PMDD and PME draw me to this area because they highlight an important gap in healthcare: symptoms that can significantly affect a person’s daily life are often overlooked, misunderstood, or dismissed. As a nursing student, I have become increasingly interested in how healthcare providers can recognize conditions earlier and create an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing symptoms that may be difficult or stigmatized to talk about. I believe PMDD and PME deserve that same level of attention and recognition. What especially interests me is the connection between menstrual cycles and mental and emotional well-being. Many patients may recognize that their symptoms occur repeatedly around a certain time in their cycle, but may not realize that this pattern is clinically meaningful. Without appropriate education or screening, they may continue to struggle without knowing that there are conditions such as PMDD or PME that could explain their experiences. This can create a cycle in which patients feel unheard while healthcare providers may not have enough information to identify the pattern. As I continue my nursing education at the University of Washington, I want to develop the knowledge and communication skills necessary to provide patients with thoughtful, evidence-based care. My long-term goal is to continue my education and become an advanced practice nurse. In that role, I hope to contribute to improving recognition of conditions that are frequently underdiagnosed, including PMDD and PME. One concrete way I would like to help move PMDD and PME into routine clinical care is by promoting consistent screening and education about menstrual-related symptoms in primary care and women's health settings. Rather than waiting for a patient to independently identify PMDD or PME, healthcare providers could routinely ask about changes in mood, anxiety, irritability, concentration, and functioning in relation to the menstrual cycle when clinically appropriate. A simple screening and symptom-tracking approach could help identify patterns that might otherwise be missed and provide patients with a clearer way to communicate their experiences to their healthcare providers. I would also like to focus on patient education. As a future advanced practice nurse, I could provide patients with accessible information about PMDD and PME, explain why tracking symptoms over multiple cycles can be useful, and encourage them to seek further evaluation when symptoms consistently interfere with their quality of life. Just as importantly, I want to create a clinical environment where patients feel believed and taken seriously. My interest in PMDD and PME reflects a larger goal I have for my nursing career: helping bring greater attention to health concerns that have historically received less recognition. By combining evidence-based screening, patient education, and compassionate communication, I hope to help make recognition of PMDD and PME a more routine part of healthcare rather than something patients have to discover on their own.

As a first-generation college student and the first woman in my family to pursue higher education, I am honored and even more eager to chase my dream of becoming an advanced practice nurse. Being the first in my family to take this path has made my educational journey especially meaningful. It has also taught me the importance of perseverance, hard work, and believing in myself even when the path ahead feels unfamiliar. At the moment, I am pursuing my undergraduate degree in nursing at the University of Washington. My goal is to continue growing in my education, both academically and personally, while developing the knowledge and skills necessary to become a compassionate and competent nurse. Completing my undergraduate nursing degree is an important first step toward the career I envision for myself. After earning my nursing degree, I hope to begin my career in an intensive care unit. My goal is to work in the ICU for at least two years so I can gain valuable hands-on experience caring for critically ill patients. I want to strengthen my clinical judgment, communication, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills while learning from experienced nurses and healthcare professionals. I believe that working in such a challenging environment will help me grow not only as a nurse but also as a person. After gaining experience as an ICU nurse, I plan to return to school to pursue a graduate degree. I am currently interested in becoming either a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) or an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP). While I am still exploring which path I will ultimately choose, I know that I want to continue my education and expand my ability to provide meaningful and high-quality care to patients. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue working toward these goals by easing some of the financial burden associated with earning my nursing degree. As a college student, managing the costs of tuition, books, supplies, and other educational expenses can be challenging. This support would allow me to focus more of my energy on my education and clinical experiences and less on financial stress. More than financial assistance, this scholarship would represent an investment in my future. As a first-generation college student, reaching this point has required determination and courage. I hope to use the opportunities I receive to build a meaningful career in nursing and eventually become an advanced practice nurse. My journey is just beginning, and I am excited about where it will take me. I am committed to continuing my education, gaining experience, and using my knowledge and skills to serve others. This scholarship would help me take another important step toward achieving my dream and becoming the first woman in my family to build a career as an advanced practice nurse.

