One of the most defining moments in my life when I relied on my religious faith to overcome a challenge was during a period of deep uncertainty in my academic journey. During my first semester of nursing school, I faced overwhelming pressure. Between long clinical hours, demanding coursework, and personal struggles at home, I began to doubt my ability to continue. I remember feeling completely drained—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I did not know how I was going to go on and continue my nursing career. It was in that moment of weakness that I turned to my faith for strength. I would look to God for guidance and clearance in my mind to keep going and to not give up on my passion for nursing and helping others. Each evening, I would sit quietly and pray for guidance. The words of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” became my anchor. I reminded myself that my calling to nursing was not accidental; it was part of God’s plan for me. I asked him not to take away the challenges, but to give me the courage and perseverance to face them. Slowly, I began to feel a renewed sense of peace. The fear that once paralyzed me was replaced by a quiet confidence that I was not walking this path alone. When I ended up failing on my classes and having to sit out for a semester, I became angry however I turned toward prayer and remembered that God has a plan for me, and I can overcome this failure and come out stringer and smarter with more courage and knowledge. I also found comfort through attending Mass. Being part of a faith community reminded me that I was surrounded by people who believed in prayer, hope, and service which are values that align deeply with nursing. I began to see my studies not just as an academic pursuit, but as a way to live out my faith through service to others. In the end, I made it through that difficult semester stronger than before. My faith didn’t eliminate the hardships, but it transformed how I faced them. I learned to trust in God’s timing, to surrender control, and to believe that every challenge has a purpose. That experience strengthened my relationship with God and reaffirmed my belief that faith, perseverance, and compassion are at the heart of both life and nursing.

I plan to improve the lives of others through a career in healthcare by combining compassionate care with a strong commitment to education, advocacy, innovation, and using evidence-based practice to provide strong interventions. My goal is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients who are often overlooked or misunderstood—especially those living with lung disease and rare medical conditions. These individuals frequently face not only physical challenges but also emotional and social struggles due to the complexity of their illnesses and the care they need. I want to be the kind of healthcare professional who helps them feel seen, supported, and empowered in their journey toward better health. For patients with lung disease, I hope to focus on improving their quality of life through education, early intervention, and emotional support. Many lung diseases are chronic meaning they will never be fully "healed" or "treated" which is why it is important to prevent exacerbations through education. Breathing is something many people take for granted until it becomes difficult, and I want to help patients regain a sense of control and hope. Whether through teaching proper inhaler techniques, encouraging smoking cessation, encouraging getting vaccinations, or monitoring respiratory treatments, I strive to provide care that helps patients manage their symptoms more effectively. I also want to advocate for cleaner environments because air pollution can be just as bad as smoking, I believe advocating and educating on how to keep the air clean by keeping windows closed, air purifiers, and no smoking in the house can be subtle interventions to improve the air quality within the home. I also want to increase the awareness about the long-term impacts of respiratory conditions—because prevention and education are just as important as treatment. When it comes to rare medical conditions, I understand how isolating and frustrating it can be for patients who struggle to find answers or feel misunderstood by the system. The unknown can be scary for both the patient and the providers due to not understanding the medical condition fully and having no evidence on how to treat of prevent these rare conditions. I plan to approach these cases with patience, curiosity, and a determination to learn as much as possible about each condition. I want to be a voice for patients who often feel unheard coordinating with specialists, connecting families to resources including support groups, transportation and meal help if needed, and helping them navigate complex treatment plans. Ultimately, I see my role in healthcare as more than just treating diseases—it’s about restoring dignity, hope, and trust. Through empathy, education, and advocacy, I want to help patients with chronic and rare conditions live fuller, and more meaningful lives.

My inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing comes from a deep desire to care for others and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. From an early age, I was drawn to the idea of helping those in need, but it wasn’t until I saw the compassion and dedication of nurses firsthand that I realized nursing was my true calling. Watching nurses care for my loved ones during hospital stays showed me the powerful impact they have—not only through their clinical skills but also through their kindness and empathy. They were the steady hands and comforting voices that made difficult moments bearable, and I knew I wanted to provide that same comfort and support to others. I was also drawn to the medical shows and even though not everything they showed was ethical/true I loved watching the nurses and doctors showing empathy and crying while holding a patient's hand as they passed on. I want to not only be an advocate for others, but I want to help heal them through their mind, body, and spirit. Listening to their stories, holding their hand while in pain, making them comfortable, and develop a strong patient-nurse relationship based on trust and empathy. What inspires me most about nursing is the balance between science and compassion. It’s a profession that challenges the mind through critical thinking while nurturing the heart of others. Nurses play a vital role in every aspect of patient care—they advocate, educate, and heal. I am motivated by the opportunity to be that person who listens, understands, and helps patients feel safe and valued. As I pursue my nursing career, I hope to make a difference by delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and by being an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. I want to be the nurse who not only provides treatment but also brings hope and reassurance to patients and their families. Nursing, to me, is more than a career—it’s a lifelong commitment to compassion, learning, and service. Through this path, I hope to honor the nurses who once inspired me and carry their same spirit of care and dedication into every patient interaction. To me, the phrase “human touch” represents more than just a simple physical gesture—it symbolizes genuine compassion, empathy, and connection between people. In nursing, the human touch is about being present, listening attentively, and showing patients that they are cared for not only as medical cases but as individuals with emotions, fears, and hopes. It’s the simple, heartfelt acts like holding a patient’s hand during a painful procedure, offering a reassuring smile, or taking a few extra minutes to explain a treatment these acts remind patients they are not alone in their struggles. Human touch bridges the gap between clinical skill and emotional healing. While medicine can treat the body, compassion helps heal the spirit. When nurses take time to engage personally with patients, it builds trust and promotes a sense of safety and comfort. Patients who feel cared for on an emotional level are often more cooperative, open, and hopeful about their recovery. Something as small as a gentle touch or kind words can calm anxiety, reduce fear, and even lower stress levels, which can have measurable benefits on physical health outcomes. Personally, I believe human touch is what defines nursing as both an art and a science. It transforms routine care into meaningful interactions that leave lasting impressions on patients and their families. A nurse’s "human touch" can provide strength in moments of weakness, comfort in times of fear, and dignity in the face of illness. In the end, human touch represents the very essence of nursing—the ability to blend knowledge with compassion, and to heal not only the body but also the heart and soul.

Hello, my name is Madelyn, I am 22 years old, and I am currently pursuing nursing at Herzing University for my registered nursing license. It all started when I was in high school, my school offered a career tech program where I ended up getting my STNA I worked for a short while as an STNA, and I loved every second of it. I decided I wanted to do more than just helping people with ADLs. I want to help people feel better and advocate for them when they cannot do it for themselves. In 2021 I entered an LPN program and graduated with my LPN license in 2022. I got a job working at a Gynecology Oncology office and I learned a lot not only about the female anatomy but chemotherapy. I got to see patients feeling their best and worse. I was able to hold patients' hands and support them through a very hard time in their life. Sometimes the job was happy and sometimes it was sad, but it made me understand that life is precious and that you never know what people are going through. After 2 years of experience, I wanted to go back to school for my RN mainly because I want to work in the hospital on labor and delivery and there are no current hospitals around my area hiring LPNs because they cannot do as much as an RN skill wise. At a young age I always knew I wanted to do something in the nursing field however I do not know what path to take as far as specialty. I have many interests, however with nursing the possibilities are endless. I knew I wanted to be a nurse when I was working as an STNA in a nursing home. During that time the nurse working there did not have that drive and empathy to help the residents. The nurse would come and give medications then disappear for hours leaving the nursing aids in charge of all the residents on the floor. It made me want to be a better nurse and give patients the care and empathy they deserve. I want to not only make patients feel better by giving them medications and fluids, but I want to be there for them by showing empathy, advocating, and care. I love to help others weather that be during bad times or good times. Medicine has always fascinated me especially during surgery. It's amazing how times have changed, and surgery has evolved making them more efficient and safer decreasing the risk of infections and death. On the other side of nursing there is labor and delivery which has always fascinated me. I think it is the fact that the human body can endure so much pain and pressure and the ability to bring life into the world. I do not have any children myself, so I have never been through childbirth. I might change my mind once I do go through childbirth but for now, I would like to pursue my dream of being a labor and delivery nurse.

