My decision to pursue a degree in nursing stems from a deep desire to provide direct, compassionate care and to make a meaningful, personal impact on the lives of others. While my initial goal was to attend medical school, my experiences at Bethany Children’s Health Center reshaped my aspirations. Working closely with children who face significant physical and mental challenges, many with genetic conditions often associated with abortion, showed me the profound importance of forming personal connections with patients and their families. I realized that nursing aligns more closely with my passion for holistic care, where I can address not only physical needs but also emotional and spiritual well-being. At Bethany Children’s, I have seen the resilience of children who face seemingly insurmountable obstacles and the strength of families who dedicate themselves to their care. Moments like comforting a young child after a difficult therapy session or providing reassurance to a worried parent have shown me how much impact small acts of compassion can have. These experiences have inspired me to become a nurse who can offer consistent, hands-on support to patients and their families, building relationships rooted in trust and empathy. My faith has also played a significant role in shaping my decision to pursue nursing. As a Christian, I believe in the inherent value and dignity of every person, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. Many of the children I care for at Bethany Children’s face challenges that society often stigmatizes, including genetic conditions and histories of abuse or neglect. By serving them with compassion and respect, I hope to affirm the sanctity of their lives and create an environment where they feel valued and loved. Nursing provides a unique opportunity to live out my faith in a tangible way, reflecting Christ’s love in every interaction. In my community, I hope to make a lasting impact by promoting preventative care and health education. I believe that empowering individuals with knowledge about their health can lead to long-term positive outcomes, reducing the prevalence of chronic diseases and improving overall quality of life. As a nurse, I aim to build trusting relationships with my patients, creating a safe space where they feel comfortable discussing their concerns and taking an active role in their health journey. Beyond individual care, I aspire to advocate for systemic changes that better support underserved populations. This includes increasing access to healthcare for families in need, expanding resources for children with special needs, and strengthening community networks that protect and uplift at-risk children. Through these efforts, I hope to contribute to a culture where all lives are valued and supported. Ultimately, nursing is not just a career for me—it is a calling to serve others with kindness, respect, and compassion. By combining my faith, education, and passion for holistic care, I aspire to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of my patients and the communities I serve.

My faith is the foundation of how I live, work, and pursue my future goals, guiding every aspect of my life. As a Christian, I believe in the inherent dignity and value of every person, created in the image of God. This belief inspires my Pro-Life convictions and drives my commitment to care for and advocate for the most vulnerable among us—particularly children who are often overlooked or dismissed due to their circumstances or diagnoses. At Bethany Children’s Health Center, I care for children with severe genetic conditions, many of which are often cited as reasons for abortion. These children are completely dependent on their caregivers, being on ventilators, with tracheostomies, feeding tubes, and wheel-chair bound for life, a fate that some people may deem not worthy of life. These children, despite their physical and mental challenges, radiate joy and demonstrate the immense value of their lives. I also serve children who have survived abuse and neglect, heartbreaking realities that often stem from a lack of support or simply the fact that their lives were unwanted or burdensome. Witnessing their resilience and spirit has profoundly shaped my understanding of what it means to protect and celebrate life at every stage. My work with these children is an extension of my Pro-Life values, affirming the truth that every life, no matter how fragile or complex, is worthy of dignity, care, and love. These experiences have deeply influenced my future goals and career path. Initially, I planned to attend medical school, but my time at Bethany Children’s revealed my true calling: providing direct, personal, and compassionate care as a nurse practitioner. Nursing allows me to walk alongside families through their most vulnerable moments, offering not just physical care but emotional and spiritual support as well. I am inspired to care for children like those at Bethany Children’s—children who, despite facing genetic conditions or the effects of abuse, continue to fight for a better quality of life. My faith drives me to see these children not as diagnoses or circumstances, but as individuals with inherent worth, deserving of the highest standard of care and compassion. As a nurse practitioner, I aim to enact change by advocating for preventative care, holistic support, and education that uplifts families facing overwhelming challenges. I want to ensure that families receive the resources and encouragement they need to choose life for their children, regardless of a diagnosis or the fear of hardship. Additionally, I plan to advocate for systemic changes that protect life at all stages—offering support to families in crisis, increasing access to healthcare, and fostering a culture that values every child, no matter their condition or background. My ultimate goal is to embody Christ’s love in all that I do, ensuring that the children and families I serve feel valued, respected, and seen. By caring for those who society often overlooks—children with genetic conditions and those who have experienced abuse or neglect—I hope to demonstrate the sanctity of life and inspire others to do the same. My faith is not just a belief; it is the driving force behind my work, shaping my desire to protect, celebrate, and uplift every life, especially those who need it most.

