From a young age, I was drawn to the idea of helping others in a meaningful way. I’ve always been fascinated by how a nurse can make such a profound difference not only in someone’s medical outcome but also in their emotional well-being. My inspiration to pursue nursing comes from witnessing how compassion, patience, and skill can transform a difficult experience into one of hope and comfort. One of my earliest experiences that shaped my path was caring for younger siblings and family members during times of illness. While my role was simple, I discovered how much comfort even small acts - like bringing water, sitting with them, or offering reassurance could provide. Later, through volunteer work and exposure to healthcare settings, I realized that nursing combines this natural desire to nurture with the technical knowledge needed to save and improve lives. Nursing appeals to me because it’s both a science and an art. It requires discipline, education, and critical thinking, but also empathy, listening, and humanity. I want to pursue a career where I can grow continually, apply my skills in real and challenging situations, and serve people when they are most vulnerable. Ultimately, my goal is to become the kind of nurse who leaves patients feeling seen, heard, and cared for - someone who not only treats illness but also uplifts the person behind it. The opportunity to dedicate my career to that purpose is what inspires me most. To me, “human touch” goes beyond physical contact - it represents the empathy, warmth, and presence that one person extends to another. It is the ability to connect on a human level, acknowledging that behind every diagnosis and every chart is a person with fears, hopes, and a story. In nursing, “human touch” is the heart of patient care. Human touch can be as simple as holding a patient’s hand before a procedure, or as subtle as maintaining eye contact while listening to their concerns. These gestures may seem small, but they carry a powerful message: you are not alone in this. For many patients, especially in vulnerable moments, this reassurance can be just as healing as the medical treatment they receive. The impact of human touch in patient care is profound. It builds trust, which is essential for effective communication between nurse and patient. When patients feel cared for and understood, they are more likely to share important details about their symptoms, follow treatment plans, and feel motivated in their recovery. Human touch can also reduce stress and anxiety, which are known to affect health outcomes. Something as basic as a nurse’s presence and genuine compassion can ease fear, lower blood pressure, and create a sense of safety. On a deeper level, human touch reminds us why nursing is so vital. Medicine treats conditions, but nursing treats people. By bringing humanity into healthcare, nurses honor the dignity of every patient. For me, embracing human touch means committing to see patients not just as cases, but as individuals deserving of kindness, patience, and respect. In the end, human touch is what transforms healthcare from a transaction into a relationship. It’s what makes nursing not only a profession, but also a calling. In pursuing nursing, I know I am choosing more than a career - I am choosing a life of service. My inspiration comes from seeing how deeply care and compassion can change someone’s experience, and my belief in the power of “human touch” strengthens that purpose. Nursing is not only about treating illness, but about reminding people of their dignity and worth in the moments they feel most fragile. I want to be the kind of nurse who brings both knowledge and kindness into every room I walk into, and who leaves every patient feeling cared for as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. This scholarship would allow me to continue on that path and dedicate myself fully to becoming a nurse who makes a lasting difference, one patient at a time.

