does not determine my future. Wrestling has taught me many of the same lessons. As a female wrestler, I have learned how to be uncomfortable, stay mentally strong, and keep fighting when I am tired or frustrated. Now that I am continuing wrestling in college, I know there will be plenty of moments when I wonder why I signed up for this. But I also know that the hardest moments are usually the ones that teach me the most. My goal is to become a nurse because I want a career where I can help people when they need someone in their corner. I have already earned my CNA certification, which gave me an opportunity to see healthcare from a different perspective and confirmed that nursing is the path I want to follow. I enjoy helping people, but more than that, I want to be someone who makes patients feel safe, respected, and cared for during some of the hardest moments of their lives. I have also discovered that I am capable of more academically than I once believed. After graduating high school, I took college courses during the spring and summer and earned a 4.0 college GPA. That experience gave me confidence and showed me that my past does not limit what I can accomplish in my future. As a nurse, I want to make a positive impact by treating every patient like a person rather than just a diagnosis. I want to listen, advocate for my patients, and bring compassion into situations that can be scary or overwhelming. I also hope to encourage other young people who may have struggled in school or faced difficult circumstances to believe that their past does not decide where they can go. I am still figuring out exactly where nursing will take me, but I know what kind of person I want to be along the way: hardworking, compassionate, resilient, and someone who shows up when people need her. My goal is not just to build a successful career. It is to use that career to serve others and leave every community I am part of a little better than I found it.

If I had to describe what makes me a “You Got It Girl,” it would be resilience. I’m not the athlete who has always won or had things come easy to her. I’m the one who kept showing up anyway. Even when I was tired, discouraged, or questioning myself, I didn’t quit. To me, “You Got It Girl” isn’t about being perfect or the best. It’s about having the mindset to keep going, especially when you feel out of place, and proving to yourself that you belong. Wrestling has shaped that mindset in me more than anything else. I’ve been in a male-dominated sport for most of my athletic career. For a long time, I was one of the only girls in the room, practicing with boys, competing for space, and constantly feeling like I had to prove that I deserved to be there. There were moments where it would have been easier to walk away or choose something more comfortable, but I didn’t. I stayed, I worked, and I learned how to be confident in who I am, even when I stood out. Being a girl in wrestling has taught me a different kind of toughness. Not just physical toughness, but mental strength. I’ve had to block out doubts, stereotypes, and sometimes even my own insecurities. Instead of letting that discourage me, it pushed me. It made me want to work harder, get stronger, and show that I belong on the mat just as much as anyone else. That’s why committing to wrestle at Millikin University means so much to me. I will be part of the very first women’s wrestling team in the school’s history. That’s bigger than just me. It means being part of something new, helping build a program, and representing what women in sports are capable of. There’s something powerful about knowing I won’t just be joining a team, I’ll be helping create one. That comes with pressure, but also pride, and I’m ready for both. This past season challenged me in a different way. I worked harder than ever, but I didn’t always see the results I expected. I lost matches I thought I should win, and it started to affect my confidence. It’s hard to stay motivated when you feel like your effort isn’t paying off, especially in a sport where everything is so individual. But instead of quitting, I leaned into it. I kept showing up, even on the days I didn’t want to. I started focusing less on winning and more on growing. That shift changed everything for me. I realized that not every season is about results. Some seasons are about building strength, discipline, and character. That experience made me stronger mentally and helped me understand that perseverance isn’t about everything going your way, it’s about staying committed when it doesn’t. This helped me to earn the Most Improved Wrestler Award, 1st Team All-Conference and IWKOA State Qualifier. Someone I admire most is my mom. While I battled on the mats, she was battling breast cancer. She has always shown me what it looks like to be strong, to lead, and to keep going no matter what. She pushes me to be better, but she also supports me through every challenge. Watching how she handles pressure and hardships has inspired me to approach my own life with that same determination and confidence. Being a student-athlete means being part of something bigger than yourself. It means balancing school, sports, and life while continuing to grow in all areas. At Millikin, I will be competing in women’s wrestling and continuing to push myself to improve every day. I’m excited not just to compete, but to help build a foundation for future athletes who will come after me. This scholarship would help support that journey in a real way. Being a college athlete comes with a lot of expenses, from gear and travel to training and school costs. Having that support would allow me to focus more on my development and less on financial stress, which would make a huge difference. If there’s one more thing I’d want you to know about me, it’s that I’m still growing. I’m still learning, still pushing, and still chasing something bigger than where I am right now. Being part of a male-dominated sport taught me how to stand my ground. Being part of the first women’s wrestling team at Millikin will teach me how to lead. And I’m ready for that.