I am currently enrolled in an accelerated nursing program, working toward my second bachelor’s degree after earning my first in Microbiology from Oklahoma State University. My educational journey has been shaped by a deep interest in healthcare and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Initially, my plan was to attend medical school, driven by a fascination with science and a goal to contribute to advancements in medicine. However, through my personal experiences and hands-on involvement in healthcare, I realized that my true passion lies in direct patient care and building personal connections with the individuals I serve. My "aha" moment came during my time at Bethany Children’s Health Center, where I worked directly with children who cannot physically or mentally care for themselves. It was there that I discovered the joy of serving patients in an intimate, hands-on way—comforting them during vulnerable moments, advocating for their needs, and helping them feel seen and valued. One particularly impactful experience was with a young girl named Ellie, who was nonverbal and often overwhelmed by her surroundings. After a difficult therapy session, I noticed her distress over a tear in her favorite stuffed animal. Taking time to repair it and brighten her day helped me understand how small, compassionate actions can profoundly impact a patient’s experience. That moment solidified my desire to pursue a career where I could care for patients holistically and directly, something I felt nursing would allow me to do more fully than medicine. My grandmother’s journey with Alzheimer’s also deeply influenced my decision to transition from pursuing medicine to nursing. Watching her slow and painful decline taught me the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care. Her interactions with dismissive healthcare providers highlighted the need for caregivers who listen deeply, respect patients’ dignity, and advocate for their unique needs. I realized that I wanted a career where I could provide this kind of care on a personal level—working alongside patients and families through their challenges, offering both physical care and emotional support. My time at Oklahoma State University, my work with the Children’s Health Foundation, and my experiences at Bethany Children’s all shaped my understanding of what it means to care for others. While I still have a deep respect for the field of medicine, I know that nursing aligns more closely with my passion for forming relationships and providing holistic care. This realization led me to the accelerated nursing program, where I am now combining my background in science with my commitment to serving others. Today, I feel more confident than ever that nursing is my true calling. It allows me to address not just physical health but also the emotional and spiritual needs of my patients, empowering them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. My journey to this point has been shaped by personal experiences, my faith, and a desire to reflect the values of caring, kindness, and respect in every interaction. Becoming a nurse will enable me to make a tangible, personal impact on the lives of others, and I am excited to dedicate my career to this mission.

Receiving this scholarship funding would profoundly impact my ability to pursue a career as a preventative care nurse practitioner, enabling me to focus on my education and professional development without the financial burden that often accompanies higher education. It would allow me to dedicate myself fully to learning and refining the skills necessary to serve patients holistically, addressing not only their physical needs but also their emotional and spiritual well-being. This support would also affirm the values of caring, kindness, and respect that have guided my journey thus far, empowering me to continue living out these principles in my work. My goal in the realm of holistic health and healing is to create environments where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to take control of their health. Inspired by my experiences at Bethany Children’s Health Center, I’ve seen how small acts of kindness and genuine care can make a significant difference in the lives of patients and their families. Whether it’s comforting a child through a difficult moment or offering a listening ear to a worried parent, I strive to meet people where they are, helping them feel seen and respected during their most vulnerable times. Additionally, witnessing my grandmother’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease has deepened my commitment to advocating for patients who cannot advocate for themselves. Her experience with dismissive and unsupportive healthcare providers underscored the need for compassionate, patient-centered care. As a nurse practitioner, I aim to ensure that every patient I serve feels heard, their dignity honored, and their voice included in decisions about their care. In holistic health, I hope to foster preventative measures that empower individuals to improve their quality of life and reduce the burden of chronic disease. I plan to use education and personalized care to address root causes, not just symptoms, creating long-term solutions for improved health outcomes. This approach aligns with my belief that healing goes beyond physical treatments—it encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. This scholarship would be an investment in a future where healthcare is not just about curing illness but about fostering hope, dignity, and empowerment. By lessening the financial barriers to my education, it would enable me to focus wholeheartedly on becoming the kind of healthcare provider I aspire to be: one who uplifts patients and families, advocates for systemic improvements, and contributes to a culture of kindness and respect within the healthcare field. With this support, I can continue to pursue my calling to create meaningful change in the lives of those I serve.

