I chose to pursue a career in nursing because it is a profession rooted in compassion, resilience, and human connection—values that have guided me through the most difficult chapters of my life. I’m a full-time mom, a former airline ground attendant, an artist, and a cancer survivor. I am now an LVN student, building a new path not only for myself but also for my daughter’s future. I was born and raised in the Philippines, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Tourism. Life took a hard turn when I lost both of my parents, and I became the legal guardian of my younger brother. In 2019, I moved to the United States, hoping to rebuild my life. But soon after I arrived, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and I found myself isolated in a new country without friends or support. During that difficult time, I turned to a resin art. I began crafting ocean-themed resin art coffee tables. What started as a hobby quickly became a profitable business on Etsy. Within a year, I went from a $50 coffee tables to fulfilling $12,000 custom dining table orders. It was my first taste of entrepreneurship and proof that I could turn my pain into purpose. But that success was short-lived. Without warning, my Etsy shop was shut down, and I lost everything I built. Shortly after, I became pregnant, and my daughter was diagnosed with a rare condition called situs inversus. I devoted myself fully to caring for her. Then in 2024, I was diagnosed with a borderline phyllodes tumor and underwent a mastectomy. It was a life-altering experience. During my hospital stay, the nurses who cared for me were more than professionals—they were lifelines. Their kindness and attention gave me strength during my darkest moments. That experience planted a seed: I wanted to become that person for someone else. I wanted to give others the kind of care and dignity I was given when I was most vulnerable. Nursing, to me, is not just a job—it is a calling. It’s how I honor the care I received, and it’s how I plan to give back. I care deeply about equitable access to healthcare, especially for immigrant mothers, low-income families, and those who feel invisible within the system. As someone who has experienced these struggles firsthand, I want to be a bridge for others—an advocate who sees them, hears them, and supports them. This scholarship would mean more than just financial support. It would be a reminder that people believe in second chances—and in people like me, who have rebuilt from nothing. With your help, I can continue my journey not just to become a nurse, but to become a voice for the voiceless, a steady hand for those in pain, and a symbol of resilience for my daughter. Nursing is my trade, but it is also my promise—to serve others with the same heart and care that once saved me. Thank you for considering my story.

My journey into the nursing field has been shaped by a life of unexpected detours, hardships, and resilience. I’m a full-time mother, a former airline worker, a creative entrepreneur, and a cancer survivor. Today, I’m proud to say I’m currently studying to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)—a trade I’ve come to pursue not only because of my experiences but because of my deep desire to serve others who are often unseen and underserved. I was born and raised in the Philippines, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Tourism. After the passing of both my parents, I took on the responsibility of becoming the guardian of my younger brother. In 2019, I moved to the United States with hopes for a better life. However, the timing couldn’t have been more challenging—the world was shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I found myself in a foreign country, isolated and without a support system. During that dark time, I poured my energy into art. I began making ocean-themed resin tables, each one unique and handcrafted. My small Etsy business grew from a $50 coffee tables order into thousands of dollars dining table's’ worth of custom projects in a year. That success, however, was short-lived. My account was unexpectedly shut down, and I lost the business I had worked so hard to build. But life had even more in store. I became pregnant and later gave birth to a daughter who was diagnosed with situs inversus, a rare medical condition. My world shifted completely, and I chose to become a full-time mother. Then in 2024, I was diagnosed with a borderline phyllodes tumor and underwent a mastectomy. It was one of the most painful experiences of my life, both physically and emotionally. But what stayed with me most were the nurses. Their kindness, compassion, and dedication inspired me in a way I never expected. They saw me not as just a patient, but as a person—vulnerable and in need of connection. They reminded me of my strength and restored my sense of hope. That experience lit a fire in me. I decided to become a nurse. I completed my CNA training while raising my daughter, and now I’m continuing on the LVN track. My long-term goal is to eventually become a Registered Nurse and specialize in either oncology or maternal-child care, both areas that have touched my life deeply. I’m committed not only to mastering my trade, but to giving back. As an immigrant and mother, I know firsthand the struggles that many low-income families and non-English-speaking patients face in healthcare settings. I want to be a bridge for them—someone who listens, who advocates, who helps them feel seen. I hope to create a safe, supportive environment for patients who often feel forgotten by the system. In the future, I also hope to offer educational workshops and free health resources to immigrant families in my community. Whether it’s teaching basic nutrition, postpartum care, or navigating the healthcare system, I want to use my knowledge and empathy to uplift others. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of my studies but would allow me to stay focused, continue showing up for my daughter, and keep pushing forward without losing momentum. More than just assistance, it would be a powerful vote of confidence in a future nurse who has turned hardship into purpose. Thank you for considering my story and helping me move one step closer to serving others through this trade I now hold so close to my heart.

