Losing the love of my life to suicide changed everything. He was my safe place in the smallest ways, opening doors, bringing flowers home for no reason, never raising his voice, loving my daughter like she was his own. In the four and a half years we were together, he treated kindness as a daily practice. Those ordinary moments built our life, and they are the ones that still follow me. He was a family man through and through. He worked hard, showed up for his three boys, and welcomed my daughter with the same care and protection. Being loved by someone so gentle made the world feel steady. When someone like that is gone, the absence is not loud at first. It is quiet. It settles into routines, into empty spaces where laughter once lived, into the future you thought you were walking toward together. Grief brought emotions I was not prepared for. Shock, disbelief, longing, and questions that had no answers. I found myself replaying memories, searching for signs I missed, and trying to understand how someone who gave so much love could be carrying so much pain. What stayed with me most was not the way he died, but the way he lived. His belief in doing good, in loving fully, and in showing up gently became something I held onto when everything else felt uncertain. Healing has not been linear. Writing became one of the few ways I could breathe through the weight of loss. On a site called Missed Connections, I write to him. I tell him about the kids, about ordinary days, about how I am still learning how to carry grief without letting it consume me. Journaling and quiet reflection give my emotions somewhere to land. They allow me to honor a love that still matters, even in absence. His passing changed how I see the world and the people in it. I pay closer attention now. I listen longer. I believe deeply in noticing the signs when someone is struggling and in speaking up when silence feels dangerous. Loss taught me that connection can save lives, and that compassion should never be withheld. These lessons have shaped not only how I move through grief, but how I show up for others. Continuing my education is one of the ways I honor his memory. Finishing my RN is how I keep his belief in me alive. Nursing allows me to sit with people in their most vulnerable moments and remind them that they are not alone. Every exam, every clinical, every long day is a quiet promise that his kindness did not end with him. If I can care for others the way he cared for us, then I know I am making him proud. The people who influence me most are those who loved deeply and lived gently, including him. This scholarship would support my education and affirm that healing, advocacy, and hope can grow even after profound loss. I am committed to building a life rooted in care, awareness, and purpose, one that honors his memory and helps others feel seen, heard, and supported.

My grandfather (whom we call Poppy) is one hundred years old, and every time I sit with him, I am aware of how rare that is. His hands are slower now, his voice softer, but the weight of what he has lived through is still there. He is a World War II veteran, and even though I did not understand the magnitude of that when I was young, I feel it deeply now. His life carries a kind of quiet history that cannot be taught, only lived. Growing up, I knew my grandfather had served in the war, but he never made it the center of who he was. When he shared stories, they were simple and steady, never exaggerated or self-praising. What stayed with me was not what he said, but how he lived. He believed in showing up, doing your part, and taking care of others without expecting recognition. That quiet sense of duty shaped my understanding of strength more than any story ever could. As I have grown older, watching him age has been just as impactful as learning about his service. Seeing someone who endured war, loss, and decades of change reach one hundred years old has taught me that resilience is not loud or dramatic. It is built through consistency, humility, and perseverance. His life reminds me that strength can be gentle and still unbreakable. My grandfather’s influence did not stop with his generation. Service became a thread woven through our family, carried forward by my children and siblings who also chose to serve. But beyond military service, he passed down values that shaped who we are: responsibility, integrity, and commitment to something greater than yourself. Those values guide me every day. As I pursue my nursing degree, I often think about him. To me, healthcare is another form of service. It requires patience, discipline, and compassion, especially during moments when people feel afraid or vulnerable. I recognize those qualities because I grew up seeing them lived out in my grandfather’s life. His generation understood sacrifice in a way few ever will, and that understanding fuels my desire to care for others with intention and respect. Returning to school later in life has not been easy. I balance education, family, and financial responsibility while working toward a career rooted in care and advocacy. When the path feels heavy, I think about the legacy I come from. If my grandfather could endure war and still build a long, meaningful life, then I can survive my challenges and keep moving forward. James T. Godwin’s story reflects the same kind of legacy. A life of service, love for family, and dedication leaves an impact far beyond medals or titles. This scholarship honors that truth. Being considered would mean carrying forward the spirit of someone who lived with purpose, just as my grandfather has for a century. He may never ask for recognition, but his life deserves it. His example continues to guide me as I work to serve others with the same quiet strength, resilience, and compassion he has shown throughout his life.

Mental health has been part of my life long before I understood the words for it. Growing up around emotional instability and untreated mental health struggles taught me how deeply mental health affects not just individuals, but entire families. I learned early how important it is to feel heard, supported, and understood, especially when life feels overwhelming. Those experiences shaped how I show up for others today. As a mother and a nursing student, I support others through presence, honesty, and empathy. I am often the person people come to when they are struggling because I listen without judgment and without trying to rush their feelings away. Whether it is a friend feeling burned out, a classmate overwhelmed by school, or a family member dealing with stress or anxiety, I make space for conversations that many people avoid. Sometimes support is not about fixing anything. It is about letting someone know they are not alone. My commitment to mental health support extends into my education and career goals. As a nursing student, I am learning how closely mental and physical health are connected. I plan to carry that understanding into my future practice by treating patients as whole people, not just diagnoses. I want to be the nurse who notices emotional distress, who asks the extra question, and who advocates for mental health resources when they are needed. In healthcare settings, mental health is often overlooked or minimized. I want to help change that culture by normalizing conversations around mental well-being for both patients and healthcare workers. Burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion are common in healthcare, and compassionate support can make a real difference. My goal is to create an environment where patients and colleagues feel safe speaking up about their mental health without fear or stigma. Through nursing, advocacy, and everyday compassion, I am committed to supporting others emotionally and contributing to a healthcare system that values mental well-being as much as physical care.

I did not become a fan of Sabrina Carpenter just because of her music or acting. I became a fan because of how her career unfolded in real time. Watching her grow from a Disney Channel role into a confident artist who owns her voice, her sound, and her choices made a real impression on me during seasons of my life when I was trying to do the same. I remember seeing her as Maya Hart on Girl Meets World, a character who was strong, emotional, and unapologetically herself. Even then, Sabrina stood out. She played someone who felt deeply and did not hide it, which mattered to me at a time when I was learning how to navigate my own emotions and responsibilities. As her career evolved, so did the message she shared: that you are allowed to grow, change, and redefine yourself without needing permission. Her music connected with me in a different way. Songs like Espresso and Please Please Please " make me feel confident, honest, and self-aware. They are fun on the surface, but beneath the surface, they reflect someone who has learned her worth and is no longer afraid to take up space. As a young mother who had to grow up fast, that confidence resonates with me deeply. I know what it feels like to be underestimated, to be boxed into who people think you are, and to push forward anyway. What inspires me most about Sabrina Carpenter is her dedication. She did not stay in one lane or let early labels define her future. She worked, evolved, and built a career that reflects who she is now, not who she was expected to be. That mirrors my own journey. Becoming a mother at a young age forced me to mature quickly, but it did not erase my dreams. Watching someone continuously choose growth reminds me that beginnings do not determine endings. As I pursue my nursing degree, I carry that same mindset. I am building a life rooted in purpose, resilience, and service, even when the path is challenging. Sabrina Carpenter’s career reminds me that growth is not linear and that confidence is something you earn through persistence. Being a fan means more than enjoying music or performances. It means feeling inspired to keep becoming the person you are meant to be.

I did not know my grandmother for very long. She passed away when I was young, around 1997 or 1998, after struggling with severe heart problems. I remember her as kind and gentle, and one of my clearest memories is her black cat, Harry, always close by. I also remember my mom taking her to doctor appointments and eventually to the surgeon, even though at the time I did not fully understand what was happening. As I got older, I learned more about her condition. She had heart problems involving a leaking valve and a buildup of calcium in her heart. Her health slowly declined, and despite medical care and surgery, her heart disease ultimately took her life. Seeing my mom step into a caregiver role left an impression on me. Even as a child, I could sense the stress, fear, and hope that surrounded every appointment. Although my memories are limited, the impact of her illness shaped my family and my understanding of health at an early age. Heart disease became something personal, not just a diagnosis or statistic. I saw how chronic illness affects entire families, emotionally and practically, and how much strength it takes to show up for someone you love during ongoing medical uncertainty. My own life has been shaped by responsibility and resilience. I became a mother at a young age, graduated from high school while raising my children, and later returned to school to pursue nursing. Education was never guaranteed for me. I grew up without financial stability or guidance, and I am now paying for my education out of pocket while focusing entirely on school. Still, I continue because I know what compassionate, consistent care can mean to families facing serious illness. Heart disease does not affect only the person diagnosed. It affects generations. Losing my grandmother and watching my mom navigate the medical system showed me how important advocacy, patience, and empathy are in healthcare. Those experiences influenced my decision to pursue nursing, a field where I can support both patients and their families during challenging moments. This scholarship would help ease the financial strain of my education and allow me to remain focused on becoming a nurse who provides not just clinical care, but understanding and reassurance. Honoring my grandmother’s memory through this opportunity would allow me to carry forward the lessons her life and illness taught me. Her time with me was short, but the impact of her journey with heart disease has stayed with me. Through nursing, service, and resilience, I am committed to turning that impact into care for others.

I remember staring at the positive pregnancy test in my hand and thinking, Oh boy, Selina. My chest felt tight, and my mind started racing faster than I could keep up with. I had just turned eighteen, scared, and suddenly aware that nothing in my life would be simple anymore. School, money, my future, all of it collided in that moment. I cried right away, standing there trying to understand how one small stick could change the direction of my entire life before I had even figured out who I was. After the fear settled, reality set in fast. I had no choice but to move forward, even when I did not know how. I became a mother at eighteen, and before I had fully caught my breath, I was pregnant again and had my second child at nineteen. I learned through trial and exhaustion how to show up every day for someone who depended on me completely. There was no room to pause or fall apart for long. Even while pregnant and then caring for my babies, I stayed in high school and graduated with my diploma. Finishing what I started mattered to me, especially knowing my children were already watching. Going back to school later in life was not something I did lightly. As a young mother, I felt education was risky. Time, money, and energy were already stretched thin, and failure was not an option. Still, I knew that staying where I was would limit not only my future, but my children’s as well. I enrolled in school carrying more than textbooks. I had responsibility, fear, and determination. Every class became proof to me that I could do hard things, even when the odds were not in my favor. I chose nursing because it reflects who I have become. Motherhood taught me patience, empathy, and how to stay steady during stressful moments. Nursing allows me to use those qualities to care for people when they are vulnerable, scared, or overwhelmed. I understand how much it matters to feel seen and supported when life feels out of control, and that understanding shapes the nurse I am becoming. Pursuing my nursing degree has required constant resilience. I am paying for my education out of pocket while focusing entirely on school, which has meant sacrifice and difficult choices. There are days when exhaustion sets in, and doubt tries to creep back, but I remind myself of why I started. I am not chasing perfection. I am building stability, purpose, and a future rooted in service. Jennifer D. Hale’s story resonates deeply with me. Like her, my journey began earlier and harder than expected. She proved that being a teen mother does not limit what you can achieve. Her legacy reflects resilience, dedication, and compassion, qualities I strive to embody every day. That is the example I want to set for my children. This scholarship would ease the financial pressure that comes with pursuing higher education as a mother and allow me to focus more fully on learning and growth. More than that, it would be an investment in someone who refused to let circumstance define her limits. I am pursuing nursing to build a life grounded in care, strength, and opportunity, and to show my children that even when life changes suddenly, it is still possible to move forward with purpose.

