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Marlene cantu

1,255

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

My name is Marlene, and I am a dedicated registered nurse with a deep passion for patient care and community health. I currently work in a busy urban hospital. where I provide compassionate, evidence-based care to diverse patient populations. Pursuing advanced education in nursing has always been my dream, and I am applying for this scholarship to further my studies and specialize in Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. As a first-generation college graduate and healthcare provider, I’m committed to giving back to underserved communities and improving healthcare access for all. Winning this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of continuing my education but also empower me to make a greater impact in the field of nursing.

Education

Walden University

Master's degree program
2025 - 2029
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Minors:
    • Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
    • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
    • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
    • Public Health

Chamberlain University-Texas

Bachelor's degree program
2014 - 2016
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Public Safety

    • Dream career goals:

      public health

    • Register nurse

      2016 – Present9 years

    Sports

    Volleyball

    Junior Varsity
    2000 – 2000

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      La luz del mundo church — Nurse
      2016 – 2023
    • Volunteering

      Muscular Dystrophy camp — camp counselor
      2016 – 2016

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship

    Deanna Ellis Memorial Scholarship
    My name is Marlene, and I am a proud Hispanic woman, a mother of two young daughters, and a registered nurse with nearly a decade of hands-on experience. For the past 10 years, I have committed myself to serving patients with compassion, integrity, and dedication. Now, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing with the goal of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I am honored to be the first in my family to pursue a graduate degree, and I am determined to use this opportunity to not only improve my life and my daughters' futures but also to serve my community more deeply and effectively. Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the growing mental health crisis, especially in underserved communities. I’ve cared for patients struggling silently with anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse — many of whom lacked access to quality, culturally competent mental health care. These experiences opened my eyes to the critical need for providers who reflect the communities they serve and who understand the unique cultural and social challenges patients face. Becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner is not just a career advancement for me — it’s a calling. I want to be part of the solution, especially for minority and low-income families who often fall through the cracks of our healthcare system. Pursuing my master’s degree has been a dream, but the financial strain of continuing my education while still managing outstanding student loans from my bachelor's degree is daunting. As a single-income household supporting two young children, the cost of tuition, books, and clinical hours has become a heavy burden. I am applying for this scholarship to help relieve that financial pressure so I can focus on learning, growing, and ultimately giving back. I want my daughters to see that their mother worked hard, sacrificed, and persevered — not just for herself, but to build something better for others. I hope they will be inspired to chase their dreams with the same determination and heart. This scholarship would be more than financial assistance; it would be an investment in a future provider who is deeply committed to making mental health care more accessible and compassionate for all, especially those who need it the most. I want to thank anyone reading my application and hope they find it in their heart to know that they are helping not only me but also the entire community. Thank you.
    Rex and Gladys Memorial Scholarship
    My name is Marlene, and I am a proud Hispanic woman, a mother of two young daughters, and a registered nurse with nearly a decade of hands-on experience. For the past 10 years, I have committed myself to serving patients with compassion, integrity, and dedication. Now, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing with the goal of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I am honored to be the first in my family to pursue a graduate degree, and I am determined to use this opportunity to not only improve my life and my daughters' futures but also to serve my community more deeply and effectively. Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the growing mental health crisis, especially in underserved communities. I’ve cared for patients struggling silently with anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse — many of whom lacked access to quality, culturally competent mental health care. These experiences opened my eyes to the critical need for providers who reflect the communities they serve and who understand the unique cultural and social challenges patients face. Becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner is not just a career advancement for me — it’s a calling. I want to be part of the solution, especially for minority and low-income families who often fall through the cracks of our healthcare system. Pursuing my master’s degree has been a dream, but the financial strain of continuing my education while still managing outstanding student loans from my bachelor's degree is daunting. As a single-income household supporting two young children, the cost of tuition, books, and clinical hours has become a heavy burden. I am applying for this scholarship to help relieve that financial pressure so I can focus on learning, growing, and ultimately giving back. I want my daughters to see that their mother worked hard, sacrificed, and persevered — not just for herself, but to build something better for others. I hope they will be inspired to chase their dreams with the same determination and heart. This scholarship would be more than financial assistance; it would be an investment in a future provider who is deeply committed to making mental health care more accessible and compassionate for all, especially those who need it the most. I want to thank anyone reading my application and hope they find it in their heart to know that they are helping not only me but also the entire community. Thank you.
    Viaje de Esperanza Scholarship
    My name is Marlene, and I am a proud Hispanic woman, a mother of two young daughters, and a registered nurse with nearly a decade of hands-on experience. For the past 10 years, I have committed myself to serving patients with compassion, integrity, and dedication. Now, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing with the goal of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I am honored to be the first in my family to pursue a graduate degree, and I am determined to use this opportunity to not only improve my life and my daughters' futures but also to serve my community more deeply and effectively. Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the growing mental health crisis, especially in underserved communities. I’ve cared for patients struggling silently with anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse — many of whom lacked access to quality, culturally competent mental health care. These experiences opened my eyes to the critical need for providers who reflect the communities they serve and who understand the unique cultural and social challenges patients face. Becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner is not just a career advancement for me — it’s a calling. I want to be part of the solution, especially for minority and low-income families who often fall through the cracks of our healthcare system. Pursuing my master’s degree has been a dream, but the financial strain of continuing my education while still managing outstanding student loans from my bachelor's degree is daunting. As a single-income household supporting two young children, the cost of tuition, books, and clinical hours has become a heavy burden. I am applying for this scholarship to help relieve that financial pressure so I can focus on learning, growing, and ultimately giving back. I want my daughters to see that their mother worked hard, sacrificed, and persevered — not just for herself, but to build something better for others. I hope they will be inspired to chase their dreams with the same determination and heart. This scholarship would be more than financial assistance; it would be an investment in a future provider who is deeply committed to making mental health care more accessible and compassionate for all, especially those who need it the most. I want to thank anyone reading my application and hope they find it in their heart to know that they are helping not only me but also the entire community. Thank you.
