My journey into nursing began with loss, healing, and the compassion of one person who chose to listen. I was deeply affected when my cousin, who was like a sister to me, passed away from ovarian and stomach cancer. Watching someone I loved so dearly suffer and feeling helpless during her final months changed me. I saw the power of compassionate care—the nurses who not only treated her pain but also treated her with dignity, love, and presence. That experience planted the first seed of my calling to nursing. Later in life, I faced my own medical illness that was overlooked for years, largely because of my age. Many professionals dismissed my symptoms or brushed them aside, leaving me frustrated and feeling unheard. It wasn’t until one dedicated nurse practitioner took the time to truly listen, investigate, and advocate for me that I finally received answers. That moment shaped everything for me. It showed me how powerful empathy and persistence can be in healthcare. Her dedication not only changed my health but gave me a sense of direction—I wanted to be that person for someone else. Working as a Patient Care Technician in the emergency department has only strengthened that desire. Every shift is unpredictable, but it’s also full of purpose. I see firsthand the difference that patience, teamwork, and compassion make in moments of crisis. Whether I’m holding someone’s hand during a panic attack or assisting during a trauma, I’m reminded that nursing is more than a profession—it’s a privilege. It’s the honor of meeting people at their most vulnerable and providing care that restores not just the body, but the spirit. My values—compassion, dedication, and service—are rooted in my family. My parents and grandparents have always taught me that caring for others is one of the purest forms of strength. Visiting my grandparents brings me peace and perspective. They remind me to slow down, appreciate small moments, and never lose sight of who I am beyond my scrubs. Spending time with family grounds me and gives me the emotional balance I need to stay steady in a demanding field. Outside of nursing, one of my greatest passions is being outdoors. Hiking and exploring waterfalls across Tennessee have become my therapy. There’s something incredibly freeing about disconnecting from the noise of everyday life and immersing myself in nature. The sound of rushing water, the challenge of the trail, and the quiet solitude all help me recharge. Hiking has taught me patience and endurance—qualities that mirror nursing itself. Both require persistence, balance, and appreciation for the journey, even when the path is steep. I’m also passionate about volunteering. Giving back to the community allows me to connect with people outside of a clinical setting and to contribute to something bigger than myself. Whether it’s health fairs, charity events, or community outreach, I believe small acts of kindness ripple outward in powerful ways. Volunteering reminds me why I chose this path—to make an impact, even in simple, human ways. Ultimately, my inspiration to pursue nursing comes from a combination of loss, hope, and gratitude. I want to be the kind of nurse who listens when others overlook, who advocates when others give up, and who cares deeply even when the outcome isn’t perfect. My cousin’s memory and that nurse practitioner’s compassion live at the core of my purpose. Nursing is more than a career for me—it’s a calling built on empathy, resilience, and the belief that every life deserves care that goes beyond the surface. Outside of the hospital, my passions for family, nature, and service keep me balanced and remind me that healing happens in many forms. I strive to live a life that reflects compassion both in and out of my scrubs—to bring hope to others the same way hope was once brought to me.

To me, resilience means the ability to keep moving forward despite challenges, to adapt when life doesn’t go as planned, and to find strength in moments of weakness. Living with ADHD and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has taught me that resilience isn’t about being unaffected by obstacles—it’s about learning to rise each time they appear. These conditions have tested my patience and focus, but they’ve also given me purpose, discipline, and a deeper sense of empathy for others. Balancing college life, a chronic illness, and working as a Patient Care Technician in the emergency department hasn’t been easy. ADHD affects my ability to focus, stay organized, and manage time efficiently, while rheumatoid arthritis brings unpredictable physical pain and fatigue. Some mornings, the stiffness in my joints makes it hard to even get out of bed, yet I remind myself why I’m doing this—to help others who are struggling, both physically and emotionally. Living with these challenges has forced me to develop strong habits, like planning ahead, breaking tasks into smaller goals, and giving myself grace when things don’t go perfectly. In school, resilience means pushing through the mental fog and the self-doubt that ADHD often brings. It means finding creative strategies to learn, like using visual aids, setting reminders, and taking breaks to stay focused. It also means advocating for myself and not being afraid to ask for support when I need it. Having RA has taught me patience—there are days I have to slow down and take care of my body, even when my mind wants to move faster. Instead of viewing that as weakness, I’ve learned to see it as balance. My conditions have helped me become more self-aware, more disciplined, and more compassionate toward myself and others. Working in the ER has shown me what true resilience looks like in action. I’ve seen patients fight through pain and fear, and it reminds me that strength isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. When I’m caring for someone in crisis, I draw from my own experiences with discomfort and uncertainty. It allows me to connect on a human level, to be more patient and understanding. There’s a certain kind of empathy that comes from knowing what it’s like to struggle, and that perspective makes me a better caregiver and a more determined student. Resilience, to me, means not giving up when your body or mind tells you to slow down—it means listening, adjusting, and continuing forward anyway. As a college student with ADHD and rheumatoid arthritis, I’ve learned that progress doesn’t always look the same for everyone. Some days it’s about acing an exam or excelling at work; other days it’s simply about showing up and doing my best. My goal is to use my journey to inspire others with chronic conditions to keep going—to know that they are capable of great things, even when the odds seem stacked against them. Resilience isn’t about avoiding struggle; it’s about using it to build strength, compassion, and purpose.

