To Whom it May Concern, I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and set to graduate December 2025. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own journey as a transgender man in Missouri. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and language. I hope to eventually work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. My future goals include specializing in mental health nursing and I would prefer to working in a psychiatrist inpatient setting. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job at Lee Summit Medical Center. I'm currently working as a nurse extern at LSMC, where I'm gaining valuable experience in patient care. This role is strengthening my clinical skills and giving me the opportunity to explore different healthcare settings. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community and appreciate any support towards my aspirations. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith He/They University of Central Missouri, Class of 2025

Growing up in a small, conservative town as a queer and transgender man, I struggled with untreated mental health conditions and the trauma of existing in a deeply prejudiced environment. The lack of acceptance, coupled with my internalized shame, created a sense of isolation I carried with me for many years. At 13, I began drinking to cope with my C-PTSD caused symptoms such as anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and night terrors. Alcohol became a constant companion that allowed me to function in a world that felt constantly unsafe. It was there at school, at work, in the mornings, and before bed. But even as I achieved external successes, like graduating as valedictorian, making new friends, and getting into my goal college, I knew my drinking was escalating into something unmanageable In college, my addiction shifted to prescription medications after surgery. My behavior grew erratic, and I lived in a fog of lies and self-destruction. Recovery began the night my girlfriend flushed my pills—a l moment of mourning and reluctant relief that forced me to temporary sobriety. Today I find wellness and sobriety are a daily commitment. Therapy, support groups, meditation, journaling, and exercise have become essential tools in managing my mental health. Each day presents its own challenges, but my sobriety has given me the strength and clarity to show up for the commitments that matter to me. It has allowed me to fully engage in my nursing program, excel in my work as a Nurse Extern, and take meaningful steps toward achieving my dream of improving healthcare for the transgender community. My experiences with addiction and recovery shape my drive to create safe, nonjudgmental spaces for my future patients as a registered nurse. I am passionate about using my voice to advocate for inclusive care and advocate for patient struggling with addiction. Recovery, to me, is about reclaiming MY life—about moving beyond the haze I was existing in and choosing to live authentically, even in the face of struggle and bigotry. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community and appreciate any support towards my aspirations. I want to create safe and nonjudgmental spaces for my patients and believe through my experiences I will be able to do that. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith He/They University of Central Missouri, Class of 2025

Growing up in a small, conservative town as a queer and transgender man, I struggled with untreated mental health conditions and the trauma of existing in a deeply prejudiced environment. The lack of acceptance, coupled with my internalized shame, created a sense of isolation I carried with me for many years. At 13, I began drinking to cope with my C-PTSD caused symptoms such as anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and night terrors. Alcohol became a constant companion that allowed me to function in a world that felt constantly unsafe. It was there at school, at work, in the mornings, and before bed. But even as I achieved external successes, like graduating as valedictorian, making new friends, and getting into my goal college, I knew my drinking was escalating into something unmanageable. In college, my addiction shifted to prescription medications after surgery. My behavior grew erratic, and I lived in a fog of lies and self-destruction. Recovery began the night my girlfriend flushed my pills—a l moment of mourning and reluctant relief that forced me to temporary sobriety. Today I find wellness and sobriety are a daily commitment. Therapy, support groups, meditation, journaling, and exercise have become essential tools in managing my mental health. Each day presents its own challenges, but my sobriety has given me the strength and clarity to show up for the commitments that matter to me. It has allowed me to fully engage in my nursing program, excel in my work as a Nurse Extern, and take meaningful steps toward achieving my dream of improving healthcare for the transgender community. My experiences with addiction and recovery shape my drive to create safe, nonjudgmental spaces for my future patients as a registered nurse. I am passionate about using my voice to advocate for inclusive care and advocate for patient struggling with addiction. Recovery, to me, is about reclaiming MY life—about moving beyond the haze I was existing in and choosing to live authentically, even in the face of struggle and bigotry. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community and appreciate any support towards my aspirations. I want to create safe and nonjudgmental spaces for my patients and believe through my experiences I will be able to do that. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith He/They University of Central Missouri, Class of 2025

Growing up in a small, conservative town as a queer and transgender man, I struggled with untreated mental health conditions and the trauma of existing in a deeply prejudiced environment. The lack of acceptance, coupled with my internalized shame, created a sense of isolation I carried with me for many years. At 13, I began drinking to cope with my C-PTSD caused symptoms such as anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and night terrors. Alcohol became a constant companion that allowed me to function in a world that felt constantly unsafe. It was there at school, at work, in the mornings, and before bed. But even as I achieved external successes, like graduating as valedictorian, making new friends, and getting into my goal college, I knew my drinking was escalating into something unmanageable. In college, my addiction shifted to prescription medications after surgery. My behavior grew erratic, and I lived in a fog of lies and self-destruction. Recovery began the night my girlfriend flushed my pills—a l moment of mourning and reluctant relief that forced me to temporary sobriety. Today I find wellness and sobriety are a daily commitment. Therapy, support groups, meditation, journaling, and exercise have become essential tools in managing my mental health. Each day presents its own challenges, but my sobriety has given me the strength and clarity to show up for the commitments that matter to me. It has allowed me to fully engage in my nursing program, excel in my work as a Nurse Extern, and take meaningful steps toward achieving my dream of improving healthcare for the transgender community. My experiences with addiction and recovery shape my drive to create safe, nonjudgmental spaces for my future patients as a registered nurse. I am passionate about using my voice to advocate for inclusive care and advocate for patient struggling with addiction. Recovery, to me, is about reclaiming MY life—about moving beyond the haze I was existing in and choosing to live authentically, even in the face of struggle and bigotry. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community and appreciate any support towards my aspirations. I want to create safe and nonjudgmental spaces for my patients and believe through my experiences I will be able to do that. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith He/They University of Central Missouri, Class of 2025

