Growing up with a single mother has shaped me in profound ways and taught me lessons about strength, resilience, and unconditional love. My father was never part of my life, the day I was born, my family discovered that he had been unfaithful to my mother. They were never married, and my mother made the courageous decision to leave him immediately. From that moment on, she took on the role of both mother and father to me, providing all the love and support I could ever need. My mother’s journey has been far from easy. When she found out she was pregnant with me, she was just finishing chemotherapy and battling cancer. Despite her own health challenges, she faced pregnancy and motherhood with unwavering determination. I never met my father, and because of that, I have always celebrated Father’s Day as a second Mother’s Day—a way to honor my mother’s incredible strength. She gave me the love and care of both parents, making sure I never lacked anything. As we say in Spanish, *“ella se aseguró que nada me faltara.”* She ensured that I was always cared for, loved, and supported. Witnessing my mother’s resilience during some of the most difficult times in her life has inspired me deeply. She has taught me that strength is not just about enduring hardship but about continuing to love and provide for others despite those hardships. Growing up, I learned the value of sacrifice, hard work, and perseverance firsthand. My mother’s example has motivated me to be responsible, independent, and compassionate. Being raised by such a strong woman has also shaped how I view challenges and setbacks. Instead of being discouraged by difficulties, I have learned to face them head-on, knowing that I carry my mother’s courage within me. Her journey has instilled in me a determination to succeed and to honor the sacrifices she has made by working hard to achieve my goals. This experience has not only shaped who I am as a person but also influenced my ambitions. I am committed to becoming someone who uplifts others and gives back to the community, just as my mother has done for me. Her love and perseverance inspire me every day to push beyond obstacles and strive for excellence. Receiving this scholarship would be more than financial assistance; it would be a recognition of my mother’s incredible strength and a chance to honor her sacrifices by helping me pursue my education. It would relieve some of the financial burdens my family faces and allow me to focus on my studies and future goals. I am grateful for this opportunity and hopeful that I can continue to make my mother proud by achieving my dreams.

My name is Maria Duarte, and I am a first-generation college student pursuing a degree in Nursing. I was born and raised in Venezuela, where my childhood was filled with love, culture, and family—but also uncertainty. In 2018, my life changed completely when I had to move to the United States under unexpected and emotional circumstances. I was only ten years old when my sister was involved in a tragic car accident that left her in a coma. Our family made the difficult decision to let her go, and soon after, my mother and I left Venezuela for good. That moment shifted everything for me. I was forced to grow up quickly, learning to adapt to a new country, culture, and language, all while grieving a deep personal loss. Although the adjustment wasn’t easy, it gave me the motivation to work harder than ever before. I knew that I wanted to build a better future—not just for myself, but to honor my sister’s memory and everything my family sacrificed. I dedicated myself to excelling in school while also participating in several extracurricular activities. I was part of the HOPE Club, which supports Hispanic students in achieving their academic goals and giving back to the community. I also joined the Tri-M Music Honor Society and played the violin in the school orchestra, where I found both comfort and creative expression. In addition to these, I’ve practiced karate competitively and represented my dojo at national tournaments, winning gold medals. My training schedule was intense—five hours a day after school, six days a week—and I often had to give up time with friends and the typical high school social life to prepare. Even with that sacrifice, I never let my grades slip. I maintained straight A’s and graduated with honors. All of these experiences—immigrating, grieving, competing, excelling—have shaped who I am and why I want to become a nurse. Nursing is more than just a career to me; it’s a way to serve, to heal, and to stand beside people during their most difficult times, just as nurses once stood beside my family. I want to be that source of comfort and strength for others. This scholarship would help me tremendously by lifting the financial burden that my family and I are currently facing. My parents are unable to fully cover the cost of my college education, and I’m responsible for a large part of my housing, tuition, and books. While I am doing everything I can to secure financial aid, it still may not be enough. This scholarship would not only ease that stress, but it would allow me to focus entirely on my education and clinical training. It would bring me closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming a compassionate, capable nurse who gives back to her community. I am deeply committed to this path, and I know that with support, I can make a real difference. Thank you for considering me for this opportunity.

