"We appreciate the work you have done for our children, but unfortunately, we will have to let you go because we are moving in a different direction—you will be missed." When I heard these words, my world began to crumble. I had believed I landed my dream job as a private educator for a family. I had everything I had prayed for. Yet deep down, I sensed it wouldn’t last. There was no room for advancement, and despite promises, the position lacked benefits. Although I thought my career had ended, it was the beginning of a new, unexpected path. Today, I’m a first-generation college student in nursing school, proudly holding a 4.0 GPA. I have reached this point through sweat, tears, hard work, and unwavering dedication. As a wife and mother of two beautiful daughters, I draw strength from my family every day. They watched me teach, and now they are witnessing me become a nurse. They are part of my “why”—my driving force in pursuing a second career. Since childhood, I’ve carried a servant’s heart. I served in my church, fed the homeless in my community, and gave generously—even when a single dollar felt like a hundred. Serving became more than something I did; it became part of who I am. When I graduated from high school in 2014, I chose to major in elementary education. I still remember the joy and encouragement my teachers gave me, and I wanted to pass that same lasting impact on to other children. After earning my bachelor’s degree in 2019, I began teaching third grade at Clark County School District. That experience taught me how sweet and curious third graders are. I saw their eyes light up when they learned to not only read novels but also understand and enjoy them. It was fulfilling—but also exhausting. After having my second daughter, I realized teaching might not be sustainable for me. I give my all to every job, and while that commitment benefited my students, it left me depleted at home. I tried leaving work at work so I could be present with my family, but my students noticed the difference. Without my usual 50-plus hours, something had to give. I chose my family. Soon after, I received another opportunity to teach, this time as a private school teacher for a family. While I appreciated the role, it lacked security. When they let me go, I felt lost again, cut off without a clear cause. But instead of staying in that place of uncertainty, I chose to pivot. I viewed this painful moment as the start of a new chapter. Now, as a nursing student, I clearly see the gaps in healthcare and the need for compassionate, detail-oriented nurses. This realization fuels my passion. I strive to become a nurse who not only provides accurate, thorough care but also connects with patients like family. I aim to bring the same dedication I once brought to the classroom into hospital rooms, clinics, and homes. My journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced unexpected changes, self-doubt, and career transitions. But through it all, I’ve remained rooted in service to others and to my family. Nursing is more than a career shift; it’s a calling. And every step I’ve taken—every classroom, every student, every setback—has led me here.

My journey toward a career in the medical field began not in a classroom, but in a hospital room, holding my daughter's tiny hand while she received treatment for Erb’s palsy. As a mother of two and a full-time nursing student with a 4.0 GPA, I have experienced firsthand the profound impact that compassionate, skilled medical professionals can have on a family’s life. Juggling the responsibilities of motherhood and academic excellence, I have faced and overcome numerous challenges, which have not only fueled my passion for nursing but have also given me a clear vision of how I want to serve and uplift others through the healthcare field. Watching my daughter navigate physical and occupational therapy as a toddler gave me a more profound respect for occupational and physical therapists. They nurtured her growth with unwavering patience, guiding her toward mobility milestones we once feared she might not reach. Their support was not just clinical—it was emotional, empowering, and family-centered. These professionals became a part of our extended family, and through them, I saw what it meant to heal not just the body, but the whole person. This experience left an indelible mark on my heart and helped shape my future path in the medical field. Before embarking on my nursing journey, I served as an educator and registered behavior technician, working closely with children on the autism spectrum. This experience deeply ingrained in me the value of individualized care, effective communication, and unwavering advocacy. Coupled with the lessons I've learned as a mother navigating the healthcare system, these experiences have fortified my resolve to build a career rooted in empathy, cultural competence, and equity. My ultimate aspiration is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, focusing on underserved communities where access to compassionate, high-quality care is often a distant dream. My vision extends beyond clinical practice. As a Black woman in healthcare, I am acutely aware of the gaps in representation and mentorship that many students of color encounter. My goal is not only to serve patients but also to nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals, particularly women of color. I am committed to providing mentorship and creating opportunities for academic support, emotional resilience, and leadership development. I aspire to be a beacon of representation and a testament to the power of inclusive healing in every hospital hallway and exam room. Receiving the Maxwell Tuan Nguyen Memorial Scholarship would not only provide a much-needed financial relief but also serve as a profound validation of my calling. This scholarship is not just about funding my education; it is a testament to the kind of caregiver and advocate I am striving to become. In honor of Maxwell, I pledge to carry forward his legacy of serving others with sincerity, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

