How Caregiving Has Shaped My Journey in Nursing Having family members with disabilities has shaped every part of who I am how I manage my time, how I respond under pressure, and how deeply I understand responsibility. I am the primary caregiver to my two children with autism, and that role has demanded more discipline, resilience, and focus than any classroom ever could. It is also the reason I am pursuing nursing. Caring for my children is not passive or occasional; it is constant. It means coordinating appointments, managing therapies, advocating within healthcare and educational systems, and responding calmly during moments of emotional or sensory overload. It means staying organized, informed, and emotionally grounded even when I am exhausted. While many students have the freedom to prioritize social activities or spontaneous opportunities, my priorities have always been clear. My responsibilities come first, and I have learned to structure my life with intention and purpose. Being a caregiver has taught me how to function under pressure and still deliver care with patience and clarity. I have learned to anticipate needs, communicate effectively, and adapt quickly when plans change. I understand how overwhelming healthcare systems can be for families, especially those caring for children with disabilities. I have lived the frustration of delays, miscommunication, and barriers to access, and I have also experienced how powerful it is when a healthcare professional truly listens and advocates. These experiences directly influenced my decision to pursue nursing. I initially earned a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and currently work in patient access, coordinating referrals and helping patients navigate the system. In that role, I see how easily people fall through the cracks. While I am proud of the support I provide, I know my impact can be greater. Nursing is the role that allows me to combine my lived experience as a caregiver with clinical skill, advocacy, and direct patient care. Balancing school while raising two children with autism has required sacrifice. There are moments when rest is limited and progress feels slow, but I have never questioned my commitment. I am driven because I have no other option but to succeed. My children are watching how I show up for them and for myself. I am building a future that allows me to provide stability, understanding, and service to others who are navigating similar challenges. Having family members with disabilities has made me more focused, more disciplined, and more compassionate. It has strengthened my ability to lead with empathy while maintaining professionalism and accountability. Nursing is not just a career path for me.It is a continuation of the work I already do every day. I am pursuing nursing because I know what it means to care deeply, advocate fiercely, and remain steady when others feel overwhelmed. These experiences have prepared me not only to succeed academically, but to become a nurse who brings skill, understanding, and unwavering commitment to every patient and family I serve.

To me, the phrase “human touch” represents the emotional connection, presence, and compassion that transform medical care into healing care. It is not limited to physical contact, but includes empathy, attentiveness, and the ability to make patients feel seen and valued during vulnerable moments. Human touch is often what patients remember most about their healthcare experience. It can be as simple as a calm tone of voice, taking time to listen, or offering reassurance during uncertainty. When patients feel acknowledged as individuals rather than diagnoses, trust is built. That trust allows patients to feel safer, more comfortable asking questions, and more engaged in their care. My understanding of human touch comes from both personal and professional experiences. Losing my mother to cancer taught me how powerful compassionate care can be, especially when outcomes are uncertain. The nurses who showed patience and kindness brought comfort not only to her, but to our entire family. Their presence made a lasting impact during an incredibly difficult time. As a mother to two children with autism, I have also seen how essential human touch is for individuals who may struggle with communication or sensory challenges. Gentle reassurance, understanding body language, and emotional awareness can dramatically affect how care is received. These experiences reinforced my belief that nursing is as much about emotional intelligence as it is about clinical skill. In my current role as a Patient Access Representative, I see the consequences when human touch is missing. Patients often feel overwhelmed by delays, insurance barriers, or confusion. Even without providing direct medical care, I have learned that listening patiently and explaining processes clearly can reduce anxiety and build trust. As a future nurse, I believe human touch will be central to my practice. It allows nurses to advocate effectively, provide comfort, and create meaningful connections. Human touch reminds patients that they are not alone and that their care matters. In a profession facing increasing demands and shortages, maintaining that human connection is essential to delivering compassionate, high-quality patient care. My inspiration to pursue a career in nursing comes from a combination of early loss, lived caregiving, and professional experience within the healthcare system. These experiences have shaped not only my career goals, but my understanding of what compassionate care truly means. I was born and raised in St. Croix, where care and community are deeply embedded in daily life. At the age of thirteen, I lost my mother to cancer. Experiencing such a profound loss at a young age exposed me early to the realities of illness and vulnerability. During my mother’s treatment, I observed how nurses played a central role in her care, offering comfort, reassurance, and dignity during moments of uncertainty. Their presence left a lasting impression on me and planted the foundation for my desire to one day serve others in the same way. As an adult, caregiving became an even greater part of my life when I became a mother to two children with autism. Advocating for their needs has required patience, resilience, and a deep understanding of healthcare systems. Through this journey, I learned how impactful it is when a healthcare professional listens, explains, and treats families with empathy. Professionally, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and currently work as a Patient Access Representative, coordinating referrals and helping patients navigate access to care. While this role has given me valuable insight into the healthcare system, it also made it clear that my calling lies in direct patient care. Nursing allows me to combine my education, experience, and compassion into a role where I can make a meaningful difference at the bedside.

