Becoming a nurse has never been just a career choice for me. It is a calling that has grown out of my experiences as a patient, a mother, and determination to make a difference. My name is Melissa Noonan, and I am a mother of two, a returning student with a 4.0 GPA, and a nursing student at the University of Northern Colorado, where I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Every step I take toward this goal is fueled by my trust in God, gratitude, determination, and a desire to embody the same compassion and dedication that defined Susan Rita Murray’s life. In 2023, I received a diagnosis that changed everything: Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, a rare heart condition. Instead of discouraging me, this experience gave me a unique perspective on the importance of skilled and compassionate care. I know what it feels like to sit in a hospital room with uncertainty and fear, and I also know the difference it makes when a nurse offers reassurance, patience, and understanding. That experience ignited a deeper passion for nursing, so I can walk alongside patients during the hardest moments of their lives. Returning to school as a mother of two has been one of the greatest challenges and greatest joys of my life. Balancing family responsibilities with the demands of nursing school has taught me resilience and perseverance. My children inspire me every day to keep going and to show them by example that it is never too late to follow your dreams. I feel called to pursue cardiac nursing, where I can combine my academic training with my personal journey to provide both skill and empathy. My vision is to be the kind of nurse who not only administers excellent care but also creates a space of comfort, trust, and encouragement for patients and their families. This is the same spirit Susan Rita Murray carried throughout her forty-two years of service, and her legacy inspires me to hold myself to the same standard of compassion. Through my career, I want to make a lasting difference by advocating for patients, mentoring future nurses, and giving my best to every person under my care. I want to be remembered as a nurse who combined knowledge with kindness and who always put patients first. With the support of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to achieving this dream and to honoring the life of Susan Rita Murray, a nurse whose compassion continues to inspire future generations. Thank you for your consideration. This scholarship would not only help support my education, but it would also allow me to honor Susan Rita Murray’s legacy by becoming the kind of nurse who makes a lasting difference in the lives of patients and families.

At the age of 37 years old, my life changed in a way I could have never imagined. I suffered a heart attack that left me filled with fear, uncertainty, and questions about my future. At the time, I had two young children at home and no clear answers as to why it happened. Two years later, I was diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare genetic heart condition that affects the rhythm of the heart. Although the diagnosis was overwhelming, it finally gave me clarity and became the turning point that set me on the path toward nursing. Before my diagnosis, I had spent nearly a decade working in education with special needs students. I loved caring for children, supporting them not only academically but also through their medical and emotional challenges. Looking back, I realize that those years were preparing me for my true calling. When I faced my own health struggles, I experienced firsthand the difference that compassionate and knowledgeable nurses can make. Their kindness and care inspired me to become the kind of nurse who not only provides excellent clinical care but also brings comfort and hope to patients and families in difficult moments. At 42 years old, I made the decision to return to school and pursue nursing full-time. As a working mother, balancing family responsibilities, employment, and coursework has been challenging, but it has also fueled my determination to succeed. Today, I am proud to be maintaining a 4.0 GPA while working as both a Certified Nursing Assistant and a paraeducator, where I assist the school nurse and continue to care for special needs students. These experiences allow me to build hands-on skills while deepening my passion for serving others. My ultimate goal is to become a cardiac nurse. I know what it feels like to sit in a hospital room filled with fear, waiting for answers, and I also know how much of a difference it makes when a nurse takes the time to explain, encourage, and listen. My hope is to bring that same compassion and reassurance to patients who are walking the same road I once walked. Returning to school later in life has not been the easiest path, but it has been the most rewarding. I have learned resilience, self-belief, and perseverance, the very values that the Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship represents. I was also blessed to grow up with strong family connections, learning from my grandparents and parents the importance of hard work, kindness, and never giving up. Their influence continues to guide me as I pursue my education and career in nursing. This award would not only help ease the financial burden of pursuing my degree, it would also allow me to continue chasing my dream of becoming a nurse who uplifts and empowers others through care, kindness, and compassion. Thank you for considering my application and supporting students as we pursue our dreams.

