My name is Sarah Potter, and I am a rising junior at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, majoring in nursing. I grew up in Leominster, Massachusetts, and have always felt a deep calling to serve others, especially children. Through a mix of academics, athletics, and volunteering, I’ve worked to live with purpose, compassion, and a strong work ethic. In high school, I was a dedicated student-athlete, playing four years of varsity soccer while maintaining a strong GPA. Sports taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of teamwork, skills that continue to shape my approach to nursing. I’ve continued my love for soccer by playing on Saint Anselm’s women’s club soccer team, which has allowed me to stay active, relieve stress, and continue building strong friendships. I also joined a Health Occupations trade program in high school, which opened my eyes to the many paths in healthcare. My senior-year internship in an elementary school nurse’s office solidified my passion for nursing, especially pediatric care. Watching my mentor care for students physically and emotionally showed me the powerful impact a nurse can have, even in small, everyday moments. At Saint Anselm, I’ve continued to push myself academically and personally. I’ve maintained a GPA above 3.5 while balancing clinical placements, extracurriculars, and work. My first clinical experience on a dementia unit was both challenging and humbling, teaching me how to connect with patients even when words fail. Outside the classroom, I work at an elementary school after-school program and summer camp, where I help kids feel safe, heard, and supported. I’m also active in campus organizations like Alpha Lambda Delta honors society, the College Health Council, and FAPNO (Foster and Adoptive Parents Night Out), where my fellow college students and I, in partnership with DCF, provide free childcare for children in the foster care system once a month. Volunteering has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. Through Kids Cafe, a service run by the Salvation Army, I mentor children facing food insecurity. I also help run the annual Food, Clothing, and Furniture Drive, where we deliver essentials like couches, fridges, clothes, and food to families in need. Each summer, I participate in Road for Hope, a 130-mile walk over eight days to raise funds for nine local charities, an experience that tests my physical and emotional strength while reminding me what service truly means. Receiving this scholarship would not only support me financially as I continue my nursing education, but it would also affirm the values I strive to live by: excellence, kindness, perseverance, and service. This opportunity would help me carry forward a legacy of living fully, loving deeply, laughing often, and continuing to grow, both as a nurse and as a person committed to making a difference in the lives of others.

I’ve always known that I wanted to help people, but I didn’t realize exactly what that would look like until high school. I joined a Health Occupations trade program and spent three years learning about different careers in healthcare. While I was interested in many of them, nursing stood out because of the personal connection nurses have with their patients. During my senior year, I had the opportunity to intern in the nurse’s office at a local elementary school, which profoundly shaped my perspective on the profession. From October through the end of the school year, I worked with Nurse Jen, who quickly became someone I looked up to. She didn’t just hand out ice packs; she listened to kids, calmed them down when they were upset, and made them feel safe. I saw firsthand how important it is to treat not just physical symptoms but also emotional ones. A lot of students came in with headaches or stomachaches that were caused by stress or anxiety. That experience made me realize how closely connected mental and physical health are, and it helped me understand that I want to be the kind of nurse who listens closely, notices the small details, and supports patients in all aspects of their health. Now as a nursing student at Saint Anselm College, I’ve continued to learn and grow through hands-on experiences. My first clinical placement was on a dementia unit at a nursing home. Even though it was challenging, it taught me the importance of patience and presence. Many residents had trouble communicating, but I learned how powerful small gestures, like holding a hand or offering a smile, can be. Outside of school, I’ve worked at an elementary school after-school program and a summer camp, where I’ve built strong communication skills, learned how to stay calm in unpredictable situations, and developed a natural ability to connect with children. These roles helped reinforce my desire to work in pediatrics and taught me how to be creative, flexible, and compassionate. I’ve also volunteered through Kids Cafe, where I supported children facing food insecurity, and Road for Hope, a physically and emotionally demanding 130-mile walk to raise funds for local charities. These service opportunities reminded me how important it is to be present for others, to give without expecting anything in return, and to keep showing up even when things get hard. Each of these experiences has shown me how much I care about making others feel safe, seen, and supported. They’ve helped confirm that nursing is the right path for me, and I’m excited to become the kind of nurse who brings compassion, patience, and heart to every person I care for.

