Losing someone to suicide is like having the world fall out from under you. The grief is layered with questions that may never be answered, guilt that doesn’t belong to you, and a pain that doesn’t fade in a linear way. I became a suicide loss survivor when I lost my dad, and nothing has been the same since. As a family, we have faced many challenges, but nothing compared to the unexpected death of my father. He struggled for years with addiction and mental health, and in 2023, he took his own life. The pain of losing him is something that words can barely touch. The day we found out, it felt like time just stopped, everything we knew about our lives shifted in an instant. No matter how sad my mother was, she stood strong in front of my siblings and me. Even through her own heartbreak, she helped us cope with this new and terrifying reality. She, along with the rest of my family, was devastated, but she refused to let grief stop us. I’ll never forget the way she looked at me during those early days. There was a strength and determination in her eyes I had seen every day of my life, but now it carried a new kind of fire. She picked me up when I felt I could not handle the weight of what had happened, and she has continued to guide me as I navigate both grief and adulthood. In the wake of my dad’s passing, life became an emotional battlefield. School felt distant. Responsibilities felt heavier. Even small joys felt muted. I wrestled with anger, confusion, and a deep sadness that sometimes showed up unprovoked. But over time, I started to understand that survival isn’t about being okay all the time. It’s about showing up for others, even when it hurts. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that healing isn’t the same for everyone, and it doesn’t mean forgetting. It means learning to live with the loss, honoring the memory of the person you love, and choosing to keep moving forward. I’ve found resilience not just in my own strength, but in the strength of my family, especially my mother. Her ability to lead us through darkness has inspired me more than any words ever could. I want to carry that strength forward in my own life. I’m pursuing my education not only for myself, but for my father’s memory, and for everyone out there who’s fighting silent battles with mental health. I want to advocate for suicide prevention, support other survivors, and help build a world where people don’t feel ashamed to ask for help. To survive suicide loss is to wake up every day and choose to live with both love and loss. It’s not easy, and some days are harder than others. But through the darkness, I’ve found moments that my family, my dreams, and the unwavering belief that even after tragedy, there can still be purpose. I’m still healing. But I’m also still here. And that, in itself, is more than others can say.

Losing someone to suicide is like having the world fall out from under you. The grief is layered with questions that may never be answered, guilt that doesn’t belong to you, and a pain that doesn’t fade in a linear way. I became a suicide loss survivor when I lost my dad, and nothing has been the same since. As a family, we have faced many challenges, but nothing compared to the unexpected death of my father. He struggled for years with addiction and mental health, and in 2023, he took his own life. The pain of losing him is something that words can barely touch. The day we found out, it felt like time just stopped, everything we knew about our lives shifted in an instant. No matter how sad my mother was, she stood strong in front of my siblings and me. Even through her own heartbreak, she helped us cope with this new and terrifying reality. She, along with the rest of my family, was devastated, but she refused to let grief stop us. I’ll never forget the way she looked at me during those early days. There was a strength and determination in her eyes I had seen every day of my life, but now it carried a new kind of fire. She picked me up when I felt I could not handle the weight of what had happened, and she has continued to guide me as I navigate both grief and adulthood. In the wake of my dad’s passing, life became an emotional battlefield. School felt distant. Responsibilities felt heavier. Even small joys felt muted. I wrestled with anger, confusion, and a deep sadness that sometimes showed up unprovoked. But over time, I started to understand that survival isn’t about being okay all the time. It’s about showing up for others, even when it hurts. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that healing isn’t the same for everyone, and it doesn’t mean forgetting. It means learning to live with the loss, honoring the memory of the person you love, and choosing to keep moving forward. I’ve found resilience not just in my own strength, but in the strength of my family, especially my mother. Her ability to lead us through darkness has inspired me more than any words ever could. I want to carry that strength forward in my own life. I’m pursuing my education not only for myself, but for my father’s memory, and for everyone out there who’s fighting silent battles with mental health. I want to advocate for suicide prevention, support other survivors, and help build a world where people don’t feel ashamed to ask for help. To survive suicide loss is to wake up every day and choose to live with both love and loss. It’s not easy, and some days are harder than others. But through the darkness, I’ve found moments that my family, my dreams, and the unwavering belief that even after tragedy, there can still be purpose. I’m still healing. But I’m also still here. And that, in itself, is more than others can say.