I still remember the first time I put on my Explorers uniform. I was fifteen, nervous but excited, standing in formation with others who, like me, felt a calling toward something bigger than themselves. That night marked the beginning of a journey I’ve been chasing ever since—a path of service, discipline, and commitment to my community. From that moment forward, I’ve immersed myself in everything I can to prepare for a future in emergency services. I’ve served in my local Police Cadet Explorers Academy, dedicating hours each week to training sessions, scenario-based learning, and volunteering at community events. I’ve learned the basics of patrol procedures, radio codes, traffic stops, and first aid—but more importantly, I’ve learned the power of showing up when it matters most. Whether it’s directing traffic at a holiday parade, volunteering at a food drive, or helping guide people to safety during a crowded public event, I’ve come to realize that being present and reliable is often more powerful than anything you can say. My passion for emergency services runs deep. It’s not just about the adrenaline or the uniform—it’s about protecting the vulnerable, stepping up in moments of chaos, and being a steady presence when others are scared or hurting. There’s something sacred about that responsibility. I believe in serving people with compassion and strength, and I believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. These values are at the heart of the emergency services field, and they are the core of who I am becoming. Educationally, I plan to major in Criminal Justice with a focus on law enforcement and public safety. I also hope to study psychology to better understand trauma, human behavior, and how to de-escalate situations with empathy and care. After earning my degree, I want to attend a police academy and eventually serve as a patrol officer, with the long-term goal of working in specialized units such as crisis intervention or even federal service with the FBI or SWAT. I’m determined to be more than just a badge—I want to be a force for healing and hope. I’ve also taken time to explore how to contribute to my community in creative ways. Through the Explorers Club and other volunteer programs, I’ve organized clean-up days, participated in youth outreach programs, and even mentored younger cadets. I know that being part of emergency services doesn’t start or stop with responding to 911 calls. It’s about connection. It's about earning the trust of your neighbors, learning their names, and being a person they know they can depend on—even when there's no emergency. Receiving the Gregory A. DeCanio Memorial Scholarship would be more than financial support—it would be a reminder that I’m not alone in this journey. Gregory’s legacy is one of compassion, courage, and unwavering service. To carry even a fraction of that legacy forward would be an incredible honor. I want to spend my life making communities safer, more united, and more resilient. This scholarship would help me continue my education, obtain the training I need, and step more fully into the role I know I was meant to fill. I understand that emergency services is not a career you choose for the praise—it’s one you choose because you’re wired to protect and serve, no matter the cost. My goal is to be the kind of person who runs toward the crisis, who listens carefully, who takes action with clarity and heart. I want to be the calm voice when someone calls for help, the steady hands in chaos, and the strength behind the scenes that makes a difference. My pursuit of this path will always be rooted in community. Whether I’m serving in my hometown or beyond, I want to be someone who makes people feel seen, safe, and supported. With the help of this scholarship, I can move closer to becoming the kind of leader—and public servant—my community deserves. Thank you for believing in students like me who are ready to step up and serve.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been driven by a deep desire to understand people, protect the vulnerable, and stand up for what’s right—even when it’s hard. That desire has shaped every part of my educational journey and inspired the goals I now chase with everything I have. Academically, I’ve always been a high-achiever, not just in terms of grades, but in the way I apply myself to learning. I’m a strong, curious student who loves digging into subjects like psychology and criminal justice. I’ve taken the initiative to join programs beyond the classroom, like the Police Academy Explorers Program, which has introduced me to real-world training, structure, and the kind of teamwork that law enforcement requires. Through the Explorers Club, I’ve developed leadership skills and been given the opportunity to learn from professionals who do this work every day. These programs have been life-changing—they’ve confirmed for me that this path is more than a dream; it’s a calling. Career-wise, I’m aiming to work in law enforcement, either as a police officer or eventually with the FBI or SWAT. I want to be on the front lines—not just fighting crime, but helping people, building trust in communities, and being someone others can count on when it matters most. What inspires me the most is the power of empathy and integrity in positions of authority. I want to bring both of those to the table in everything I do. In my community, I’ve always tried to give back however I can. Whether it’s volunteering locally, helping with community clean-ups, or simply being someone who listens and shows up for others—I take pride in being dependable and kind. I believe real change starts with small actions, and I try to live that every day. I also help take care of my younger siblings, support my parents around the house, and contribute where I can to ease the load—it’s part of what makes me who I am. Financially, my family qualifies for free and reduced meals, and we live on a modest income between $40,000 and $60,000 a year. My parents work incredibly hard, but affording higher education is still a real challenge. A scholarship like this would mean more than just financial relief—it would mean opportunity. It would give me the chance to focus on building a future without the constant fear of how we’ll afford it. It would allow me to keep showing up in my community, pursuing my goals, and being an example for others like me. As for why I deserve this scholarship—I would say this: I’m not perfect, but I’m determined. I’ve worked through personal challenges, kept my eyes on the future, and built a strong foundation from the ground up. I’ve learned how to adapt, how to lead, and how to fight for the life I want. What sets me apart is my heart. I care deeply about people, and I want to use my life to protect them, support them, and stand in the gap when no one else will. This scholarship would help me not just continue my education—but turn my vision into action. Thank you for considering me.