My journey to nursing started with my family. When my family and I moved to the United States, my older brother was diagnosed with autism at the age of 14. It was a major change for all of us, and I remember how much we depended on healthcare providers to help us understand what he needed. During his hospital visits, I noticed how the nurses treated him with patience and understanding. They took the time to communicate with him and made my family feel supported instead of overwhelmed. Watching them made me realize that healthcare is not only about treating a patient; it can also bring comfort to an entire family. My faith has also influenced the way I view helping others. As a Muslim, I have always been inspired by a verse from the Qur’an: “And whoever saves one life, it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” To me, this speaks to the value of every person and the responsibility we have to help when we can. Being “of service” means using what I have learned and what I am capable of to make someone else’s life a little easier, especially when they may not be able to do everything for themselves. I began putting this into practice when I started working as a CNA at Sea Mar Cannon House. I worked while attending school and also helped support my family. Balancing school, work, and family responsibilities has been challenging, but it has taught me to be responsible and keep going even when things become difficult. Working with residents has also given me a different understanding of what it means to care for someone. Some days, helping a resident with something as simple as eating or getting cleaned up can help them feel more like themselves and remind them that they are still capable and valued. Getting to know the residents has shown me how important it is to treat each person with patience and respect. My experiences have shown me that nursing requires knowledge and skill, but it also requires patience, responsibility, and the ability to connect with people. I want to continue developing these qualities as I grow in this profession. Nursing allows me to support people during some of the most uncertain moments of their lives while continuing to learn and grow myself. That is what makes nursing meaningful to me. It gives me a way to use my experiences, values, and compassion to help others, and that is why I see nursing as my way of being of service.

My journey into nursing began long before I entered nursing school. When my family moved to the United States, my older brother was diagnosed with autism at the age of 14. As we navigated a new country and an unfamiliar healthcare system, I witnessed firsthand the impact that compassionate healthcare professionals had on his life and on our family. The nurses who cared for him treated him with patience, dignity, and kindness. They took the time to understand his needs and made sure he felt safe and respected. Watching the difference they made inspired me and planted the first seed of my desire to become a nurse. As I got oldMy journey into nursing began long before I entered nursing school. When my family moved to the United States, my older brother was diagnosed with autism at the age of 14. As we navigated a new country and an unfamiliar healthcare system, I witnessed firsthand the impact that compassionate healthcare professionals had on his life and on our family. The nurses who cared for him treated him with patience, dignity, and kindness. They took the time to understand his needs and made sure he felt safe and respected. Watching the difference they made inspired me and planted the first seed of my desire to become a nurse. As I got older, I naturally took on caregiving responsibilities within my family. Those experiences taught me empathy, patience, and the importance of advocating for others. They also showed me that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can have the greatest impact. Whether it was listening, offering reassurance, or simply being present, I learned that caring for others is about building trust and making people feel valued. Coming from a low-income family and being a first-generation college student has also shaped my perspective. I understand how difficult it can be to navigate healthcare systems and access resources when you are facing financial or other barriers. I watched my family work hard to create opportunities and overcome challenges, which taught me resilience and perseverance. These experiences have motivated me to pursue nursing so I can help patients feel heard, supported, and cared for during vulnerable moments in their lives. What drives me most as a future nurse is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone's day, whether through providing care, offering reassurance, or simply listening. I believe that healthcare is about more than treating a diagnosis—it is about caring for the whole person and understanding the experiences that shape their lives. Outside of nursing, one of my biggest passions is photography. I love capturing everyday moments, nature, and memories with family and friends. Photography allows me to slow down, appreciate the world around me, and find beauty in ordinary moments. I also enjoy hiking, spending time outdoors, and sharing coffee ceremonies with family. These activities help me stay grounded and connected to the people and experiences that matter most to me. At the end of the day, my purpose is rooted in service, compassion, and connection. Nursing gives me a way to live out those values, while my interests outside of healthcare help me maintain balance and appreciate life's simple joys.

