
Hobbies and interests
Volleyball
Youth Group
Art
Drawing And Illustration
National Honor Society (NHS)
Medicine
Payden Coffey
515
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Payden Coffey
515
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
My name is Payden Coffey, and I am a senior in high school planning to attend Northeastern University this fall. Originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, I’ve lived in Colorado Springs for the past four years. I am committed to pursuing a nursing degree to become a travel nurse, combining my passion for medicine with my love of exploring new cultures.
My inspiration for pursuing nursing comes from my mother and grandmother. My mother, a single teen mom, worked tirelessly to earn her degree while raising me. Her resilience and dedication to creating a better future for us instilled in me the value of hard work and perseverance. My grandmother, an immigrant from Indonesia, was a nurse who dedicated her life to helping others. Hearing her stories of navigating a new culture and offering compassionate care sparked my passion for both healthcare and travel.
These women’s strength and commitment to service motivate me to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. I am excited about Northeastern's global perspective and hands-on clinical opportunities, which will provide the foundation I need to achieve my goal of becoming a travel nurse. I’m eager to contribute to the Northeastern community and honor the legacy of my family through my work.
Education
The Vanguard School (High)
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Career
Dream career field:
Medicine
Dream career goals:
As a dedicated future nurse, my goal is to specialize in pediatrics, providing compassionate, high-quality care to children while preserving their innocence and advocating for their health and well-being, ensuring every young patient receives the support they need to thrive.
Sports
Volleyball
Club2022 – Present3 years
Volleyball
Varsity2021 – 20243 years
Awards
- Academic All State
- All Confrence Honorable Mention
Arts
The Vanguard School
Theatre2021 – 2023
Public services
Volunteering
Balance Chiropractic — Volunteer Clinical Assistant2021 – 2025Volunteering
National Charity League — Class President2020 – 2023
Future Interests
Volunteering
Jim Coots Scholarship
Receiving this scholarship would have a profound impact on my education, career, and ability to contribute to the field of holistic health and healing. As someone deeply passionate about nursing and dedicated to providing well-rounded patient care, financial support would ease the burden of tuition costs and allow me to focus on developing the skills necessary to become a compassionate and knowledgeable healthcare provider. It would also empower me to continue my education without financial strain, enabling me to explore specialized areas of healthcare that integrate both modern medicine and holistic healing practices.
Holistic health has always played an important role in my life. My mother, who has been my biggest role model, has always prioritized natural and holistic remedies when caring for me. Whether it was using vibration-based techniques to help alleviate allergies, preparing nourishing herb-based soups when I was sick, or introducing me to alternative therapies that support the body’s natural healing process, she instilled in me a deep appreciation for a well-rounded approach to health. These experiences have shaped my belief that healthcare should go beyond treating symptoms—it should address the whole person, including their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
One of the most transformative experiences in my understanding of holistic health was attending a week-long retreat with Dr. Joe Dispenza. Immersing myself in his teachings on the mind-body connection, meditation, and the power of self-healing reinforced my passion for integrative medicine. I witnessed firsthand how individuals could experience profound changes in their health through guided practices that focused on energy, thought patterns, and emotional well-being. This experience strengthened my resolve to incorporate these principles into my future nursing career, blending scientific medical knowledge with holistic healing techniques to offer patients a truly comprehensive approach to care.
As a future nurse, I hope to integrate holistic healing into my practice, ensuring that my patients receive comprehensive care that acknowledges both modern medical treatments and natural healing methods. I believe that holistic health is essential in addressing chronic illnesses, reducing stress-related conditions, and improving overall patient outcomes. Whether through patient education, nutritional guidance, or incorporating mindfulness techniques into care plans, I want to empower individuals to take charge of their health in a way that aligns with both their medical needs and personal beliefs.