Overview Cupid’s Chaos is a fast-paced, unpredictable challenge designed to test the Islanders' communication, trust, and teamwork in the most hilarious way. Combining quirky tasks, hidden sabotage, and romantic dares, this challenge ensures laughs, drama, and bonding among the couples. The Set-Up Theme: A whimsical, Cupid-inspired arena featuring oversized heart-shaped obstacles, golden arrows, and floating cherubs for decoration. Dress Code: Islanders wear humorous Cupid costumes, including wings, heart-shaped goggles that obscure vision, and feathered bow-and-arrow props. Teams: Each couple participates together, competing against others for a special reward. The Challenge Cupid’s Chaos is broken into three distinct stages, each testing different aspects of the couples' dynamics. Stage 1: Love Line Relay Objective: One partner (blindfolded) must follow verbal directions from their partner to navigate a maze of heart-shaped obstacles. Twist: Along the way, decoy arrows (with phrases like “Turn Back” or “Steal Their Heart”) can mislead teams. Teams must collect three golden arrows to proceed. Sabotage Cards: Hidden in the maze are "Sabotage Cards" that Islanders can use to hinder other teams (e.g., a 10-second freeze or swapping players mid-task). Stage 2: Cupid’s Archery Objective: Once out of the maze, teams take turns aiming heart-shaped arrows at a large spinning target with various point zones. Twist: The board also has zones like: “Steal Points” (take 5 points from another team). “Double Dare” (choose a romantic or funny dare to earn bonus points). “Cupid's Curse” (lose points or face a hilarious penalty, like singing a love ballad on the spot). Stage 3: The Chaos Gauntlet Objective: Both partners work together to complete a slippery obstacle course while carrying a fragile “Heart of Love” (a delicate glass heart). Twist: Other couples can squirt harmless "love potions" (colored water) to make the course more challenging. If the heart breaks, couples must complete a quick penalty task (e.g., a heartfelt compliment or a funny declaration of love). Winning Points are tallied from each stage, and the couple with the most points wins. Prize: A private romantic dinner in the Hideaway, complete with a serenade from a surprise musical guest.