I chose healthcare because I understand what it feels like to need stability, reassurance, and someone who truly shows up. Growing up, life was unpredictable and often overwhelming. I learned early how much impact consistent care, patience, and presence can have on someone who is struggling. That understanding is what ultimately led me to nursing. I am currently an undergraduate nursing student working toward my RN. My path to this point has not been easy. I grew up with financial instability and little guidance, which made higher education feel out of reach for a long time. Even now, I am paying for my tuition out of pocket while focusing entirely on school. Despite the stress that comes with that responsibility, I remain committed because healthcare is not just a career choice for me. It is a way to turn hardship into purpose. My experiences volunteering and serving others confirmed that nursing is where I belong. Through volunteering, I have seen how vulnerable people can be when they are navigating illness, injury, or recovery. I have witnessed how compassion, clear communication, and simple human connection can change a patient’s experience. These moments reinforced my desire to work directly with patients and families, supporting them not only physically, but emotionally as well. While occupational therapy focuses on helping patients regain independence and function, nursing plays a critical role alongside it. Nurses are often the constant presence, coordinating care, advocating for patients, and ensuring that no one feels overlooked. I am drawn to that responsibility. I want to be the person patients can rely on, especially during moments when they feel uncertain or afraid. After graduation, I plan to continue working as a nurse, including travel nursing, so I can serve diverse communities and address gaps in care. Travel nursing has shown me how different healthcare environments operate and how vital adaptability and empathy are when working with varied populations. My long-term goal is to provide consistent, patient-centered care while continuing to grow professionally and personally. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of pursuing a healthcare degree and allow me to focus more fully on my education. More importantly, it would affirm that students who have faced obstacles, yet remain driven to serve others, are worth investing in. Christina Taylese Singh’s dedication to healthcare and her commitment to helping others reflect the values I strive to embody in my own journey. I am pursuing nursing not just to build a career, but to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Through resilience, service, and determination, I am working toward a future rooted in compassion, impact, and care.

Mental illness shaped my childhood long before I understood what to call it. Growing up, I lived in a home marked by instability, emotional neglect, and constant uncertainty. There were days when the atmosphere felt heavy and unpredictable, and as a child, I learned quickly to stay quiet, stay alert, and take care of myself. Looking back now, I recognize how deeply untreated mental health struggles affected my family and, in turn, me. My father and stepmom worked sporadically, struggled to maintain stability, and often seemed overwhelmed by life itself. There was little emotional support and no tools for coping or communication. Mental illness was never discussed, acknowledged, or treated. It simply existed in the background, influencing decisions, relationships, and the overall environment of our home. As a result, I grew up feeling alone, unsupported, and unsure of my place in the world. That experience forced me to mature early and taught me how to survive without relying on anyone else. Living in that environment had lasting effects. It created anxiety, self-doubt, and a deep fear of failure that followed me into adulthood. There were times when the weight of my upbringing made education feel impossible, like college was meant for people who grew up with guidance and stability. Still, I refused to let my past decide my future. Instead of letting those experiences define me, I used them as motivation to build a life rooted in purpose, consistency, and care. I am now a first-generation college student pursuing a nursing degree. Choosing this path was not accidental. Growing up around emotional pain and instability showed me how deeply mental health affects individuals and families, especially when support is missing. Nursing allows me to show up for people during their most vulnerable moments, with compassion and understanding shaped by my own experiences. I know what it feels like to need stability, reassurance, and someone who genuinely listens. Pursuing my education has come with significant financial strain. I am paying for my tuition out of pocket while focusing fully on school, which has required sacrifice and resilience. Despite these challenges, I remain committed because this degree represents more than a career. It represents healing, growth, and breaking cycles that have existed in my family for generations. Mental illness does not only affect those diagnosed. It affects children, families, and entire futures when left unaddressed. My experiences taught me empathy, strength, and the importance of mental health awareness. This scholarship would ease financial pressure and allow me to continue my education with greater focus and stability. More importantly, it would honor the reality that mental illness leaves lasting impacts and that students shaped by those experiences deserve support and opportunity. I am building a life defined not by where I started, but by the choices I make now. Through nursing, education, and resilience, I am creating a future grounded in care, understanding, and hope, for myself, my patients, and my children.

Being a first-generation college student has shaped every part of my goals and the determination behind them. I grew up believing that college was something other people did, not something that was meant for someone like me. Returning to school later in life has shown me that my future is still mine to claim. My plan is to become a registered nurse and continue expanding my skills so I can make a meaningful impact in healthcare. I want to build a career that combines leadership, compassion, and clinical excellence, and this scholarship would help me move forward with the confidence and stability I need to reach that next level. My journey has not followed a straight line. I have spent eight years working as an LPN and more than five years as a travel nurse, stepping into new facilities across the country and adapting quickly to unfamiliar environments. Travel nursing has taught me how to stay calm when everything around me is changing. It taught me how to communicate well with new teams, how to earn trust quickly, and how to support patients who are scared, confused, or alone. These experiences strengthened my resilience and made it clear that nursing is not just my career but my purpose. Going back to school has come with challenges. I am paying for my education out of pocket after exhausting financial aid. I am balancing work, clinical requirements, and the pressure of being older in a classroom filled with younger students. I was also diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome only a few years ago, and while it does not affect my ability to work, it has made me more empathetic toward anyone who feels misunderstood because of a condition they did not choose. These challenges have not stopped me. They have shaped me into someone who continues forward even when the path feels heavy. As an underrepresented minority and a first-generation student, I know what it means to break patterns and create opportunities that did not exist before. Earning my RN will allow me to take on greater responsibility, advocate more effectively for patients, and mentor new nurses entering the field. My long-term goal is to move into aesthetic and medical spa nursing, where I can combine my clinical experience with my passion for skin health and confidence building. I want to help people feel comfortable in their own skin, especially those who have struggled with self-esteem or lack access to safe, professional care. This scholarship would directly impact my ability to continue this journey. It would ease the financial pressure that often forces me to choose between taking extra shifts and dedicating time to my education. With this support, I can focus more fully on my studies, build stronger clinical skills, and continue working toward the career I know I am meant for. You would not only be funding my education; you would be investing in the patients I will care for, the future nurses I will mentor, and the communities I will serve. I am determined to keep pushing forward, not just for myself, but for the people who will one day rely on my knowledge, compassion, and leadership. Education opened a door I once thought was closed to me, and I intend to walk through it with purpose.

Education has given my life direction, purpose, and a clear sense of who I want to become. It has taught me that no matter where a person starts, they can still build a future they are proud of if they stay committed and keep moving forward. My journey has not been easy, but it has shaped my determination, my character, and my belief in myself. Returning to school later in life, managing financial hardship, living with Tourette syndrome, and advancing from an LPN to an RN program have all taught me that success is built through steady effort, resilience, and self-belief. These experiences have pushed me toward a future in nursing, where I can use what I have learned to make a meaningful difference in others' lives. Going back to school as an adult required a kind of courage I did not always know I had. I had already built a life with responsibilities, bills, and routines that made returning to school feel overwhelming. It would have been easy to talk myself out of it by focusing on my age or the time it would take, but something in me knew I had more to accomplish. I wanted a career that matched my purpose, not just my paycheck. I wanted to feel proud of the work I did, knowing that it helped people when they needed it most. Nursing gave me that sense of direction, and going back to school gave me the chance to pursue it fully. Financial hardship has been one of my biggest obstacles, but also one of my biggest motivators. I pay for my education out of pocket after exhausting financial aid, and there have been moments when the cost felt heavy and discouraging. But instead of letting it stop me, I let it push me. I reminded myself that investing in my education was investing in my future stability and independence. It reminded me to work harder, stay organized, and stay focused on long-term goals instead of temporary obstacles. The financial struggles made me disciplined, and they taught me to appreciate every step forward. Living with Tourette syndrome has also influenced my journey. Although Tourette’s is not always visible, it affects the way I navigate the world. It has taught me patience with myself, how to stay calm in stressful moments, and to never judge others for challenges I cannot see. Instead of letting it hold me back, I have learned to work with it and stay determined despite it. My experiences with Tourette’s help me connect with patients who feel misunderstood or overlooked, because I understand what it feels like to deal with something that others may not fully grasp. It has strengthened my empathy and made me the kind of person who listens carefully and treats people with patience and respect. Another major turning point in my life was becoming an LPN and later deciding to return to school to become an RN. Working as an LPN showed me how much I care about patient comfort, communication, and advocacy. I learned that small acts of compassion can completely change the way someone experiences a difficult situation. But I also realized I wanted to do more. Advancing into an RN role will allow me to take on greater responsibility, gain more knowledge, and provide deeper, more holistic care. The LPN-to-RN journey has challenged me, but it has also given me confidence. Every new skill I learn and every clinical experience I complete proves to me that I made the right decision by continuing my education. Education has shaped my goals by showing me what I am capable of when I commit to something entirely. It has given me direction by reminding me why I chose nursing in the first place. I want a career that allows me to help people, support families, and bring comfort to those who feel scared or alone. I want to be the kind of nurse who communicates clearly, listens with intention, and shows respect to every patient, regardless of their background or challenges. My personal experiences have made me someone who understands struggle, and they have taught me the importance of treating people with kindness and dignity. I hope to use my education to create a better future not only for myself but for the people I will care for. I want to work in a setting where I can support people through complex health challenges, advocate for their needs, and teach them how to manage their conditions with confidence. I want my patients to feel safe with me, knowing that I understand what it means to fight through obstacles. My education is not just leading me to a job. It is leading me to a life of purpose. I chose to go back to school because I knew I was capable of more. I continue because I know I can make a difference. Every challenge I have overcome has strengthened my determination, and every class brings me closer to the nurse I am becoming. I am proud of how far I have come and committed to using my education to build a future filled with purpose, compassion, and impact.

My understanding of intellectual disabilities began at home. My little sister has a severe learning disability and dyslexia that impacted every part of her childhood. She struggled so much in school that she never made it past eighth grade. Even simple writing and text messages are hard for her to communicate clearly. Growing up beside her meant growing up with a level of patience and understanding that most kids my age never had to learn. I watched her try so hard in situations that came easily to others, and those moments shaped the way I see people, ability, and compassion. Even now, in her forties, she faces the same challenges she did as a child, and it reminds me how lifelong intellectual disabilities are and how important understanding and support truly are. Living with a family member who learns differently taught me that people with intellectual disabilities are often misunderstood, judged, or overlooked. I saw how frustrating it was for her to want independence but struggle with tasks others took for granted. I also saw how much she relied on the people who treated her with patience and respect. Those experiences planted the first seeds of compassion that later grew into my interest in healthcare. They taught me that kindness is not just a choice; it is a responsibility. My journey into nursing was inspired by wanting to help people who face challenges that the world is not always designed for. Patients with intellectual disabilities need healthcare providers who communicate clearly, slow down when needed, and understand that learning differences do not lessen a person’s worth. I have seen how much it matters when someone takes the time to truly listen and support a person who feels misunderstood. Nursing allows me to do that every day. As I move through my LPN to RN program, I am learning how to provide care that respects every patient’s abilities and limitations. My sister’s experience taught me to never assume what someone can or cannot do. Instead, I approach each patient with patience, understanding, and the belief that they deserve dignity and respect. I hope to use my nursing career to advocate for better communication, improved understanding, and more inclusive care for people with intellectual disabilities. Everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported in healthcare settings, especially those who struggle to navigate the world around them. My sister shaped my values, my patience, and my desire to help others. She taught me how to slow down, how to explain things clearly, and how to support someone who needs extra guidance. Those lessons guided me into nursing and continue to influence the type of nurse I want to become. I hope to create a positive impact in the intellectual disability community by providing compassionate care, promoting understanding, and being someone who sees the person, not the disability. Through nursing, I want to bring encouragement and dignity to people who are often overlooked, and I want to honor the lessons my sister taught me by helping others feel seen and supported.

Going back to school as an adult is not easy. It takes sacrifice, discipline, and courage, especially when life has already handed you challenges that leave little room for yourself. What gave me the courage to return to school was the realization that I deserved a future that made me proud. I wanted more for myself, for my family, and for the life I knew I was capable of building. I reached a point where staying the same felt harder than changing, and that became the moment I stepped forward. For years, I focused on taking care of others. I worked, raised my children, and put my goals on hold because life demanded it. But over time, I started to feel a pull toward something more meaningful. I knew I wanted a career where I could help people and make a real difference every day. Nursing had always been in the back of my mind, but it felt like such a big dream that I kept pushing it aside, telling myself I would get to it when things slowed down. Life never slowed down. Instead, I realized that if I wanted change, I had to create it. The courage to return to school came from understanding that time was passing whether I went or not. I could stay where I was, or I could take a chance on myself. I chose to bet on myself. I decided to believe that I still had the strength and determination to learn, grow, and succeed. I wanted to show my children that it is never too late to start over and that age does not limit ambition. Another part of my courage came from facing the financial realities of the LPN to RN program. I knew I would be paying for tuition, books, and clinical expenses mostly on my own, especially after exhausting financial aid. It would have been easier to let the cost stop me, but staying where I was would not give me the future I wanted. The financial pressure motivated me even more. It reminded me that advancing from LPN to RN would give me stability, better opportunities, and the chance to grow into the nurse I want to be. Choosing to move forward, even when the numbers were tight, took courage, but it also showed me how committed I am to building a better life for my family. Returning to school meant managing full-time coursework, clinicals, financial strain, and responsibilities all at once. There were nights when I studied after everyone was asleep and mornings when I woke up exhausted but pushed through anyway. There were times I doubted myself, but I kept going because I knew why I started. Every class, every exam, and every long day brought me closer to a second career that gave my life purpose. My courage also came from the experiences that shaped me. I cared for family members through illness, supported others through difficult times, and worked in environments where empathy mattered. Those moments showed me that I was already doing the work of a nurse before I ever enrolled in school. I simply needed the degree to match the heart I already had. Going back to school became an act of reclaiming my future. It reminded me that strength grows in the moments when we choose not to quit. I wanted a life that made me proud, and I was willing to work for it. Today, I am not just earning a degree. I am proving to myself and my family that courage, determination, and belief can reshape the path ahead.