This scholarship would allow me to further explore holistic health in a professional capacity, gaining additional certifications and experience that will enhance my ability to serve diverse communities. I aspire to work in international healthcare settings, where access to modern medicine may be limited, and holistic treatments can provide valuable, sustainable alternatives. By combining my nursing education with my lifelong understanding of holistic healing, I hope to bridge the gap between Western medicine and traditional healing practices, offering patients a balanced, patient-centered approach to care.
Ultimately, the impact of this scholarship extends beyond just my education—it will help me bring compassionate, holistic, and accessible healthcare to those who need it most. With this opportunity, I will be able to continue my mother’s legacy of healing and make a meaningful difference in the lives of my future patients.
Beverly J. Patterson Scholarship
Nursing is more than a career choice for me—it’s a calling rooted in my family’s legacy of resilience, compassion, and dedication to healthcare. My great-grandmother, an Indonesian immigrant during WWII, and my mother, who pursued a PhD while balancing motherhood, both demonstrated the power of perseverance in the medical field. Growing up around their stories and experiences, I developed a deep appreciation for the impact that healthcare professionals have on individuals and communities. Their influence, combined with my own desire to help others, has driven me to pursue nursing.
What excites me most about this field is the ability to make a real, tangible difference in people’s lives. Nurses are often the first and last point of contact for patients, providing not just medical care but also emotional support during their most vulnerable moments. I want to be the kind of nurse who not only treats illnesses but also uplifts and empowers patients, ensuring they feel heard and cared for beyond their physical symptoms.
My ultimate goal is to become an international travel nurse, working in underserved areas around the world. I’ve moved several times throughout my life, which has made me adaptable and eager to connect with diverse communities. I want to use that adaptability to provide medical care in places where resources are limited, whether in disaster-stricken regions, rural hospitals, or countries facing healthcare shortages. While I am particularly interested in emergency and critical care nursing, I also have a strong passion for pediatrics. Working with children requires a unique blend of medical skill, patience, and empathy, and I am drawn to the idea of making hospital visits less intimidating and more comforting for young patients.
Pediatric nursing holds a special place in my heart because it allows me to care for some of the most vulnerable members of society. Children often don’t have the words to express their pain or fear, and being a compassionate presence in their healthcare journey is something I deeply value. Whether treating acute conditions in an emergency setting or providing long-term support to children with chronic illnesses, I hope to be a nurse who not only heals but also brings a sense of comfort and hope to both the child and their family.
Beyond providing direct care, I hope to contribute to pediatric healthcare on a broader scale by advocating for improved access to medical resources for children in underserved communities. I want to educate families on preventive care, ensure that children receive necessary vaccinations, and support global initiatives aimed at reducing infant and child mortality rates. No child should be denied quality healthcare due to location or financial limitations.
In my specialty, I aim to bridge the gap between access and quality care. Many people in underserved areas lack proper medical attention simply because of where they live. By traveling to these regions, I can help provide essential treatments, educate communities about preventive care, and advocate for better healthcare infrastructure. Beyond just treating individual patients, I want to be part of a larger movement that pushes for global health equity.
At the heart of it all, my passion for nursing is about human connection. Whether I’m in a large hospital, a pediatric unit, or a small remote clinic, my goal is to provide care that is not only medically effective but also compassionate and life-changing.
John Young 'Pursue Your Passion' Scholarship
From an early age, I was immersed in the world of healthcare. My great-grandmother, who immigrated from Indonesia during WWII, built a life centered around caring for others, and my mother, despite the challenges of being a young parent, pursued her PhD and continued working in healthcare. Their dedication instilled in me a deep respect for the medical field and a desire to follow in their footsteps. However, my passion for nursing isn’t just about continuing a family legacy—it’s about making a tangible difference in people’s lives, no matter where they are.
Having moved multiple times throughout my life, I’ve learned to adapt to new environments and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. This has strengthened my desire to become an international travel nurse, allowing me to provide compassionate care in communities that need it most. I want to bridge gaps in healthcare access, ensuring that quality medical attention isn’t limited by geography. Whether responding to crises, assisting in under-resourced hospitals, or educating communities about preventive care, I aspire to be a nurse who doesn’t just treat symptoms but empowers individuals to take control of their health.