My decision to pursue a career as a preventative care nurse practitioner stems from a deeply personal connection to healthcare, my faith in Christ, and my passion for serving others. Growing up, my older brother’s diagnosis of Crohn’s disease introduced me to the struggles families face when a loved one is ill. As I accompanied him through countless hospital visits, I developed a profound empathy for those who cannot care for themselves and a desire to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. This calling deepened in 2022 when I heard the Hurley family share their story of resilience and faith at Oklahoma State University. Their unwavering trust in Christ amidst physical and emotional challenges reshaped my perspective, inspiring me to ground my life and work in caring, kindness, and respect. These values are not just abstract principles—they are a reflection of how I strive to serve others, guided by Christ’s example of love and compassion. My experiences at Bethany Children’s Health Center and the Children’s Health Foundation have given me the opportunity to put these values into action. At Bethany Children’s, I care for children who cannot physically or mentally care for themselves. I strive to make every interaction meaningful, whether by comforting a worried parent, advocating for a patient’s needs, or ensuring a child feels valued through small gestures, like dressing them in their favorite color. My work at CHF has further allowed me to create systemic change, raising awareness and resources to support families across Oklahoma. These experiences have affirmed my desire to make a lasting impact in healthcare, not just by treating illness but by fostering holistic well-being—addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients. A particularly transformative moment for me came while caring for a nonverbal child named Ellie at Bethany Children’s. After a difficult therapy session, I repaired her beloved stuffed animal, easing her visible distress. Her radiant smile and calm demeanor afterward reminded me how small acts of kindness can have profound impacts. Moments like these motivate me to create environments where patients feel valued, empowered, and loved. My grandmother’s slow and painful decline from Alzheimer’s has also shaped my career aspirations. Witnessing her journey has underscored the importance of preventative care, compassionate treatment, and patient advocacy. Her experience with dismissive physicians has fueled my determination to be a healthcare provider who listens deeply, respects patient autonomy, and provides dignified care. As a preventative care nurse practitioner, I aim to empower individuals through education, helping them take control of their health and prevent illness before it begins. My ultimate goal is to leave each person I encounter with a deeper sense of hope and worth, reflecting the love of Christ in all I do. By combining my personal experiences, professional training, and unwavering faith, I hope to create a lasting impact in healthcare—uplifting individuals, families, and communities alike.

Sitting on the gym floor at Oklahoma State in the spring of 2022, my heart was reignited with eternal joy in my Savior and passion for children’s health. As I listened to the Hurley family recount their triumphs over lifelong illness, surgeries, and unimaginable physical and mental agony, I was struck by their unwavering strength in Christ. Where my faith had been tied to circumstance, the Hurleys showed me what true, unwavering faith looks like. Since that day, the values of caring, kindness, and respect have formed the foundation of how I live and work. These qualities, inspired by Christ’s example, guide my service to the children at Bethany Children’s Health Center and the families at the Children’s Health Foundation (CHF). Through these experiences, I strive not only to uplift others but to reflect the love and joy of Jesus in all I do, leaving each person I encounter with a deeper sense of His grace. Caring has been a cornerstone of my life, deeply shaped by my faith and hearing testimonies of families. At Bethany Children’s, I strive to demonstrate care in every interaction—whether by going the extra mile to dress a child in their favorite color or offering emotional and spiritual support to the children and families I encounter. My work with CHF also allows me to extend this care beyond individual moments, working to create opportunities to uplift entire communities. Inspired by His example, I aim to care for others in a way that not only meets their immediate needs but also leaves them with a deeper sense of who Christ is. Kindness, as a fruit of the Spirit, is a guiding force in my life, shaping how I interact with others and reflecting my faith in Christ. Galatians 5:22 reminds us that kindness is a visible sign of the Holy Spirit’s work within us, and I strive to embody this truth in all I do. At Bethany Children’s, kindness may be as simple as offering a comforting word to a worried parent or helping an overwhelmed coworker. These small acts foster trust, create a supportive community, and bring hope and healing. I view kindness not as a mere action but as a sacred duty to extend the grace and compassion God has shown me. One instance that stands out as a reflection of this kindness occurred during my time at Bethany Children’s. A young patient named Ellie, who was nonverbal and wheelchair-bound, was often overwhelmed by new environments and unfamiliar faces. During her stay, I noticed how her favorite stuffed animal—a small, worn bear—was her only source of comfort in an otherwise unfamiliar world. One day, after a particularly challenging physical therapy session, I spent extra time with Ellie, carefully stitching up a small tear in her bear’s arm that she had noticed and clutched at with visible distress. As I worked, I chatted with her about silly things like the color of the thread and whether her bear might like a matching bow. When I handed it back to her, her smile lit up the room. Though Ellie couldn’t thank me in words, her calm demeanor and the way she held tightly to her bear spoke volumes. Moments like these remind me that kindness can transform even the smallest gesture into something profoundly meaningful. For Ellie and her family, this act of care helped reinforce the sense that they were not alone in their journey. Respect is a pillar of my faith and work, guiding how I interact with every individual I encounter. My belief that all people are made in God’s image reminds me to honor the inherent dignity of each person, regardless of circumstance. Growing up with a brother in the hospital taught me to listen deeply and value others’ struggles, shaping my understanding of respect as empathy in action. Respect means giving children and families a voice in their care, ensuring they feel seen and heard. Respect is more than politeness; it is the commitment to uplifting others and affirming their worth. By honoring the humanity in every person I serve, I strive to create feelings of dignity, compassion, and hope. My ultimate goal as a preventative care nurse practitioner is to use these values—caring, kindness, and respect—to serve patients holistically. Inspired by Christ’s example and experiences like my time with Ellie, I hope to foster an environment where individuals feel loved, valued, and empowered to take an active role in their health.

