Growing up as a first-generation college student, I learned early on that success does not always come from having a perfect plan but from having the resilience to start again and the heart to serve others. My journey into healthcare was not a straight line. I began my professional path as a licensed esthetician, passionate about wellness and helping people feel confident. The more I worked with clients, the more I felt called to do something deeper, to care for people in their most vulnerable moments and to show up when it mattered most. That calling led me to nursing. I am now a full-time nursing student while also working and volunteering in my community. The transition has not been easy. I have had to navigate financial stress, long days of study, and the pressure of balancing multiple responsibilities. But within those challenges, I have discovered strength, purpose, and a clear vision of how I want to serve others. Nursing gives me the opportunity to care for people not only physically but emotionally and spiritually. I am especially passionate about working with marginalized populations and communities that often feel unseen in healthcare spaces. Whether it is comforting a patient during recovery or educating someone about their health rights, I aim to bring compassion, advocacy, and equity into every room I walk into. I also plan to extend my impact beyond the bedside. One of my long-term goals is to create community wellness initiatives that integrate preventive care, education, and culturally sensitive support. I want to empower individuals, especially those from underserved backgrounds, to understand their health and make informed decisions about their care. I believe that healing is not just about treating illness. It is about restoring trust, dignity, and hope. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than financial support. It would be a powerful reminder that others believe in my journey and my purpose. It would allow me to continue my studies with less stress and more focus, and it would help me carry forward the values that brought me to this field: empathy, justice, and a deep love for community. In honoring the legacy of Catrina Celestine Aquilino, I hope to build a career that reaches across barriers and uplifts lives. Just as she fought for justice through law, I will continue fighting for healing through nursing. I may not speak multiple languages or have traveled across countries, but I speak the language of compassion and carry the stories of every patient I have served. With this scholarship, I will continue to rise, not only for myself but for the lives I am committed to impacting every day.

As a second generation African immigrant raised in Georgia, I have always carried the values of resilience, faith, and community that were instilled in me by my family. My parents often reminded me that education is not just a tool for success but a responsibility to uplift those around us. Their sacrifices and strength have shaped the lens through which I view my journey as a student, a caregiver, and a future nurse. I am currently an undergraduate nursing student with a GPA above 3.0, committed to excelling academically while working full time. The path to nursing was not straightforward for me. I started my career as a licensed esthetician, passionate about wellness and helping others feel good about themselves. But the more I connected with clients, the more I felt called to support people on a deeper level, especially those who were sick, silenced, or underserved. That shift led me back to school, and while the journey has been challenging, it has also been transformative. My Nigerian heritage plays a powerful role in my sense of purpose. In our culture, we believe in the strength of community, the dignity of hard work, and the value of service. I bring these values into every part of my life, including my commitment to healthcare. Representation matters, especially in a field where many patients of color do not always feel seen or heard. As a Black woman with African roots, I aim to provide compassionate care while advocating for equity within the healthcare system. Outside the classroom, I contribute to my community by volunteering for local wellness events, participating in food and clothing drives, and mentoring younger students in my area. I have also created educational content focused on wellness, self care, and navigating mental health as a minority student. One of the initiatives I am proudest of is leading a peer to peer health literacy project during a campus event, which empowered students to better understand preventive care and chronic disease management. My goal is to bridge the gap between medical providers and marginalized communities through education, trust, and empathy. Receiving the Dr. Soronnadi Nnaji Legacy Scholarship would be deeply meaningful to me. Dr. Nnaji’s legacy of academic excellence, cultural pride, and service to others mirrors the very goals I strive for in my own life. This scholarship would help reduce my financial burden so I can focus more on my studies and clinical work, especially as I enter the advanced stages of my nursing education. More importantly, it would be a reminder that there are people who believe in students like me, students who are driven not only by ambition, but also by a deep desire to make an impact. My long term vision is to work in critical care nursing while building wellness programs tailored to African American and immigrant communities. I hope to continue blending science and compassion to help patients heal, while also addressing the systemic issues that contribute to health disparities. Eventually, I would like to pursue a graduate degree in nursing and launch a community based clinic that integrates health education with culturally sensitive care. This scholarship is more than financial support. It is a vote of confidence in a future where African students and children of immigrants like me are not only seen but celebrated. It would allow me to continue this journey with pride, knowing I am honoring both my heritage and the sacrifices of those who came before me.