Living with a chronic medical condition—whether directly or indirectly—has changed the way I view life, strength, and purpose. It has tested my patience, shaped my empathy, and motivated me to turn hardship into hope for others. While I won’t disclose the specific diagnosis, I can say that its challenges have had a profound impact on who I am today and the direction of my goals in healthcare. The experience taught me that strength isn’t always about physical ability; it’s about mental and emotional endurance. There were moments when the weight of uncertainty felt overwhelming—times when I had to learn to adapt, to accept what I couldn’t control, and to focus on what I could. Instead of letting it hold me back, I chose to see it as a lesson in resilience. I learned how to slow down, listen to my body, and develop patience not only with myself but with others facing invisible battles. These experiences gave me a deeper understanding of compassion and the importance of treating every patient as more than their condition. What inspires me to excel despite these limitations is the reminder that every obstacle I face can become someone else’s source of encouragement. I’ve seen how compassion and understanding can change a person’s outlook. Whether through my work in the emergency room or in everyday interactions, I strive to be a reminder that strength comes from perseverance. My motivation comes from knowing that I can use my experience to connect with others on a level beyond medicine—emotionally and spiritually. It’s what drives me to push through exhaustion, to study harder, and to show up for patients with empathy and purpose. Living through this experience has also shaped my career goals. It’s one of the reasons I chose to pursue nursing. I want to be the person who understands what it feels like to sit on both sides of the hospital bed—the one offering care, but also the one who has needed it. My journey has given me a unique perspective on the power of small gestures: a reassuring voice, a patient explanation, or a comforting presence. I want to carry that forward into my work as an emergency or flight nurse, where every moment counts and compassion is just as vital as clinical skill. Ultimately, I want to use my story to empower others to see that their challenges don’t define them—they refine them. I hope to show people that even with limitations, they can lead meaningful, impactful lives. My goal is to create an environment—both in healthcare and beyond—where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to keep going. Living with or alongside a chronic condition has not made me weaker; it has made me more human, more determined, and more committed to helping others find strength in their own stories.

Working as a Patient Care Technician in the Emergency Room in Nashville has strengthened my ability to lead, stay resilient, and care for others in high-stress situations. The ER is fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring focus, teamwork, and empathy. Through this experience, I’ve developed five key traits that guide my work each day: leadership and communication, resilience, unselfishness, focus, and a strong work ethic. These qualities not only define how I care for patients but also how I move toward my goal of becoming an emergency or flight nurse. Strong leadership and communication skills Leadership in the ER means staying calm and organized while helping others do the same. I take initiative during critical situations by anticipating the nurses’ needs, preparing supplies, and communicating clearly with the team. I also make it a priority to speak reassuringly to patients, especially those in pain or fear. Good communication builds trust and keeps patient care flowing smoothly. To me, leadership isn’t about control—it’s about creating unity, promoting safety, and setting a positive example for others. Resilient The ER can be emotionally and physically draining. Some days are filled with trauma cases and heartbreaking losses, but I’ve learned how to remain composed and move forward. Resilience means staying strong for the next patient, no matter what just happened. I’ve developed the ability to adapt quickly, manage stress, and stay positive under pressure. My resilience pushes me to keep learning and growing, even when the job gets tough. Unselfish Being unselfish is one of the most important parts of healthcare. I constantly put others’ needs before my own, whether that means helping a coworker finish tasks, cleaning rooms so the next patient can be seen faster, or comforting someone who has no family at their bedside. I’ve learned that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. When the ER is busy, I don’t think twice about stepping in where I’m needed most. Unselfishness builds teamwork and trust, both of which are essential in patient care. Focused and determined In emergency medicine, focus and determination are critical. I give my full attention to every task, from drawing labs to assisting in trauma cases. My determination extends beyond work—I’m driven to advance my career and become a nurse who can handle critical care situations with confidence and skill. My goal is to become a flight nurse, combining my emergency experience with advanced training to care for patients in life-threatening conditions. This dream keeps me motivated and focused every day. Strong work ethic I pride myself on my reliability and consistency. I arrive early, stay late if needed, and never cut corners. My team knows they can depend on me, whether it’s during a routine task or an emergency. A strong work ethic means doing every job with integrity, no matter how small, because every detail matters in patient care. Future goals and meaning of leadership My goal is to become an emergency or flight nurse who provides calm, skilled care in chaotic situations. I’m pursuing my degree to expand my knowledge, strengthen my clinical judgment, and make a greater impact on patients’ lives. To me, leadership means using compassion, teamwork, and strength to guide others. It’s about being dependable, encouraging growth, and staying composed under pressure. I strive to be a nurse who leads with integrity, inspires others, and delivers care that truly makes a difference.

