I chose to attend the Arizona College of Nursing because it offers a supportive, student-centered environment where students are truly seen and valued. When I first enrolled at Arizona College of Nursing in 2017, I was drawn to the smaller class sizes and the strong sense of community. Unlike larger institutions, where it’s easy to feel like just another number, Arizona College of Nursing also offered a learning environment where faculty knew me by name, encouraged my growth, and genuinely cared about my progress. That connection made learning more meaningful and created a sense of belonging in the classroom. However, during that time, I was not yet ready to fully commit to nursing. I lacked the focus and maturity to succeed, and I did not fully appreciate the profound impact a nurse can have on patients lives. I struggled academically and left school before completing my program. Despite this, my early experience at Arizona College of Nursing left a lasting impression on me. It planted the idea that I would one day return, fully prepared to dedicate myself to both nursing education and the profession. Over the next few years, my perspective and sense of purpose evolved. I became more empathetic and reflective, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to consider what I truly wanted from my career. Observing nurses work tirelessly to care for patients, often at great personal risk, showed me that nursing is not just a job; it is a way to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Also, my mother, who is a registered nurse, has also influenced my decision to pursue this path. I have witnessed her come home from her shifts exhausted yet proud, sharing stories about the patients she cared for and the impact she had on their lives. Even under pressure, she remained dedicated and compassionate. Her example demonstrated clearly to me that nursing requires not only skills but also integrity, perseverance, and empathy; qualities I strive to emulate. In 2023, I re-enrolled at Arizona College of Nursing with renewed determination. I returned as a more mature student, fully aware of the responsibility and honor that come with becoming a nurse. I discovered that my passion as a student nurse is not only to provide compassionate care but also to advocate for patients who cannot speak for themselves and to positively impact the lives of those I serve. Receiving this scholarship would make a tremendous difference for me. As a low-income student with no financial support, I rely entirely on financial aid, which does not cover all of my tuition. It would relieve a significant portion of my financial stress, giving me the ability to focus fully on my studies and save money to fix my car, which has no air conditioning. Also, having the time and ability to focus on my coursework allowed me to experience a pivotal moment at the beginning of my nursing education in my math and science classes, subjects that have always been challenging for me. By fully dedicating myself to studying, I was able to understand the material, succeed in the class, and gain real confidence in my abilities. That experience showed me what I am capable of when I commit fully and inspired me to approach nursing school with the same focus and determination. With this scholarship, I could devote myself completely to nursing school, succeed academically, and grow into a skilled, confident, and compassionate nurse while alleviating financial stress and reaching my full potential as a healthcare professional.