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Nicole Foster

13x

Finalist

2x

Winner

General information

Location
Russellville, AL
Age
23
Gender
Female
US Citizenship
US Citizen
Ethnicity
Caucasian
Religion
Christian
Church
Baptist

Hobbies & Interests

  • Writing
  • Coding And Computer Science
  • Business And Entrepreneurship
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Computer Science
  • Health Sciences
  • Mental Health
  • Environmental Science and Sustainability
  • Medicine
  • Pharmacy
  • Nursing
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Shopping And Thrifting
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Public Policy
  • Biology
  • Epidemiology
  • Advocacy And Activism
  • Makeup and Beauty
  • Social Media
  • Exploring Nature And Being Outside
  • Sustainability
  • Photography and Photo Editing
  • Public Health
  • Research
  • Human Rights
  • True Crime
  • Gaming
  • Art
  • Education
  • Teaching
  • Global Health
  • Cooking
  • History
  • HOSA
  • FBLA
  • Science
  • Neuroscience
  • National Honor Society (NHS)
  • Finance
  • Social Work

Reading

  • Academic
  • Adventure
  • Art
  • Cultural
  • Drama
  • Education
  • Historical
  • Leadership
  • Social Issues
  • Science Fiction
  • Action
  • Chick Lit
  • Criticism
  • Business
  • Biography
  • Fantasy
  • Cookbooks
  • Gothic
  • Health
  • Environment
  • Humanities
  • History
  • Psychology
  • Science‎
  • Novels
  • Young Adult
  • Politics
  • Mystery
  • Law
  • Social Science
  • Media Tie-In
  • Poetry

I read books multiple times a week.

Bio

Hello, my dream is to work as a substance abuse counselor and advocate for widely accessible counseling to help those struggling with addiction. I am currently attending the University of North Alabama for my bachelor’s degree and I have already graduated from Northwest-Shoals Community College with my associate’s. I also became a certified pharmacy technician in high school and I’m currently employed at Shoals Hospital. My knowledge of pharmacy practice will make me uniquely qualified as a substance abuse counselor. #1 on the Alabama bold points leaderboard and #167 on the overall bold points leaderboard! I graduated high school as a honors student with a CNA, CPCT, CPHT, and CPR certification. Competed in the HOSA Pharmacy Science sector and placed 5th in Alabama. I was the project chairmen for my HOSA chapter and the SADD 12th grade representative during the 21-22 school year. Likewise, I took dual enrollment medical terminology and my CNA class was a college class. I have shown my dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and that I can handle college classes. I live in a low income household and I struggle with IBS and patellofemoral pain syndrome, which makes my goals harder to achieve. IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) makes me feel sick and it is unpredictable. Then my PFPS affects my knees, causing pain and dislocations. Which lead to me having knee surgery on my left knee 5 years ago and I still remained involved in my favorite projects. Thanks for considering me!

Education

University of North Alabama

Bachelor's degree program

2024 – 2026

Majors:
  • Social Work
GPA3.7 GPA

Northwest-Shoals Community College

Associate's degree program

2022 – 2024

Majors:
  • Social Work

Russellville High School

High School

2018 – 2022

GPA4.0 GPA

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Majors of interest:
Social Work, Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Medical school interest:
No
Test scores:
  • ACT23

Career

  • Certified Pharmacy Technician

    Pharmaceuticals · Shoals Hospital

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Certified Pharmacy Technician

