My interest in nursing comes from a combination of personal experience and the time I have spent learning about healthcare. When my mother went through treatment for breast cancer, I saw how important nurses were in her care. They explained things clearly, paid attention to details, and made sure she felt supported even on difficult days. Watching this made me realize how much nurses influence the way patients experience medical treatment. It also made me aware of how meaningful it would be to have a career where I could help people feel safe, informed, and cared for. That is what first pushed me toward nursing, and it is the reason I have stayed committed to it. As I prepare for my nursing program at the University of Tampa, I have thought a lot about the kind of nurse I want to become and what I hope to get out of my career. I want a career that is steady, purposeful, and centered on helping others. Nursing gives me the chance to work directly with patients and to use both science and communication to support their health. I know the work will be demanding, but it is the kind of responsibility I want. I have always been someone who stays calm under pressure, and I like working in environments where teamwork matters. Nursing fits those strengths well. The field of nursing I plan to enter is nurse anesthesia. I became interested in this specialty after observing anesthesiologists and nurses in surgical settings and seeing how much preparation and precision their work requires. I want a role where I can focus on patient safety, careful monitoring, and technical skill, and nurse anesthesia aligns with that. It is a specialty where every detail matters, and I am someone who pays attention to detail and prefers structured, step by step work. Becoming a CRNA will also allow me to support patients during procedures that can be stressful or unfamiliar to them. I want to help people feel comfortable and informed at a time when they may feel nervous or unsure. My goal is to start my career as a registered nurse in a critical care unit so I can build strong clinical skills before applying to a nurse anesthesia program. Working in a high acuity environment will give me experience with complex cases, rapid decision making, and patient monitoring, all of which will prepare me for graduate level training. I know this path will take time, but I am ready for the education and experience it requires. The impact I hope to make in nurse anesthesia is simple. I want to provide reliable, consistent care to every patient I am responsible for. I want to be the person who explains what is happening, answers questions honestly, and helps patients feel more at ease before they go into surgery. I also hope to carry forward the same professionalism and steadiness I saw in the nurses who cared for my mother. If I can help someone feel less afraid or more prepared during a difficult moment, then I will feel that I am doing my job well. Overall, I am passionate about nursing because it is a direct way to help others while also being a challenging and meaningful career. I am motivated by the experiences that first introduced me to healthcare, and I am driven by a clear plan for where I want to go. Becoming a nurse anesthetist will allow me to serve patients in an important specialty, and I am committed to working toward that goal.

From the first time I watched Sabrina Carpenter as Maya Hart on Girl Meets World, I saw more than just a character on a screen. I saw someone with grit, humor, and heart—a girl who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind but also carried a softness beneath the jokes. As I grew older, Sabrina’s music and her growth as an artist began to mirror my own journey of figuring out who I am and who I want to become. Whether it was the fun energy of Espresso or the raw honesty of Please Please Please, her work has always felt like a soundtrack to moments in my life when I needed both joy and courage. What inspires me most is Sabrina’s evolution. She started out in roles that made us laugh, but she never stopped reaching higher. Transitioning from Disney Channel to chart-topping music could not have been easy, yet she did it with confidence, authenticity, and a refusal to box herself in. That determination speaks to me. I am beginning my own new chapter, heading to the University of Tampa to study nursing, and just like Sabrina, I want to keep growing, pushing boundaries, and proving to myself that I can thrive in new spaces. Sabrina’s music has been more than background noise—it has been a source of strength. When my mother was battling breast cancer, there were days when everything in our house felt heavy. On those days, I would put on my headphones and let Sabrina’s songs carry me. I still remember walking to volleyball practice with Espresso blasting, the rhythm lifting me up when my mind felt weighed down. Her lyrics reminded me that it was okay to feel everything at once, that being vulnerable could also mean being strong. Her music became a space where I could breathe, cry, or smile again, even if just for a few minutes. That comfort is something I will never forget. I also admire how Sabrina uses her platform. She is not afraid to address difficult issues or to speak up for what matters to her. That kind of authenticity motivates me as I prepare for a career in healthcare. Nursing is not only about clinical skill; it is about showing up with honesty, empathy, and presence, even in the toughest situations. Sabrina has taught me that being genuine and staying true to yourself can inspire others in ways you may never even realize. This scholarship represents more than financial support—it represents the chance to honor the kind of impact an artist can have on her fans. Sabrina has encouraged me to dream big, to embrace my quirks, and to move forward with resilience. As I take my next steps into college and eventually into the medical field, I want to carry that same spirit with me: to uplift, encourage, and support others in my own way. Just as Sabrina has used her voice to touch lives, I hope to use my future career to bring care, comfort, and hope to patients when they need it most. Sabrina Carpenter’s journey shows that growth, creativity, and authenticity can change people’s lives. She has certainly changed mine. And just like her career, which continues to evolve in new and exciting ways, I am determined to keep growing, to keep learning, and to never stop reaching for the next stage of my own story.