Working as a Patient Care Technician in the emergency room has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life, shaping my goals, my journey, and my identity. Every day, I encounter patients facing a wide range of medical challenges—from minor injuries to life-threatening emergencies. This environment has taught me that healthcare is not just about administering treatments; it is about understanding people, building trust, and advocating for those who may not have a voice. As a first-generation college student and the child of immigrants, I have always been aware of the barriers that can prevent people from accessing care. Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly to provide for our family, often navigating the healthcare system without full understanding of language or procedures. These experiences instilled in me a deep empathy for those who feel overlooked or misunderstood. In the ER, I often care for patients who are homeless, non-English speaking, or otherwise vulnerable, and I find great purpose in being someone who notices them, listens to them, and ensures they are treated with dignity. Whether it’s explaining a procedure, holding a hand, or simply making sure a patient is comfortable, I have seen how small acts of care can provide hope and reassurance in moments of fear and uncertainty. My caregiving experience has also profoundly influenced my professional goals. Working in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment has shown me the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and critical thinking. It has reinforced my desire to become a nurse, where I can expand my knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care, educate patients, and advocate for marginalized communities. I am especially motivated to work with populations who face systemic barriers, ensuring they receive equitable treatment and access to health resources. These experiences have also shaped my identity. I have learned resilience, patience, and the importance of human connection. I have grown more aware of social disparities and the unique challenges faced by underserved populations. Being a caregiver has strengthened my commitment to empathy and advocacy, both in my professional and personal life. It has reinforced the values I learned from my family: compassion, community, and the responsibility to help others whenever possible. Ultimately, my time as a PCT has confirmed that nursing is not just a career for me—it is a calling. It allows me to combine my love for science with my dedication to service, turning empathy into action and knowledge into meaningful care. It has shaped the way I see the world, the way I see others, and the kind of nurse and person I aspire to be: one who lifts up the underserved, honors the dignity of every patient, and makes a lasting impact in both individual lives and the broader community.

My life experiences have greatly influenced my decision to pursue nursing as a career. As a first-generation college student and the child of immigrants, I grew up witnessing firsthand the challenges my family faced in accessing healthcare. My parents worked tirelessly to provide for our family, but language barriers, financial limitations, and unfamiliarity with the healthcare system often made medical appointments stressful and intimidating. From a young age, I found myself stepping in to help—translating, asking questions on their behalf, and offering comfort when they were worried or unsure. These experiences opened my eyes to the profound impact that a caring and knowledgeable healthcare professional can have on a person’s life, and they inspired me to pursue a path where I could provide that same support for others. Growing up in a close-knit family also instilled in me a strong sense of empathy and compassion. I witnessed how small gestures—listening attentively, offering encouragement, or simply being present during difficult moments—could bring comfort and reassurance. I realized that healing is not only about treating a condition but about supporting the whole person emotionally and physically. Nursing embodies this combination of skill, science, and human connection, which is why it feels like a natural and fulfilling career path for me. My experiences within my community have further shaped my desire to become a nurse. Volunteering, helping neighbors, and supporting friends in times of need taught me that service and care extend beyond family, reaching everyone who may need support. These experiences strengthened my commitment to helping others and demonstrated the meaningful difference one person can make when they show compassion, patience, and understanding. Additionally, being part of an immigrant family has given me a unique perspective on the importance of culturally sensitive care. I want to be a nurse who not only treats patients’ medical needs but also ensures they feel understood, respected, and heard, regardless of their background. I hope to bridge gaps in healthcare access, especially for underserved communities, while providing comfort and guidance in times of uncertainty. Ultimately, my life experiences—supporting my family, witnessing the power of empathy, and serving my community—have inspired me to pursue nursing. This profession allows me to transform compassion into action, science into meaningful care, and personal experience into advocacy for others. Nursing is not just a career for me; it is a way to make a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities.