My personal experiences have shaped my sense of purpose by teaching me the importance of compassion, resilience, and helping others. As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I grew up seeing how hard my family worked to create better opportunities for us. Those experiences taught me the value of education and inspired me to use it to make a positive difference in my community. One experience that had a lasting impact on me was when my older brother was diagnosed with autism after my family moved to the United States. Navigating a new country was already challenging, and his diagnosis added uncertainty for our family. During that time, I witnessed the compassion and patience nurses showed my brother. They treated him with dignity and took the time to support our family as well. Seeing the difference they made inspired me and showed me how meaningful it can be to care for others during difficult moments. That experience helped me realize that my purpose is to serve others, especially those who may feel overlooked or face barriers to receiving support. It inspired me to pursue nursing because I want to provide the same compassion and reassurance that my family received. Because of my own journey, I hope to use my education and future career to advocate for underserved communities, reduce barriers to healthcare, and help people feel seen, heard, and valued. Through nursing, I hope to turn my experiences into meaningful service for others.

Higher education represents an opportunity that I do not take for granted. As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, attending college has been both a privilege and a challenge. Growing up in a low-income community, I saw how financial hardships and limited resources could affect a family's opportunities. I watched many people work incredibly hard while still struggling to access the resources and opportunities they needed. Those experiences taught me the value of education and how life-changing it can be. Earning a degree is not only a personal goal for me it is a way to create more opportunities for my family and to serve others in a meaningful way. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing because I want to make a positive difference in people's lives. My interest in healthcare began when my older brother was diagnosed with autism after my family moved to the United States. During that time, I saw the compassion and patience nurses showed him and our family. They helped us navigate an unfamiliar healthcare system and treated my brother with dignity and respect. Watching the impact they had on his life inspired me to pursue a career where I could support others during difficult moments and help them feel seen, heard, and cared for. Higher education is helping me gain the knowledge and skills needed to turn that goal into reality. Every class, clinical experience, and patient interaction teaches me something new about caring for others. More importantly, it is teaching me how to listen, communicate effectively, and advocate for people from different backgrounds and life experiences. It has also shown me the importance of lifelong learning and the responsibility healthcare professionals have to serve their communities with compassion and integrity. In the future, I hope to work as a registered nurse and eventually continue my education to become a nurse practitioner. My goal is to serve diverse and underserved communities, especially individuals and families who face barriers to healthcare. Because I have experienced financial challenges and the difficulties that can come with navigating unfamiliar systems, I understand how important it is to have healthcare professionals who take the time to listen and help patients feel supported. I hope to be someone who not only provides quality care but also helps patients feel respected and empowered. I also hope to encourage other first-generation students who may doubt whether higher education is possible for them. I know how intimidating college can feel when you are figuring things out on your own. If my journey can inspire even one student to continue pursuing their education despite the obstacles they face, then I will feel that I have made a difference. Higher education is giving me the opportunity to grow into the person and healthcare professional I hope to become. I am grateful for that opportunity, and I plan to use my education to provide compassionate care, advocate for underserved communities, and create a positive impact in the lives of others.