My personal experiences have also fueled my commitment to this field. Witnessing my mother balance rigorous academic and professional demands while raising me has shown me the importance of resilience and determination. She never let obstacles define her, and that mindset has shaped my own approach to challenges. I know that nursing school, and eventually the profession itself, will demand hard work, emotional strength, and adaptability—qualities I’ve been developing my whole life.
Ultimately, my goal is to not only provide medical care but to be a source of comfort and hope for patients in vulnerable situations. Whether in a bustling hospital or a remote clinic, I want to embody the compassion, strength, and perseverance that first inspired me to pursue this path. My journey into nursing is not just about a career—it’s a calling, shaped by my family’s resilience, my personal experiences, and my drive to make healthcare more accessible on a global scale.
Community Health Ambassador Scholarship for Nursing Students
Nursing has always held a profound significance in my life, deeply intertwined with my family’s story and my personal aspirations. Growing up, I witnessed the incredible resilience of my great-grandmother, an immigrant from Indonesia who worked tirelessly as a nurse after fleeing turmoil during World War II. Her compassion and dedication inspired my mother to pursue a career in healthcare, overcoming the challenges of being a teen mom while earning her PhD. Both of these strong women demonstrated the transformative power of nursing, not just as a profession, but as a calling to care for others in their most vulnerable moments.
This legacy of care and determination has profoundly shaped my desire to become a nurse. However, my passion is not solely rooted in my family history. I have always been drawn to roles that require empathy, critical thinking, and adaptability. My ambition extends beyond the walls of a hospital. I plan to become an international traveling nurse, bringing high-quality care to underserved populations around the world. Having lived in several states and adjusted to new environments, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and adaptability. These qualities will serve me well as I navigate different healthcare systems and work with people from varied backgrounds. By combining my love for travel with my nursing career, I hope to bridge cultural gaps and provide care that is both compassionate and culturally competent.
As a nurse, I aim to contribute to my community in several ways. Locally, I want to mentor aspiring healthcare professionals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Access to education and mentorship can make an enormous difference for individuals who may not see a clear path to a career in nursing. By sharing my journey and offering guidance, I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams, just as my family’s stories inspired me.
Globally, I am committed to addressing healthcare inequities. Whether it involves participating in medical missions, providing education on preventive care, or supporting disaster relief efforts, I believe nurses have the power to enact meaningful change. My ultimate goal is to specialize in community health and develop initiatives that promote long-term wellness in underserved regions. This might include establishing mobile clinics or collaborating with local organizations to improve access to essential services.
Nursing is a profession that embodies both heart and skill, requiring unwavering dedication to others. It is this blend of technical expertise and human connection that draws me to the field. I am eager to uphold the values of compassion, resilience, and service that my great-grandmother and mother exemplified while forging my own path to make a lasting impact. Through nursing, I will not only honor my family’s legacy but also create a legacy of my own—one that prioritizes care, equity, and global community.
Evan James Vaillancourt Memorial Scholarship
From a young age, I have been captivated by the idea of helping others. This passion stems from watching the members of my family embody resilience and compassion, not only in their personal lives but also through their service to others. My great-grandparents, immigrants from Indonesia, endured immense challenges during World War II. Both my great-grandfathers served during the war, demonstrating courage and selflessness in unimaginable circumstances. Their sacrifices for a better future for their families inspire me to dedicate my life to helping others in their times of need. Additionally, my uncle, who served in the Marines, has profoundly influenced my perspective on the importance of care and compassion. Witnessing his struggles with PTSD has deepened my understanding of the long-term impacts of service and the critical role healthcare providers play in addressing both physical and emotional wounds.
