In the classroom, I have always excelled. Since elementary school, I have always put my best effort into my studies. I remember being in the fifth grade and studying continuously to get a hundred on my spelling tests. In high school, I filled my schedule with honors, dual credit, and AP classes. I have worked tirelessly throughout my entire academic career to set myself up for my career goal of becoming a registered nurse. Growing up, my grandma Mimi served as my caretaker, fostering a strong bond with me. We took care of each other. I often helped her with her daily medical tasks to maintain her health issues, (cancer and diabetes.) I was her little caregiver, as you could say. When Mimi contracted COVID-19, she was put on a ventilator, and the nurses provided daily updates. Due to quarantine we could not say goodbye, so her nurses held her hand, providing a sense of peace. Not only were the nurses risking their lives during an erratic pandemic, but they remained compassionate. My grandma’s death happened in such a formative year of my life. My mother and I were deeply shattered. My memories of helping her have pushed and inspired me to strive for a valuable healthcare career. This aching but formative experience is why I am pursuing a career in nursing. Due to my devotion to helping others, I plan to pursue a Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing. While in nursing school, I will dedicate myself to studying and performing well in my clinicals. I know that nursing school is demanding and trying to work would harm my grades. In order to pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) and become a nurse, you must absorb all of the information from nursing school. I will be immersing myself fully in my studies. My goal is to pass the NCLEX the first time so I can get to work in a hospital as soon as I can. With the least amount of college debt possible, I will be able to worry less about working and more about studying. Upon completion of my degree and licensing, I plan to work in a local hospital. I aim to become a travel nurse after gaining two to three years of clinical experience. When it is time to advance my career, I will work on completing my Doctor of Nursing Practice to become a nurse practitioner. Establishing long-term patients and helping them get mentally and physically healthy while having someone who genuinely cares about them is the driving force behind my healthcare career passion. I understand the responsibilities that I have put onto myself, and I will work relentlessly to fulfill my career goal and succeed as a self sustaining adult. Due to the fear of immense college debt, I will have to work during terms to help pay for college. Receiving a scholarship will allow me to relieve the pressure of college debt and allow me to focus fully on my education. Assisting my grandma with her health issues gifted me with the tenacity to push toward being a successful woman in the medical field. When Mimi passed, my world stopped, but her death drove me to discover my purpose. Being a registered nurse will allow me to continuously learn every day, and fulfill my devotion to helping others. Knowing and loving my Mimi changed my life forever, and I will continue to succeed in her honor. After overcoming this adversity, I believe in my strength and resolve.

The brightness of the light burns on my skin. Nurses' shoes squeak as they scurry from room to room. Monitors beep from all directions. I smell antiseptic in the air. As I walk down the hallway, I hear faint whimpers. I take a deep breath and step into the room. I see her… A wave of agony floats across me. I hug my pink backpack. Tears fall. My grandma, my mimi, is lying in the hospital bed in extreme discomfort. Mimi fell again, and this time, I wasn’t there to help her. This situation shaped my identity and pushed me to discover my passion for helping others. Growing up, my grandma Mimi served as my caretaker, fostering a strong bond with me. We took care of each other. I often helped her with her daily medical tasks to maintain her health issues, (cancer and diabetes.) I was her little caregiver, as you could say. When Mimi contracted COVID-19, she was put on a ventilator, and the nurses provided daily updates. Due to quarantine we could not say goodbye, so her nurses held her hand, providing a sense of peace. Not only were the nurses risking their lives during an erratic pandemic, but they remained compassionate. My grandma’s death happened in such a formative year of my life. My mother and I were deeply shattered. My memories of helping her have pushed and inspired me to strive for a valuable healthcare career. This aching but formative experience is why I am pursuing a career in nursing. Due to my devotion to helping others, I plan to pursue a Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing. Upon completion of my degree and licensing, I plan to work in a local hospital. I aim to become a travel nurse after gaining two to three years of clinical experience. When it is time to advance my career, I will work on completing my Doctor of Nursing Practice to become a nurse practitioner. Establishing long-term patients and helping them get mentally and physically healthy while having someone who genuinely cares about them. Assisting my grandma with her health issues gifted me with the tenacity to push toward being a successful woman in the medical field. When Mimi passed, my world stopped, but her death drove me to discover my purpose. I love serving others in my school and community. Being an RN will allow me to continuously learn every day, and fulfill my devotion to helping others.