Sitting on the gym floor at Oklahoma State University in the spring of 2022, I experienced a pivotal moment that reignited my passion for children’s health and deepened my faith in Christ. As I listened to the Hurley family share their story of triumph over lifelong illness and unimaginable challenges, I was struck by their unwavering strength. Where my faith had often been tied to circumstances, the Hurleys demonstrated what it means to have unshakable trust in Christ. That day, I resolved to live by the values of caring, kindness, and respect—principles that now guide every aspect of my life and work. Caring is central to who I am and what I aspire to achieve as a preventative care nurse practitioner. My faith has taught me that care is more than meeting someone’s physical needs—it’s about making them feel valued and loved. At Bethany Children’s Health Center, I practice this belief daily, whether by dressing a child in their favorite color to brighten their day or offering a listening ear to a worried parent. Through my work with the Children’s Health Foundation, I extend this care beyond individuals to entire communities, helping create opportunities for families to thrive. My goal is to bring this same level of compassion to my future career, addressing not only physical health but also the emotional and spiritual well-being of my patients. Kindness, as a fruit of the Spirit, is another guiding force in my life. Galatians 5:22 reminds us that kindness is a visible sign of the Holy Spirit’s work within us, and I strive to embody this truth in all I do. At Bethany Children’s, small, intentional acts of kindness—like comforting a nervous child or assisting a coworker—foster trust and create a supportive environment. These moments of connection are the foundation of healing, and they inspire me to bring the same attitude into my future role as a nurse practitioner. For me, kindness is a sacred duty, an opportunity to reflect God’s grace to those around me. Respect is also a cornerstone of my work, rooted in the belief that all people are made in God’s image. Growing up with a brother who spent significant time in the hospital taught me to value others’ struggles and honor their dignity. Respect means giving patients a voice in their care, ensuring they feel seen and heard, and affirming their worth during vulnerable moments. It’s more than a surface-level courtesy; it’s the commitment to uplift and empower others. In my career as a preventative care nurse practitioner, I hope to foster an environment where patients feel safe, respected, and encouraged to take an active role in their health. My ultimate goal as a nurse practitioner is to be an advocate for holistic well-being, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of my patients. I am passionate about helping individuals prevent illness through education and empowering them to live healthier lives. Inspired by my faith and my experiences at Bethany Children’s and the Children’s Health Foundation, I strive to be a source of hope and healing, bringing light to those I serve. Caring, kindness, and respect are not just values—they are the driving forces behind my decision to pursue a career in preventative care. By reflecting Christ’s example, I aim to create a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of my patients and the communities I serve.