My life experiences have greatly influenced my decision to pursue nursing as a career. As a first-generation college student and the child of immigrants, I grew up witnessing firsthand the challenges my family faced in accessing healthcare. My parents worked tirelessly to provide for our family, but language barriers, financial limitations, and unfamiliarity with the healthcare system often made medical appointments stressful and intimidating. From a young age, I found myself stepping in to help—translating, asking questions on their behalf, and offering comfort when they were worried or unsure. These experiences opened my eyes to the profound impact that a caring and knowledgeable healthcare professional can have on a person’s life, and they inspired me to pursue a path where I could provide that same support for others. Growing up in a close-knit family also instilled in me a strong sense of empathy and compassion. I witnessed how small gestures—listening attentively, offering encouragement, or simply being present during difficult moments—could bring comfort and reassurance. I realized that healing is not only about treating a condition but about supporting the whole person emotionally and physically. Nursing embodies this combination of skill, science, and human connection, which is why it feels like a natural and fulfilling career path for me. My experiences within my community have further shaped my desire to become a nurse. Volunteering, helping neighbors, and supporting friends in times of need taught me that service and care extend beyond family, reaching everyone who may need support. These experiences strengthened my commitment to helping others and demonstrated the meaningful difference one person can make when they show compassion, patience, and understanding. Additionally, being part of an immigrant family has given me a unique perspective on the importance of culturally sensitive care. I want to be a nurse who not only treats patients’ medical needs but also ensures they feel understood, respected, and heard, regardless of their background. I hope to bridge gaps in healthcare access, especially for underserved communities, while providing comfort and guidance in times of uncertainty. Ultimately, my life experiences—supporting my family, witnessing the power of empathy, and serving my community—have inspired me to pursue nursing. This profession allows me to transform compassion into action, science into meaningful care, and personal experience into advocacy for others. Nursing is not just a career for me; it is a way to make a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities.

want to pursue a degree in nursing because I believe that caring for others is not just something I do—it is an essential part of who I am. As a first-generation college student and the child of immigrants, I grew up watching my parents work incredibly hard while often facing barriers to healthcare due to language, finances, or fear of not being understood. I remember accompanying them to medical appointments, wishing I could translate every word or advocate when they weren’t sure what questions to ask. Those early experiences opened my eyes to the importance of compassionate and culturally sensitive care. Nursing is the perfect blend of science, empathy, and advocacy. It allows me to use knowledge to heal while using kindness to comfort. What inspires me most about nursing is that it’s not just about treating an illness—it’s about caring for the whole person. Nurses meet people in their most vulnerable moments, and their presence can make the difference between a frightening experience and a hopeful one. I want to be that steady, reassuring presence for my patients, the person they feel safe with when everything else feels uncertain. As a nurse, I hope to contribute to my community in several ways. First, I want to serve those who are often overlooked—immigrants, low-income families, and individuals who struggle to navigate the healthcare system. Having grown up in a multicultural environment, I understand the importance of communication, patience, and cultural awareness. I hope to use my bilingual abilities and personal background to bridge gaps in care and make healthcare feel more accessible and inclusive. Beyond direct patient care, I also want to be involved in community outreach and health education. I believe prevention is just as important as treatment, and many health concerns can be avoided when people are given the right tools and knowledge. Whether it's organizing local health screenings, educating families about nutrition and chronic illness management, or guiding patients through their treatment plans, I want to empower others to take control of their health. In the long term, I envision myself mentoring future nursing students, especially those from first-generation or immigrant backgrounds like mine. Representation matters, and I want others to see that their background is not a barrier—it is a strength. Ultimately, I am pursuing nursing because I want to turn my gratitude into service. I want to take the love and perseverance that built my life and give it back to others. By becoming a nurse, I hope not only to heal but to inspire, uplift, and advocate for every patient I meet. My goal is simple: to leave people better than I found them—physically, emotionally, and with the hope that someone truly cared.