The brightness of the light burns on my skin. Nurses' shoes squeak as they scurry from room to room. Monitors beep from all directions. I smell antiseptic in the air. As I walk down the hallway, I hear faint whimpers. I take a deep breath and step into the room. I see her… A wave of agony floats across me. I hug my pink backpack. Tears fall. My grandma, my mimi, is lying in the hospital bed in extreme discomfort. Mimi fell again, and this time, I wasn’t there to help her. This situation shaped my identity and pushed me to discover my passion for helping others. Growing up, I spent the majority of my childhood with my favorite person, my grandma. She was never in the best state of health. Mimi dealt with arthritis, diabetes type II, and, at one point, vulvar cancer. From an early age, I always helped her. Tasks such as sorting pills, helping administer shots, and taking blood sugar were given to me. Blood and needles didn’t bother me, and I enjoyed aiding Mimi. Soon, I would discover my fascination with nursing. As time went on, my grandma’s health declined. Mimi caught COVID from her caregiver. To keep her safe during the pandemic, I had barely seen her. The day I found out she had COVID-19, my heart stopped beating. I knew what was going to happen, and I was not prepared to let her go without seeing her one last time. I was shattered, and traumatized by the thought of her hooked up to a ventilator in a desolate room alone. Mimi died in November 2020, less than a month after being diagnosed with coronavirus. She died at Baptist Health Hospital in New Albany, Indiana. Two years later, my Project Lead the Way Medical Interventions class went on a field trip to Baptist Health. As we stepped off the bus, I didn’t think of the disheartening day that we found out. I dreamed of all the new possibilities this field trip could give me. For my first rotation, I was slightly overwhelmed in the physician’s office. For my next rotations, I went into the MedSurg and SIPS units. On the first floor, I was on the step down from the intensive care unit. I followed a vivacious nurse named Kelly. We saw a few patients, and I got to see the daily tasks of nurses. I became more comfortable. While I was there, a code blue happened. A code blue is when someone is "coding," which means they need resuscitation. I saw all of the nurses and other medical professionals rush to help the patient. I remember the family outside of the room, and I can remember exactly how it feels. I was amazed by all of the tenacious workers, especially the women around me. Next, I went to the medical surgery unit. This unit was the most intriguing part of the hospital I had been in. I watched a registered nurse take a lengthy tube out of someone’s back. This field trip was such an affirming experience for me. Assisting my grandma with her health issues gifted me with the tenacity to push toward being a successful woman in the medical field. When Mimi passed, my world stopped, but her death drove me to discover my purpose. I love serving others in my school and community. Being an RN will allow me to continuously learn every day, and fulfill my devotion to helping others.

As Booker T. Washington said, “Those who are the happiest are those who help others.” This is a quote I live by daily. My awareness of racial inequities has pushed me to become a nurse. As a biracial girl, I developed a strong belief in the significance of treating every human equally. I recall situations where peers would make deprecatory comments about my biracial background, questioning my identity and experiences. I remember a day when a classmate made a derogatory remark in class, indicating that I did not belong in either the black or white community. These microaggressions made me aware of the inequalities that exist in society and fueled my resolve to create a more inclusive atmosphere for others. To make a positive impact on the world I will treat all patients equally, as they deserve. In the United States, there is a disturbing discrepancy between the maternal mortality rates of Black women and white women. Black women have the highest mortality rate of all races of women in the United States. This difference is driven by social and economic injustices that are entrenched in racism and discrimination. Education and income have an extensive impact on the accessibility of healthcare for women, especially younger women. These barriers created by money and racial injustice prevent Black women from going to routine medical visits and properly maintaining their prenatal health. As other countries' maternal mortality rates decrease, the United States’ is increasing. Mistreatment from trusted nurses and doctors is also a factor in deaths during delivery. In cases where people of color died during or after delivery, providers did not believe the symptoms or complaints of their patients. Neglect of care has led to deaths during or after delivery. Black women are twice as likely to get maternal sepsis compared to white women. With the racial inequities in the healthcare system, I plan to be a part of solving them. As a young woman of color, this mistreatment could harm my loved ones and myself. I will be a part of the solution. I intend to go through nursing school and become a registered nurse (and eventually a nurse practitioner). I will use my job in healthcare to be diligent and listen to every patient’s grievances to provide them with a sense of being heard and to remain healthy. Being a nurse is about truly caring for the people you are taking care of, and doing everything to keep them safe and healthy, regardless of their race or other external factors. This is how I plan to make a positive impact on the world. Thank you for considering my application.

Taylor Swift's music during the Eras Tour has helped me realize that I was not healed from the loss of my grandma. I traveled to see Taylor Swift at the Eras Tour on June fourth, in Chicago. Being away from home in a new, bustling city energized me. I loved to see a fresh place with different stores, culture, and even food. I come from a small town, and we do not have that big city feeling. My mom and I had so much fun in Chicago. While shopping, we ran into my best friend unintentionally multiple times. The city is so large, yet so small. Places overlap and you faces you may or may not recognize. On the day of the concert I woke up nervous. I was so so so anxious to go to the Eras Tour. When we got tickets last winter, I was jubilated. Now, my excitement was making me worry for what was ahead. The Eras Tour was known for its' notorious foot and car traffic. The night before we are people and cars everywhere. It was true chaos. My mom bought a parking pass to a garage that had a bus that drives you close to the bridge you walk over to enter Soldier Field. As I got ready, adrenaline surged through my body. I had to make sure my hair was perfect, along with my make up and outfit. I put 30 different gems in my hair and wore pink glittery eyeshadow. I was dressed in the era of Lover, one of my favorite Taylor albums. My mom and I rode to the parking garage. We parked and got onto the school bus. Girls were complimenting each other's outfits and trading friendship bracelets. We got dropped off at the walkway bridge to Soldier Field. It was packed. We stopped at a porta potty line and met a nice mother and daughter pair. We chatted with them and it turns out they don't live too far from us in Indiana, six hours away. It is truly a small world. After using the restroom, we parted ways and continued our journey to enter the stadium. Let's fast forward to sitting in our seats in the lower bowl. After wandering around lost for some time, we finally found our seats. My best friend and her family were there, dressed in their stylish outfits. We took pictures and got ready for the show to start. The countdown ended....Taylor came on the stage, playing Cruel Summer. I felt so happy and relieved at this moment. Nothing else mattered besides Taylor Swift, my mother, my best friend, and I. There were no thoughts of grief, stress, college applications, or anything. I always love every concert, but this one deeply resonated with me. Taylor played "marjorie," and I completely lost it. My favorite person, my grandma died in 2020, and the wounds were still fresh. I stood there and sang. I cried and cried. My makeup was ruined but I didn't care. This experience was so healing. Singing a song about grief with a stadium full of a thousand people, made me feel less alone. Thanks to Taylor Swift for assisting me in my journey of recovering from my grief. Without this experience, I wouldn't have healed.

