Living with cystic fibrosis has shaped nearly every part of who I am, but especially my decision to pursue a career in nursing. From a young age, hospitals weren’t just places I visited, they were places I knew intimately. I’ve undergone more surgeries than I can count, from PICC line placements to sinus surgeries and other procedures to manage my condition. Those experiences, though difficult, left me with a deep appreciation for what compassionate, skilled healthcare looks like. And more than anything, they inspired me to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Surgery was always the scariest part of my treatment. No matter how routine the procedure seemed to the medical team, I felt vulnerable and afraid. But there was always one person who stood out, the nurse anesthetist. They were the last person I saw before I went under, and the first I saw when I woke up. Their calm, reassuring presence, their confidence and competence, made all the difference. I remember one CRNA in particular who held my hand while I was wheeled into the OR. She talked to me like I was more than just a case or a chart, she saw me as a person, she allowed be to bring my blankie with me into the OR. She comforted me and made me at ease before the surgery. That moment has never left me. Those experiences planted a seed in me. I didn’t just want to survive, I wanted to give back. I wanted to be that steady hand, that calming voice, that expert who helps guide patients safely through some of the scariest moments of their lives. My illness gave me a front-row seat to the power of empathy, preparation, and precision in medicine, and it’s what drew me to the dream to become a nurse anesthesia. The ICU is where I first saw what it means to truly fight for someone’s life. I spent time there as a patient, and it was the nurses who made the experience bearable. They were the ones who explained what was happening when I was too overwhelmed to ask, who treated me with kindness even when they were running on little sleep. It was in those moments that I realized nursing was more than a profession, it was a calling. Watching ICU nurses and CRNAs work in tandem during my procedures and recoveries showed me what I wanted to do with my life. To prepare, I’ve immersed myself in every opportunity to learn and grow. I’ve shadowed both ICU nurses and CRNAs, and volunteered in hospitals, helping patients with non-clinical needs and supporting the nursing staff. But the strongest preparation I’ve had has come from living with chronic illness. I know what it’s like to feel powerless in a hospital bed. I know how important it is to have someone who listens, advocates, and understands. That perspective is something I carry with me, and it’s what drives me to become the kind of nurse and future CRNA, who makes patients feel safe and seen. Nursing is more than a career goal for me, it’s the natural extension of everything I’ve lived. My journey through surgeries, recoveries, setbacks, and triumphs has taught me resilience, compassion, and purpose. I want to bring all of that into a trauma hospital setting, where I can be there for patients in the most critical moments of their lives. I know the path to becoming a CRNA is demanding, but I’m ready. I’ve lived through the hardest parts of medicine and now I want to stand on the other side, helping others through theirs.

Living with cystic fibrosis has shaped nearly every part of who I am, but especially my decision to pursue a career in nursing. From a young age, hospitals weren’t just places I visited, they were places I knew intimately. I’ve undergone more surgeries than I can count, from PICC line placements to sinus surgeries and other procedures to manage my condition. Those experiences, though difficult, left me with a deep appreciation for what compassionate, skilled healthcare looks like. And more than anything, they inspired me to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Surgery was always the scariest part of my treatment. No matter how routine the procedure seemed to the medical team, I felt vulnerable and afraid. But there was always one person who stood out, the nurse anesthetist. They were the last person I saw before I went under, and the first I saw when I woke up. Their calm, reassuring presence, their confidence and competence, made all the difference. I remember one CRNA in particular who held my hand while I was wheeled into the OR. She talked to me like I was more than just a case or a chart, she saw me as a person, she allowed be to bring my blankie with me into the OR. She comforted me and made me at ease before the surgery. That moment has never left me. Those experiences planted a seed in me. I didn’t just want to survive, I wanted to give back. I wanted to be that steady hand, that calming voice, that expert who helps guide patients safely through some of the scariest moments of their lives. My illness gave me a front-row seat to the power of empathy, preparation, and precision in medicine, and it’s what drew me to the dream to become a nurse anesthesia. The ICU is where I first saw what it means to truly fight for someone’s life. I spent time there as a patient, and it was the nurses who made the experience bearable. They were the ones who explained what was happening when I was too overwhelmed to ask, who treated me with kindness even when they were running on little sleep. It was in those moments that I realized nursing was more than a profession, it was a calling. Watching ICU nurses and CRNAs work in tandem during my procedures and recoveries showed me what I wanted to do with my life. To prepare, I’ve immersed myself in every opportunity to learn and grow. I’ve shadowed both ICU nurses and CRNAs, and volunteered in hospitals, helping patients with non-clinical needs and supporting the nursing staff. But the strongest preparation I’ve had has come from living with chronic illness. I know what it’s like to feel powerless in a hospital bed. I know how important it is to have someone who listens, advocates, and understands. That perspective is something I carry with me, and it’s what drives me to become the kind of nurse and future CRNA, who makes patients feel safe and seen. Nursing is more than a career goal for me, it’s the natural extension of everything I’ve lived. My journey through surgeries, recoveries, setbacks, and triumphs has taught me resilience, compassion, and purpose. I want to bring all of that into a trauma hospital setting, where I can be there for patients in the most critical moments of their lives. I know the path to becoming a CRNA is demanding, but I’m ready. I’ve lived through the hardest parts of medicine and now I want to stand on the other side, helping others through theirs.

