My vision for myself as a nurse in the future is to help people feel safe, cared for, and respected, no matter who they are or where they come from. What truly inspired me to choose nursing as a career is my mother. She is a nurse practitioner, specializing in mental health, and growing up, I got to watch her help so many people with care and dedication. Seeing the joy she gets from helping others made me want to do the same. I saw how her patients trusted her, and how she went above and beyond to make sure they were okay, not just mentally, but physically too. That showed me that nursing is more than just giving medicine or taking care of physical needs. It’s also about making people feel seen and heard, especially when they’re going through something hard. I want to be that kind of nurse. Someone who helps their patients not only get better, but feel like someone truly cares about them. Another big reason I want to be a nurse is because I know that not everyone feels comfortable in the healthcare system. I’ve heard many stories, especially from people in minority communities, about how they’ve been ignored or not treated fairly by doctors or nurses. This is a serious problem, and I want to be part of the solution. As a future nurse, I plan to treat all my patients with the same respect and compassion, no matter their race, background, or income level. It’s important to me that my community has nurses who understand what they’re going through and who take the time to really listen. I want to be a safe and supportive person for patients who might have had bad experiences with healthcare in the past. I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and dignity, and I will work hard to make sure my patients always feel that way. Being a Black student entering the nursing field is something I’m proud of. According to recent statistics, only 11% of people who earned nursing degrees in 2020–2021 were Black. That number is small, but I hope to be part of the change that helps increase it. Representation matters. When younger students see someone who looks like them in a field like nursing, it gives them hope and motivation. I want to be an example to others, especially Black students, that you can follow your dreams and make a difference. My long-term goal is not just to work in nursing, but to grow in the field and keep learning. I want to continue my education and possibly become a nurse practitioner like my mom one day. I want to be the kind of nurse who patients trust, who families depend on, and who always shows up with heart and strength. Most of all, I want to make sure that no patient ever feels invisible or left out. My vision for myself as a nurse is to bring compassion, understanding, and change to the healthcare system. I want to follow in my mother’s footsteps while also making my own path. I plan to be a strong voice for patients who don’t always get heard and a role model for students who want to enter the medical field.

If I could make a unique contribution to the world to help make mental health care affordable and accessible, I would focus on starting support early, especially in schools. I believe that starting in 9th grade, students should have access to mental health services like psychological evaluations and the chance to meet with psychiatric professionals, all with their parents’ permission. A lot of people start dealing with mental health struggles when they are young, but it often goes unnoticed or ignored until it gets worse. By then, it’s harder to treat, and it can affect a person’s education, relationships, and future. If schools had more mental health resources, students would have a safe space to talk about what they’re going through. This could include licensed therapists, psychiatrists who can help with diagnosis or medication if needed, and regular check-ins to see how students are doing. It could also help reduce the stigma around mental health. If students see that it’s okay to ask for help, they might be more likely to speak up sooner. The earlier we catch mental health problems, the more we can prevent them from becoming long-term issues. Schools are where teens spend most of their time, so it makes sense to offer support in that environment. If we want to make mental health care affordable and accessible, we have to start with young people, and school is the best place to begin.

Growing up as an only child in a only parent household and in lower income communities has shaped me in many ways. College has always been my biggest goal because I know what it can do for someone’s future. My mom was in college from before I was born until I finished sixth grade, and I got to see her work hard every single day. She was a student, a worker, and a mom all at once, and she never gave up. She drove long hours from St. Augustine to Apopka every weekend just to make sure I could spend time with both parents. We also lived in a one bedroom apartment for a while, where I slept on a futon in the living room. Even though things were not easy, she kept pushing because she knew an education could give us a better life. Seeing my mom’s sacrifices and how much she cared about her education left a big impact on me. When she graduated and I saw her degrees hanging on the wall, it made me so proud. It also made me realize that those long nights and all those sacrifices were worth it. Over time, her education gave us more opportunities. We were able to move from a small apartment into a four bedroom house, and I finally had my own room. That change showed me what education can do for a family. Every time I look at her diplomas, I feel motivated. They remind me that success doesn’t come easy, but it’s possible if you stay focused and keep working. I want to follow her example and create the same kind of future for myself and my future family. My mom also inspired me when it came to choosing my own career path. She went into the medical field, and I grew up seeing the passion and stability it gave her. I want to pursue nursing is because I believe in the power of healthcare to change lives. I want to help others the way my mother has helped so many people over the years. I also know that there are many challenges in the healthcare system, especially for minorities. I plan on being a safe and supportive presence for people who may feel uncomfortable or mistreated in healthcare settings. In America, stories of minorities facing discriminationmfrom healthcare providers is very common, and I want to be part of the solution. By becoming a nurse, I hope to provide compassionate care to everyone, regardless of their background, and make sure that all patients feel heard and respected. I think that by achieving my goal and graduating as a nurse, I can help inspire the next generation of minority students who may feel like they don’t have a place in healthcare. Seeing more Black nurses in the field can show younger students that they too can pursue their dreams, no matter how big they may seem. There is power in numbers, and as more Black students graduate with nursing degrees, it will give hope to those who come after them. I believe that by continuing to push forward, I can be an example of perseverance and determination for others.

