I plan to make a positive impact on the world through nursing by showing people real care, comfort, and support when they need it most. I’ve always been the type of person who pays attention to the little things. I notice when someone doesn’t seem like themselves, when their mood changes, or when they just need someone to sit with them and listen. That’s the kind of presence I want to bring into the healthcare field. I believe a nurse’s impact goes beyond medicine. It’s in how you make people feel during the scariest or most uncertain moments of their lives. My goal is to start my career in psychiatric mental health nursing. Mental health matters to me because I’ve seen how much it affects people, especially my age group. A lot of young people struggle with things they don’t always talk about. Some feel like they can’t open up or that no one would understand anyway. I want to be someone who understands. I want to create a safe space for people who feel alone in their thoughts, who need someone to show them they’re not invisible. I believe that even just one person truly listening and caring can make a huge difference, and I want to be that person. Later on in life, I want to move into pediatric nursing. I’ve always had a love for kids, and I know how important it is for them to feel safe and cared for, especially in scary situations like being in the hospital. I want to be the nurse who helps a child calm down, smile, or feel like everything is going to be okay. As I get older and start my own family, working with children will not only give me joy, but it will also allow me to connect my career with my role as a mother one day. I’ve already taken steps to prepare myself for this future. I am a certified nursing assistant, and I’ve completed medical terminology, intro to healthcare, and a CNA program with clinical hours in a nursing home. Through that program, I also studied sterile processing and ethics. These experiences taught me what it really means to care for someone, how to handle different situations, and how much of a difference even small acts of kindness can make in someone’s day. I’ve also had conversations with nurses and doctors to get advice and hear about their experiences, which has helped me better understand the field I’m going into. I want to travel as a nurse too, because I don’t want my impact to be limited to just one place. I want to help people in different communities, learn from others, and grow with every experience. Wherever I go, I want to bring light, peace, and a sense of calm. My dream is to not just treat people physically, but emotionally too. I want them to remember how I made them feel, not just what I did for them. Nursing is more than just a job to me. It’s a calling. I want to leave every patient feeling like they mattered. That’s the kind of impact I plan to make, and I’m ready to put my heart into it.

I want to pursue a degree in nursing because I’ve always had a heart for people. I care deeply about how others feel, and I’m very observant. I notice the little things that most people miss, especially when it comes to someone’s emotions or body language. Nursing feels like the right path for me because I know I’m meant to help others. I want to be someone patients can count on when they’re going through something difficult, whether it’s physical pain or emotional struggles. I’ve had real-life experiences that opened my eyes to how important good care is, and I want to be that person for someone else. Right now, my goal is to begin in psychiatric nursing. Mental health is something I’ve always paid close attention to, not just in myself but in others. I know what it feels like to keep things in and feel like no one really notices. That’s why it means so much to me to be someone who does notice and actually cares. I want to work in psych first to help people who may be misunderstood or feel like they don’t have a voice. I believe the right kind of care can truly change someone’s life, and I want to offer that kind of care. Later on, when I start a family of my own, I plan to move into pediatric nursing. I’ve always had a soft spot for children, and I know how much they depend on comfort and safety. Working with kids is something that feels natural to me. I want to be the kind of nurse who helps them feel safe, heard, and supported. Whether it’s through a gentle tone, a reassuring smile, or simply being patient and understanding, I want to make sure kids feel cared for during difficult times. Throughout high school, I’ve taken steps to prepare myself for this journey. I completed medical terminology, intro to healthcare, and a CNA program, where I gained hands-on experience in a nursing home. These experiences gave me a deeper understanding of the field and what it means to care for someone in a professional setting. I’ve also talked with real nurses and doctors for advice, and I’ve spent time learning from their stories and insights. As a nurse, I want to give back to my community by making people feel seen, valued, and cared for. I hope to travel with nursing and help people in different places, bringing comfort and support wherever I go. I know this career won’t always be easy, but it’s one I feel called to. I’m not just passionate about the medical side of things. I’m passionate about people. Being there for someone when they need it most means everything to me, and I know nursing is the right path for my heart, my personality, and my future.

One of my biggest goals is to become a nurse who makes people feel safe, supported, and genuinely cared for. I plan to start my career in psychiatric nursing because I care deeply about mental health and I want to help people who are struggling feel heard and understood. Later in life, once I have a family of my own, I plan to transition into pediatric nursing. I have always loved kids and I know that is the area I am meant to be in long term. No matter what field I am in, I also want to travel and help people in different places. I do not want to stay in one spot. I want to make a difference wherever I go. Being a nurse to me means more than just giving medicine or checking charts. It means paying attention to the small things that others might miss. It means being kind even when someone is upset or scared. I want to bring comfort to people who feel like they have no one else. That is what I needed at times, and it is what I want to give to others. I also believe it is extremely important to increase racial diversity in healthcare. As a young Black woman, I know how it feels to walk into a medical setting and not see anyone who looks like you. It can make people feel out of place or like they will not be understood. Having more racial diversity helps patients feel more seen, more respected, and more willing to open up. Representation matters and it builds trust. I want to be someone patients can relate to and feel comfortable around, especially young kids and teenagers who might not always have people around them who get what they are going through. More diversity also brings different perspectives and experiences into healthcare, which helps everyone. I believe that having a team of people from different backgrounds creates a stronger and more understanding environment for both patients and coworkers. It helps break down stereotypes and pushes the healthcare system to be more fair and inclusive. Overall, I want to become the kind of nurse I needed when I was struggling. I want to help people feel better, not just physically but emotionally too. I want to show other young people who look like me that they belong in healthcare and that they can make a real difference.