As a Black woman, mother of two, and full-time nursing student, I carry with me the values of resilience, compassion, and a sense of purpose. I am currently pursuing my nursing degree with a 4.0 GPA, a reflection of my determination to excel not only for myself but for the community I aim to uplift through healthcare. My path is deeply personal, inspired by both my upbringing and the experiences I've had as a parent navigating the medical system. One of my greatest motivations is my daughter, who was diagnosed with Erb’s palsy. Through her journey, I witnessed the impact that dedicated medical professionals, primarily occupational and physical therapists, can have on a child’s life. The care team that supported her became more than providers; they became a part of our family, guiding her growth with patience and love. They helped her reach milestones that were once uncertain, and this experience cemented my calling to work in healthcare, particularly in pediatrics and community nursing. I want to be that source of hope and stability for other families facing complex or unfamiliar diagnoses. Education is my vehicle for creating change, and I fully understand the weight of its cost—financial, emotional, and personal. Like Michele L. Durant, I believe in the importance of lifelong learning and utilizing knowledge as a force for good. I’ve faced the challenges of being a Black woman in higher education: balancing parenting, financial pressures, and academic expectations, often without the safety net or mentorship many others benefit from. Despite these obstacles, I remain unwavering in my pursuit to become a registered nurse and, eventually, a nurse practitioner, serving underserved and minority communities in Las Vegas and beyond. My impact will extend beyond clinical settings. I want to be a mentor to other women of color entering the healthcare field, offering the guidance and support I once longed for. I aim to develop programs that connect minority students in nursing with academic resources, mental health support, and leadership opportunities. As someone who once worked as a registered behavior technician and educator for children with autism, I understand the power of tailored care, education, and advocacy. These lessons guide how I plan to serve both patients and aspiring professionals in my field. The Michele L. Durant Scholarship would not only ease the financial burdens associated with pursuing a degree, but it would also serve as a reminder that my journey matters and that women like me deserve to thrive. I want to honor Michele’s legacy by continuing her spirit of learning, leadership, and service, to transform lives through nursing and community advocacy.

As a nursing student with a 4.0 GPA and a passion for service, I am not just pursuing a healthcare career; I am deeply committed to it. My nursing journey is not just about academic ambition, but a personal connection to the world of rehabilitation therapy also fuels it. This connection, combined with my academic excellence, drives my goal to become a registered nurse with a focus on pediatric care. My daughter was diagnosed with Erb's palsy at birth, and through her journey, I have gained a profound respect for occupational and physical therapists. From her earliest months, these professionals became more than just part of her care team—they became like family. Their dedication, encouragement, and expertise played a pivotal role in her growth, enabling her to gain strength, independence, and confidence. As she prepares to enter grade school this year, she does so with the full potential that those therapists helped her reach. This experience has not only inspired gratitude but also shaped my understanding of what holistic care entails, especially for children with physical challenges. It's not just about treating the physical symptoms, but also about providing emotional support and fostering independence. My personal experience has not only fostered admiration for occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT), but it has also deepened my commitment to holistic care. I am not just interested in treating a diagnosis, but in understanding and addressing the whole child. This commitment, especially for underserved children and families, is what drives my aspiration to become a nurse who collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. Outside of the classroom, I have contributed to my community through volunteer work at local outreach events and food distributions. These experiences have taught me the vital importance of empathy and active listening in building trust with those we serve. They have also strengthened my drive to work in community health settings, where I can support families who face financial or social barriers to accessing care. Christina Taylese Singh's story resonates deeply with me. Her dedication to occupational therapy and her commitment to serving others embody everything I admire about this field. Though I am on the path to nursing, my family's journey has given me a lasting appreciation for the vital role therapists play in patient care. If selected for this scholarship, I will carry Christina's legacy forward by serving with compassion, advocating fiercely for children and families, and approaching every day in healthcare with purpose.