My “Pie in the Sky” goal is to become a nurse who not only provides quality patient care, but also creates pathways of support for families who feel overwhelmed, unheard, or lost within the healthcare system—especially women and children navigating complex care needs. It is a dream that feels both inspiring and just out of reach, not because I doubt its value, but because I know how much courage, discipline, and growth it will require. The spark for this dream began early in my life. I was born and raised in St. Croix, where community care is a way of life. However, at the age of thirteen, I lost my mother to cancer. That loss shaped me profoundly. It forced me to grow up quickly and introduced me to the healthcare system at a vulnerable age. I saw firsthand how moments of compassion from healthcare professionals—especially nurses—could bring comfort even when outcomes were uncertain. That experience planted a quiet but powerful desire to one day be that source of steadiness for others. As I grew older, that dream evolved through lived experience. I am now a mother to two children with autism, and caregiving has become central to my identity. Advocating for my children has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of speaking up within systems that are not always designed to be easily navigated. It also showed me how transformative it can be when someone truly listens. These experiences strengthened my belief that care should be personal, informed, and rooted in dignity. Professionally, I took steps toward this dream by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and working as a Patient Access Representative, where I currently coordinate referrals and support patients through the authorization process. In this role, I see the barriers patients face every day—delays, confusion, and gaps in communication. While I am proud of the support I provide, I know my impact can be greater. My “Pie in the Sky” goal is not just to understand the system, but to work directly within it as a nurse who bridges knowledge, compassion, and advocacy. Reaching this goal will require continued education, discipline, and community support. I am actively pursuing nursing education, building clinical knowledge, and leaning into mentorship and accountability. I understand that growth does not happen alone, and I believe deeply in the power of community—especially women supporting women—to turn bold dreams into reality. My dream may feel ambitious, but it is grounded in lived experience, purposeful action, and a commitment to service. I am willing to take courageous steps, even when the path feels challenging, because I know the impact this work can have. My “Pie in the Sky” goal is not just about who I want to become, but about how many lives I hope to uplift along the way.

My inspiration to pursue a career in nursing comes from a lifetime of caregiving experiences that shaped not only who I am, but how I understand compassion, resilience, and service. I was born and raised in St. Croix, where community and care are deeply rooted in Caribbean culture. From an early age, I learned that caring for others is not optional—it is a responsibility shared among family and community. That foundation became personal when I lost my mother to cancer at the age of thirteen. Witnessing her illness exposed me early to the realities of healthcare, vulnerability, and loss. I observed how nurses played a critical role not only in her treatment, but in providing comfort, dignity, and reassurance during one of the most difficult periods of our lives. That experience stayed with me and planted the seed of my desire to one day serve others in the same way. As I grew older, caregiving became a central part of my life. I am now a mother to two children with autism, and advocating for their needs has required patience, adaptability, and persistence. Navigating healthcare systems, therapies, and educational support taught me how essential compassionate and attentive care truly is. These experiences strengthened my empathy and reinforced my desire to work directly with people during moments when support matters most. My academic journey reflects both ambition and purpose. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration to better understand how healthcare systems operate and how patient care is influenced by leadership and structure. While this education provided valuable insight, I realized that my passion lies beyond administration. I want to be present in patient care, where clinical knowledge and compassion meet at the bedside. Nursing represents the role where I can have the greatest impact by combining my education, lived experience, and commitment to service. The nursing shortage in the United States further solidifies my decision. I am motivated to contribute to a profession that is essential to the healthcare system and to help meet the growing demand for skilled, compassionate nurses. I am not pursuing nursing as a fallback or a convenience, but as a purposeful career transition driven by experience, maturity, and determination. Nursing allows me to transform my personal challenges into strength and service. It is a career that aligns with my values, my cultural upbringing, and my desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I am inspired to become a nurse who advocates for patients, supports families, and provides care with dignity and respect. This scholarship would support not only my education, but my commitment to impact the healthcare profession through compassionate and dedicated nursing practice.

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.

My name is Marisol I. Harris, and I am a proud mother of two incredible boys. One of my sons is autistic, and both of them give me strength and purpose every single day. I am currently enrolled in nursing school, pursuing my second degree, and while I am deeply passionate about becoming a nurse, I am struggling financially. This scholarship would make a tremendous difference in my life by helping me continue my education and create a better future for my family. Balancing school, motherhood, and life has been incredibly challenging. I often find myself studying late into the night after taking care of my children’s needs. I work whenever I can, but it is not enough to cover tuition, textbooks, uniforms, transportation, and the day-to-day costs of raising two young boys. Despite the financial and emotional strain, I remain committed to my dream because I want my children to see the value of perseverance, education, and following your passion no matter how hard the road may be. My passion for nursing stems from a personal and painful chapter of my life. When I was just 12 years old, my mother passed away from cancer. Her illness and death changed me forever. I remember wishing I could help her, wishing someone could comfort her and take away her pain. That experience shaped my heart and inspired me to dedicate my life to caring for others. Nursing, for me, is not just a job—it is a calling. It is how I turn my pain into purpose. I want to be the nurse who treats people with empathy and kindness, who listens, who comforts, and who brings peace in moments of fear. I want to serve my community, especially families like mine, who are often underrepresented or underserved. This scholarship would relieve the financial burden that currently weighs heavily on my shoulders and give me the chance to focus fully on my studies, clinical training, and being the best version of myself. This opportunity means everything to me. I am not just investing in my education—I am investing in my children’s future and in the lives of the patients I will one day care for. Thank you for considering my application and for helping turn my dream into reality. It will be a pleasure to win this. It will mean a lot for me and my little family. It would mean the world.

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.