College, to me, is not just an institution. It is a doorway—a threshold between who circumstance could have made me and who purpose calls me to become. I have walked through years where dreams were small, where confidence rested low and unreachable, and where the future felt like a distant horizon meant for someone else. I have known what it feels like to see more walls than windows, more reasons to stop than reasons to hope. Yet still, something in me rose. Something in me refused to settle. And now, standing here as a young Black scholar with vision burning in my chest, college represents the moment I step boldly into the future I once believed was too far away. Higher education is not just my goal—it is my transformation. It is the foundation of the legacy I will one day leave behind. I do not attend college only for myself. I attend for the children who will come after me, who deserve more than a world built by limitation or fear. I attend for the families who still struggle under the weight of inequality, poverty, sickness, and generational loss. I attend for every voice that was quieted before it could grow strong enough to speak. College, for me, is proof that impossibility can be rewritten—that cycles can break, that futures can expand, and that a new story can rise. Many people dream of fame, of lights, of stages that glorify the individual. But I dream differently. I dream forward. I dream outward. I dream generationally. Not to shine—but to build. I want to pursue my Doctorate in the medical field, yes, but I refuse to end there. My journey will not stop with a title or a degree. I intend to invest in the healthcare system itself, to innovate, restore, and create new pathways for those the world overlooks. The homeless, the forgotten, the uninsured, the unseen—those who fall through the cracks of society’s medical foundation—I am going to stand for them. Because better thinking produces better results. Because a dream that lifts only the dreamer is not large enough to change the world. Because I believe that as surely as the sun rises in the East, hope can rise in those who have been told to sit in darkness. As surely as rivers carve canyons through stone, determination can carve opportunity through adversity. I believe the weary will stand again, the overlooked will be remembered, and the hungry will be fed. I believe that healing, like light, was never meant to be confined to only one side of the world. With God guiding me, I will cast wide nets in deep waters—reaching for those who cannot reach for themselves, healing where others have turned away, building systems that serve rather than deny. I know what it means to rise from struggle, because I lived it. I once stood at a 1.9 GPA, lost and unfocused, yet through faith and renewed purpose, I ascended to a 3.3 and now hold a 4.0 in college, walking proof that restoration is real and attainable. College is not just preparation. It is the beginning of the change I will bring. It is my declaration that poverty is not permanent, that barriers are not final, and that the next generation will inherit more than struggle—they will inherit possibility. Every class I take, every exam I study for, every step forward in this academic journey places another building block in the world I intend to rebuild. I am not waiting to become the person I aspire to be. I am already living as one.

When I think about the future, I do not see a single doorway. I see a horizon that stretches further than I can fully imagine, and I feel called to walk toward it with courage. My name is Phinee Issac Felix, and I am a healthcare student shaped by trial, lifted by faith, and driven by purpose. I once struggled academically and nearly lost sight of who I could become, but through redemption and determination, I rose. Now I carry a vision that reaches beyond myself. I want to heal, restore, build, and transform the very systems that hold life in their hands. I want to leave the world in a better state than I found it. My dream began when I realized how fragile life can be. I have seen moments where breath wavered and health dissolved into uncertainty. Those moments did not frighten me. Instead, they revealed the beauty and responsibility of care. Nursing is my doorway into medicine, yet it is only the beginning of my journey into this field. I plan to pursue my Doctorate and enter the world of medical advancement, so I may not only treat illnesses but also restructure the way healthcare serves the people who depend on it. I want to be a healer who also designs healing. I want to create systems that save lives, not in quiet rooms alone, but across communities, across streets, and across the places where help rarely arrives. Aaryn Railyn King believed deeply in the power of education. Though she was not granted the time to fulfill all her dreams, her belief in learning lives on through this scholarship. I want to honor her by pursuing knowledge with both hunger and humility. I study not merely for achievement but for purpose, because education is not just a step toward success. Education is the seed that grows into impact. Each class, each textbook, each clinical lesson is soil for the future I hope to build. When I imagine the kind of physician I will become, I do not see myself standing above others. I see myself kneeling beside a patient who feels unseen. I see myself speaking with compassion in a hospital room where fear is heavy. I see myself creating programs that bring medical support to the homeless, the forgotten, and the overlooked. Many wander the streets with untreated wounds, unmanaged conditions, and silent suffering. My ambition is to bring healthcare to them, not as charity, but as a matter of dignity. Healing should not be a privilege. Healing should be human. This mission is bigger than career, bigger than income, and bigger than recognition. It is a vision that lives inside me. If I am granted the honor of receiving this scholarship, I will carry Aaryn’s legacy forward by learning with intention, working with excellence, and never settling for comfort when compassion demands action. Her life continues through those who dare to dream beyond themselves. I am not waiting to become the person I aspire to be. I am already living as one.