Sitting on the gym floor at Oklahoma State University in the spring of 2022, my heart was reignited with a passion for children’s health and a joy in my Savior. Listening to the Hurley family share their triumphs over lifelong illness, surgeries, and unimaginable pain, I was struck by their unwavering strength in Christ. Where my faith had often wavered with circumstance, the Hurleys displayed a steadfastness that inspired me to pursue a deeper, unshakable faith. That day cemented my commitment to serving others, particularly children and families facing health challenges, through care, kindness, and respect. These principles, rooted in my faith and guided by Christ’s example, define who I am and my vision as a preventative care nurse practitioner. Caring is at the heart of everything I do. My time at Bethany Children’s Health Center has shown me how a simple act of care can impact a child’s life. Whether dressing a patient in their favorite color or celebrating milestones with their family, I strive to bring joy and comfort to every interaction. My work with the Children’s Health Foundation has allowed me to extend this care further, helping to create programs that uplift entire communities. My goal as a nurse practitioner is to provide compassionate, holistic care that addresses physical needs while nurturing emotional and spiritual well-being. Inspired by Christ’s example, I want every patient I serve to feel seen, valued, and loved. Kindness, one of the fruits of the Spirit, is a guiding principle in my interactions. Galatians 5:22 reminds us that kindness reflects the Holy Spirit’s work, and I strive to embody this in all aspects of my life. At Bethany Children’s, kindness might mean comforting a worried parent, sharing a laugh with a patient, or supporting a coworker. These small acts build trust, foster healing, and create community. As a nurse practitioner, I will continue this legacy of kindness by fostering supportive relationships with patients and families. Kindness, to me, is more than an action—it is a reflection of God’s grace, a tangible way to share His love. Respect is another foundational value that shapes my caregiving. My faith teaches me that every person is created in God’s image and deserving of dignity. This belief guided me growing up with a brother in the hospital, as I learned to empathize with others’ struggles. Respect, to me, is about valuing perspectives, honoring experiences, and affirming worth. As a nurse practitioner, I will ensure children and families feel heard and included in their care, empowering them to take an active role in their health. Respect means creating a space where patients feel safe, valued, and supported. My vision as a preventative care nurse practitioner is to integrate care, kindness, and respect to transform lives and communities. Preventative medicine focuses not only on treating illness but also on empowering individuals to lead healthier lives. By addressing health challenges early and providing patient-centered care, I hope to reduce suffering and promote lasting well-being for children and families. Ultimately, I want to leave every patient I encounter with a deeper sense of hope, dignity, and joy—a reflection of the love and grace I have experienced through Christ.

Sitting on the gym floor at Oklahoma State University in the spring of 2022, my heart was reignited with a passion for children’s health and a joy in my Savior. Listening to the Hurley family share their triumphs over lifelong illness, surgeries, and unimaginable pain, I was struck by their unwavering strength in Christ. Where my faith had often wavered with circumstance, the Hurleys displayed a steadfastness that inspired me to pursue a deeper, unshakable faith. That day cemented my commitment to serving others, particularly children and families facing health challenges, through care, kindness, and respect. These principles, rooted in my faith and guided by Christ’s example, define who I am and my vision as a preventative care nurse practitioner. Caring is at the heart of everything I do. My time at Bethany Children’s Health Center has shown me how a simple act of care can impact a child’s life. Whether dressing a patient in their favorite color or celebrating milestones with their family, I strive to bring joy and comfort to every interaction. My work with the Children’s Health Foundation has allowed me to extend this care further, helping to create programs that uplift entire communities. My goal as a nurse practitioner is to provide compassionate, holistic care that addresses physical needs while nurturing emotional and spiritual well-being. Inspired by Christ’s example, I want every patient I serve to feel seen, valued, and loved. Kindness, one of the fruits of the Spirit, is a guiding principle in my interactions. Galatians 5:22 reminds us that kindness reflects the Holy Spirit’s work, and I strive to embody this in all aspects of my life. At Bethany Children’s, kindness might mean comforting a worried parent, sharing a laugh with a patient, or supporting a coworker. These small acts build trust, foster healing, and create community. As a nurse practitioner, I will continue this legacy of kindness by fostering supportive relationships with patients and families. Kindness, to me, is more than an action—it is a reflection of God’s grace, a tangible way to share His love. Respect is another foundational value that shapes my caregiving. My faith teaches me that every person is created in God’s image and deserving of dignity. This belief guided me growing up with a brother in the hospital, as I learned to empathize with others’ struggles. Respect, to me, is about valuing perspectives, honoring experiences, and affirming worth. As a nurse practitioner, I will ensure children and families feel heard and included in their care, empowering them to take an active role in their health. Respect means creating a space where patients feel safe, valued, and supported. My vision as a preventative care nurse practitioner is to integrate care, kindness, and respect to transform lives and communities. Preventative medicine focuses not only on treating illness but also on empowering individuals to lead healthier lives. By addressing health challenges early and providing patient-centered care, I hope to reduce suffering and promote lasting well-being for children and families. Ultimately, I want to leave every patient I encounter with a deeper sense of hope, dignity, and joy—a reflection of the love and grace I have experienced through Christ.