    Pharmaceuticals · CVS

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2024

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Individual & Family Services
Dream career goals:
Substance Abuse Counselor
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Politics
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Solomon Vann Memorial Scholarship
The shutdown of the federal government in 2025 exacerbated mental health struggles for many Americans, as valuable mental health resources and social welfare programs depend on the contributions of federal funding. Low-income Americans may have experienced financial strain as SNAP funding was delayed, and this uncertainty likely caused many individuals to become stressed or depressed. For those diagnosed with a mental illness who rely on SNAP benefits, you cannot address mental health concerns without addressing the immediate basic biological needs to survive. Therefore, their symptoms likely became more prevalent and dire as unregulated stress, along with hunger, from the unprecedented government shutdown loomed over them. During the government shutdown, Medicare coverage of telehealth services was limited, making it especially difficult for older adults. The elderly population is often forgotten when it comes to mental health, and if they are unable to have a reliable way to access mental health locations, their mental illness may become debilitating. I understand that sometimes the capacity to get these individuals to regular appointments outside the home can be impossible when the family is unable to assist in care or when the individual is immunocompromised. As a social worker in training, I know we have to meet these individuals where they are, especially when systems are already stretched thin. Many federal employees and contractors were expected to continue working without any form of compensation, and despite the shutdown, they still had expenses to pay just to survive–rent, food, healthcare costs, and mental health services. This furthermore created a chain reaction where an influx of people needed these mental health services, SNAP, and rent assistance, but their funding was already limited, leaving people with increased risk factors for untreated mental illness. Overall, with more individuals needing mental health services and reduced staffing due to a lack of funding, Medicaid approvals may have been delayed. This puts those suffering from a mental illness at heightened risk for self-harm behaviors or dysregulation. It is difficult to quantify the impact of the government shutdown, given its recentness, though from my personal experience, I have seen increased demand for mental health and food resources. Food pantries, mental health crisis helplines, and other mental health services are valuable lifelines that will continue to be utilized as demand increases with individuals trying to recover from the shutdown. For individuals who distrust or are paranoid about the government, it may become increasingly challenging to encourage them to access these services. There is no single solution that will completely negate the longstanding impact on those suffering from mental illness. On an individual level, those who can donate food and their time to food pantries can help reduce stress for those in crisis and enhance the effectiveness of this resource. Additionally, many mental health crisis helplines allow volunteers, which can make a huge difference for someone in crisis. The responsibility lies on a collective effort from the community and government to improve mental health services. The lack of resources for those suffering from a mental illness is not a new occurrence; rather, it is a longstanding issue that has failed to be addressed in a destigmatized manner. The government must devote more resources to mental health services, and for individuals living in a community, we have to be there for each other and foster relationships with our fellow man.
Kerry Kennedy Life Is Good Scholarship
I have lived in Russellville, Alabama, my whole life, a small town that often requires traveling out of town to access many necessary health services. Growing up in this environment has enabled me to recognize the need for increased access to resources in rural areas and inspired me to alleviate some of this burden by becoming a social worker. My family has played a significant role in instilling empathy in me and molding me. I have seen the devastating toll that addiction has taken on my older brother. He has always excelled in any job he has had and quickly gains leadership positions, but he relapses, causing him to lose everything. It is extremely difficult to see my brother in this state, but I recognize that he is constantly fighting the urge to use substances, and he is more than his addiction, and he is deserving of help. I am passionate about social work because I want to empower people to navigate difficult situations, and I have always felt called to support others. Additionally, my personal experiences have allowed me to recognize the complexity of various social issues and the significance of understanding that biological components, family dynamics, and stress are key in analyzing a situation. As a future social worker, I am interested in working as a substance abuse counselor, and through this opportunity, I plan on working directly with clients to develop comprehensive treatment plans and collaborate with other professionals to empower individuals to regain control of their lives. Likewise, I hope to improve education about substance use by sharing evidence-based information with the public. Social work is such an amazing profession that emphasizes seeking guidance/supervision, practicing self-care, and upholding the NASW Code of Ethics. The focus that social work has on competency and making ethical decisions made me completely be enamored with the profession. Social workers are taught to recognize the best way to help people and that they must consider the way their actions or words affect others. Social