If someone had told me five years ago that I would be a full-time nursing student while working and managing life in my thirties, I might not have believed them. My educational journey has not been linear. I started my professional life in the beauty and wellness industry as a licensed esthetician. I loved what I did and found deep satisfaction in helping people feel confident and cared for. But over time, I realized I wanted to do more. I wanted to help people not just feel better on the outside but heal fully, especially those who were facing serious health challenges and who often felt overlooked by the system. That realization planted the seed that led me back to school. I took a leap of faith and enrolled in a nursing program, even though it meant adjusting every part of my life. I knew returning to school at this stage would not be easy. I was no longer a carefree teenager with endless time. I was an adult with bills, responsibilities, and very little margin for error. But I also had something more valuable than time. I had purpose. The turning point, or what I call my aha moment, happened during a shadowing experience at a local hospital. I was observing a nurse care for a patient who had undergone a tracheostomy. The patient could not speak. He looked anxious and vulnerable. The nurse noticed his discomfort and, without saying a word, adjusted his pillow, checked his suction, and gently held his hand for a moment. That simple gesture said everything. In that moment, I saw what nursing really is. It is presence. It is compassion in action. I thought to myself, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Since that day, I have not looked back. I have completed multiple clinical rotations, each one reaffirming that I am in the right place. I have worked with patients recovering from major surgeries, those with chronic conditions, and those nearing the end of life. I have learned how to insert IVs, conduct assessments, and manage complex patient care. But more than anything, I have learned how to listen. How to see people beyond their illness. How to be an advocate when others cannot speak. Being a non-traditional student has its challenges, but it also gives me a unique strength. I am focused. I am grounded. I understand what it means to fight for your future. I bring life experience and emotional intelligence to every setting. I know how to manage stress, how to connect with others, and how to keep going even when things get tough. I am not just studying to pass exams. I am studying to save lives. My long-term goal is to work in trauma nursing and eventually return to school to become a nurse practitioner. I want to care for those who are most in need, both in hospitals and in underserved communities. I also want to create space for wellness and healing, especially for women of color who often go unheard and underserved in traditional medical settings. Receiving this scholarship would not only lighten my financial burden. It would also serve as a reminder that I am not alone. That people like Joseph Joshua Searor walked this path before me, returning to school with passion and purpose. I am honored to continue that legacy, and I am committed to using my education to serve others with excellence, empathy, and heart.

I am pursuing nursing because I know what it feels like to be on both sides of care. I have seen loved ones suffer without support. I have felt the overwhelming fear of not knowing what is wrong or how to help. But I have also seen the difference a nurse can make with a calm voice, a gentle touch, or a clear explanation. Those moments stuck with me and eventually sparked the fire that led me here. Nursing is not something I chose randomly. It is something that grew inside of me through life experience. I am a first-generation college student and a nontraditional learner in my thirties, juggling full-time work and school. This path has not been easy, but it has been full of purpose. Every class I complete and every clinical hour I finish is a step closer to living out my mission: to show up with compassion, advocate for the overlooked, and care for others with dignity and respect. My decision to enter nursing became clear during my clinical rotations. I found myself drawn to patients who could not speak for themselves. I took extra time to help those with tracheostomies, feeding tubes, or cognitive barriers. I learned how to advocate and communicate even when words were limited. That is when I knew I was in the right place. I do not just want to check vitals or administer medication. I want to be the person who makes patients feel seen and safe when they are at their most vulnerable. My passion for nursing also stems from a deep desire to serve my community. As a Black woman in healthcare, I know how important it is for patients to see providers who reflect their culture, understand their lived experience, and approach them without judgment. There are too many gaps in care for underserved communities. I want to help close those gaps through education, representation, and genuine connection. Whether that is in a hospital setting or through community outreach, I plan to be a consistent and trusted presence. One of my long-term goals is to blend my background in esthetics with medical nursing. I hope to open a space that offers both wellness and healing, particularly for women of color who often feel invisible in traditional healthcare settings. I believe healing comes in many forms, and self-care can be just as important as clinical care. By creating a safe and inclusive space, I hope to give people access to education, resources, and support that empower them inside and out. This scholarship would not only ease the financial weight of nursing school. It would also serve as a reminder that people like Eric Maurice Brandon paved the way for students like me. His legacy of military service, pediatric care, and unwavering dedication to others is exactly what I aspire to carry forward. Like him, I want to care for those who cannot care for themselves. I want to walk into difficult situations with courage and compassion. And I want to be a reminder that no matter your background, you can still create impact and purpose. Pursuing nursing is more than a career goal for me. It is a calling. It is how I plan to serve, uplift, and heal. With your support, I will continue this journey with gratitude and determination, honoring the lives of those who came before me and making space for those who will come next.