Recovery, to me, is about reclaiming MY life—about moving beyond the haze I was existing in and living authentically, even in the face of struggle and bigotry. My journey with substance use was shaped by the trauma of growing up as a queer/transgender man in a deeply prejudiced environment and managing untreated mental health conditions. Recovery is not just about abstaining from substances; it's about rebuilding my self-worth, redefining my purpose, and committing to being present in my life. At 13, I began drinking to cope with my C-PTSD caused anxiety, night terrors, hallucinations, and paranoia. Alcohol became a constant companion, allowing me to function in a world that felt hostile. But even as I achieved external successes my drinking spiraled. In college, addiction shifted to prescription medications after surgery. My behavior grew erratic, and I lived in a fog of lies and self-destruction. Recovery began the night my girlfriend flushed my pills—a moment of mourning and reluctant relief that forced me to choose temporary sobriety. Today, recovery is a daily choice. It means showing up for my nursing program, my work as a Nurse Extern, and my dream of improving transgender healthcare. It means engaging in substance abuse therapy, support groups, and finding healthier coping mechanisms. Sobriety has given me clarity to rediscover myself and my purpose in life. My experiences with addiction and recovery, LGBTQ+ issues, and mental health will shape my approach as a nurse, enabling me to create safe, empathic, and nonjudgmental spaces for patients.

To Whom it May Concern, I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and set to graduate December 2025. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own journey as a transgender man in Missouri. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and language. I hope to eventually work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. My future goals include specializing in mental health nursing and I would prefer to working in a psychiatrist inpatient setting. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job at Lee Summit Medical Center. I'm currently working as a nurse extern at LSMC, where I'm gaining valuable experience in patient care. This role is strengthening my clinical skills and giving me the opportunity to explore different healthcare settings. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community and appreciate any support towards my aspirations. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith He/They University of Central Missouri, Class of 2025

I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and set to graduate December 2025. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own journey as a transgender man in Missouri. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and language. I hope to eventually work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. My future goals include specializing in mental health nursing and I would prefer to working in a psychiatrist inpatient setting. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job at Lee Summit Medical Center. I'm currently working as a nurse extern at LSMC, where I'm gaining valuable experience in patient care. This role is strengthening my clinical skills and giving me the opportunity to explore different healthcare settings. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community and appreciate any support towards my aspirations. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith He/They University of Central Missouri, Class of 2025

I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and set to graduate December 2025. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own journey as a transgender man in Missouri. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and language. I hope to eventually work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. My future goals include specializing in mental health nursing and I would prefer to working in a psychiatrist inpatient setting. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job at Lee Summit Medical Center. I'm currently working as a nurse extern at LSMC, where I'm gaining valuable experience in patient care. This role is strengthening my clinical skills and giving me the opportunity to explore different healthcare settings. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community and appreciate any support towards my aspirations. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith He/They University of Central Missouri, Class of 2025

I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and set to graduate December 2025. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own journey as a transgender man in Missouri. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and language. I hope to eventually work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. My future goals include specializing in mental health nursing and I would prefer to working in a psychiatrist inpatient setting. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job at Lee Summit Medical Center. I'm currently working as a nurse extern at LSMC, where I'm gaining valuable experience in patient care. This role is strengthening my clinical skills and giving me the opportunity to explore different healthcare settings. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community and appreciate any support towards my aspirations. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith He/They University of Central Missouri, Class of 2025

To Whom it May Concern, I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and set to graduate December 2025. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own journey as a transgender man. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and language. I hope to eventually work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job at Lee Summit Medical Center. I'm currently working as a nurse extern at LSMC, where I'm gaining valuable experience in patient care. This role is strengthening my clinical skills and giving me the opportunity to explore different healthcare settings. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community and appreciate any support towards my aspirations. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith University of Central Missouri, Class of 2025

To Whom it May Concern, I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and set to graduate December 2025. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own journey as a transgender man. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and langauge. I hope to eventually work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job at Lee Summit Medical Center. I'm currently working as a nurse extern at LSMC, where I'm gaining valuable experience in patient care. This role is strengthening my clinical skills and giving me the opportunity to explore different healthcare settings. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community and appreciate any support towards my aspirations. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith University of Central Missouri, Class of 2025