People usually think compassion has to be something big or dramatic, but the moment that stuck with me most was actually really simple. This past year was one of the hardest I’ve had. I’m a wrestler, and I put a lot into it. Early mornings, long practices, pushing myself even when I was exhausted. But no matter how hard I worked, I kept losing. It felt like everyone else was improving and winning, and I was just stuck. Every match started to feel heavier, not just physically but mentally. I started doubting myself and wondering if all the effort I was putting in even mattered. After one match, I lost again and just felt defeated. I went off by myself because I didn’t want anyone to see me upset. I felt embarrassed, like I was letting people down. I was sitting there trying to keep it together when one of my teammates came over and sat next to me. She didn’t give some long speech or try to fix everything. She just said, “I see how hard you’re working. It’s not going unnoticed.” That meant more to me than she probably realized. In that moment, I didn’t feel like just the girl who kept losing. I felt seen. I felt like all the effort I had been putting in actually mattered, even if it wasn’t showing up in wins yet. She didn’t change the outcome of my match, but she changed how I felt about myself in that moment. That experience really stuck with me. It made me realize that compassion isn’t about having the perfect words or solving someone’s problems. Sometimes it’s just about showing up and acknowledging what someone else is going through. You never really know how much someone might need that. Since then, I’ve tried to be more aware of the people around me. In wrestling and in everyday life, I’ve realized everyone is dealing with something, even if you can’t see it. I try to encourage my teammates after tough matches, check in on my friends, or just be someone who listens. Even small things can make a difference. I’m still working toward my goals, and I still have tough days, but that moment changed how I handle them. It reminded me that progress isn’t always obvious and that being kind to others can have a bigger impact than you think. That one small act of compassion didn’t change my record, but it changed my perspective. And that’s something I’ll carry with me moving forward.

I want to make a change in my life because I have learned that challenges—both personal and external—don’t have to define my future if I approach them with determination, focus, and resilience. Freshman year of high school was the hardest year of my life. My ADHD made focusing in class overwhelming, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and my father had left, leaving me to navigate so much uncertainty on my own. My grades plummeted, and I failed nearly every class. I had to complete credit remediation just to stay on track academically. At the time, I didn’t even think I would get into college. The obstacles felt insurmountable, and I questioned whether I could ever recover. But I refused to let that define me. I began taking concrete steps to turn my life around. I committed myself to improving my grades, developing strategies to manage my ADHD, and balancing academics with extracurriculars. Wrestling became an essential outlet. On the mat, I found focus, discipline, and emotional resilience. Each practice and match taught me that setbacks are not failures—they are opportunities to learn and grow. Wrestling also opened doors I never imagined: I am now being recruited by Millikin University for their women’s wrestling program, a recognition of the effort, perseverance, and growth I’ve demonstrated over the past few years. Alongside athletics, I pursued hands-on experience in healthcare. I enrolled in college courses while still in high school to earn my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and worked three jobs to support myself and my family. These experiences taught me time management, responsibility, and empathy—skills I know will be essential in my future career as a pediatric nurse. They also reinforced a deeper lesson: hard work and persistence pay off, even when the path seems impossible at first. This scholarship would bring me closer to my goal by easing financial barriers, allowing me to focus more fully on my nursing studies and athletic commitments. More importantly, it would validate the effort I’ve put into transforming my life and provide encouragement to keep pushing forward toward my dreams. I plan to pay it forward by mentoring others who are struggling academically, socially, or emotionally. I want to show them that setbacks—like failing a class, managing ADHD, or facing family hardships—do not define your potential. Through tutoring, volunteering in healthcare settings, or coaching young athletes in wrestling, I hope to share encouragement, guidance, and tangible support, demonstrating that perseverance and determination can lead to real change. I want to make a change in my life because I refuse to be defined by my past struggles. I have seen that resilience, focus, and determination can transform adversity into opportunity. This scholarship would help me continue my journey, empowering me to achieve my goals and give back to others in meaningful ways.