In the Summer I Turned Pretty, the entire love triangle is toxic. They all treat each other like garbage for no reason, but that's how it is. I am Team Conrad because he truly loves Isabel (Belly) more. Jeremiah (Jerry) does love her, but only because his older brother does too. Jerry wants whatever Conrad has, their father's love, successful at football, a smart college, and most importantly, Belly. In the first season, we see Belly pining after Conrad. She finds him kissing another girl, Nicole. So when they are at this beach party, she meets Cameron. Belly kisses him and Conrad sees it. He flies into a drunken rage and the group has to leave the party. This jealousy rising on the first few days of Belly being back into town shows Conrad's caring nature for her. In the next episode or so, Conrad, Jerry, and Belly's brother Steven are at her mom's bookstore party. Bored of the lame party, Conrad has the idea for the boys to crash Belly's date. Here Conrad is yet again jealous of Belly and Cameron. On Belly's birthday, Conrad does not give her a gift. This is one of the parts that makes watchers hate him. He actually got Belly an infinity necklace, a very meaningful gift. At the time Belly is hurt by not receiving a gift. Later, she snoops and finds it. You have to understand that these feelings are new and complex for Conrad, so he isn't sure what to do. If he dated Belly, it would be different from any other school girl. He has known Belly for his entire life, and their moms are best friends. There is a lot riding on him making the correct decision, or their summer fantasy will end. It's Fourth of July, and Belly gets drunk. She sees Conrad at the outside shower and tells him that she knows he bought a birthday present for her. This is a cute flirty moment. When Belly is sober again, they talk, and almost kissed. They were interrupted by guess who? Jeremiah! Soon after, Conrad rejects Belly and Belly says she is done waiting for him. This leads to Belly kissing Jeremiah in the pool. This girl cannot make up her mind, but I can. Conrad is the right one for her, he just needs help communicating his feelings better. On the night of the debutante ball, Jerry learns about his mother's cancer. He disappears right in time for Belly's final dance. Conrad takes Jeremiah's place and dances with Belly. At the end of the night, they kiss on the beach. During season two, Susannah's cancer is worsening. This means Conrad and Jerry must come to terms with her looming death and their conflict over Belly. Susannah dies, and her sister tries to sell the summer house. Belly drives up to help the boys. Conrad is moody as usual. We see a flashback of Conrad and Belly in the summer house during winter. (They dated while Conrad was in college, this hurt Jeremiah.) We see a soft and passionate moment between the couple as they make love for the first time. This emotional and physical exchange has tied them together, Conrad knows Belly more than Jeremiah ever will. More happens, and Conrad leaves Belly so she can be happy with Jerry. This sacrifice of his own emotions shows how much Conrad loves her. Someone wouldn't harm themselves to make the person they love happy, especially without them, if they weren't in love.

My favorite Netflix series is Alice in Borderland. This show is about a young adult gamer who is transported to an empty version of Tokyo. Our main character is Arisu and his friends are named Chōta and Karube. They must play and win games in order to survive. This is the perfect show to binge. It is entertaining, tear jerking, and suspenseful all at the same time. You won't get bored watching this show, it's ideal for a binge weekend. This show is full of suspense, and the plot is complex. It is truly a masterpiece. You never know what is truly going on in the entire show until the last episode of the second season, (which we don't even know if it is one hundred percent true.) This is why I am constantly drawn to watch it and pick apart any minor details I can find. After the guys are transported to this new, weird Tokyo, a billboard lights up. The billboard leads them to a room where they must pick up phones. The phones display a playing card. (This shows the game's difficulty, and the type of card's importance will come into play later in season one.) They enter the game and survive, but the other girl with them did not. When playing a game, there are different kinds of games due to the levels of difficulty. Most may survive in some, and others are winner-takes-all. . If you die during the game, you die in real life, (as far as the players know.) Death is brutal in this new world, and if you try to opt out of a game or simply not play, your head will be blown off of your body. Players must play games in order to extend their visas to continue living. During their second game, Arisu learns the meaning of each card: spades represent physical games, clubs are games based on teamwork, diamonds are a battle of wits and intellect, and hearts correlate to games of trust and betrayal. Arisu also meets his love interest, Usagi. She is witty and physically fit. They all survive the second game as well. With time running out on their visa, they realize they must play another game. Arisu, Chota, Karube, and a random player enter a game called, "Hide and Seek." This episode is very climatic and emotions run high. We began to see the true nature of this "new" Tokyo. The game consists of three sheep and one wolf. Arisu is the wolf and his friends are the sheep. This episode made me cry because all three of the boys were very sad to say goodbye to Arisu, but they knew that if anyone could win this twisted game, it would be him. Chota and Karube's heads are blown off and the episode ends with a ballistic Arisu, screaming and crying. I won't spoil any more of the show for you. Just know that Alice in Borderland will have you so wrapped up in it that you won't pick up your phone. It is by far my favorite Netflix pick. Go binge watch it!