From as early as I can remember, I was drawn to helping people feel better. At first, it looked like small gestures—handing a classmate a tissue or playing pretend doctor with stuffed animals. But everything changed when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Sitting beside her through surgeries, treatments, and long recovery days opened my eyes to the world of healthcare. The nurses who cared for her were not just medical professionals; they were comforters, teachers, and steady guides. Their presence gave our family reassurance during some of the hardest days of our lives. Watching them made me realize that I wanted to dedicate my life to nursing, a career where science and compassion meet. My goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). This field excites me because it blends advanced medical knowledge with the responsibility of supporting patients during critical and often frightening procedures. I know this path will be challenging, but I am ready for the work it requires. I have already prepared myself through rigorous academics, maintaining a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.7 weighted GPA while also earning 23 college credits through dual enrollment. At the same time, I balanced varsity volleyball, part-time work, and community service. These experiences taught me resilience, time management, and the importance of showing up for others—qualities I know will serve me well as I move forward in healthcare. Beyond academics, service has shaped who I am. I founded Book Buddies, a summer literacy program at a local no-kill cat rescue, where children practiced reading while providing companionship to shelter cats. I helped organize blood drives through the National Honor Society and raised money for breast cancer research in honor of my mom. Each of these experiences reminded me that healthcare is not just what happens in hospitals—it is also the way we support and educate our communities. Nursing will give me a platform to continue that kind of service on a larger scale. As a woman entering healthcare, I feel a responsibility to make a positive impact not only on patients but also on the field itself. Women have always been the backbone of nursing, yet they still face barriers such as unequal pay and underrepresentation in leadership roles. I hope to use my career to advocate for change in these areas. By mentoring younger nurses and encouraging more women to pursue advanced practice roles, I want to expand opportunities for women in healthcare. Representation matters, and I want to show other young women that it is possible to excel in highly specialized roles like nurse anesthesia while remaining true to themselves. I also believe that women bring unique strengths to healthcare. Empathy, resilience, and the ability to connect deeply with patients are often undervalued, yet they are essential to healing. Whether I am calming a patient before surgery or advocating for better support for nurses, I want to show that compassion is just as important as technical skill. Ultimately, my choice to pursue a degree in healthcare comes down to a desire to serve. My mother’s journey showed me that medicine can save lives, but compassion makes those lives worth living. My vision is to carry both science and empathy into my career as a nurse anesthetist, helping patients feel safe in their most vulnerable moments. As a woman in healthcare, I hope to lead with strength and care, to open doors for others, and to make a lasting impact on the lives of the patients and families I serve

When I think about my vision for myself as a future nurse, I see a career that is not just about medicine but about compassion, advocacy, and resilience. Nursing, to me, is more than a profession—it is a calling to step into people’s lives during their most vulnerable moments and to offer not only medical skill but also kindness and hope. My dream is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). This role excites me because it requires both technical expertise and the ability to provide comfort and safety to patients who are facing surgery or critical procedures. Anesthesia can be intimidating for patients and their families, but nurses have the unique ability to calm fears, explain what is happening, and stand as steady advocates when people feel powerless. That combination of science and compassion is exactly what I want to bring to my future career. My vision is shaped largely by my mother’s journey with breast cancer. During her treatment at the Stockman Cancer Center, I spent countless hours sitting beside her in infusion rooms, waiting for scans, and watching her recover after surgery. What made the greatest impression on me was not only the medicine but the people delivering it. Nurses at Stockman were always present—adjusting IV lines, checking vitals, but also remembering our names, sharing encouragement, and lifting my mother’s spirits on the hardest days. I saw how their positivity carried her through times when her strength faltered. I also saw how their professionalism gave my family confidence that she was receiving the best care possible. Those nurses showed me what it means to embody both knowledge and empathy, and I want to follow in their footsteps. Like Sheila