Guided by Compassion: My Journey to Pediatric Nursing I am pursuing a career in nursing because I believe in the transformative power of compassionate care to change lives. I am drawn to pediatric nursing specifically because of its unique ability to impact children and their families during their most vulnerable moments. My healthcare journey started long before I ever stepped into a nursing classroom. I began my career as an educator and a Registered Behavior Technician, where I worked closely with children on the autism spectrum. In that role, I provided behavioral support, facilitated developmentally appropriate interventions, and assisted parents in advocating for their children's needs. I witnessed firsthand how early care and encouragement can have a profoundly positive impact on a child’s future. It was also there that I discovered my gift for calming anxious children, building trust, and making them feel safe—skills I now bring into my nursing education with the goal of one day becoming a pediatric nurse. Pediatric nursing is not just a profession to me; it’s a calling. Children deserve to feel heard, supported, and cared for by someone who not only understands their physical needs but also respects their emotional world. The resilience of children has always amazed me, and I want to be part of the care teams that nurture that resilience through gentle, knowledgeable, and family-centered care. Becoming a pediatric nurse also aligns with my desire to serve underserved populations. I am particularly passionate about improving healthcare access and education for families of color and those with limited resources. As a Black woman, I understand the significance of cultural representation in healthcare and the impact it can have on trust, communication, and outcomes. I want to be that familiar face in a hospital or clinic that makes a scared child feel safe and helps a worried parent feel seen and supported. As a mother of two, I’ve experienced both the anxiety and gratitude that come with trusting nurses to care for your child. These experiences deepened my respect for pediatric nurses and reaffirmed my desire to join their ranks. I want to provide the same calm, confident care to other families that I was fortunate to receive. After completing my associate degree in nursing, I plan to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and eventually specialize in pediatric critical care. My long-term goal is to work in a pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) and later transition into a nurse educator role, where I can mentor the next generation of pediatric nurses, especially those from underrepresented communities. This scholarship would not only help me afford my education, but it would also bring me one step closer to fulfilling a lifelong purpose. Pediatric nursing is where I believe my skills, passion, and values align perfectly, and I am deeply committed to making a lasting impact in this field.

Representation, Equity, and My Calling in Nursing Priscilla Mosley My name is Priscilla Mosley, and I am a proud Black nursing student pursuing my Associate Degree in Nursing to advance to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). My goal is to become a specialized critical care nurse, serving in neonatal or cardiovascular intensive care units, and eventually becoming a nurse educator. I am deeply committed to improving health outcomes for underserved populations and increasing representation in healthcare—two missions that are deeply personal to me. Growing up, I didn’t often see nurses or doctors who looked like me. Representation matters—not just for inspiration, but for trust. Studies consistently show that patients of color experience better outcomes when treated by providers who share their racial or cultural background. Yet, despite African Americans making up nearly 11% of the U.S. population, we remain underrepresented in the medical field. This gap contributes to ongoing disparities in care, communication, and advocacy. I chose nursing not just because it offers a meaningful career path, but because it’s a powerful way to stand in that gap. My nursing journey was not linear. I began my career as an educator and a Registered Behavior Technician, supporting children with autism in educational settings. That experience taught me the critical importance of compassion, cultural understanding, and advocacy when serving vulnerable populations. After becoming a mother and reflecting on my future, I realized I could carry those same values into healthcare, where I could continue helping families like mine while making an even broader impact. My long-term vision is to serve in leadership roles that allow me to mentor future Black nurses and improve care in historically underserved communities. Whether through teaching, precepting, or contributing to hospital policy, I aim to uplift others and work toward achieving health equity from within the system. I believe that increasing racial diversity in healthcare not only fosters trust, but also reshapes the system to be more inclusive, innovative, and equitable. I have also volunteered in community-based programs that provide behavioral and emotional support to low-income families. These experiences deepened my awareness of how socioeconomic barriers limit access to quality healthcare. I aim to be part of the solution by becoming a culturally competent and compassionate nurse who advocates for patients, regardless of their zip code, insurance status, or background. Receiving the MedLuxe Representation Matters Scholarship would support not only my education but also my mission. As a future nurse, a mother, and a proud Black woman, I am committed to breaking cycles, challenging disparities, and creating new pathways for care and leadership. Healthcare is not just a career to me—it’s a calling to uplift my community, inspire others, and make space at the table for more voices like mine. Thank you for considering my application.