The moment I first learned how fragile breath can be was during a family prayer night, when a member of our congregation struggled through each inhale. As we gathered around him, supporting him in hope and faith, I saw something that never left me. Breath is life. When breath falters, everything else follows. It was then that I knew I wanted to enter healthcare not only as a profession but as a calling, to protect what keeps us alive, to comfort those fighting for air, and to serve with compassion modeled by those who inspired me. I am currently working toward a career in nursing, with the long-term goal of advancing into higher medical training to serve patients with lung disease and rare conditions. People battling respiratory illnesses often experience more than physical struggle. There is fear, exhaustion, uncertainty, and in many cases, the painful feeling of being unseen. I want to be present in those moments. I want to be the kind of healthcare professional who kneels beside a patient’s bed, holds their hand, listens to their concerns with patience, and becomes an advocate for their voice when illness tries to silence it. My faith has shaped me into someone who believes that every life is worth fighting for. After my own academic and personal challenges, I discovered the power of second chances. When I lacked motivation, my father told me that transformation begins within. Through prayer, discipline, and persistence, I rebuilt my future from a struggling 1.9 GPA to graduating high school with a 3.3 and entering college with a 4.0 that I have maintained. That experience fuels my mission to help others rebuild, just as I have rebuilt myself. If God can restore purpose in me, then through healthcare, I want to be part of restoring hope and strength in others, especially those who feel that they are running out of breath in every sense of the word. I plan to specialize in pulmonary care, chronic respiratory conditions, and rare medical disorders that require patience, precision, and a compassionate approach. My goal is to work in environments where patients not only receive treatment but also compassion. Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and pulmonary specialty clinics are places where I hope to serve families who are navigating illness with fear and uncertainty. I aim to contribute to research and patient education, helping individuals with rare diagnoses better understand their condition and the resources available to them. Many individuals with rare or chronic lung disease feel overlooked or misunderstood. I hope to become a source of clarity, comfort, and light when their path is unclear. This scholarship would bring me closer to that future. With it, I will be able to continue my education with a deeper focus and pursue clinical training that strengthens both my skills and my heart for service. I want to carry forward the legacy of Sammy Hason, Sr. by embodying resilience, purpose, and compassion. His life reminds me that even in the presence of hardship, we can still choose to improve the lives of others. I am choosing that path with intention. I want to help people breathe easier, live longer, feel supported, and know that they are never alone.

Some turning points in life arrive softly, but mine came with a voice that shook my future. I remember my father, looking at me with love, saying words I will never forget: “You can change the course of your life, but remember, it begins with you.” In that moment, something awakened inside me. I realized that change is not something we wait for, but something we step into willingly. At that time, I had drifted from my faith. I stopped praying and believing, and little by little, my life reflected it. My GPA fell to a 1.9, motivation disappeared, and I felt myself slipping into a life without purpose. But God never let me go. Through my father—my pastor, mentor, and most excellent earthly example of love—God called me back. My father prayed with me and reminded me of who I was meant to be. I repented and returned to my faith, and from that moment forward, God rebuilt my life. My grades rose from failing to graduating high school with a 3.3, and by His strength, I am now a college freshman with a 4.0, determined to carry this excellence into nursing school. I am living proof that revival begins the moment you give your life back to God. My faith doesn’t just exist in words; it thrives in action and service. I strive to help others succeed, whether it’s in culinary arts, where I supported classmates, or in choir, where I encouraged others to find their voice. At church, I volunteer every Sunday as the media controller, enhancing worship for the congregation. Service is not a task — it’s a calling. Kindness is leadership, and generosity is grace in motion. One moment of compassion came when an old friend visited my home, angry and aggressive. Before my return to faith, I might have met hostility with my own. But this time, my heart had changed. I remained calm, spoke kindly, and chose peace over pride. Even through his insults, love disarmed the anger he carried. He left without further conflict—not because I won, but because compassion broke through. That moment taught me that true strength is quiet, gentle, and controlled. Family serves as the foundation beneath my growth and the place where love is vibrant. My father taught me how to pray and stand in faith. Every Saturday, my family gathers for worship at home, filled with singing, joy, and God’s presence resting over us like visible peace. Even amid financial struggles, we move with gratitude and prayer. I strive to motivate my family, reminding them that where there is faith, scarcity cannot defeat us. Joy finds me in quiet places: reading the Bible, singing hymns, praying, studying late, and celebrating the victories God allows me to achieve — like the day I scored 100 on my anatomy and physiology exam. For me, joy is not noisy; it is gentle, steady, and anchored in God’s presence. My future is not merely a career; it is a mission. I aspire to become a nurse who brings comfort and healing to every patient under my care. Not just physical healing, but also emotional relief. I want to be a light in dark rooms, a steady hand in chaos, and proof that compassion still walks this earth. With God’s guidance, I hope to carry strength, empathy, and wisdom wherever I serve. This scholarship would not just support my education; it would empower my purpose. It would liberate me to pursue nursing school without the burdens of financial stress and enable me to grow into the person God is shaping me to be. I aim to honor the legacy of Ed and Aline Patane through service, excellence, faith, and compassion, living a life that reflects the love they once shared with the world. Dear family of Ed and Aline Patane, My name is Phinee Issac Felix. With humility and gratitude, I thank you for preserving your parents’ legacy through this scholarship. Though I never had the privilege of knowing them personally, I feel their spirit in the values this award represents: faith, service, compassion, and kindness that continue to ripple outward. If chosen to receive this scholarship, I will carry their light into my future. I will study diligently, serve willingly, and treat others with gentleness and humility. I am pursuing nursing to become a healer in body and spirit; someone who comforts the broken, tends to the weak, and stands beside those who feel alone. I hope the way I care for others reflects the warmth they once brought to the world. Thank you for allowing their legacy to live on, not only in memory but in action, generosity, and every life it touches. I pray that, through my journey, their love continues to shine. With deep respect, Phinee Issac Felix