work heavily aligns with my personal values like honesty, as it strengthens trust, respect, and rapport within relationships. The NASW Code of Ethics value of Integrity aligns with my personal value of honesty, as social workers have a responsibility to be honest about their areas of competency and set realistic expectations for clients through practicing transparency. Furthermore, it means acknowledging mistakes that are made and working toward remedying them. For example, as lifelong learners, social workers will at times share information with clients or colleagues that becomes outdated. To remedy this, the social worker should correct themselves using the newly presented evidence. In order to achieve my goal of becoming a social worker, I have had to balance my education and my job so I can pay for school. Even when I am exhausted from work or class, I continue to study and complete my homework because I want to learn the best ways to help people. I have to sacrifice a substantial amount of time to studying rather than spending it with my friends and family. Considering that most of my paycheck is devoted to paying for my education, I have to limit my spending, and this means that I cannot afford healthcare. I have to make compromises and be creative with the money I have, and therefore I have to prioritize meals that will last a couple of days. Despite these challenges, I am dedicated to social work, and this only motivates me to help future generations navigate barriers.
@Carle100 National Scholarship Month Scholarship
Olivia Woods Memorial Scholarship
Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Patillo Beals is a book that confronts me with the reality of my privilege as a white person. As is the case of desegregation, policies affecting black people are often reliant on decisions of white politicians. Supporting PACS such as the NAACP, run by a large black population, allows politicians to understand the need for redress. This book is based on a personal account from Melba as a member of the Little Rock Nine, a group of nine black students who chose to go to Central High an all-white in 1957. The students attended the school following the case of Brown v. Board of Education and pressure from the local chapter of the NAACP. She was attacked by white students on a daily basis and feared for her safety. While physically overpowered Melba makes a bold statement in which she addresses the people who have oppressed her and directly exemplifies a protest. She challenges society even though being a young African American child she is faced with a significant power imbalance compared to her opposers. The book is the reason I found out about the amazing work the NAACP does. The NAACP has kept me informed on issues. I follow them on social media along with signing up for their text updates to stay educated on policy and knowing where to protest. Ultimately, this book made me understand it’s important that I listen to black people who have first hand experience with these issues and educational curriculum with multiple cultural experiences allows us to better connect with our classmates. The book is beautifully written and I will always remember the way it has impacted my outlook on life. I know that it has impacted many others the same way and hope it continues being taught.
Bold Joy Scholarship
The rosy warmth floats to my cheeks and creates an indescribable sense of euphoria that makes me smile proudly. The feeling is a sense of catharsis and is known simply as joy. Joy is transformative and it can brighten the darkest moments. It’s a unique and intimate experience that makes us human. It's such a simple word, but its implications are so complex. This emotion is deeply personal as different people find joy in numerous places. My relationship with joy is that I discover it by helping others and within my achievements. The prospect of my future as a pharmacist and the retrospect of what I’ve already achieved elevate my mood. Knowing that I was able to become a CNA, CPCT, and CPHT. This brings me so much joy for the future that I can become Dr. Foster with devotedness. I found joy in learning medication names, drug interactions, and drug uses. Along with attending clinical at Burn’s Nursing Home and being able to help residents with daily tasks. I desire to help my patients, as a pharmacist, receive the best treatment and advocate for better facilities for BIPOC. For example, using textbooks with images of allergic reactions on different skin tones. I must bring joy to others as well as myself and I must create a welcoming environment to bring joy to everyone. Additionally, I love mentoring incoming high school freshmen about exploring career opportunities and I have helped several apply for scholarships early. When I share my knowledge with people passionate about that subject, I feel validated. Likewise, I feel extremely joyful knowing that I am inspiring others to pursue medicine and that more wonderful people will be there for the vulnerable.
Bold Passion Scholarship
As a future pharmacist, drug users are an underserved community that I hope to help and dealing with my brother's struggle with sobriety makes me more driven. Society must stop criminalizing drug use. It is also important that racial discrimination in sentencing is addressed. Crack cocaine, predominately used by black people, carried longer imprisonment than powder cocaine until 2010. Furthermore, America has the highest incarnation rate in the world and the majority of those imprisoned are users. According to a study from 2014, 68% of drug offenders are rearrested within 3 years of release from prison. In addition, a lot of drug users have unresolved mental illness and imprisonment only exasperates this. Likewise, emotional vulnerability will reduce usage. My brother used drugs to cope with PTSD and the loss. It is destructive and if mental health services were more affordable this could have been addressed before his addiction developed. I currently discuss these issues on social media and in the future, in my career. Achieving this by educating patients about proper medication dosages and offering counseling to those struggling. Additionally, advocating for support services in low-income areas and substance education in schools explaining the neurological effects of substance usage on the brain/body. In my state of Alabama, there is a lack of compassion for drug users and they are often treated inhumanely. This lack of understanding is another expression of Alabama’s poor educational status. Our curriculum should be refined by experts. I have begun the process of speaking to my representatives about this subject and I hope that this will increase addiction services in my area. We must be willing to support users and invest in our youth by enhancing their education. Along with recognizing poverty and race as obstacles to receiving adequate care.