I grew up in a single-parent household with my mom, who taught me the meaning of sacrifice, perseverance, and unconditional love. Money was always tight, and I remember watching her wash clothes in the bathtub to save every extra dollar for my birthday gifts. She never complained, but I saw her quietly make choices that prioritized my happiness and stability over her own comfort. Her actions left a lasting impression on me: care, determination, and love often require hard work and creative problem-solving. My upbringing wasn’t without challenges. I was diagnosed with ADHD, which made focusing in school difficult and caused frustration at home and in social situations. On top of that, during my freshman year, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a terrifying and confusing time, and I felt the pressure of taking on more responsibility at home while managing my own emotions. My father completely left my life at the same time, which added to the sense of uncertainty and loss I carried. Navigating school, family responsibilities, and my own struggles often felt overwhelming, and there were days when I questioned whether I could keep up. Wrestling became my outlet, my way of processing all the stress and emotions I carried. On the mat, I found focus, control, and a sense of accomplishment. Wrestling taught me discipline and resilience, but more importantly, it gave me a way to channel frustration and sadness into something productive. Every match, practice, and challenge became a metaphor for life: fall, get back up, adapt, and keep pushing forward. Through wrestling, I learned that setbacks—whether a lost match, a tough assignment, or a difficult day at home—are not failures. They are opportunities to grow stronger. One accomplishment that stands out is earning my CNA certification while balancing high school, wrestling, and multiple jobs. It is a tangible reminder that perseverance pays off, and it gave me confidence in my ability to handle difficult responsibilities. It also deepened my understanding of empathy and service, as I begin caring for patients and seeing firsthand how compassion can make a real difference. These experiences shaped how I see myself and others. I understand now that everyone carries unseen struggles, and that resilience and kindness often come from the challenges we face. Growing up in a single-parent household with limited resources taught me creativity, gratitude, and the value of hard work. Wrestling taught me discipline, mental strength, and emotional processing. And supporting my mom through her illness taught me empathy, patience, and advocacy. All of these experiences have prepared me for my next step: pursuing a career in pediatric nursing. I want to help children and families navigate difficult moments with care, strength, and reassurance—just as my mom’s sacrifices and wrestling taught me to navigate life. My upbringing and the challenges I’ve faced have shaped me into someone determined, compassionate, and ready to make a difference.

Even though my mom had already completed her time in the Marines before I was born, her influence on my life has been undeniable. Growing up, she taught me the discipline, strength, and determination that are central to her military mindset—but she also shared something unexpected: hand-to-hand combat and grappling techniques. What started as playful lessons in our living room quickly became something much more meaningful, sparking my interest in wrestling and shaping the way I approach challenges. I remember one afternoon vividly. I was around ten years old, and my mom had set up a small “training area” in the living room with mats and pillows. She demonstrated a grappling hold and showed me the proper way to maintain balance and leverage. I immediately tried to copy her, stumbling, slipping, and laughing the entire time. She corrected my stance gently but firmly, saying, “Lucy, it’s not just about strength. It’s about focus, strategy, and knowing how to adapt when things don’t go your way.” I fell countless times, but each time, she encouraged me to get back up. By the end of the afternoon, I wasn’t just learning grappling techniques—I was learning patience, resilience, and the importance of persistence. Those early lessons are what eventually led me to pursue wrestling in middle and high school. As a girl in a traditionally male-dominated sport, I sometimes felt nervous or out of place, but I remembered my mom’s words: falling is part of the process, and determination makes the difference. Wrestling has taught me focus, discipline, and self-confidence, but it has also given me a tangible way to carry on the lessons my mom shared with me. Every match, every practice, and every challenge on the mat reminds me of her guidance and the values she instilled. Beyond sports, these lessons have shaped how I approach life. From academics to work, from supporting my family to pursuing my dream of becoming a pediatric nurse, I carry my mom’s teachings with me: be strong, be persistent, and never underestimate the power of preparation and focus. She may not have been in the Marines while I was growing up, but her service and her skills continue to influence me every day. Through her guidance, laughter, and tough love, my mom taught me that resilience and determination aren’t just learned in the military—they can be passed from one generation to the next, on the wrestling mat, in the classroom, and in every challenge life throws your way.

