My educational journey has been a path of self-discovery and resilience. I am currently an undergraduate student majoring in Nursing and Psychology, a combination that reflects both my passion for healthcare and my desire to understand the complexities of the human mind. My path to nursing, however, wasn’t straightforward. After high school, I initially pursued other career interests and worked in various fields. While I gained valuable experiences, I always felt something was missing—something more fulfilling, a sense of purpose that connected my work with my deeper values. Over time, I found myself in roles where I interacted with people and provided help, and these experiences sparked a realization. I saw how impactful a nurse can be, not just through clinical care, but through emotional support, advocacy, and education. I began to recognize that the most fulfilling moments in my life were those where I helped others navigate their struggles and find healing. It was during this period of reflection that I had my “aha” moment: I wanted to be a nurse, someone who has the privilege of guiding others through some of their most challenging moments. This realization shifted my focus, and I decided to pursue nursing as my new career path. The transition wasn’t easy. It meant returning to school and committing myself to an entirely new academic path. But I embraced the challenge with determination. I dove into nursing coursework, alongside my studies in psychology, knowing that understanding both the mind and body was crucial to becoming an effective nurse. My passion for healthcare grew stronger each day, and I was more motivated than ever to succeed in this field. Throughout my journey, I’ve faced obstacles, both academically and personally. But I’ve learned to embrace the challenges, knowing they are shaping me into a more resilient and empathetic individual. My experiences have fueled my ambition to not only become a nurse but also to make a difference in the lives of others. I want to be the person who listens to patients, advocates for them, and provides care that goes beyond just physical treatment. I aim to be the type of nurse who truly understands the patient as a whole and helps them heal in every way possible. Looking back, I am proud of the growth I’ve experienced in my academic and personal life. I know that nursing is not just a career choice for me; it is a calling. Every step I take in my education brings me closer to fulfilling my purpose, and I am excited for the future. With the skills and knowledge I gain, I aim to make a lasting impact on my community and in the healthcare field, just as I always wanted.

My decision to pursue nursing stems from a deep passion for healthcare and a desire to give back to others, just as I was once cared for. I was born in Ethiopia and raised in the United States, and my journey has been shaped by the kindness and dedication of healthcare professionals—especially nurses. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today in terms of my health. Their compassion and expertise left a lasting impression on me, inspiring me to follow in their footsteps and provide the same level of care to others. Coming from a low-income, first-generation family, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges of accessing quality healthcare. Seeing loved ones struggle with medical conditions without adequate support made me realize the importance of skilled and compassionate nurses. I want to be that person for others—someone who not only treats their physical ailments but also provides emotional support and advocacy, particularly for underserved communities. My passion for healthcare led me to pursue a dual degree in Nursing and Psychology. I believe that physical and mental health are deeply connected, and by understanding both, I can provide holistic care to my patients. Through my academic journey, I have engaged in research on women’s osteoporosis health issues, which reinforced my commitment to addressing health disparities and improving patient education. I am eager to continue learning and applying my knowledge to ensure that patients receive well-rounded, high-quality care. Beyond academics, my leadership experiences at Agnes Scott have strengthened my passion for service. Volunteering in leadership roles has taught me the importance of advocacy, mentorship, and resilience. These experiences have shaped my ability to lead with compassion, a skill that will be invaluable in my future career as a nurse and, ultimately, as a neurosurgeon. Balancing my education with financial challenges has not been easy. As a first-generation student from a low-income family, my education has largely been funded through student loans. The burden of student debt is a constant worry, but I refuse to let financial struggles hinder my aspirations. Nursing provides me with the opportunity to work closely with patients, build essential medical skills, and make a meaningful impact early in my career. It also serves as the foundation for my long-term goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. For me, nursing is more than just a profession—it is a calling. It is a career that allows me to combine my love for science with my deep-rooted desire to help others. The ability to comfort, educate, and guide patients through their most vulnerable moments is one of the most rewarding aspects of healthcare, and I want to dedicate my life to that mission. By becoming a nurse, I will be honoring my family’s sacrifices, breaking barriers as a first-generation student, and paving the way for a future where I can serve my community with dedication and excellence—just as the nurses who once cared for me did.