A. Burke, who spent her career investing in the next generation of nurses, the nurses who cared for my mother invested in me without even realizing it. They inspired me to choose this path, and my vision as a future nurse is to offer the same inspiration and comfort to others. Another part of my vision is rooted in service. Since middle school, I have sought out opportunities to give back, from volunteering at my local animal welfare league to organizing breast cancer awareness fundraisers at my high school. One of my proudest accomplishments has been founding Book Buddies, a summer reading program at a no-kill cat rescue. Children who struggled with reading would sit with shelter cats, practicing aloud in a non-judgmental space. It gave the kids confidence and brought comfort to the animals. On the surface, it may not seem related to nursing, but it taught me something vital: how small acts of care can make a huge difference in someone’s well-being. That lesson will stay with me in every patient interaction I have as a nurse. Academically, I have worked hard to prepare for the rigor of nursing school. I graduated high school with a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.7 weighted GPA, taking college-level courses through dual enrollment and earning 23 college credits before even starting at the University of Tampa this fall. Balancing advanced classes, varsity volleyball, part-time work, and family responsibilities taught me discipline, time management, and perseverance. These are qualities I know I will need in nursing, where long hours and high-stakes situations require stamina and focus. But beyond grades and activities, my vision for myself as a nurse is about who I want to be at the bedside. I want to be the nurse who looks a patient in the eye and assures them they are safe. I want to be the one who notices the quiet patient in the corner and takes a few extra minutes to check in. I want to be the nurse who not only administers anesthesia with precision but also holds a hand and says, “I’ll be here when you wake up.” I also see myself as an advocate. Too often, patients feel overwhelmed by medical jargon or limited by financial and social barriers. I want to use my role to bridge those gaps—to make healthcare more understandable, accessible, and compassionate. Part of Sheila A. Burke’s legacy was in furthering education and encouraging others. I want to carry that forward by mentoring younger nurses one day, especially those who come from underrepresented backgrounds like myself. Representation matters in healthcare. Patients deserve to see providers who reflect their communities, and students deserve mentors who can remind them that their voices belong in the field of nursing. Being underprivileged has made my vision even sharper. My family has faced financial strain due to my mother’s illness and my father’s approaching retirement. Scholarships like this one are not just about tuition for me—they are about possibility. They mean I can fully commit to my studies instead of splitting my energy between school and multiple jobs. They mean I can pursue hospital internships, volunteer opportunities, and clinical experiences that prepare me to be the best nurse possible. Without this support, my path would be more limited, but with it, I can dedicate myself to excellence, service, and growth. Looking further ahead, I see my career expanding beyond the hospital. I want to be involved in public education about health—teaching communities about preventive care, early detection, and healthy living. I also want to advocate for nurses themselves. I know this profession is demanding, and burnout is real. Part of my vision is to help create a culture where nurses feel supported, valued, and encouraged to keep learning and growing. Sheila A. Burke’s commitment to positivity and growth in nursing is a reminder that supporting nurses is just as important as supporting patients. Both are connected, because healthy, empowered nurses provide the best care. Finally, my vision is not just professional but personal. I want to live a life where I embody the same resilience and compassion I admired in my mother and the nurses who cared for her. I want to build relationships with patients and families that last beyond procedures, to be remembered not just for what I did but for how I made them feel. I want to serve with humility, recognizing that every patient has a story, and I am only stepping into it for a short time. My role is to make that chapter less frightening and more hopeful. In thirty years, I hope to look back and see that I not only became a skilled CRNA but also lived out a legacy of service, education, and encouragement. I want to know that I mentored new nurses, supported my colleagues, and left a mark on the profession in ways that extended beyond my own career. If I can do that, I will feel I have honored the spirit of leaders like Sheila A. Burke and the nurses who shaped me. My vision as a future nurse is clear: to combine science with compassion, skill with service, and ambition with advocacy. With the support of this scholarship, I will be able to pursue that vision wholeheartedly, carrying forward a legacy of care that has already touched my life and that I hope to extend to countless others.