To Whom it May Concern, I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and set to graduate December 2025. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own journey as a transgender man. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and langauge. I hope to eventually work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job at Lee Summit Medical Center. I'm currently working as a nurse extern at LSMC, where I'm gaining valuable experience in patient care. This role is strengthening my clinical skills and giving me the opportunity to explore different healthcare settings. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community and appreciate any support towards my aspirations. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith (He/They) University of Central Missouri, Class of 2025

To Whom it May Concern, I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and set to graduate December 2025. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own journey as a transgender man. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and langauge. I hope to eventually work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job at Lee Summit Medical Center. I'm currently working as a nurse extern at LSMC, where I'm gaining valuable experience in patient care. This role is strengthening my clinical skills and giving me the opportunity to explore different healthcare settings. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community and appreciate any support towards my aspirations. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith University of Central Missouri, Class of 2025

To Whom it May Concern, I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and set to graduate December 2025. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own journey as a transgender man. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and langauge. I hope to eventually work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job at Lee Summit Medical Center. I'm currently working as a nurse extern at LSMC, where I'm gaining valuable experience in patient care. This role is strengthening my clinical skills and giving me the opportunity to explore different healthcare settings. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community and appreciate any support towards my aspirations. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith University of Central Missouri, Class of 2025

To Whom it May Concern, I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and set to graduate December 2025. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own journey as a transgender man. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and langauge. I hope to eventually work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job at Lee Summit Medical Center as a PCT. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community and appreciate any support towards my aspirations. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith University of Central Missouri, Class of 2026

To Whom it May Concern, I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri, currently enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. Upon careful consideration, I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and determined to contribute meaningfully to the field. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own treatment as a transgender man. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and langauge. Upon graduation, I hope to work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job as a Pharmacy Technician at Summer’s Pharmacy in Sedalia, Missouri. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith University of Central Missouri, Class of 2026

To Whom it May Concern, I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri, currently enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. Upon careful consideration, I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and determined to contribute meaningfully to the field. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own treatment as a transgender man. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and language. Upon graduation, I hope to work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. I also plan to advocate for policy changes that streamline the process for transgender individuals to access necessary treatments, reducing both bureaucratic and social obstacles. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. By fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding, I hope to empower transgender individuals to seek the healthcare they need without fear of discrimination or misunderstanding. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job as a Pharmacy Technician at Summer’s Pharmacy in Sedalia, Missouri. Balancing work, studies, and financial responsibilities has taught me resilience and time management, skills I will carry forward into my nursing career. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith University of Central Missouri, Class of 2026

To Whom it May Concern, I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri, currently enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. Upon careful consideration, I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and determined to contribute meaningfully to the field. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own treatment as a transgender man. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and language. Upon graduation, I hope to work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. I also plan to advocate for policy changes that streamline the process for transgender individuals to access necessary treatments, reducing both bureaucratic and social obstacles. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. By fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding, I hope to empower transgender individuals to seek the healthcare they need without fear of discrimination or misunderstanding. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family one who made me attend conversion therapy with multiple pastors and priest, I have been finically supporting myself through my job as a Pharmacy Technician at Summer’s Pharmacy in Sedalia, Missouri. Balancing work, studies, and financial responsibilities has taught me resilience and time management, skills I will carry forward into my nursing career. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith University of Central Missouri, Class of 2026

To Whom it May Concern, I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri, currently enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. Upon careful consideration, I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and determined to contribute meaningfully to the field. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own treatment as a transgender man. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and language. Upon graduation, I hope to work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. I also plan to advocate for policy changes that streamline the process for transgender individuals to access necessary treatments, reducing both bureaucratic and social obstacles. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. By fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding, I hope to empower transgender individuals to seek the healthcare they need without fear of discrimination or misunderstanding. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job as a Pharmacy Technician at Summer’s Pharmacy in Sedalia, Missouri. Balancing work, studies, and financial responsibilities has taught me resilience and time management, skills I will carry forward into my nursing career. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith University of Central Missouri, Class of 2026

To Whom it May Concern, I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri, currently enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. Upon careful consideration, I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and determined to contribute meaningfully to the field. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own treatment as a transgender man. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and language. Upon graduation, I hope to work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. I also plan to advocate for policy changes that streamline the process for transgender individuals to access necessary treatments, reducing both bureaucratic and social obstacles. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. By fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding, I hope to empower transgender individuals to seek the healthcare they need without fear of discrimination or misunderstanding. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job as a Pharmacy Technician at Summer’s Pharmacy in Sedalia, Missouri. Balancing work, studies, and financial responsibilities has taught me resilience and time management, skills I will carry forward into my nursing career. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith University of Central Missouri, Class of 2026

To Whom it May Concern, I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri, currently enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. Upon careful consideration, I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and determined to contribute meaningfully to the field. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own treatment as a transgender man. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and language. Upon graduation, I hope to work in a specialized transgender clinic. This choice stems from my personal experiences and the pressing need for knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals in this area. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. I also plan to advocate for policy changes that streamline the process for transgender individuals to access necessary treatments, reducing both bureaucratic and social obstacles. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. By fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding, I hope to empower transgender individuals to seek the healthcare they need without fear of discrimination or misunderstanding. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job as a Pharmacy Technician at Summer’s Pharmacy in Sedalia, Missouri. Balancing work, studies, and financial responsibilities has taught me resilience and time management, skills I will carry forward into my nursing career. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith University of Central Missouri, Class of 2026