My “Pie in the Sky” dream is to become a registered nurse who uses travel nursing as a pathway to serve diverse communities, expand my clinical abilities, and grow beyond what is familiar. I am already a licensed practical nurse, and my time at the bedside has confirmed that healthcare is my lifelong calling. My dream is not just to continue nursing, but to advance my education, broaden my scope of practice, and create a career that allows me to experience new places while caring for people with different needs, cultures, and stories. I want a life that feels meaningful, challenging, and full of purpose, and travel nursing aligns with every part of that vision. My dream began forming during fundamental patient interactions, the kind that stay with you long after the shift ends. Being an LPN has taught me patience, teamwork, adaptability, and the importance of meeting each patient where they are. I have cared for people in vulnerable and emotional moments, and I have seen how one nurse can influence the tone of a room. Those experiences sparked a fire inside of me to learn more, do more, and grow into the strongest nurse I can be. Becoming an RN is both a personal milestone and the foundation of the future I am building for myself. Advancing my nursing career is about more than a title. It means gaining the ability to assess, intervene, and think critically at a higher level. It means being trusted with greater responsibilities, more complex cases, and more opportunities to advocate for patient safety. I want to build on my current skills through further education, clinical practice, and continued exposure to diverse patient populations. Travel nursing represents growth, challenge, courage, and endless learning, all wrapped into one career path. To get there, I am focused on several necessary steps. First, I am completing my RN program with full commitment. Next, I will continue building strong bedside experience, strengthen my clinical judgment, and develop confidence through real-world practice. After gaining experience as an RN, I will begin applying to reputable travel nurse agencies, choose assignments that continue to push me professionally, and stay open to learning from every environment I enter. I want to become the type of nurse who can adapt to any setting while remaining grounded in compassion, humility, and professionalism. This scholarship would make a meaningful difference by easing financial strain, allowing me to stay focused on school, and helping me move toward my long-term goals with stability and confidence. Support like this is not only financial relief, it is validation that women are allowed to dream big, speak those dreams out loud, and chase a life that excites them. My dream reaches far, but I am already walking toward it every day. I am not starting over. I am leveling up and ready to grow into the nurse and the woman I know I can become.

There comes a point in life where you look around and realize that something must change, not for appearance, not for approval, but because the life you are living no longer reflects the person you know you can become. I reached that crossroad during a time when my confidence felt shaken, my finances were stretched, and my goals seemed far away. I was a mother, a licensed nurse, and someone who worked hard for others, yet deep inside, I felt I had not fully stepped into the version of myself I knew was capable of more. I grew up watching life test people I loved, and I saw how much strength it takes to keep going when life does not hand out easy paths. Because of that, I promised myself I would not give up on a chance to build something better. The decision to return to school for my registered nursing degree became my turning point. It was not a glamorous moment. I was scared of the financial pressure, scared of failing, and scared of being judged for starting later than others. What pushed me forward was the realization that changing my life required action, not excuses. I enrolled, rearranged my life, cut unnecessary spending, and dedicated myself to studying even on days when my eyes were heavy and my energy felt drained. My tuition is being paid out of pocket while I focus entirely on school, and although it has not been easy, it has given my education value that cannot be measured in numbers. Every test, clinical day, and skill check is a reminder that I am fighting for a future with purpose. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease financial stress but also provide emotional relief, allowing me to stay focused and finish strong. Success in nursing school is about more than passing grades. It requires balance, peace, and a mindset that can stay grounded under pressure. This support would allow me to continue my education with dignity instead of fear, and it would help me enter the profession as someone who succeeded through determination rather than luck. If awarded, I plan to pay it forward by supporting students and adults who carry dreams but believe they are too late or too flawed to begin again. My goal is to mentor others who are scared to try, especially those who come from backgrounds where higher education feels unreachable. I want to inspire people to see that a second chance is not handed out; it is earned through courage, honesty, and patience. I hope to become the type of nurse who not only cares for patients at the bedside but also encourages people to believe in their potential outside the hospital walls. A second chance is not simply about starting over. It is about proving to yourself that the story of your life is still being written, and you are allowed to pick up the pen and write the next chapter with intention. I am ready to finish mine with strength and then help someone else begin theirs.

When my mom became disabled after a fall at work, my life changed in ways I never expected. She had dislocated several vertebrae and needed constant help with daily tasks. I moved onto the property so I could be close to her and make sure she had the care she needed. I helped her get to doctor appointments, kept track of her medications, managed the household chores, and did the shopping. For a time, I was even paid by the state to be her caregiver. It was hard work, but it was also one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Caring for my mom taught me that compassion is not just about feeling sorry for someone; it is about showing up every single day, even when you are tired or overwhelmed. I learned how to manage my time, stay patient, and stay strong for someone who depended on me. There were days when she was in pain and frustrated, and I had to find ways to lift her spirits while keeping up with my own responsibilities. That experience taught me what genuine empathy looks like and how important it is to approach care with patience and understanding. Being a caregiver while also pursuing my education was not easy. I had to balance school, work, and my mom’s needs at the same time. While many students were enjoying social events or relaxing after class, I was running errands or making sure my mom had what she needed for the night. Those sacrifices taught me discipline, time management, and perseverance. They also reminded me why I wanted to become a nurse in the first place. Nursing is not only about skills and procedures; it is about compassion, dedication, and service to others. Through caring for my mom, I saw firsthand how healthcare professionals can change a person’s quality of life. Every appointment, physical therapy session, and follow-up visit showed me how much genuine care and communication can make a difference. Watching my mom’s progress gave me a deep respect for nurses and how they support both patients and families through difficult times. That experience strengthened my desire to dedicate my career to helping others regain strength, independence, and hope. Even though I am no longer her primary caregiver, the lessons I learned during that time have stayed with me. They shaped the kind of nurse I am becoming: someone who listens, advocates, and treats every patient with respect and compassion. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and keep growing into the nurse my mom’s experience inspired me to become. I am proud of the challenges I have overcome and the person I have become through caregiving. It showed me that compassion is not just part of nursing; it is the heart of it.

My aunt passed away from lung cancer, even though she had never smoked a day in her life. Watching her go through that battle changed the way I see healthcare and the difference one person can make in another’s life. I remember sitting beside her during treatments, watching how her nurses spoke to her with warmth and gentleness. They provided more than just medical care; they gave her strength, comfort, and dignity. That experience shaped my desire to become the kind of nurse who helps people feel safe, understood, and cared for in their most vulnerable moments. Through my years of nursing experience, I have seen how illness affects every part of a person’s life. Many people assume lung disease only affects smokers, yet conditions like pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and lung cancer can develop for reasons beyond anyone’s control. I want to be part of changing that misconception through patient education and advocacy. Patients with lung disease or rare medical conditions often face uncertainty, fear, and frustration. Their lives can change overnight, and many struggle not only physically but also emotionally. I want to be the nurse who helps ease that burden and reminds patients and their families that they are not facing it alone. I have also cared for patients with COPD who struggled just to catch their breath. Watching them fight for something most of us take for granted reminded me how fragile life can be and how important it is to treat every patient with patience and compassion. Moments like that make me realize how meaningful it is to bring comfort to someone who is scared and exhausted. Even when I cannot change their condition, I can help them feel supported and less alone. I also carry the cystic fibrosis gene, and my children are now carriers as well. It worries me to think that if they one day have children with someone who is also a carrier, my grandchildren could inherit the disease. That thought reminds me how important education, early testing, and awareness are in healthcare. It also strengthens my compassion for families who live with fear or uncertainty about genetic and chronic illnesses. Understanding what it means to face those possibilities has made me more dedicated to supporting patients and families through both knowledge and empathy. My aunt’s story continues to guide me. It taught me that health challenges do not define a person’s worth or spirit. It also reminded me that compassion is a form of strength. I plan to use my career to bring comfort and understanding to those who feel forgotten or overwhelmed by their diagnosis. I want to be part of the solution that makes healthcare feel more human and personal. Earning the Sammy Hason, Sr. Memorial Scholarship would not only help relieve my financial burden as I continue my nursing education, but it would also allow me to carry forward Sammy’s legacy of resilience, purpose, and compassion. I am paying for my tuition out of pocket after exhausting financial aid, and while it has been a challenge, it has also strengthened my determination to succeed. Every lesson I learn and every patient I meet brings me closer to becoming the nurse I have always wanted to be. I want to be someone who leads with empathy, advocates for others, and brings hope to those who need it most. Throughout my healthcare career, I plan to carry on the spirit of service that defined Sammy’s life by improving others' lives and showing that compassion can bring healing even in the most challenging moments.

Life teaches us lessons when we least expect it. One of my most defining moments came during my early years as a licensed practical nurse. I was caring for a patient who was frightened, confused, and in pain. What changed me most was realizing how much my calm presence, gentle reassurance, and nonverbal communication mattered. I saw that nursing is not only about procedures or medications but about connection, trust, and compassion. That moment became the first link in a chain reaction that led me to pursue my registered nursing degree. Since then, every experience has reinforced that first spark. Each patient I have cared for, from long-term care to travel nursing, has deepened my motivation to grow in this field. I have seen people at their most vulnerable, and I have learned that nurses often become their source of strength and stability. Nursing has shown me that small acts of care can create lasting change, not only for patients but also for their families. Going back to school while managing financial stress and family responsibilities has also shaped my perspective. It has taught me discipline, focus, and persistence. I am paying for my tuition out of pocket after exhausting financial aid, and although it is not easy, it proves my determination to finish what I started. Every class I complete brings me closer to my goal of becoming a registered nurse who advocates for patient safety, empathy, and holistic care. That one experience early in my career, when I saw how simple words and body language could calm a fearful patient, continues to motivate me. It reminded me that nursing is not just a career path but a calling centered on humanity. My goal is to keep growing, strengthen my skills, and eventually mentor new nurses to understand that compassion is the foundation of excellent care. I want to be the nurse who not only helps people heal but also inspires others to see the power of kindness in healthcare.

Growing up, I saw what life without an education looked like. My dad was a carpenter, taking whatever jobs he could find, and my stepmom worked here and there just to get by. There wasn’t much stability or support, and definitely not much love. I grew up seeing struggle after struggle and knew deep down that I didn’t want to live that way forever. I wanted something better. Being a first-generation student means figuring things out entirely on my own. No one at home has been through college to help me understand what to expect or how to handle it when things get hard. It means walking into unfamiliar spaces and learning everything from scratch —financial aid, deadlines, exams —while carrying the weight of wanting to break the cycle and prove that my life can be different. I’ve faced plenty of challenges, especially when it comes to money. There were times when not having anything made me feel like I couldn’t do anything, like college was something only other people got to have. Right now, I’m paying my $30,000 tuition completely out of pocket because I’ve maxed out my financial aid. I’m not working at the moment, so I can focus on finishing school, and while that decision has made things even tighter, I know it’s the right one. I’m giving this everything I have because this is my chance to change my future. My main goal right now is to graduate, but my long-term goal is to keep helping people through nursing. I’ve been a travel nurse for years, and it has shown me what strength, compassion, and determination can do. I love making a difference in people’s lives and giving them the kind of care and respect I wish I had seen more of growing up. This scholarship would take a massive weight off my shoulders. It would mean I could worry less about making ends meet and focus more on learning and growing as a nurse. More than that, it would be proof that my hard work and resilience matter, that someone out there believes in students like me who refuse to give up even when everything says they should. Being a first-generation student isn’t easy, but it’s something I’m proud of. I’m not just doing this for myself. I’m doing it to change the direction of my life, to prove that where you start doesn’t have to be where you end up, and to make my kids proud of me.

