My name is Marisol I. Harris, and I’m a first-generation college student from Houston, Texas. I come from a family that has faced financial challenges, but those struggles shaped my sense of purpose and sharpened my desire to give back. I’ve learned that compassion and authenticity aren’t just ideals—they’re everyday actions. And I’ve built my life around those actions. From a young age, I found meaning in service. I’ve volunteered at local food banks, mentored middle school students, and organized clothing drives through my school’s community outreach club. These weren’t just checkboxes on a résumé—they were real efforts to meet people where they are and help them move forward. I’ve learned to listen, to lead without ego, and to show up consistently, even when it’s hard. I’ve also tried to stay true to who I am. As someone who grew up in a household where mental health wasn’t always talked about, I’ve made it a priority to advocate for emotional well-being among my peers. I started a student-led initiative that partnered with school counselors to make mental health resources more visible and accessible. It was hard at first to speak openly about something so personal, but I knew it mattered. Being real with others invited them to be real too—and that created a space for growth. Right now, I’m pursuing a degree in Chamberlain University for Nursing and my long-term goal is to become a nurse. I’ll be starting nursing school on May 5th, and my long-term goal is to become a registered nurse and eventually work in underserved communities, providing care to people who often go without it. Whether it’s through mobile clinics, public health outreach, or hospital work, I want to be the person who shows up and makes someone’s worst day a little better. My education isn’t just about what I can achieve for myself—it’s about what I can give. I want my career to be a multiplier: helping one person, one family, or one community at a time, until that help creates a ripple effect. To me, leadership means standing with people, not above them. I want to keep showing up, staying honest, and working alongside others to build something better. With the support of the Text-Em-All Founders Scholarship, I can continue this work with more focus and fewer financial barriers. I’m committed to using my education to lift others, because real success is never just personal—it’s shared

Answering the Call: My Passion for Nursing and the Impact I Plan to Make Nursing is more than a career choice for me — it is a calling rooted in personal experience, compassion, and a deep desire to serve others. As an autistic, first-generation college student and stay-at-home mother of two, my life has been shaped by the need to advocate, care, and show up for those who are often overlooked. These experiences didn’t just lead me to nursing they prepared me for it. I am passionate about nursing because I know what it feels like to be vulnerable, to depend on others for understanding and care, and to hope someone will truly see you beyond the surface. I’ve spent years navigating the healthcare system, both for myself and for my son, who is also autistic. I’ve seen firsthand the difference a compassionate, attentive nurse can make. Nurses are often the bridge between the patient and the rest of the world and I want to be that bridge. I want to stand in the gap for people who feel unseen, unheard, or misunderstood. Nursing combines everything I value — advocacy, empathy, skill, and purpose. I am particularly drawn to pediatric nursing, especially with a focus on neurodivergent and special needs populations. Children with autism and other developmental conditions need nurses who understand them, who can meet them where they are without judgment, and who have the patience to communicate in ways that work for them. I’have spent the last several years doing exactly that in my home — managing meltdowns, sensory sensitivities, medical appointments, and therapies with love and intuition. Now, I want to take those skills into a professional setting where I can serve other families like mine. My goal as a pediatric nurse is to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for children and their caregivers. I hope to work in settings such as pediatric clinics, children’s hospitals, or school-based health programs where I can be a consistent, trusted presence. I also want to be involved in education — helping parents understand diagnoses, treatment options, and how to advocate for their children in medical and educational settings. Too often, families like mine are left to figure it out on their own. I want to be the nurse who walks with them, not just treats them. Beyond the bedside, I hope to be a voice for greater understanding of autism and neurodiversity in healthcare. My goal is to help shift the culture of nursing toward one that embraces and accommodates neurological differences — in both patients and healthcare professionals. As an autistic nurse, I will bring a perspective that is still far too rare in this field. I understand the need for quiet spaces, clear communication, and gentle interaction. I will use my voice to advocate for these needs in policy and practice, so all patients can receive care that respects their individuality. Through nursing, I plan to combine my lived experience, personal resilience, and deep compassion to make a lasting impact. I want my sons to grow up seeing their mother not just as a caregiver at home, but as a leader in the community — someone who used her challenges as fuel and her heart as her compass. I want my future patients to feel safe in my care and confident in my knowledge. And I want to contribute to a healthcare system that is more inclusive, more human, and more effective. Nursing is not just what I want to do — it’s who I am. And I am ready to serve and to lead.

The Strength Behind My Struggles: Why I’m Pursuing a Future in Healthcare Being an autistic, stay-at-home mom of two is a journey filled with challenges, but also strength, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. Every day, I navigate the delicate balance of managing my own sensory needs and neurodivergent experiences while raising two beautiful boys, one of whom is also autistic. This is not a story of limitation — it is a story of power, perseverance, and love. Motherhood is never easy, but raising a family while being autistic myself adds a layer of complexity most people cannot see. Simple things — the overwhelming noise of a tantrum, the pressure of social interactions at school functions, the endless multitasking — can become mountains. Yet, I climb them every day. I do it because my children deserve a mother who shows up, even on the hardest days. I do it because I know what it’s like to feel misunderstood, and I never want my children to feel alone in their journey. Staying home with them has given me the privilege of being deeply involved in their development. I’ve learned to advocate fiercely for my kids, especially in systems that don’t always understand their needs. I’ve had to educate teachers, doctors, and even other parents. I’ve become a voice for my children — and in that process, I’ve found my own voice too. This journey has ignited something in me: a calling to enter healthcare. I want to be the kind of provider I wish my family had encountered more often — someone who listens without judgment, who sees the person behind the diagnosis, who understands that everyone’s brain works differently. I want to help families like mine. I want to show up for people in moments when they feel invisible or overwhelmed, and make them feel seen, heard, and supported. Pursuing a career in healthcare isn’t just about a job. It’s about transforming my pain into purpose. It’s about proving to my children — and to myself — that we are not defined by our challenges, but by how we rise above them.

