Finding the time to spend with your children while maintaining grade requirements is difficult, trying to pay the mortgage, household bills, and college tuition is near impossible. Then of course, money is needed for groceries, clothing, and miscellaneous purchases that come along with being a mother. Financial stress can determine how far someone is able to get in their career. I am determined to pave the path I have always envisioned for my children's future, as well as my own. When I obtained my bachelor's degree in science, I had the support of my parents. I lived at home with my mother and father until I completed my degree, relieving a large amount of financial stress. I was able to purchase my first home after a year and a half of working as a registered nurse. I took advantage of every single overtime shift and bonus I could possibly manage in order to make homeownership possible. I was excited I could finally provide my daughter and son with bedrooms of their own and a stable home. I have since learned how difficult it is to maintain a household while raising a family as a single mother. Although I still have the support of my parents, they are unable to provide financial support as a low-income family. As a nurse, the potential to work overtime is available, but working those overtime shifts always comes with a price. The price is time lost with my children, mental fatigue, burn out, and exhaustion. Even when I am physically present with my children, some days I am mentally not. My children are not able to participate in extracurricular activities because finances are tight and time is not available. I sit and think, "It can't always be like this." I constantly wrack my brain for a solution and come up short. I tell myself I will adapt, because that is what mothers do, but wonder how long I can keep this momentum. Regardless, I will push myself to further my education and provide a better outcome for the three of us. I worry my children are not given enough of my time. I worry they feel unloved if I am unable to show up to school events. I worry they are being socially hindered by not being able to participate in outside school activities. I worry they are at a disadvantage, not being in band or on a sports team. I know my children are clothed, fed and loved, but there are more things that go into making us who we are and it starts in childhood. Lets just say like all mothers, I am worried I'm screwing my kids up. I fully believe I am capable of balancing school assignments, working full time, and spending time with my family. I have done it once - I can do it again! However, the financial struggles this time around are going to make it difficult. I will not be able to work overtime shifts, spend time with my children, and obtain my graduate degree without financial help. This scholarship will allow me to spend time at home with my children vs. working a 12 hour shift at the hospital. It may seem selfish, but to them it makes a world of difference. I can be home to take them to sports practice or dance class without worrying how much an overtime shift could have helped. I can make sure they are getting the most out of their childhood. I am passionate about my career path. I am thankful for the experience I have gained at my current position. However, my passion is to help those struggling with mental health disorders. I will work hard to become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I will lead by example and show my children anything is possible with hard work. Thank you so much for considering me as a candidate. Single moms are super heroes!