One of the greatest compliments I ever received came from someone I did not even know was watching. They said, “You keep showing up for your dreams even when it’s hard. That made me believe I could too.” I carry that moment with me every day because it reminded me that you never know who your life is speaking to. What makes me different is not just my circumstances. It is my decision to show up fully, authentically, and unapologetically as myself. I am a first-generation college student, an African American woman in her thirties, working full time while pursuing a degree in nursing. Many people would have said I missed my window, that I was too late to start over. But I have learned that being different is not a disadvantage. It is a gift. I bring life experience, resilience, and perspective to every space I enter. I carry the voices of my community, my family, and every little girl who never saw herself in a white coat or scrubs. What sets me apart is that I have never been afraid to blend who I am with what I do. I did not come into nursing with a straight path or perfect background. I came into it with a heart for healing and a spirit for service. I am also an esthetician, and I plan to open a medical spa that focuses on inclusive, trauma-informed beauty and wellness. That combination, bedside nurse and beauty educator, is rare. But it is mine. I want people to know that taking care of your body and loving yourself can exist in the same space. My uniqueness lies in my ability to merge science and soul, care and confidence. I have used my journey to inspire others, even when I did not know they were watching. Whether it is classmates who have thanked me for being transparent about balancing school and work, or younger girls in my community who message me on social media to say I made them believe nursing school is possible, I see that being my full self creates ripple effects. I do not pretend to have it all together. I share the struggle, the sacrifice, and the strength it takes to keep going. I also serve my community with intention. Over the last five years, I have volunteered at wellness fairs, assisted with health screenings in underserved neighborhoods, and supported youth mentorship programs. I believe service is not just about showing up once. It is about being consistent and using whatever you have to help someone else go further than you did. Whether I am offering a listening ear, helping someone study for an exam, or simply being visible as a first-generation nursing student, I know I am creating space for someone else to dream bigger. Receiving this scholarship would be a powerful affirmation of the path I have chosen. It would ease the financial pressure of nursing school and allow me to invest more energy into the community work I am so passionate about. Most of all, it would remind me that being myself, with every imperfection and lesson along the way, is not just enough. It is exactly what the world needs. Gladys Ruth’s legacy lives in people like me. People who are not afraid to walk in their truth, serve with love, and keep going even when the odds are stacked against them. I am proud to stand in that legacy, and I hope to continue making a difference for everyone watching, even the ones who never say a word.

