My love of learning started with a simple desire to understand more than what was in front of me. I was never satisfied with just knowing the answer. I always wanted to know the reason behind it. As I got older, that curiosity became the way I connected with the world. Whether I was reading a book, studying for a test, or watching someone work with skill and passion, I paid close attention. I found beauty in discovering new things and learning how to think for myself. Learning has always been personal to me. It is not just about what I am taught in class. It is about what I teach myself when no one is watching. For example, during long nights of studying biology, I did not just memorize facts. I tried to understand how the human body works and how everything connects. This mindset helped me find my purpose. I realized I wanted to go into nursing, not just because it is a stable career, but because it brings together everything I value — helping others, growing through experience, and never stopping the journey of learning. My love for learning has shaped the way I see life. I no longer fear challenges. I welcome them as opportunities to grow. I remind myself that learning is a process when something feels hard or confusing. It takes time, patience, and effort. But with each step forward, I become stronger and more confident. This mindset has helped me through tough classes, moments of doubt, and even personal setbacks. Learning gave me the ability to push through and come out better than before. One experience that deeply changed my perspective was volunteering at a community event where we helped organize resources for families in need. I listened to the stories of mothers who were struggling but still showed up for their children. It opened my eyes and made me realize that learning also means understanding the struggles of others. It is not just about books or tests. It is also about building empathy and connection. I carry that lesson with me as I pursue a future in nursing. I want to continue learning in every way possible through textbooks, clinicals, and the real-life stories of patients. I want to be the kind of nurse who is always improving, always asking questions, and always paying attention to the people I serve. My goal is to keep learning, not only to pass exams, but to give better care, to understand different perspectives, and to become a strong leader in health care. Looking ahead, I see learning as something that will always guide me. It will help me adapt in a changing world. It will help me grow in my career. Most importantly, it will help me stay grounded in who I am and what I believe in. The more I learn, the more I can give to others. That is what drives me forward every single day. This passion for learning has given me purpose. It is not just a part of my life. It is the reason I keep going and the reason I will keep reaching for more.

Growing up, I’ve always had a natural sense of compassion for others, especially children. When I was younger, I saw how important access to healthcare could be in shaping the lives of those who need it. One experience that stuck with me was visiting a clinic in a rural part of Nigeria, where I watched nurses work with children. Their dedication and kindness made a lasting impact on me, and I knew then that I wanted to follow a similar path. Since moving to Houston, my passion for healthcare has grown even stronger. Now, I’m determined to pursue a career in nursing with a focus on pediatric care because I want to be part of something bigger making a difference in the lives of children who need it the most. I’ve chosen nursing because it’s more than just a job to me. It’s a way to help people in their most vulnerable moments, to be a voice for those who can’t always speak up, and to provide comfort when it’s needed most. Nurses are often the ones on the frontlines, noticing the little things that can make a huge difference in a patient’s outcome. For me, it’s the perfect blend of science and empathy. Pediatric nursing, in particular, is where my heart lies. I’ve always loved working with kids, and I believe they deserve the best care we can offer. In this field, I can provide the medical attention they need while also being there to offer emotional support and comfort to both them and their families. The reason I’m drawn to pediatric nursing is simple: I want to make a lasting impact on the lives of children. Childhood is such a critical time for development, and having the right care can shape a child’s future in so many ways. Whether it’s helping them through a routine visit, supporting them during an illness, or comforting their families during a tough time, I want to be that nurse who makes things a little easier. Pediatric nurses are not only caregivers but also advocates for their young patients. That’s a role I’m excited to take on, especially knowing how much these children rely on us to get the best care possible. I also see pediatric nursing as a challenge that will push me to grow both personally and professionally. Working with children requires a special kind of patience and understanding, and I’m ready to rise to that challenge. I know that kids have unique needs, and being able to meet those needs requires specialized knowledge and compassion. I want to be the nurse who helps them feel safe, supported, and understood. As the demand for nurses continues to rise, I feel even more motivated to contribute to this field and make a meaningful difference, especially when it comes to pediatric care. In the end, my goal is to become a pediatric nurse because I believe that every child deserves to be cared for with kindness and respect. With this scholarship, I’ll be able to continue my education and work toward becoming a skilled nurse who can provide the best care for children and their families. This isn’t just a career for me it’s a way to make a real difference in the world, one child at a time.