I decided to pursue a career in nursing because of the impact compassionate healthcare professionals had on my family during a difficult time. When my family and I moved to the United States, my older brother was diagnosed with autism at the age of 14. As we navigated an unfamiliar healthcare system, I watched nurses care for him with patience, kindness, and respect. They took the time to understand his needs, explain procedures in ways that made him feel comfortable, and support our family throughout the process. Seeing the difference those nurses made in my brother's life inspired me to pursue nursing. Their compassion helped him feel safe and understood during moments that could have been overwhelming. At the same time, their support gave my family reassurance and hope during a period of major transition. I realized that nursing is about much more than treating illnesses or administering medications. Nurses can advocate for patients, build trust, educate families, and provide comfort during some of the most difficult moments in a person's life. Watching the care my brother received showed me how meaningful that role can be and helped me discover the kind of person and professional I wanted to become. My experiences as a first-generation college student and immigrant further strengthened my desire to become a nurse. Moving to a new country taught me resilience and adaptability, but it also showed me how difficult it can be for families to navigate healthcare systems when they are unfamiliar with available resources or face cultural and language barriers. These experiences helped me understand the importance of treating every patient with dignity, respect, and cultural awareness. I want to be a nurse who takes the time to listen, understand each patient's unique story, and make sure they feel heard and supported throughout their healthcare journey. What inspires me most about nursing is the opportunity to combine compassion with service. Nurses are often the healthcare professionals who spend the most time with patients and families. They are there during moments of fear, uncertainty, healing, and hope. A nurse's words, actions, and presence can make a lasting impact on someone's experience. I am inspired by the ability to build meaningful connections with patients while also helping improve their health and well-being. As I continue my education, my goal is to serve diverse and underserved communities while helping reduce barriers to healthcare. I hope to provide care that is compassionate, equitable, and centered on each patient's individual needs. In the future, I also hope to continue my education and become a nurse practitioner so I can expand my ability to serve others. The nurses who cared for my brother inspired me to pursue this path, and I hope to honor their example by providing the same kindness, advocacy, and support to every patient and family I encounter throughout my nursing career. I found out about this scholarship through the Bold.org scholarship website.

As a first-generation college student, pursuing higher education has been both a challenging and rewarding journey. I come from a family that immigrated to the United States seeking better opportunities and a brighter future. While my family has always supported my education, I had to learn many aspects of the college process on my own, including applications, financial aid, scholarships, and navigating academic expectations. These experiences taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of asking for help when needed. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing because I have always been passionate about helping others. My desire to become a nurse comes from both personal experiences and my role as a caregiver. Growing up, I helped care for my older brother who has autism, which taught me patience, compassion, and advocacy. Those experiences showed me how important it is to have healthcare professionals who treat patients and families with dignity, kindness, and respect. They inspired me to pursue a career where I can make a positive difference in people's lives every day. Throughout my educational journey, I have faced many challenges, including balancing school, work, family responsibilities, and financial stress. There were times when the path forward felt overwhelming, but I remained focused on my goals and reminded myself why I started. Every obstacle I have overcome has strengthened my determination and reinforced my belief that education can create opportunities not only for individuals but for entire families and communities. I hope to inspire and motivate other first-generation students by showing them that success is possible, even when the path is not always clear. Many first-generation students experience self-doubt or feel like they do not belong in higher education. I want to be an example that perseverance, hard work, and believing in yourself can help you overcome those feelings. I plan to mentor students, share my experiences, and encourage others to apply for scholarships, seek support, and take advantage of opportunities that can help them reach their goals. As a future nurse, I also hope to give back to my community by serving diverse and underserved populations. I want to use my education to advocate for patients, promote health education, and help reduce barriers to healthcare. By pursuing my dreams and supporting others along the way, I hope to inspire future generations of first-generation students to believe in their potential and pursue higher education with confidence. My journey is proof that where you start does not determine where you can go. Through hard work, determination, and a commitment to serving others, I hope to create a lasting impact both in healthcare and in the lives of other first-generation students who are working toward their own dreams.