When I first entered the world of healthcare, I thought I had a clear plan: become a nurse so I could blend my love for science with my passion for helping others. What I didn’t expect was how deeply I would fall in love with nursing itself, specifically bedside care. Through clinical rotations, I’ve seen what it truly means to be a nurse. To comfort families in crisis, to advocate for patients who can’t speak, and to show up fully for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. That’s when I knew this isn’t just a career. It’s my calling. I chose to pursue a degree in nursing because I believe that healing isn’t just about medication or procedures. It’s about presence. It’s about being the person who listens when others are too busy, who notices the small changes before they become crises, and who treats every patient like a whole person, not just a diagnosis. Nurses do more than carry out doctors’ orders. We are the heart of the healthcare system, and I am proud to be stepping into that role. My journey hasn’t been traditional. I’m in my thirties, working while attending nursing school full time, and balancing the demands of life while keeping my goals in sharp focus. There have been days of exhaustion, doubt, and sacrifice. But every time I walk into a patient’s room, I’m reminded of why I keep going. I see myself in many of my patients and their families. People just trying to survive, to feel heard, to feel safe. That connection fuels me. In addition to continuing my work at the bedside, I also hope to contribute to my community through education and advocacy. As a Black woman in healthcare, I’ve seen the disparities firsthand. How cultural disconnects, mistrust, and lack of representation can impact the quality of care someone receives. I plan to become a nurse who not only provides excellent clinical care but also bridges those gaps. I want to teach health literacy in underserved areas, provide screenings at community events, and work with organizations that empower people to take charge of their health. One of my long-term goals is to launch a medical aesthetics practice that merges clinical care with wellness. My vision is to create a space where patients, especially Black and brown women, can access services that help them feel confident and cared for, while also receiving education on skin health, stress management, and preventive care. To me, healthcare should be holistic, and every patient should have access to providers who truly see them. This scholarship would mean more than financial support. It would be an investment in my future and the future of the communities I serve. It would lift a weight off my shoulders and allow me to focus on what matters most. Becoming the kind of nurse who makes a lasting impact. I am committed to using my education, my experiences, and my heart to serve others with compassion, excellence, and integrity. Nursing is not easy. It demands your mind, your body, and your soul. But it is also the most rewarding work I can imagine. And with the support of this scholarship, I will continue walking this path with purpose, determined to be a light for those who need it most.

My name is Mya, and I am a proud nursing student balancing school, work, and life as a nontraditional learner. I returned to school in my thirties with a vision rooted in healing from trauma, from doubt, and from generational patterns that said dreams like mine were too far out of reach. But here I am, not only chasing a degree but also stepping fully into my calling as a future nurse. I didn’t choose nursing on a whim. My path has been shaped by both pain and purpose. I’ve seen the healthcare system from the perspective of a loved one sitting anxiously by a hospital bed, from the perspective of a woman navigating mental health challenges, and now as a student in clinicals learning what compassionate care really looks like. Each experience has strengthened my resolve to become the kind of nurse patients remember,not just for the care I provide, but for how I make them feel. The nursing industry interests me because it blends science with soul. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for how the body works, but even more than that, I am drawn to the human experience that nurses walk alongside every day. I want to be present for people in their hardest moments and their most hopeful ones. I want to advocate for patients who are vulnerable, educate families who are scared, and work as part of a team that believes healing is more than just a clinical outcome it’s about dignity, empathy, and trust. The area of nursing I plan to specialize in is trauma or emergency nursing. I thrive in fast-paced environments, and I feel most alive when I am problem-solving and caring for people who need calm in the middle of chaos. During clinical rotations, I found myself drawn to patients who couldn’t speak for themselves those on ventilators, post-op, or battling chronic pain. It’s in those moments that I feel a sense of purpose bigger than myself. I want to become certified in trauma-informed care and later pursue public health outreach to help vulnerable communities prevent long-term complications from delayed care or untreated injuries. Preparing for this career hasn’t been easy, but every step has built me up for what’s ahead. I’ve worked full-time while in school, managing everything from exam weeks to back-to-back 12-hour clinical shifts. I’ve volunteered at community wellness events and completed hands-on training with trach care, wound assessments, IV insertions, and more. But the most valuable preparation has come from my life itself learning how to remain compassionate under pressure, how to communicate clearly with people in distress, and how to keep showing up, even when things get hard. Receiving this scholarship would be a powerful affirmation that I am on the right path. It would ease some of the financial strain that comes with nursing school and allow me to focus even more on learning, growing, and serving. It would also be an honor to carry on the legacy of Kelly O., a nurse whose story deeply resonates with me. Though I didn’t know her, I carry the same intention she clearly lived by: to lead with empathy, act with courage, and serve with heart. Nursing is not just a career for me, it is the life I was meant to build. And with every patient I care for, every skill I master, and every door education opens for me, I will carry forward the light of mentors like Kelly who showed us what true care looks like.