My name is Sarah, and I’m a rising junior nursing student at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, but I was born and raised in Leominster, Massachusetts. I’ve always known that I wanted to help people, which is what led me to pursue a career in nursing. Outside the classroom, volunteering has been a huge part of how I’ve lived out that passion in real ways. These experiences have not only shaped who I am but also deepened my understanding of what it truly means to serve others with empathy and humility. On campus, one of the most meaningful ways I’ve volunteered is through Kids Cafe, a program sponsored by the Salvation Army that provides free meals and after-school care to elementary-aged children in Manchester. Spending time with these kids, helping with homework, playing games, and just being a consistent, caring presence, has shown me how much even the smallest acts of kindness can mean. Many of the children face challenges that no child should have to, and being there for them reminded me that showing up and being present can make a huge impact. Another powerful experience was helping run the Food, Clothing, and Furniture Drive (FCF) on campus. At the end of the school year, students and members of the local community donated essential items like mini fridges, mattresses, tables, lamps, microwaves, and more to our drive. I was part of a team of about 30 students who sorted, packed, and personally delivered donations to 73 families in need across Manchester. Meeting these families face-to-face and seeing how grateful they were made everything feel real. It reminded me how important community-based work is and how much can be accomplished when people come together for a common purpose. One of the most physically and emotionally challenging volunteer experiences I took part in last summer, and will be participating in again this summer, is Road for Hope, a 130-mile walk from Lewiston, Maine, back to our campus in Manchester. I will be walking with 40 other students this August, just before the school year starts. Together, we’ve each raised over $500 (over $20,000 total) to support nine local charities along our path. Some of the charities we walk for depend on our donations as funding for the whole year. The walk takes place over eight days, and while it’s exhausting, it has been, and will be again, one of the most life-changing experiences I’ve ever had. It’s not just about the distance; it’s about walking with purpose, spreading hope, and reminding each organization that their work matters. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that service is not just about giving, it’s about listening, connecting, and growing. Volunteering has taught me how to be more compassionate, more aware of the needs around me, and more driven to do something about them. As a future nurse, I plan to carry this mindset with me into every part of my career. Whether it’s through clinical care, community outreach, or simply supporting those who feel unseen, I want to continue helping others not just as part of my job, but as part of who I am. These volunteering opportunities have shown me that change doesn’t always have to be big or dramatic to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s in a smile, a conversation, or a walk that feels impossible, but means everything to someone else. I hope to continue this work for the rest of my life, combining my passion for service with my future role as a nurse to be a light in the lives of others, both in and out of the hospital.

I want to pursue a degree in nursing because I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this profession can be. From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in the medical field, but I wasn’t always sure what path was right for me. It wasn’t until high school, when I joined a Health Occupations trade program, that I began to truly understand what nurses do; and how deeply they impact the people they care for. My passion for nursing really came to life during my senior year, when I interned in the nurse’s office at a local elementary school. I worked alongside Nurse Jen, who quickly became a mentor and role model. Watching her care for so many students each day while still making each child feel heard and supported opened my eyes to what it means to truly show up for others. She treated stomachaches and bruises, but she also helped calm nerves, ease fears, and build trust. That experience showed me that nursing is about more than just physical care; it’s about being present for people during some of their most vulnerable moments. Since then, I’ve continued on my journey through Saint Anselm College, where I’m now a rising junior in the nursing program. This past year, I had my first clinical experience on a dementia unit at a nursing home. The setting was challenging, but it taught me so much about patience, empathy, and the importance of human connection. Even when residents struggled to remember where they were or what day it was, they responded to warmth and kindness. It reminded me how much of nursing happens in the small moments, holding someone’s hand, listening to them, or simply being there when they need you most. As a future pediatric nurse, I hope to bring this same level of care and compassion to children and families in my community. I also want to help bridge the gap between physical and mental health by encouraging open conversations and reducing the stigma around emotional well-being. I’ve seen how mental health issues, even in kids, can show up as physical symptoms, and I want to be the kind of nurse who listens deeply and looks at the whole picture, not just the obvious signs. In addition to my clinical and academic experiences, I’ve worked at an elementary school after-school program and summer camp, which has given me even more experience working with children. I’ve also been involved in clubs like Alpha Lambda Delta honors society, Campus Activities Board (CAB), and the College Health Council, where I’ve learned the importance of advocacy, teamwork, and giving back. My goal is to use my education not just to care for individual patients, but to make a positive impact in my community as a whole. Whether it’s through providing care, promoting health education, or simply being a source of support and comfort, I hope to be the kind of nurse who makes others feel seen, safe, and cared for.