Why I Want to Be a Nurse My desire to become a nurse is rooted in my life’s experiences, struggles, and the love I have for helping others. I am a mother of two beautiful boys, one of whom is autistic. Being their mother has shaped the person I am today—resilient, nurturing, determined, and deeply compassionate. Nursing has always been my dream, but life placed a number of challenges in my path. Now, I am back in school pursuing my second degree, determined to finally fulfill my calling. One of the most powerful moments that influenced my decision to become a nurse happened when I was just twelve years old. My mother, who was the heart of our home, was diagnosed with cancer. Watching her go through that experience and ultimately lose her battle changed everything for me. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to endure, and it left a mark that still shapes me today. I remember wishing I could do something to help her, to ease her pain, or even just to sit with her and make her feel less alone. That feeling of helplessness planted a seed in my heart, a deep need to care for others in ways I couldn’t care for her. That seed grew into a purpose—one I carry with me every single day. Since becoming a mother myself, especially to a child with special needs, I have had to learn to be not only a caregiver but also an advocate. I’ve navigated therapy appointments, educational systems, and countless doctor visits. These experiences have shown me how crucial it is for patients and families to have medical professionals who truly listen, understand, and advocate. I want to be one of those professionals. I want to be the nurse who brings comfort in the middle of chaos, who makes people feel seen and cared for, especially those who are often overlooked. Nursing allows me to combine my life experiences, my compassion, and my desire to serve into one meaningful career. I love learning about the human body, how to heal it, and how to support patients through recovery. Being in nursing school has confirmed that I am on the right path. Every class, every clinical, every lesson brings me closer to the person I’ve always wanted to become. Financially, however, this journey has been incredibly hard. I’m a full-time student and a full-time mom, and that balance comes with sacrifices. I work hard to make ends meet, but sometimes it still feels like I’m drowning. This scholarship would lift a heavy weight off my shoulders. It would help me continue my education without having to worry about how I’ll pay for books, supplies, or even rent. It would give me space to focus on being the best student, and ultimately, the best nurse I can be. This isn’t just about a degree. It’s about changing the direction of my life and creating a better future for my boys. I want them to see that no matter how hard things get, it’s always possible to rise above and achieve something meaningful. I want to show them that compassion, dedication, and hard work can open doors—and that you can always turn your pain into purpose. I want to be a nurse because I care. Because I’ve lived through experiences that taught me how powerful care really is. And because I know I can make a difference.

From an early age, I have always been drawn to the idea of helping others. Growing up in a family that valued compassion and service, I naturally gravitated toward a career that would allow me to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. This desire to serve, coupled with my deep interest in healthcare, led me to pursue a career in nursing. My interest in nursing stems from both personal experiences and an innate passion for patient care. One of the most profound experiences that shaped my decision to become a nurse was my mother’s battle with cancer. Watching her suffer and feeling helpless in her final moments was incredibly painful. I wished I could have done more for her, and that experience ignited a deep desire within me to dedicate my life to helping others in need. I have also had the privilege of witnessing the profound effect that skilled and compassionate nurses have on individuals and their families. A particularly transformative moment in my life was when my grandmother was diagnosed with a chronic illness. The nurses who cared for her not only provided exceptional medical attention but also offered emotional support that comforted our entire family. Seeing their dedication inspired me to follow in their footsteps and contribute to the well-being of others in the same way. As I embark on this journey, I am particularly interested in specializing in labor and maternity nursing. The miracle of childbirth and the ability to support mothers and their newborns during such a pivotal time in their lives deeply resonates with me. I am passionate about providing compassionate care, educating new parents, and ensuring that both mother and baby receive the best possible start. The opportunity to play a role in bringing new life into the world and supporting families during this transition is incredibly fulfilling to me. To prepare myself for this step in my journey, I have dedicated significant time and effort to acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills. I have completed prerequisite coursework in biology, anatomy, and physiology, which has given me a strong foundation in the sciences. Additionally, I have gained hands-on experience by volunteering at a local hospital, where I have had the opportunity to interact with patients and observe healthcare professionals in action. Through this experience, I have developed strong communication skills, learned the importance of teamwork, and deepened my understanding of the daily responsibilities of a nurse. Furthermore, I have sought opportunities to develop qualities essential to nursing, such as empathy, patience, and resilience. By working in customer service for 10 plus years and participating in community outreach programs, I have learned how to navigate challenging situations with compassion and professionalism. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to nursing and have prepared me for the emotional and physical demands of the profession. I am excited about the journey ahead and eager to continue my education in nursing. I am confident that my passion, dedication, and preparation will enable me to excel in this field and positively impact the lives of the patients I serve. Becoming a nurse is more than just a career choice for me—it is a calling, and I am ready to embrace it with open arms.