My name is Rahamat Bashorun, and I am originally from Nigeria. I grew up in a vibrant Yoruba community where traditions and family values shaped who I am today. In 2023, I moved to the United States with the hope of pursuing higher education and achieving my dream of becoming a nurse. Being an immigrant has given me the opportunity to experience two distinct cultures, both of which have significantly influenced my personal and academic journey. As a woman of Nigerian descent, my identity is deeply tied to my heritage, and this background fuels my drive to succeed despite the challenges that come with living in a new country. Life as an immigrant student has been both rewarding and challenging. One of the most significant hurdles I’ve faced is adapting to the new education system. From adjusting to different teaching styles to navigating the intricacies of paperwork, there have been many moments where I felt out of place. I’ve had to balance studying with understanding a complex legal and educational landscape that often feels overwhelming. Yet, these obstacles have only strengthened my resolve to push through. Additionally, I miss the sense of community I had back home in Nigeria, but this has made me more independent and focused on creating a supportive environment for myself in Houston. Since moving to the U.S., I’ve learned that resilience is one of my strongest qualities. Being far from family and everything familiar has taught me how to rely on myself and find new ways to overcome difficulties. I’ve also gained a deeper appreciation for my Nigerian roots. The values of hard work, perseverance, and hospitality that were instilled in me by my family have helped me navigate life in the U.S. Furthermore, my journey has highlighted the importance of education and how it can be a powerful tool to break barriers. The contrast between the two countries has also shown me how fortunate I am to have the chance to pursue my dreams, and I’m more determined than ever to give back to both communities in the future. Immigrating to the U.S. has greatly influenced my decision to pursue a career in nursing. My experience has shown me the importance of compassion, not just in a healthcare setting but in everyday interactions. As I work towards my nursing degree, I am particularly passionate about specializing in labor and delivery and pediatrics. I want to make a difference in the lives of mothers and children, ensuring that they receive the best possible care, no matter their background. My journey as an immigrant has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to advocate for those who may not have a voice, and nursing is a field where I can combine my skills with my passion for helping others.

My passion for nursing stems from personal experiences growing up in Nigeria, where I witnessed the crucial role healthcare workers played in the community. Despite limited resources, nurses stood as pillars of strength, providing care and hope to those in need. Their dedication left a lasting impact on me and inspired my decision to pursue a career in nursing. Moving to Houston solidified this passion as I recognized the opportunity to combine my desire to help others with my interest in healthcare. Nursing became the perfect path for me to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. I am particularly drawn to labor and delivery as well as pediatrics because both areas allow me to support individuals at critical stages of their lives. In labor and delivery, I am fascinated by the unique combination of medical expertise and emotional care required. Bringing new life into the world is a profound experience, and I want to be there to ensure both mother and child receive the highest level of care. I believe that every family deserves a safe, positive birth experience, and I am committed to helping create that environment. Through education, compassion, and patient advocacy, I hope to provide comfort and confidence to families during this life-changing moment. Pediatrics also holds a special place in my heart. As someone who enjoys working with children, I am excited about the prospect of supporting their growth and development from infancy through adolescence. Whether it’s performing routine check-ups, administering vaccinations, or assisting with more complex medical needs, I want to help families feel supported and informed throughout their child's health journey. Children, especially in their early years, are incredibly vulnerable, and I want to be the nurse who ensures they receive the care they need to thrive. Pediatrics not only allows me to use my medical knowledge but also my ability to connect with young patients and their families. In my nursing career, I aim to focus on improving maternal and child health outcomes in underserved communities. I have a strong desire to work with populations that may not have easy access to healthcare services. By providing consistent, high-quality care in labor and delivery and pediatrics, I hope to address healthcare disparities and improve the overall well-being of these communities. I believe that by focusing on preventive care, patient education, and early intervention, we can make a real difference in the lives of mothers and children who might otherwise face significant health challenges. One of my long-term goals is to become a leader in maternal and child health nursing. I hope to eventually work in positions where I can influence healthcare policy and advocate for better resources for labor and delivery and pediatric care in underserved areas. I also want to mentor new nurses entering these fields, helping them develop the skills and compassion necessary to excel in their careers. Nursing is not just about providing medical treatment it's about connecting with patients, understanding their unique needs, and being a source of support during some of the most important moments of their lives. Ultimately, I am passionate about nursing because it allows me to combine my love of helping others with my desire to make a tangible difference in people’s health and well-being. Through labor and delivery and pediatrics, I hope to contribute to the field of healthcare in a way that is both impactful and lasting. My nursing journey is deeply personal, and I am excited to dedicate my life to improving the lives of others through compassionate, skilled care.