Throughout high school, I’ve been actively involved in extracurricular activities that allow me to give back to my community and uplift others. As a member of the HOPE (Hispanic Organization Promoting Education) Club, I’ve participated in school events that promote cultural awareness, community service, and mentorship. We’ve organized donation drives, volunteered at events for underrepresented students, and helped guide younger students on how to stay involved and pursue higher education. Being part of this club has helped me connect with my roots and serve as a role model for other first-generation students like me. I’m also a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, where I’ve helped with concerts, performances, and community events through music. Sharing art and music with others creates a sense of connection and joy, especially for younger students and families. I’ve also volunteered through my church and school with food distributions, back-to-school events, and cultural festivals—helping bridge the gap between families and resources in our area. Looking ahead, I believe there are many ways we can continue to improve our communities for future generations. One idea I’m passionate about is creating more programs that offer mentorship and emotional support for immigrant and minority students. Moving to the U.S. from Venezuela at a young age, I experienced firsthand how isolating it can feel to not understand the language or culture. A peer support program could help students adjust more easily while giving older students a chance to lead and give back. I also believe in creating safe, inclusive spaces where students can talk about mental health, cultural identity, and belonging. Whether through workshops, school clubs, or community centers, I want to help foster environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to make a difference.

Balancing school, life, and karate has shaped me into a stronger, more resilient version of myself. As a young woman in a male-dominated sport, I’ve had to learn how to stand out for the right reason through discipline, focus, and unshakable perseverance. Karate has been a major part of my life for years, and during high school, it often meant training for up to five hours a day after school, six days a week. My only day off was Sunday. Despite this demanding schedule, I maintained straight A’s and graduated with honors. That balance didn't come easily it took sacrifice, time management, and a clear sense of purpose. There were many nights when I came home physically exhausted, drenched in sweat, with sore muscles and barely enough time to rest before diving into homework. But I never let my academic goals slip. Instead, I used the discipline that karate instilled in me to push through. Every moment on the mat every drill, sparring match, or kata taught me how to focus under pressure. That same focus helped me study for exams, complete projects on time, and meet academic deadlines even when I felt overwhelmed. I didn’t want to just pass I wanted to excel in everything I did, and karate gave me the mental stamina to do just that. Being so committed to karate meant that I had to sacrifice a lot of what most people would consider a normal high school social life. While my friends made plans to hang out after school or go to weekend events, I was usually preparing for an upcoming tournament. My evenings were spent training, not relaxing. I rarely had time to just be a teenager, and sometimes that was hard. But even in those moments, I reminded myself that I was doing something I truly loved something that made me feel empowered. Those sacrifices made my accomplishments even more meaningful. Karate also gave me the confidence to take up space in environments where I was often one of the few girls in the room. Martial arts can be an intimidating space for women, especially when many people still expect the strongest competitors to be male. But I learned not to shrink myself to fit expectations. I trained harder, listened closely, and competed fearlessly. That dedication led me to compete at nationals twice and bring home gold medals. I didn’t do it for applause. I did it to prove to myself, and to others, that girls belong here too and we’re just as capable of greatness. Through all of this, I’ve learned how to manage life’s emotional challenges. Karate became more than a sport; it became a way of grounding myself and working through stress in a healthy, focused way. I learned how to stay calm under pressure and how to push forward when life became difficult. As I prepare to enter college, I carry with me everything karate has taught me. I plan to continue practicing the sport I love while pursuing my degree, and I know the discipline, sacrifice, and strength I’ve built through this journey will help me succeed both on and off the mat.