When I think about Taylor Swift’s career, it is hard to pick just one performance that stands out because she has had so many unforgettable moments on stage. But if I had to choose the one that moved me the most, it would be her 2021 Grammy performance where she sang “Cardigan,” “August,” and “Willow” from Folklore and Evermore. It was simple compared to the stadium lights and fireworks of her tours, yet it carried a quiet strength that felt just as powerful. That night, Taylor sat on a moss-covered stage designed to look like a fairytale forest. Instead of big choreography or heavy production, she let her words and storytelling carry the performance. The way she transitioned between the songs made it feel like a journey through different chapters of the same story. I remember being struck by how intimate it felt, almost like she had invited everyone into her own living room to listen. In a time when the world was still recovering from the pandemic and so much felt uncertain, her performance felt grounding. What moved me most was the way she balanced vulnerability and strength. “Cardigan” spoke about memory and loss, “August” captured fleeting joy, and “Willow” held onto hope and possibility. Each song reflected emotions that I had also felt during those years—loneliness, change, and trying to find light in the middle of darkness. Watching her perform them back-to-back reminded me that it is okay to hold onto sadness while still looking forward to what comes next. It also showed me how much artistry can exist in restraint. Taylor did not need the spectacle of a sold-out stadium to connect with people that night. She trusted the honesty of her lyrics and the softness of her voice to carry the meaning. That inspired me because it reminded me that sometimes we don’t need to be the loudest in the room to be heard. We just need to be authentic. Another reason this performance meant so much to me is that it came at a time when I was navigating my own challenges. My mother had been battling breast cancer, and our family was living in and out of doctor’s visits and treatment schedules. Music became one of the ways I processed everything I was feeling. Watching Taylor pour so much heart into her songs reminded me that art and creativity can be powerful ways to heal. It made me want to keep pushing forward, even when life felt overwhelming. Taylor Swift has always been known for her ability to evolve and reinvent herself, but this performance reminded me that at the core of her success is the ability to connect with people through storytelling. It made me realize that true impact comes not from glitter or fame but from being honest and relatable. When I look at her twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, I see it as a celebration of everything she has learned about living in the spotlight. But I also think back to that Grammy night, where she proved that the quietest moments can sometimes speak the loudest. That performance taught me that strength can look like softness, and that connection comes from honesty. For me, that will always be the Taylor Swift performance that moved me most.