I have decided to pursue a career in nursing because of the personal experiences I’ve had living with cystic fibrosis. From a young age, hospitals have been a second home to me. I’ve spent countless hours receiving treatments, going through procedures, and working with medical teams, but what always stood out most were the nurses. They were the ones who took the time to explain what was happening when I was scared, who offered encouragement on the hardest days, and who treated me not just as a patient, but as a person. Their compassion and strength inspired me more than I can put into words. Growing up with a chronic illness gave me a unique view of the healthcare system. I’ve seen what excellent nursing care looks like and how vital it is to a patient’s well-being. Nurses are there in life’s most difficult and vulnerable moments, and that is exactly where I want to be. I’ve been on the receiving end of that care, and now I want to give it. My illness has helped me develop resilience, empathy, and an understanding of what it means to truly advocate for someone, qualities I believe are essential in nursing. One of the biggest influences on my decision was a particular ICU nurse who cared for me during a critical hospitalization. She was calm under pressure, incredibly knowledgeable, and kind without being overbearing. Watching her work, I realized that the ICU is where I want to be. It’s where patients often need the highest level of care, where families are most in need of support, and where quick thinking and teamwork can mean the difference between life and death. I am drawn to the challenge, intensity, and impact of critical care nursing. To prepare for this journey, I’ve taken every opportunity to build a strong foundation. I’ve studied biology, anatomy, and medical ethics, and I’ve shadowed nurses in both general and intensive care settings. I’ve also volunteered in a hospital, helping patients with non-clinical needs and supporting staff wherever I could. More than anything, though, my own experience as a patient has prepared me. I’ve learned how to communicate clearly, stay calm in stressful situations, and advocate not only for myself but for others. I’ve lived through the complexities of chronic and acute illness, and I understand what patients and families go through in a deeply personal way. Nursing is more than just a career for me, it’s a calling that comes from lived experience. I’ve seen the power of compassionate care, and I want to be the one delivering it. I know the ICU will be demanding, but I also know I have the strength, focus, and heart to thrive there. My goal is to be the kind of nurse who makes a real difference, not only by providing excellent medical care, but by being a steady, compassionate presence in the lives of those who need it most.

I have decided to pursue a career in nursing because of the personal experiences I’ve had living with cystic fibrosis. From a young age, hospitals have been a second home to me. I’ve spent countless hours receiving treatments, going through procedures, and working with medical teams, but what always stood out most were the nurses. They were the ones who took the time to explain what was happening when I was scared, who offered encouragement on the hardest days, and who treated me not just as a patient, but as a person. Their compassion and strength inspired me more than I can put into words. Growing up with a chronic illness gave me a unique view of the healthcare system. I’ve seen what excellent nursing care looks like and how vital it is to a patient’s well-being. Nurses are there in life’s most difficult and vulnerable moments, and that is exactly where I want to be. I’ve been on the receiving end of that care, and now I want to give it. My illness has helped me develop resilience, empathy, and an understanding of what it means to truly advocate for someone, qualities I believe are essential in nursing. One of the biggest influences on my decision was a particular ICU nurse who cared for me during a critical hospitalization. She was calm under pressure, incredibly knowledgeable, and kind without being overbearing. Watching her work, I realized that the ICU is where I want to be. It’s where patients often need the highest level of care, where families are most in need of support, and where quick thinking and teamwork can mean the difference between life and death. I am drawn to the challenge, intensity, and impact of critical care nursing. To prepare for this journey, I’ve taken every opportunity to build a strong foundation. I’ve studied biology, anatomy, and medical ethics, and I’ve shadowed nurses in both general and intensive care settings. I’ve also volunteered in a hospital, helping patients with non-clinical needs and supporting staff wherever I could. More than anything, though, my own experience as a patient has prepared me. I’ve learned how to communicate clearly, stay calm in stressful situations, and advocate not only for myself but for others. I’ve lived through the complexities of chronic and acute illness, and I understand what patients and families go through in a deeply personal way. Nursing is more than just a career for me, it’s a calling that comes from lived experience. I’ve seen the power of compassionate care, and I want to be the one delivering it. I know the ICU will be demanding, but I also know I have the strength, focus, and heart to thrive there. My goal is to be the kind of nurse who makes a real difference, not only by providing excellent medical care, but by being a steady, compassionate presence in the lives of those who need it most. I learned about this scholarship through Bold!

