“Everyone, find a spot on the carpet.” Those six words were my favorite part of kindergarten. As soon as my teacher spoke them, I hurried to my favorite spot on our ocean-themed reading rug, eager to discover where the next story would take me. The day she opened The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, I was captivated. Not long afterward, I discovered Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. As a child, I admired Charlotte because she never expected recognition for helping Wilbur. Instead, she quietly used her gifts to protect someone who could not protect himself. Although I was too young to understand its deeper meaning, that story planted the first seeds of compassion and selfless service that continue to guide my life today. As I grew older, reading became more than a favorite pastime; it became the way I learned to understand people, perspectives, and the world around me. Every book challenged me to think a little deeper, ask better questions, and appreciate the power of kindness. Without realizing it, I was preparing for a life centered on serving others. Years later, when I became a third-grade teacher, I found myself standing where my kindergarten teacher once stood. Read-aloud time quickly became my favorite part of the school day. Whenever I held up the next chapter of Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, the room would become so quiet you could hear a pin drop. My students leaned forward with anticipation, their eyes sparkling as they eagerly guessed what would happen next. More than once, they pleaded, “Just one more chapter!” Through Opal’s friendship with Winn-Dixie, we talked about kindness, forgiveness, and finding community in unexpected places. Watching reluctant readers become excited readers reminded me that books do more than improve literacy; they shape character. I intentionally chose stories that taught life lessons because I wanted my students to leave my classroom with more than stronger reading skills. I wanted them to leave believing they could make a difference in the lives of others. Today, my bookshelf looks different. Children’s novels have been replaced with nursing textbooks, clinical research, and evidence-based practice guides. Yet the purpose remains the same. Every chapter prepares me to care for real people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Behind every diagnosis is a person with fears, hopes, and a family depending on someone to help. Looking back, I realize that books have shaped every chapter of my life. Charlotte’s Web taught me compassion. Because of Winn-Dixie, I was able to pass that compassion on to my students. Now, my nursing education is teaching me how to transform compassion into skilled, evidence-based care. Barbara devoted her career to connecting people with books because she understood their power to change lives. I hope to honor that same legacy through nursing. Long before I learned to assess a patient or administer medication, I learned something equally important while sitting on my kindergarten classroom’s ocean-themed reading rug: every book opens more than a story; it opens a new chapter in someone’s life. I am grateful that so many books have been written about me.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) For much of my life, I believed strength meant handling everything on my own. I believed that if I worked hard enough, prayed enough, and pushed through difficult circumstances, I could overcome any challenge without burdening others. As I have grown older, however, I have come to understand that true strength is not found in silence. True strength is found in connection, vulnerability, and the willingness to support one another through life’s struggles. My understanding of mental health has been shaped not by one defining event, but by years of observing the people around me. Within the Black community, conversations about mental health have often been difficult. Many people are taught to keep moving forward regardless of their emotional pain. Strength, resilience, and perseverance are celebrated, but struggles such as anxiety, depression, grief, and emotional exhaustion are often discussed behind closed doors, if they are discussed at all. As a result, many individuals suffer silently while carrying burdens that others cannot see. Over the years, I have watched family members, friends, coworkers, and community members face challenges that affected their mental and emotional well-being. Some struggled with overwhelming stress. Others faced grief, financial hardship, family difficulties, or feelings of isolation. These experiences helped me realize that mental health affects every aspect of a person’s life. It influences relationships, academic performance, physical health, career success, and one’s overall sense of hope. My own educational journey has deepened that understanding. As a full-time nursing student, wife, mother of two daughters, and hospital employee, I have experienced seasons where the demands of life felt overwhelming. Nursing school is often described as difficult, but living through it while balancing family and work responsibilities has required a level of endurance I never anticipated. There were days when I attended class, completed clinical rotations, worked shifts, cared for my family, and then stayed up late studying for exams. The pressure to succeed academically while continuing to meet the needs of those who depend on me was immense. During those periods, I learned an important lesson: mental health is not something that only affects certain people. It affects everyone. Even highly motivated individuals can become emotionally exhausted. Even people who appear successful can struggle privately. Recognizing this truth changed the way I view both myself and others. Rather than judging people for what I could see on the surface, I began to approach others with greater compassion. I became more intentional about checking on friends, listening to loved ones, and offering support without assumptions. I learned that a simple conversation can have a profound impact on someone who feels alone. I also learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of wisdom and courage. These lessons have profoundly influenced my relationships. I have become more patient, more empathetic, and more aware of the invisible struggles people may be carrying. Whether interacting with family members, classmates, coworkers, or strangers, I try to remember that every person has a story that I may never fully understand. That perspective has strengthened my relationships and helped me become a more compassionate person. Most importantly, my understanding of mental health has shaped my future goals as a nurse. Throughout my nursing education, I have learned that physical and mental health are deeply connected. A patient is more than a diagnosis, a room number, or a set of vital signs. Every patient brings fears, hopes, experiences, and emotions that deserve to be acknowledged. Some patients may be struggling with anxiety after a new diagnosis. Others may be experiencing depression, grief, trauma, or overwhelming stress. Effective healthcare requires treating the whole person, not just the illness. As a future nurse, I hope to create an environment where patients feel heard, respected, and supported. I want to be the kind of nurse who recognizes when someone needs encouragement, who listens without judgment, and who advocates for mental health just as strongly as physical health. I believe that compassion can be as powerful as any medication, and that sometimes the greatest gift we can offer another person is to let them know they are not alone. Mental health has shaped my understanding of the world by teaching me that every person carries burdens that may not be visible. It has taught me that empathy is not optional—it is essential. It has strengthened my relationships, deepened my faith, and influenced the nurse I am becoming. The more openly we talk about mental health, the more we create opportunities for healing. By replacing stigma with understanding and judgment with compassion, we can help ensure that fewer people suffer in silence. That is the impact I hope to make throughout my life and career: helping others feel seen, supported, and valued, even during their darkest moments.