My name is Olivia Manos, and I recently graduated from high school in Frederick County, Maryland. Soon I will begin my freshman year at the University of Tampa, where I plan to study nursing. It feels exciting and a little overwhelming to reach this point, but when I look back, I can see how my experiences have led me here. I grew up surrounded by a close family and a supportive community. My parents taught me to work hard, to be kind, and to look out for others. Those lessons really sank in during my mom’s battle with breast cancer. Watching her go through treatments was one of the hardest experiences of my life, but it also showed me how powerful healthcare workers can be. The nurses who cared for her were steady, compassionate, and always willing to answer questions. They supported not only my mom but also our entire family. That experience sparked my decision to go into nursing. During high school, I worked hard academically while also making time to volunteer. I helped with blood drives, supported local events, and gave time to causes that mattered to me. These opportunities showed me how small acts of service can have a big impact. They also gave me confidence that I want a career where compassion comes first. Sports shaped me as well. I played volleyball, which taught me teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Being on a team meant trusting others, communicating clearly, and pushing through challenges together. Those lessons will carry into nursing, where teamwork is essential and patients rely on you to stay calm under pressure. One of my passions is connecting with people. I enjoy being there for friends and family, listening when they need to talk, and encouraging them when they doubt themselves. That is part of why nursing appeals to me. It is not only about science and skill, it is also about relationships. Nurses are often the ones who comfort patients during their most vulnerable moments, and I want to be that person for someone else. Looking ahead, my aspiration is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. I know this path will require years of preparation, but I am motivated by the challenge. Nurse anesthesia combines precision with care at critical moments. The thought of being trusted to keep patients safe and comfortable during surgery is a responsibility I want to take on. My background in Frederick has shaped me in countless ways. Growing up in a place filled with history, community, and natural beauty taught me to value both tradition and growth. I think of hiking in Catoctin Mountain Park, weekends at the J Bar rodeo, and afternoons downtown with friends. These experiences gave me balance and perspective, which I want to carry into my life as a student and as a future nurse. When I think about who I am today, I see someone shaped by family, community, and resilience. I see someone who learned from challenges and found strength in them. Most of all, I see someone who is passionate about turning those lessons into service. Nursing is more than a career goal for me. It feels like the way I can take the experiences that shaped me and use them to make a difference for others.

Graduating high school has made me reflect a lot on what I want for my future. For me, choosing nursing feels less like a career choice and more like a calling. I have always been drawn to helping people, but my experiences with healthcare, especially when my mom was battling breast cancer, showed me just how important nurses are. They are the ones who stay by the patient’s side, answer questions, comfort families, and make sure no detail is overlooked. Watching how much of a difference they made for my mom and for my family convinced me that I want to be that kind of person for others. One reason I want to become a nurse is because it combines science with compassion. I have always loved learning about the human body and how it works. I enjoyed my science classes in high school, especially biology, because they helped me understand the connection between health and everyday life. At the same time, I am someone who values relationships and human connection. Nursing is one of the few careers that lets me combine both. As I start my college journey at the University of Tampa, I already know the specific area of nursing I want to pursue: nurse anesthesia. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is my long-term goal. Anesthesia has always fascinated me because it blends precision, focus, and responsibility. The idea of being the person who makes sure patients are safe and comfortable during surgery is something I take seriously. I know it requires advanced education and years of preparation, but I am motivated by the challenge. Part of my interest in anesthesia comes from seeing how patients prepare for surgery. I have witnessed how nervous people can be, and the nurse anesthetist is often the one who reassures them before they go under. That role of protector, the person who patients trust in such a vulnerable moment, inspires me. I want to be someone who brings calm to a stressful situation while also applying advanced medical skills. I also want to pursue nursing because it is a career that never stops growing. Nurses are always learning, whether it is new techniques, new medications, or new ways to connect with patients. The medical field is constantly changing, and that excites me. I do not want a job that feels repetitive. I want one that challenges me to keep improving and adapting. Another reason I feel strongly about nursing is because of the impact it has on families. When my mom was sick, it was not only about her treatment, it was about how our whole family coped. The nurses who explained things to us, answered my dad’s questions, and offered comfort when things felt overwhelming made an impact that I will never forget. They reminded me that healthcare is not only about curing illness but also about caring for people. That lesson has shaped how I see the world and the kind of nurse I want to be. Of course, I also know nursing is not easy. It takes long hours, patience, and the ability to stay calm in stressful situations. But I believe those challenges are worth it. My ultimate goal is to become a nurse anesthetist, but no matter where nursing takes me, I know I will be making a meaningful contribution. Nursing is about more than medical care. It is about compassion, trust, and the human connection that makes healing possible. That is why I want to become a nurse, and why I cannot imagine myself doing anything else.