Growing up, my grandma Mimi served as my caretaker. We took care of each other and had a deep bond. I often helped her with her daily medical tasks to maintain her health issues. I would sort pills, take blood sugar, and go with her to pick up her prescriptions. On days that she couldn't get out of bed I would bring her food and make sure she was comfortable in bed. I enjoyed helping her, and I miss her every day. When I was in elementary school, Mimi was diagnosed with Vulvar Cancer. As a young girl, I was frightened beyond belief. During her radiation treatments, she needed help bathing and I helped her. I also brought her food and walked her dog. It was a very difficult time for my mom, Mimi, and myself. Almost losing my grandma frightened me. Mimi went into remission and the cancer never came back. She had a few issues due to the cancer, but she survived. I was thankful every day that she made it, and I was sure to cherish every moment. In 2020, Mimi contracted COVID-19, she was put on a ventilator, and the nurses provided daily updates. On the day of her death, they held her hand, providing a sense of peace. Not only were the nurses risking their lives during an erratic pandemic, but they remained compassionate. This profound loss and aching experience assured me of my path to becoming a healthcare professional. Now, I recall my memories of helping her, and they have pushed me towards a job in healthcare. I want to go to a great college to get a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. After getting my degree and licensing, I will become a registered nurse. For the first two to three years of working in a hospital, I plan to become a travel nurse. I desire this career because traveling has always been a passion of mine, along with helping others. From personal experience with helping my grandma and job shadowing at a local hospital, I am confident that I will enjoy being a nurse. My end career goal is to get a Doctorate of Nursing Science so I can become a nurse practitioner and open my practice. Without taking care of my Mimi as a girl, I never would've discovered my passion for healthcare. I appreciate the time I had with her, and I miss her every day.

After college, I hope to continue influencing a change in race bias. Now, when I hear my peers saying harmful, biased things, I try to educate them. When I become a nurse I hope to disintegrate the racial disparities in the healthcare field. I am inspired by my own experiences with racism. As a biracial girl, I developed a strong belief in the significance of treating every human equally. I recall situations where peers would make deprecatory comments about my biracial background, questioning my identity and experiences. I remember a day when a classmate made a derogatory remark in class, indicating that I did not belong in either the black or white community. These microaggressions made me aware of the inequalities that exist in society and fueled my resolve to create a more inclusive atmosphere for others. Using my understanding of social justice, all humans deserve equal treatment in healthcare. My awareness of racial inequities has pushed me to become a nurse. As a biracial girl, I developed a strong belief in the significance of treating every human equally. I recall situations where peers would make deprecatory comments about my biracial background, questioning my identity and experiences. I remember a day when a classmate made a derogatory remark in class, indicating that I did not belong in either the black or white community. These microaggressions made me aware of the inequalities that exist in society and fueled my resolve to create a more inclusive atmosphere for others. In the United States, there is a disturbing discrepancy between the maternal mortality rates of Black women and white women. Black women have the highest mortality rate of all races of women in the United States. This difference is driven by social and economic injustices that are entrenched in racism and discrimination. Education and income have an extensive impact on the accessibility of healthcare for women, especially younger women. These barriers created by money and racial injustice prevent Black women from going to routine medical visits and properly maintaining their prenatal health. As other countries' maternal mortality rates decrease, the United States’ is increasing. Mistreatment from trusted nurses and doctors is also a factor in deaths during delivery. In cases where people of color died during or after delivery, providers did not believe the symptoms or complaints of their patients. Neglect of care has led to deaths during or after delivery. Black women are twice as likely to get maternal sepsis compared to white women. To improve the racial disparities, I want to get a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. After getting my degree and licensing, I will become a registered nurse. For the first two to three years of working in a hospital, I plan to become a travel nurse. I desire this career because traveling has always been a passion of mine, along with helping others. From personal experience with helping my grandma and job shadowing at a local hospital, I am confident that I will enjoy being a nurse. My end career goal is to get a Doctorate of Nursing Science so I can become a nurse practitioner and open my own practice.

In my opinion, success looks like using my career to make a difference in the world. My dream career goal is to become a nurse. I want to participate in eliminating disparities in marginalized communities. Growing up, my grandma Mimi served as my caretaker, fostering a strong bond with me. We shared a deep understanding of each other. I often helped her with her daily medical tasks to maintain her health issues, (cancer and diabetes.) When Mimi contracted COVID-19, she was put on a ventilator, and the nurses provided daily updates. On the day of her death, they held her hand, providing a sense of peace. Not only were the nurses risking their lives during an erratic pandemic, but they remained compassionate. This profound loss and aching experience assured me of my path to becoming a healthcare professional. Now, I recall my memories of helping her, and they have pushed me towards a job in healthcare. I want to go to a great college to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After getting my degree and licensing, I will become a registered nurse. For the first two to three years of working in a hospital, I plan to become a travel nurse. I desire this career because traveling has always been a passion of mine, along with helping others. From personal experience with helping my grandma and job shadowing at a local hospital, I am confident that I will enjoy being a nurse. My end career goal is to get a Doctorate in Nursing Science so I can become a nurse practitioner and open my practice. As a nurse practitioner, I will be able to see patients routinely and provide respectful care. In the United States, there is a disturbing discrepancy between the maternal mortality rates of Black women and white women. Black women have the highest mortality rate of all races of women in the United States. This difference is driven by social and economic injustices that are entrenched in racism and discrimination. Education and income have an extensive impact on the accessibility of healthcare for women, especially younger women. These barriers created by money and racial injustice prevent Black women from going to routine medical visits and properly maintaining their prenatal health. As other countries' maternal mortality rates decrease, the United States’ is increasing. Mistreatment from trusted nurses and doctors is also a factor in deaths during delivery. In cases where people of color died during or after delivery, providers did not believe the symptoms or complaints of their patients. Neglect of care has led to deaths during or after delivery. Black women are twice as likely to get maternal sepsis compared to white women. Following the cultural practices of patients improves communication, builds trust, and reduces health disparities often seen in marginalized communities. I’ll provide culturally respectful and understanding care, which leads to comfortable and healthy patients. I will leverage my own experiences to understand and respect patients from diverse backgrounds to provide compassionate care. With the racial inequities in the healthcare system, I plan to be a part of solving them. As a young woman of color, this mistreatment could harm my loved ones and myself. I will be a part of the solution. I intend to go through nursing school and become a registered nurse (and eventually a nurse practitioner). I will use my job in healthcare to be diligent and listen to every patient’s grievances to provide them with a sense of being heard and to remain healthy. Being a nurse is about truly caring for the people you are taking care of, and doing everything to keep them safe and healthy, regardless of their race or other external factors. Knowing that I've helped at least one person escape racial discrimination, I will be successful.

