Being a first-generation college student means rewriting a story that was never handed to me. I did not grow up seeing college as something people like me could reach, but I have always believed my children deserved a different future. That belief is what carried me through some of the hardest moments of my life. I survived years of violence in the home, and when I discovered that my child had been sexually abused, I made the hardest decision a mother can make—I sent my husband to prison to protect my family. From that moment on, it was just me. I had to learn how to run a farm, work cattle, keep a household together, and raise two children on my own. For years I worked two full-time jobs just to keep us afloat. But despite the exhaustion, something in me refused to settle. I wanted a career that would give me stability, purpose, and the ability to support others who face crisis or pain. My inspiration has always been my mom, who has been a nurse since 1979. Growing up, I watched her care for people with compassion and strength, and I knew that I wanted to follow in her footsteps. Last semester, I completed my first 14 college credits toward my associate degree, and I am on track to pursue my RN. As a single mom managing a farm, a household, and my education, going back to school has required courage and sacrifice. Next semester, I will be taking six classes, which means I can only work one job instead of two. Financially, that is a major challenge, but my determination is stronger than my fear. This scholarship would help me stay focused on my education instead of worrying about how to keep the lights on. It would allow me to continue working toward my dream of becoming a nurse—someone who helps people through moments of trauma, uncertainty, and healing. My goal is to build a stable future for my children and to show them that no matter how hard life gets, you can rise, rebuild, and become stronger. I am not perfect, but I am determined. My journey has been shaped by resilience, honesty, and the belief that my past does not define my future. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to the life I have fought so hard to create.

The moment I realized what true strength looks like wasn’t in a hospital or a classroom—it was in my own home. As a single mom, I have fought through some of the hardest battles a parent can face, including protecting my child from abuse and finding the courage to stand up, seek justice, and rebuild our lives. Those experiences didn’t break me; they reshaped me. They pushed me toward a path where compassion, resilience, and advocacy aren’t just valuable—they are required. That path is nursing. My greatest inspiration has always been my mother, who has been a nurse since 1979. I grew up watching her serve people with patience, skill, and dignity. She showed me that nursing is more than a career—it is a calling rooted in service and humanity. When life became overwhelming and I suddenly found myself learning how to farm, raise cattle, and run a household entirely on my own, her example reminded me that women can be both gentle and fierce, compassionate and strong. That is the kind of nurse I want to become. Over the years, I have worked two full-time jobs to provide for my two children. Even with a full plate, I enrolled in college and successfully completed my first 14 credits toward my associate degree. Next semester, I am taking six classes, which will limit me to working only one job. This scholarship would relieve a tremendous financial burden and allow me to stay focused on my coursework without sacrificing stability for my family. My education isn’t just an investment in my future—it’s an investment in my children’s future and in the patients I will one day serve. Nursing also became my purpose because I know what it feels like to be vulnerable and afraid, and I want to be the person who brings calm into chaos for others. I have seen firsthand how one caring nurse can change someone’s entire experience on their worst day. I want to pursue my RN not only to build a stable career but to serve families with the same compassion, courage, and strength that was offered to mine. I want to be the kind of nurse who listens, advocates, notices the small details, and treats every patient with dignity. My journey has not been easy, but it has shaped me into someone determined, hardworking, and empathetic—qualities that make strong nurses. I am proud of how far I have come, from surviving domestic violence to raising my children alone to learning how to manage a farm I never expected to run. These challenges taught me resilience, independence, and problem-solving, all of which strengthen my commitment to nursing. Receiving this scholarship would help me stay on track to complete my prerequisites, apply to nursing school, and finally step into the career I have fought so hard to reach. I am ready to continue growing, serving, and turning my story into a source of strength for others.

For most of my life, I imagined my future would revolve around raising my children and supporting my family. I never expected that I would one day be standing on my own—working two full-time jobs, learning how to farm and care for cattle by myself, and rebuilding a life after violence in the home changed everything. When I discovered that my child had been sexually abused, I made the decision to protect my family at all costs, even though it meant sending my husband to prison and starting from nothing. That moment became the turning point in my life. It forced me to choose strength, independence, and a new future not only for myself, but for my children and grandchild. Today, I am a single mother of two and a grandmother to a busy one-year-old, and I have just completed my first 14 college credits toward earning my associate degree and becoming a Registered Nurse. My mother—who has been a nurse since 1979—is my greatest inspiration. I watched her work hard, care deeply, and provide stability no matter what life looked like. Now, stepping into nursing myself feels like continuing a legacy of compassion and resilience. My long-term goal is to complete my associate degree, bridge from LPN to RN, and eventually work in an emergency or community-health setting where I can support vulnerable families who feel alone in their struggles. I know what it feels like to sit in a hospital room unsure of the future. I know what fear looks like in a child’s eyes. My lived experience is what will make me a nurse who listens, advocates, and understands. I hope one day to mentor other single parents returning to school and to show them that their circumstances do not define their potential. While my plans are clear, the financial reality is difficult. Up until now, I have been working two full-time jobs to support my family, manage the cattle and farm work, and pay for school. However, with six classes scheduled next semester, I will only be able to work one job in order to keep my grades strong and stay on track. Losing that income will create a significant financial strain on us. This scholarship would directly support my tuition, books, transportation, and basic living expenses so that I can focus on my education without sacrificing stability at home. It would relieve the pressure of choosing between working extra hours and completing my assignments. Most importantly, receiving this support would allow me to continue moving forward—toward a safer, stable, and brighter future for my children and grandchild. I am determined to break cycles, build something better, and serve others through nursing. With this scholarship, I can stay committed to my goals and continue proving to my children that even the hardest beginnings can lead to strong endings.