Five years ago, at 37 years old, my life took an unexpected turn. I suffered a heart attack that left me facing fear, uncertainty, and countless questions. It was extremely scary, especially with two young children at home. With no answers as to why it happened, I had no choice but to keep moving forward. Two years later, I was diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare genetic heart condition that affects the heart’s rhythm. While the diagnosis was overwhelming, it finally gave me the answers I needed and became the turning point that led me to pursue nursing. Before my diagnosis, I had spent nearly a decade working in education with special needs students. I loved caring for the children and supporting them through their academic, medical, and emotional challenges. At the time, I never realized those experiences were preparing me for a different calling. As I navigated my own health struggles, I saw firsthand how much of a difference compassionate, knowledgeable nurses can make in a patient’s life. The nurses who cared for me during my health scare were kind, attentive, and reassuring, and they helped ease my fears. At 42 years old, I made the decision to return to college and pursue nursing. Doing so as a working mother of two busy children has not been easy, but it has given me even greater determination. Balancing family responsibilities, a job, and school has required sacrifice, but it has also allowed me to show my children the importance of resilience and pursuing one’s calling. I currently work as both a Certified Nursing Assistant and a paraeducator, where I assist the school nurse in caring for special needs students. These roles have given me valuable hands-on experience while keeping me connected to the heart of why I chose nursing. My ultimate goal is to become a cardiac nurse, and I am currently pursuing my BSN. I know what it feels like to sit in a hospital room filled with fear, waiting for answers, and I also know the difference it makes when a nurse takes the time to explain, encourage, and listen. That is the kind of nurse I aspire to be, someone who provides excellent care and genuine compassion. Returning to school later in life has given me a renewed sense of direction and purpose. This scholarship would help ease the financial strain of pursuing my degree and allow me to continue building a future where I can serve patients and families with the same compassion that shaped Rose Browne’s legacy.

Five years ago, at 37 years old, my life took an unexpected turn. I suffered a heart attack that completely changed my perspective on life, health, and my future. For two years, I lived with fear and uncertainty as doctors worked to figure out why this had happened. Eventually, I was diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare genetic condition that affects the electrical rhythm of the heart. While the diagnosis was frightening, it also became a turning point that led me to where I am today. Before my diagnosis, I had spent nearly a decade working in education, primarily with special needs students. I loved caring for the children and helping them navigate not only their academic challenges but also their medical and emotional needs. Over time, I became certified as a phlebotomist and worked briefly in the medical field, but I never imagined that healthcare would become my true calling. Even though I always had a heart for helping others, I had not yet realized where my path was leading. My “aha” moment came as I began to learn more about my heart condition. As I navigated appointments, procedures, and ongoing care, I saw how complex cardiac conditions can be, not only physically but emotionally. I realized how much patients rely on knowledgeable, compassionate nurses to help them understand their diagnosis, manage their care, and cope with the fear that often comes with heart disease. That realization sparked my passion to pursue nursing and inspired me to specialize in cardiac care, where I can support patients facing the same challenges I have lived through myself. At 42 years old, I have made the brave decision to return to college and pursue my nursing degree. Balancing school, work, and family has not always been easy, but it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made. Today, I am a full-time nursing student maintaining a 4.0 GPA while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and paraeducator. I continue to care for special needs students and assist the school nurse, which allows me to gain valuable hands-on experience while deepening my passion for nursing every day. My ultimate goal is to specialize in cardiac nursing. I want to be there for patients facing heart-related diagnoses, offering them both excellent clinical care and the kind of emotional support that made such a difference in my own life. My experiences have taught me how important it is for patients to feel truly seen and heard. That is the kind of nurse I want to be, someone who brings comfort and confidence to patients when they need it most. Returning to school later in life has given me a renewed sense of purpose and determination. My journey may have taken unexpected turns, but every step has brought me closer to the career I was meant to pursue. This scholarship would help me continue this journey and bring me one step closer to becoming the nurse I aspire to be, providing care, support, and hope to those who need it most.

In 2019, at 37 years old, my life changed forever when I suffered an unexpected heart attack. Up to that point, I had been healthy, active, and focused on raising my two children. I never imagined that, in my late thirties, I would be facing a life-threatening medical crisis. For two long years, I lived with fear and uncertainty, searching for answers as doctors struggled to understand what had caused my heart attack. Finally, in 2021, I was diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare genetic condition that affects the heart’s rhythm. That diagnosis not only brought me clarity, but also ignited a new passion within me; one that has shaped my values, my goals, and my decision to return to school. While the heart attack was terrifying, it also revealed the deep impact that compassionate, skilled healthcare providers can have on a person’s life. During my hospital stays and countless appointments, I experienced the power of nurses who offered more than just medical care. They provided comfort, guidance, and a calming presence during some of my darkest moments. Their kindness made me feel seen, heard, and supported. It was through those experiences that I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to doing the same for others. Before my cardiac diagnosis, I had built a career centered around caregiving and education. I spent nearly a decade working in education, caring for special needs students, and eventually became a certified phlebotomist. However, after surviving my medical crisis, I knew I wanted to make an even greater impact. At 42 years old, I have made the brave decision to return to college to pursue a nursing degree, intending to specialize in cardiac care. Returning to school at this stage in my life has not been easy, but it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made. As a full-time nursing student, a wife, and a mother of two, I work hard every day to maintain a 4.0 GPA while also working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and paraeducator. My hands-on experience in healthcare has only strengthened my commitment to this path. I have found deep fulfillment in caring for others and am driven by the knowledge that I will soon be able to support patients who, like me, are facing serious medical challenges. My journey has shaped my values of empathy, resilience, and service. I believe that every patient deserves to feel safe, respected, and understood. My goal is to become a cardiac nurse who not only provides excellent clinical care but also offers emotional support and guidance to patients and families navigating difficult diagnoses. I want to advocate for patients, educate them about their conditions, and ensure they never feel as lost and afraid as I once did. This scholarship represents much more than financial assistance to me. It symbolizes the opportunity to continue my education, achieve my dream, and honor the second chance I’ve been given. Like Debra S. Jackson, I have found that returning to school later in life has opened doors I never thought possible. With the help of this scholarship, I will be able to focus more fully on my studies and clinical training, ultimately using my education to serve my community and make a lasting difference in the lives of my future patients.