To Whom it May Concern, I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri, currently enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. Upon careful consideration, I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and determined to contribute meaningfully to the field. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own treatment as a transgender man. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and langauge. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job as a Pharmacy Technician at Summer’s Pharmacy in Sedalia, Missouri. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith University of Central Missouri, Class of 2026

To Whom it May Concern, I am a junior at the University of Central Missouri, currently enrolled in the nursing program. My decision to pursue a nursing license is rooted in a passion for the wellbeing of others. Upon careful consideration, I chose nursing as my major, recognizing it as a career where I can best make a positive impact on people's lives. Having completed my prerequisites, I am fully immersed in the program and determined to contribute meaningfully to the field. My aspiration is to work in a specialized transgender clinic. Unfortunately, many conventional endocrinologists in Missouri lack expertise in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transitional purposes and exhibit a general lack of understanding about transgender healthcare. My personal experiences have fueled my motivation to become a nurse, stemming from the challenges I faced in finding educated and compassionate healthcare professionals during my own treatment as a transgender man. Access to respectful healthcare services in the transgender community of Missouri is limited, and I am committed to addressing this issue by making where I work more aware of LGBTQ rights and langauge. Transgender individuals in Missouri encounter significant obstacles in pursuing healthcare, such as the requirement for referrals and the often lengthy and unnecessary diagnosis process for gender dysphoria. Additionally, the extended waitlists for clinic appointments pose huge challenges for individuals who often need care and support as soon as possible. Through entering the healthcare field, I aim to contribute to overcoming these barriers by educating existing professionals, demonstrating compassion for trans patients, and representing my community in a professional setting. Growing up in a small farm town with minimal representation and heavy prejudice, I understand the importance of visibility for the next generation of transgender individuals. My goal is to be a positive influence by dispelling misinformation about HRT and providing accurate information to patients and others about the safe and life-saving care it offers. However, one significant challenge I currently face is the cost of attending UCM. To pursue my BSN with the University of Central Missouri, I will have incurred $16,500 in loans before graduation. Coming from an unsupportive family, I have been fully supporting myself through my job as a Pharmacy Technician at Summer’s Pharmacy in Sedalia, Missouri. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the nursing profession and improving healthcare access for the transgender community. Sincerely, Matthew S. Smith University of Central Missouri, Class of 2026

Hello, I am a freshman at the University of Central Missouri. I am pursuing a nursing license because I am deeply passionate about the wellbeings of others. When deciding my major I choose nursing because I figured it was the career where I could make the most positive difference in people’s lives the quickest. My dream is to work in a transgender specialty clinic. A lot of regular endocrinologists in Missouri don’t do HRT for transitional purposes and are generally uneducated in trans healthcare. I am motivated to be a nurse because I've had many struggles with finding educated and compassionate health professionals for my own treatment. Finding nurses and doctors that provide services for my community, as a transgender man, has been incredibly difficult. There aren’t a lot of clinics for trans individuals in Missouri so there’s a lot to be done in making them more accessible and easier to get into. There are a few big obstacles for transpeople pursuing healthcare. The clinics that do trans healthcare usually require referrals which are difficult to get and often require a diagnosis of gender dysphoria which for most is a lengthy and unnecessary process. I don’t know much about other states but here in Missouri the waitlist to actually be seen in a clinic is very long. I think entering the healthcare field will allow me to work on finding ways to reach trans people in Missouri, educate existing professionals, show compassion for trans patients, and represent my community in a professional setting. It's important to me that the next generation of transgender people see members of our community working in professional careers. I grew up in a small farm town with zero representation and a lot of prejudice. I've heard a lot of misinformation about HRT; I seek to be the professional that can explain to patients and others the safe saving care that HRT provides. I'm paying for college on my own through working full time. Still—I do not have enough money to avoid taking out student loans. I'm calculated to be about 16,500 dollars in debt by the time I graduate in 2026. I was able to get a few scholarships from my hometown but unfortunately, most of them were non-renewable. I was disowned from my family due to my gender identity and have zero financial support from them. I hope you consider me for this scholarship and I vow to you it would genuinely help me pursue my passion and better the future of other transgender individuals.