Scholarship Institute Future Leaders Scholarship
My face beams with a smile as I hand blood drive donors snacks and beverages. This interaction gains depth as they smile back and the genuine collective happiness between us fills the room. The National Honor Society Blood Drive was an amazing experience and I know that people in the community were happy to be welcomed after being exhausted from donating blood. Leadership enriches public good and it teaches the volunteer valuable lessons like how to communicate effectively. I’ve personally experienced improved communication skills, ability making friends, and overall well-being. Leadership has played a huge role in shaping me as an individual and I know that I want to remain involved in the future. The extensive community service I have participated in allowed me to develop stronger public speaking skills along with more self-confidence. As a RMS intern I manage a class of 75 students and maintain control without a teacher present. Furthermore, as an intern at Russellville Middle School in Mr. Keeton’s musical theater class, I have become friends with several students and encouraged them to seek leading roles. I also assist in any way possible by answering questions. My clinical hours at Russellville Hospital and Russellville Drugs allowed me to work with those ages 20-65. Participating in clinical at Russellville Hospital Pharmacy and Russellville Drugs helped me understand that pharmacy is the career I would like to pursue. Along with volunteering for 16 hours at Burn’s Nursing Home as a part of my CNA clinical and this allowed me to assist elderly residents with toileting, bed changing, feeding, dressing, bed baths, and calculating input and output. This all while they were in a vulnerable position and needed help. Additionally, I was able to recruit two people to donate blood at our local blood drive along with volunteering at the drive to keep snacks restocked. As the HOSA project chairmen I represented my school’s chapter of HOSA by making decisions regarding community service opportunities and fundraising for our state leadership conference. Likewise, I competed in the pharmacy science sector and placed 5th in the state of Alabama. Leadership is a way to assist others, develop important life skills, and understand your interests. The act of helping others also brings so much joy to the volunteer and makes all the hard work worth it.
Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship
During clinical as a CPCT & CPT, I remember observing faster patient wait times and the healthcare staff was able to assist more patients. All due to the implementation of new technology. The use of Kiosks in healthcare has streamlined the process of obtaining patient information and reduced patient wait times. This software has allowed patients to log their medical information as first-time patients before they even enter the facility. Greatly allowing healthcare workers to focus on treating patients rather than registration and paperwork. Kiosks are also being used to check patients’ temperatures and prevent the spread of COVID-19 by asking patients if they have symptoms. This technology inspires me to continue to work towards making healthcare a better experience for patients in my career as a pharmacist. I am inspired to explore innovations in healthcare technology that will make the process easier for patients and other healthcare workers. This technology could also be used in the field of pharmacy to easily have patients log their medications and side effects. Additionally, the usage of Kiosks to reduce unnecessary interaction has protected vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic and motivated me to be more socially conscious of my influence in protecting others. The collective social awareness of public health prompted by the pandemic and the exercise of Kiosk technology in healthcare inspired our society to recognize healthcare workers' efforts. Along with healthcare workers volunteering their precious time to allow nursing home residents to be able to visit with family by having family members check in with Kiosks and placing protective shields between residents and family. Ultimately, this innovation is truly inspirational and has made society more aware of ways to better serve the immunocompromised. The healthcare technology can be used to revolutionize and improve patient care. The improved wait times and patient protections seen through the use of technology will promote better quality of care.
Bold Art Scholarship