Five years ago, in my 30s, I faced the terrifying reality of a heart attack, and in the years since, that experience has guided me to my passion for nursing. For two years after the event, I lived with uncertainty, fear, and countless unanswered questions. I was young, healthy, and active, and no one could explain why this had happened. In 2021, I was finally diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare genetic heart condition that disrupts the heart’s rhythm. This experience changed my life forever, but it also revealed a calling I hadn’t fully recognized before. I realized I wanted to become a nurse and be a steady, compassionate presence for others who are facing their moments of fear and uncertainty. Throughout my medical journey, I saw firsthand the power of compassionate, skilled nursing care. The nurses who cared for me didn’t just monitor my vital signs or administer medications. They listened, explained, comforted, and stood beside me when I felt overwhelmed. Their empathy made an enormous difference during one of the most frightening periods of my life. It was in those moments that I felt the calling to do the same for others. I want to be that nurse who combines both knowledge and heart, someone patients can rely on not just for clinical care but also for comfort and hope. Today, I am a full-time nursing student, a wife, and a mother of two children. I maintain a 4.0 GPA while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and paraeducator, caring for special needs students and assisting the school nurse in the clinic. These experiences have not only strengthened my clinical skills but also deepened my understanding of the importance of individualized, patient-centered care. Before nursing school, I spent nearly a decade working in education, later becoming a certified phlebotomist. Caregiving has always been at the core of my career, but my health challenges have given me a stronger purpose and an even greater desire to make a difference. My ultimate goal is to specialize in cardiac nursing. I want to work with patients and families who are facing heart-related diagnoses, providing both excellent medical care and the emotional support that I know is so essential during these difficult times. I believe my personal experiences allow me to connect with my future patients on a deeper level, offering not only clinical knowledge but also true empathy and understanding. I want every patient I care for to feel seen, heard, and supported. Receiving this scholarship will allow me to continue my education and move closer to my dream of becoming a cardiac nurse. I am driven by the desire to serve my community, empower my patients, and provide the kind of compassionate care that made such a difference in my own life. I am committed to using my education, my experiences, and my heart to bring comfort, knowledge, and healing to those who need it most.

In 2019, I experienced an unexplained heart attack. For two long years, I lived in uncertainty and fear, searching for answers about why this had happened to me. I was young, healthy, and active, yet the cause of my heart event remained a mystery. Finally, in 2021, I received a diagnosis of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare genetic heart condition that disrupts the heart’s electrical rhythm. Those difficult years of confusion and worry deeply affected me, but they also ignited a powerful passion inside me to become a nurse, a compassionate caregiver who can support patients facing their own frightening and uncertain health challenges. I want to be the calm, steady presence and knowledgeable advocate that every patient deserves when they feel scared and vulnerable. Currently, I am a full-time nursing student, a married mother of two wonderful children, and I maintain a 4.0 GPA while working as both a Certified Nursing Assistant and a paraeducator in a middle school setting. In my role, I care for special needs students and assist the school nurse in the clinic, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. These daily opportunities to provide care and comfort have only strengthened my commitment to the nursing profession and confirmed my true calling in healthcare. Before pursuing nursing, I spent nearly a decade working in education. Later, I became a certified phlebotomist and gained experience in the medical field, but ultimately decided to return to college to renew my CNA license and continue advancing my healthcare skills. Throughout my career, caregiving has always been at the heart of what I do. However, after living through my own cardiac crisis, I knew I wanted to make a more direct and profound impact on patients’ lives. I want to do more than support healthcare. I want to be a vital part of the healing process. Living with ARVC has given me a unique and deeply personal perspective on patient care. I intimately understand what it is like to sit in a hospital bed feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of the future. I know firsthand how essential it is to have nurses who not only understand the medical complexities but also take the time to listen, explain, and truly be present for their patients. This blend of clinical expertise and heartfelt empathy is exactly the kind of nurse I strive to become. My ultimate goal is to specialize in cardiac nursing, where I can work closely with patients facing heart-related diagnoses and treatments. I want to help them feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout their health journeys. I also hope to advocate for patients and their families, educate them about their conditions, and provide the compassionate care that made such a meaningful difference in my own life. I am committed to lifelong learning and professional growth so I can be the best nurse possible for those who need me most. I discovered this scholarship opportunity through Bold.org while seeking financial support for my nursing education. I am sincerely grateful for the chance to apply and share my journey. Receiving this scholarship would bring me one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a cardiac nurse and making a positive impact on the lives of others facing health challenges.