I am an active participant in sports, including track and field, weightlifting, and this year, I plan to play tennis. Athletics has taught me valuable lessons in discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. In addition to my sports activities, I have been a dedicated member of NJROTC for all four years of high school. Being in NJROTC has provided me with strong leadership skills and a sense of responsibility. Through my involvement in this program, I have developed a deep respect for discipline and service, which has inspired me to pursue a career in the military. After high school, I plan to apply for an Army ROTC (AROTC) scholarship and enlist in the Army Reserves as an officer. I am committed to continuing my education and hope to pursue a degree in nursing with the long-term goal of becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner. The opportunity to serve my country while advancing my education is one that excites me, and I am passionate about pursuing a career where I can make a difference in the lives of others, particularly newborns in need of critical care. In addition to my academic and athletic pursuits, I have over 80 hours to community service, with the majority of my hours spent teaching young children. Volunteering has been an important part of my life because it has allowed me to give back to my community and help those who are in need. Working with children has deepened my understanding of the importance of education and support in shaping the lives of young people. My mom also inspired me when it came to choosing my own career path. She went into the medical field, and I grew up seeing the passion and stability it gave her. That is what first made me want to go into nursing. I knew from middle school that I wanted to help people and work in healthcare. My goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a nurse practitioner. I believe this career will allow me to do something meaningful while also giving me the chance to build a stable life. I want to make a difference in people’s lives the same way doctors and nurses do every day. I also want to be a role model for others, especially for my future children. Just like I looked up to my mom, I want them to be able to look at me and feel inspired to reach for their own goals. Getting awarded this scholarship would be a dream come true. It would be the start of the life I have been working toward since I was a kid. I know college will be challenging, but I am ready for it. I have learned how to adjust to tough situations and keep moving forward, no matter what. My childhood taught me to never give up and to always see the bigger picture. To me, college is not just about getting a degree, it’s about building a future where I can provide for myself, give back to my community, and make my family proud. I want my education to be proof that with hard work, sacrifice, and determination, anything is possible. This is more than a goal to me; it’s a promise I made to myself a long time ago.

College has always been my biggest goal because I know what it can do for someone’s future. My mom was in college from before I was born until I finished sixth grade, and I got to see her work hard every single day. She was a student, a worker, and a mom all at once, and she never gave up. She drove long hours from St. Augustine to Apopka every weekend just to make sure I could spend time with both parents. We also lived in a one bedroom apartment for a while, where I slept on a futon in the living room. Even though things were not easy, she kept pushing because she knew an education could give us a better life. Seeing my mom’s sacrifices and how much she cared about her education left a big impact on me. When she graduated and I saw her degrees hanging on the wall, it made me so proud. It also made me realize that those long nights and all those sacrifices were worth it. Over time, her education gave us more opportunities. We were able to move from a small apartment into a four bedroom house, and I finally had my own room. That change showed me what education can do for a family. Every time I look at her diplomas, I feel motivated. They remind me that success doesn’t come easy, but it’s possible if you stay focused and keep working. I want to follow her example and create the same kind of future for myself and my future family. My mom also inspired me when it came to choosing my own career path. She went into the medical field, and I grew up seeing the passion and stability it gave her. That is what first made me want to go into nursing. I knew from middle school that I wanted to help people and work in healthcare. My goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a nurse practitioner. I believe this career will allow me to do something meaningful while also giving me the chance to build a stable life. I want to make a difference in people’s lives the same way doctors and nurses do every day. I also want to be a role model for others, especially for my future children. Just like I looked up to my mom, I want them to be able to look at me and feel inspired to reach for their own goals. Getting awarded this scholarship would be a dream come true. It would be the start of the life I have been working toward since I was a kid. I know college will be challenging, but I am ready for it. I have learned how to adjust to tough situations and keep moving forward, no matter what. My childhood taught me to never give up and to always see the bigger picture. To me, college is not just about getting a degree, it’s about building a future where I can provide for myself, give back to my community, and make my family proud. I want my education to be proof that with hard work, sacrifice, and determination, anything is possible. This is more than a goal to me; it’s a promise I made to myself a long time ago.

