Growing up, I never thought college would be for me. No one in my family had graduated, and most had worked their way up through various companies. The idea of higher education felt distant and unrealistic. I was content with my high school diploma and committed myself to building a career in banking, a field I happened to land in. It was a stable path, and I believed I could advance through hard work and dedication just like my parents. I was always drawn to healthcare and taking care of people, but I didn’t think I had what it took to succeed in school. Everything changed in 2022. I gave birth to my son and nearly lost my life to a postpartum hemorrhage. That experience of giving life, but almost losing my own, gave me a new perspective. Some days, I would stare at my son and feel unsettled, as if there was more I needed to be doing. On my first day back from maternity leave, I was laid off just a few hours after I clocked in. A forty percent reduction in staff took my job and my sense of stability with it. I was devastated and found myself grieving over my career and the uncertainty I now faced. Through that uncertainty, two things became clear: I wanted to give my son the best life possible, and I needed a college degree to do it. I couldn’t afford to start over again and work my way up. I needed to open doors that only a degree could unlock. When I re-enrolled in school, I was torn about what to study. Should I stick with business and stay in my comfort zone, or pursue what I was genuinely passionate about? I chose business and began classes at community college. A year later, I applied to NC State to major in business, but something still didn’t feel right. I prayed and asked God for clarity. A few weeks later, I received a rejection letter, and I took it as a sign. I immediately shifted paths and focused on healthcare. I earned my CNA license while still in school and started working at a hospital. Caring for patients came naturally to me. When patients would say, “You must have been doing this for a while,” it confirmed I was exactly where I was meant to be. At the same time, I was balancing motherhood and maintaining a 3.8 GPA. I’ve spent evenings playing with toy excavators with my son and then stayed up late to finish assignments. It’s been hard, but it’s been worth it. In January, I applied to two nursing programs and was accepted into both! Ten years ago, this journey felt impossible. No one in my family had walked this road before me, but at 30 years old, I’m doing it. This journey isn’t just about me anymore. I’m doing it for my son, to show him that setbacks don’t define us and that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. I’m doing it for the women in my community who deserve compassionate, quality care. I’m doing it for the generations before me who didn’t have the opportunity, and for the generations after me who will know it’s possible because they saw me do it. My life experiences have shaped me into someone who leads with empathy, resilience, and purpose. They’ve taught me that the path doesn’t have to be perfect, and that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Nursing is not just a career goal. It’s a calling, and I’m ready to answer it.

Growing up, I watched my mother embody the true meaning of selflessness and sacrifice. As a mom of four, she dedicated her entire being to raising us, supporting my father, and keeping our household running smoothly. Whatever dreams she may have had for herself were quietly placed on the back burner. Her job was not just to provide financially, but to pour into us emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. She gave us everything she had, and even when things were tight, she somehow made sure we never went without. There were no extravagant vacations, but there were warm meals, school supplies, and the comforting knowledge that we were loved and supported. I didn't understand the full extent of her sacrifice until I became a mother myself. I now see how hard it is to put someone else's needs above yours every day, and I admire her more than ever for doing it so graciously. What inspires me most is what my mother did later in life. After over 20 years at the same job, she decided it was time to do something for herself. She stepped out on faith and left the comfort and stability she had always known. She returned to school, earned her paralegal degree, and started in a new field. Watching her make such a bold move reminded me that it is never too late to chase your dreams. Now, as a mother myself, I want to continue that legacy of strength and sacrifice, but I also want to push it even further. My goal is not just to provide for my son. I want to set him up so he never has to make something out of nothing. While my parents did their best and gave me a solid foundation, sometimes we had to stretch every dollar and make do with what we had. I want more for my son. Not just more things, but more opportunities, more access, and more support to chase whatever dreams he may have. I am working hard to build a future where my son has choices. I want him to know that success is not something you stumble into. It is something you plan for, fight for, and believe in. Receiving these funds would be a major step in helping me create that future. I would use them to invest in my education and professional development to help me build a stable career that offers financial security and personal fulfillment. My mother taught me what it means to love unconditionally, to work hard without recognition, and to be brave enough to start over. Her story is one of quiet strength, and it shaped me into the woman I am today. I carry her lessons with me in every decision I make as a parent. Now, it is my turn to take a leap of faith, not just for myself, but for my child. And just like my mother did, I will do whatever it takes to ensure he has everything he needs to thrive.