I’m currently a rising junior at Saint Anselm College, majoring in nursing. My journey to this point has been shaped by a mix of early passion, hands-on experience, and a few moments that helped me truly see where I belonged. I’ve wanted to work in the medical field for as long as I can remember. Helping others and being there for people during tough times has always felt natural to me. But for a while, I wasn’t sure exactly what role I wanted to take in healthcare. That started to change in high school when I joined the Health Occupations trade program. Over three years, I got to explore many different medical careers. The more I learned, the more nursing stood out, not just because of the clinical side of the work, but because of the personal, human side too. My “aha” moment came during my senior year, when I interned in the nurse’s office at a local elementary school. From October through the end of the school year, I worked closely with Nurse Jen, who quickly became someone I looked up to. I remember being overwhelmed at first; there was always something going on, and she handled it all with compassion and calm. But over time, I saw that her job wasn’t just about ice packs and Band-Aids. It was about making kids feel safe, heard, and cared for. Watching her comfort students, listen to their worries, and respond to all kinds of situations with grace made me realize, this is what I want to do. During my sophomore year of college, I had my first official clinical experience on the dementia unit of a nursing home. It was a big learning curve, but also incredibly meaningful. Communicating with residents who struggled with memory loss taught me the value of patience and presence. I learned how much a small act, like holding someone’s hand or listening to their favorite story, can make a difference in someone’s day. That experience reminded me that nursing is just as much about human connection as it is about clinical care. Outside the classroom, I’ve worked at an elementary school after-school program and summer camp, where I’ve built strong communication skills and learned how to stay calm and flexible in all kinds of situations. I’m also active on campus through Alpha Lambda Delta honors society, the College Health Council, Campus Activities Board, and many other organizations that keep me engaged in the community and help me grow as both a student and a future healthcare provider. Looking back, every step of my journey has helped me feel more confident that nursing is the right path for me. I’m excited to continue learning and growing, and I’m committed to becoming the kind of nurse who brings skill, compassion, and heart into everything I do.

My name is Sarah Potter, and I’m a rising junior at Saint Anselm College, majoring in nursing. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a strong desire to help others and make a positive impact on people’s lives. That passion grew into an interest in healthcare, and through a variety of experiences, I’ve found that nursing is exactly where I’m meant to be. In high school, I joined a Health Occupations trade program where I spent three years learning about different careers in the medical field. That experience helped me realize just how meaningful and rewarding nursing can be. During my senior year, I completed an internship in the nurse’s office at a local elementary school. I worked closely with Nurse Jen, who became a mentor and role model. Watching the way she cared for her students, not just physically, but emotionally, showed me how impactful nurses can be in people’s lives, especially children. That experience is what sparked my interest in pediatric nursing. One thing I noticed during my time in the elementary school nurse’s office was how often mental and physical health were connected. Many kids came in with headaches or stomachaches, but after talking with them, it was clear that stress or anxiety was the real cause. That taught me how important it is to listen carefully and treat the whole person, not just their symptoms. As a future pediatric nurse, I want to be someone who makes children feel safe and understood while helping them feel better physically and emotionally. This past year, I had my first clinical experience at a nursing home, working on the dementia unit. While it was a different population than I hope to work with in the future, it gave me valuable skills and perspective. I learned how to build trust with patients who had trouble communicating, and I saw how much small acts of kindness, like holding someone’s hand or offering a calming voice, can mean so much. It strengthened my confidence and reminded me that nursing is about showing up for people in all the ways they need. Outside of the college classroom, I’ve worked at an elementary school after-school program and summer camp, which has given me a lot of experience working with children. I’ve learned how to communicate, stay patient, and adapt quickly when things don’t go as planned. I’m also involved in several campus organizations, including Alpha Lambda Delta honors society, the College Health Council, Foster and Adoptive Parents Night Out (FAPNO), and more. These activities have helped me learn how to work well with others and communicate clearly as part of a team. Each of these experiences has helped prepare me for the next step in my path toward becoming a pediatric nurse. I know nursing will continue to challenge me, but I’m excited for what’s ahead. I’m committed to giving my all to this profession and to becoming a nurse who brings compassion, understanding, and skill to every child and family I care for.