My New Love Island Challenge: “The Heart Swap” One of the best parts of Love Island is the challenges. They are always dramatic, kind of ridiculous, and usually bring out real feelings people have been hiding. For my new challenge, I came up with The Heart Swap. It would be messy, funny, and definitely cause some chaos in the villa. Here’s how it works. Every Islander starts with a big heart necklace that represents them. At the beginning of the challenge, they all wear their own heart. The goal is simple: end the game holding the heart of the person you feel the strongest about. To get there, you can trade, bargain, or even steal other people’s hearts. The host would set the scene in the garden, with music blasting and the timer set for fifteen minutes. The second it starts, the whole place turns into chaos. Islanders are running around making deals, trying to convince someone to trade, or trying to block others from getting to the person they want. To make it even crazier, three golden “wild card” hearts are hidden around the villa. If you find one, you can force any Islander to swap hearts with you, no questions asked. This challenge would show people’s true colors. If someone spends the whole game chasing one person’s heart, then everyone knows who they are really into. If someone is just swapping with everybody, it might show that they are not taking things seriously. It would also test friendships because Islanders would have to decide if they want to help their friends win over their crush or just look out for themselves. The best part would be the ending. When the whistle blows, everyone has to freeze with the heart they are holding. Then they line up one by one and reveal whose heart they ended up with. That moment would definitely cause drama. Imagine someone saying, “I promised you my heart, but when it came down to it, I realized I wanted someone else.” It would be awkward, but also exactly the kind of honesty viewers love to see. There would also be a prize. If two people end up holding each other’s hearts, they win the challenge and get a special date outside the villa. That would give them more time to connect and see if their bond is real. On the flip side, if someone ends up with no match, they would have a consequence, like missing the next big event or being warned that they are vulnerable at the next recoupling. What I like about The Heart Swap is that it combines all the things that make Love Island fun. It has the fast pace of a race, the strategy of people making deals, and the emotions of Islanders admitting what they really feel. It would definitely shake up the villa and make people question where they stand. Some couples would come out stronger, while others might break down, but either way it would be unforgettable television.

When people talk about health, they usually think of eating right, exercising, or seeing a doctor. It took me a while to understand that mental health is just as important. My own struggles and the experiences of people I love have shaped how I see myself, how I connect with others, and what I want to do in the future. Mental health became real to me during high school. At first, I thought stress and anxiety were things everyone just pushed through. I believed the only answer was to keep going no matter what. But I learned that ignoring emotions only makes them heavier. There were times when I felt drained even though I was doing well in school and activities. On the outside, I looked fine, but inside I was exhausted. That experience forced me to stop pretending and start paying attention to how I was really doing. One of the biggest lessons I learned was that asking for help does not make you weak. At first, I was embarrassed to admit I was struggling. I thought it would make me seem less capable. But when I finally opened up, I realized people cared more about me than about how “perfect” I looked. Talking honestly lifted a huge weight and showed me how powerful support systems can be. That experience changed how I approach relationships because now I know that being vulnerable often brings people closer. It also taught me the importance of listening. Everyone fights battles we cannot always see. When I started paying attention, I noticed how many classmates and even adults hid struggles behind a smile. That made me more compassionate. Instead of making quick judgments, I try to give people space and understanding. This shift has strengthened my friendships and family relationships because I focus less on appearances and more on being present. Mental health also changed how I understand success. I used to think it was all about grades, trophies, or achievements that people could see. Now I know none of that matters if you are falling apart inside. Society often praises people for working nonstop, but balance is what really leads to happiness. This new perspective has shaped my goals. I want a future where I can be proud of my accomplishments but also take care of myself along the way. This awareness is a big reason why I chose nursing. Mental and physical health are deeply connected. Stress can raise blood pressure, anxiety can slow healing, and depression can keep people from seeking care. I want to be the kind of nurse who sees the whole person, not just the chart. My own experiences taught me that being heard can make all the difference, and I want to bring that compassion to my patients. Mental health has also influenced how I handle challenges. Before, I thought every obstacle was proof I was not good enough. Now I see them as opportunities to grow. I have learned strategies that help me stay grounded, like journaling, taking breaks, or talking to someone I trust. These tools remind me that setbacks are temporary and do not define my worth. I have also come to value community. Struggles with mental health can feel isolating, but so many people go through them. That realization showed me the importance of creating safe spaces where people can share without shame. I admire organizations that promote awareness and resources, and I hope to be involved in that kind of work during and after college. Open conversations can help break the stigma and make people feel less alone. Even though mental health challenges are difficult, I am grateful for what they have taught me. They gave me perspective on what really matters in life. They showed me that success is not about perfection but about being honest with yourself and taking care of your well-being. They made me more empathetic, more resilient, and more determined to live with balance and purpose. I know I will face stress and difficulties in the future, but I am better prepared because of what I have learned. My mental health journey has shaped my goals by steering me toward healthcare, shaped my relationships by making them more genuine, and shaped my understanding of the world by teaching me that true strength is not about ignoring pain but about finding the courage to face it. In the end, my experiences with mental health have changed me in lasting ways. They taught me compassion and resilience. They reminded me that while I cannot control every challenge, I can control how I respond and who I lean on for support. That is the lesson I carry into every goal, every relationship, and every step forward.

