user profile avatar

Serhat Esen

795

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I'm a gay man from Turkey who moved to the U.S. due to my sexual orientation. I graduated with a 3.1 GPA in Pharmacy from Bezmialem University and worked as a pharmacist before relocating. Now, I am trying to build my life in USA from scratch but with confidence

Education

Alvin Community College

Associate's degree program
2025 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

Bachelor's degree program
- Present

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Mental Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

      Beverly J. Patterson Scholarship
      I am a gay man from the Middle East, and my sexual orientation has shaped the course of my life in both painful and powerful ways. In my home country, being openly gay is not just socially unacceptable—it is dangerous. The fear of being rejected by my family, harmed by others, or even arrested was something I lived with every day. I knew that if I wanted to live freely and be true to myself, I would have to leave everything I knew behind. That is why I moved to the United States—to survive, to live openly, and to build a future where I could be safe and accepted. Coming to the United States was not easy. I arrived with very little and had no family or close friends here. At times, I felt isolated, lost, and overwhelmed. I worked many jobs just to stay afloat—jobs with long hours and low pay. I faced discrimination, language barriers, and homesickness. But even in the hardest moments, I never gave up. I reminded myself that I was finally living in a place where I could be myself without fear, and that gave me strength. I have always wanted to help people, and my experiences have only deepened that desire. I know what it feels like to be vulnerable, to need compassion, and to hope for someone to care. That is why I chose to go to school to become a nurse. Nursing is more than just a career for me—it is a calling. I want to be there for people in their most difficult moments, just as I needed someone during mine. As I pursue my nursing education, I carry with me the pain of the past, but also the hope of a better future. I want to serve my community with empathy, kindness, and dedication. I want to show others—especially those who feel unseen or unwelcome—that they matter. I believe that my struggles have made me stronger, and I know they will make me a better nurse. My journey has not been easy, but it has given me a deep sense of purpose. I am proud of who I am and the path I have chosen. I am here to build a life of meaning, to help others heal, and to be a voice for those who cannot yet speak their truth. Nursing is my way of giving back—and moving forward.
      Joseph Joshua Searor Memorial Scholarship
      I am a gay man from the Middle East, and my sexual orientation has shaped the course of my life in both painful and powerful ways. In my home country, being openly gay is not just socially unacceptable—it is dangerous. The fear of being rejected by my family, harmed by others, or even arrested was something I lived with every day. I knew that if I wanted to live freely and be true to myself, I would have to leave everything I knew behind. That is why I moved to the United States—to survive, to live openly, and to build a future where I could be safe and accepted. Coming to the United States was not easy. I arrived with very little and had no family or close friends here. At times, I felt isolated, lost, and overwhelmed. I worked many jobs just to stay afloat—jobs with long hours and low pay. I faced discrimination, language barriers, and homesickness. But even in the hardest moments, I never gave up. I reminded myself that I was finally living in a place where I could be myself without fear, and that gave me strength. I have always wanted to help people, and my experiences have only deepened that desire. I know what it feels like to be vulnerable, to need compassion, and to hope for someone to care. That is why I chose to go to school to become a nurse. Nursing is more than just a career for me—it is a calling. I want to be there for people in their most difficult moments, just as I needed someone during mine. As I pursue my nursing education, I carry with me the pain of the past, but also the hope of a better future. I want to serve my community with empathy, kindness, and dedication. I want to show others—especially those who feel unseen or unwelcome—that they matter. I believe that my struggles have made me stronger, and I know they will make me a better nurse. My journey has not been easy, but it has given me a deep sense of purpose. I am proud of who I am and the path I have chosen. I am here to build a life of meaning, to help others heal, and to be a voice for those who cannot yet speak their truth. Nursing is my way of giving back—and moving forward.
      Kelly O. Memorial Nursing Scholarship