Why I Chose Nursing: A Path of Purpose and Compassion My decision to pursue nursing was profoundly influenced by a pivotal moment in a hospital. I was there, beside a loved one, feeling scared, unsure, and helpless. Then, a nurse entered the room. Their calm voice, kind smile, and steady hands cared for the patient and comforted us. In that instant, I realized that nursing was not just a profession but a calling I was destined to answer. The profound opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's lives draws me to the nursing field. Nurses, as frontline healers, provide not only medical support but also emotional strength. I aspire to be the person who brings comfort in chaos, answers in uncertainty, and compassion in crisis. With my natural calm, patience, and kindness, nursing is not just a profession I am passionate about but one I am inherently suited for. I aim to become a registered nurse (RN), starting with earning my associate degree and then transferring to a university for my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). I plan to gain hands-on experience in the field and eventually specialize in emergency or trauma nursing, where I can work in high-pressure environments and help those in immediate need. However, my aspirations extend beyond this. I envision myself in a leadership role where I can contribute to the training and inspiration of the next generation of nurses. Throughout high school, I've taken steps to prepare for this path. I've volunteered in my community through school-organized events like food drives and support activities for local families. These experiences taught me the value of service, humility, and teamwork. Though I haven't completed a formal hospital internship yet, I have consistently learned about the demands and values of healthcare by connecting with mentors, watching medical documentaries, and researching the challenges nurses face daily. These efforts have helped me understand what it takes to succeed in this field and have only deepened my passion for it. Additionally, my four years in culinary arts have taught me skills that transfer directly to nursing: discipline, time management, and clear communication. As a sous chef in class, I've led others, made decisions under pressure, and learned to multitask with precision—all of which mirror the pace and responsibility required in nursing. I've also had personal experiences that brought me closer to the medical world. Watching family members go through chronic conditions and hospital stays gave me insight into the patient experience. Being present for appointments and recovery processes allowed me to see the power of a good nurse. It left a lasting impression and strengthened my resolve to pursue this career. Winning the Sara Jane Memorial Scholarship would signify more than just financial support. It would be a testament to my readiness to step into the nursing profession with a heart full of compassion, a mind filled with knowledge, and a spirit brimming with determination. I am committed to serving others and becoming a nurse who brings skill and compassion to every patient I encounter.