Living with cystic fibrosis has shaped not only how I view the world, but also how I envision my place in it. I’ve spent much of my life in and out of hospitals, forming close relationships with nurses who did more than manage my symptoms, they listened, advocated, and offered compassion in the moments I needed it most. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in nursing, not in spite of my condition, but because of it. I understand firsthand how powerful nursing care can be, and I want to bring that same level of empathy, knowledge, and commitment to others, especially those in critical condition. I am particularly drawn to working in the Intensive Care Unit. The ICU represents the frontline of life-saving interventions and is often where patients and families face the most difficult moments of their lives. I’ve experienced that vulnerability myself and have seen how essential calm, skilled, and compassionate care is in those situations. I want to be the nurse who can offer that kind of presence, someone who can think quickly under pressure while also providing comfort and clarity during uncertainty. My journey toward becoming a nurse has been both personal and academic. Managing a chronic illness has taught me resilience, organization, and an in-depth understanding of complex medical care. I’ve learned to advocate for myself, interpret medical information, and understand how multidisciplinary care teams operate, all of which will be invaluable as a nurse. I’ve also worked hard academically to prepare for this step. I’ve taken coursework in biology, anatomy, and medical ethics, and I’ve spent time shadowing nurses in various units to gain real-world insights into the demands and rewards of the profession. Additionally, I’ve volunteered at a local hospital, where I supported both patients and staff in non-clinical roles, giving me a deeper appreciation for the healthcare environment and the importance of teamwork. I believe my unique perspective will allow me to connect with patients in a way that goes beyond charts and diagnoses. I know what it feels like to be scared, to wait for test results, to rely on a nurse’s reassurance. That insight fuels my desire to provide care that is not only clinically excellent but also emotionally supportive. I want to specialize in critical care nursing because I thrive in dynamic, high-stakes environments and feel called to support patients during their most critical moments. Nursing is not just a career for me, it’s a calling rooted in lived experience. I want to give back to the system and the people who helped me survive and thrive. Becoming a nurse, especially one in the ICU, is my way of turning my challenges into purpose. I’m ready for this next step, and I’m eager to grow into a nurse who brings both skill and heart to every patient I meet.

The first time I realized the true power of compassionate care, I was not in scrubs or a classroom, I was a patient. Growing up with cystic fibrosis, I spent much of my childhood in hospitals. While the medical treatments were necessary, it was the nurses who made the experience bearable. Their kindness, patience, and support made me feel seen and valued in moments when I felt most vulnerable. It was in those quiet, meaningful interactions that I found my purpose: I wanted to become a nurse, not just to heal, but to comfort, empower, and give back. Today, I am a nursing student at the University of Charlotte and work full-time as a Certified Nursing Aide in a nursing home. Every day I care for elderly residents, many of whom rely on me for their most basic needs. This work has taught me that impact isn’t always grand, it’s often found in the simple act of being present for someone in their hardest moments. Through both my studies and hands-on experience, I’ve learned that nursing is about much more than clinical knowledge; it’s about building trust, showing compassion, and being a source of hope. I plan to use my education not just to become a nurse, but to be a leader in compassionate care. I want to work with underserved communities, particularly children with chronic illnesses who often feel overlooked or misunderstood. My personal experience with cystic fibrosis gives me a unique perspective and a deep empathy that I will carry into every patient interaction. In the future, I hope to become involved in healthcare policy and advocacy to push for more inclusive, patient-centered care, especially for those battling long-term illnesses. Outside of school and work, I stay connected to my community through volunteer work. I’ve been an active volunteer at the University of Charlotte’s food bank, helping students and local families access essential resources. This experience has deepened my understanding of food insecurity and its impact on health, especially among children and low-income families. It reminded me that health care begins long before a person enters a clinic; it begins in their home, their meals, and their community. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to assist with community events, most recently in our own community that was faced with the devastation of hurricane helene. Working with children has always reminded me of my younger self, resilient, hopeful, but often in need of support. Whether it’s handing out backpacks or simply offering a smile, I believe every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen. Through my educational career, I aim to blend clinical knowledge with compassion, advocacy, and community outreach. I believe that true healing happens not only through medicine, but through understanding, respect, and kindness. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of nursing school but allow me to continue serving others, just as so many have served me. I don’t take my life or my path for granted. Every breath I take is a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much I want to give back. With this opportunity, I will continue to fight for others the way I’ve fought for myself: with heart, with purpose, and with hope.

In my community, I encourage everyone to come together positively. I have been a cheerleader at Mount Pleasant High School for four years, besides cheering on my team every Friday night, I bring people together by using my position as a cheerleader. As a cheerleader you can influence your community in a lot of ways, I use mine to help out the people in my community by encouraging, support through any situation, and trying to make positive changes in the community. We raise money to support our school and team every week by selling shirts, sweatshirts, and other items. By doing this we can help out our school in raising money for better equipment for all student-athletes which allows us to become better athletes and have more chances for going to college to play a sport. In the long run by helping our school become better, it will affect the future generations of students who will attend Mount Pleasant High School for their education. As a Cheerleader I am proud to help out my community in any way, last year one of our school's senior's dad became ill with cancer, as a cheer team we had decided to come together to help out a struggling family in our community. We rallied together and collected money by selling special T-shirts we had made to support the family, every penny of the money we raised all went directly to the family to help with his battle against stage three cancer. By showing kindness and caring about others it encourages the ones watching to follow in the same footsteps, these acts encourage positive change as a community to our friends, neighbor, and family.