One of the most important experiences in my life was the loss of my older sister after a tragic car accident. I was just ten years old, living in Venezuela, when everything changed. My sister had been living in the United States when the accident occurred, leaving her in a coma for months. My mom traveled to be by her side while I stayed with a family friend. Eventually, my mother returned to bring me to the U.S., hoping I could see my sister one last time. But due to hospital restrictions and my age, I wasn’t allowed to visit her. Not long after, my family had to make the heartbreaking decision to let her go. I never got to say goodbye. That moment shaped me in more ways than I can describe. It was my first deep encounter with loss, but it also became the moment that helped me begin to understand life differently. I didn’t know it then, but that experience would spark in me a desire to care for others the way I wish someone could have cared for my family and me during that time. My sister’s passing made me see how powerful empathy and compassion are and how essential they are in the healthcare field. Hearing my mother talk about the nurses who cared for my sister left a lasting impression on me. They stayed by her side, even when she couldn’t respond. They brought comfort not only to my sister but to my mother, who was overwhelmed by fear and heartbreak in a foreign country. That kind of care moved me deeply, and I began to realize that I wanted to become someone who could provide that same comfort and strength to others during their hardest moments. Since immigrating to the United States, I’ve learned how much strength it takes to start over. I had to learn a new language, navigate an entirely different culture, and grow up quickly in the process. I learned the importance of community, how healing can come from the smallest acts of kindness, and how resilient people can be when they support one another. These lessons have helped me better understand not just who I am, but also how I want to live my life with purpose, empathy, and service to others. This experience continues to guide me as I prepare to pursue a career in nursing. It has taught me to lead with my heart, to listen closely, and to recognize the humanity in every person I meet. I want to use my education and life experiences to uplift others, especially those who are vulnerable, grieving, or fighting for their lives. My sister’s story is now part of my story, and though the pain of her loss will never fully go away, I carry her with me in every goal I pursue and every life I hope to touch.

The moment my sister passed away, I felt a shift in my world that I still carry with me today. I was only 10 years old when she was in a tragic car accident in the United States. At the time, I was still living in Venezuela with a family friend while my mom traveled to the U.S. to be with her. Eventually, my mom returned to bring me with her so I could see my sister one last time. But due to hospital rules and my age, I wasn’t allowed to visit. The doctors told us there was no hope for recovery. Our family made the heartbreaking decision to let her go. I never got to say goodbye. Although I wasn’t able to see her in person, I remember my mom sharing stories about the nurses who stayed by her side during her final weeks. They held her hand, spoke to her gently, and made sure she was never alone. They comforted my mother when she was overwhelmed with grief and fear. These nurses didn’t just provide medical care; they gave my family emotional support and dignity in the most difficult time of our lives. That experience planted a seed in my heart. I knew that someday, I wanted to be that source of care and compassion for someone else. That’s when I realized: I want to become a nurse. After moving to the United States, I faced a whole new set of challenges. I didn’t speak English, and I was grieving someone I loved. I had to adjust to a new culture and school system while learning how to express myself in a language I didn’t yet understand. It was a difficult adjustment, but it shaped me into a resilient and determined person. I leaned on my strength, my faith, and my deep desire to build a better future, not just for me, but for the memory of my sister and the sacrifice my mother made for us. Today, I’m proud to say I recently graduated from Collins Hill High School with honors. I was selected as my senior class representative and received the Most Outstanding Work-Based Learning Student award. Through all of this, my passion for nursing has only grown stronger. Every experience I’ve had in leadership, community service, and academics has prepared me for a future of caring for others, advocating for families, and creating meaningful change in healthcare. Once I graduate with my college degree, I plan to work as a registered nurse (RN) in a hospital setting, ideally in an intensive care unit (ICU) or emergency department. These fast-paced, high-stakes environments are where I believe I can make the greatest difference. I want to be the steady voice in moments of chaos—the one who not only administers treatment but also brings comfort and understanding. Over time, I plan to continue my education and become a nurse practitioner, which would allow me to provide more advanced care, prescribe medication, and lead health education initiatives in underserved communities. My long-term goal is to return to the very communities that shaped me, immigrant, low-income, and often overlooked, and provide accessible, culturally competent healthcare. As a bilingual nurse who understands both the medical system and the emotional toll of navigating it as a non-native speaker, I want to help families who feel lost and afraid in the face of a diagnosis. I want to be their advocate, their voice, and their guide. Earning a degree is just one part of that journey, but it’s a critical step. Unfortunately, the financial burden of attending college weighs heavily on me and my family. As a first-generation student, I am proud of how far I’ve come, but