Nursing is more than a career for me it is a way to give back to the community that helped shape me. Growing up, I saw how difficult it could be for families to access healthcare, understand medical information, and find the support they needed. As an immigrant and first-generation college student, I have witnessed how language barriers, financial challenges, and limited access to resources can make it harder for people to get the care they deserve. These experiences inspired me to pursue nursing and become someone who can make a difference in people's lives during some of their most challenging moments. As a first-generation college student, caregiver, and nursing student, I understand what it feels like to face obstacles while working toward a goal. I have spent much of my life helping care for family members, including my older brother who has autism. Being a caregiver taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of advocating for those who may not always be able to advocate for themselves. It also showed me how much of a difference compassionate healthcare professionals can make, not only for patients but for entire families. After earning my nursing degree, I hope to work with underserved communities and provide care to people who may not always have easy access to healthcare. I want patients to feel seen, heard, and respected, regardless of their background or circumstances. I believe that building trust and treating people with kindness is just as important as providing medical care. Many people enter healthcare settings feeling scared, overwhelmed, or unheard, and I want to be the kind of nurse who helps them feel supported and understood. I am especially passionate about health education because I have seen how knowledge can empower people to make better decisions about their health. Many health problems can be prevented or better managed when people have access to the right information and resources. As a nurse, I want to help patients understand their health conditions, make informed decisions, and feel confident caring for themselves and their families. I also hope to connect people with community resources that can improve their overall well-being and quality of life. In the future, I plan to continue my education and become a nurse practitioner so I can have an even greater impact on the communities I serve. My goal is to help reduce health disparities and improve access to quality healthcare, especially for individuals and families who often face barriers to receiving care. I hope to use my degree not only to care for patients but also to be a source of support, encouragement, and advocacy. By serving others with compassion and understanding, I can give back to my community, inspire future students from underrepresented backgrounds, and help create healthier and brighter futures for the people I serve.

Being a first-generation college student means carrying both a privilege and a responsibility. When I began my educational journey, I did not have family members who could guide me through college applications, financial aid, or navigating higher education. I had to learn many things on my own while balancing responsibilities at home. As a refugee who immigrated to the United States in 2015, I quickly learned that success would require determination, resilience, and faith. My journey has not been easy. Growing up, I witnessed the challenges my family faced while adapting to a new country. As the oldest daughter, I often took on caregiving responsibilities, especially for my older brother, who has autism. These experiences taught me patience, compassion, and the importance of advocating for others. They also inspired my decision to pursue nursing. There have been many obstacles along the way. I have balanced school while working, helping support my family, and raising children. There were times when financial stress, family responsibilities, and personal hardships made me question whether I could continue. Instead of giving up, I used those challenges as motivation to work harder. Through perseverance, I improved academically and remained committed to my goal of becoming a nurse. What drives me is the desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. I know what it feels like to face barriers to healthcare, education, and opportunity. As a future nurse, I want to provide compassionate, culturally sensitive care to patients from diverse backgrounds and advocate for those whose voices are often unheard. My long-term goal is to earn my BSN, work as a registered nurse, and eventually continue my education to become a nurse practitioner. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden that comes with pursuing a nursing degree. As a student with family members who depend on me, financial assistance would allow me to focus more on my education, clinical experiences, and professional growth rather than worrying about how to cover expenses. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to achieving my goals and continuing the journey that began when my family came to this country seeking a better future. More than anything, this scholarship would be an investment in someone who is determined to use her education to serve others, uplift her community, and create opportunities for future generations.