Growing up, I never thought of volleyball as a statement. It was something I simply enjoyed—the sound of sneakers on the court, the thrill of a long rally, and the unspoken connection between teammates. But over time, I realized that being a girl in sports meant more than just playing a game. It meant showing strength, using my voice, and claiming space in a world where women are often expected to stay quiet and polite. Sports helped me build the confidence, discipline, and resilience that I carry with me every day. Balancing volleyball, school, and family life taught me how to manage my time and prioritize what matters most. Between practices, matches, and tournaments, I had to stay focused on my studies. I challenged myself with tough classes and made sure my academics never suffered, even when I was exhausted. I wanted to prove that I could be both an athlete and a strong student, not one or the other. That mindset helped me break through the narrow expectations society places on girls—to either be athletic or smart, ambitious or nurturing. I believe we can be all of it. Volleyball gave me a voice. On the court, communication is key. I had to speak with purpose, support my teammates, and call out plays with confidence. That same energy followed me into the classroom and my community. I became more comfortable raising my hand, leading group projects, and taking initiative. I now organize a Pink Out volleyball match at my school each year to raise awareness for breast cancer and educate students on self-exams and prevention. I also created a summer reading program for kids at a local animal rescue. These efforts grew from the belief that I could lead and that my actions could make a difference. Failure is another lesson sports taught me well. I have lost games, made mistakes, and missed opportunities. But I always showed up for the next practice ready to work harder. Learning to bounce back helped me grow thicker skin and a stronger heart. I realized that strength is not about winning all the time. It is about how you carry yourself when you lose, how you support others, and how you keep going when things get hard. One of the hardest decisions I made was stepping away from club volleyball to focus more on academics and community work. That choice was not easy, but it was the right one. I learned that being a strong woman means knowing your priorities and choosing the path that supports your long-term goals. For me, that meant doubling down on my future in nursing and investing in service work that fuels my purpose. In a world where leadership, power, and recognition are still too often male dominated, sports helped me see what I am capable of. I do not walk into a room wondering if I belong. I walk in knowing I have worked for every opportunity and that my voice matters. Volleyball shaped more than my athletic ability. It built my confidence, sharpened my focus, and helped me grow into a young woman who will not be overlooked.