Growing up, I spent the majority of my childhood with my favorite person, my grandma. She was never in the best state of health. Mimi dealt with arthritis, diabetes type II, and, at one point, vulvar cancer. From an early age, I always helped her. Tasks such as sorting pills, helping administer shots, and taking blood sugar were given to me. Blood and needles didn’t bother me, and I enjoyed aiding Mimi. As time went on, my grandma’s health declined. Mimi caught COVID from her caregiver. To keep her safe during the pandemic, I had barely seen her. The day I found out she had COVID-19, my heart stopped beating. I knew what was going to happen, and I was not prepared to let her go without seeing her one last time. I was shattered, and traumatized by the thought of her hooked up to a ventilator in a desolate room alone. Mimi died in November 2020, less than a month after being diagnosed with coronavirus. She died at Baptist Health Hospital in New Albany, Indiana. At the beginning of my senior year of high school, my mental health decreased tremendously. I became consumed in my grief. I would stay up for multiple nights a week crying, begging for one day to see my grandma again. My mom noticed that something was truly wrong with me, it wasn’t just anxiety or teen angst. I had told my boyfriend that I was depressed, but he didn’t truly believe me. I can’t blame him, teenagers call themselves depressed as a temporary state of sadness, so how would he know to take me seriously? In October, I went to my pediatrician to get anxiety medication. During my evaluation, I had to circle numbers on a scale of 1-10 and how many days a week I was affected by my “anxiety.” I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder and Mild Depression. I knew deep down that my anxiety wasn’t leading to mood swings, harmful self-behavior, or the disordered eating habits I developed. My mother supported me through the decision to take medication, and I will always appreciate her doing that for me. It has been a few months since my initial start of the medicine, and I feel a positive change. It wasn't only the medicine that helped me, I started doing mindful exercises and working out, fighting for my mental health. I began channeling my grief into doing something productive. Losing the most important person in the world was the worst experience of my life. But I no longer wallow in my sadness, I take my pain and grief and use it to push forward and build a successful future for myself. She would want me to continue fighting for the life I want. So that is what I've been doing ever since she passed. Fighting to better my mental health, fighting to make her proud, and fighting to pave my way into college, like she wanted. Assisting my grandma with her health issues gifted me with the tenacity to push toward being a successful woman in the medical field. When Mimi passed, my world stopped, but her death drove me to discover my purpose. I love serving others in my school and community. Being an RN will allow me to continuously learn every day, and fulfill my devotion to helping others. I will use my loss to push me towards my passion so I can help others. Knowing and loving my Mimi changed my life forever, and I will continue to succeed in her honor. With a scholarship, this will make my dreams more possible. I will never stop fighting to achieve my goal of becoming a nurse and making my Mimi proud.

Growing up, my grandma Mimi served as my caretaker, fostering a strong bond with me. We shared a deep understanding of each other. I often helped her with her daily medical tasks to maintain her health issues, (cancer and diabetes.) When Mimi contracted COVID-19, she was put on a ventilator, and the nurses provided daily updates. On the day of her death, they held her hand, providing a sense of peace. Not only were the nurses risking their lives during an erratic pandemic, but they remained compassionate. This profound loss and aching experience assured me of my path to becoming a healthcare professional. In the United States, there is a disturbing discrepancy between the maternal mortality rates of Black women and white women. In 2016-2018, of the death rates associated with pregnancy, 41.4 percent were Black women and 13.4 percent were white women. Black women have the highest mortality rate of all races of women in the United States. The cause of this disparity is due to social and economic factors. That affects the quality of prenatal and postnatal care, along with the delivery of the baby. This difference is driven by social and economic injustices that are entrenched in racism and discrimination. Education and income have an extensive impact on the accessibility of healthcare for women, especially younger women. These barriers created by money and racial injustice prevent Black women from going to routine medical visits and properly maintaining their prenatal health. As other countries' maternal mortality rates decrease, the United States’ is increasing. Mistreatment from trusted nurses and doctors is also a factor in deaths during delivery. In cases where people of color died during or after delivery, providers did not believe the symptoms or complaints of their patients. Neglect of care has led to deaths during or after delivery. Black women are twice as likely to get maternal sepsis compared to white women. With the racial inequities in the healthcare system, I plan to be a part of solving them. As a young woman of color, this mistreatment could harm my loved ones and myself. I will be a part of the solution. I will use my job in healthcare to be diligent and listen to every patient’s grievances to provide them with a sense of being heard and to remain healthy. Being a nurse is about truly caring for the people you are taking care of, and doing everything to keep them safe and healthy, regardless of their race or other external factors. As a nurse, I'll be committed to actively listening to my patients: taking the time to understand their concerns and addressing them with compassion. I'll ensure a welcoming environment. I will keep an open, caring mind when learning about different cultural practices and beliefs to deliver the best care. Following the cultural practices of patients improves communication, builds trust, and reduces health disparities often seen in marginalized communities. I’ll provide culturally respectful and understanding care, which leads to comfortable and healthy patients. I will understand and respect patients from diverse backgrounds to provide compassionate care. This is how I will contribute to my community and change the lives of my patients.

