As a student pursuing an MSN, my dream is to become a nurse practitioner specializing in preventive medicine and oncology. Throughout my experience working in oncological reconstructive medicine, I have seen the immense toll cancer can take on a patient’s life. I have worked as a surgical medical assistant with many breast cancer patients throughout their reconstructive process, including mastectomy and full stage reconstruction. I have worked closely with reconstructive surgeons and surgical dermatologists over the past five years to understand the complex physical and emotional nuances of cancer treatment. I deeply resonate with the importance of treating each patient with dignity, patience, compassion, and providing support throughout their recovery process. I have also found that the greatest healing often comes from a combination of medical intervention and emotional support. I want to be a provider who also brings hope and encouragement to those who feel unseen, or may be struggling in their healthcare experiences. My inspiration to become a nurse is deeply intertwined with my ambition to help bridge the healthcare gap for those living in vulnerable communities around the world. About half of my family, including my mother, emigrated from Malawi, a small country located in the heart of Africa. While I was growing up, she told me stories about the villages they lived in, and how they relied on the stability of their environment to maintain their livelihood. My family experienced many healthcare issues while living in Malawi, where medical centers were not accessible, and required long distance travel. When my grandmother was pregnant with her third child, she traveled to another country in hopes of receiving better care, and sadly miscarried during her trip. Many of the women in my family have also told me about the challenges they faced during and after childbirth, including postpartum illness that they were forced to endure without proper care. My connection to these places fuels my passion to become a nurse, and give back to communities that have struggled with basic access to healthcare for generations within my own. My goal as a future provider is to find novel therapies for diseases including cancer, and focus on the significance of preventive medicine, such as screening and risk assessment. Many of the patients I have encountered have been able to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer and other forms of cancer by assessing their genetic susceptibility, staying on top of screening for early detection, and making lifestyle adjustments. I believe that improving health education and healthcare access is necessary in order to work towards this goal. I would also like to continue in my education to obtain a DNP degree to apply research in healthcare settings to deliver the best possible care to future patients. I hope to be at the forefront of integrating preventative care, such as nutrition, into clinical settings to provide people with a diverse range of treatments and preventative options. My priority is to dedicate my time to becoming a highly skilled nurse so that I can make the greatest impact on patients, while being the most caring and compassionate provider that I can be. I found the Wieland Nurse Appreciation Scholarship through Bold.org.

Receiving this scholarship would be instrumental in helping me further my studies in nursing. As I begin my accelerated master’s degree program, financial support will allow me to focus on my education, research, and community service rather than financial burdens. It will help provide me with the resources necessary to seek further opportunities for leadership and research in women’s health as well. I will be working while attending school to cover living expenses, but balancing both will be demanding. My goal is to graduate without overwhelming debt so that I can dedicate myself fully to serving my community. With this support, I can focus on becoming a highly skilled nurse, and dedicate my time to learning and patient care. My commitment to serving extends beyond clinical care. I am passionate about working in underserved communities, as I grew up in a small, rural town and witnessed firsthand the barriers to accessing quality healthcare. I want to ensure that all people, regardless of financial means or background, have access to quality healthcare. Last year, I began teaching yoga at a local homeless shelter. This experience has been deeply fulfilling as it has allowed me to connect with my community on a deeper level, and establish a calm space for people to relax and unwind. These experiences have reinforced my belief that healthcare should be multifaceted, addressing both physical and emotional well-being. I want to be a provider who listens deeply to my patients, acknowledging their concerns while equipping them with the knowledge and tools to actively participate in their health journeys. As a future nurse practitioner, I envision myself working in OB/GYN or family care, providing compassionate care to individuals facing reproductive health challenges, supporting women through prenatal and postpartum care, promoting breast cancer screening and prevention, and advancing health education. I hope to encourage the people in my community to take control of their health and wellness by improving healthcare access and education. I would also like to continue in my education to obtain a DNP degree to apply research in healthcare settings to deliver the best possible care to future patients. In the field of nursing, I hope to be at the forefront of integrating holistic care, such as nutrition, into clinical settings to provide people with a diverse range of treatments and preventative options. I also see myself leading wellness initiatives, and creating safe spaces for people to openly discuss mental and physical health issues. I hope to create or work in a practice that prioritizes holistic wellness for women, and to revolutionize the ways in which we approach women's health in our communities and in the field of nursing.