It has been my life-long dream to pursue my nursing career. This is my ninth year as a nurse, and I am very passionate about my field of work. I love and count it as a privilege being able to advocate and campaign for my patients’ health and well-being during a time when they cannot do it for themselves. Becoming a nurse for me is simply not a job or career choice for me, but a calling. My desire is to attend Cal State Long Beach and achieve my bachelor’s degree in nursing to reach my goal. My long-term goal is to become a successful business owner by expanding my career by opening several nursing homes. While I was in nursing school, I was faced with so many challenges that almost weakened me to give up, but my children are the main reason for my self-motivation in order to provide a better life for them. I was consistently dealing with financial hardship, unstable living situations, car problems, babysitter dilemma, relationship issues, etc. My breaking point was when the trade school I was attending Four-D college in Colton, CA suffered a permanent closer while I was ending my third semester. It was reported that the owner filed for bankruptcy and did not want to renew the accreditations. That felt like the worst day of my life, the thoughts of me working so hard to accomplish my goal was devastating and I did not know my next plan. I had a hard time finding another school, most of the schools were not accepting our transcript credits. After several attempts, the administrator from Four-D college was able to place us at Pacific college in Ontario, CA, I just had to start my third term over once they started theirs a few months later. Despite what I been through I learned to realize someone can be dealing with circumstances worse than me, the most I can do is provide the best care for all aspects of a patient’s overall health. In addition to caring for family members and friends, throughout my nursing career I treat my patients as if they were my own. This is an exciting time of my life becoming closer to completing my goals. I will be considered the first one in my family to attend and successfully graduate college. Despite all the challenges I had to overcome to get to this point it would be worth the wait. My main goal is to set an example for my children and become an advocate for young people to pursue their career, encourage them to continue to strive for greatness no matter what circumstances they have to face. My dreams and aspirations after graduating I want to be a part of the change in this world, and I believe that I can bring a positive influence in today's healthcare crisis. Thank you for the time you have devoted to reading my essay. I would be grateful receiving this scholarship awarded to help me financially so I can continue to focus on my education by making it my top priority to complete successfully. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

While I was in nursing school, I was faced with so many challenges that almost weakened me to give up, but my children are the main reason for my self-motivation in order to provide a better life for them. I was consistently dealing with financial hardship, unstable living situations, car problems, babysitter dilemma, relationship issues, etc. My breaking point was when the trade school I was attending Four-D college in Colton, CA suffered a permanent closer while I was ending my third semester. It was reported that the owner filed for bankruptcy and did not want to renew the accreditations. That felt like the worst day of my life, the thoughts of me working so hard to accomplish my goal was devastating and I did not know my next plan. I had a hard time finding another school, most of the schools were not accepting our transcript credits. After several attempts, the administrator from Four-D college was able to place us at Pacific college in Ontario, CA, I just had to start my third term over once they started theirs a few months later. Despite what I been through I learned to realize someone can be dealing with circumstances worse than me, the most I can do is provide the best care for all aspects of a patient’s overall health. In addition to caring for family members and friends, throughout my nursing career I treat my patients as if they were my own. Thank you for the time you have devoted to reading my essay. I would be grateful receiving this scholarship awarded to help me financially so I can continue to focus on my education by making it my top priority to complete successfully. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Regards, Shanice Miller