Growing up, I spent the majority of my childhood with my favorite person, my grandma. She was never in the best state of health. Mimi dealt with arthritis, diabetes type II, and, at one point, vulvar cancer. From an early age, I always helped her. Tasks such as sorting pills, helping administer shots, and taking blood sugar were given to me. Blood and needles didn’t bother me, and I enjoyed aiding Mimi. As time went on, my grandma’s health declined. Mimi caught COVID from her caregiver. To keep her safe during the pandemic, I had barely seen her. The day I found out she had COVID-19, my heart stopped beating. I knew what was going to happen, and I was not prepared to let her go without seeing her one last time. I was shattered, and traumatized by the thought of her hooked up to a ventilator in a desolate room alone. Mimi died in November 2020, less than a month after being diagnosed with coronavirus. She died at Baptist Health Hospital in New Albany, Indiana. At the beginning of my senior year of high school, my mental health decreased tremendously. I became consumed in my grief. I would stay up for multiple nights a week crying, begging for one day to see my grandma again. My test grades began to drop, along with my productivity. My mom noticed that something was truly wrong with me, it wasn’t just anxiety or teen angst. In October, I went to my pediatrician to get anxiety medication. During my evaluation, I had to circle numbers on a scale of 1-10 and how many days a week I was affected by my “anxiety.” I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder and Mild Depression. I knew deep down that my anxiety wasn’t leading to mood swings, harmful self-behavior, or the disordered eating habits I developed. My mother supported me through the decision to take medication, and I will always appreciate her doing that for me. It has been a few months since my initial start of the medicine, and I feel a positive change. It wasn't only the medicine that helped me, I started doing mindful exercises and working out, fighting for my mental health. I began channeling my grief into doing something productive. Losing the most important person in the world was the worst experience of my life. But I no longer wallow in my sadness, I take my pain and grief and use it to push forward and build a successful future for myself. She would want me to continue fighting for the life I want. So that is what I've been doing ever since she passed. Fighting to better my mental health, fighting to make her proud, and fighting to pave my way into college, like she wanted. Resilience is taught through self-experience. Although I am still grieving, I will use my grief as motivation to succeed in her honor. Assisting my grandma with her health issues gifted me with the tenacity to push toward being a successful woman in the medical field. Mimi's passing drove me to discover my purpose. I will use my loss to push me towards my passion so I can help others. Knowing and loving my Mimi changed my life forever, and I will continue to succeed in her honor. Loss is devastating, but we must be resilient and move forward. With a scholarship, this will make my dreams possible.

Growing up, my grandma Mimi served as my caretaker, fostering a strong bond with me. We shared a deep understanding of each other. I often helped her with her daily medical tasks to maintain her health issues, (cancer and diabetes.) When Mimi contracted COVID-19, she was put on a ventilator, and the nurses provided daily updates. On the day of her death, they held her hand, providing a sense of peace. Not only were the nurses risking their lives during an erratic pandemic, but they remained compassionate. This profound loss and aching experience assured me of my path to becoming a healthcare professional. In the United States, there is a disturbing discrepancy between the maternal mortality rates of Black women and white women. In 2016-2018, of the death rates associated with pregnancy, 41.4 percent were Black women and 13.4 percent were white women. Black women have the highest mortality rate of all races of women in the United States. The cause of this disparity is due to social and economic factors. That affects the quality of prenatal and postnatal care, along with the delivery of the baby. This difference is driven by social and economic injustices that are entrenched in racism and discrimination. Education and income have an extensive impact on the accessibility of healthcare for women, especially younger women. These barriers created by money and racial injustice prevent Black women from going to routine medical visits and properly maintaining their prenatal health. As other countries' maternal mortality rates decrease, the United States’ is increasing. Mistreatment from trusted nurses and doctors is also a factor in deaths during delivery. In cases where people of color died during or after delivery, providers did not believe the symptoms or complaints of their patients. Neglect of care has led to deaths during or after delivery. Black women are twice as likely to get maternal sepsis compared to white women. With the racial inequities in the healthcare system, I plan to be a part of solving them. As a young woman of color, this mistreatment could harm my loved ones and myself. I will be a part of the solution. I will use my job in healthcare to be diligent and listen to every patient’s grievances to provide them with a sense of being heard and to remain healthy. Being a nurse is about truly caring for the people you are taking care of, and doing everything to keep them safe and healthy, regardless of their race or other external factors. As a nurse, I'll be committed to actively listening to my patients: taking the time to understand their concerns and addressing them with compassion. I'll ensure a welcoming environment. I will keep an open, caring mind when learning about different cultural practices and beliefs to deliver the best care. Following the cultural practices of patients improves communication, builds trust, and reduces health disparities often seen in marginalized communities. I’ll provide culturally respectful and understanding care, which leads to comfortable and healthy patients. I will understand and respect patients from diverse backgrounds to provide compassionate care. This is how I will contribute to my community and change the lives of my patients.