Mental health is not an easy thing to understand or accept. I was in high school when a lot of students from other schools and some students from my school decided to take their lives. I remember feeling this sorrow throughout the school; everyone was quiet for a few days. I feel that mental health is not spoken about enough. Schools try to help those who are depressed but it always seems to fall through. In my opinion, school is where people become sad and overwhelmed. With so many classes and people it's the same thing every day. There is nothing to look forward to if you are not on a sports team or a part of the musical. I deal with mental health issues, depression, anxiety, starvation, and ADHD, which affect my everyday life. Sometimes my anxiety gets bad to where I shake and go silent and not talk to anyone. I want to get better for myself, but it is tough. Things that help me are coloring and reading. It is very hard to focus on anything and by the end of the day I have a raging headache. I recently noticed I binge eat and sometimes I don't eat at all...I don't eat because I want to be skinny and look like those girls on Instagram and TikTok. I know this is not a good thing or a healthy thing to do. I am working on eating more every day and I think I am improving. I feel I deserve this scholarship because I want to spread mental health awareness. I am pursuing my Nursing career and returning to school to be a registered nurse. With this degree, I want to work in a mental health institute and help those most need it. Mental health has always fascinated me, and I love learning about it. I think working with those who suffer from mental health would benefit me as a person to have a greater understanding of how this affects a person. As well as helping those who experience suicidal ideations, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and many more mental health issues. I love helping people and I would love to help those who deal with mental health barriers. Currently, I work as an LPN in a medical office for those diagnosed with gynecological cancers. Our patients deal with depression and anxiety daily considering their diagnosis. As a nurse, I listen to their concerns and talk to them about things that they could try to do to improve their mood and lessen their anxiety. Sometimes all they need is a hug it reassures them and lets them know that someone is thinking and praying for them.

Hmm, I don't even know where to start, all of the Strangers Things characters are amazing, and they all have their quirks. Honestly, I would start with the obvious of course I would need to have Eleven on my side. She can go to the realm and find people through her mind, and she can move any object which is so creative. With her on my side, I would never lose against a new supernatural threat/event. I would also need to have Dustin on my team to keep the energy up and to crack some jokes. He has a great sense of humor and that is always needed. It can't be boring and miserable all the time it would get sad very fast. Dustin is also very smart, so we have brains and power. Now all I need is the looks which is why my third person would be Steve. He is very attractive and Dustin's best friend so why not? Steve is also pretty smart, and he cares a lot about his friends he would do anything for them. They all would. Well, that is 3 people that I would pick if I had to face a new supernatural threat. I know it might not be the smartest choice and that there are so many better characters to pick however I believe that these 3 characters would be the best choice for me, and I think we would beat that new threat.

I have had the Guts album on repeat since it came out. As well as her other album Sour. Both of these albums have given me an outlet for my emotions and have helped me grieve my teenage years. A lyric from her GUTS album that resonates with me is from the song Teenage Dream with the lyric of "got your whole life ahead of you, you're only nineteen, but I fear that they already got all of the best parts of me." These lines resemble me and my life perfectly. I am only 21 and I feel like my life is already over and I already know what my future is going to look like. Right after high school, I went to trade school for my LPN, and I finished that within 9 months. Since then, I have been working full-time and am about to start school again for my RN. People my age are still in school at a university and partying every night. That's the life and the path a part of me wishes I took. I would be having so much fun and that's all life is about. Enjoying your 20's however here I am already working full time and engaged and attempting to buy a house right now. These lyrics mean that I have my whole life ahead of me, but I'm honestly already burnt out with all the schooling I have already done and now I am going back again. I fear that my teenage years were the best years of my life and even then, I did not do anything other than study and extracurriculars that weren't even fun to me anymore. I have worked so hard for the degree that I have but with all the studying I feel like I didn't have a life and now I feel like it is over because I am looking for my first house, working a full-time job, getting married, and going back to school. Olivia's whole career has been working as well as making music and acting since she was 16 or 17 and now, she is 21 and famous. I bet she is tired too and I feel like she could relate to how I feel. Everything we get out of life is from work whether that be working or schooling. Even though these lyrics relate to me perfectly I feel they say that life is too short not to have fun. I wouldn't change my decisions.