As a first-generation college student pursuing a dual degree in Nursing and Psychology, my educational journey has been both challenging and rewarding. Growing up in a low-income family, I have always understood the value of education and the sacrifices required to achieve it. My family has worked tirelessly to provide me with opportunities, and in return, I have dedicated myself to excelling in my studies. Despite financial hardships, I remain committed to my goal of becoming a neurosurgeon, a path that requires immense dedication, perseverance, and years of education. My interest in healthcare started at a young age. I was always fascinated by the human brain and its complexities, which deepened when I began learning about neurological diseases and mental health disorders. This curiosity led me to pursue Nursing and Psychology, as I wanted to understand both the physical and mental aspects of patient care. I believe a holistic approach to medicine—one that considers both mind and body—is crucial in providing high-quality care. My academic journey has already given me opportunities to contribute to meaningful research, including a paper I completed on women’s osteoporosis health issues. This experience strengthened my commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and addressing health disparities. Beyond academics, I have actively participated in leadership roles at Agnes Scott, volunteering my time to support and uplift those around me. Leadership, to me, is about service—advocating for others, mentoring, and creating positive change. These experiences have shaped my ability to lead with compassion, a skill that will be invaluable in my future career as a neurosurgeon. However, balancing my education with financial challenges has not been easy. Coming from a low-income family, my education has largely been funded through student loans. The burden of student debt is a constant worry, but I refuse to let financial struggles hinder my aspirations. This scholarship would provide me with much-needed relief, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on financial stress. With the money I save from this scholarship, I will be able to cover tuition costs and pay off a portion of my student loans, reducing the long-term financial burden on myself and my family. This would not only help me complete my undergraduate degree with less debt but also bring me one step closer to my ultimate goal of attending medical school and specializing in neurosurgery. Every bit of financial support matters, and this scholarship would significantly impact my ability to continue pursuing my dreams. Beyond my academic and professional goals, I also aspire to build a strong, loving family. Success, to me, is not just about professional achievements but also about the relationships we nurture and the legacy we leave behind. I want to show my future children that hard work, resilience, and perseverance can lead to extraordinary accomplishments, no matter the obstacles. This journey is not just for me—it is for my family, who has stood by me, and for the communities I hope to serve as a future medical professional. I am determined to make a difference in the lives of others, especially those who, like me, come from backgrounds where higher education can seem like an impossible dream. Winning this scholarship would not only provide financial relief but also serve as a reminder that hard work and determination pay off. It would be a meaningful step toward a future where I can give back to others just as I have been supported along the way.

My name is Rediet Kifle, and I am currently a sophomore at Agnes Scott College, where I am pursuing a double major in Nursing and Public Health. I have always been drawn to the healthcare field because I believe that health is a fundamental human right and that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. Growing up as a Black woman, I have witnessed firsthand the disparities that exist in healthcare, and this has fueled my passion to make a difference. Choosing a degree in healthcare was a natural decision for me. I have always been fascinated by the human body and how it functions, and I am eager to learn more about how to help people live healthier lives. Nursing and Public Health are the perfect combination for me because they allow me to not only care for individuals but also address larger public health issues that affect communities. I am particularly interested in preventative care and education because I believe that empowering people with knowledge is one of the best ways to improve health outcomes. As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to make a positive impact by being a compassionate and empathetic caregiver. I want to be someone who listens to patients and advocates for their needs. I believe that healthcare should be patient-centered, and I want to ensure that every person I care for feels heard and respected. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment for patients, especially those from marginalized communities who may feel overlooked by the healthcare system. In addition to providing direct care, I am also committed to addressing health disparities on a larger scale. I want to work towards creating more equitable healthcare systems that serve everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. I am particularly passionate about maternal and child health, and I hope to work on initiatives that improve access to care for mothers and children in underserved communities. I believe that by focusing on these areas, we can create a healthier future for the next generation. Being a woman in healthcare also means being a role model and mentor for other young women who are interested in the field. I want to inspire other women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in healthcare. Representation matters, and I believe that having more diverse voices in healthcare will lead to better outcomes for all patients. In conclusion, I have chosen to pursue a degree in healthcare because I am passionate about improving health outcomes and addressing disparities. As a woman in the field, I hope to make a positive impact by providing compassionate care, advocating for equity, and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals. I am excited about the future and the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others through healthcare.