The nursing profession aligns perfectly with my desire to combine empathy with hands-on care. I am drawn to the opportunity to be there for patients during their most vulnerable moments, offering not only medical support but also kindness and understanding. Healthcare is deeply personal, and I am committed to fostering human connection in every aspect of my practice. I believe that becoming a nurse will allow me to merge my academic skills with my passion for service, creating a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
My goal extends beyond becoming a nurse; I aspire to work as an international traveling nurse. This ambition is rooted in my experiences moving between states during my childhood. Although adjusting to new environments and leaving friends behind was difficult, it taught me the value of adaptability, cultural understanding, and empathy. I want to take these lessons into a global context, bringing care to diverse populations and learning from the world’s rich tapestry of cultures. Traveling as a nurse will also allow me to fulfill my lifelong dream of exploration. I envision working in underserved communities, providing medical care to those who need it most while immersing myself in new perspectives and ways of life.
Nursing, for me, is more than a career—it is a calling to connect, heal, and explore. It is a way to honor the legacy of my great-grandfathers and uncle, who taught me the importance of sacrifice and service, as well as the women in my family who exemplify strength and compassion. By combining my passion for healthcare with my love for travel, I hope to make a difference in the world, one patient at a time.
TLau "Love Fiercely" Scholarship
Moving to Colorado was one of the biggest changes in my life. At the time, I was grappling with the challenge of leaving familiar faces and places to embrace a state known for its towering mountains and outdoor culture. The adjustment wasn’t easy—I missed my old friends, and everything about my new environment felt foreign. That was, until my first trip to Crested Butte for a snowboarding adventure. The experience not only transformed how I viewed my new home but also became a defining moment in shaping my resilience, confidence, and approach to life.
Before that day, I had never tried snowboarding. I’d watched videos of people gliding gracefully down snow-covered slopes and wondered if I’d ever be able to do the same. On the day of our trip, excitement and nerves churned in my stomach as we made our way to the mountain. Crested Butte, with its jagged peaks and breathtaking views, looked like something out of a postcard. However, standing at the base of the mountain, staring up at the steep trails, I questioned whether I was ready to attempt such an intimidating feat.
My first few hours on the slopes were humbling, to say the least. The first time I strapped on the snowboard and tried to stand up, I immediately lost my balance and toppled over. Attempting to slide even a few feet resulted in a series of ungraceful falls. My frustration mounted as I struggled to get the hang of it, and a small part of me wanted to give up. But as I sat on the cold snow, catching my breath, I realized that the challenge mirrored how I felt about moving to Colorado. Just as I had to navigate the discomfort of starting fresh in a new state, I had to push through the initial awkwardness of learning something new.
Determined, I picked myself up again and again. With each fall, I adjusted my stance and worked on maintaining balance. By the end of the day, I could glide—albeit shakily—down easier slopes. The feeling of accomplishment was exhilarating. It wasn’t just about learning to snowboard; it was about proving to myself that I could face challenges head-on and emerge stronger. Snowboarding forced me to stay present and to embrace the process of trial and error, a lesson I hadn’t fully appreciated until then.
This experience has shaped my perspective on resilience and adaptability. Moving states had initially felt like an insurmountable challenge, but snowboarding taught me that taking small, consistent steps could help me conquer even the steepest slopes. That lesson has carried over into many areas of my life. Whether it’s tackling a demanding academic workload or preparing for being a nurse, I remind myself that persistence and patience are key.
Additionally, snowboarding at Crested Butte solidified my love for the outdoors. Being surrounded by nature’s beauty while pushing myself physically and mentally instilled a sense of peace and clarity. It’s one of the reasons I’m drawn to becoming a traveling nurse. I envision a future where I can combine my passion for healthcare with my love for exploring new places, adapting to new environments with the same enthusiasm I brought to the slopes.
My first snowboarding experience in Crested Butte is a memory I will always cherish. It transformed a daunting move into an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Whenever I face new challenges, I think back to those slopes—to the falls, the triumphs, and the lessons learned along the way. Just as I conquered that mountain, I know I can navigate life’s twists and turns, one step—or glide—at a time.