My motivation to pursue higher education in nursing stems from a lifelong desire to help others and a deep respect for the strength and compassion required to care for people in their most vulnerable moments. Nursing has never been just a job to me; it is a calling that challenges me to grow while allowing me to make a real difference in people’s lives. My nursing journey has been far from traditional. When I was fifteen, I became CPR certified and discovered how powerful it feels to save a life. At seventeen, I worked as a lifeguard and learned to stay calm under pressure and take responsibility when it mattered most. Those early experiences sparked a passion for healthcare that never faded, even when life forced me to take a different path for a while. At thirty-five, I decided it was finally time to follow my dream. I went back to school for medical assisting in 2012, graduated, and became a licensed practical nurse in 2016. Returning to school as an adult was intimidating. Still, I quickly realized that my life experience gave me a level of empathy and determination that younger students had not yet developed. Each challenge I faced made me more confident that I was exactly where I was meant to be. Now that I am working toward becoming a registered nurse, I have decided not to work while in school. Nursing school demands time, focus, and energy, and I want to give my education my full attention. I know that success in this program requires sacrifice. While that decision has been difficult financially, it has allowed me to remain dedicated to learning and maintain high academic performance. I have already reached the limit of my financial aid and am now paying out of pocket for my tuition. Even with these challenges, I refuse to give up because nursing is more than a career goal for me; it is a purpose I am determined to fulfill. This scholarship would make a tremendous difference in my journey. It would ease part of the financial burden of tuition and help me stay focused on my studies without worrying about how to make ends meet. Every dollar I receive goes directly toward my education and the tools I need to succeed. More importantly, this scholarship represents support for students like me who are determined to build meaningful careers through perseverance and heart. I am motivated not only by my own goals but also by the impact I hope to have on others. My long-term goal is to use my nursing degree to continue serving patients with compassion and to advocate for those who need a voice. I also want to mentor future nurses who, like me, might take a nontraditional path but still have the drive to succeed. Nursing has taught me patience, humility, and resilience. Every patient I meet reminds me why I chose this path. This scholarship would help me continue that mission and move one step closer to becoming the best nurse I can be. My education is not just about advancing my career; it is about improving the lives of others, one person at a time.

My inspiration to become a nurse began long before I ever stepped into a classroom. When I was fifteen, I became CPR certified and discovered how powerful it felt to help someone in need. At seventeen, I worked as a lifeguard and learned how to stay calm in emergencies, think clearly under pressure, and take responsibility for others’ safety. Those early experiences made me realize that helping people was not just something I was good at but something that gave my life purpose. Life did not take me directly into nursing. I spent years putting my own goals on hold to take care of others and manage the responsibilities of daily life. Still, the desire to work in healthcare never left me. At thirty-five, I decided it was finally time to follow the path that had always been in my heart. I went back to school to become a medical assistant, and that decision changed everything. It reminded me that it is never too late to start over and that growth does not depend on age; it depends on commitment. Working in healthcare opened my eyes to the meaning of human connection. I saw how small acts of kindness could comfort patients and make a difference during challenging moments. I realized that nursing is not only about treating illness but also about caring for the person as a whole. That understanding led me to continue my education and become a licensed practical nurse. Nursing became more than a career choice; it became a calling that combined compassion, skill, and service in a way that felt natural to me. My work in long-term care taught me patience, empathy, and emotional strength. Many of my patients felt lonely or forgotten, and I learned that listening to them could mean as much as any medical treatment. I began to understand that proper nursing care comes from the heart as much as from knowledge. Every time I see a patient’s face light up because they feel heard or comforted, I am reminded why I chose this path. Along the way, I faced challenges that tested my perseverance. Living with Tourette’s has taught me patience and resilience. It has made me more aware of invisible struggles and more understanding of those who feel different or misunderstood. There were times when I doubted myself, wondering if I could handle the stress of school and work while managing my own health. But every challenge became another reason to keep going. Tourette’s does not limit me; it motivates me to prove that strength comes in many forms. The people who have supported me along the way have played a huge part in my journey. My aunt Kathy encouraged me through LPN school and showed me what it means to live with courage. Even when she was battling cancer, she made it her goal to visit every national park in Colorado, and she did. Her determination taught me that life’s most challenging moments can bring out the best in us. Now, as I continue working toward my registered nurse degree, my purpose is more apparent than ever. Nursing allows me to make a difference every day. It allows me to bring comfort, hope, and compassion to people when they need it most. Helping others is not just what I do; it is who I am.

My journey into nursing has been shaped by determination, resilience, and purpose. When I was 15, I became CPR-certified and immediately knew I wanted to work in healthcare. At seventeen, I worked as a lifeguard, where I learned the importance of calm communication and quick decision-making in emergencies. Life took a few turns before I could fully pursue my dream, but my desire to help others never faded. At thirty-five, I went back to school to become a medical assistant, and that decision changed my life. I later became a licensed practical nurse and am now continuing my education to earn my registered nurse degree. Each step has brought me closer to becoming the kind of nurse who makes a lasting impact on people’s lives. Throughout my nursing journey, I have learned that compassion can be just as powerful as medicine. Working in long-term care has shown me that every person deserves dignity, respect, and kindness, no matter their condition or stage of life. Some of the most meaningful moments in my career have come from being present for patients, listening to their stories, or offering comfort during difficult times. These experiences have shaped how I view nursing, not as a job but as a calling that allows me to serve others with skill and heart. The people who have influenced me most have shown me what strength and empathy look like. My grandfather, a World War II veteran, taught me perseverance and integrity. My brother and his wife serve in the Army, and my daughter served in the Marines. Watching their courage inspires me to lead with discipline and compassion. My aunt Kathy, who passed away from brain cancer, taught me to live with purpose. Before she died, she set a goal to visit every national park in Colorado, and she did. Her determination reminded me that life’s challenges do not define us; our response to them does. I carry her strength with me every day as I continue to grow in my nursing career. Living with Tourette’s has also shaped who I am. My condition has given me a deep understanding of what it feels like to face something others may not see or understand. It has taught me patience, empathy, and self-acceptance. These lessons help me connect with my patients, especially those who feel overlooked or judged. Tourette’s has strengthened my ability to stay calm under pressure and adapt quickly, skills that help me provide safe and compassionate care. Beyond my career, I want to inspire others who are struggling to believe in themselves. I know what it feels like to start over later in life and to keep going when things seem impossible. My journey has taught me that progress is not about speed but about consistency and perseverance. I hope to mentor new nurses who come from nontraditional paths or face challenges of their own. Everyone deserves a chance to succeed, and I want to help others find the same confidence that nursing has given me. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through nursing by leading with empathy and integrity. I want to be the kind of nurse who provides excellent care and helps people feel valued and understood. My goal is to continue learning, growing, and advocating for my patients. Whether through leadership, education, or direct care, I want to leave a mark that reflects compassion, strength, and hope. Nursing has given me purpose, and through it, I plan to continue making a difference one patient at a time.

Building credit early is essential to me because it creates stability and freedom for the future. Good credit affects every major part of life, from buying a home to financing education or even securing specific jobs. I learned early on that financial responsibility is not just about having money; it is about managing it wisely and building a foundation that allows you to reach your goals without unnecessary stress. As someone who returned to school later in life, I understand how much financial stability matters, and I want to make wise choices now that will keep me secure for years to come. For a long time, I was focused on helping others and putting my own goals on hold. When I decided to go back to school at thirty-five to become a medical assistant and later an LPN, I had to learn quickly how to manage money, pay tuition, and balance everyday expenses. I realized that credit is more than a score; it reflects habits and discipline. Now that I am in my RN program, I have set clear financial goals to stay organized, save consistently, and use credit responsibly. My plan is to continue improving my credit by keeping balances low, paying all bills on time, and building savings to support my long-term goals. A smart money move I have made was learning to budget based on priorities, not impulses. When I first started working full-time, I made the mistake of spending on things that did not matter in the long run. I learned the hard way that those small, careless choices add up quickly. Over time, I started tracking every expense, setting aside money for emergencies, and focusing on what was truly important —such as tuition and professional development. That shift changed my entire relationship with money. Instead of letting finances control me, I learned to take control of them. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that financial growth requires patience. Building credit and saving money take time, and there are no shortcuts. I used to feel frustrated when progress was slow, but I have learned that every payment, every budget plan, and every responsible decision moves me forward. I want to continue developing good financial habits so I can have the security and freedom to focus on what I love most, helping others. As a nurse, I know how important it is to have a solid foundation, both personally and professionally, and I plan to carry that same mindset into managing my finances. What motivates me is the idea of creating stability and independence through hard work. I have faced many obstacles while balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities, but those experiences have made me determined and focused. My goal is to become a registered nurse, continue growing in my field, and eventually move into leadership where I can mentor new nurses. Having control of my finances will allow me to reach those goals with confidence. It will also help me continue investing in my education without the stress of debt or financial strain. I have learned that money management is not about perfection; it is about consistency and accountability. Every responsible choice I make today will shape the life I want tomorrow. Building credit early and maintaining it responsibly gives me the power to build a future where I can continue to grow, help others, and achieve the goals I once only dreamed about. Financial security brings peace of mind, and for me, that peace is the foundation that allows everything else to fall into place.

My journey into nursing began long before I ever wore scrubs. When I was 15, I became CPR-certified and knew I wanted to be in healthcare. At seventeen, I worked as a lifeguard, where I learned how rewarding it feels to protect and help others. Those experiences sparked something in me that never went away. Life took me in different directions for a while, but my desire to care for people always stayed in my heart. At the age of 35, in 2012, I finally went back to school to become a medical assistant. Four years later, in 2016, I returned again to earn my LPN, and now I am continuing my education to become a registered nurse. Every step of this journey has been driven by the same purpose that motivated me as a teenager, the belief that helping others is one of the most meaningful things a person can do. My family’s history of service has always influenced my path. My grandfather, a World War II veteran, taught me about honor, patience, and courage. My brother and his wife both serve in the Army, and my daughter proudly served in the Marines. Their dedication inspires me to stay focused on my goals, even when things get difficult. Nursing, to me, is a career that lets me serve my community while honoring the legacy of strength that runs through my family. Throughout my journey, I have been blessed with mentors who believed in me. One of them was my aunt Kathy, who was my rock during LPN school. She encouraged me through every challenge and always reminded me to keep going. Before she passed away from brain cancer, she made it her goal to visit every national park in Colorado, and she did. Watching her live with purpose despite her illness taught me what true resilience looks like. She showed me that life is fragile, but it is also filled with beauty and meaning when you refuse to give up. Her courage inspires me every day to be the kind of nurse who brings hope and comfort to others. Another person who shaped my path was one of my professors during medical assisting school. We became very close, and she became someone I could turn to for advice about school and life. Even after graduation, she stayed in touch and continued to cheer me on through LPN school. Losing her to cancer was devastating. She always told me how proud she was of me, and I looked forward to updating her on my progress. Now that I have started my LPN-to-RN program, I miss being able to share my achievements with her. Remembering how much she believed in me keeps me motivated on the hard days. Her encouragement remains one of my most significant sources of strength. Living with Tourette’s has also taught me resilience and self-acceptance. My condition has given me patience, empathy, and strength that help me both in school and in nursing. I understand that not all challenges are visible, and that lesson helps me connect with patients on a deeper level. I know what it feels like to face something that others might not understand, and that awareness has made me a more compassionate caregiver. Tourette’s has taught me flexibility and the importance of showing myself grace, lessons that I bring into every classroom and every patient interaction. Outside of nursing, I find balance by traveling, spending time outdoors, and enjoying quiet time alone. Exploring new places helps me slow down, reflect, and regain energy. Those moments remind me that self-care is not selfish; it is necessary to stay strong in such a demanding profession. Taking time to recharge gives me the clarity and strength to keep giving my best to others. Nursing has shown me that caring for others is not just a job; it is a privilege. My early experiences with CPR and lifeguarding gave me the confidence to start, but the people I have met along the way, from my aunt to my professor to my patients, have given my journey meaning. They have shaped me into someone who leads with compassion, empathy, and determination. My goal is to continue growing, keep learning, and help others the way so many have helped me. Nursing is my purpose, and through it, I hope to make a difference that honors every person who believed in me along the way.