As a home wanting to pursue a career in healthcare, I want to show other women that their voice matters, that their ideas, actions, and presence can create change. It's more than confidence; it's the foundation for courage, especially for young women who have been taught to make themselves small. I want to be able to give the tools to lead, the support to grow, and the space to fail and rise again stronger. This passion has come from my desire to help others, to help the one who feel like they can not help themselves. I first truly understood the meaning of helping others during my sophomore year, when I was selected to be a squad leader in JROTC. Many of my fellow cadets, ranging from freshmen to juniors, were overwhelmed, just as I had once been, whether from adjusting to a new school, facing academic pressure, or simply struggling to find where they fit in. Throughout that year, I learned that lifting others up doesn't take away from your own success, it multiplies it. That experience changed me. I began to lead with intention, not just in school clubs, but in my community as well, helping plan and attend volunteer events like park cleanups, the Cotton Row Run, and donations/events at the local homeless shelter. This empowerment has shaped my ambitions. I want to study nursing because I believe in the power of care, not just physical care, but emotional and mental support that makes people feel seen and valued. I’ve always been drawn to helping others, and nursing is a field where compassion and action meet. It’s a career that demands strength, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose, all qualities that empowerment and leadership has helped me grow into. In the future, I hope to work in communities that are often overlooked, where access to healthcare is limited and trust in the system is low. I want to be someone who not only provides medical care but also builds relationships, educates, and advocates for those who are unheard. More than that, I want to inspire other young women, especially those who come from backgrounds like mine, to pursue their dreams in healthcare or any field they feel passionate about. I want to be the kind of leader who brings others along, who opens doors and leaves them open. This scholarship would mean more than financial help, it would be a vote of confidence in my potential, a sign that someone believes in the change I hope to make. Empowerment has gotten me this far, and with support, I know I can go even further.

Losing someone to suicide is like having the world fall out from under you. The grief is layered with questions that may never be answered, guilt that doesn’t belong to you, and a pain that doesn’t fade in a linear way. I became a suicide loss survivor when I lost my dad, and nothing has been the same since. As a family, we have faced many challenges, but nothing compared to the unexpected death of my father. He struggled for years with addiction and mental health, and in 2023, he took his own life. The pain of losing him is something that words can barely touch. The day we found out, it felt like time just stopped, everything we knew about our lives shifted in an instant. No matter how sad my mother was, she stood strong in front of my siblings and me. Even through her own heartbreak, she helped us cope with this new and terrifying reality. She, along with the rest of my family, was devastated, but she refused to let grief stop us. I’ll never forget the way she looked at me during those early days. There was a strength and determination in her eyes I had seen every day of my life, but now it carried a new kind of fire. She picked me up when I felt I could not handle the weight of what had happened, and she has continued to guide me as I navigate both grief and adulthood. In the wake of my dad’s passing, life became an emotional battlefield. School felt distant. Responsibilities felt heavier. Even small joys felt muted. I wrestled with anger, confusion, and a deep sadness that sometimes showed up unprovoked. But over time, I started to understand that survival isn’t about being okay all the time. It’s about showing up for others, even when it hurts. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that healing isn’t the same for everyone, and it doesn’t mean forgetting. It means learning to live with the loss, honoring the memory of the person you love, and choosing to keep moving forward. I’ve found resilience not just in my own strength, but in the strength of my family, especially my mother. Her ability to lead us through darkness has inspired me more than any words ever could. I want to carry that strength forward in my own life. I’m pursuing my education not only for myself, but for my father’s memory, and for everyone out there who’s fighting silent battles with mental health. I want to advocate for suicide prevention, support other survivors, and help build a world where people don’t feel ashamed to ask for help. To survive suicide loss is to wake up every day and choose to live with both love and loss. It’s not easy, and some days are harder than others. But through the darkness, I’ve found moments that my family, my dreams, and the unwavering belief that even after tragedy, there can still be purpose. I’m still healing. But I’m also still here. And that, in itself, is more than others can say.