We use art and media to depict our life experiences. The usage of detail with every brisk stroke and the mixing of colors; Only allows us to understand what we can see and never accurately capturing what it sounded like, smelled like, or felt like to the artist. The “Human Condition” by the surrealist, Rene Magritte is a critique of perception. It is a series of two paintings. One of these paintings is a vivid ocean landscape with an easel obscuring it. On the easel is an illustration of that ocean landscape. An audience may look at this and interpret this environment to be bustling with seagulls. Even though nothing in the art suggests it, an audience makes assertions. The other uses the same strategy with more muted colors and a depiction of a plain landscape. By looking at this piece I would assume that it was a lonely place to live, however, maybe a series of houses is outside the painting’s border. These pieces allow the audience to speculate that the landscape is the same as the one on the easel. The artist is developing the idea that we often have false recollections of memories and fill those in by making assumptions. Moreover, pieces of art will never be able to replicate the real world. Even if the artist is not obscuring parts of the story, they may inaccurately show what is seen. This work inspires me to become more introspective in my perception of the world. Remembering that my interpretation of events is often only one perspective and that others may have experienced the same event differently. While also developing my writing to be more immersive for readers. Ultimately, the goal would be to have the readers fully understand the intricacies of something they have never experienced.
Bold Legacy Scholarship
Their voices in harmony and the sequence of fluid movements they make. Indeed, that’s the way I’ve always interpreted my aunt’s interest in performing arts. I know that she’s a part of my legacy. Since I’ve encouraged her to pursue leading roles she had a solo in Tangled. A legacy is leaving your community a better place through your work and creating memories. The community outreach work I’ve done has created a legacy by enriching the lives of others. In my career as a pharmacist, I would like to be remembered for my empathy and kindness towards my patients. I would hope that I could explore the most affordable options for their medications and be remembered for making the hard times easier. I am ambitious that people will observe my struggles and see even though you have limitations you can still work hard to achieve your dreams. I desire to have a family and help my children develop into beautiful human beings. I hope they remember the times I made them laugh and smile. Along with cherishing the times, we anticipated the warm chocolate chip cookies as we looked at the oven longingly and the inevitable times when I will need to console them after a terrible day. A legacy is not defined by wealth and fame. However, having a legacy is more so about the impact. The people who had the greatest impacts on the world and are less well known. An example is Rosalind Franklin who had her X-ray stolen that showed the structure of DNA. This revolutionary discovery changed the course of genetics and our understanding of diseases. Hereby, increasing patient protections in our modern world. The legacy that I desire leave behind is through those I inspired to exceed & people I helped with my work.
KC R. Sandidge Photography Scholarship
I have always loved capturing the essence of a subject with my camera and I believe that this set of photos illustrates love in a beautiful way. Furthermore, it serves as a depiction of companionship among one’s self and nature. I remember the love I felt for the animals photographed and their loyalty to me. The candid moments we had are the greatest memories one could ask for. I knew I had to share the authentic qualities of life that are often belittled. Instead of viewing natural order as an obstacle in our lives, we should embrace it. The first photo was actually meant to be a self-portrait until my beautiful dog Maple interrupted and it turned out to be my favorite photo from that shoot. My use of self-portraits express a connection to a deeper self as I navigate self image issues and realize that I am not all the negative things I put upon myself. I am the beauty of the natural world and just the same as a delicate flower I bloomed into a confident woman. I am fundamentally happy capturing these moments observed in nature and it's ethereal beauty. The composition of the photos being dark is used to examine the darkness within ourselves and how we overcome that through our love. The complexity of love and nature within ourselves is something we must express within out art and ourselves to understand our world.
Bold Make Your Mark Scholarship
What makes you feel welcomed in a new environment? For me it’s people taking the time to answer any questions and being passionate about what they are talking about. Furthermore, community service has played a huge role in shaping me as an individual and I know that I want to remain involved in the future. The extensive community service I have participated in allowed me to develop stronger public speaking skills along with more self-confidence. As a RMS intern I manage a class of 75 students and maintain control without a teacher present. I also assist in any way possible by answering questions. Having experience working with different age groups through this and my hospital clinical hours. My clinical hours at Russellville Hospital and Russellville Drugs allowed me to work with those ages 20-65. This all while they were in a vulnerable position and needed help, much like those who will need help to in the future when I begin working as a pharmacist. Additionally, I was able to recruit two people to donate blood at our local blood drive along with volunteering at the drive to keep snacks restocked. These experiences allowed me to elevate people's happiness. The Dual Enrollment opportunities allowed me to obtain a 3 on the AP Biology exam. While still maintaining a 4.4 gpa and managing my extracurricular activities. I am currently enrolled at the Northwest Shoals campus for my NAS 100 and I will soon receive my certification. I have already previously received my certifications as a Patient Care Technician and Pharmacy Technician. As a Students Against Destructive Decisions officer (SADD) and HOSA officer, I know I could be a positive influence while holding leadership roles. This previous experience with teamwork and organization will assist me in creating the best environment for people.
Nicole Foster Student Profile | Bold.org