      I am a gay man from the Middle East, and my sexual orientation has shaped the course of my life in both painful and powerful ways. In my home country, being openly gay is not just socially unacceptable—it is dangerous. The fear of being rejected by my family, harmed by others, or even arrested was something I lived with every day. I knew that if I wanted to live freely and be true to myself, I would have to leave everything I knew behind. That is why I moved to the United States—to survive, to live openly, and to build a future where I could be safe and accepted. Coming to the United States was not easy. I arrived with very little and had no family or close friends here. At times, I felt isolated, lost, and overwhelmed. I worked many jobs just to stay afloat—jobs with long hours and low pay. I faced discrimination, language barriers, and homesickness. But even in the hardest moments, I never gave up. I reminded myself that I was finally living in a place where I could be myself without fear, and that gave me strength. I have always wanted to help people, and my experiences have only deepened that desire. I know what it feels like to be vulnerable, to need compassion, and to hope for someone to care. That is why I chose to go to school to become a nurse. Nursing is more than just a career for me—it is a calling. I want to be there for people in their most difficult moments, just as I needed someone during mine. As I pursue my nursing education, I carry with me the pain of the past, but also the hope of a better future. I want to serve my community with empathy, kindness, and dedication. I want to show others—especially those who feel unseen or unwelcome—that they matter. I believe that my struggles have made me stronger, and I know they will make me a better nurse. My journey has not been easy, but it has given me a deep sense of purpose. I am proud of who I am and the path I have chosen. I am here to build a life of meaning, to help others heal, and to be a voice for those who cannot yet speak their truth. Nursing is my way of giving back—and moving forward.
      Pangeta & Ivory Nursing Scholarship
      I am a gay man from the Middle East, and my sexual orientation has shaped the course of my life in both painful and powerful ways. In my home country, being openly gay is not just socially unacceptable—it is dangerous. The fear of being rejected by my family, harmed by others, or even arrested was something I lived with every day. I knew that if I wanted to live freely and be true to myself, I would have to leave everything I knew behind. That is why I moved to the United States—to survive, to live openly, and to build a future where I could be safe and accepted. Coming to the United States was not easy. I arrived with very little and had no family or close friends here. At times, I felt isolated, lost, and overwhelmed. I worked many jobs just to stay afloat—jobs with long hours and low pay. I faced discrimination, language barriers, and homesickness. But even in the hardest moments, I never gave up. I reminded myself that I was finally living in a place where I could be myself without fear, and that gave me strength. I have always wanted to help people, and my experiences have only deepened that desire. I know what it feels like to be vulnerable, to need compassion, and to hope for someone to care. That is why I chose to go to school to become a nurse. Nursing is more than just a career for me—it is a calling. I want to be there for people in their most difficult moments, just as I needed someone during mine. As I pursue my nursing education, I carry with me the pain of the past, but also the hope of a better future. I want to serve my community with empathy, kindness, and dedication. I want to show others—especially those who feel unseen or unwelcome—that they matter. I believe that my struggles have made me stronger, and I know they will make me a better nurse. My journey has not been easy, but it has given me a deep sense of purpose. I am proud of who I am and the path I have chosen. I am here to build a life of meaning, to help others heal, and to be a voice for those who cannot yet speak their truth. Nursing is my way of giving back—and moving forward.
      Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care
      Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it is often overlooked. Taking care of our mental well-being plays a huge role in how we live, how we think, how we feel, and how we connect with others. When our mind is healthy, we are more focused, more productive, and more able to enjoy life. In today’s fast-paced world, taking care of our mental health is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. A healthy mind helps us live a better, more balanced life. When we manage stress, anxiety, and emotions in a healthy way, we are more likely to make good decisions, stay motivated, and handle challenges calmly. Mental health affects how we see the world and ourselves. If we feel emotionally strong and mentally clear, we can live with more confidence and peace of mind. One major benefit of good mental health is better focus. When our mind is calm and not overwhelmed by stress or negative thoughts, it’s easier to concentrate on daily tasks, set goals, and follow through. Mental clarity also helps us learn faster, work better, and make smart choices. On the other hand, when we ignore our mental health, even small tasks can feel impossible. Mental health also affects our relationships with others. When we feel good about ourselves, we are more open, patient, and