My journey to higher education has been anything but conventional. I’m a full-time mother, a former airline worker, a small business owner, and a cancer survivor. I’m also currently pursuing my LVN certification to become a nurse—something I never imagined years ago, but now feel called to with my whole heart. I was born and raised in the Philippines, where I earned a degree in Tourism. After losing both of my parents shortly after college, I became the guardian of my younger brother. In 2019, I moved to the United States hoping for a fresh start. But my timing couldn’t have been more difficult—I arrived just as the COVID-19 pandemic was shutting everything down. Suddenly, I found myself in a new country, isolated, with no support system, just trying to survive. To cope with the emotional and financial pressure, I began creating and selling ocean-themed resin tables on Etsy. What began as a creative outlet quickly turned into a thriving business. I was proud to grow it from a single $50 sale into a $12,000 custom table order in a year. It gave me confidence, stability, and a sense of accomplishment. But after my Etsy account was shut down without warning, I lost everything I had worked for. That heartbreak forced me to step back and ask myself what truly mattered and what I wanted to do next. Soon after, I became pregnant with my daughter, who was later diagnosed with situs inversus—a rare condition where her organs are mirrored. I chose to pause everything and become a full-time mom. Then in 2024, I was diagnosed with a borderline phyllodes tumor and had to undergo a mastectomy. It was a physically and emotionally painful time, but the kindness of the nurses who cared for me stood out. Their compassion, presence, and support helped me through the darkest chapter of my life. It was then that I realized I wanted to do for others what they had done for me. That moment reshaped my life. I earned my CNA while raising my daughter and am now continuing toward my LVN. I want to use my personal experiences—especially those of being an immigrant, a mother, and a patient—to help others feel seen, safe, and cared for in the healthcare system. These life experiences have deeply shaped my personal values: resilience, compassion, and service. I’ve learned the value of showing up for people—not just physically, but emotionally—and I want to be the kind of nurse who treats patients with dignity and understanding, especially those who feel overlooked. I also feel a deep connection to other immigrant mothers who, like me, are navigating a new life while trying to hold everything together. I hope to use my nursing career to not only provide medical care but also be a source of emotional support to those in similar shoes. I believe strongly in the power of community. That’s why I eventually want to offer support services for low-income immigrant families—whether that’s providing basic health education, resources for new mothers, or simply creating a space where they feel they belong. Receiving this scholarship would be life-changing. It would ease the financial strain I’m carrying as I juggle parenting, studying, and trying to rebuild. More importantly, it would allow me to stay present for my daughter during her most formative years while still working toward a better future for both of us. This support would help me become the kind of nurse, mother, and community advocate I know I’m meant to be. Thank you for considering my story.