In 2019, I ended up in the ER with an unexplained heart attack. For two years, I lived without answers. I was young, healthy, and active, and yet no one could explain what had happened or why. In 2021, I was finally diagnosed with ARVC, a rare genetic cardiomyopathy that affects the electrical rhythm of the heart. Those two years were filled with confusion, fear, and uncertainty, but they also sparked something in me. I realized I wanted to become a nurse who can help patients navigate the scariest moments of their lives. I hope to give them comfort and a sense that they are not alone. Even though receiving my diagnosis was frightening, it gave me a sense of calm to finally have answers. I am now a full-time nursing student and a married mother of two, and I maintain a 4.0 GPA while working in a middle school as a CNA and paraeducator. I care for special needs students and assist the school nurse in the clinic. These daily experiences continue to deepen my passion for healthcare and patient care. My journey has not been traditional, and it has not been easy, but it has been significant. Before nursing school, I spent nearly a decade working in education and later worked as a phlebotomist. I eventually decided to return to school and renewed my CNA certification so I could reenter the healthcare field and move toward my dream of becoming a nurse. I have always been drawn to caregiving roles, but after my heart attack, I felt a profound shift. I no longer wanted to simply support patients. I wanted to be on the front lines, providing direct care, educating families, and making a tangible difference. Living with a heart condition has given me a level of empathy that a textbook cannot teach. I know what it feels like to sit in a hospital bed full of fear and uncertainty; worrying about my health and my family. I know the comfort a kind, informed, and attentive nurse can provide to a patient and their loved ones. My goal is to work in cardiac or critical care nursing, where I can combine clinical skills with personal experience to serve and advocate for patients during their most vulnerable moments. I found out about this scholarship through Bold.org while searching for opportunities to support my nursing education. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply and share my journey.

When I sat in a cardiologist’s office and first heard the words “you have a rare genetic heart condition,” I didn’t expect that moment to change everything but it did. Although scary, that diagnosis became a turning point in my life and helped me realize exactly what kind of nurse I want to become. I am a married mother of two. My daughter is 13 and my son is 9. I am a full-time nursing student working toward my associate degree while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I also work as a CNA and paraprofessional at a middle school, supporting students with special needs and assisting in the school clinic. Balancing family, school, and work has been challenging, but I feel more certain than ever that I am on the right path. Before nursing school, I spent nine years in education and worked as a certified phlebotomist. While I found fulfillment in those roles, I knew I was meant to do more. Returning to school later in life was a leap of faith, but one I do not regret. Being diagnosed with ARVC, a rare condition that affects the electrical rhythm of the heart, made this decision feel even more urgent. It also gave me insight into the patient experience, something that now drives my approach to care. I hope to become a cardiac or critical care nurse. These are areas where patients often face life-altering diagnoses, and I want to be the kind of nurse who offers both clinical excellence and emotional support. I know what it is like to be in their shoes. I want to help others feel safe, informed, and cared for during uncertain times. My time in education taught me how to communicate, adapt, and support different kinds of learners and needs. My healthcare work has sharpened my technical skills and given me confidence in fast-paced settings. Being a mother and a patient has deepened my ability to listen, advocate, and connect with others in a meaningful way. This scholarship would lift some of the financial pressure off my family, allowing me to stay focused on my education and clinical training. More than that, it would be a vote of confidence in the belief that compassion, hard work, and purpose still matter. Thank you for considering my application. I am excited to become the kind of nurse who makes a lasting difference in the lives of her patients and who shows her children that it is never too late to follow your calling.