Hello, my name is Makenzy, and I am a determined young woman with big dreams and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Growing up in a low income household while watching my father manage his disability has shaped me into someone who understands both the power of resilience and the importance of compassionate care. These experiences, combined with my passion for athletics and my family’s influence in healthcare, have led me to pursue two interconnected dreams, becoming a nurse and playing collegiate softball. My dream for my future career is to become a nurse who specializes in caring for patients and families facing serious illnesses, particularly cancer and chronic conditions. I want to be the nurse who not only provides excellent clinical care but also serves as a source of comfort, advocacy, and hope during patients most challenging moments. Having witnessed firsthand the difference that compassionate healthcare professionals made in my father’s journey, I am driven to provide that same level of care to others who find themselves in similar situations. I chose nursing because it represents the perfect intersection of my desire to help others, my interest in medical science, and my natural ability to connect with people during difficult times. This career path excites me because it offers endless opportunities for growth, learning, and meaningful impact. Every day as a nurse will present new challenges and the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life. The profession’s blend of technical expertise and human compassion appeals to my desire to use both my mind and my heart in my work. My long term goal is to not only provide direct patient care but also to advance to leadership roles where I can influence policies and practices that improve access to quality healthcare for underserved populations. Furthermore, I believe that by excelling as both a student athlete and future healthcare provider, I can serve as a role model for other young women who may think they have to choose between athletics and academics, or who believe that coming from a low income background limits their opportunities. I want to demonstrate that with determination, support, and hard work, it’s possible to pursue multiple passions while making a meaningful contribution to society. My dreams may seem ambitious, but my experiences have taught me that the biggest challenges often lead to the most rewarding outcomes. Through nursing and softball, I hope to inspire others, break down barriers, and create positive change that extends far beyond my individual achievements.

My decision to pursue a degree in healthcare, specifically nursing, stems from a combination of personal experiences, deep rooted compassion, and a recognition of the unique perspective I can bring as a woman to this vital field. Having witnessed my grandfather’s battle with cancer and disability while growing up in a low income household, I have seen both the incredible power of compassionate healthcare and the gaps that exist in our current system. These experiences have convinced me that healthcare is not just my calling it is where I can make the most meaningful difference in the world. I chose healthcare because it represents the perfect fusion of science, compassion, and service. Unlike many career paths that focus solely on profit or personal advancement, healthcare offers the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills directly to improving human lives. Every day in this field presents the chance to ease someone’s pain, provide comfort during frightening moments, or help families navigate some of the most challenging experiences they will ever face. This prospect of making a tangible, positive impact on others’ lives every single day is what drew me to healthcare and continues to fuel my passion for nursing. The influence of healthcare professionals during my father’s treatment showed me how critical excellent care can be, particularly during life altering medical crises. I witnessed nurses who went beyond their clinical duties to provide emotional support, advocate for our family’s needs, and help us understand complex medical information. These experiences taught me that healthcare is about treating the whole person, not just symptoms or conditions. I want to be the kind of healthcare professional who recognizes that healing involves addressing not only physical ailments but also the emotional, social, and economic factors that impact a patient’s well being. As a woman entering the healthcare field, I hope to make a positive impact by bringing the unique strengths and perspectives that women often contribute to patient care. Research consistently shows that women healthcare providers tend to spend more time with patients, engage in more patient centered communication, and take a more collaborative approach to treatment decisions. I plan to leverage these natural tendencies to create healing environments where patients feel heard, respected, and genuinely cared for. I am particularly passionate about using my position as a woman in healthcare to advocate for other women, especially those from backgrounds similar to mine. Women from low income families often face unique healthcare challenges, including barriers to accessing care, difficulty advocating for themselves in medical settings, and concerns about the cost of treatment. Having experienced these challenges firsthand through my family’s journey, I understand how important it is to have healthcare providers who truly understand these struggles and can serve as effective advocates. Additionally, I hope to contribute to the mentorship and support of other women pursuing healthcare careers. The nursing profession has historically been dominated by women, yet leadership positions and specialized roles have not always reflected this demographic reality. I aspire to not only excel in my own career but also to support and encourage other women to pursue advanced roles, leadership positions, and specialized areas of practice within healthcare. Ultimately, I chose healthcare because I believe it offers the greatest opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact on individual lives and communities.