I Have chosen to pursue a career in healthcare because I want to make a difference in the world and the nursing field. I am currently an LPN and I love it I get to care for those who are diagnosed with cancer. I get to be an advocate for them and to sit by their bedside and hold their hand for when times get rough, and they have no family to care for them. I am going back to school for my RN so I can expand my knowledge and experience. I eventually want to work in labor and delivery however there are so many opportunities for those who work in healthcare not even just RNs. My mother and grandmother work in health care as well they are occupational therapists. When I was little, I would go to work with my mom and spend the day with the residents and I think seeing the nurses running around on the floor, giving the residents medications, and caring for them made me want to be just like them. I love learning and, in the healthcare field, there is always something to be learned. I want to make a difference in the world. You always hear the negative stuff about nurses like negligence, neglect, abuse, and malpractice. I want to be a good nurse and give my 100%-time, energy, and effort to patients. As a woman, I hope to make a positive impact in the nursing field by keeping up with my knowledge, double-checking everything before I do something, and documenting everything I do. I want to save those who say they have no chance of improving. Most of the nursing/healthcare population is women and that speaks volumes. Don't get me wrong there are a lot of male nurses and men who work in the healthcare field as well however women are more caring, selfless, and give off a motherly feeling to those who need care for. Being a mother can be compared to being a female nurse because they are nurturing and care for everyone. However, that is just my opinion, and everyone has a right to their own opinion. Nurses are the strongest people I know, and they are my heroes they can't save everyone, but they can and do give care and compassion to patients while they take their last breath. I might not be able to cure cancer or Alzheimer's but I can take care of them, respect their wishes, and keep them comfortable.

Experiencing the birth of a child is eye opening and a blessing. This is why I want to expand my knowledge and become a labor and delivery nurse. My name is Madelyn, and I am 21 years old. I am looking to continue my education and become the best nurse that I can. As a child I always liked to play "doctor" with my little fake stethoscope and pretending to save my friends lives. As I grew up my goal has not changed, I still want to help people and be an advocate for my patients and their families. Throughout high school I was a part of a career and technical program dedicated to nursing. By my senior year I passed my skills/paper test and received my STNA license, shortly after I got a job working with those diagnosed with Alzheimer's and dementia. I learned a lot by caring for the residents. I was their voice and their family member when no one came to visit and for that I am grateful. In 2022 I attended Portage Lakes career center enrolled in a 9-month accelerated program and received my LPN license. Since then, I have been working at a medical office for those diagnosed with gynecological cancers. Originally, I wanted to work in a NICU and be there for those little babies who are fighting for their life, but after consideration I felt as if I am not yet strong enough mentally and emotionally. I am very hopeful that gaining more experience and completing my RN will help me gain confidence to pursue my career as a NICU nurse. For now, after I complete my RN, I want to become a labor and delivery nurse. Pediatric nursing to me is described as helping save those who will grow up and help improve the world. As for the families of these infants I want to be the one who holds their hand, stays calm at the bedside, and give those families a peace of mind knowing they have the best nurse to care for their child. Due to the pandemic, there is a nursing shortage across the U.S, and it is very scary. Imagining no more hospitals, no more nurses or doctors to help those who are critically sick or have a chronic condition. However I believe the nurse community will grow, and I want to be a part of that. One thing I love about nursing is that the opportunities are endless, there are so many jobs and specialties I wish I could try them all, but the future is unknown. I am looking forward to continuing my education and moving towards my goal of becoming a labor and delivery nurse and hopefully a pediatric nurse working in the NUCI.