understanding. It becomes easier to talk, listen, and connect with people in a meaningful way. We can build stronger friendships, have better family relationships, and even be better coworkers or classmates. When our mental health is poor, we may feel irritated, isolated, or misunderstood, which makes it hard to interact with others. One of the most important things to remember is to be kind to yourself. Mental health includes self-compassion. Life can be stressful, and we all make mistakes or have bad days. Instead of being hard on yourself, it’s important to practice self-care and allow yourself to rest, reflect, and grow. Being mentally healthy means giving yourself the same support and understanding that you would offer to a friend. In conclusion, mental health is key to living a better life. It helps us focus, build strong relationships, and treat ourselves with kindness. Just like we care for our bodies, we must take time to care for our minds. Talking about our feelings, asking for help, and taking breaks when needed are simple but powerful steps toward a healthier, happier life.
      Learner Mental Health Empowerment for Health Students Scholarship
      Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it is often overlooked. Taking care of our mental well-being plays a huge role in how we live, how we think, how we feel, and how we connect with others. When our mind is healthy, we are more focused, more productive, and more able to enjoy life. In today’s fast-paced world, taking care of our mental health is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. A healthy mind helps us live a better, more balanced life. When we manage stress, anxiety, and emotions in a healthy way, we are more likely to make good decisions, stay motivated, and handle challenges calmly. Mental health affects how we see the world and ourselves. If we feel emotionally strong and mentally clear, we can live with more confidence and peace of mind. One major benefit of good mental health is better focus. When our mind is calm and not overwhelmed by stress or negative thoughts, it’s easier to concentrate on daily tasks, set goals, and follow through. Mental clarity also helps us learn faster, work better, and make smart choices. On the other hand, when we ignore our mental health, even small tasks can feel impossible. Mental health also affects our relationships with others. When we feel good about ourselves, we are more open, patient, and understanding. It becomes easier to talk, listen, and connect with people in a meaningful way. We can build stronger friendships, have better family relationships, and even be better coworkers or classmates. When our mental health is poor, we may feel irritated, isolated, or misunderstood, which makes it hard to interact with others. One of the most important things to remember is to be kind to yourself. Mental health includes self-compassion. Life can be stressful, and we all make mistakes or have bad days. Instead of being hard on yourself, it’s important to practice self-care and allow yourself to rest, reflect, and grow. Being mentally healthy means giving yourself the same support and understanding that you would offer to a friend. In conclusion, mental health is key to living a better life. It helps us focus, build strong relationships, and treat ourselves with kindness. Just like we care for our bodies, we must take time to care for our minds. Talking about our feelings, asking for help, and taking breaks when needed are simple but powerful steps toward a healthier, happier life.
      Dan Leahy Scholarship Fund
      From a young age, I’ve always known that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others. Nursing is more than just a career for me—it’s a calling. I love nursing because it gives me the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s offering comfort during a difficult time or helping someone recover their health, being a nurse means being there when others need help the most. One of the reasons I am so passionate about nursing is because I enjoy being in the hospital environment. Some people might find hospitals stressful, but to me, they are places of healing, strength, and hope. I love the feeling of being part of a team that works together to save lives and support patients and their families. The fast-paced environment keeps me motivated and reminds me that every second matters. Helping others has always been part of who I am. Whether it’s caring for a family member, volunteering in the community, or simply being a good listener, I find joy in giving support to those in need. Nursing allows me to do that every single day. I believe that even small acts of kindness—like a smile or a gentle touch—can bring comfort and hope to someone who is suffering. Another reason I love nursing is because it’s a job that requires both the heart and the mind. I enjoy learning about the human body, medical procedures, and how to respond in emergencies. At the same time, I love forming connections with patients and their families. It takes both knowledge and compassion to be a great nurse, and I am eager to continue growing in both areas. Saving lives is one of the most rewarding parts of being a nurse. There is no greater feeling than knowing that your actions helped someone survive, heal, or feel better. It reminds me why I chose this path in the first place. Nursing can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, but the rewards are beyond measure. Every patient I help strengthens my commitment to this profession. In conclusion, I love nursing because it allows me to do what I’m most passionate about: helping others, being in a hospital setting, and making a positive impact on people’s lives. I believe nursing is more than a job—it’s a way to serve others with compassion, skill, and heart. I am proud to be on the journey to becoming a nurse and look forward to making a difference every day.