Growing up, I watched my mother put on her scrubs day after day with a strength that seemed unshakeable. She has been a nurse since 1979, and through every storm our family faced, she remained steady, compassionate, and committed to caring for others. I didn’t know then that her example would become the foundation I would lean on during the hardest chapter of my life—one that forced me to rebuild everything from the ground up. A few years ago, I faced violence in my home and discovered that my child had been sexually abused. Making the decision to send my husband to prison was the most painful but necessary choice of my life. Overnight, I became a single mother navigating trauma, protecting my children, learning to farm and work cattle alone, and carrying the weight of two full-time jobs just to keep us afloat. I learned how to fix fence lines, bottle-feed calves, and hold my family together with grit I didn’t even know I had. Education became my lifeline—the one thing that wasn’t just about surviving, but about building a future where my children and granddaughter could see what resilience truly looks like. Completing my first 14 college credits reminded me that I am capable of growing into someone stronger, more confident, and more prepared to help others. Now, as I pursue my associate degree and work toward becoming an RN, education represents freedom, healing, and the chance to transform my pain into purpose. Next semester, I will be taking six classes, which means I can no longer work the two full-time jobs that carried us this far. That is why scholarships matter so deeply to me. They are not just financial assistance—they are stepping stones toward stability, independence, and a career where I can give back to others the same way so many nurses have supported me. The legacy I hope to leave is one of strength and service. I want my children to remember a mother who refused to stay broken, who fought for a better life, and who showed them that education is not just about earning a degree—it is about reclaiming your voice and building a life you are proud of. I hope to become the kind of nurse who sits beside someone on their hardest day and brings comfort the way others once did for me. One day, when my granddaughter is old enough to understand, I want her to know that her grandmother rebuilt an entire life from ashes, and that education was the tool that made it possible. My legacy will be one of perseverance, compassion, and courage—proof that no matter where you come from or what you’ve endured, you can rise, you can rebuild, and you can become someone who lifts others up along the way.

Becoming a young mother changed the direction of my life long before I ever imagined going back to school. While I was not technically a teen mom, I entered motherhood at a young age, with little guidance and a lot of responsibility resting on my shoulders. Raising my children while navigating hardship—including violence in the home and the painful decision to send my husband to prison after learning of the abuse my child experienced—shaped my strength, my resilience, and ultimately, my educational journey. In many ways, I grew up alongside my children. I learned how to fight for stability, create safety where there had been none, and build a life they could depend on. I worked long hours, often holding down two full-time jobs, all while learning to manage a cattle farm on my own. There were days when exhaustion felt overwhelming, but my children were always the reason I kept moving forward. Their futures depended on the choices I made, and I refused to let them grow up without seeing what perseverance looks like. Because I had to put my family’s needs first for so long, my education was delayed. I wanted to go to college for years, but the reality of bills, childcare, and survival always came first. Still, the dream never left me. When my children became older and I finally had the chance to return to school, I enrolled with determination and completed my first 14 credits toward my associate degree in nursing. It was a milestone that proved to me that I am capable, even after everything life has thrown at me. My decision to pursue nursing is deeply personal. My mother has been a nurse since 1979, and I grew up watching her care for others with skill and compassion. She became my example of strength and service during some of the darkest moments of my life. Nurses were also the ones who supported my family through trauma—people who treated us with dignity, understanding, and kindness when we needed it most. I want to be that for someone else one day. As I work toward becoming an RN, my ultimate goal is to serve rural Oklahoma communities like the one I live in. Many families here face limited healthcare access, long distances for treatment, and shortages of nurses. I want to bring compassionate, reliable care to the people who often go underserved—parents, farmers, survivors, and those who feel forgotten. My experiences have taught me empathy, strength, and how to stay calm in crisis. These traits will guide me as a nurse and shape the way I connect with my patients. Though I didn’t start my educational journey early, the challenges of young motherhood built the foundation I needed to chase my goals with purpose. Every step I take now is motivated by my children, my past, and the future I am determined to create. Nursing is not just a career path for me—it is a calling shaped by survival, love, and the desire to give back.

