I was sixteen the first time I comforted a young girl sobbing in a clinic waiting room, terrified and alone. I wasn’t a nurse or counselor—I was simply volunteering through my church to pass out care bags and speak words of encouragement. But in that moment, as I held her hand and listened to her story, I understood that advocating for life goes far beyond slogans. It’s about showing up, offering compassion, and believing in the inherent dignity of every human being, born or unborn. My pro-life position is deeply personal and shaped by my upbringing, faith, and lived experiences working with vulnerable populations. As a former registered behavior technician, I supported children with autism and their families—many of whom were told early on that their children’s lives would be too difficult, too inconvenient, too costly. Yet these children taught me the value of every life, regardless of disability or societal expectation. Life is not measured by ease, but by worth—and every life is worthy. In my nursing studies, I’ve further seen the fragility and sanctity of life. From embryonic development to end-of-life care, science affirms what I already believe: human life begins at conception and carries value at every stage. According to the Charlotte Lozier Institute, over 90% of biologists affirm that human life begins at fertilization. This isn’t just a belief system—it’s a biological fact. As future healthcare professionals, we have a duty to protect and honor that life, not dismiss it as a matter of choice. My advocacy is rooted in both principle and action. I regularly volunteer with Three Square to serve low-income families, many of whom are single mothers facing immense pressures. I assemble hygiene and baby care kits for local shelters and collaborate with educators in underserved schools to provide food, clothing, and emotional support for children whose lives might have been deemed “inconvenient” at one point. These efforts are pro-life in the most practical sense—they affirm that life after birth deserves just as much dignity and support as life in the womb. I also engage in conversations, even when they’re uncomfortable. As an African American woman, I understand the intersectionality of reproductive issues and racial injustice. I believe the pro-life movement must also challenge systems that disproportionately pressure women of color into abortion due to poverty, lack of resources, or fear. True advocacy requires addressing not just the legality of abortion, but the conditions that lead women to believe it’s their only option. Looking ahead, I plan to use my nursing career as a platform for change. I hope to work in maternal-child health, providing care and counseling for expectant mothers—especially those in marginalized communities. I also want to contribute to expanding access to prenatal resources and crisis pregnancy support. My goal is to be a voice of both truth and tenderness: one that advocates for the unborn, uplifts mothers, and never forgets the value of every human soul. Being pro-life isn’t about judgment—it’s about love in action. I choose to see the dignity in every person, from conception to natural death. And I’m committed to continuing this work, because every heartbeat matters.

"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 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.

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.