I have always been drawn to helping others, and my personal experiences have taught me how deeply emotional support can impact someone’s life. Living with ADHD has given me a unique perspective on patience, focus, and resilience. I know firsthand how overwhelming emotions and stress can feel, and I have learned strategies to manage them. These experiences have made me more empathetic and attentive to the struggles of others, which has shaped how I support those around me. Some of my earliest experiences with emotional support came from helping my younger brother, who is autistic, and my family during my mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. I learned to be a steady presence for my brother, helping him navigate stressful appointments and encouraging him to communicate in ways that felt safe to him. With my mom, I provided reassurance, listened without judgment, and helped my family cope during an uncertain and frightening time. These experiences taught me that being patient, present, and compassionate is often as important as any solution or advice I could offer. Outside of my family, I apply these lessons in school, at work, and on my wrestling team. I make an effort to notice when someone is struggling emotionally and offer support, whether through listening, encouragement, or simply being there. Living with ADHD also helps me relate to others facing challenges, as I understand how frustration or self-doubt can affect performance and confidence. I have learned how meaningful it can be to have someone acknowledge your feelings and help you navigate them without judgment. As I pursue my studies in nursing and plan to become a pediatric nurse, I intend to use these skills to provide emotional support alongside medical care. Children in healthcare settings often feel fear, anxiety, or uncertainty, and families frequently experience stress and worry. I hope to be the kind of nurse who can recognize emotional needs, offer reassurance, and create a safe, comforting environment. I want to help patients and their families feel seen, heard, and cared for—not just physically, but emotionally. Supporting mental health is a vital part of holistic care. My experiences with ADHD, my brother, and my family have given me the empathy, patience, and resilience to help others manage their emotions. I am committed to using both my life experiences and my nursing education to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve.

Being the child of a parent in the military has profoundly shaped who I am, teaching me resilience, discipline, and a commitment to service that guide my everyday life. My mom served four years in the Marine Corps, and my stepdad is currently serving full time in the Illinois Air National Guard, marking his 28th year of dedication. Growing up in a family with such strong ties to the military has given me a unique perspective on sacrifice, responsibility, and perseverance. From an early age, I witnessed firsthand the demands of military life—rigorous schedules, high expectations, and the constant balancing of duty with family. My mom’s time in the Marines showed me the importance of discipline, mental toughness, and pushing through challenges. It also inspired one of my own defining passions: wrestling. Watching my mom embrace physical and mental challenges in the Corps motivated me to step onto the mat, a space where I could test my limits, build confidence, and channel my energy into focus and determination. Wrestling has become a way for me to develop resilience and self-belief, qualities that were modeled for me by my mom’s service. My stepdad’s ongoing service has further shaped my understanding of commitment and leadership. Over nearly three decades, he has balanced the demands of his military career with providing for our family, teaching me the importance of dedication, integrity, and service to something greater than oneself. I have learned from him how to persevere in the face of long hours, uncertainty, and sacrifice. Watching him navigate these challenges has inspired me to approach my own goals—academics, athletics, and career aspirations—with the same determination and focus. Being raised in a military family also taught me adaptability. Military life often involves change—new routines, new expectations, and sometimes periods of separation. Learning to adjust, stay positive, and maintain focus has been invaluable in school, athletics, and work. It has also fostered a sense of empathy in me, understanding that every family and every person carries their own challenges and responsibilities, sometimes unseen. These lessons—resilience, discipline, adaptability, and service—have profoundly influenced my goals and ambitions. They inspired my interest in healthcare, where I can combine skill, compassion, and advocacy to make a meaningful difference. They also guide my approach to challenges in school, athletics, and life. Being the child of military parents has instilled in me the confidence to take initiative, persevere under pressure, and give my best in everything I do. I am proud to be part of a military family and to carry forward the values it has taught me. My experiences growing up in this environment have not only prepared me for the demands of higher education and a career in nursing but have also given me a strong sense of purpose and responsibility—to serve others, work hard, and face life’s challenges with courage and determination.