The phone call that told me my mother had breast cancer came on an ordinary Tuesday while I was finishing geometry homework at the kitchen table. One sentence from the doctor changed everything. Her diagnosis, HER2 positive and estrogen receptor positive, pulled our family into months of scans, surgery, and chemotherapy. Volleyball tournaments turned into worksheets completed beside an IV pole. I learned that courage can sound like a nurse saying “one more deep breath,” and that love can fit inside a sticky note that reads “You’ve got this, Mom.” Living through those months has shaped who I am. I now volunteer at Frederick Health’s infusion center, handing out warm blankets and conversation because I remember how much that kindness helped my mother. I also started Book Buddies for Hope, a summer book drive that supplies picture books to the oncology lounge so younger siblings have something bright to hold. Most important, I found my calling. This fall I will study nursing at the University of Tampa, and afterward I plan to earn a doctorate in nurse anesthesia so I can guide patients through the toughest days of their lives. Cancer can be relentless, but it is not unbeatable. Prevention begins with daily habits: eating whole foods, moving at least thirty minutes a day, limiting added sugar, sleeping enough, and protecting skin from the sun. Knowledge matters just as much. Each October I organize a Pink Out volleyball match that raises money for research and teaches classmates how to perform monthly self-examinations. For adults I encourage regular clinical exams and yearly mammograms starting at forty, or earlier when family history calls for it, because early detection turns statistics into second chances. Genetic testing offers another layer of protection. After my mother’s diagnosis, her oncologist ordered a multigene panel. She tested negative for BRCA, but the process still empowered us. Her sisters now stagger their mammograms so someone in the family is always being screened, and I will begin clinical breast exams at eighteen instead of twenty-five. Understanding our genes turns worry into a plan and helps doctors choose targeted treatments if cancer ever returns. I believe I deserve the Martha Dickinson Scholarship because I am already turning hardship into service and will expand that impact through my career. Medical bills from my mother’s treatment tightened our budget, yet they never tightened her smile. This award would ease my first-year tuition and allow me to accept an unpaid hospital internship rather than a retail job, giving me more hours at the bedside where I belong. Like Mrs. Dickinson, my mom kept teaching her second graders until treatment became too tiring, and her resilience guides how I study, serve, and dream. Breast cancer changed my story, but it will not write the ending. With healthy choices, genetic insight, and the support of a scholarship that honors Martha Dickinson’s spirit, I will help other families turn pages of fear into chapters of hope.

My name is Olivia Manos, and I am a high school senior who dreams of becoming a nurse anesthetist. I plan to attend the University of Tampa to begin my journey in nursing, with the ultimate goal of working in the operating room, helping patients through some of the most critical moments of their lives. I chose this career path because of the incredible impact nurses have on people, especially during moments of fear, pain, or uncertainty. Being there to offer comfort, medical expertise, and strength during such times is something I feel deeply called to do. My passion for nursing grew during the COVID pandemic when I saw frontline healthcare workers sacrificing so much for their communities. They worked long hours, risked their own health, and still found the strength to care for others. At the same time, I was dealing with something even more personal—my mom’s breast cancer diagnosis. Watching her go through treatments and appointments, I noticed how the nurses made the biggest difference. They treated her like more than a patient. They treated her like a person. That care and compassion inspired me to want to do the same for others. I knew then that I wanted to be someone who brings strength, skill, and comfort to those in need. What excites me most about becoming a nurse anesthetist is that I will be part of a team that saves lives. The operating room can be a high-stress environment, but it is also a place where incredible healing happens. Being able to safely and skillfully guide patients through anesthesia and recovery is a responsibility I take seriously. I love the idea of combining science, care, and precision in a way that truly changes people’s lives for the better. I hope to make my patients feel safe and cared for, even in their most vulnerable moments. Empowering women is also something I feel strongly about. I believe women belong in every field, especially in leadership roles in healthcare. As I prepare for college and a future in medicine, I want to help create spaces where young women feel encouraged and supported to chase their dreams. One way I have already worked toward this is by mentoring younger girls in my volleyball program. I have played both varsity and travel volleyball, and I always take time to encourage and support younger players who may be struggling with confidence. Whether it is staying after practice to help with skills or just listening when someone needs advice, I try to be the kind of role model I wish I had when I was younger. In college, I plan to join organizations that focus on women in science and medicine. I also want to participate in health outreach programs that serve women in underserved communities. I know from watching my mother’s journey that early detection and access to healthcare can save lives, and I want to help make that kind of care available to more women. In everything I do, I want to make a difference. Becoming a nurse anesthetist is not just a job to me. It is a calling. I want to be someone who lifts others up, whether it is in a hospital room, a classroom, or on the volleyball court. I believe in hard work, kindness, and the power of compassion. With this career, I hope to bring all of that to the people who need it most.