1. Please discuss your personal inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing. My decision to pursue nursing comes from a combination of personal experience, cultural values, and a deep desire to make people feel seen and cared for. As the first-generation daughter of immigrants, I grew up watching my parents work tirelessly to provide for our family. They didn't always have access to quality healthcare, and language or financial barriers often made medical situations stressful. I remember wishing I could help them advocate for themselves-translate, explain, or simply comfort them. Those experiences made me realize how powerful it is to have someone on your side in a vulnerable moment. Over time, I noticed how naturally I fell into that role for others. Whether helping friends through tough times or supporting relatives with medical appointments, I found myself drawn to caring for people. Nursing allows me to combine that instinct with science, skill, and purpose. I love that nurses don't just treat symptoms-they build trust, provide reassurance, and make others feel safe. I'm pursuing nursing because I want to be that steady, compassionate presence for someone else's family-especially those who may feel overlooked or misunderstood. I want to bring comfort into chaos, clarity into confusion, and dignity into moments that may feel overwhelming. Nursing isn't just a career to me-it's a calling rooted in empathy, resilience, and the belief that kindness is just as important as medicine. 2. What does the phrase "human touch" mean to you? Explain how "human touch" can impact patient care. To me, the phrase “human touch” represents the emotional connection between people—especially in moments of vulnerability. While it can be expressed through physical gestures like holding a hand or offering a gentle touch on the shoulder, its true meaning goes far beyond physical contact. Human touch is about presence, empathy, and genuine care. It is the difference between treating a condition and caring for a person. In healthcare, human touch can be as powerful as any medicine. A patient may forget the name of a medication, but they will never forget the nurse who looked them in the eye and said, “You’re not alone. I’m here with you.” It is the calm tone used when delivering difficult news, the patience shown when answering repeated questions, or the small act of fixing someone’s blanket when they’re too weak to do it themselves. These gestures may seem simple, but to someone in pain, scared, or lonely, they can mean everything. Human touch also restores dignity. Hospitals can make patients feel like they’ve lost control of their lives and bodies. Machines beep, vital signs are monitored, and treatments are administered with precision—but without compassion, care can start to feel mechanical. When healthcare providers take an extra moment to listen, learn someone’s story, or simply ask how they are feeling beyond their symptoms, it reminds patients that they are still seen as human, not just a diagnosis. As a future nurse, I believe human touch should be the foundation of all patient care. I want to make sure every person I care for feels valued, respected, and understood. Even when I am busy, I hope to never rush past someone’s emotions. Whether it’s comforting a patient who is afraid of a procedure or reassuring a family member in the waiting room, I want my presence to bring peace. Medicine may heal the body, but human touch heals the spirit. In nursing, both are necessary. My goal is to bring both science and compassion into every room I walk into. Because at the end of the day, people may not remember every word I said or every task I performed—but they will remember how I made them feel. That is the true power of human touch.

My name is Perjin, and I am a proud first-generation college student, child of immigrants, and future nurse dedicated to serving my community. My parents came to this country in search of opportunity, carrying dreams far greater than their circumstances. They did not have access to higher education, but they worked tirelessly so that I could. Their sacrifices instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility—not just to succeed for myself, but to honor the path they paved with unwavering strength. Every time I walk into a classroom, I carry their resilience with me. Choosing nursing was not just a career decision—it was a calling. I have always been drawn to comforting and supporting others, whether helping family, encouraging friends, or showing up for my community. Nursing allows me to transform empathy into practice. It is a profession grounded in science but led by compassion, and that balance is what inspires me most. I want to be the person who stands beside others during their hardest moments, offering not just care, but dignity and understanding. Being a woman in STEM, especially as the daughter of immigrants, means stepping into spaces where my presence itself is meaningful. I am proud to represent those who are often underseen in healthcare and academia. I know that visibility matters—when young girls see someone like them in a lab coat or caring for patients, they begin to believe they can be there too. My goal is not only to work in healthcare but to encourage others from similar backgrounds to pursue careers in science and medicine. Knowledge is powerful, but it becomes even more powerful when shared. Scholarships like this one are essential in helping first-generation students like me continue our education without the constant stress of financial barriers. Instead of worrying about tuition, I will be able to focus fully on my studies, clinical training, and community involvement. I want to give back not only through professional healthcare but through mentorship, outreach, and advocacy. Outside of school, I stay grounded by spending time with family and friends. They remind me why I chose a life of service—to care deeply, to lead with heart, and to always lift others up along the way. Community is not something I merely belong to—it is something I actively contribute to. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue my journey as a woman in STEM—driven by curiosity, strengthened by my roots, and committed to healing, leading, and inspiring others every step of the way.