1. My inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing began when my family and I moved to the United States and my older brother was diagnosed with autism at the age of 14. During his hospital visits, I closely observed the way nurses interacted with him with patience, understanding, and genuine compassion. They took time to explain procedures in ways he could understand, respected his needs, and reassured our family during an unfamiliar and emotional time. Their care made a lasting impression on me and showed me how powerful nursing can be, not only for patients but also for their loved ones. Wanting to be part of that kind of meaningful care, I sought hands on experience by working as a nursing assistant at Sea Mar Cannon House. In this role, I supported residents with daily living activities, nutrition, hygiene, and safety. As my confidence grew, I became a certified medication technician, expanding my responsibilities to medication administration, monitoring vital signs, checking blood glucose levels, administering insulin, and providing wound care. I later took on leadership responsibilities, training new nursing assistants and overseeing an entire floor of residents. These experiences confirmed that nursing aligns with both my values and strengths. I discovered a passion for advocating for patients, supporting vulnerable populations, and providing care rooted in dignity and respect. Nursing allows me to combine compassion with clinical skill, and it offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives during some of their most vulnerable moments. This is what continues to motivate me to pursue nursing with purpose and dedication. 2.To me, the phrase “human touch” represents the emotional connection and presence a nurse brings to every patient interaction. It goes beyond physical touch and clinical skills and focuses on empathy, patience, and truly seeing the person behind the illness. Human touch means listening without rushing, explaining care in a way a patient can understand, and providing reassurance during moments of fear or uncertainty. It reminds patients that they are valued as individuals, not just diagnoses or tasks to be completed. I first understood the importance of human touch when my older brother was diagnosed with autism after my family moved to the United States. During his hospital visits, the nurses’ patience, calm communication, and respect for his needs helped him feel safe and understood. Their ability to connect with him emotionally made a difficult experience more manageable for our entire family. That experience showed me how deeply human touch can impact both patients and those who love them. In my own healthcare experience as a nursing assistant and medication technician, I have seen how human touch directly affects patient outcomes. Many of the residents I cared for were older adults with chronic illnesses, cognitive impairments, or limited family support. Taking time to explain each step of care, maintaining eye contact, and acknowledging their concerns often reduced anxiety and increased trust. Even during busy or high stress situations, small moments of compassion such as offering reassurance or simply listening made patients feel more comfortable and respected. Human touch also plays a critical role in patient safety and quality of care. When patients feel heard and supported, they are more likely to communicate changes in their condition, follow treatment plans, and participate in their care. I have learned that remaining calm, attentive, and emotionally present helps build trust and allows nurses to provide more effective, patient-centered care. Ultimately, human touch is at the core of nursing practice. It transforms routine tasks into meaningful care and strengthens the nurse-patient relationship. As a future nurse, I aim to consistently integrate human touch into my practice by leading with empathy, cultural awareness, and intentional presence. I believe that these qualities are essential in promoting healing, dignity, and positive health outcomes for every patient.

When my family and I moved to the United States, my older brother was diagnosed with autism at the age of 14. That moment became the foundation of my desire to pursue nursing. During his hospital visits, I witnessed the compassion, patience, and dignity the nurses and healthcare providers showed him. They took the time to explain procedures, respected his needs, and supported our family during a challenging transition. Their care not only helped my brother feel safe and understood, but it also brought comfort to us as a family. Seeing how meaningful, patient-centered care could truly shape a patient’s experience inspired me to pursue a career where I could provide that same comfort, advocacy, and reassurance to others. To gain hands-on experience, I began working as a nursing assistant at Sea Mar Cannon House. In this role, I assisted residents with daily living activities, including mobility, hygiene, nutrition, and safety, while helping create a comfortable and supportive environment. As I grew in confidence and clinical skill, I became a certified medication technician. My responsibilities expanded to administering medications, monitoring vital signs, checking blood glucose levels, providing wound care, administering insulin injections, and following individualized treatment plans. Over time, I also took on leadership responsibilities by training new nursing assistants and overseeing an entire floor of up to 30 residents. I regularly assessed residents during incidents, communicated with physicians and pharmacies regarding medication changes and refills, and kept families informed about changes in their loved ones’ health. These experiences allowed me to care for vulnerable populations, including older adults and individuals with chronic conditions, cognitive impairments, and complex medical needs. Through these roles, I learned the importance of staying calm under pressure, communicating clearly, and advocating for patient safety. They have shaped my philosophy of care, which centers on compassion, dignity, and treating each patient as a whole person rather than just a diagnosis. I believe effective nursing care requires empathy, cultural awareness, and collaboration with both patients and their families. At this point in my journey, I am especially interested in community and public health nursing. I am drawn to roles that allow me to work closely with underserved populations and address health beyond the bedside, including prevention, education, and access to care. Now is the right time for me to pursue nursing because I am grounded in my purpose, prepared for the responsibility, and committed to advancing my education so I can continue providing equitable, patient-centered care to those who need it most.