Hello, I am a freshman at the University of Central Missouri. I am pursuing a nursing license because I am deeply passionate about the wellbeings of others. When deciding my major I choose nursing because I figured it was the career where I could make the most positive difference in people’s lives the quickest. My dream is to work in a transgender specialty clinic. A lot of regular endocrinologists in Missouri don’t do HRT for transitional purposes and are generally uneducated in trans healthcare. I am motivated to be a nurse because I've had many struggles with finding educated and compassionate health professionals for my own treatment. Finding nurses and doctors that provide services for my community, as a transgender man, has been incredibly difficult. There aren’t a lot of clinics for trans individuals in Missouri so there’s a lot to be done in making them more accessible and easier to get into. There are a few big obstacles for transpeople pursuing healthcare. The clinics that do trans healthcare usually require referrals which are difficult to get and often require a diagnosis of gender dysphoria which for most is a lengthy and unnecessary process. I don’t know much about other states but here in Missouri the waitlist to actually be seen in a clinic is very long. I think entering the healthcare field will allow me to work on finding ways to reach trans people in Missouri, educate existing professionals, show compassion for trans patients, and represent my community in a professional setting. It's important to me that the next generation of transgender people see members of our community working in professional careers. I grew up in a small farm town with zero representation and a lot of prejudice. I've heard a lot of misinformation about HRT; I seek to be the professional that can explain to patients and others the safe saving care that HRT provides. I'm paying for college on my own through working full time. Still—I do not have enough money to avoid taking out student loans. I'm calculated to be about 16,500 dollars in debt by the time I graduate in 2026. I was able to get a few scholarships from my hometown but unfortunately, most of them were non-renewable. I hope you consider me for this scholarship and I vow to you it would genuinely help me pursue my passion and better the future of other transgender individuals.

Hello, I am a freshman at the University of Central Missouri. I am pursuing a nursing license because I am deeply passionate about the wellbeings of others. When deciding my major I choose nursing because I figured it was the career where I could make the most positive difference in people’s lives the quickest. My dream is to work in a transgender specialty clinic. A lot of regular endocrinologists in Missouri don’t do HRT for transitional purposes and are generally uneducated in trans healthcare. I am motivated to be a nurse because I've had many struggles with finding educated and compassionate health professionals for my own treatment. Finding nurses and doctors that provide services for my community, as a transgender man, has been incredibly difficult. There aren’t a lot of clinics for trans individuals in Missouri so there’s a lot to be done in making them more accessible and easier to get into. There are a few big obstacles for transpeople pursuing healthcare. The clinics that do trans healthcare usually require referrals which are difficult to get and often require a diagnosis of gender dysphoria which for most is a lengthy and unnecessary process. I don’t know much about other states but here in Missouri the waitlist to actually be seen in a clinic is very long. I think entering the healthcare field might allow me to work on finding ways to reach trans people in Missouri, educate existing professionals, show compassion for trans patients, and represent my community in a professional setting. It's important to me that the next generation of transgender people see members of our community working in professional careers. I grew up in a small farm town with zero representation and a lot of prejudice. I've heard a lot of misinformation about HRT; I seek to be the professional that can explain to patients and others the safe saving care that HRT provides. I'm paying for college on my own through working. Still—I do not have enough money to avoid taking out student loans. I'm calculated to be about 16,500 dollars in debt by the time I graduate in 2026. I was able to get a few scholarships from my hometown last year but unfortunately, most of them were non-renewable. I hope you consider me for this scholarship and I vow to you it would genuinely help me pursue my passion and better the future of other transgender individuals.

My name is Matthew Smith. I am a nineteen year old transman enrolled at the University of Central Missouri. My dream is to work as a nurse in a transgender specialty clinic to provide care and represent my community in a professional setting. I am motivated to be a RN because I've had many struggles with finding educated and compassionate health professionals for my own treatment. In the health field finding nurses and doctors that provide services for my community, especially in Missouri, has been incredibly difficult. In appointments with primary doctors, I've been met with an utter lack of education on what a transgender person is. In Missouri, there are only a few endocrinologists that do HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). My personal waitlist to get an appointment with University Health's LGBT Clinic was over 500 days. Even though education about transgender people is expanding in the health field, there is still a long way to go to make sure transgender patients are heard and understood in medical settings. I have met multiple specialty doctors with absolutely zero knowledge of medical transitions and I've been bounced around clinic to clinic because no one understood my scripts. It's important to me that the next generation of transgender people see members of our community working in professional careers. I grew up in a small farm town with zero representation and a lot of prejudice. I've heard a lot of misinformation about HRT; I seek to be the professional that can explain to others the life saving care that HRT provides. I work hard in school and I will work hard to represent my communitiy through a career in healthcare. I'm paying for college on my own with my full-time summer job at McDonald's and the part times I work during the school year. Still—I do not have enough money to avoid taking our student loans. I'm calculated to be about 16,500 dollars in debt by the time I graduate in 2026. I was able to get a few scholarships from my hometown last year but unfortunately, most of them were non-renewable. I've had a lot of struggles supporting myself financially this first year of college. I've had a few jobs that didn't work with my class schedule and currently I'm Door Dashing to make some extra money. I hope you consider me for this scholarship and I vow to you it would genuinely help me pursue my passion.

