My desire to become a nurse comes from a deep commitment to caring for others during moments of vulnerability and uncertainty. Nursing is a profession rooted in compassion, presence, and trust, where caregivers have the opportunity to support patients not only through medical treatment, but also through fear, pain, and hope. I am drawn to nursing because it allows me to serve others in a way that is both deeply human and profoundly meaningful. What inspires me most about nursing is the role nurses play at the bedside. Nurses are often the steady presence during long hours, the ones who notice subtle changes, and the people patients turn to when they feel overwhelmed or afraid. I want to be the kind of nurse who provides comfort through listening, reassurance, and genuine care, while also delivering safe and effective treatment. My commitment to this path has been shaped through service experiences that allowed me to care for others in challenging and unfamiliar environments. Through specialized training focused on patient care in high-pressure settings, I learned how quickly fear and stress can affect individuals and how important calm, clear communication is in those moments. I saw how patience, attentiveness, and reassurance could ease anxiety and help people feel safe, even when circumstances were difficult. These experiences taught me that meaningful care often comes from presence and steadiness, not just clinical skill. A missions trip with my church further deepened my understanding of service and compassion. Working with individuals who lacked consistent access to healthcare and basic resources showed me how powerful even small acts of care can be. I learned to listen before acting, to approach each person with humility, and to offer help without assumptions. Being present with people in these moments reinforced my belief that dignity and empathy are at the heart of true caregiving. My nursing education has played a central role in helping me turn this calling into a clear professional goal of serving as a nurse in the United States Army. Nursing school has challenged me to grow not only academically, but also personally, requiring discipline, accountability, and emotional resilience. I have learned how critical teamwork and clear communication are in patient care, especially in fast-paced or high-stress environments. This path was further affirmed when I was selected to attend the Nurse Summer Training Program. Observing military nurses care for patients with both clinical excellence and quiet compassion showed me what it looks like to serve with purpose. Seeing nurses lead, advocate, and remain steady in demanding situations confirmed that this is the kind of nurse I aspire to become. This scholarship honors the memory of a woman who understood firsthand the profound impact nurses can have on a patient’s life. That understanding lies at the heart of why I am pursuing nursing. My experiences have shown me that compassionate care can leave a lasting impression, even in the most difficult moments. As I continue toward becoming a nurse, I am committed to serving others with empathy, patience, and dedication, and to honoring the kind of care that inspired Madison’s own calling to this profession.

When I was little, I always knew I wanted to help people, I just wasn’t sure how. At first it was a teacher, to help teach the kiddos at their crucial age. Then it was a missionary, to spread the gospel of God to those who need him the most. Then I wanted to be a Missionary Doctor, to make a bigger impact. And now where my heart is and currently pursuing, is a Physician Assistant in the Army. I'm currently in the reserves, applying to colleges to get my nursing degree, then apply to the IPAP program (military PA program). In that career, i'm getting giddy even thinking about it, I hope to be Gods light to the soldier's who need it the most; who have sacrificed everything for us, and are now having to learn how to walk again, or write, or even just coping with trying to transition back to civilian life. 22 service members commit suicide everyday. 22 people who have fought to ensure that we have our rights and freedom that we won in 1776. If I can give at least one person hope, or help them navigate through their new way of living, then I know thats where I belong. We need to focus more on our vets and service members; they have sacrificed so much, only for the people their risking their life for to turn their backs on them. Its time we start showing more support for them, and i'm so honored to that i'll be right there with them.