Resilience, to me, is the quiet strength to keep going when life tries to slow you down. It is not about pretending everything is fine or ignoring the challenges you face. It is about showing up anyway, choosing to move forward, and believing that even small steps matter. Living with Tourette’s has taught me that resilience is not about control but about courage. It means working with what you have, not against it, and finding confidence in who you are rather than in what others might see. Managing Tourette’s while pursuing nursing school has tested me in many ways. There are days when my tics are stronger, when I feel anxious or exhausted, or when I worry about how others will react. Even so, I stay committed to my studies and my goals. I plan ahead, manage stress, and remind myself that my journey does not have to look like anyone else’s. Resilience helps me stay focused when things get difficult and keeps me moving forward even when I have to pause and reset. Tourette’s has made me patient and compassionate, both with myself and with others. It has taught me to listen without judgment and to understand that people often fight silent battles. These lessons shape how I care for patients and how I treat those around me. When I meet someone who feels self-conscious about their own condition, I can relate on a deeper level. I know what it is like to feel misunderstood, and I use that experience to help others feel seen, respected, and supported. Resilience also means knowing when to slow down. I have learned to manage my symptoms through mindfulness, rest, and self-care. Taking care of myself is not a weakness; it is what gives me the strength to handle everything else. I know when to ask for help and when to give myself grace. Tourette’s has taught me flexibility, creativity, and even humor in the moments that once made me feel frustrated. As a nursing student with a chronic condition, I understand the value of persistence. Each class, exam, and clinical shift represents effort, focus, and progress. I have learned that success is not about being perfect. It is about staying committed to your goals, even when your challenges follow you into the classroom or the workplace. My condition has made me more empathetic, disciplined, and determined to show that limitations do not define potential. Resilience is not something I think about only when life is hard; it is part of who I am. It shows in how I handle stress, communicate, and keep moving forward with purpose. Living with Tourette’s has made me stronger, more adaptable, and more understanding. It has also given me a voice to advocate for others who feel different or overlooked. Resilience means accepting who you are and still choosing to grow. That is how I live each day, and it is how I will continue to move forward in my education, my career, and my life.

Service and strength have always been a part of my family’s story. My grandfather is one hundred years old and served in World War II. My brother and his wife both serve in the Army, and my daughter proudly served in the Marines. Growing up around people who live by discipline, loyalty, and courage has shaped how I approach life and nursing. Those values have taught me that leadership does not come from rank or title but from how you treat others, how you handle challenges, and how you show up when it matters most. Strong leadership and communication are qualities I practice every day as a nurse and student. In healthcare, teamwork depends on clear communication. I take time to explain care plans to patients in ways they can understand and make sure their voices are heard. I communicate honestly and patiently with doctors, families, and coworkers. Leadership, to me, is not about control or authority. It is about bringing calm, confidence, and understanding to those around me. Resilience is another quality that defines me. Balancing full-time work with nursing school has tested my patience and time management, but I stay focused on my goals. I have learned to remain steady under pressure, to adapt when things change, and to keep going when life feels overwhelming. My grandfather often says that life will test your patience before it rewards your persistence. I carry that lesson with me in everything I do. It reminds me that hard work and consistency will always lead to growth. Selflessness is at the center of both nursing and service. My patients depend on me not only for physical care but also for emotional support. Whether I am helping a resident through a difficult moment or covering a shift so a coworker can rest, I find purpose in helping others. I have seen the same kind of selflessness in my family members who serve. Their example has shown me that real strength comes from compassion and that helping others is one of the most meaningful things we can do. Focus and determination guide how I approach every part of my life. I stay organized, set realistic goals, and give my full effort no matter how tired I am. Nursing school requires discipline and perseverance, and I approach it with the same dedication my family shows in their service. Each challenge brings me closer to my goal of becoming a registered nurse. I am determined to build a career that reflects the values I was raised with, including honesty, respect, and empathy. A strong work ethic connects all these traits. I take pride in showing up on time, keeping my commitments, and doing my best without needing recognition. Nursing has taught me that true character is revealed through consistency and reliability. My motivation comes from knowing that what I do matters and that every effort contributes to someone else’s well-being. I am pursuing my degree because I want to continue growing both personally and professionally. My goal is to advance in nursing, mentor others, and serve my community through healthcare. To me, leadership means lifting others up, guiding with empathy, and setting an example through everyday actions. This scholarship would not only support my education but also honor the values that my family and Antonie Tony Bernard Thomas represent, including service, courage, compassion, and commitment to others.

My Aunt Kathy had Ganglioglioma, a rare form of brain cancer. Before she passed, she set out to visit every national park in Colorado, and she did. That experience showed me what true strength and determination look like. She was loving, encouraging, and the person who kept me grounded during LPN school. She supported me through every late night, every exam, and every moment of doubt. I miss her deeply. Every now and then, I see her old comments pop up on my Facebook memories, and it brings back her voice and the warmth of her encouragement. Losing her changed how I see both life and nursing. It gave me a more profound compassion for patients and families who face diagnoses that turn their worlds upside down. Seeing my aunt’s journey made brain cancer personal. It is not something I read about in a textbook anymore; it is something I have witnessed take someone I love. It made me realize how vital awareness, research, and emotional support are for those living with this disease. My perspective as a nurse shifted from focusing only on treatment to understanding the emotional and spiritual pain that comes with a diagnosis like brain cancer. I learned that healing is not only about medicine. It is about listening, comforting, and being present when someone’s world feels uncertain. My aunt taught me that the most meaningful care often comes from empathy and human connection. After she passed, I found ways to support others who are facing illness or grief. I have talked with patients and families who remind me of her courage. I often share stories about her to inspire hope and to show that it is possible to find joy, even in hard times. I use social media and everyday conversations to raise awareness about brain cancer, encourage early screening, and share educational resources. These conversations may seem small, but they help others open up about what they are going through. In healthcare settings, I advocate for comfort measures and mental health resources for families dealing with cancer and end-of-life decisions. Those experiences have helped me grow both personally and professionally. They remind me that nursing is not only about clinical care but also about compassion and advocacy. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education as I work toward becoming a registered nurse and reaching my long-term goal of advancing within the field of nursing. I want to continue building a career that allows me to educate, empower, and advocate for patients in all stages of care. This scholarship would reduce the financial strain of nursing school and enable me to focus more on my coursework, clinicals, and volunteer efforts related to health education and cancer awareness. It would help me continue to grow as a nurse who gives others the same encouragement and support my aunt always gave me. My aunt’s courage continues to inspire every decision I make. She taught me that even in the face of something devastating, there can still be meaning and purpose. I plan to carry that lesson into every role I hold in nursing and use it to help others facing their own battles. Through my education and my care, I want to honor her legacy by bringing awareness, understanding, and compassion to those impacted by brain cancer. Her journey will always remind me that life is about finding beauty and strength even in the most challenging moments, and I will continue to share that message wherever nursing takes me.

Living with a chronic condition has changed how I see life, purpose, and strength. It is not something I often share, but it has shaped who I am, how I care for others, and how I handle challenges. I have learned that resilience is not built when life is easy. It grows when you are forced to slow down, adapt, and keep moving forward. My experiences have taught me patience, compassion, and a deep understanding of what it means to care for people fighting battles others cannot see. There were times when I felt frustrated by the limits my health placed on me, especially while working as a nurse. Long shifts and physical exhaustion made it hard to admit when I was struggling. Over time, I realized those limits did not define me. They taught me balance and perspective. Instead of focusing on what I could not do, I focused on what I could control. My attitude, my effort, and my ability to connect with people became my strength. That mindset gave me the confidence to continue my education from LPN to RN while still showing up for my patients with the same care and compassion I would want for myself. Working in long term care and skilled nursing has given me a deep respect for strength in all its forms. Many residents live with chronic conditions that affect every part of their lives, yet they still find ways to smile and stay hopeful. Their courage inspires me every day. My own challenges have made me a more understanding nurse. When someone feels hopeless or overwhelmed, I can relate to that feeling, and I know how much it matters to have someone who listens without judgment. Those moments remind me why I chose this profession and why I will always continue to grow within it. Travel nursing has also helped shape my resilience. Each new facility and team brings different routines and personalities. Adjusting to those changes has strengthened my ability to adapt, communicate, and stay calm under pressure. I have worked in many places and cared for people from all walks of life, but the one thing that always remains the same is the impact kindness can have. I have seen how one encouraging word or one act of care can change someone’s outlook. Nursing is not just a career to me; it is a calling to help others feel seen, safe, and valued. Every obstacle I have faced has brought clarity to my goals. I want to use my journey to advocate for people who feel powerless because of their health. I want to encourage patients to take back their sense of control and dignity. Beyond bedside care, I hope to mentor future nurses and speak about resilience, hope, and compassion in healthcare. My dream is to help others see that strength is not about having no struggles. It is about choosing to keep going when life becomes difficult. This journey has changed how I define success. Success is not about being perfect or doing more than others. It is about leaving a positive impact wherever you go. Every patient I comfort, every coworker I help, and every life I touch matters more than any title. My condition has challenged me, but it has shaped me into a nurse who leads with empathy and strength. Life is not about avoiding pain. It is about turning it into a purpose. That purpose drives me as I continue my nursing journey and what I hope to share through my care and example every day.

I have spent much of my career working as a nurse, including over five years as a travel nurse caring for patients across the United States. This journey has taught me adaptability, resilience, and compassion in every interaction. My passion for human health and wellness comes from both my work and my personal life. Working with dementia patients showed me how important patience is. Sometimes, just sitting with someone, answering the same question again and again, or offering a hand to hold, can make more of a difference than medicine. I also saw this with my great-grandmother when she lived with Alzheimer’s. Watching her go through that made me realize that illness affects not only the patient but the whole family. I value empathy, hard work, and advocacy. Balancing work while pursuing my RN has been challenging, but I am determined to persevere because I know it will enable me to give more back to the people I serve. What motivates me is knowing that every step forward in my career helps me grow as a nurse and makes a bigger impact on the lives of others. To me, empathy means being able to step into someone else’s place and understand what they are going through. It is not just feeling sorry for them, but listening, trying to understand, and responding with care. In healthcare, empathy is crucial because patients are often at their most vulnerable, requiring more than just treatment. They need someone who sees them as a person. As a nurse, I have seen this many times. In long-term care and dementia units, many patients arrive scared and confused. They often do not understand what is happening, and that fear can be overwhelming. In those moments, sitting with them, holding their hand, or answering the same question as many times as needed can calm them more than anything else. I also learned this lesson in my personal life when my great-grandmother had Alzheimer’s. Watching her memory fade was painful, but it showed me how empathy can comfort not only the patient but the family as well. Empathy is also essential when working with other nurses. Nursing can be tough, and I have been in places where training was not enough, and some experienced nurses were not supportive. That was difficult for me, but it taught me that empathy is needed not only for patients but for coworkers, too. This is why I make it a point to welcome new nurses, answer their questions, and remind them that they are not alone. To keep my work focused on people, I practice listening, advocating, and personalizing care. Listening means letting patients and families share their concerns and making sure they feel heard. Advocating means standing up for them when they cannot do it themselves. Personalizing care means remembering that each patient has their own story, values, and needs that should shape how they are treated. Empathy is at the heart of nursing. It is what makes patients feel safe and families feel supported, and it builds stronger teams among nurses. For me, empathy is not just a quality; it is the way I want to approach every patient and every coworker. It is what makes healthcare more than science; it makes it human.