My name is Matthew Smith, I am a freshman, and I go to the University of Central Missouri. I am motivated to be a nurse because I've had many struggles with finding educated and compassionate health professionals for my own treatment. In the health field and finding nurses and doctors that provide services for my community, as a transgender man, has been incredibly difficult. In appointments with primary doctors, I've been met with an utter lack of education on what a transgender person is. In Missouri, there are only five endocrinologists that do HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). My personal waitlist to get an appointment with one of them was over 500 days. My dream is to work in a transgender specialty clinic and provide care and represent my community in a professional setting. The University Health LGBT Speciality Clinic is somewhere I would love to work and will look into when I graduate. I always try my best to help those around me and I have been volunteering at Western Missouri Medical Center at the help desk so I can show people to their loved ones' rooms. I chose this site specifically to put myself in a hospital setting and make connections for my future career. I try to make volunteering a priority in my life. I try to be caring to those in my new community and university. I meet Nellie, a 45-year-old blind woman, who has been going to UCM for many years for a degree in social work. The Writing Center and Office of Accessibility at UCM do very little to help her and have recently barred her aid from coming to class and writing her notes and the WC from typing her papers. My girlfriend met her on her walk from class and since then we have been typing all of her papers, discussion boards, and homework assignments, and reading her the chapters from her books. Since then Nellie has been able to pass her classes. Though I wouldn’t consider helping Nellie “volunteer work” as she’s become a close friend of mine, I definitely think the rewarding feeling that I get from helping her with her day-to-day life has solidified my passion for caring for others. I also return to my hometown Norborne, Missouri every winter to snow-shovel the sidewalks at our retirement home. I'm paying for college on my own with my full-time summer job at McDonald's. Still—I do not have enough money to avoid taking our student loans. I'm calculated to be about 16,500 dollars in debt by the time I graduate in 2026. I was able to get a few scholarships from my hometown last year but unfortunately, most of them were non-renewable. I hope you consider me for this scholarship and I vow to you it would genuinely help me pursue my passion.

I am motivated to be a nurse because I've had many struggles with finding educated and compassionate health professionals for my own treatment. In the health field and finding nurses and doctors that provide services for my community, as a transgender man, has been incredibly difficult. In appointments with primary doctors, I've been met with an utter lack of education on what a transgender person is. In Missouri, there are only five endocrinologists that do HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). My personal waitlist to get an appointment with one of them was over 500 days. My dream is to work in a transgender specialty clinic and provide care and represent my community in a professional setting. I always try my best to help those around me and I have been volunteering at Western Missouri Medical Center at the help desk so I can show people to their loved ones' rooms. I chose this site specifically to put myself in a hospital setting and make connections for my future career. I try to make volunteering a priority in my life. I try to be caring to those in my new community and university. I meet Nellie, a 45-year-old blind woman, who has been going to UCM for many years for a degree in social work. The Writing Center and Office of Accessibility at UCM do very little to help her and have recently barred her aid from coming to class and writing her notes and the WC from typing her papers. My girlfriend met her on her walk from class and since then we have been typing all of her papers, discussion boards, and homework assignments, and reading her the chapters from her books. Since then Nellie has been able to pass her classes. Though I wouldn’t consider helping Nellie “volunteer work” as she’s become a close friend of mine, I definitely think the rewarding feeling that I get from helping her with her day-to-day life has solidified my passion for caring for others. I also return to my hometown Norborne, Missouri every winter to snow-shovel the sidewalks at our retirement home, and volunteer at the Campus Cupboard at UCM. I'm paying for college on my own with my full-time summer job at McDonald's. Still—I do not have enough money to avoid taking our student loans. I'm calculated to be about 16,500 dollars in debt by the time I graduate in 2026. I was able to get a few scholarships from my hometown last year but unfortunately, most of them were non-renewable. I hope you consider me for this scholarship and I vow to you it would genuinely help me pursue my passion.

I am motivated to be a nurse because I've had many struggles with finding educated and compassionate health professionals for my own treatment. In the health field and finding nurses and doctors that provide services for my community, as a transgender man, has been incredibly difficult. In Missouri, there are only five endocrinologists that do HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). My personal waitlist to get an appointment with one of them was over 500 days. My dream is to work in a transgender specialty clinic and provide care and represent my community in a professional setting. I make volunteering a priority in my life. Ever since I was young, my brother and I have shoveled snow off the retirement home sidewalks in our hometown Norborne, Missouri. I try to be caring to those in my new community and university. I have been volunteering at Western Missouri Medical Center at the help desk so I can show people to their loved ones' rooms. I chose this site specifically to put myself in a hospital setting and make connections for my future career.I met Nellie, a 45-year-old blind woman, who has been going to UCM for many years for a degree in social work. The Writing Center and Office of Accessibility at UCM do very little to help her and have recently barred her aid from coming to class and writing her notes and the WC from typing her papers. My girlfriend met her on her walk from class and since then we have been typing all of her papers, discussion boards, and homework assignments, and reading her the chapters from her books. Since then Nellie has been able to pass her classes. Though I wouldn’t consider helping Nellie “volunteer work” as she’s become a close friend of mine, I definitely think the rewarding feeling that I get from helping her with her day-to-day life has solidified my passion for caring for others. I'm paying for college on my own with my full-time summer job at McDonald's. Still—I do not have enough money to avoid taking our student loans. I'm calculated to be about 16,500 dollars in debt by the time I graduate in 2026. I was for the most part disowned by my family because of my gender identity. I was able to get a few scholarships from my hometown last year but unfortunately, most of them were non-renewable. I hope you consider me for this scholarship and I vow to you it would genuinely help me pursue my passion and continue being able to take time for volunteering.