      New Beginnings Immigrant Scholarship
      I am a gay man from the Middle East, and my sexual orientation has shaped the course of my life in both painful and powerful ways. In my home country, being openly gay is not just socially unacceptable—it is dangerous. The fear of being rejected by my family, harmed by others, or even arrested was something I lived with every day. I knew that if I wanted to live freely and be true to myself, I would have to leave everything I knew behind. That is why I moved to the United States—to survive, to live openly, and to build a future where I could be safe and accepted. Coming to the United States was not easy. I arrived with very little and had no family or close friends here. At times, I felt isolated, lost, and overwhelmed. I worked many jobs just to stay afloat—jobs with long hours and low pay. I faced discrimination, language barriers, and homesickness. But even in the hardest moments, I never gave up. I reminded myself that I was finally living in a place where I could be myself without fear, and that gave me strength. I have always wanted to help people, and my experiences have only deepened that desire. I know what it feels like to be vulnerable, to need compassion, and to hope for someone to care. That is why I chose to go to school to become a nurse. Nursing is more than just a career for me—it is a calling. I want to be there for people in their most difficult moments, just as I needed someone during mine. As I pursue my nursing education, I carry with me the pain of the past, but also the hope of a better future. I want to serve my community with empathy, kindness, and dedication. I want to show others—especially those who feel unseen or unwelcome—that they matter. I believe that my struggles have made me stronger, and I know they will make me a better nurse. My journey has not been easy, but it has given me a deep sense of purpose. I am proud of who I am and the path I have chosen. I am here to build a life of meaning, to help others heal, and to be a voice for those who cannot yet speak their truth. Nursing is my way of giving back—and moving forward.
      Community Health Ambassador Scholarship for Nursing Students
      From a young age, I’ve always known that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others. Nursing is more than just a career for me—it’s a calling. I love nursing because it gives me the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s offering comfort during a difficult time or helping someone recover their health, being a nurse means being there when others need help the most. One of the reasons I am so passionate about nursing is because I enjoy being in the hospital environment. Some people might find hospitals stressful, but to me, they are places of healing, strength, and hope. I love the feeling of being part of a team that works together to save lives and support patients and their families. The fast-paced environment keeps me motivated and reminds me that every second matters. Helping others has always been part of who I am. Whether it’s caring for a family member, volunteering in the community, or simply being a good listener, I find joy in giving support to those in need. Nursing allows me to do that every single day. I believe that even small acts of kindness—like a smile or a gentle touch—can bring comfort and hope to someone who is suffering. Another reason I love nursing is because it’s a job that requires both the heart and the mind. I enjoy learning about the human body, medical procedures, and how to respond in emergencies. At the same time, I love forming connections with patients and their families. It takes both knowledge and compassion to be a great nurse, and I am eager to continue growing in both areas. Saving lives is one of the most rewarding parts of being a nurse. There is no greater feeling than knowing that your actions helped someone survive, heal, or feel better. It reminds me why I chose this path in the first place. Nursing can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, but the rewards are beyond measure. Every patient I help strengthens my commitment to this profession. In conclusion, I love nursing because it allows me to do what I’m most passionate about: helping others, being in a hospital setting, and making a positive impact on people’s lives. I believe nursing is more than a job—it’s a way to serve others with compassion, skill, and heart. I am proud to be on the journey to becoming a nurse and look forward to making a difference every day.
      Serhat Esen Student Profile | Bold.org