My nursing career has been a journey of growth, resilience, and dedication. I am currently an LPN in an RN program, and I have worked as a travel nurse for over five years. Traveling across the United States has given me countless opportunities to expand my skills, adapt to new environments, and deepen my passion for patient care. Still, I have realized that I cannot fully reach my potential or provide the level of care I aspire to as an LPN. Becoming an RN will allow me to take on greater responsibilities, contribute more meaningfully, and continue advancing in a profession I love. My desire to care for others began long before nursing. At seventeen, I worked as a lifeguard, where I first discovered the importance of being ready to protect others in times of need. Now, at forty-seven, I have built a long career in healthcare and remain proud to be the first in my family to enter the medical field. Even more meaningful is the fact that my dedication has inspired my children to follow in my footsteps. Travel nursing has shaped my perspective in unique ways. Every thirteen-week contract gives me the chance to enter a new facility, meet new patients, and figure out how best to support the team. I enjoy discovering how I can contribute, no matter where I am placed. These experiences have fueled my desire to pursue my RN, knowing I would have a broader scope of practice to better serve patients and teams. Along the way, I have also faced personal challenges. I was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome only four years ago, and while it has not hindered my work, it has taught me to be more compassionate. I am open about my diagnosis when starting a new contract, and while most colleagues accept it, I did once encounter a nurse who reacted rudely. That experience reminded me of the importance of empathy. Patients often ask about my condition, and I use those moments to reassure them and show that living with health challenges does not define or limit someone. These conversations help build trust and connection, which are at the heart of nursing. Not all of my professional experiences have been easy. During an eight-week med-surg contract at Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, I did not receive adequate training and was treated poorly by a seasoned nurse. Unfortunately, this type of environment—where “nurses eat their young”—drives good nurses away. With the national shortage of nurses, we cannot afford to lose more to discouragement. Because of this, I make it my priority to welcome new nurses warmly, show them around, and ensure they know they can come to me with questions or concerns. Ultimately, becoming an RN is more than a career goal. It is about continuing my lifelong dedication to helping others with greater authority, knowledge, and skill. It is about mentoring new nurses, advocating for patients, and upholding the standards of compassionate, professional care that define this field. Nursing has given me purpose, and I know I can give back even more as an RN.

My nursing journey has been long, challenging, and deeply rewarding. I am currently an LPN enrolled in an RN program, and I have been working as a travel nurse for over five years. During that time, I have traveled across the United States, serving in many different healthcare facilities and caring for a wide variety of patients. Each new contract has given me the opportunity to grow as a nurse, while also fueling my passion for the work I do. However, I have reached a point in my career where I feel limited in what I can contribute as an LPN. Becoming an RN is the next step I need to take in order to expand my skills, make a greater impact on patient care, and continue my professional growth. Nursing has always been about helping others for me. That passion started long before my career in healthcare. My very first job, at the age of seventeen, was as a lifeguard. Even then, I was drawn to the idea of protecting people, ensuring their safety, and being there in moments when they were vulnerable. Now, at forty-seven, with decades of experience in healthcare, that same motivation still drives me. I am also proud to be the first in my family to enter the medical field, and even prouder that I have passed that calling on to my children. My time as a travel nurse has shaped both my outlook and my skills. Moving from one facility to another every thirteen weeks forces me to adapt quickly and learn new ways to serve. I enjoy exploring each new place and discovering how I can contribute meaningfully to the team and patients. This lifestyle has kept me flexible and resilient, but it has also shown me how much more I could do as an RN. With additional responsibilities and a broader scope of practice, I know I will be able to provide even better care and support to those who need it most. On a personal level, I have also faced challenges that shaped the kind of nurse I have become. I was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome only four years ago, and while it has not hindered my ability to work, it has taught me compassion in new ways. At the beginning of every contract, I share my diagnosis with my colleagues. Most accept it without question, though I did once encounter a nurse who was dismissive and rude. While that was difficult, it reminded me how important it is to use my own experiences to support patients and coworkers who may feel judged or misunderstood. Patients often ask me about my condition, and I take the time to sit with them, answer questions, and listen to their concerns. It helps them see that they are not alone in facing health challenges, and it helps me continue to connect with others on a deeper level. My career has included both positive and negative experiences, and I believe both are valuable. For example, I once worked a med-surg contract at Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, I did not receive adequate training there, and to make matters worse, I experienced the harsh reality of “nurses eating their young.” It was disheartening and left me determined to ensure no other nurse should ever feel the same. Nursing is already facing critical shortages across the country, and we cannot afford to push good nurses away. For that reason, I make it a priority to welcome new staff, show them around, and assure them that they can always come to me for guidance and support. Ultimately, becoming an RN is not just about advancing my own career. It is about continuing the work I love with greater knowledge, skill, and authority. It is about being in a position to mentor new nurses, advocate for patients, and provide the best possible care. I have been committed to nursing for decades, and I know that as an RN, I will be able to contribute even more meaningfully to a profession that has given me so much purpose.

My nursing career has been a journey of growth, resilience, and dedication. I am currently an LPN in an RN program, and I have worked as a travel nurse for over five years. Traveling across the United States has given me countless opportunities to expand my skills, adapt to new environments, and deepen my passion for patient care. Still, I have realized that I cannot fully reach my potential or provide the level of care I aspire to as an LPN. Becoming an RN will allow me to take on greater responsibilities, contribute more meaningfully, and continue advancing in a profession I love. My desire to care for others began long before nursing. At seventeen, I worked as a lifeguard, where I first discovered the importance of being ready to protect others in times of need. Now, at forty-seven, I have built a long career in healthcare and remain proud to be the first in my family to enter the medical field. Even more meaningful is the fact that my dedication has inspired my children to follow in my footsteps. Travel nursing has shaped my perspective in unique ways. Every thirteen-week contract gives me the chance to enter a new facility, meet new patients, and figure out how best to support the team. I enjoy discovering how I can contribute, no matter where I am placed. These experiences have fueled my desire to pursue my RN, knowing I would have a broader scope of practice to better serve patients and teams. Along the way, I have also faced personal challenges. I was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome only four years ago, and while it has not hindered my work, it has taught me to be more compassionate. I am open about my diagnosis when starting a new contract, and while most colleagues accept it, I did once encounter a nurse who reacted rudely. That experience reminded me of the importance of empathy. Patients often ask about my condition, and I use those moments to reassure them and show that living with health challenges does not define or limit someone. These conversations help build trust and connection, which are at the heart of nursing. Not all of my professional experiences have been easy. During an eight-week med-surg contract at Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, I did not receive adequate training and was treated poorly by a seasoned nurse. Unfortunately, this type of environment—where “nurses eat their young”—drives good nurses away. With the national shortage of nurses, we cannot afford to lose more to discouragement. Because of this, I make it my priority to welcome new nurses warmly, show them around, and ensure they know they can come to me with questions or concerns. Ultimately, becoming an RN is more than a career goal. It is about continuing my lifelong dedication to helping others with greater authority, knowledge, and skill. It is about mentoring new nurses, advocating for patients, and upholding the standards of compassionate, professional care that define this field. Nursing has given me purpose, and I know I can give back even more as an RN.

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses leave a deep impact not only on the patients who experience them, but also on families, caregivers, and entire communities. I have witnessed this reality both personally and professionally. As a nurse, I have worked closely with patients suffering from dementia, and I also watched my own great-grandmother face the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. These experiences have shaped the way I view patient care, family support, and the importance of compassion in nursing. On a personal level, seeing my great-grandmother live with Alzheimer’s was heartbreaking. She had always been a strong, independent woman who loved her family deeply. Watching her gradually lose her memory, her ability to recognize loved ones, and eventually even the skills to complete daily tasks was painful for all of us. Our family had to adapt, learning patience in moments of confusion and offering reassurance when fear or frustration set in. Her illness taught us that Alzheimer’s not only affects the person diagnosed, but it also touches every member of the family. We had to find new ways to communicate, new ways to connect, and new ways to show love when words and recognition failed. Professionally, my work as a nurse with dementia patients has reinforced these lessons on a larger scale. Patients with Alzheimer’s often come to long-term care or skilled nursing units frightened and disoriented, unsure of where they are or why they are there. It can be overwhelming for them to leave the familiarity of their homes and routines. As a nurse, I learned that the most important thing I can offer is not just medical care, but also empathy and presence. Sitting with a patient, holding their hand, or patiently answering the same question over and over again are small actions that carry significant meaning. Working with dementia patients also showed me how vital education and support are for families. Many relatives feel unprepared for the changes their loved one is experiencing. By taking the time to listen to their concerns and explain the disease process, I can help them feel less alone and more equipped to handle the challenges. I often reflect on my own family’s experience and use that perspective to connect with others who are going through the same journey. Through both personal and professional experiences, I have learned that Alzheimer’s is as much a disease of relationships as it is of memory. It tests patience, resilience, and the bonds between people. It also highlights the importance of community. No family should have to go through dementia care alone, and no patient should feel abandoned in their confusion. This is why compassionate nursing care, strong family support, and community resources are so critical. Ultimately, Alzheimer’s disease has taught me the value of presence, patience, and empathy. Whether at the bedside of a patient or sitting with a family member, I know that even when words fail, compassion never does. My great-grandmother’s journey and my work as a nurse have strengthened my commitment to caring for individuals with dementia and to supporting the families who walk alongside them.

My nursing career has been a journey of growth, resilience, and dedication. I am currently an LPN in an RN program, and I have worked as a travel nurse for over five years. Traveling across the United States has given me countless opportunities to expand my skills, adapt to new environments, and deepen my passion for patient care. Still, I have realized that I cannot fully reach my potential or provide the level of care I aspire to as an LPN. Becoming an RN will allow me to take on greater responsibilities, contribute more meaningfully, and continue advancing in a profession I love. My desire to care for others began long before nursing. At seventeen, I worked as a lifeguard, where I first discovered the importance of being ready to protect others in times of need. Now, at forty-seven, I have built a long career in healthcare and remain proud to be the first in my family to enter the medical field. Even more meaningful is the fact that my dedication has inspired my children to follow in my footsteps. Travel nursing has shaped my perspective in unique ways. Every thirteen-week contract gives me the chance to enter a new facility, meet new patients, and figure out how best to support the team. I enjoy discovering how I can contribute, no matter where I am placed. These experiences have fueled my desire to pursue my RN, knowing I would have a broader scope of practice to better serve patients and teams. Along the way, I have also faced personal challenges. I was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome only four years ago, and while it has not hindered my work, it has taught me to be more compassionate. I am open about my diagnosis when starting a new contract, and while most colleagues accept it, I did once encounter a nurse who reacted rudely. That experience reminded me of the importance of empathy. Patients often ask about my condition, and I use those moments to reassure them and show that living with health challenges does not define or limit someone. These conversations help build trust and connection, which are at the heart of nursing. Not all of my professional experiences have been easy. During an eight-week med-surg contract at Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, I did not receive adequate training and was treated poorly by a seasoned nurse. Unfortunately, this type of environment—where “nurses eat their young”—drives good nurses away. With the national shortage of nurses, we cannot afford to lose more to discouragement. Because of this, I make it my priority to welcome new nurses warmly, show them around, and ensure they know they can come to me with questions or concerns. Ultimately, becoming an RN is more than a career goal. It is about continuing my lifelong dedication to helping others with greater authority, knowledge, and skill. It is about mentoring new nurses, advocating for patients, and upholding the standards of compassionate, professional care that define this field. Nursing has given me purpose, and I know I can give back even more as an RN.

My nursing journey has been long, challenging, and deeply rewarding. I am currently an LPN enrolled in an RN program, and I have been working as a travel nurse for over five years. During that time, I have traveled across the United States, serving in many different healthcare facilities and caring for a wide variety of patients. Each new contract has given me the opportunity to grow as a nurse, while also fueling my passion for the work I do. However, I have reached a point in my career where I feel limited in what I can contribute as an LPN. Becoming an RN is the next step I need to take in order to expand my skills, make a greater impact on patient care, and continue my professional growth. Nursing has always been about helping others for me. That passion started long before my career in healthcare. My very first job, at the age of seventeen, was as a lifeguard. Even then, I was drawn to the idea of protecting people, ensuring their safety, and being there in moments when they were vulnerable. Now, at forty-seven, with decades of experience in healthcare, that same motivation still drives me. I am also proud to be the first in my family to enter the medical field, and even prouder that I have passed that calling on to my children. My time as a travel nurse has shaped both my outlook and my skills. Moving from one facility to another every thirteen weeks forces me to adapt quickly and learn new ways to serve. I enjoy exploring each new place and discovering how I can contribute meaningfully to the team and patients. This lifestyle has kept me flexible and resilient, but it has also shown me how much more I could do as an RN. With additional responsibilities and a broader scope of practice, I know I will be able to provide even better care and support to those who need it most. On a personal level, I have also faced challenges that shaped the kind of nurse I have become. I was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome only four years ago, and while it has not hindered my ability to work, it has taught me compassion in new ways. At the beginning of every contract, I share my diagnosis with my colleagues. Most accept it without question, though I did once encounter a nurse who was dismissive and rude. While that was difficult, it reminded me how important it is to use my own experiences to support patients and coworkers who may feel judged or misunderstood. Patients often ask me about my condition, and I take the time to sit with them, answer questions, and listen to their concerns. It helps them see that they are not alone in facing health challenges, and it helps me continue to connect with others on a deeper level. My career has included both positive and negative experiences, and I believe both are valuable. For example, I once worked a med-surg contract at Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, I did not receive adequate training there, and to make matters worse, I experienced the harsh reality of “nurses eating their young.” It was disheartening and left me determined to ensure no other nurse should ever feel the same. Nursing is already facing critical shortages across the country, and we cannot afford to push good nurses away. For that reason, I make it a priority to welcome new staff, show them around, and assure them that they can always come to me for guidance and support. Ultimately, becoming an RN is not just about advancing my own career. It is about continuing the work I love with greater knowledge, skill, and authority. It is about being in a position to mentor new nurses, advocate for patients, and provide the best possible care. I have been committed to nursing for decades, and I know that as an RN, I will be able to contribute even more meaningfully to a profession that has given me so much purpose.