The courage to go back to school didn’t come to me all at once. It grew slowly, through some of the hardest years of my life. As a single mother who survived violence in the home and had to make the painful choice to send my husband to prison after discovering the abuse my child suffered, I learned what true courage really is. I found myself standing alone—protecting my children, running a household, working two full-time jobs, and managing a cattle farm by myself. I didn’t feel brave at the time; I simply did what had to be done. But those years of fighting for my family’s safety are exactly what gave me the strength to return to school. Going back to college had always felt like a distant dream, something I would “get to someday.” Life kept demanding more of me—raising my children, keeping food on the table, learning how to handle cattle and farm equipment, and trying to rebuild our lives after trauma. But one day, I realized that “someday” wasn’t ever going to come unless I created it. My children were watching me. They had already lived through so much, and I wanted them to see what it looks like to rise again, not just survive. That thought alone pushed me forward. My biggest source of inspiration has always been my mom. She has been a nurse since 1979, and I grew up watching the way she cared for others—with patience, strength, and compassion. Even when life was difficult, she never stopped showing up for her patients or for our family. Seeing her commitment helped me understand that going back to school wasn’t just about me earning a degree—it was about building a life I could be proud of and becoming a woman my children could look up to. Starting college again wasn’t easy. I had to learn how to balance coursework with work, parenting, and the responsibilities of maintaining a farm. But with every chapter I read and every credit I earned, my confidence grew. Completing my first 14 credits proved that I am capable of more than I ever gave myself credit for. It reminded me that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. What truly gave me courage was the understanding that my future—and my children’s future—depends on my willingness to keep going. I want them to know that their mother didn’t quit, even when life tried to break her. I want them to see that healing and growth are possible, even after pain. And I want them to know that strength isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build through hard choices and hopeful moments. Returning to school has been one of the most empowering decisions of my life. It represents survival, resilience, and a promise to myself that I will turn my hardships into something meaningful. That courage came from my children, from my mother’s example, and from the deep belief that I deserve a chance to succeed—and that I am strong enough to make it happen.

The moment that changed my life started with heartbreak—but it became the foundation of my strength. As a single mother who survived violence in the home and had to make the unthinkable decision to send my husband to prison after learning of the abuse my child endured, I learned quickly what it meant to stand alone. I was left not only to protect my children, but also to rebuild our lives from the ground up. That journey—full of fear, courage, and growth—is what drives me to become a nurse. I have spent years raising my two children, working two full-time jobs, and learning to run a cattle farm by myself. There were nights I went to bed exhausted but proud, knowing that each small step was carrying my family forward. This fall, I completed my first 14 college credits toward my associate degree, the start of my path to becoming a registered nurse. Balancing school, work, and parenting has been one of my biggest challenges, but also the greatest proof that I am capable of more than I ever imagined. My inspiration for pursuing nursing comes from my mom, who has been a nurse since 1979. I grew up watching her care for people with patience, humility, and grace. She showed me that nursing is more than a career—it’s a calling rooted in compassion and service. After everything my family has endured, I want to become the kind of nurse who meets people in their hardest moments and gives them the same strength that was once given to me. This scholarship would make an enormous difference for me. Next semester I will be taking six classes, and with that workload, I will only be able to maintain one job instead of two. Financial support would help me continue my education without sacrificing the stability my family depends on. Every hour I spend studying is an investment in a safer, brighter future for my children and my community. As a future nurse, I hope to give back to rural Oklahoma in a meaningful way. Communities like mine face healthcare shortages, limited access, and long travel times for even basic care. I want to bring dependable, compassionate nursing care to the people who need it most—families, farmers, and those who often feel overlooked in small towns. My experiences have taught me empathy, resilience, and the importance of showing up for others. I plan to use those lessons to advocate for patients, support survivors, and be a steady presence for people who are navigating crises of their own. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it has shaped me into someone who refuses to give up. Becoming a nurse is not just my career goal—it is my purpose. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to completing my degree and giving back to the community that helped raise me. Thank you for considering my application and for believing in students who are determined to rise, no matter what they have faced.