Surviving intimate partner violence is not just about escaping a dangerous situation it’s about rebuilding your identity, reclaiming your voice, and reimagining your future. I know this firsthand. I am a survivor, and for a long time, I believed that surviving was all I could do. But education gave me something I never thought I’d have again: hope. In the aftermath of abuse, I didn’t feel like I had control over anything not my finances, my time, or even my sense of self. But the decision to pursue my degree in nursing was the first step toward taking my life back. Education has given me the tools to understand what happened to me, how trauma affects the mind and body, and how systems often fail people in crisis. More importantly, it’s given me the skills and language to advocate for others who feel voiceless. Education can play a powerful role in reducing intimate partner violence in multiple ways. First, it creates awareness. Many people don’t realize they’re in abusive relationships because they’ve never been taught what healthy love looks like. Education helps break the cycle of silence by naming abuse and offering survivors the knowledge they need to recognize red flags and access help. It also challenges harmful cultural norms that normalize control, jealousy, or emotional manipulation especially in communities where silence is often encouraged to protect reputations or relationships. Second, education creates independence. One of the biggest barriers to leaving an abusive relationship is financial insecurity. By earning a degree, survivors gain access to better job opportunities and greater economic freedom. That freedom becomes the foundation for long-term safety and healing. Finally, education empowers survivors to become advocates. Some of the strongest voices for change are those who’ve walked through fire and come out determined to make sure others don’t have to. Through my nursing education, I am becoming one of those voices. My goal is to become a trauma-informed nurse and, eventually, a community health educator who works specifically with survivors of domestic violence. I want to help bridge the gap between medical care and emotional healing. In healthcare, survivors often fall through the cracks brushed off, misdiagnosed, or retraumatized by systems that don’t fully understand what they’ve endured. I plan to change that by being the nurse who listens without judgment, educates patients on their rights, and connects them with resources they may not even know exist. Outside of the hospital, I hope to volunteer with domestic violence shelters and community clinics to offer support groups and wellness education. I want to use my voice to speak to young women, especially those in underserved communities, about the power of education and the importance of knowing their worth. My lived experience makes me more than a nurse it makes me a survivor advocate, a mentor, and a living reminder that it is never too late to start over. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of my education it would affirm the path I’m on. It would remind me that my story has purpose, and that healing is not only possible, but powerful. With your support, I will turn my pain into purpose and continue working toward a world where no one has to suffer in silence again.