I am 47; I might be too old to be a Swiftie, but I don’t care. Taylor Swift is truly amazing. I have never seen her in concert, but I would absolutely love to someday. One thing I really admire about her performances is how she takes a moment out of such a massive show to make a personal connection. For example, when she gives her hat to a child in the audience, it’s more than just a gesture; it’s a reminder that behind all the lights, choreography, and sold-out arenas, she still sees the individuals who make up her audience. That kind of authenticity makes her stand out. What moves me the most is the way Taylor transforms her concerts into a shared experience rather than just a performance. She tells stories, she laughs with the crowd, and she isn’t afraid to be vulnerable on stage. Watching her perform a deeply emotional song, like “All Too Well (10 Minute Version),” even through recordings, gives me chills because you can see and feel the honesty behind her words. It makes her audience feel understood and connected. To me, that’s what makes Taylor more than just a pop star; she’s an artist who turns music into moments that people carry with them for life.

I am an LPN in the RN program. I have been a travel nurse for over five years, traveling the United States. I want to continue my nursing career to help more people, but I feel I can not do that as an LPN. Traveling to the United States has given me much more passion for what I do. I have visited many states and still enjoy exploring each one, figuring out how I can contribute more as a nurse in the facility where I will be working for the next thirteen weeks. Becoming an RN will give me more desire to help people and continue my education. My first job at the age of seventeen was as a lifeguard. Now, at forty-seven, I have been in the healthcare field for a long time. I am the first in my family to be in the medical field, and I have passed it on to my children. I was recently diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome only four years ago. Luckily, this has not hindered my work. When starting a new contract at a new facility, I always inform everyone about my qualifications. It does get exhausting at times. Usually, everyone ignores me, but I have one nurse who was really rude about it. This is another reason I love being a nurse; having this disability helps others accept their own. They love to ask me questions, and I always sit with them and talk to them about it while listening to them talk about what is happening with them. Working in long-term care and the skilled unit, they find it scary to come to a place they are unfamiliar with. I have tried to expand my skills and worked a contract for eight weeks in a med-surg unit at a Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, I did not get the training I should have, and it was hard to learn. Another reason I want to help is to ensure that new nurses receive the best possible training, enabling them to provide the highest quality care. I, unfortunately, was also eaten alive by a seasoned nurse who likes to eat their young. This was a horrible experience for me, and this should never happen to any nurse. We are so short-staffed in so many places that we can not afford to lose more nurses. When a new nurse starts at the facility, I always welcome them, show them around, and ensure they can reach out to me if they ever need help.

I experienced firsthand the love of my life, who took his life because of mental illness. His death shattered my world and forced me to confront the silent, invisible battles that so many face. Since then, my understanding of mental health has deepened in ways I never expected. It has shaped my goals, pushing me to advocate for awareness, compassion, and accessible support systems. In my relationships, I’ve learned to be more patient, to ask more profound questions, and to listen without judgment. This experience has shown me how crucial it is to be kind because we never truly know what someone is carrying inside. It’s also given me a sense of purpose to break the stigma around mental illness and to make sure others know they are never alone, no matter how dark things feel. As a nurse, I have a saying I like to share with my kids, family, friends, and patients. This quote has lived with me for over ten years now and will live with me forever. Place your hand over your heart. Feel that? That's called purpose. You're alive for a reason. Don't give up. Life can be taken so fast; please don't take it for granted.

I am an LPN starting in the RN program. I have been a travel nurse for over five years, traveling the United States. I want to continue my nursing career to help more people, but I feel I can not do that as an LPN. Traveling to the United States has given me much more passion for what I do. I have been to many states and still love going to each one and figuring out what I can do to help more as a nurse in the facility where I will be working for the next thirteen weeks. Becoming an RN will give me more desire to help people and continue my education. My first job at the age of seventeen was as a lifeguard. Now, at forty-seven, I have been in the healthcare field for a long time. I am the first in my family to be in the medical field, and I have passed it on to my children. I was recently diagnosed only four years ago with Tourette syndrome. Luckily, this has not gotten in the way of my work. When starting a new contract at a new facility, I always let everyone know what I have. It does get exhausting at times. Usually, everyone ignores me, but I have one nurse be really rude about it. This is another reason I love being a nurse; having this disability helps others be okay with theirs. They love to ask me questions, and I always sit with them and talk to them about it while listening to them talk about what is happening with them. Working in long-term care and the skilled unit, they find it scary to come to a place they are unfamiliar with. I have tried to expand my skills and worked a contract for eight weeks in a med surg unit at a Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, I did not get the training I should have, and it was hard to learn. Another reason I want to help is to ensure training on new nurses get the best training they can so they can give the best care. I, unfortunately, was also eaten alive by a seasoned nurse who likes to eat their young. This was a horrible experience for me, and this should never happen to any nurse. We are so short-staffed in so many places that we can not afford to lose more nurses. When a new nurse starts at the facility, I am always welcoming them and showing them around, and making sure they can come to me if they ever need help.

I am an LPN starting in the RN program. I have been a travel nurse for over five years, traveling the United States. I want to continue my nursing career to help more people, but I feel I can not do that as an LPN. Traveling to the United States has given me much more passion for what I do. I have been to many states and still love going to each one and figuring out what I can do to help more as a nurse in the facility where I will be working for the next thirteen weeks. Becoming an RN will give me more desire to help people and continue my education. My first job at the age of seventeen was as a lifeguard. Now, at forty-seven, I have been in the healthcare field for a long time. I am the first in my family to be in the medical field, and I have passed it on to my children. I was recently diagnosed only four years ago with Tourette syndrome. Luckily, this has not gotten in the way of my work. When starting a new contract at a new facility, I always let everyone know what I have. It does get exhausting at times. Usually, everyone ignores me, but I have one nurse be really rude about it. This is another reason I love being a nurse; having this disability helps others be okay with theirs. They love to ask me questions, and I always sit with them and talk to them about it while listening to them talk about what is happening with them. Working in long-term care and the skilled unit, they find it scary to come to a place they are unfamiliar with. I have tried to expand my skills and worked a contract for eight weeks in a med surg unit at a Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, I did not get the training I should have, and it was hard to learn. Another reason I want to help is to ensure training on new nurses get the best training they can so they can give the best care. I, unfortunately, was also eaten alive by a seasoned nurse who likes to eat their young. This was a horrible experience for me, and this should never happen to any nurse. We are so short-staffed in so many places that we can not afford to lose more nurses. When a new nurse starts at the facility, I am always welcoming them and showing them around, and making sure they can come to me if they ever need help. Setting up new nurses for success will also help future nurse be successful to. We are supposed to be a team and when we have good trainers to help and also help on the floor with the CNAs, we can be the best and bring that forward to new nurses and new hires. We can not forget where we came from. Thank you .

I am an LPN starting in the RN program. I have been a travel nurse for over five years, traveling the United States. I want to continue my nursing career to help more people, but I feel I can not do that as an LPN. Traveling to the United States has given me much more passion for what I do. I have been to many states and still love going to each one and figuring out what I can do to help more as a nurse in the facility where I will be working for the next thirteen weeks. Becoming an RN will give me more desire to help people and continue my education. My first job at the age of seventeen was as a lifeguard. Now, at forty-seven, I have been in the healthcare field for a long time. I am the first in my family to be in the medical field, and I have passed it on to my children. I was recently diagnosed only four years ago with Tourette syndrome. Luckily, this has not gotten in the way of my work. When starting a new contract at a new facility, I always let everyone know what I have. It does get exhausting at times. Usually, everyone ignores me, but I have one nurse be really rude about it. This is another reason I love being a nurse; having this disability helps others be okay with theirs. They love to ask me questions, and I always sit with them and talk to them about it while listening to them talk about what is happening with them. Working in long-term care and the skilled unit, they find it scary to come to a place they are unfamiliar with. I have tried to expand my skills and worked a contract for eight weeks in a med surg unit at a Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, I did not get the training I should have, and it was hard to learn. Another reason I want to help is to ensure training on new nurses get the best training they can so they can give the best care. I, unfortunately, was also eaten alive by a seasoned nurse who likes to eat their young. This was a horrible experience for me, and this should never happen to any nurse. We are so short-staffed in so many places that we can not afford to lose more nurses. When a new nurse starts at the facility, I am always welcoming them and showing them around, and making sure they can come to me if they ever need help.

I am an LPN starting in the RN program. I have been a travel nurse for over five years, traveling the United States. I want to continue my nursing career to help more people, but I feel I can not do that as an LPN. Traveling to the United States has given me much more passion for what I do. I have been to many states and still love going to each one and figuring out what I can do to help more as a nurse in the facility where I will be working for the next thirteen weeks. Becoming an RN will give me more desire to help people and continue my education. My first job at the age of seventeen was as a lifeguard. Now, at forty-seven, I have been in the healthcare field for a long time. I am the first in my family to be in the medical field, and I have passed it on to my children. I was recently diagnosed only four years ago with Tourette syndrome. Luckily, this has not gotten in the way of my work. When starting a new contract at a new facility, I always let everyone know what I have. It does get exhausting at times. Usually, everyone ignores me, but I have one nurse be really rude about it. This is another reason I love being a nurse; having this disability helps others be okay with theirs. They love to ask me questions, and I always sit with them and talk to them about it while listening to them talk about what is happening with them. Working in long-term care and the skilled unit, they find it scary to come to a place they are unfamiliar with. I have tried to expand my skills and worked a contract for eight weeks in a med surg unit at a Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, I did not get the training I should have, and it was hard to learn. Another reason I want to help is to ensure training on new nurses get the best training they can so they can give the best care. I, unfortunately, was also eaten alive by a seasoned nurse who likes to eat their young. This was a horrible experience for me, and this should never happen to any nurse. We are so short-staffed in so many places that we can not afford to lose more nurses. When a new nurse starts at the facility, I am always welcoming them and showing them around, and making sure they can come to me if they ever need help.

I am an LPN starting in the RN program. I have been a travel nurse for over five years, traveling the United States. I want to continue my nursing career to help more people, but I feel I can not do that as an LPN. Traveling to the United States has given me much more passion for what I do. I have been to many states and still love going to each one and figuring out what I can do to help more as a nurse in the facility where I will be working for the next thirteen weeks. Becoming an RN will give me more desire to help people and continue my education. My first job at the age of seventeen was as a lifeguard. Now, at forty-seven, I have been in the healthcare field for a long time. I am the first in my family to be in the medical field, and I have passed it on to my children. I was recently diagnosed only four years ago with Tourette syndrome. Luckily, this has not gotten in the way of my work. When starting a new contract at a new facility, I always let everyone know what I have. It does get exhausting at times. Usually, everyone ignores me, but I have one nurse be really rude about it. This is another reason I love being a nurse; having this disability helps others be okay with theirs. They love to ask me questions, and I always sit with them and talk to them about it while listening to them talk about what is happening with them. Working in long-term care and the skilled unit, they find it scary to come to a place they are unfamiliar with. I have tried to expand my skills and worked a contract for eight weeks in a med surg unit at a Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, I did not get the training I should have, and it was hard to learn. Another reason I want to help is to ensure training on new nurses get the best training they can so they can give the best care. I, unfortunately, was also eaten alive by a seasoned nurse who likes to eat their young. This was a horrible experience for me, and this should never happen to any nurse. We are so short-staffed in so many places that we can not afford to lose more nurses. When a new nurse starts at the facility, I am always welcoming them and showing them around, and making sure they can come to me if they ever need help.