There was a time in my life when I felt completely alone, lost, and overwhelmed. I was going through a lot at home, emotionally and mentally. My grades were slipping, and I had trouble focusing. I didn’t talk to anyone about what I was feeling because I didn’t want to come off as weak or dramatic. I kept everything to myself and just went through the motions every day like I was fine. One day, a teacher pulled me aside after class. She told me she noticed something was off and just wanted to check in. I didn’t expect her to care, so at first, I brushed it off. But the way she looked at me with genuine concern made me feel safe enough to be honest. I ended up opening up a little, and she listened without judging me or rushing the conversation. She didn’t try to fix everything or tell me how I should feel. She just listened. That moment meant everything to me. That experience reminded me of how important it is to truly see people and make them feel like they matter. I’ve always had a compassionate heart and a strong sense of awareness. Even before that moment, I paid close attention to others, how they acted when they weren’t talking, how their body language shifted, and the little signs that something might be wrong. But what my teacher showed me was that it’s not just about noticing. It’s about acting on it, even if all you can do is be there. It affected me deeply because it showed me the impact that one caring person can make. It also pushed me to be even more intentional about the way I treat others. I started checking in on people more, being a listening ear, and simply showing up for others the way someone showed up for me. Whether it’s helping calm someone down during a stressful moment, giving a friend space to vent, or just offering a kind word when someone looks like they need it, I try to be the person I once needed. Now, as I pursue a career in nursing, I carry that compassion with me. I know how it feels to need someone to care, and I want to be that person for patients. That situation didn’t just help me through a tough time. It helped shape my mindset and confirmed the kind of nurse and person I want to be, someone who listens, sees the small details, and never takes for granted the power of kindness.

Mental health and suicide prevention are important topics today, especially for my age group, because so many of us are silently struggling. With social media, peer pressure, family issues, trauma, and trying to figure out life so young, it becomes overwhelming. A lot of people my age don’t feel heard, and even more feel misunderstood. Some are battling things that others can’t even see on the outside. That’s why these conversations are so necessary. We need more support, more resources, and more people who truly care. My own experience with mental health started when I was younger. I dealt with things that made me grow up fast, and over time, I started to realize how heavy it all was. I’ve struggled with my mental health for years, but I’ve gotten good at hiding it. I used to give people multiple chances, even when they hurt me, because I cared too much. I’ve always been sensitive and naturally drawn to helping people. That’s just who I am. But after a while, I had to learn how to care for myself, too. I’ve seen how mental health challenges can affect relationships. I’ve lost people because I didn’t speak up, and I’ve distanced myself from people who didn’t understand what I was going through. But I’ve also grown closer to people who truly saw me. Those experiences taught me how important it is to show up for others, to really listen, and to check in because sometimes that small act can make a big difference in someone’s life. My mental health journey made me stronger, but it also made me more aware of the pain others carry. All of this plays a huge role in why I chose to go into nursing. I want to start my career in psychiatric mental health because I’ve lived it. I know how much it means to have someone there who isn’t judging you, someone who actually listens. I want to be that person for someone else. Later on in life, I plan to move into pediatrics because I’ve always had a soft spot for kids. I want to help them feel safe and supported the way I wish I had when I was younger. Mental health isn’t something we should keep quiet about. It affects everything, how we love, how we work, how we treat others, and how we see ourselves. My experiences made me who I am today: quiet, caring, and observant. I pay close attention to the small things most people overlook, and I believe that’s what will make me a great nurse. I want to travel, meet people from different walks of life, and help them feel seen and understood. In the end, mental health and suicide prevention aren’t just topics. They’re real-life struggles that deserve more attention, especially for my generation. We’re all carrying something, and I want to be the kind of nurse who helps lighten that load.