When I think about who helped me get to where I am today, one woman instantly comes to mind my aunt. She has been my Phoebe: a steady, guiding presence who believed in my potential even when I couldn’t see it myself. Growing up in a family where women often had to put their dreams on hold to care for others, she was the first person who told me I didn’t have to choose between survival and purpose. She reminded me that even though life can be difficult, I was capable of rewriting my story and that earning my degree didn’t have to be a dream deferred. There were times when I wanted to give up when the weight of working full-time, managing responsibilities, and returning to school at 30 felt overwhelming. I battled anxiety and the quiet fear of failure, questioning if I was too old to pursue nursing or if my dreams still mattered. But my aunt never let me forget my “why.” She reminded me that becoming a nurse wasn’t just about a job it was about stepping into the role I was born for: a healer, a helper, a woman who makes others feel safe, seen, and cared for. She showed up for me in the little moments: encouraging phone calls after long shifts, handwritten notes tucked into my textbooks, and prayers whispered when I couldn’t find the words. She reminded me to give myself grace, to walk in faith, and to never underestimate the strength I carry not just as a woman, but as a Black woman in a system that often asks us to prove ourselves twice as hard. Because of her, I pushed through. I enrolled in nursing school, committed to my studies, and now I’m one year away from earning my degree. My aunt didn’t just help me believe I could finish she made me believe I was worthy of finishing strong. That kind of belief changes a person. If awarded this scholarship, it would not only help relieve the financial stress I carry it would also symbolize something deeper. It would be a tribute to the woman who carried me when I couldn’t carry myself. And it would give me the opportunity to extend that same kind of support to others. I plan to specialize in trauma-informed nursing and work with underserved communities particularly women who, like me, have fought through fear and hardship to create better lives for themselves and their families. I want to be a nurse who listens deeply, advocates fiercely, and leads with compassion. I want to create safe spaces for patients who feel overlooked, and I want to use my education to mentor other women of color who are finding their voices and following their paths. Because of my Phoebe, I know that when women support each other, we change the world one life, one choice, one act of kindness at a time. This scholarship would allow me to continue that mission with less worry about how I’ll afford my textbooks or tuition. It would remind me that I’m not walking this journey alone, and that it’s never too late to rise, grow, and give back.

My decision to become a nurse was not a moment it was a series of experiences that shaped me into someone who cares deeply, listens with intention, and refuses to turn away from someone in pain. Growing up, I witnessed close family members deal with chronic illness and limited access to quality care. Watching them navigate those challenges sparked something in me. I didn’t have the words at the time, but I knew I wanted to be someone who showed up not just medically, but emotionally for people at their most vulnerable. Today, I am proud to be pursuing my degree in nursing. The more I learn through my coursework and clinicals, the more confident I am that this is exactly where I’m meant to be. I’ve assisted patients who are nonverbal, performed assessments in high-pressure situations, and helped families understand complicated care plans. But beyond the skills, I’ve developed a deeper sense of empathy and awareness. I’ve held hands through tears, advocated for patients who couldn’t speak, and made it my mission to never let someone feel invisible under my care. My long-term goal is to become a registered nurse working in either acute care or public health. I am especially passionate about working with underserved communities and those impacted by trauma. I hope to one day participate in outreach programs that not only provide medical services, but also offer education and emotional support because healing is about more than medications and procedures. It’s about being seen, heard, and cared for holistically. Throughout my journey, I’ve taken every opportunity to serve others. I’ve volunteered at community health events, helping with basic screenings and health education. I’ve participated in wellness fairs that serve low-income families and seniors, and I’ve worked alongside experienced nurses who mentored me with kindness and wisdom. Each experience has reinforced my purpose and helped me grow in both confidence and compassion. Balancing school, work, and clinicals has not been easy. There have been days when I felt exhausted mentally, physically, and emotionally. But through every challenge, I remind myself of the people I want to serve. I think of patients like the elderly woman I helped during a clinical rotation who reminded me of my grandmother, or the child who smiled at me after I explained a scary procedure in a way he could understand. Those moments are why I continue to push forward with my whole heart. To me, nursing isn’t just a job it’s a lifelong commitment to showing up with love, skill, and integrity. Nurses like Sara Jane inspire me because they understood what truly matters: presence, kindness, and a willingness to serve without ego. I hope to carry that same legacy into every room I enter. Receiving the Sara Jane Memorial Scholarship would allow me to continue this journey with less financial strain and more focus on what really matters becoming the kind of nurse patients remember not just for what I did, but for how I made them feel.