CowboyThon is Oklahoma State University’s largest student-led philanthropy, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the Children’s Health Foundation. At its core, CowboyThon exists to provide hope and tangible support to Oklahoma children and families facing serious medical challenges. Our efforts culminate each year in a Dance Marathon, a celebration of our work and the stories of the Miracle Families we serve. As Executive Director, I have the privilege of leading this incredible organization. My role involves guiding the team, fostering relationships with Miracle Families, building partnerships, and ensuring that CowboyThon remains a force for good on campus. However, this year, my leadership was tested in ways I could never have anticipated. Following the 11th Dance Marathon, CowboyThon faced the most significant crisis in its history. The Executive Director resigned abruptly, leaving no transitional guidance, and most of the team followed suit. The organization was left adrift, morale was at an all-time low, and many questioned whether CowboyThon would even survive to see its 12th year. What had once been a mission-driven, fulfilling organization had become draining and directionless. Despite these challenges, a small group of passionate members remained determined to save CowboyThon. With fragmented information scavenged from old Google Drives and emails, we began the painstaking work of rebuilding from the ground up. The first step was transforming the internal culture. CowboyThon’s reputation on campus had become overwhelmingly negative—known as an organization that pressured participation and left its own members feeling burned out. To shift this narrative, we focused on fostering genuine relationships, shared goals, mutual respect, and open communication within our team. We prioritized creating an environment where people felt valued, excited to participate, and eager to contribute. Over time, a once-struggling group of individuals became a close-knit, enthusiastic team. Rebuilding CowboyThon wasn’t without external challenges. Seeking campus-wide support, we reached out to the University President, a known philanthropist, pediatrician, and active member of the OSU community. We invited her to attend our Dance Marathon and sought her endorsement to increase our visibility and credibility. Unfortunately, we were met with rejection—both for her participation in the event and our request to be included in the university-wide day of service she was organizing. The same week, she publicly supported multiple Greek Life philanthropic events, further limiting our ability to engage this key demographic. While the lack of faculty support was disheartening, it only strengthened our resolve. Our team leaned on creativity and resilience to engage the campus community. We reimagined outreach strategies, focusing on personal connections, transparency about our mission, and a renewed emphasis on the joy and hope CowboyThon brings to children and families. By the time Dance Marathon arrived, CowboyThon had become something new: an organization driven by passion, collaboration, and a deep commitment to its mission. Though the journey was fraught with challenges, the adversity we faced shaped us into stronger leaders and advocates for the children and families we serve. To me, CowboyThon represents resilience, compassion, and the power of people coming together for a shared purpose. As Executive Director, I am incredibly proud of the team’s determination to overcome every obstacle and build an organization that lives up to its mission. Despite the odds, CowboyThon not only survived but emerged stronger—proving that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to create something truly meaningful.