Growing up as an only child in a only parent household and in lower income communities has shaped me in many ways. College has always been my biggest goal because I know what it can do for someone’s future. My mom was in college from before I was born until I finished sixth grade, and I got to see her work hard every single day. She was a student, a worker, and a mom all at once, and she never gave up. She drove long hours from St. Augustine to Apopka every weekend just to make sure I could spend time with both parents. We also lived in a one bedroom apartment for a while, where I slept on a futon in the living room. Even though things were not easy, she kept pushing because she knew an education could give us a better life. Seeing my mom’s sacrifices and how much she cared about her education left a big impact on me. When she graduated and I saw her degrees hanging on the wall, it made me so proud. It also made me realize that those long nights and all those sacrifices were worth it. Over time, her education gave us more opportunities. We were able to move from a small apartment into a four bedroom house, and I finally had my own room. That change showed me what education can do for a family. Every time I look at her diplomas, I feel motivated. They remind me that success doesn’t come easy, but it’s possible if you stay focused and keep working. I want to follow her example and create the same kind of future for myself and my future family. My mom also inspired me when it came to choosing my own career path. She went into the medical field, and I grew up seeing the passion and stability it gave her. That is what first made me want to go into nursing. I knew from middle school that I wanted to help people and work in healthcare. My goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a nurse practitioner. I believe this career will allow me to do something meaningful while also giving me the chance to build a stable life. I want to make a difference in people’s lives the same way doctors and nurses do every day. I also want to be a role model for others, especially for my future children. Just like I looked up to my mom, I want them to be able to look at me and feel inspired to reach for their own goals. Getting awarded this scholarship would be a dream come true. It would be the start of the life I have been working toward since I was a kid. I know college will be challenging, but I am ready for it. I have learned how to adjust to tough situations and keep moving forward, no matter what. My childhood taught me to never give up and to always see the bigger picture. To me, college is not just about getting a degree, it’s about building a future where I can provide for myself, give back to my community, and make my family proud. I want my education to be proof that with hard work, sacrifice, and determination, anything is possible. This is more than a goal to me; it’s a promise I made to myself a long time ago.

Growing up as an only child in a only parent household and in lower income communities has shaped me in many ways. College has always been my biggest goal because I know what it can do for someone’s future. My mom was in college from before I was born until I finished sixth grade, and I got to see her work hard every single day. She was a student, a worker, and a mom all at once, and she never gave up. She drove long hours from St. Augustine to Apopka every weekend just to make sure I could spend time with both parents. We also lived in a one bedroom apartment for a while, where I slept on a futon in the living room. Even though things were not easy, she kept pushing because she knew an education could give us a better life. Seeing my mom’s sacrifices and how much she cared about her education left a big impact on me. When she graduated and I saw her degrees hanging on the wall, it made me so proud. It also made me realize that those long nights and all those sacrifices were worth it. Over time, her education gave us more opportunities. We were able to move from a small apartment into a four bedroom house, and I finally had my own room. That change showed me what education can do for a family. Every time I look at her diplomas, I feel motivated. They remind me that success doesn’t come easy, but it’s possible if you stay focused and keep working. I want to follow her example and create the same kind of future for myself and my future family. My mom also inspired me when it came to choosing my own career path. She went into the medical field, and I grew up seeing the passion and stability it gave her. That is what first made me want to go into nursing. I knew from middle school that I wanted to help people and work in healthcare. My goal is to earn my master’s degree and become a nurse practitioner. I believe this career will allow me to do something meaningful while also giving me the chance to build a stable life. I want to make a difference in people’s lives the same way doctors and nurses do every day. I also want to be a role model for others, especially for my future children. Just like I looked up to my mom, I want them to be able to look at me and feel inspired to reach for their own goals. Getting awarded this scholarship would be a dream come true. It would be the start of the life I have been working toward since I was a kid. I know college will be challenging, but I am ready for it. I have learned how to adjust to tough situations and keep moving forward, no matter what. My childhood taught me to never give up and to always see the bigger picture. To me, college is not just about getting a degree, it’s about building a future where I can provide for myself, give back to my community, and make my family proud. I want my education to be proof that with hard work, sacrifice, and determination, anything is possible. This is more than a goal to me; it’s a promise I made to myself a long time ago.