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the process of life — how it begins, how it grows, and the role healthcare plays in safeguarding it. My journey toward nursing began with a simple desire to help others, but over time, it evolved into a deeper passion for the intricacies of healthcare, particularly in labor and delivery and pediatrics. Choosing this path wasn’t just about science; it was about the privilege of being there for families during some of the most significant moments of their lives. Labor and delivery is where life first begins, and being a part of that process is something I find incredibly special. The idea of helping bring new life into the world, ensuring that both mother and child are healthy and safe, excites me. It’s a moment of profound change, not only for the patient but also for their entire family. I want to be there to provide not just medical care but emotional support, creating a calming presence in the delivery room. Pediatrics is the natural extension of my passion for helping new life thrive. I’ve always loved working with children, and there’s something incredibly rewarding about nurturing and protecting their health. The first years of life are some of the most important, and I want to be a part of ensuring that children grow strong and healthy. As a pediatric nurse, I’ll be in a position to work closely with families, helping them navigate the challenges of childhood illness, vaccinations, and general healthcare. Currently, I am working on completing my prerequisites for nursing with the goal of transferring to a four-year university. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve stayed committed to pursuing a career in labor and delivery as well as pediatrics because of the unique role nurses play in those fields. I love the idea of supporting new mothers as they experience childbirth and watching babies grow healthy through their early years. It’s a field that requires compassion, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, all of which I feel I can offer. In nursing, every day presents a new challenge and a new opportunity to make a difference. The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and I’m eager to stay on top of the latest developments so I can provide the best possible care. My goal is to ensure that my future patients feel safe, understood, and well cared for — not just physically but emotionally as well. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to realizing my dream of becoming a nurse focused on labor and delivery and pediatrics. I look forward to the day when I can take what I’ve learned and apply it to my career, working with families through the incredible process of birth and helping children grow strong and healthy.

When I reflect on why I decided to pursue a career in nursing, I think back to my early years in Nigeria. Growing up in a country where healthcare resources were often limited, I witnessed firsthand the struggles many people faced in accessing adequate medical care. It wasn’t uncommon for family members or friends to be unable to receive timely treatment, and I remember feeling helpless as a child, wishing there was more I could do. Those experiences ignited a deep desire in me to help others, especially in critical moments when health and well-being are at stake. Moving to Houston later in life provided me with the opportunity to see healthcare from a different perspective. The advanced medical facilities and the dedicated professionals I encountered inspired me even further. It made me realize that nursing isn’t just about treating physical ailments, but also about offering emotional and psychological support to those who need it. Nurses are often the first point of contact in a patient’s journey to recovery, and the impact they can make is profound. My decision to pursue nursing is also deeply personal. As someone who enjoys helping others and feels fulfilled when making a positive difference, nursing offers the perfect combination of science, compassion, and human connection. I have always admired the resilience and dedication nurses show, and I know that it is a profession that will challenge me to grow both professionally and personally. Nursing, to me, is not just a career but a calling a way to give back to my community and to contribute to a field that touches countless lives. In preparation for nursing school, I’ve taken the time to focus on building a strong foundation. From completing the necessary prerequisites to seeking out volunteer opportunities, I’m doing everything I can to ensure I am well-prepared for the road ahead. I am particularly drawn to Texas Woman’s University and UT Health because of their strong nursing programs and the values they uphold, which align with my own. Ultimately, what made me consider nursing was the desire to be a part of something larger than myself. I want to be on the front lines of healthcare, making a difference in people’s lives, especially in times of vulnerability. Whether it’s providing comfort, administering treatment, or simply being a reassuring presence, I look forward to the many ways I can contribute to the well-being of others through nursing.