My faith is the foundation upon which every major decision in my life has been built. It shapes how I treat others, how I respond to challenges, and how I define success. While many people view faith as something practiced only in church, for me it is a daily source of guidance that influences my actions, goals, and purpose. There have been many seasons in my life when faith carried me through circumstances that felt overwhelming. As a wife, mother of two daughters, full-time nursing student, and hospital employee, I often juggle responsibilities that compete for my time and energy. Nursing school has been one of the most demanding experiences of my life, requiring countless hours of studying, clinical rotations, and personal sacrifice. During difficult moments, my faith has reminded me that perseverance is possible even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Prayer has helped me remain focused on my purpose and trust that every challenge is preparing me for something greater. My faith has also influenced my academic goals. I do not view education simply as a means of career advancement. I view it as an opportunity to better serve others. Before pursuing nursing, I worked as an educator and had the privilege of helping students discover their abilities and potential. That experience taught me the importance of encouragement, patience, and service. Although my career path shifted toward healthcare, my mission remained the same: helping people. Nursing allows me to combine compassion, advocacy, and knowledge in a way that directly impacts individuals and families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. The people who have most influenced my pursuit of higher education are my family. My parents instilled in me the importance of hard work, integrity, and perseverance. They taught me that success is not measured solely by personal accomplishments but by the positive impact we have on others. My husband has also been an incredible source of support throughout my educational journey, encouraging me during difficult semesters and reminding me of my goals when the workload felt overwhelming. Most importantly, my daughters inspire me every day. I want them to grow up knowing that determination, faith, and education can open doors and create opportunities that once seemed impossible. Faith has also influenced my future goals as a nurse. I hope to become the kind of healthcare professional who treats every patient with dignity, compassion, and respect. Technical knowledge is essential, but patients often remember how they were treated long after they leave the hospital. I want my future patients and their families to feel heard, valued, and cared for. In addition to nursing, I hope to continue serving my community through volunteer work and mentorship, helping others pursue educational and professional goals of their own. The legacies of Patricia Lindsey Jackson and Eva Mae Jackson remind us that education and service can create lasting change across generations. Their commitment to uplifting others resonates deeply with me because it reflects the values I strive to live by every day. Through faith, education, and service, I hope to leave a similar legacy, one that encourages others to pursue their dreams while using their gifts to make the world a better place. Social Media : LinkedIn: Priscilla Mosley Instagram: pmosleyyy

When I think about what led me to pursue a career in nursing, I don’t think of a single moment but of many experiences that left lasting imprints on my heart. I think of the times I sat with loved ones in hospital rooms, where fear and uncertainty filled the air, and it was the nurse who brought comfort and clarity. I think of the countless hours I spent teaching children, some with unique challenges, and how deeply rewarding it felt to see even the smallest breakthroughs. I think of the communities I have served through volunteering, where I witnessed how health and dignity are tied so closely to access, compassion, and advocacy. All of these experiences came together to show me that nursing is more than a profession—it is a calling to serve, to comfort, and to fight for those who need a voice. Before nursing school, I worked as both a teacher and a registered behavior technician with children on the autism spectrum. Those children taught me about resilience and patience. They showed me that progress sometimes comes in small steps and that those steps are worth celebrating. I learned how to listen, how to adapt, and how to meet people where they are. These lessons became the foundation of my nursing journey. They gave me a heart for advocacy and a deep respect for the individuality of every patient I encounter. In many ways, those children were my first teachers in compassion—the very skill I now carry into every aspect of my medical training. My decision to become a nurse also comes from a desire to make a difference in communities that are often overlooked. I have seen how healthcare disparities affect families and how a lack of access can lead to devastating outcomes. These injustices fuel my determination to provide patient-centered care that is not only about treating illness but also about empowering individuals and families. I want to be the kind of nurse who makes sure every patient feels seen, heard, and understood—no matter their background or circumstances. Advocacy, to me, is not optional. It is at the very heart of nursing, and it is the way I plan to use my voice and skills to create lasting change. Volunteering in the community has also shaped the nurse I am becoming. Whether serving meals at food banks or helping women and families in need, I have learned that health is more than what happens inside a hospital. It is about the resources people have, the support systems they can rely on, and the hope they carry in the face of challenges. These experiences have shown me that to make a true difference, nurses must see the bigger picture. We must care for the whole person, not just the diagnosis, and we must connect patients to resources that help them thrive beyond the walls of the clinic. Looking ahead, I envision myself working in spaces where compassion and quick decision-making are essential, such as emergency nursing or community health. In those settings, every action matters. A calm presence can ease fear, a clear explanation can empower a family, and a determined advocate can change the course of someone’s care. I want to be a nurse who not only delivers care but restores dignity, hope, and trust. Ultimately, what inspires me is simple: people. People who need comfort. People who need answers. People who need someone to stand by them when they feel most vulnerable. Nursing gives me the chance to be that person, and through it, I will make a difference.

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.