My “Pie in the Sky” dream is to become a pediatric nurse who not only provides excellent medical care, but also advocates for and comforts children with special needs and their families. It is a dream that feels inspiring because it combines my passion for science and healthcare with my desire to make a tangible, lasting difference in people’s lives. At the same time, it feels just out of reach, because it requires years of rigorous education, training, and emotional growth. Yet it is a dream I cannot let go of, because it is rooted in some of the most formative experiences of my life. This dream was sparked by two experiences that shaped who I am. First, growing up with my autistic younger brother taught me the power of patience, understanding, and advocacy. I learned that children communicate in different ways, and that a compassionate caregiver can make a world of difference in how they experience healthcare and life in general. The second spark came during my mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. I watched the nurses who cared for her not only administer treatment, but also provide comfort, reassurance, and guidance to my family. Their presence showed me that nurses have the ability to transform fear into trust and pain into hope. Seeing both my brother and my mother navigate medical challenges made me realize that I wanted to be that source of strength, guidance, and comfort for others. To reach this dream, I know I must take concrete steps and remain committed to growth, both academically and personally. I am currently completing high school while enrolled in college coursework to earn my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. This provides hands-on experience in patient care, time management, and responsibility—skills that will form the foundation of my future as a nurse. Beyond formal education, I am building resilience and emotional intelligence through balancing academics, athletics, and multiple jobs. Wrestling has taught me discipline, perseverance, and mental toughness—qualities that will help me navigate the pressures of nursing school and a demanding healthcare career. I also know that pursuing this dream will require creativity, empathy, and courage. Pediatric patients often face fear and uncertainty, and their care sometimes requires thinking beyond standard procedures—finding ways to connect, communicate, and make them feel safe. I am committed to cultivating these skills through volunteering, mentoring, and continuous learning. I understand that setbacks and challenges are inevitable, but I view them as opportunities to grow and refine my approach. My “Pie in the Sky” is bold because it asks for my full dedication, heart, and courage. It inspires me because it aligns my life with service, compassion, and purpose. And it may feel just out of reach, but I know that through education, perseverance, and continuous personal growth, I can make it real. My dream is not only about becoming a pediatric nurse—it is about leaving a legacy of care, advocacy, and hope for children and families when they need it most.

Freshman year of high school is supposed to be a time of excitement, new beginnings, and self-discovery. For me, it was also the year my world shifted completely. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and overnight, our family’s sense of security and routine was replaced with uncertainty, fear, and constant worry. Facing this adversity at such a young age tested me in ways I never expected, but it also taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of perspective. At first, I felt completely overwhelmed. I struggled to balance my schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social life while also being emotionally available for my family. Fear and helplessness threatened to take over. I worried about how my mom would handle treatment, how it would affect my younger brother, and how our lives would change. I realized quickly that there was no way to control the situation entirely—but I could control how I responded. My plan of action was to be present in every way I could. I accompanied my mom to appointments when possible, helped manage household responsibilities, and supported my younger brother with autism, who was navigating his own challenges. I also had to find ways to manage my emotions and stay on top of my studies. I organized my schoolwork carefully, sought help when I needed it, and leaned on friends and teachers for support. Wrestling, which I had started my junior year of high school, became an essential outlet. It allowed me to channel my stress and anxiety into focus, discipline, and physical release. Every practice reminded me that challenges can be met with effort, resilience, and determination. Facing my mom’s illness at such a formative time changed how I view life. I learned that adversity is not just something to endure—it is something that can teach, shape, and strengthen us. I discovered the importance of empathy, patience, and small acts of care. Watching the healthcare professionals who treated my mom reinforced my desire to become a nurse. I wanted to be the person who could provide comfort, reassurance, and guidance to patients and families during their most vulnerable moments, just as the nurses did for my mom and for us. This experience also made me value perspective. Life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change suddenly, but how we respond to challenges defines who we are. It showed me that strength is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it. I carry this lesson with me every day—in my academics, athletics, work, and personal relationships. Looking back, my mother’s breast cancer diagnosis was one of the hardest moments of my life, but it also became a defining