I am a senior at South Lake High School. I am passionate about pursuing a career in nursing, and the main inspiration behind this decision comes from my mother, who is a nurse practitioner. Growing up, I’ve seen firsthand the joy she gets from helping others, and her work has had a huge impact on me. Watching her care for patients with such dedication made me realize that I also want to make a difference in people’s lives, especially in the healthcare field. One of the reasons I want to pursue nursing is because I believe in the power of healthcare to change lives. I want to help others the way my mother has helped so many people over the years. I also know that there are many challenges in the healthcare system, especially for minorities. I plan to make an impact in my community by being a safe and supportive presence for people who may feel uncomfortable or mistreated in healthcare settings. In America, stories of minorities facing discrimination or poor treatment from healthcare providers are all too common, and I want to be part of the solution to decrease this number. By becoming a nurse, I hope to provide compassionate care to everyone, regardless of their background, and make sure that all patients feel heard and respected. According to recent statistics, only 11% of nursing degree recipients were Black in the 2020-2021 academic year. As a Black person pursuing a nursing degree, I represent part of a small but growing group in the field. I think that by achieving my goal and graduating as a nurse, I can help inspire the next generation of minority students who may feel like they don’t have a place in healthcare. Seeing more Black nurses in the field can show younger students that they too can pursue their dreams, no matter how big they may seem. There is power in numbers, and as more Black students graduate with nursing degrees, it will give hope to those who come after them. I believe that by continuing to push forward, I can be an example of perseverance and determination for others. In conclusion, my decision to pursue nursing stems from a desire to make a positive impact on the world, just like my mother. I hope to create a safe and welcoming space for minority patients and contribute to a healthcare system that is more inclusive and understanding. As I move forward in my nursing career, I plan to be an example for the next generation of nurses, especially those from minority backgrounds, and show them that they too can succeed in this field.

I'm a senior at South Lake High School. I am an active participant in sports, including track and field, weightlifting, and this year, I plan to play tennis. Athletics has taught me valuable lessons in discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. In addition to my sports activities, I have been a dedicated member of NJROTC for all four years of high school. Being in NJROTC has provided me with strong leadership skills and a sense of responsibility. Through my involvement in this program, I have developed a deep respect for discipline and service, which has inspired me to pursue a career in the military. After high school, I plan to apply for an Army ROTC (AROTC) scholarship and enlist in the Army Reserves as an officer. I am committed to continuing my education and hope to pursue a degree in nursing with the long-term goal of becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner. The opportunity to serve my country while advancing my education is one that excites me, and I am passionate about pursuing a career where I can make a difference in the lives of others, particularly newborns in need of critical care. In addition to my academic and athletic pursuits, I have devoted over 80 hours to community service, with the majority of my hours spent teaching young children. Volunteering has been an important part of my life because it has allowed me to give back to my community and help those who are in need. Working with children has deepened my understanding of the importance of education and support in shaping the lives of young people. If I were to create my own charity, its mission would be to provide medical treatment and financial assistance for babies who are critically ill and whose parents are unable to afford the necessary care. I believe that every child, regardless of their family’s financial situation, deserves access to life-saving medical treatment. My charity would focus on alleviating the financial burden that many families face when seeking care for their newborns, helping them navigate healthcare systems, and connecting them with resources they might not otherwise have access to. Volunteers would assist with fundraising efforts, organizing events, and providing support to families in need. Some volunteers would also help educate parents about healthcare options and offer emotional support during difficult times. This charity would align with my future career in healthcare and my passion for helping others. As a neonatal nurse practitioner, I want to be part of a system that cares for vulnerable children and supports families during challenging times. By creating this charity, I would be able to extend my commitment to service beyond my career, ensuring that more families have access to the care they deserve.