I am an LPN starting in the RN program. I have been a travel nurse for over five years, traveling the United States. I want to continue my nursing career to help more people, but I feel I can not do that as an LPN. Traveling to the United States has given me much more passion for what I do. I have been to many states and still love going to each one and figuring out what I can do to help more as a nurse in the facility where I will be working for the next thirteen weeks. Becoming an RN will give me more desire to help people and continue my education. My first job at the age of seventeen was as a lifeguard. Now, at forty-seven, I have been in the healthcare field for a long time. I am the first in my family to be in the medical field, and I have passed it on to my children. I was recently diagnosed only four years ago with Tourette syndrome. Luckily, this has not gotten in the way of my work. When starting a new contract at a new facility, I always let everyone know what I have. It does get exhausting at times. Usually, everyone ignores me, but I have one nurse be really rude about it. This is another reason I love being a nurse; having this disability helps others be okay with theirs. They love to ask me questions, and I always sit with them and talk to them about it while listening to them talk about what is happening with them. Working in long-term care and the skilled unit, they find it scary to come to a place they are unfamiliar with. I have tried to expand my skills and worked a contract for eight weeks in a med surg unit at a Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, I did not get the training I should have, and it was hard to learn. Another reason I want to help is to ensure training on new nurses get the best training they can so they can give the best care. I, unfortunately, was also eaten alive by a seasoned nurse who likes to eat their young. This was a horrible experience for me, and this should never happen to any nurse. We are so short-staffed in so many places that we can not afford to lose more nurses. When a new nurse starts at the facility, I am always welcoming them and showing them around, and making sure they can come to me if they ever need help.

I am an LPN starting in the RN program. I have been a travel nurse for over five years, traveling the United States. I want to continue my nursing career to help more people, but I feel I can not do that as an LPN. Traveling to the United States has given me much more passion for what I do. I have been to many states and still love going to each one and figuring out what I can do to help more as a nurse in the facility where I will be working for the next thirteen weeks. Becoming an RN will give me more desire to help people and continue my education. My first job at the age of seventeen was as a lifeguard. Now, at forty-seven, I have been in the healthcare field for a long time. I am the first in my family to be in the medical field, and I have passed it on to my children. I was recently diagnosed only four years ago with Tourette syndrome. Luckily, this has not gotten in the way of my work. When starting a new contract at a new facility, I always let everyone know what I have. It does get exhausting at times. Usually, everyone ignores me, but I have one nurse be really rude about it. This is another reason I love being a nurse; having this disability helps others be okay with theirs. They love to ask me questions, and I always sit with them and talk to them about it while listening to them talk about what is happening with them. Working in long-term care and the skilled unit, they find it scary to come to a place they are unfamiliar with. I have tried to expand my skills and worked a contract for eight weeks in a med surg unit at a Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, I did not get the training I should have, and it was hard to learn. Another reason I want to help is to ensure training on new nurses get the best training they can so they can give the best care. I, unfortunately, was also eaten alive by a seasoned nurse who likes to eat their young. This was a horrible experience for me, and this should never happen to any nurse. We are so short-staffed in so many places that we can not afford to lose more nurses. When a new nurse starts at the facility, I am always welcoming them and showing them around, and making sure they can come to me if they ever need help.

I am an LPN starting in the RN program. I have been a travel nurse for over five years, traveling the United States. I want to continue my nursing career to help more people, but I feel I can not do that as an LPN. Traveling to the United States has given me much more passion for what I do. I have been to many states and still love going to each one and figuring out what I can do to help more as a nurse in the facility where I will be working for the next thirteen weeks. Becoming an RN will give me more desire to help people and continue my education. My first job at the age of seventeen was as a lifeguard. Now, at forty-seven, I have been in the healthcare field for a long time. I am the first in my family to be in the medical field, and I have passed it on to my children. I was recently diagnosed only four years ago with Tourette syndrome. Luckily, this has not gotten in the way of my work. When starting a new contract at a new facility, I always let everyone know what I have. It does get exhausting at times. Usually, everyone ignores me, but I have one nurse be really rude about it. This is another reason I love being a nurse; having this disability helps others be okay with theirs. They love to ask me questions, and I always sit with them and talk to them about it while listening to them talk about what is happening with them. Working in long-term care and the skilled unit, they find it scary to come to a place they are unfamiliar with. I have tried to expand my skills and worked a contract for eight weeks in a med surg unit at a Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, I did not get the training I should have, and it was hard to learn. Another reason I want to help is to ensure training on new nurses get the best training they can so they can give the best care. I, unfortunately, was also eaten alive by a seasoned nurse who likes to eat their young. This was a horrible experience for me, and this should never happen to any nurse. We are so short-staffed in so many places that we can not afford to lose more nurses. When a new nurse starts at the facility, I am always welcoming them and showing them around, and making sure they can come to me if they ever need help.

I am an LPN starting in the RN program. I have been a travel nurse for over five years, traveling the United States. I want to continue my nursing career to help more people, but I feel I can not do that as an LPN. Traveling to the United States has given me much more passion for what I do. I have been to many states and still love going to each one and figuring out what I can do to help more as a nurse in the facility where I will be working for the next thirteen weeks. Becoming an RN will give me more desire to help people and continue my education. My first job at the age of seventeen was as a lifeguard. Now, at forty-seven, I have been in the healthcare field for a long time. I am the first in my family to be in the medical field, and I have passed it on to my children. I was recently diagnosed only four years ago with Tourette syndrome. Luckily, this has not gotten in the way of my work. When starting a new contract at a new facility, I always let everyone know what I have. It does get exhausting at times. Usually, everyone ignores me, but I have one nurse be really rude about it. This is another reason I love being a nurse; having this disability helps others be okay with theirs. They love to ask me questions, and I always sit with them and talk to them about it while listening to them talk about what is happening with them. Working in long-term care and the skilled unit, they find it scary to come to a place they are unfamiliar with. I have tried to expand my skills and worked a contract for eight weeks in a med surg unit at a Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, I did not get the training I should have, and it was hard to learn. Another reason I want to help is to ensure training on new nurses get the best training they can so they can give the best care. I, unfortunately, was also eaten alive by a seasoned nurse who likes to eat their young. This was a horrible experience for me, and this should never happen to any nurse. We are so short-staffed in so many places that we can not afford to lose more nurses. When a new nurse starts at the facility, I am always welcoming them and showing them around, and making sure they can come to me if they ever need help.

I am an LPN starting in the RN program. I have been a travel nurse for over five years, traveling the United States. I want to continue my nursing career to help more people, but I feel I can not do that as an LPN. Traveling to the United States has given me much more passion for what I do. I have been to many states and still love going to each one and figuring out what I can do to help more as a nurse in the facility where I will be working for the next thirteen weeks. Becoming an RN will give me more desire to help people and continue my education. My first job at the age of seventeen was as a lifeguard. Now, at forty-seven, I have been in the healthcare field for a long time. I am the first in my family to be in the medical field, and I have passed it on to my children. I was recently diagnosed only four years ago with Tourette syndrome. Luckily, this has not gotten in the way of my work. When starting a new contract at a new facility, I always let everyone know what I have. It does get exhausting at times. Usually, everyone ignores me, but I have one nurse be really rude about it. This is another reason I love being a nurse; having this disability helps others be okay with theirs. They love to ask me questions, and I always sit with them and talk to them about it while listening to them talk about what is happening with them. Working in long-term care and the skilled unit, they find it scary to come to a place they are unfamiliar with. I have tried to expand my skills and worked a contract for eight weeks in a med surg unit at a Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, I did not get the training I should have, and it was hard to learn. Another reason I want to help is to ensure training on new nurses get the best training they can so they can give the best care. I, unfortunately, was also eaten alive by a seasoned nurse who likes to eat their young. This was a horrible experience for me, and this should never happen to any nurse. We are so short-staffed in so many places that we can not afford to lose more nurses. When a new nurse starts at the facility, I am always welcoming them and showing them around, and making sure they can come to me if they ever need help.

I am an LPN starting in the RN program. I have been a travel nurse for over five years, traveling the United States. I want to continue my nursing career to help more people, but I feel I can not do that as an LPN. Traveling to the United States has given me much more passion for what I do. I have been to many states and still love going to each one and figuring out what I can do to help more as a nurse in the facility where I will be working for the next thirteen weeks. Becoming an RN will give me more desire to help people and continue my education. My first job at the age of seventeen was as a lifeguard. Now, at forty-seven, I have been in the healthcare field for a long time. I am the first in my family to be in the medical field, and I have passed it on to my children. I was recently diagnosed only four years ago with Tourette syndrome. Luckily, this has not gotten in the way of my work. When starting a new contract at a new facility, I always let everyone know what I have. It does get exhausting at times. Usually, everyone ignores me, but I have one nurse be really rude about it. This is another reason I love being a nurse; having this disability helps others be okay with theirs. They love to ask me questions, and I always sit with them and talk to them about it while listening to them talk about what is happening with them. Working in long-term care and the skilled unit, they find it scary to come to a place they are unfamiliar with. I have tried to expand my skills and worked a contract for eight weeks in a med surg unit at a Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, I did not get the training I should have, and it was hard to learn. Another reason I want to help is to ensure training on new nurses get the best training they can so they can give the best care. I, unfortunately, was also eaten alive by a seasoned nurse who likes to eat their young. This was a horrible experience for me, and this should never happen to any nurse. We are so short-staffed in so many places that we can not afford to lose more nurses. When a new nurse starts at the facility, I am always welcoming them and showing them around, and making sure they can come to me if they ever need help.

I went to college in 2012/2013 for medical assistance. While working, I was told I couldn't do certain things because it was not in my scope of practice. So, I went back to college in 2016/2017 and became an LPN. As a current LPN, I have again been told I could not do certain things because it was out of my scope of practice. So, I am currently in school to get my RN. I wanted to help people and was told I couldn't because it was not in my scope of practice, so I furthered my career again and again. I have about a year left of schooling to get my RN, but that won't stop me there.

I have learned I am worth more than I have been told. I have been put down, bullied, called all the names in the book, told I had a learning disability, and never amount to anything and believed it all. I finally realized that I was not those things and went to college one day, and I went for medical assistant; a few years later, I became an LPN. I am now in school again to become an RN. Just because someone puts you down does not mean you are those things. I proved to myself and everyone wrong, and I am so very proud of myself for believing in myself. I have learned that when people put other people down, they are just lashing out, don't believe them, you are worth so much more, and that's what I find valuable In myself.

My dream is to become an RN. I was an medical assistant for years and was not able to help much so I went back to school and became an LPN. Now still feeling I can't help enough I am back in school for RN.

I have been depressed for a while now. My boyfriend of 4 years killed himself. From then I had two of my daughters try and attempt suicide. Luckily they survived. I have join a suicide awareness group and have tried to help promote it. We have walks once a year. I make sure to post numbers and websites on my social media. I also check in on people no matter what the situation is. We never know what's going on in people's lives.

As a nurse, I feel it's my job to serve. Even on my days off. I enjoy serving people.

As a nurse, it's my job to listen to my residents. I need to know how they are feeling, if they're in pain, depressed, even hungry.

Nursing. That is why I'm going back to become an RN.

My kids and grandbabies, also my residents. As a nurse I know when I get to work they will get the best care.

I want to show that age doesn't matter. Going back to school at my age to get my RN shouldn't stop anyone. I am here to show my kids that mom can do it.

I am a nurse, I save lives everyday. What I found out? Is that I'm an amazing nurse and if I don't go to work, my residents won't get the care they needs from anyone else. My need for them is important and valuable.

I'm an lpn trying to get my RN. I'm trying to further my education so I can help more in the medical field.

I am an LPN going for my RN. I've worked in a nursing home for a few years now and before that I was a medical assistant working at a clinic for 65 years and older. I became a nurse because I wanted to do more. I felt like being a medical assistant I couldn't do much.

Rescue kitties. All my babies have been Rescued from places that were either very nasty from urine and feces or people who just didn't want them. Nylah is a lavender siamese who will be 8 on 10/31/2021. Izabella is a black and white tuxedo who just turned 5 on 3/17/2021. They are VERY spoiled