As a first-generation college student, there is an immense weight on my shoulders. With a scholarship, I will be able to make my veteran father proud. My dad grew up in a low-income and dangerous area. To get out and achieve better for himself, he joined the military for a few years so he could afford technical college. He was in the army, and he uses the skills gained from his service to this day. Over 30 years later, his occupation is a security system technician who is certified for fire safety and alarm system set-up, working in a variety of states in the Midwest. To make my father proud, I have taken it upon myself to fight to achieve a satisfying career, which I need an amazing education to obtain. My dream career is to be a nurse. I know this is a demanding job, but I am ready to give my all in nursing school so I can better my community and patients' health. My desire to better my community stems from being immersed in community service as a child. I have participated in activities like Gilda's Club, Operation Brightside, and animal shelters, and I have written hundreds of holiday cards to those in need. At the animal shelter, my duties included washing laundry and cleaning cages. Additionally, I have worked at elementary school festivals, hosted clothing and can drives, bought gifts for students in need, and more service projects. Growing up, my grandma Mimi served as my caretaker, fostering a strong bond with me. We took care of each other. I often helped her with her daily medical tasks to maintain her health issues, (cancer and diabetes.) I was her little caregiver, as you could say. When Mimi contracted COVID-19, she was put on a ventilator, and the nurses provided daily updates. Due to quarantine, we could not say goodbye, so her nurses held her hand, providing a sense of peace. Not only were the nurses risking their lives during an erratic pandemic, but they remained compassionate. My grandma’s death happened in such a formative year of my life. My mother and I were deeply shattered. My memories of helping her have pushed and inspired me to strive for a valuable healthcare career. This aching but formative experience is why I am pursuing a career in nursing. Even before I became a caregiver for my grandma, I already was fascinated by the human body and how it works. This curiosity I had at a young age led me to do a job shadow at a local hospital, where I had the opportunity to observe nurses in action. This experience deepened my passion for healthcare. I remember being in middle school and learning about the different body systems. I was so amazed that I took any available science classes. Now in high school, I've taken PLTW Principles of Biomedical Sciences, Medical Interventions, Biomedical Innovations, and Human Body Sytems. I've also been in AP Biology (my favorite class I've ever taken,) Chemistry Honors, Anatomy and Physiology, and Biology Honors. All of these classes have been dual/college credit for me, making my learning even more rewarding. As a nurse, I'll be able to learn more about anatomy, chemistry, biology, physiology, and even more amazing topics that resonate in the science field. With a scholarship, I'll be able to continue my education and be a first-generation college student.

As Booker T. Washington said, “Those who are the happiest are those who help others.” This is a quote I live by daily. During my high school career, I was involved in my community and school. I participated in Cheerleading, Anchor Club, the Student Council, the National Honor Society, The Culture Club, Student Ambassadors and Environmentally Conscious Club (ECO). Giving back to my community has always been a passion of mine. I love to help others, and I try to do so whenever I get the opportunity. I have always been passionate about giving back to my community, having been immersed in community service from a young age. I have participated in activities like Gilda's Club, Operation Brightside, and animal shelters, and I have written hundreds of holiday cards to those in need. At the animal shelter, my duties included washing laundry and cleaning cages. Within my school clubs, I have worked at elementary school festivals, hosted clothing and can drives, bought gifts for students in need, and more service projects. My dream career goal is to become a nurse. If I could have a volunteer organization, it would be based on eliminating disparities in marginalized communities. Through my experiences, I've learned that all humans have their own individual and cultural identities. In the United States, there is a disturbing discrepancy between the maternal mortality rates of Black women and white women. Black women have the highest mortality rate of all races of women in the United States. This difference is driven by social and economic injustices that are entrenched in racism and discrimination. Education and income have an extensive impact on the accessibility of healthcare for women, especially younger women. These barriers created by money and racial injustice prevent Black women from going to routine medical visits and properly maintaining their prenatal health. As other countries' maternal mortality rates decrease, the United States’ is increasing. Mistreatment from trusted nurses and doctors is also a factor in deaths during delivery. In cases where people of color died during or after delivery, providers did not believe the symptoms or complaints of their patients. Neglect of care has led to deaths during or after delivery. Black women are twice as likely to get maternal sepsis compared to white women. With the racial inequities in the healthcare system, I plan to be a part of solving them. As a young woman of color, this mistreatment could harm my loved ones and myself. I will be a part of the solution. I intend to go through nursing school and become a registered nurse (and eventually a nurse practitioner). I will use my job in healthcare to be diligent and listen to every patient’s grievances to provide them with a sense of being heard and to remain healthy. Being a nurse is about truly caring for the people you are taking care of, and doing everything to keep them safe and healthy, regardless of their race or other external factors.

Growing up, my grandma Mimi served as my caretaker, fostering a strong bond with me. We shared a deep understanding of each other. I often helped her with her daily medical tasks to maintain her health issues, (cancer and diabetes.) When Mimi contracted COVID-19, she was put on a ventilator, and the nurses provided daily updates. On the day of her death, they held her hand, providing a sense of peace. Not only were the nurses risking their lives during an erratic pandemic, but they remained compassionate. This profound loss and aching experience assured me of my path to becoming a healthcare professional. In the United States, there is a disturbing discrepancy between the maternal mortality rates of Black women and white women. In 2016-2018, of the death rates associated with pregnancy, 41.4 percent were Black women and 13.4 percent were white women. Black women have the highest mortality rate of all races of women in the United States. The cause of this disparity is due to social and economic factors. That affects the quality of prenatal and postnatal care, along with the delivery of the baby. This difference is driven by social and economic injustices that are entrenched in racism and discrimination. Education and income have an extensive impact on the accessibility of healthcare for women, especially younger women. These barriers created by money and racial injustice prevent Black women from going to routine medical visits and properly maintaining their prenatal health. As other countries' maternal mortality rates decrease, the United States’ is increasing. Mistreatment from trusted nurses and doctors is also a factor in deaths during delivery. In cases where people of color died during or after delivery, providers did not believe the symptoms or complaints of their patients. Neglect of care has led to deaths during or after delivery. Black women are twice as likely to get maternal sepsis compared to white women. With the racial inequities in the healthcare system, I plan to be a part of solving them. As a young woman of color, this mistreatment could harm my loved ones and myself. I will be a part of the solution. I will use my job in healthcare to be diligent and listen to every patient’s grievances to provide them with a sense of being heard and to remain healthy. Being a nurse is about truly caring for the people you are taking care of, and doing everything to keep them safe and healthy, regardless of their race or other external factors. As a nurse, I'll be committed to actively listening to my patients: taking the time to understand their concerns and addressing them with compassion. I'll ensure a welcoming environment. I will keep an open, caring mind when learning about different cultural practices and beliefs to deliver the best care. Following the cultural practices of patients improves communication, builds trust, and reduces health disparities often seen in marginalized communities. I’ll provide culturally respectful and understanding care, which leads to comfortable and healthy patients. I will understand and respect patients from diverse backgrounds to provide compassionate care. This is how I will contribute to my community and change the lives of my patients.