I remember the exact moment that changed everything. I was helping care for a family member who had just come home from the hospital, weak and barely speaking. As I cleaned her wounds, helped her dress, and kept track of her medications, something clicked in me. I realized that I felt calm and purposeful in a situation many would find overwhelming. It wasn’t just about performing tasks it was about being there, present, for someone who couldn’t be there for themselves. That was the beginning of my calling to become a nurse. What truly inspired me to pursue nursing, though, was watching nurses during my own hospital visits and those of loved ones. I watched nurses advocate for patients who couldn’t speak for themselves, ease pain with a simple touch or word, and juggle a million tasks while still making people feel seen. I saw the difference it made when a nurse slowed down to explain something clearly, offered kindness without condition, or simply sat with someone who was afraid. I didn’t just want to admire those qualities, I wanted to live them. As a first-generation college student and woman of color, I’ve faced plenty of challenges on the road to nursing school. Financial hardship, self-doubt, and long nights of studying after working full days have made the journey difficult. But every obstacle has reinforced how badly I want this not just for myself, but for every patient I’ll one day serve. I’ve learned how to listen deeply, show compassion in moments of crisis, and adapt quickly to challenges qualities that define a strong nurse. Nursing, to me, isn’t just a profession it’s a promise. It’s a promise to care even when it’s hard, to advocate when no one else will, and to always see the human behind the diagnosis. My long-term goal is to specialize in community or trauma nursing, particularly in underserved areas where healthcare disparities are greatest. I want to be the nurse who not only provides healing care, but also teaches patients about prevention, self-advocacy, and navigating the healthcare system with dignity. What makes this journey even more meaningful is that I get to be part of a profession that collaborates with others who care just as deeply. Companies like Wieland don’t just build furniture they build environments of care. I’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as a well-designed recliner or patient chair can give comfort, restore dignity, and help families feel at ease in sterile, overwhelming hospital rooms. Nurses work hand-in-hand with the spaces they’re in, and having that kind of thoughtful support matters more than most people realize. It inspires me to be part of a system that puts patients first in every way, from bedside to environment. This scholarship would mean the world to me. It would relieve some of the financial stress I carry as I continue nursing school while working, allowing me to focus more fully on becoming the best nurse I can be. More than that, it would be a vote of confidence in my potential to make a real impact in healthcare. I found out about this scholarship through Bold.org.

As a Black woman navigating higher education while balancing full-time work, I have seen firsthand how systemic challenges impact BIPOC women’s ability to thrive. The barriers aren’t just financial they’re emotional, generational, and structural. But I also know that our strength, resilience, and commitment to change are unmatched. That’s why I chose nursing not just to provide care, but to become a bridge between underserved communities and the systems that too often overlook them. My goal is to become a trauma-informed registered nurse serving predominantly BIPOC communities in Georgia. I want to be at the bedside offering more than just clinical interventions I want to provide culturally sensitive support, advocate for patients who often go unheard, and educate families on navigating the healthcare system. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and watched loved ones battle both physical illness and trauma-related mental health conditions, I understand how complex healing can be—especially when trust in healthcare is low. I plan to change that narrative through empathy, education, and consistent advocacy. Beyond the bedside, I envision using my degree to lead community wellness programs that empower women of color with knowledge and resources. I want to host workshops in local churches, schools, and community centers focused on preventive care, maternal health, and mental wellness areas where Black women disproportionately face disparities. Education is power, and too many women in my community have never been given access to that power. I want to change that, one conversation at a time. In addition to providing direct care and education, I’m passionate about policy and systemic reform. I plan to engage in health equity initiatives and advocacy campaigns aimed at expanding healthcare access for BIPOC women. Whether it’s pushing for better postpartum support, funding for mental health services, or improved nurse-to-patient ratios in low-income hospitals, I will use my voice as both a professional and lived-experience advocate. Real change happens when people with both credentials and compassion sit at the table and I plan to be one of them. My nursing education is more than a personal dream it’s a community investment. I didn’t get here alone. I was lifted by women who poured into me despite their own struggles mothers, mentors, friends, and even strangers who reminded me I was worthy. I want to pay that forward. I want to be the nurse who sees the overlooked patient. I want to be the mentor who tells a young Black girl, “You can do this.” I want to be the advocate who speaks up when policies ignore our pain. Because when BIPOC women are empowered, families and entire communities thrive. Receiving this scholarship would be more than financial relief it would be a reminder that my work matters. It would affirm my purpose and allow me to continue this journey without being weighed down by the burden of cost. I am committed to using my education as a tool for justice, healing, and hope for myself, and for every BIPOC woman who’s ever felt unseen.