My name is Ryley Wilson, I’ve always had a passion for helping others, especially during their most vulnerable moments. That’s what initially drew me to nursing, the chance to provide compassionate, hands-on care that can truly make a difference in someone's life. I’m inspired by the strength and resilience of patients, and I want to be a steady presence for them during times of uncertainty. I’ve always been drawn to helping others, but it was when I interned at a local hospital during high school that I realized how powerful being kind and compassionate can be. Watching nurses connect and interact with patients not just medically, but emotionally, sparked something in me, the desire to do what they do. I saw how they were often the first to notice subtle changes in a patient’s condition, the ones to offer comfort during tough moments, and the steady hands during emergencies. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a nurse. In my past year of interning, I have found a particular interest in the intensive care units. The way the nurses treated the patients in probably some of the worst days of their lives, truly inspired me. I want to be the person that patients can trust and rely on while facing these challenges. To prepare for this step in my journey, I have been taking the required prerequisites throughout my high school years to make sure I have a solid foundation before entering college life. These courses have included: biology, chemistry, human anatomy, patient care tech, and my hospital internship. All of these courses have laid the groundwork in my knowledge that will give me a head-start interning college. Not only have I been working hard academically, but also mentally. In my mind, being a nurse takes more than just textbook knowledge, it requires a strong mental fortitude. I need to be able to stay calm and supportive, even when working with patients of all ages who may be scared, confused, or simply not understand what’s going on around them. To prepare myself mentally, I’ve also been studying outside the classroom. I’ve been learning about emotional intelligence, how to stay grounded in high-pressure situations, and how to communicate with empathy. I am excited to begin my journey into nursing school, where I can continue building on the foundation I’ve worked hard to establish. I’m eager to learn both the science and art of nursing, to develop the clinical skills, critical thinking, and compassionate care that define this profession. My goal is to one day work in an intensive care unit, providing the same level of dedication and support that inspired me in the first place. I know the path ahead will be challenging, but I’m ready to face it with determination, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

My name is Ryley Wilson, I’ve always had a passion for helping others, especially during their most vulnerable moments. That’s what initially drew me to nursing, the chance to provide compassionate, hands-on care that can truly make a difference in someone's life. I’m inspired by the strength and resilience of patients, and I want to be a steady presence for them during times of uncertainty. I’ve always been drawn to helping others, but it was when I interned at a local hospital during high school that I realized how powerful being kind and compassionate can be. Watching nurses connect and interact with patients not just medically, but emotionally, sparked something in me, the desire to do what they do. I saw how they were often the first to notice subtle changes in a patient’s condition, the ones to offer comfort during tough moments, and the steady hands during emergencies. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a nurse. In my past year of interning, I have found a particular interest in the intensive care units. The way the nurses treated the patients in probably some of the worst days of their lives, truly inspired me. I want to be the person that patients can trust and rely on while facing these challenges. To prepare for this step in my journey, I have been taking the required prerequisites throughout my high school years to make sure I have a solid foundation before entering college life. These courses have included: biology, chemistry, human anatomy, patient care tech, and my hospital internship. All of these courses have laid the groundwork in my knowledge that will give me a head-start interning college. Not only have I been working hard academically, but also mentally. In my mind, being a nurse takes more than just textbook knowledge, it requires a strong mental fortitude. I need to be able to stay calm and supportive, even when working with patients of all ages who may be scared, confused, or simply not understand what’s going on around them. To prepare myself mentally, I’ve also been studying outside the classroom. I’ve been learning about emotional intelligence, how to stay grounded in high-pressure situations, and how to communicate with empathy. I am excited to begin my journey into nursing school, where I can continue building on the foundation I’ve worked hard to establish. I’m eager to learn both the science and art of nursing, to develop the clinical skills, critical thinking, and compassionate care that define this profession. My goal is to one day work in an intensive care unit, providing the same level of dedication and support that inspired me in the first place. I know the path ahead will be challenging, but I’m ready to face it with determination, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

To me, empowerment is the moment someone realizes their voice matters—that their ideas, actions, and presence can create change. It's more than confidence; it's the foundation for courage, especially for young women who have been taught to make themselves small. Empowerment is being given the tools to lead, the support to grow, and the space to fail and rise again stronger. My empowerment has come from my desire to help others, to help the one who feel like they can not help themselves. I first understood the meaning of empowerment during my sophomore year, when I was selected to be a squad leader in JROTC. Many of my fellow cadets, ranging from freshmen to juniors, were overwhelmed, just as I had once been, whether from adjusting to a new school, facing academic pressure, or simply struggling to find where they fit in. Throughout that year, I learned that lifting others up doesn't take away from your own success, it multiplies it. That experience changed me. I began to lead with intention, not just in school clubs, but in my community as well, helping plan and attend volunteer events like park cleanups, the Cotton Row Run, and donations/events at the local homeless shelter. Empowerment has shaped my ambitions. I want to study nursing because I believe in the power of care, not just physical care, but emotional and mental support that makes people feel seen and valued. I’ve always been drawn to helping others, and nursing is a field where compassion and action meet. It’s a career that demands strength, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose, all qualities that empowerment and leadership has helped me grow into. In the future, I hope to work in communities that are often overlooked, where access to healthcare is limited and trust in the system is low. I want to be someone who not only provides medical care but also builds relationships, educates, and advocates for those who are unheard. More than that, I want to inspire other young women, especially those who come from backgrounds like mine, to pursue their dreams in healthcare or any field they feel passionate about. I want to be the kind of leader who brings others along, who opens doors and leaves them open. This scholarship would mean more than financial help, it would be a vote of confidence in my potential, a sign that someone believes in the change I hope to make. Empowerment has gotten me this far, and with support, I know I can go even further.