Answering the Call to Serve Through Nursing Priscilla Mosley My name is Priscilla Mosley, and I am a nursing student who has always believed in the power of education and service to transform lives. As a former educator and current nursing student, my life’s mission is rooted in helping others, whether through the classroom, bedside care, or community engagement. Before entering the medical field, I worked in education for several years, including as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) supporting children with autism. I found fulfillment in teaching, mentoring, and advocating for students and their families. However, after the birth of my second child, I began rethinking my long-term career goals. I wanted to continue serving others, but in a way that offered both deeper personal fulfillment and a more sustainable path for my growing family. That’s when I turned to nursing—a profession that values compassion, education, advocacy, and leadership. Today, I am pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing and plan to immediately continue my education toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). My goal is to become a nurse in a neonatal or cardiovascular ICU and eventually transition into a nurse educator or leadership role. I believe in empowering patients and families through education, especially during vulnerable health moments. Nurses are uniquely positioned to teach, advocate, and lead. I aspire to be the kind of nurse who not only delivers exceptional clinical care but also inspires the next generation of nurses, particularly those from underserved communities. Community service and nonprofit work have been an integral part of my journey for a long time. From volunteering with literacy programs to organizing clothing and hygiene drives, I have always found ways to give back. One of the most meaningful experiences for me was assisting with behavioral support programs for low-income families, helping children with special needs thrive both at home and in school. These moments have shaped my perspective on equity in education and healthcare, and I want my nursing career to bridge those worlds. I’m also a mother of two, and I want to model for my children what it looks like to pursue your dreams with purpose and persistence. I want them to see that education is not just a path to a career—it’s a gateway to creating positive change. Receiving the Charlene K. Howard Memorial Scholarship would be an incredible honor. Ms. Howard’s legacy as an educational leader and mentor reflects the very values I hold dear: utilizing knowledge to uplift others, mentoring those who follow, and leading with heart. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to completing my education and building a career that has a lasting impact. In nursing, I see a lifelong mission: to care, to teach, and to lead. Thank you for considering my application.

Carrying the Legacy Forward: Why I Chose Nursing Priscilla Mosley The nursing profession draws me in because it allows me to live with purpose, serve others, and grow continuously—values that align with both my mission and the legacy of nurses like Sara Jane. As a former educator, I spent years nurturing students and advocating for families. While I found fulfillment in that role, I felt a growing pull toward healthcare, where I could make a more direct, immediate difference in people’s lives. Nursing offered that path. My decision to transition into nursing came after having my second child. I realized I needed a profession that would not only challenge me intellectually and emotionally but also allow for long-term growth and balance. The more I learned about the nursing field, the more I realized how deeply it aligned with my core values—especially compassion, advocacy, and service. The stories of nurses like Sara Jane, who gave nearly five decades to patient care and mentorship, reaffirmed that I was choosing the right path. I am inspired by the way she supported others in their journey to become RNs or LPNs. I hope to carry that torch forward by eventually becoming a nurse educator or manager. My short-term goals include completing my Associate Degree in Nursing, passing the NCLEX, and gaining experience in high-acuity environments, such as the NICU or CVICU. These settings require nurses to act quickly, lead effectively, and provide life-saving care. I plan to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) immediately after graduation to develop my clinical skills and leadership potential further. In the long term, I hope to mentor the next generation of nurses, just as Sara Jane did throughout her life. One of my proudest personal accomplishments has been navigating a significant career change while raising two children and attending nursing school full-time. The resilience, time management, and emotional strength required for this transition have demonstrated to me that I am well-equipped for the demands of this profession. Although I do not yet have formal medical work experience, I have learned from personal experiences, such as advocating for family members in the hospital and trusting nurses during the births of my children, that excellent nursing is grounded in both skill and human connection. Nursing is not just a job to me—it is a lifelong commitment to serve, lead, and uplift others. The Sara Jane Memorial Scholarship represents everything I aspire to become as a nurse: dedicated, compassionate, and a guide to those who come after me. I would be honored to continue her legacy in my nursing career. Thank you for considering my application. Your support would not only ease the financial burden of nursing school, but it would also strengthen my commitment to serve others with the same heart, dedication, and excellence that defined Sara Jane’s life and legacy.