I have wanted to work in the medical field for as long as I can remember. Helping others and making a difference in their lives has always felt like something I was meant to do. For a while, I wasn’t sure what path I wanted to take, but joining the Health Occupations trade program at my high school helped me figure that out. Over three years, I learned about so many different jobs in healthcare, and the more I learned, the more I found myself drawn to nursing. During my senior year, I got the chance to do an internship, and I chose to spend it in the nurse’s office at a local elementary school. From October through the end of my senior year, I worked with Nurse Jen, who quickly became someone I looked up to. At first, I was overwhelmed by how much she had to juggle, taking care of so many kids, handling emergencies, and keeping things running smoothly. But the more time I spent with her, the more I realized how meaningful her job was. She didn’t just hand out ice packs and take temperatures; she comforted kids when they were scared, listened to their worries, and made them feel safe. One thing that stood out to me during this time was how closely mental and physical health are connected. I saw so many students come in with stomachaches, headaches, or just not feeling well, and a lot of the time, it was stress or anxiety that was bothering them. This made me realize how important it is to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms. As a future nurse, I want to be someone who listens, who notices the little things, and who helps patients feel seen and supported, not just physically, but emotionally too. This past year, during my sophomore year of nursing school, I had my first official clinical experience at a nursing home on the dementia unit. It was challenging but incredibly eye-opening. Spending time with the residents helped me develop a deeper level of patience and empathy, especially when communication was difficult. I learned how important it is to be fully present in every interaction, even if the patient doesn’t remember it later. Just offering a smile, holding someone’s hand, or listening to a story can mean more than we realize. That experience strengthened my passion for nursing and reminded me how powerful human connection can be in healthcare. My goals for a nursing career are meaningful to me. I want to give my patients the kind of care that makes them feel safe and understood. I also care a lot about mental health and want to help break the stigma around it, especially by helping people understand how it connects to their overall well-being. I believe that when people understand their health and know what’s going on in their bodies, they can take better care of themselves. Outside of my internship, I’ve also worked at an elementary school after-school program and summer camp. These experiences have helped me build strong communication skills, especially with kids, and have taught me how to be patient, calm under pressure, and creative when solving problems. All of this has made me even more confident that nursing is the right path for me. Nursing isn’t just a job to me, it’s something I’m truly passionate about. I know it won’t always be easy, but I’m ready for the challenges and excited about the chance to grow, learn, and make a real difference in people’s lives.

Entering the medical field has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. The idea of helping others and making a positive impact on their lives has always inspired me. For a long time, I was unsure about which specific path I wanted to take within the medical field. This uncertainty led me to join the Health Occupations class, a trade program offered at my high school, during my freshman year. Over the next three years, I immersed myself in learning about the wide array of careers available in healthcare, which deepened my fascination with the field. By my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations at a site of my choosing. After careful consideration, I accepted an internship in my school district's nurse's office at an elementary school. Starting in October of 2022, I began working alongside Nurse Jen, who quickly became a mentor and a source of inspiration to me. Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of responsibility and work that nursing entails. Watching Nurse Jen perform various tasks and attend to the needs of countless students was both intimidating and eye-opening. However, as the weeks went by, my perspective began to change. Observing Nurse Jen in action and listening to her stories about her diverse nursing experiences gave me valuable insight into the realities of the profession. She shared both the rewards and challenges of nursing, emphasizing the emotional resilience and dedication required. Her candid advice, that I should fully understand what I was getting into, resonated deeply with me. Through her mentorship, I grew to appreciate the profound impact nurses have on people's lives during their most vulnerable moments. Nurse Jen's compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to her students solidified my desire to pursue a career in nursing. Her guidance not only helped me overcome my initial fears but also instilled in me a determination to follow her example. To me, being a nurse means more than just performing medical tasks; it signifies a lifelong dedication to helping others, offering comfort, and making a difference in times of need. I am committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Whether addressing physical ailments or providing emotional support, I am excited to embrace the challenges and rewards of a profession that offers endless opportunities to grow, learn, and give back. I found out about this scholarship through a filtered search on Bold.org.