As Booker T. Washington said, “Those who are the happiest are those who help others.” This is a quote I live by daily. During my high school career, I was involved in my community and school. I participated in Cheerleading, the Anchor Club, the Student Council, the National Honor Society, The Culture Club, the Student Ambassadors and the Environmentally Conscious Club. Giving back to my community has always been a passion of mine. I love to help others, and I try to do so whenever I get the opportunity. I have held leadership roles in the Anchor Club and National Honor Society at school. I am on the executive board for both of the clubs. This means that I help plan projects, manage attendance, and encourage my peers to participate. This involvement has enhanced my leadership skills. I have always been passionate about giving back to my community, having been immersed in community service from a young age. I have participated in activities like Gilda's Club, Operation Brightside, and animal shelters, and I have written hundreds of holiday cards to those in need. At the animal shelter, my duties included washing laundry and cleaning cages. Within my school clubs, I have worked at elementary school festivals, hosted clothing and can drives, bought gifts for students in need, and more service projects. My dream career goal is to become a nurse. If I could have a volunteer organization, it would be based on eliminating disparities in marginalized communities. Through my experiences, I've learned that all humans have their own individual and cultural identities. In the United States, there is a disturbing discrepancy between the maternal mortality rates of Black women and white women. Black women have the highest mortality rate of all races of women in the United States. This difference is driven by social and economic injustices that are entrenched in racism and discrimination. Education and income have an extensive impact on the accessibility of healthcare for women, especially younger women. These barriers created by money and racial injustice prevent Black women from going to routine medical visits and properly maintaining their prenatal health. As other countries' maternal mortality rates decrease, the United States’ is increasing. Mistreatment from trusted nurses and doctors is also a factor in deaths during delivery. In cases where people of color died during or after delivery, providers did not believe the symptoms or complaints of their patients. Neglect of care has led to deaths during or after delivery. Black women are twice as likely to get maternal sepsis compared to white women. With the racial inequities in the healthcare system, I plan to be a part of solving them. As a young woman of color, this mistreatment could harm my loved ones and myself. I will be a part of the solution. I intend to go through nursing school and become a registered nurse (and eventually a nurse practitioner). I will use my job in healthcare to be diligent and listen to every patient’s grievances to provide them with a sense of being heard and to remain healthy. Being a nurse is about truly caring for the people you are taking care of, and doing everything to keep them safe and healthy, regardless of their race or other external factors.

As a first-generation college student, there is an immense weight on my shoulders. With a scholarship, I will be able to make my veteran father proud. My dad grew up in a low-income and dangerous area. To get out and achieve better for himself, he joined the military for a few years so he could afford technical college. He was in the army, and he uses the skills gained from his service to this day. Over 30 years later, his occupation is a security system technician who is certified for fire safety and alarm system set-up, working in a variety of states in the Midwest. To make my father proud, I have taken it upon myself to fight to achieve a satisfying career, which I need an amazing education to obtain. My dream career is to be a nurse. I know this is a demanding job, but I am ready to give my all in nursing school so I can better my community and patients' health. My desire to better my community stems from being immersed in community service as a child. I have participated in activities like Gilda's Club, Operation Brightside, and animal shelters, and I have written hundreds of holiday cards to those in need. At the animal shelter, my duties included washing laundry and cleaning cages. Additionally, I have worked at elementary school festivals, hosted clothing and can drives, bought gifts for students in need, and more service projects. Growing up, my grandma Mimi served as my caretaker, fostering a strong bond with me. We took care of each other. I often helped her with her daily medical tasks to maintain her health issues, (cancer and diabetes.) I was her little caregiver, as you could say. When Mimi contracted COVID-19, she was put on a ventilator, and the nurses provided daily updates. Due to quarantine, we could not say goodbye, so her nurses held her hand, providing a sense of peace. Not only were the nurses risking their lives during an erratic pandemic, but they remained compassionate. My grandma’s death happened in such a formative year of my life. My mother and I were deeply shattered. My memories of helping her have pushed and inspired me to strive for a valuable healthcare career. This aching but formative experience is why I am pursuing a career in nursing. Even before I became a caregiver for my grandma, I already was fascinated by the human body and how it works. This curiosity I had at a young age led me to do a job shadow at a local hospital, where I had the opportunity to observe nurses in action. This experience deepened my passion for healthcare. As a nurse, I'll be committed to actively listening to my patients: taking the time to understand their concerns and addressing them with compassion. I'll ensure a welcoming environment. This can involve using gender-neutral language, asking about preferred pronouns, and displaying inclusive information. I will keep an open, caring mind when learning about different cultural practices and beliefs to deliver the best care. Following the cultural practices of patients improves communication, builds trust, and reduces health disparities often seen in marginalized communities. I’ll provide culturally respectful and understanding care, which leads to comfortable and healthy patients. I will leverage my personal experiences to understand and respect patients from diverse backgrounds to provide compassionate care. This is how I will make a difference in my community and the lives of my future patients.