Ever since I was young, I have felt the need to care for others. Whether it was helping a classmate who was struggling or being there for a friend going through something difficult, I have always tried to be someone others could count on. As I got older, that natural instinct to help turned into something more serious. I began thinking about my future and what kind of difference I wanted to make. That is when I realized that nursing was the right path for me. It is not just a job. It is a chance to make a real impact on people’s lives every single day. My passion for nursing also comes from what I have seen in my own life. My family has had to work extremely hard to get by. I have watched them make sacrifices, go through financial stress, and face obstacles that most people do not see. That has motivated me to do everything I can to build a better future for us. I want to be the first in my family to create stability and open new doors for the next generation. Nursing is a way to do that. It offers a solid career, but even more than that, it gives me a chance to take care of others while also taking care of my loved ones. I am committed to this path. I know that nursing school will be challenging, but I am ready to give it everything I have. I want to grow not only as a student, but as a person who brings strength, kindness, and calm into the room when things are at their worst. I believe that being a nurse takes more than just knowledge. It takes heart, and that is something I know I can bring to the table. One day, I also want to give back to the community that helped shape me. I plan to volunteer in local clinics, speak to students about healthcare careers, and find ways to support people who may not have access to medical care. I believe in the importance of lifting others up, especially those who feel like they are stuck or forgotten. Sometimes a small act of kindness can change someone’s whole outlook, and I want to be part of creating that change. This journey is about more than just getting a degree. It is about building a life that I am proud of, helping my family rise with me, and using everything I learn to support others. Nursing gives me the opportunity to do all of that. It is not going to be easy, but I am determined. I am focused. And I am ready to work hard for the future I believe in.

I have always known that I wanted to do something meaningful with my life, and over time, I realized that nursing is the path I want to follow. It is not just a job to me; it is something that connects deeply with who I am. I have always cared about others. Whether it is helping a friend through a difficult day or simply listening when someone needs to talk, I try to be the kind of person others can rely on. Nursing gives me the opportunity to do that on a larger scale. One of the biggest reasons I want to become a nurse is to improve the living conditions of my family. We have faced many challenges, and I have seen how hard my loved ones have worked just to keep us going. I want to give back to them and create a better life for all of us. Becoming a nurse will allow me to support my family financially and emotionally, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward even when things get tough. I also see nursing as a career where I can continue to grow as a person. It is more than learning how to care for patients physically. It is about developing emotional strength, patience, and understanding. I know it will not always be easy, but I believe it is one of the most meaningful careers anyone can have. Being able to comfort someone during a difficult time or help them heal is something I truly look forward to. Looking ahead, I plan to give back to my community in several ways. One of my biggest goals is to be a role model, especially for young people who may be going through difficult situations. I want them to see that it is possible to come from humble beginnings and still achieve something great. I want to show them that with determination, anything is possible. I also plan to volunteer in local clinics, participate in community health events, and mentor students who are interested in healthcare. Whether it is offering support, sharing advice, or simply being present, I want to contribute in ways that make others feel seen and valued. I believe that giving back is an important part of personal success. It is not just about reaching your goals but also about lifting others as you go. Nursing is not just a career for me. It is a calling. It gives me the chance to help others, take care of my family, and give back to the community that shaped me. I am ready to work hard, stay focused, and continue growing into the person I want to be. I believe this path will allow me to change lives—including my own—and I am truly excited for what lies ahead.

There was this one time during my sophomore year that really stuck with me. It was not anything huge or dramatic, but it meant a lot and it taught me what real compassion looks like. There was a student in my class who did not really talk much. A lot of people ignored him, and some even made fun of the way he talked or how quiet he was. I did not know much about him, but I could tell he felt out of place most of the time. One day, we had to do a group project in class, and the teacher randomly assigned the groups. He ended up in mine. At first, it was kind of awkward. He barely said anything, and the rest of the group kind of ignored him. But instead of just going along with that, I decided to actually talk to him. I asked what he thought about the project and if he had any ideas. At first, he seemed surprised that someone asked, but then he started sharing, and his ideas were actually really good. I kept including him and made sure the others listened too. Slowly, the group started to treat him differently because they saw that he had something to say. Later that week, he came up to me in the hallway and said thank you. He said he usually hated group projects because no one listened to him, but this one was different. He smiled, and I could tell it meant something to him. That moment hit me more than I expected. It made me realize how easy it is to make someone feel seen just by treating them like a person. You do not need to do anything big or over the top. Just showing a little kindness, asking someone how they are doing, or including them in a conversation can go a long way. That experience also made me think about the kind of person I want to be, especially since I am going into nursing. I want to be someone who pays attention, who notices when someone is feeling left out or not doing okay, and who takes the time to reach out. It is something I have been trying to carry with me since then. Compassion is not always loud. Sometimes it is just a small moment where you choose to care even if no one else does. That day, I learned that even the little things matter. And now, I try to live by that every day, whether it is in class, at home, or just passing someone in the hallway.