I also recognize that we simply don’t have the resources to fund my education without assistance. This scholarship would be life-changing. It would allow me to focus more fully on my academics and clinical experiences without the constant stress of wondering how to afford tuition, books, and basic living expenses. Receiving this scholarship would also mean so much more than financial relief it would be a vote of confidence. It would show that others believe in my dreams and see value in the future I want to build. That kind of encouragement goes a long way, especially for students like me who are blazing a trail for the first time in their families. It would give me the freedom to pursue leadership opportunities, volunteer in healthcare settings, and explore research or service projects that connect my education with real-world impact. My future plans include enrolling in a four-year university to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), completing clinical rotations, and getting licensed as an RN. During college, I also hope to join organizations focused on health equity, mental health awareness, and mentorship for underrepresented students in healthcare. I want to grow not only as a student but as a future leader in the nursing profession. Once I gain real-world experience, I’ll pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to become a nurse practitioner. In the long run, I hope to work in community-based clinics and advocate for better healthcare access in immigrant communities. I dream of creating bilingual health education programs and leading outreach efforts that make healthcare more understandable, approachable, and compassionate for those who need it most. At the heart of all my plans is a simple but powerful goal: to be the kind of nurse who never lets someone feel alone, unheard, or afraid. Just like the nurses who once cared for my sister and comforted my mother, I want to stand beside patients and families in their most vulnerable moments not only as a caregiver, but as a source of strength and peace. This scholarship would help me turn that dream into reality. It would allow me to rise above financial barriers, fully dedicate myself to my studies, and ultimately give back to the very communities that raised me, supported me, and believed in me. I am determined to carry my story forward not as a weight, but as a guiding light. I found out about this scholarship through an organization I attend that helps students like me achieve their college and career goals. I am so grateful for opportunities like this one, which make it possible for students from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams and give back to the world in meaningful ways.

Choosing a career in nursing wasn’t something I decided overnight; it was shaped by real-life experiences that tested my strength, opened my eyes to the value of compassion, and revealed how powerful it can be to care for others during their most difficult moments. When I was 10 years old, my life changed in an instant. I was living in Venezuela when my older sister, who had moved to the United States, was involved in a devastating car accident that left her in a coma for months. My mom left immediately to be with her, and I stayed behind with a family friend. I didn’t understand the full weight of what was happening, but I felt the absence. The waiting, the uncertainty, the fear it all created a cloud of confusion and sadness. Eventually, my mom came back to Venezuela to bring me to the U.S. so I could say goodbye. Unfortunately, because of my age and hospital policies, I wasn’t allowed to see her. We were told that there was nothing more the doctors could do, and our family made the heartbreaking decision to let her go peacefully. That loss marked me in ways I’m still unpacking today. But even in that deep grief, I remember my mom telling me about the nurses who stayed with my sister, who sat beside her and talked to her, even when she couldn’t respond. Nurses who answered questions my mom was too overwhelmed to ask, who held her hand when she felt like falling apart. It was then that I began to understand the kind of impact a nurse can have not just through medical care, but through human kindness, presence, and support. As I grew older and started adjusting to life in the U.S., I carried that experience with me. I started to see myself not just as someone who had been through something hard, but as someone who could one day offer care and comfort to others going through similar moments. I found myself naturally drawn to helping roles, supporting friends emotionally, and being the one people could lean on. I realized that I didn’t just want to be a nurse because of what I lost. I wanted to be a nurse because of what I learned that healing isn’t just about medicine. It’s also about being seen, heard, and supported. Throughout high school, I worked hard academically, I graduated with honors, served as the Senior Class Representative, and was proud to be named the Most Outstanding Work-Based Learning Student. These experiences helped me build leadership, communication, and time management skills that I know will help me succeed in nursing school and in the profession itself. My long-term goal is to become a registered nurse and eventually specialize in critical care or emergency medicine. I want to be in spaces where patients and families need not only clinical expertise, but compassion and emotional strength. After gaining experience, I hope to become a nurse practitioner so I can provide even more comprehensive care and help make healthcare more accessible to underserved communities. Nursing is more than a career choice for me; it’s a calling that connects my past with my purpose. I want to turn my loss into meaningful action and use my story to bring peace and comfort to others. I believe nursing will allow me to do that every single day. I found out about this scholarship through an organization I attend, which works to support students like me in reaching our college and career goals.