Being a freshman in college I have been invited to alot of parties. When I tell people I am a recovering alcoholic I get a strange mix of responses. How could a nineteen-year-old be an alcoholic? It gets worse when I tell them I started drinking when I was thirteen. In seventh grade, a peer approached me and we quickly became friends. She asked to have a sleepover at my house and while I slept violated my young body. I woke to find her over top of me and she begged me to not tell anyone. She said she was suicidal, and I need to be there for her to distract herself. I was young and easily convinced she would kill herself if I didn’t let her. Over the next few months, the often violent sexual abuse continued until she overdosed on Xanax and was sent to a mental hospital. For the next years of junior high and high school up until my senior year I was deep into an addiction to alcohol. I would see her in the hallways and had band class with her every day. Though she didn’t talk to me I was still stricken with panic attacks upon any interaction. I would self-medicate with vodka, whiskey, and whatever else I could get my hands on. I was under the influence almost every day of my schooling. My abusive home life made me fearful to tell my parents what had happened to me. As a biological female, my parents had already long accused me of being a homosexual. They sent me to a conversion counselor to try to fix what they thought was wrong with me. My addiction and what I’m sure is PTSD has stopped me from having a good start in my life. In my senior year of high school, my rapist dropped out. Finally, I began the road to recovery. I met my current girlfriend and finally opened up about what had happened when I was a kid. I bought self-help recovery books and scheduled my first therapy appointment. My girlfriend supported me through my withdrawals and relapses and for the first time since I was thirteen, I feel free and safe.

I try to make volunteering a priority in my life. Ever since I was young me and my brother have shoveled snow off the retirment home sidewalks in our hometown Norborne, Missouri. I try to be caring to those in my new community and university. I have been volunteering at Western Missouri Medical Center at the help desk so I can show people to their loved ones' rooms. I chose this site specifically to put myself in a hospital setting and make connections for my future career.I met Nellie, a 45-year-old blind woman, who has been going to UCM for many years for a degree in social work. The Writing Center and Office of Accessibility at UCM do very little to help her and have recently barred her aid from coming to class and writing her notes and the WC from typing her papers. My girlfriend met her on her walk from class and since then we have been typing all of her papers, discussion boards, and homework assignments, and reading her the chapters from her books. Since then Nellie has been able to pass her classes. Though I wouldn’t consider helping Nellie “volunteer work” as she’s become a close friend of mine, I definitely think the rewarding feeling that I get from helping her with her day-to-day life has solidified my passion for caring for others. I am motivated to be a nurse because I've had many struggles with finding educated and compassionate health professionals for my own treatment. In the health field and finding nurses and doctors that provide services for my community, as a transgender man, has been incredibly difficult. In appointments with primary doctors, I've been met with an utter lack of education on what a transgender person is. In Missouri, there are only five endocrinologists that do HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). My personal waitlist to get an appointment with one of them was over 500 days. My dream is to work in a transgender specialty clinic and provide care and represent my community in a professional setting. I will influence my community bringing my knowledge to my coworkers and other residents where I end up living. I'm paying for college on my own with my full-time summer job at McDonald's. Still—I do not have enough money to avoid taking our student loans. I'm calculated to be about 16,500 dollars in debt by the time I graduate in 2026. I was able to get a few scholarships from my hometown last year but unfortunately, most of them were non-renewable. I hope you consider me for this scholarship and I vow to you it would genuinely help me pursue my passion and continue being able to take time for volunteering.

I am motivated to be a nurse because I've had many struggles with finding educated and compassionate health professionals for my own treatment. In the health field and finding nurses and doctors that provide services for my community, as a transgender man, has been incredibly difficult. In appointments with primary doctors, I've been met with an utter lack of education on what a transgender person is. In Missouri, there are only five endocrinologists that do HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). My personal waitlist to get an appointment with one of them was over 500 days. My dream is to work in a transgender specialty clinic and provide care and represent my community in a professional setting. With my degree I can make a difference in other LGBTQ people's lives by being respectful and educated in my interactions with them. There is a deep rooted stigma against queer people in professional positions and I want to be the change I would have loved to see as a kid. I always try my best to help those around me and I have been volunteering at Western Missouri Medical Center at the help desk so I can show people to their loved ones' rooms. I chose this site specifically to put myself in a hospital setting and make connections for my future career. I try to make volunteering a priority in my life. I try to be caring to those in my new community and university. I meet Nellie, a 45-year-old blind woman, who has been going to UCM for many years for a degree in social work. The Writing Center and Office of Accessibility at UCM do very little to help her and have recently barred her aid from coming to class and writing her notes and the WC from typing her papers. My girlfriend met her on her walk from class and since then we have been typing all of her papers, discussion boards, and homework assignments, and reading her the chapters from her books. Since then Nellie has been able to pass her classes. Though I wouldn’t consider helping Nellie “volunteer work” as she’s become a close friend of mine, I definitely think the rewarding feeling that I get from helping her with her day-to-day life has solidified my passion for caring for others. I also return to my hometown Norborne, Missouri every winter to snow-shovel the sidewalks at our retirement home.

