When I decided to start a family, I envisioned a loving partnership where my husband and I would raise our children together. I married a Kenyan man from a village called Kisumu, and we welcomed our beautiful daughter, Zoraya, into the world. I expected to raise her together, instilling in her both of our cultural values and experiences. However, reality took a different turn, and now I find myself navigating the complexities of single motherhood alone. Raising Zoraya as a single mother has been both a privilege and a challenge. I have her 100% of the time and work full-time to support us, balancing the demands of motherhood, employment, and my dream of becoming a nurse. Every morning, I wake up and push forward because I have no other choice—my daughter depends on me for everything. One of the greatest challenges I face raising Zo is ensuring that she develops a strong sense of identity. She is both Black American and Kenyan. As a white woman, I question how to teach her about her father’s culture without knowing his family, or how to prepare her for the realities of being a Black girl in America when I haven’t lived that experience. One of the first lessons I learned was how to care for her hair—a simple yet significant aspect of her identity. Styling and maintaining her curls was new to me. So, I researched and listened, committed to making sure she would never feel neglected in this part of her identity. We also experience financial struggles. I live in the frustrating gap between making too much to qualify for assistance and not enough to afford tuition. Every dollar spent is calculated. The cost of childcare is overwhelming, but without it, I cannot work or attend school. I know that securing a stable career in healthcare is a reliable way to provide for Zoraya, but nursing is not just a profession—it is a calling that embodies compassion, resilience, and stability. It is a career that will allow me to build a life where my daughter can thrive, and where she will have a soft place to land no matter what challenges she faces. After the separation, Zoraya watched me struggle with my mental health, and I had to go to the hospital for a time. My own mental health struggles have shaped my decision to go into this field. I know what it’s like to need support but not always receive compassionate care. This experience has driven me to pursue a career where I can provide the same empathy and understanding that I needed. I want to help those facing mental health challenges feel heard, seen, and supported. Pursuing a career in nursing will help me show Zoraya that perseverance, education, and hard work can change one's trajectory. I want her to see that despite the obstacles, I never gave up. I want her to grow up knowing that when life presents difficulties, we adapt, we learn, and we keep moving forward. I want her to know that mom has got her, and she can do it too. My journey as a single mother has been anything but easy, but it has shaped me into a stronger, more determined person. Working full-time while being Zoraya’s sole provider is exhausting, but I refuse to let our challenges define us. With the support of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a nurse—a career that will not only transform my life but also provide Zoraya with the security and inspiration she deserves.