Science first captured my interest in 2009 when my older brother, Brandon, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Walking through the halls of Oklahoma Children’s Hospital to visit him, I noticed hundreds of kids like Brandon—stuck in hospital beds, sick, scared, and unsure about their future. My brother was resilient, but his hospital stays were exhausting and terrifying for our entire family. We had no idea what the rest of his life would look like or how long it might be. As we made countless visits over the next four years, I couldn’t help but think about the other patients we passed on the floor. Girls my age were confined to beds, unable to enjoy simple joys like playing outside or going to the movies. My heart ached for these children, who had become patients far too soon. At just ten years old, I felt both helpless and hopeless, wishing I could do something to help my brother. Although Brandon celebrated remission in 2013, my passion for healthcare only grew stronger. I pursued a degree in Microbiology at Oklahoma State University, determined to become a healthcare provider and make a difference for children and families in Oklahoma. During my freshman year, I joined CowboyThon, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for families like mine. Through CowboyThon, my excitement for healthcare soared. I quickly connected with Miracle Families from the Children’s Health Foundation, which reaffirmed my desire to make a meaningful impact in healthcare in Oklahoma. Advocating for these families on campus only fueled my determination to continue into a professional healthcare career. In the spring of my freshman year, I applied to work as a nursing assistant at Bethany Children’s Health Center. The mission at Bethany Children’s is to provide the highest quality care while bringing the hope and love of Christ to children and families. Many of our patients will never leave Bethany Children’s; their lives are largely dependent on their caregivers. It is our privilege to love and care for them and to be a part of their daily lives. Although I had not seriously considered nursing before, working directly with patients and families at Bethany Children’s solidified my calling to the profession. I strongly believe that the Lord has guided me toward a career in nursing so I can reflect the loving-kindness of Jesus Christ to my patients, their families, and my peers—just as they leave lasting imprints on my heart. As I have advanced within CowboyThon, leading the largest student-led philanthropy on campus while continuing my work at Bethany Children’s, my passion for serving patients and families in Oklahoma has only deepened. Being trusted to play an active role in their lives is a privilege I hold close to my heart. It has been the greatest honor to love and care for the families involved with CowboyThon and Bethany Children’s, and I am eager to dedicate the rest of my life to doing so professionally.

Healthcare originally piqued my interest in 2009 when my older brother, Brandon, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Walking through the halls of Oklahoma Children’s Hospital to visit my brother I noticed hundreds of kids around me, like Brandon. They were stuck in hospital beds, sick, scared, and unsure of what their future looked like. My brother was a resilient kid, but his stays at the hospital were exhausting and scary for not only him but our entire family. We had no clue what the rest of his life would look like, or how long it would be. Constant visits over the next four years kept me wondering about these patients whenever we walked around the floor. Girls my age were stuck in bed, unable to enjoy the things I loved so much, like playing outside or going to the movies. My heart ached for these children, who were forced to become patients at such a young age. At age ten I genuinely felt hopeless and helpless, wishing I could do something to help my brother. Although Brandon celebrated remission in 2013, my heart for healthcare never subsided. I sought a degree in Microbiology at Oklahoma State University, and I am determined to be a healthcare provider and make a difference for children and families in Oklahoma. In the fall of my freshman year, I joined an organization with the sole mission to generate awareness and funds for kids and families like my own, CowboyThon. With CowboyThon, my excitement for healthcare took off. I quickly bonded with our Miracle Families from the Children’s Health Foundation and reaffirmed how desperately I wanted to make a difference in healthcare in Oklahoma. Being an advocate for these families on my campus only made my heart burn more passionately to continue into a professional healthcare career. In the spring of my freshman year, I applied to work as a nursing assistant at Bethany Children’s Health Center. Our mission at Bethany Children’s is to serve our patients with the highest quality care, bringing the hope and love of Christ to children and families. Many of my patients will never leave Bethany Children’s; the majority of their lives will be controlled by their caregivers. We are the ones who love them, care for them, and get the privilege of being a part of their everyday lives. I had never seriously considered nursing, but working directly with patients and families at Bethany Children’s affirmed my calling to nursing. I feel strongly that the Lord has led me to a career in nursing to be an example of the loving-kindness of Jesus Christ to my patients, patients’ families, and peers; while they also imprint deeply on my heart. As I have climbed the ranks of CowboyThon, leading the largest student-led philanthropy on campus and working continuously at Bethany Children’s, my excitement and passion have continued to grow for patients and their families in Oklahoma. Being trusted with the privilege to play an active role in their lives is something I will never take for granted. It has truly been the greatest privilege to be able to love and care for the families in CowboyThon and at Bethany Children’s, and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life doing so professionally.