I’ve been exposed to the military in a lot of different ways. I’ve been in NJROTC for all four years of high school, through that, I’ve learned a lot about what it really means to serve. I also have family who were in the military. My aunt and uncle are both retired from the Navy, and they’ve shared stories about their time in service that taught me a lot. I even got to visit the Navy base in Virginia, where I saw how sailors don’t just work on ships but also have important jobs on land. All of those things together helped me understand that being in the military isn’t just about fighting or going to war, it’s about teamwork, discipline, and helping others. Before I joined NJROTC, I thought that signing up for the military meant you were basically signing your life away and that it was only about going to combat and dying. But after being in NJROTC, I realized it’s not just about that. The program has taught me leadership, discipline, and respect. It also showed me how to carry myself with confidence and take responsibility for my actions. One of the biggest things that stood out to me was our field trip to Parris Island, where I got to see what Marine Corps boot camp was like. We spent four days living like recruits going through training, showing me how much strength and dedication it takes to become a Marine. It was really inspiring and made me want to join the military even more. I also learned about minorities in the military on my own. I learned that in the past, minorities had to face a lot of unfair treatment and discrimination, but they still served their country proudly. That really stood out to me. I’ve also learned that minorities in the military still face a lot of discrimination today. I believe there's power in numbers, and I want the generations of Black youth that comes after me to know they shouldn’t be afraid of what discrimination they might face. They’re bigger than that. At the end of the day, everyone who enlists has the same goal, and that’s to help the country. That mindset motivates me to serve with pride and show others that we all belong in uniform, no matter what race or background we come from. Because of everything I’ve seen and learned, my future goal is to get an Army ROTC scholarship and go to college to earn my bachelor’s degree in nursing. After that, I plan to join the Army Reserves as a nursing general. I chose the reserves because I want to serve my country but also still be close to home and my future family. I also want to keep going to school and get my master’s degree in nursing so I can become a neonatal nurse practitioner. I’ve always liked helping people, especially babies, and being in the reserves would let me do that while still serving in the military. In the end, being in NJROTC has taught me so much about life and who I want to be. It’s given me confidence, structure, and a sense of purpose. I’ve learned that serving in the military isn’t just about combat, it’s about leadership, teamwork, and helping others. My family, my time in NJROTC, and what I’ve learned about diversity, all helped me decide what I want for my future. I’m proud of the person I’m becoming, and I’m excited to keep working toward my goal of joining the Army Reserves and becoming a nurse who makes a difference.

How Cancer Affected My Life When I was eight years old, my great grandmother passed away from ovarian cancer. because I was so young at the time, I didn’t really understand what cancer was. I just knew she was sick and then she was gone, and it hurt a lot. I remember being confused about why it happened to her and why nobody could stop it. Later, when I grew older and understood that it was cancer, the whole situation hit me harder. It wasn’t just a random sickness, it was something serious that could happen to women in my family. That fear came back when I was around thirteen and found out that my great aunt, my grandma’s daughter, was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was old enough then to know what that meant, and it scared me. I worried about her and about my mom too. Seeing two people in my family go through cancer made me think about how it could affect me when I get older. Most kids my age were just living life, but I was already nervous about the future. Something I had no control over. Because of that, I became very aware of my health. When I was sixteen, I even asked my mom if I could get a mammogram. I knew it was very unlikely that I had cancer at that age, but I couldn’t help but be scared. I felt like I had to be prepared, because cancer doesn’t wait for anybody. Knowing it runs in my family makes me nervous to age, but at the same time, it makes me want to take care of myself more than most people my age probably think about. These experiences with cancer have changed the way I think. On one side, I still carry fear that it could happen to me. But on the other side, it has made me more thankful for the time I have with my family. I know life can change in an instant, and I don’t take people for granted anymore. Losing my great-grandma so young showed me how fragile life can be, and watching my aunt fight her battle showed me what real strength looks like. Cancer has shaped me into someone who pays attention to their health and family history. It makes me nervous, yes, but it also makes me stronger. I try to remind myself that cancer runs in my family, but so does love and the ability to keep fighting. Even though I still worry about the future, I’ve learned to appreciate the present and the people I care about.