Growing up, I watched someone I love deeply struggle in silence. My mother, a strong and selfless woman, spent years enduring emotional and physical abuse behind closed doors. As a child, I didn’t always understand what I was witnessing but the confusion, fear, and instability left a lasting impact on my mental health, relationships, and life path. It wasn’t until I became older and more aware that I could name what I had experienced: domestic violence by proxy. Though I was not the direct victim, I felt every tremor of that pain. The effects of trauma do not disappear when the abuse ends they linger in the form of anxiety, trust issues, and survival mode thinking. I battled with self-doubt, perfectionism, and depression, often questioning my worth and struggling to believe I deserved safety or peace. But over time, through therapy, community, and spiritual growth, I began to heal. That healing is what inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. I want to be the person I wish had shown up for my mother, and for myself someone who sees the pain behind the silence and offers care without judgment. As an African American woman, I know firsthand the cultural and systemic barriers that make it harder for women like us to speak up. There's often shame, stigma, and pressure to “keep things in the family” or “pray it away.” In some cases, fear of law enforcement or losing financial support prevents victims from getting the help they need. I am committed to using my voice, story, and education to change that narrative. Currently, I am a nursing student balancing work, school, and leadership in my community. My long-term goal is to work in public health and trauma-informed care, with a focus on underserved populations especially African American women. I want to help design accessible, culturally competent care models that include education, mental health support, and safe housing pathways for survivors of abuse and addiction. I also hope to advocate for nurses to be better trained in screening for domestic violence and addiction, and to integrate that training into every patient interaction. The Linda Hicks Memorial Scholarship would allow me to continue my education with less financial strain while honoring a legacy that mirrors my own aspirations. Linda’s story reminds me of the women I fight for those who carry the weight of generations, who show up for others while quietly falling apart. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to building a future where no woman has to choose between survival and healing. In memory of Linda, I will continue to be bold, speak truth, and help other women break cycles of trauma. I know that my pain has a purpose and through nursing, advocacy, and service, I will use it to create change.

There was a time when simply getting out of bed felt like an impossible task. As a first-generation college student navigating the pressures of school, work, and personal struggles, I experienced the weight of anxiety and depression in ways I never expected. Mental health wasn’t something openly discussed in my community, so for a long time, I tried to silently carry the load. But eventually, it became too heavy, and I had to face the truth: I couldn’t do it all alone. That moment of acceptance shifted everything. It gave me the courage to seek help, lean on safe relationships, and slowly reframe how I viewed mental wellness not as a weakness, but as a vital part of overall health. This journey has shaped my beliefs about resilience and compassion. I learned that healing isn’t linear and that people, especially those in underserved communities, often carry invisible burdens while showing up for others. That awareness made me more patient, more empathetic, and more determined to be a source of hope wherever I can. My experience with mental health has also strengthened my relationships. I now communicate more openly, set boundaries more firmly, and give grace both to myself and to those around me. I’ve grown more intentional in building meaningful connections and surrounding myself with people who support my growth. This has created a healthier space for me to thrive personally and academically. Most importantly, my mental health journey has also has deeply influenced my career aspirations. As a nursing student, I know that one of the most powerful tools I can offer at the bedside isn’t just clinical knowledge it’s compassion. I’ve seen how mental health struggles can make even routine care feel overwhelming for patients. I want to be the kind of nurse who can recognize those signs, advocate for their needs, and make them feel seen. My goal is to work in a setting that integrates physical and emotional healing whether that's bedside nursing, mental health advocacy, or even community health outreach. Being a student while working and managing mental health hasn’t been easy, but it’s made me stronger. It’s also shown me how valuable financial support can be for someone like me. Receiving this scholarship would be more than just help with tuition it would be a reminder that my story matters and that I truly can and will overcome every obstacle in front of me.