My name is Ryley Wilson, I’ve always had a passion for helping others, especially during their most vulnerable moments. That’s what initially drew me to nursing, the chance to provide compassionate, hands-on care that can truly make a difference in someone's life. I’m inspired by the strength and resilience of patients, and I want to be a steady presence for them during times of uncertainty. I’ve always been drawn to helping others, but it was when I interned at a local hospital during high school that I realized how powerful being kind and compassionate can be. Watching nurses connect and interact with patients not just medically, but emotionally, sparked something in me, the desire to do what they do. I saw how they were often the first to notice subtle changes in a patient’s condition, the ones to offer comfort during tough moments, and the steady hands during emergencies. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a nurse. In my past year of interning, I have found a particular interest in the intensive care units. The way the nurses treated the patients in probably some of the worst days of their lives, truly inspired me. I want to be the person that patients can trust and rely on while facing these challenges. To prepare for this step in my journey, I have been taking the required prerequisites throughout my high school years to make sure I have a solid foundation before entering college life. These courses have included: biology, chemistry, human anatomy, patient care tech, and my hospital internship. All of these courses have laid the groundwork in my knowledge that will give me a head-start interning college. Not only have I been working hard academically, but also mentally. In my mind, being a nurse takes more than just textbook knowledge, it requires a strong mental fortitude. I need to be able to stay calm and supportive, even when working with patients of all ages who may be scared, confused, or simply not understand what’s going on around them. To prepare myself mentally, I’ve also been studying outside the classroom. I’ve been learning about emotional intelligence, how to stay grounded in high-pressure situations, and how to communicate with empathy. I am excited to begin my journey into nursing school, where I can continue building on the foundation I’ve worked hard to establish. I’m eager to learn both the science and art of nursing, to develop the clinical skills, critical thinking, and compassionate care that define this profession. My goal is to one day work in an intensive care unit, providing the same level of dedication and support that inspired me in the first place. I know the path ahead will be challenging, but I’m ready to face it with determination, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

My name is Ryley Wilson, I’ve always had a passion for helping others, especially during their most vulnerable moments. That’s what initially drew me to nursing, the chance to provide compassionate, hands-on care that can truly make a difference in someone's life. I’m inspired by the strength and resilience of patients, and I want to be a steady presence for them during times of uncertainty. I’ve always been drawn to helping others, but it was when I interned at a local hospital during high school that I realized how powerful being kind and compassionate can be. Watching nurses connect and interact with patients not just medically, but emotionally, sparked something in me, the desire to do what they do. I saw how they were often the first to notice subtle changes in a patient’s condition, the ones to offer comfort during tough moments, and the steady hands during emergencies. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a nurse. In my past year of interning, I have found a particular interest in the intensive care units. The way the nurses treated the patients in probably some of the worst days of their lives, truly inspired me. I want to be the person that patients can trust and rely on while facing these challenges. To prepare for this step in my journey, I have been taking the required prerequisites throughout my high school years to make sure I have a solid foundation before entering college life. These courses have included: biology, chemistry, human anatomy, patient care tech, and my hospital internship. All of these courses have laid the groundwork in my knowledge that will give me a head-start interning college. Not only have I been working hard academically, but also mentally. In my mind, being a nurse takes more than just textbook knowledge, it requires a strong mental fortitude. I need to be able to stay calm and supportive, even when working with patients of all ages who may be scared, confused, or simply not understand what’s going on around them. To prepare myself mentally, I’ve also been studying outside the classroom. I’ve been learning about emotional intelligence, how to stay grounded in high-pressure situations, and how to communicate with empathy. I am excited to begin my journey into nursing school, where I can continue building on the foundation I’ve worked hard to establish. I’m eager to learn both the science and art of nursing, to develop the clinical skills, critical thinking, and compassionate care that define this profession. My goal is to one day work in an intensive care unit, providing the same level of dedication and support that inspired me in the first place. I know the path ahead will be challenging, but I’m ready to face it with determination, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.