one. It taught me resilience, the power of empathy, and the importance of action in the face of adversity. It prepared me for challenges ahead and shaped my goals, fueling my passion for pediatric nursing and my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Education is important to me because it represents opportunity, growth, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Growing up as the child of two military parents, I was taught early on that discipline, perseverance, and hard work are essential to achieving one’s goals. My parents emphasized the value of learning not just as a requirement, but as a tool for personal development and service to others. For me, education is the pathway to fulfilling my dreams and giving back to my community in ways that can leave a lasting difference. My personal experiences have strengthened this belief. Supporting my autistic younger brother and being by my mother’s side during her breast cancer diagnosis showed me how critical knowledge, preparation, and compassionate care are in times of need. I witnessed firsthand how understanding, patience, and skill—qualities cultivated through education—can transform someone’s experience in the healthcare system. Those experiences inspired me to pursue nursing, a field that requires both academic knowledge and emotional intelligence. Earning my high school diploma, working toward my CNA certification, and balancing academics, athletics, and multiple jobs have taught me the value of persistence, time management, and resilience. Education is not just a means to a degree; it is a way to prepare myself to serve others effectively and confidently. Through education, I hope to build a foundation that allows me to make a positive impact in pediatric nursing. My goal is to be a nurse who provides more than medical care—to offer comfort, reassurance, and advocacy for children and their families during vulnerable moments. I want my work to be remembered not only for competence, but for compassion and human connection. Education equips me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to turn that vision into reality. The legacy I hope to leave is one of service, empathy, and empowerment. I want people to remember me as someone who worked hard to make a difference, someone who cared deeply and acted with integrity. I hope to inspire others, especially young women and future nurses, to pursue their goals relentlessly while remaining compassionate and kind. More broadly, I want my life to demonstrate that dedication to learning and commitment to helping others can create change that lasts well beyond an individual’s own actions. Education matters to me because it is the bridge between who I am today and the impact I hope to make tomorrow. It is the tool that will allow me to transform my experiences into meaningful service, and the foundation upon which I can leave a legacy of care, resilience, and hope for the people I touch throughout my life and career.

My journey toward higher education has been shaped by responsibility, resilience, and a strong desire to serve others. Growing up as the child of two military parents taught me discipline, adaptability, and perseverance from an early age. Frequent changes and high expectations required me to mature quickly and remain focused, even during difficult circumstances. These experiences laid the foundation for my commitment to both education and service. One of the most influential experiences in my life has been supporting my younger brother, who is autistic. Being by his side during medical appointments and therapies exposed me to the healthcare system early on and showed me how deeply compassionate care can impact a child and their family. I witnessed how patience, understanding, and advocacy can turn fear into trust. Those moments sparked my interest in healthcare and inspired my goal of becoming a pediatric nurse—someone who provides not only medical care, but comfort and reassurance to children who may not be able to express their needs. Academically, my path has not always been easy. Living with ADHD required me to develop strong coping skills, time management, and self-discipline. Wrestling played a major role in helping me channel my energy in a positive way, teaching me focus, resilience, and accountability. Through this sport, I learned how to set goals and push through challenges, which directly led to improved academic performance. Wrestling also taught me confidence and leadership, especially as a female athlete in a demanding sport. In addition to balancing academics and athletics, I currently work three jobs while completing my high school education and college coursework to earn my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. This accomplishment reflects my commitment to preparing for a career in nursing and gaining hands-on experience in patient care. Working in healthcare has reinforced my passion for helping others and strengthened my desire to pursue nursing at the collegiate level. I plan to study nursing, with the goal of specializing in pediatric care. This field is important to me because children deserve caregivers who are patient, empathetic, and willing to advocate for them, especially those with special needs or communication challenges. Pediatric nursing combines science, compassion, and service—values that have guided my life and my educational journey. Through my education and career, I hope to make a meaningful impact in my community by providing compassionate, inclusive care to children and their families. I want to be a nurse who creates a sense of safety and trust during vulnerable moments. By serving with empathy and dedication, I hope to give back to my community and make a lasting difference in the lives of those I care for.

My inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing comes from growing up alongside my younger brother, who is autistic. From an early age, I learned that caring for someone goes far beyond simply meeting physical needs—it requires patience, understanding, advocacy, and compassion. Watching my brother navigate a world that was not always designed for him shaped the way I see others and taught me the importance of meeting people where they are. I spent much of my childhood accompanying my brother to appointments, therapies, and hospitals. I saw firsthand how powerful it was when healthcare providers took the time to speak gently, explain procedures clearly, and show genuine empathy—not only to him, but to our entire family. I also witnessed moments when that compassion was missing, and how confusing or overwhelming medical environments can be for children who struggle with communication or sensory challenges. Those experiences stayed with me. As I grew older, I realized that I wanted to be the kind of nurse who makes children feel safe, understood, and respected. I am especially drawn to pediatric nursing because children deserve caregivers who are patient, attentive, and willing to advocate for them when they cannot advocate for themselves. My brother taught me how much trust it takes to place your care in someone else’s hands, and I want to honor that trust. Currently, I am working toward my CNA certification while completing high school, which has further confirmed my desire to work in healthcare. Nursing combines science, service, and human connection—everything I value. My experiences as a sister have shaped my purpose, and I hope to use my career to provide comfort, confidence, and compassionate care to children and families who need it most. —————- To me, the phrase “human touch” means more than physical contact—it represents empathy, presence, and genuine connection. In healthcare, it is the difference between treating a patient as a task and caring for them as a person. Human touch is shown through a calm voice, patient listening, reassurance during fear, and understanding unspoken needs. I learned the true meaning of human touch through my experiences with my autistic brother. Medical environments can be overwhelming for children, especially those with sensory sensitivities or communication challenges. I saw how a gentle hand, eye-level conversation, or a moment of patience could completely change how my brother responded to care. When healthcare providers took the time to connect with him as a person, not just a diagnosis, it made him feel safe—and that safety made care more effective. Human touch plays a critical role in patient care because healing is not only physical; it is emotional and psychological as well. When patients feel seen and heard, they are more likely to trust their caregivers, communicate openly, and participate in their treatment. For pediatric patients especially, fear and uncertainty can be just as painful as illness. A nurse’s ability to provide comfort can ease anxiety for both the child and their family. As someone who plans to become a pediatric nurse, I believe human touch is one of the most powerful tools in healthcare. Children may not always understand what is happening to them, but they understand kindness, tone, and presence. A reassuring smile, a moment of patience, or simply sitting with a child can make a lasting impact. Human touch also extends to families. When parents see their child treated with compassion, it brings relief during incredibly stressful moments. Nursing is not just about administering medication or monitoring vital signs—it is about building trust and creating an environment where healing feels possible. Human touch reminds us that at the center of healthcare is humanity. It is what transforms clinical care into compassionate care, and it is the foundation of the nurse I strive to become.

Wrestling is far more than a sport to me—it is the foundation that helped shape my focus, resilience, and sense of belonging during some of the most challenging moments of my life. When I first stepped onto the mat, I was simply looking for an outlet. What I found was a place that helped me understand myself and grow in ways I never expected. Living with ADHD has often made it difficult for me to concentrate, stay organized, and manage overwhelming thoughts. Wrestling gave me structure and discipline when my mind felt scattered. Practices demanded complete focus, forcing me to be present in the moment. Over time, that focus carried into other areas of my life, especially academics. I learned how to manage my time, set goals, and push through mental barriers. As my self-discipline improved, so did my grades. Wrestling taught me that success is earned through consistency and effort, not perfection. After my mom’s cancer diagnosis, wrestling became my emotional outlet. That period of my life was filled with uncertainty, fear, and emotions I didn’t know how to express. On the mat, I didn’t have to explain how I felt—I could release it through movement, strength, and determination. Wrestling gave me a sense of control when life felt unpredictable. It taught me how to confront adversity head-on and keep moving forward, even when the outcome is uncertain. Those lessons helped me stay grounded and emotionally strong during a time when my family needed it most. As a female wrestler, I have learned to believe in myself and stand confidently in spaces where I once felt unsure. Wrestling pushed me beyond my comfort zone and taught me that strength comes in many forms—physical, mental, and emotional. It showed me the importance of perseverance, respect, and self-belief. These lessons have shaped not only who I am as an athlete, but who I am as a person. One of the most meaningful aspects of wrestling has been the friendships it brought into my life. Through this sport, I found teammates who became a second family. We push each other to improve, support one another through losses, and celebrate successes together. Wrestling taught me the value of teamwork and accountability, reminding me that no challenge has to be faced alone. Wrestling has helped me manage my ADHD, improve my academic performance, process one of the hardest experiences of my life, and find a community where I belong. Most importantly, it taught me resilience, discipline, and confidence—qualities that will stay with me long after I leave the mat. Wrestling didn’t just change how I compete; it changed how I live.