Why I Want to Pursue a Degree in Nursing and How I Hope to Contribute to My Community Pursuing a degree in nursing is a decision rooted in my passion for helping others and my desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. The journey to become a nurse is not just a career choice but a calling that aligns with my values of compassion, service, and dedication. My experiences in education, behavior therapy, and personal life have shaped my commitment to providing empathetic, patient-centered care. As a future nurse, I aim to make a positive difference in my community by addressing healthcare needs, promoting wellness, and supporting vulnerable populations. My motivation to pursue nursing stems from a deep-seated desire to care for others in times of need. Before nursing, I worked as an educator and a registered behavior technician, supporting children with autism and their families. This experience taught me the importance of patience, adaptability, and understanding when working with individuals who have unique needs. I found immense fulfillment in helping children develop essential skills and supporting their families. This experience inspired me to expand my impact by providing care that addresses physical, emotional, and psychological needs. Nursing offers a unique opportunity to combine my passion for teaching, advocacy, and healthcare. Becoming a nurse means more than administering treatments; it involves caring for patients with empathy and understanding. As a nursing student at Carrington College, I am gaining the knowledge and skills needed to provide holistic care. I am learning how to assess, treat, and educate patients, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health. The hands-on training and clinical experience are preparing me to meet the diverse needs of patients while developing strong communication and critical thinking skills. I am committed to being a nurse who listens to patients, respects their concerns, and advocates for their well-being. My commitment to nursing goes beyond professional aspirations—I am deeply invested in supporting my community. Living in Las Vegas, I see the challenges that many residents face, including limited access to healthcare, chronic illness, and a growing population of older adults. As a nurse, I want to make a meaningful impact by providing high-quality care and health education. I hope to work in a setting where I can address disparities in healthcare and help individuals navigate complex medical conditions. I also plan to use my background in behavior therapy to support patients with special needs, including those with cognitive and developmental disabilities. By advocating for accessible and inclusive care, I can help ensure that every patient receives the respect and support they deserve. My long-term goal is to continue my education and specialize in a field where I can make a profound difference, such as geriatrics, mental health, or pediatrics. In conclusion, I am driven to pursue a degree in nursing to make a positive impact on individuals, families, and my community. Nursing is a path where I can combine my passion for teaching, advocacy, and healthcare to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. I am excited to serve my community, promote health, and offer support to those who need it most. By becoming a nurse, I can fulfill my purpose of making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Nursing has always been more than a career choice for me, it’s a calling that has shaped my life and purpose. From a young age, I witnessed firsthand the impact healthcare professionals had on my family. My father, who faced multiple health challenges, often required visits to the hospital, and I would accompany him, watching the nurses not only care for his physical needs but also offer him emotional support. Their ability to bring comfort during difficult times inspired me deeply, and I knew from those experiences that I wanted to be in a profession where I would be able to nurture and help others. For me, nursing isn’t just about administering medications or following protocols, but it’s about being a pillar of support for people when they are at their most vulnerable. Throughout my life, I have always been drawn to helping others, whether through volunteering, assisting my family, teaching or simply being the person my friends turn to in times of need. These experiences have helped me develop strong communication skills and the ability to listen with empathy. I understand that every patient has a unique story and that their needs go beyond the physical. They need someone who listens, reassures, and advocates for their well-being. This is the type of nurse I aim to be: someone who is not only knowledgeable in healthcare but also provides comfort and emotional support to every patient. As I continue my education in nursing, I am eager to deepen my understanding of patient care, particularly in areas like the ICU and the ER. I want to focus on working with underserved populations, where healthcare access can be limited. This scholarship would allow me to continue my studies without the burden of financial stress, enabling me to focus on gaining the knowledge and experience necessary to be the best nurse I can be. I am particularly excited about the opportunities this scholarship would provide for me to gain hands-on experience through internships and clinical placements, which are essential for developing the skills required to excel in the field. The healthcare system is constantly evolving, and as a nurse, I plan to be at the forefront of that change. I am interested in improving patient care and ensuring that all patients receive the attention they deserve, regardless of their background. My long-term goal is to contribute to advancements in patient care, whether that be through clinical practice or by engaging in healthcare policy and advocacy. I believe that nurses play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare, and I am committed to being part of that movement. By pursuing a nursing career, I hope to not only impact individual lives but also contribute to the greater good of the healthcare system. This scholarship represents more than just financial support; it is an investment in my potential to make a meaningful difference. With the opportunity to focus on my studies without worrying about the financial burden, I can fully commit to my goal of becoming a compassionate, knowledgeable nurse. I am determined to use my education to its fullest potential, serving as both a caregiver and an advocate for those who need it most. Nursing is not just about treating illness, but about understanding the whole person. It requires dedication, resilience, and a genuine desire to help others. I am committed to becoming the kind of nurse who not only provides top-quality medical care but also makes a difference in the lives of patients by offering comfort, understanding, and support.