Please discuss your personal inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing. (250–300 words) For as long as I can remember, my mother has been my greatest inspiration. She has been a nurse since 1979, and I grew up watching her dedicate her life to caring for others with strength, compassion, and grace. No matter how difficult her days were, she always came home with stories of helping someone heal, comforting a frightened patient, or supporting a family during their hardest moments. Seeing her commitment planted the first seeds of my desire to become a nurse. But it wasn’t until I faced my own life challenges that I understood just how powerful and meaningful the nursing profession truly is. As a single mother of two, I have overcome domestic violence, protected my children, and rebuilt my life from the ground up. I learned how to run a farm alone, work two full-time jobs, and provide stability while healing from trauma. Through every struggle, my mother remained a constant source of encouragement. She reminded me that strength and compassion can coexist—and that nursing is a career where both qualities can change lives. Returning to college after everything I have been through has been one of my proudest achievements. Completing my first 14 credits reaffirmed that I am on the right path. Nursing gives me the opportunity not only to build a secure future for my children, but also to serve others the way my mother has for the past 45 years. Her lifelong dedication inspires me to create my own legacy of care, support, and resilience. Becoming a Registered Nurse is more than a career goal—it is a continuation of the example she set and the life of compassion I want to pass on. Meaning of “Human Touch” in Nursing (≈ 375 words) Prompt: What does the phrase “human touch” mean to you? Explain how “human touch” can impact patient care. (350–400 words) To me, the “human touch” in nursing represents the part of care that cannot be taught in textbooks or measured by medical equipment. It is the connection, compassion, and genuine presence that a nurse brings into every patient interaction. The human touch is what transforms a task into an act of care, and a clinical moment into one of comfort. It is the simple but profound understanding that patients are people first—people who are scared, hurting, hopeful, or uncertain, and who need more than medicine to heal. My own life experiences have shaped my understanding of how powerful the human touch can be. As a survivor of domestic violence and a single mother who has rebuilt her life from trauma, I know firsthand how meaningful it is when someone listens, supports, or simply stands beside you during difficult moments. That feeling of being seen and cared for can give someone the strength to continue when they feel overwhelmed. In nursing, this sense of connection can be just as essential as clinical skills. The human touch can impact patient care in many ways. A nurse’s calm presence can reduce anxiety before a procedure. A reassuring hand on the shoulder can make a patient feel safe. Taking the time to listen can restore dignity to someone who feels vulnerable. These moments build trust, which can improve communication, encourage honesty, and ultimately lead to better health outcomes. Patients are more willing to follow treatment plans and share concerns when they feel respected and valued. In my future nursing career, I hope to bring this level of empathy to every patient I encounter. The human touch is not a technique—it is a commitment to showing kindness, offering comfort, and treating every person with the dignity they deserve. It is the heart of nursing, and the part of care that I believe makes the greatest difference.

The turning points in my life have not been quiet moments—they have been storms that forced me to discover strength I didn’t know I had. As a single mother of two, a survivor of domestic violence, and now the sole operator of my family’s farm, I’ve had to rebuild my life from the ground up. When I learned that one of my children had been sexually abused, I made the painful but necessary decision to pursue legal action that resulted in my husband’s imprisonment. In that moment, everything changed. I found myself alone, responsible for providing safety, stability, and hope for my children, while also facing the overwhelming task of learning how to run a farm, manage cattle, and maintain land I had never expected to operate on my own. These experiences have shaped every part of who I am today—my values, my work ethic, and my decision to pursue higher education at this stage of my life. For years, I worked two full-time jobs while raising my children and running the farm just to keep us afloat. But even in those long nights and early mornings, I knew I wanted more for my family. I wanted a career that mattered, one where I could help others, bring comfort during difficult times, and turn my own pain into purpose. That is what led me to nursing. This year, I completed my first 14 college credits toward my associate degree, marking the beginning of my journey to becoming a Registered Nurse. Returning to school after so many years of surviving and rebuilding has been one of the most meaningful achievements of my life. My past has taught me compassion, resilience, responsibility, and the importance of protecting those who cannot protect themselves—values that align perfectly with the nursing profession. I aspire to work in a field where I can advocate for vulnerable populations, support families in crisis, and continue giving back to my community through service and care. Next semester, I will be taking six classes in order to stay on track for my degree. However, the heavy course load will require me to reduce my working hours from two jobs down to one. This shift is necessary for my academic success but will significantly reduce my income, making it difficult to cover tuition, books, and basic living expenses for my family. Receiving this scholarship would relieve that financial pressure and allow me to focus fully on my education without sacrificing the stability I’ve fought so hard to build for my children. My journey has been shaped by hardship, but it has also been shaped by determination and hope. I am pursuing my education now because I want to break cycles, create a future full of opportunity, and show my children that their mother refused to give up—no matter the obstacles. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming an RN and making a meaningful impact in my community. I am committed to finishing what I started, and with your support, I can continue moving forward toward a safer, brighter, and more secure future for my family.