Being a freshman in college I have been invited to alot of parties. When I tell people I am a recovering alcoholic I get a strange mix of responses. How could a nineteen-year-old be an alcoholic? It gets worse when I tell them I started drinking when I was thirteen. In seventh grade, a peer approached me and we quickly became friends. She asked to have a sleepover at my house and while I slept violated my young body. I woke to find her over top of me and she begged me to not tell anyone. She said she was suicidal, and I need to be there for her to distract herself. I was young and easily convinced she would kill herself if I didn’t let her. Over the next few months, the often violent sexual abuse continued until she overdosed on Xanax and was sent to a mental hospital. For the next years of junior high and high school up until my senior year I was deep into an addiction to alcohol. I would see her in the hallways and had band class with her every day. Though she didn’t talk to me I was still stricken with panic attacks upon any interaction. I would self-medicate with vodka, whiskey, and whatever else I could get my hands on. I was under the influence almost every day of my schooling. My abusive home life made me fearful to tell my parents what had happened to me. As a biological female, my parents had already long accused me of being a homosexual. They sent me to a conversion counselor to try to fix what they thought was wrong with me. My addiction and what I’m sure is PTSD has stopped me from having a good start in my life. In my senior year of high school, my rapist dropped out. Finally, I began the road to recovery. I met my current girlfriend and finally opened up about what had happened when I was a kid. I bought self-help recovery books and scheduled my first therapy appointment. My girlfriend supported me through my withdrawals and relapses and for the first time since I was thirteen, I feel free and safe. Now I’m in college far away from my hometown and I’ve maintained my sobriety. I still have flashbacks and triggers but I’ve learned to find healthier ways to cope. Overall, I am doing a lot better.

I am a freshman at the University of Central Missouri. I am motivated to be a nurse because I've had many struggles with finding educated and compassionate health professionals for my own treatment. In the health field and finding nurses and doctors that provide services for my community, as a transgender man, has been incredibly difficult. In appointments with primary doctors, I've been met with an utter lack of education on what a transgender person is. In Missouri, there are only five endocrinologists that do HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). My personal waitlist to get an appointment with one of them was over 500 days. My dream is to work in a transgender specialty clinic and provide care and represent my community in a professional setting. I always try my best to help those around me and I have been volunteering at Western Missouri Medical Center at the help desk so I can show people to their loved ones' rooms. I chose this site specifically to put myself in a hospital setting and make connections for my future career. I try to make volunteering a priority in my life. I try to be caring to those in my new community and university. I meet Nellie, a 45-year-old blind woman, who has been going to UCM for many years for a degree in social work. The Writing Center and Office of Accessibility at UCM do very little to help her and have recently barred her aid from coming to class and writing her notes and the WC from typing her papers. My girlfriend met her on her walk from class and since then we have been typing all of her papers, discussion boards, and homework assignments, and reading her the chapters from her books. Since then Nellie has been able to pass her classes. Though I wouldn’t consider helping Nellie “volunteer work” as she’s become a close friend of mine, I definitely think the rewarding feeling that I get from helping her with her day-to-day life has solidified my passion for caring for others. I also return to my hometown Norborne, Missouri every winter to snow-shovel the sidewalks at our retirement home. I'm paying for college on my own with my full-time summer job at McDonald's. Still—I do not have enough money to avoid taking our student loans. I'm calculated to be about 16,500 dollars in debt by the time I graduate in 2026. I was able to get a few scholarships from my hometown last year but unfortunately, most of them were non-renewable. I hope you consider me for this scholarship and I vow to you it would genuinely help me pursue my passion.

I am motivated to be a nurse because I've had many struggles with finding educated and compassionate health professionals for my own treatment. In the health field and finding nurses and doctors that provide services for my community, as a transgender man, has been incredibly difficult. In appointments with primary doctors, I've been met with an utter lack of education on what a transgender person is. In Missouri, there are only five endocrinologists that do HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). My personal waitlist to get an appointment with one of them was over 500 days. My dream is to work in a transgender specialty clinic and provide care and represent my community in a professional setting. I always try my best to help those around me and I have been volunteering at Western Missouri Medical Center at the help desk so I can show people to their loved ones' rooms. I chose this site specifically to put myself in a hospital setting and make connections for my future career. I try to make volunteering a priority in my life. I try to be caring to those in my new community and university. I meet Nellie, a 45-year-old blind woman, who has been going to UCM for many years for a degree in social work. The Writing Center and Office of Accessibility at UCM do very little to help her and have recently barred her aid from coming to class and writing her notes and the WC from typing her papers. My girlfriend met her on her walk from class and since then we have been typing all of her papers, discussion boards, and homework assignments, and reading her the chapters from her books. Since then Nellie has been able to pass her classes. Though I wouldn’t consider helping Nellie “volunteer work” as she’s become a close friend of mine, I definitely think the rewarding feeling that I get from helping her with her day-to-day life has solidified my passion for caring for others. I also return to my hometown Norborne, Missouri every winter to snow-shovel the sidewalks at our retirement home. I'm paying for college on my own with my full-time summer job at McDonald's. Still—I do not have enough money to avoid taking our student loans. I'm calculated to be about 16,500 dollars in debt by the time I graduate in 2026. I was able to get a few scholarships from my hometown last year but unfortunately, most of them were non-renewable. I hope you consider me for this scholarship and I vow to you it would genuinely help me pursue my passion.