Success has always been more than just a dream for me, it has been a necessity born from witnessing my family’s struggles and recognizing that education is the key to breaking cycles of hardship. My inspiration to pursue nursing in college stems from a deep desire to achieve success not only for myself, but to honor the sacrifices my family has made and to create opportunities to give back to others facing similar challenges. Growing up in a low income household with a disabled grandfather who battled cancer, I learned early that success requires both determination and a clear path forward. Watching my family navigate financial difficulties while managing serious health challenges showed me that success isn’t just about personal achievement it’s about gaining the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to make a meaningful impact in the world. This realization has pushed me to keep going even when obstacles seemed overwhelming. What continues to drive me forward is the understanding that nursing represents the perfect intersection of my desire for success and my passion for helping others. Through nursing, I can achieve financial stability and professional fulfillment while dedicating my career to caring for people during their most vulnerable moments. The healthcare professionals who helped my grandfather during his illness demonstrated that success in nursing means more than earning a degree, it means becoming someone who can provide hope, comfort, and life saving care to those who need it most. This scholarship would be instrumental in helping me reach these goals by removing financial barriers that could otherwise limit my ability to focus fully on my studies. Coming from a low income background, the cost of college represents a significant challenge for my family. This scholarship would allow me to dedicate more time to my coursework, clinical experiences, and studying rather than working multiple jobs to pay for my education. It would also reduce the financial stress on my family, allowing me to pursue my education without adding to their existing burdens.

Growing up in a low-income household while watching my grandfather battle cancer and my father being disabled this has profoundly shaped not only who I am as a person, but also my unwavering determination to pursue a career in nursing. These experiences have given me a unique perspective on the healthcare system, the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, and the critical importance of compassionate, accessible care. When my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer, our family was thrust into a world of medical appointments, treatments, and uncertainty. As a low-income family, we faced barriers that many take for granted transportation to appointments, time off work, and the financial burden of medical care. I witnessed firsthand how these obstacles can complicate an already difficult journey. More importantly, I observed how certain healthcare professionals went above and beyond to help our family navigate these challenges, while others seemed less understanding of our circumstances. Living with my father’s disability has also opened my eyes to the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with long term health conditions. I’ve seen how disability can impact not just the individual, but the entire family structure. The daily reality of managing care, advocating for needs, and navigating systems that aren’t always designed with accessibility in mind has given me insights that will make me a more effective and empathetic nurse. Coming from a low income background has taught me the value of resourcefulness, perseverance, and the importance of not giving up despite obstacles. These experiences have also made me acutely aware of health disparities and how socioeconomic factors can impact access to quality care. I understand what it feels like to worry about the cost of medical care, to feel intimidated in healthcare settings, and to need someone who truly understands your situation. These personal experiences have solidified my commitment to becoming a nurse who serves underserved populations. I want to be the healthcare professional who recognizes when a family is struggling with more than just medical issues who understands that poverty, disability, and illness often intersect in complex ways. My goal is to provide the kind of compassionate, comprehensive care that my father received from his best nurses, while also advocating for systemic changes that make healthcare more accessible and equitable. Through these experiences, I have learned that some of life’s greatest challenges can become sources of strength and purpose. My family’s struggles have not defined limitations for me; instead, they have illuminated the path toward a career where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others facing similar challenges.

From the earliest age, I learned that true strength lies not in what we accomplish for ourselves, but in how we lift others along our journey. Through my unwavering dedication to my family, active involvement in community initiatives, and leadership among my teammates, I have discovered that service is not just an obligation, it’s a privilege that has shaped who I am and who I aspire to become. My commitment to helping began at home, where I learned that family support requires both sacrifice and dedication. As the oldest child in my family, I have taken on significant responsibilities that extend far beyond typical household chores. Additionally, my work with youth softball programs has allowed me to give back to the sport that has given me so much. As a volunteer coach and mentor for elementary age children, I have taught fundamental skills while emphasizing sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance. Watching young athletes develop confidence and discover their potential has been incredibly rewarding and has reinforced my belief in the power of positive mentorship. Through my experiences serving my family, community, and teammates, I have learned that these areas of service are deeply interconnected. The patience and responsibility I developed while helping my family prepared me to mentor younger athletes. Through my experiences serving my family, community, and teammates, I have learned that these areas of service are deeply interconnected. The patience and responsibility I developed while helping my family prepared me to mentor younger athletes. The teamwork and leadership skills I honed on the softball field equipped me to organize effective community service projects. The compassion and advocacy I practiced in community service strengthened my ability to support teammates during difficult times. The foundation of service I have built through my dedication to family, community, and teammates will continue to guide my decisions and shape my character throughout my life. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve others and look forward to expanding my impact as I grow personally and professionally. These experiences have taught me that service is both a responsibility and a privilege. It requires sacrifice, consistency, and genuine care, but it provides immeasurable rewards in terms of personal growth, meaningful relationships, and the satisfaction of contributing to something larger than oneself. As I continue my educational journey and prepare for my future career, I carry with me the lessons learned through service and the commitment to continue putting others’ needs alongside my own.