Dear Scholarship Donors, After 17 years in the dance, movement, and fitness industries, I am back in school to complete my prerequisites toward a BSN. My first bachelor's degree was in Journalism/Public Relations through the University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, I am inspired to make a positive impact through volunteer work. I currently serve as a pen pal to a child in foster care in Massachusetts. I am also honored to have been a caregiver and patient advocate for my family members. As the daughter of first-generation-Filipino-American immigrants, I am grateful to be embarking on my current path as a ‘pre-nursing’ student at Houston Community College. My intention is to complete my prerequisites by the end of Summer 2022, with hopeful enrollment in a BSN program for Fall 2022 or Spring 2023. My goal as a future nurse is to pursue my passions, through compassionate and knowledgeable patient care, in the fields of oncology aesthetics, women’s health, hospice/palliative care, anesthesiology, or perioperative nursing. Additionally, I remain open to considering other nursing specialties. I understand that my long-term goals will take extensive, clinical experience as a registered nurse, plus additional studies toward an MSN. I look forward to beginning my path to nursing with a BSN and I am grateful for scholarship opportunities that could possibly support my journey. Thank you for considering my application! Best Regards, Maria Ayyat