I’ve always been quiet, caring, and observant. Nursing stood out to me because I naturally pay attention to small things that others might miss, and I genuinely care about people. As I got older, I developed a strong interest in mental health. After talking with real nurses and doing my own research, I started to see myself in this field. I want to be someone who not only treats patients but also listens to their stories and supports their emotional needs. A big part of why I chose nursing comes from personal experience. When my grandmother passed away from sepsis, I didn’t understand it at the time, but later on, I learned more about the signs and symptoms and realized how much I wanted to help others like her. That experience opened my eyes to how important it is for healthcare workers to catch subtle signs early and provide comfort to families during difficult times. Then after a serious car accident of my own, I experienced firsthand what it felt like to be cared for by a team of doctors, nurses, and physical therapists who made me feel safe and supported. Those moments made something click for me. I knew this was where I belonged and that I wanted to be a part of making a difference for others in their hardest moments. Right now, I plan to start my career in psychiatric mental health nursing. I’m passionate about helping people mentally and emotionally. I believe mental health is just as important as physical health, and I want to be a nurse who helps people feel comfortable asking for help and getting the care they deserve. Later on in life, I want to move into pediatrics. I’ve always loved working with kids, and once I have a family of my own, I want to be in a space where I’m helping children feel safe, heard, and taken care of. I see nursing as a lifelong journey, and I’m excited about the opportunities to grow and specialize in areas that mean the most to me. I’ve taken medical terminology, intro to healthcare, and a CNA program in high school, which included courses in sterile processing and ethics. I’ve also completed clinical hours in a nursing home and officially earned my CNA certification. These experiences have given me a real sense of what nursing involves and have strengthened my desire to continue. I’m always eager to learn more about nursing and have started exploring different resources to better understand the field. I look forward to gaining more experience and knowledge as I continue my journey. In the future, I picture myself traveling as a nurse, helping people both mentally and physically, no matter what field I’m in. I want to be the kind of nurse who notices what others overlook, makes people feel comfortable, and truly listens. This is more than just a career to me. It’s something I feel deeply connected to and something I’m fully committed to pursuing.

When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a princess, a teacher, or even a lawyer. But my whole perspective on life changed when my grandmother passed away. We were extremely close, and losing her was the first major heartbreak I ever experienced. She passed away from sepsis, and I remember how she was always cold and asking for more covers. At the time, I didn’t realize how serious that was. I was just a kid and didn’t fully understand what was happening. The doctors couldn’t even find where the infection was coming from. As I got older and learned about how my grandmother passed and then more about sepsis, I started recognizing the signs I had seen but didn’t know were important. That experience stuck with me and made me want to understand how the body works, how to recognize symptoms, and most importantly, how to be there for people in the way I wish I could have been for her. My grandmother’s passing wasn’t just a sad moment in my life. It was something that planted the first seed of purpose in me. At the time, I didn’t know it would eventually guide my career path, but as I began thinking more deeply about what I wanted to do with my life, it all came back to that moment. I didn’t just want to learn about illness and treatment. I wanted to be someone who notices the signs, takes action, and makes people feel cared for when they’re scared or hurting. That’s what my grandmother deserved, and that’s what so many others deserve too. Later on in life, I was in a serious car accident that changed everything for me. I went through months of physical therapy and healing. That time in my life was extremely difficult, but what helped me most was the way the doctors, nurses, and physical therapists cared for me. They didn’t just help me recover physically. They gave me hope, patience, and support when I needed it most. That experience showed me exactly where I want to be; in the medical field, making people feel safe, heard, and cared for during the hardest moments of their lives. My plan is to begin my career in psychiatric mental health nursing. I’ve always been highly observant and sensitive to how people feel, even when they don’t say anything. I want to work with people who are battling things silently and help them feel understood and supported. Then, once I start having children of my own, I plan to shift into pediatric nursing. I love kids and want to give them the kind of gentle, attentive care that all children deserve. In the long run, I hope to build a business that blends mental health and pediatric support for families who need it most. I found this scholarship on Bold.org

Starting at a new school is already overwhelming, but doing it while recovering from a traumatic experience made it even harder. Moving back to my hometown, transferring schools, and not being able to walk properly all made things more difficult. I had to navigate crowded hallways, carry heavy loads from class to class while on crutches, and deal with the physical and emotional toll of recovery. Some days, I felt like I was falling behind, not just academically but socially too. It was hard to put myself out there when I was still trying to adjust to everything at once. But instead of letting it hold me back, I pushed through. I learned to adapt, stay focused, and keep going even when things felt uncomfortable. Over time, I became more confident in myself and realized that challenges do not have to stop me from moving forward. For almost a year, I was in physical therapy, learning how to move without pain and finding strength I did not know I had. It was not just about rebuilding my ability to walk, it was about rebuilding my mindset too. I had moments of frustration, times when progress felt slow, and days when I wanted to give up. But I kept reminding myself why I started and focused on the small victories, like walking longer distances or standing without discomfort. I remember watching my doctors and physical therapists, seeing how much they genuinely cared, and that was when I really started to realize I wanted to be that person for someone else. I wanted to help people push through their struggles just like I did. That is why I am working toward becoming a nurse. My experience taught me that resilience is not just about surviving, it is about using what you have been through to help lift others up. Throughout high school, I have also learned to push past challenges in other ways. Whether it was stepping out of my comfort zone to speak up more, balancing school with personal responsibilities, or staying motivated even when things felt overwhelming, I never let obstacles hold me back. Instead, I used them as opportunities to grow. I started opening up more, connecting with people who shared similar experiences, and realizing that my story could inspire others. I know that others around me, like friends, classmates, or even younger students, notice when someone keeps pushing forward despite struggles. Sometimes, seeing someone else push through is exactly what they need to remind them that they can do the same. If my determination can remind even one person that they are capable of overcoming their own challenges, then I have made a difference. Through it all, I have learned that resilience is not about never breaking down. It is about standing back up no matter how many times life knocks you down. It is about believing in yourself even when things seem impossible. And if my story can help just one person keep going, then every struggle was worth it.