    Wieland Nurse Appreciation Scholarship
    My name is Marlene, and I am a proud Hispanic woman, a mother of two young daughters, and a registered nurse with nearly a decade of hands-on experience. For the past 10 years, I have committed myself to serving patients with compassion, integrity, and dedication. Now, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing with the goal of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I am honored to be the first in my family to pursue a graduate degree, and I am determined to use this opportunity to not only improve my life and my daughters' futures but also to serve my community more deeply and effectively. Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the growing mental health crisis, especially in underserved communities. I’ve cared for patients struggling silently with anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse — many of whom lacked access to quality, culturally competent mental health care. These experiences opened my eyes to the critical need for providers who reflect the communities they serve and who understand the unique cultural and social challenges patients face. Becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner is not just a career advancement for me — it’s a calling. I want to be part of the solution, especially for minority and low-income families who often fall through the cracks of our healthcare system. Pursuing my master’s degree has been a dream, but the financial strain of continuing my education while still managing outstanding student loans from my bachelor's degree is daunting. As a single-income household supporting two young children, the cost of tuition, books, and clinical hours has become a heavy burden. I am applying for this scholarship to help relieve that financial pressure so I can focus on learning, growing, and ultimately giving back. I want my daughters to see that their mother worked hard, sacrificed, and persevered — not just for herself, but to build something better for others. I hope they will be inspired to chase their dreams with the same determination and heart. This scholarship would be more than financial assistance; it would be an investment in a future provider who is deeply committed to making mental health care more accessible and compassionate for all, especially those who need it the most. I want to thank anyone reading my application and hope they find it in their heart to know that they are helping not only me but also the entire community. I Found this scholarship on bold.org Thank you.
    Sweet Dreams Scholarship
    My name is Marlene, and I am a proud Hispanic woman, a mother of two young daughters, and a registered nurse with nearly a decade of hands-on experience. For the past 10 years, I have committed myself to serving patients with compassion, integrity, and dedication. Now, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing with the goal of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I am honored to be the first in my family to pursue a graduate degree, and I am determined to use this opportunity to not only improve my life and my daughters' futures but also to serve my community more deeply and effectively. Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the growing mental health crisis, especially in underserved communities. I’ve cared for patients struggling silently with anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse — many of whom lacked access to quality, culturally competent mental health care. These experiences opened my eyes to the critical need for providers who reflect the communities they serve and who understand the unique cultural and social challenges patients face. Becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner is not just a career advancement for me — it’s a calling. I want to be part of the solution, especially for minority and low-income families who often fall through the cracks of our healthcare system. Pursuing my master’s degree has been a dream, but the financial strain of continuing my education while still managing outstanding student loans from my bachelor's degree is daunting. As a single-income household supporting two young children, the cost of tuition, books, and clinical hours has become a heavy burden. I am applying for this scholarship to help relieve that financial pressure so I can focus on learning, growing, and ultimately giving back. I want my daughters to see that their mother worked hard, sacrificed, and persevered — not just for herself, but to build something better for others. I hope they will be inspired to chase their dreams with the same determination and heart. This scholarship would be more than financial assistance; it would be an investment in a future provider who is deeply committed to making mental health care more accessible and compassionate for all, especially those who need it the most. I want to thank anyone reading my application and hope they find it in their heart to know that they are helping not only me but also the entire community. Thank you.
    Kelly O. Memorial Nursing Scholarship
    My name is Marlene, and I am a proud Hispanic woman, a mother of two young daughters, and a registered nurse with nearly a decade of hands-on experience. For the past 10 years, I have committed myself to serving patients with compassion, integrity, and dedication. Now, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing with the goal of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I am honored to be the first in my family to pursue a graduate degree, and I am determined to use this opportunity to not only improve my life and my daughters' futures but also to serve my community more deeply and effectively. Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the growing mental health crisis, especially in underserved communities. I’ve cared for patients struggling silently with anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse — many of whom lacked access to quality, culturally competent mental health care. These experiences opened my eyes to the critical need for providers who reflect the communities they serve and who understand the unique cultural and social challenges patients face. Becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner is not just a career advancement for me — it’s a calling. I want to be part of the solution, especially for minority and low-income families who often fall through the cracks of our healthcare system. Pursuing my master’s degree has been a dream, but the financial strain of continuing my education while still managing outstanding student loans from my bachelor's degree is daunting. As a single-income household supporting two young children, the cost of tuition, books, and clinical hours has become a heavy burden. I am applying for this scholarship to help relieve that financial pressure so I can focus on learning, growing, and ultimately giving back. I want my daughters to see that their mother worked hard, sacrificed, and persevered — not just for herself, but to build something better for others. I hope they will be inspired to chase their dreams with the same determination and heart. This scholarship would be more than financial assistance; it would be an investment in a future provider who is deeply committed to making mental health care more accessible and compassionate for all, especially those who need it the most. I want to thank anyone reading my application and hope they find it in their heart to know that they are helping not only me but also the entire community. Thank you.
    Marlene cantu Student Profile | Bold.org