I am a dedicated mom, former Emirates airline ground staff and I am currently enrolled in an LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) program, having recently completed my CNA certification. Getting to this point in my educational journey has been anything but linear. I never imagined that I would end up in nursing. In fact, my original degree was in Tourism, earned back home in the Philippines, where I was born and raised. But life has a way of reshaping our paths—through loss, survival, and, ultimately, purpose. After graduating, I lost both of my parents. I became the guardian of my younger brother and found myself carrying adult responsibilities before I was ready. In 2019, I moved to the U.S. seeking a fresh start. I arrived just as the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world. Isolated and unfamiliar with the American system, I struggled to adjust. I had no support system—no friends, no family—just the hope that I could rebuild something better. To survive, I leaned into creativity. I began making resin furniture—especially ocean-themed tables—and selling them on Etsy. What started as a hobby became a thriving business. In one year, I grew from a $50 sale to selling $12,000 custom dining tables. I finally felt stable. But without warning, my Etsy account was closed, and I lost everything. It felt like I was back at square one. Shortly after, I became pregnant. During my pregnancy, I learned my baby had situs inversus, a rare condition. I focused completely on being a mother and preparing for anything. But just when I thought I was getting back on my feet, life threw me another challenge. In 2024, I was diagnosed with a borderline phyllodes tumor. I underwent a mastectomy, and although the physical pain was overwhelming, what stayed with me most was the emotional support I received from the nurses. That was my “aha” moment. Those nurses didn’t just take care of my body—they helped me feel safe, seen, and human again. As I lay in recovery, with fear, pain, and loneliness surrounding me, their empathy made all the difference. That’s when I knew: I wanted to become a nurse. I wanted to be for someone else what those nurses were for me. Despite having no background in medicine and being a full-time mother, I enrolled in CNA training and passed my clinicals. I found joy and purpose in caregiving, and that further confirmed I was on the right path. Now, I’m continuing my studies to become an LVN, determined to keep moving forward, even while raising a toddler and managing life on my own. Returning to school wasn’t easy. It meant starting over—again. It meant studying late at night while nursing, sacrificing time and comfort, and facing self-doubt. But I knew I had to do this—not just for me, but for my daughter. I want her to grow up watching a mother who doesn’t give up, who builds something meaningful, and who uses her pain to help others. My journey into nursing isn’t traditional. It’s shaped by personal trials, unexpected turns, and profound healing. But that’s what makes it meaningful. Nursing, to me, is not just a job—it’s a calling. It’s my chance to turn hardship into hope, and pain into purpose. This scholarship would help relieve the financial strain I’m under and allow me to focus more on my studies and my daughter. It would be more than financial aid—it would be a lifeline, just like those nurses were to me. Thank you for considering my story

My name is Sheena Young. I’m a full-time mother, a former airline worker, a cancer survivor, and now a nursing student working toward my LVN. My journey has been anything but easy, but every step I’ve taken has brought me closer to where I truly belong—in the healthcare field, serving others. I was born and raised in the Philippines, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Tourism. After losing both of my parents shortly after college, I became the sole guardian of my younger brother. In 2019, I immigrated to the United States seeking a better future—but what greeted me was the isolation and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alone in a new country, I had no support system and no job. I had to survive, adapt, and rebuild my life from scratch. Out of desperation and creativity, I started making ocean-themed coffee and dining tables using resin art. What started as a hobby quickly became a profitable business on Etsy. Within a year, I went from a $50 sale to fulfilling $12,000 custom table orders. It was my first taste of entrepreneurship and proof that I could turn my pain into purpose. But that success was short-lived. Without warning, my Etsy shop was shut down, and I lost everything I built. That same year, I became pregnant. During routine checkups, I learned my daughter had situs inversus, a rare congenital condition. I dedicated myself fully to motherhood and put everything else on hold. Then, in 2024, I was diagnosed with a borderline phyllodes tumor and underwent a mastectomy. That moment changed my life again. It wasn’t just the physical recovery that challenged me—it was the emotional toll of going through it all alone. But what stood out most during that difficult time were the nurses who cared for me. Their empathy, strength, and quiet reassurance were powerful. They didn’t just treat my illness—they made me feel human again. And in that moment, I knew. I wanted to become a nurse. That realization led me to pursue a CNA certification while caring full-time for my toddler. Now, I’m enrolled in an LVN program. Nursing may not be the first trade that comes to mind when people think of vocational careers, but it is one of the most hands-on, skill-based trades that exist. It requires both technical ability and emotional intelligence. For me, it’s the perfect intersection of compassion and craftsmanship. What motivates me isn’t just my personal experience. It’s the bigger picture: helping people like me—immigrants, mothers, low-income families—people who often get overlooked or underserved. I want to be a nurse who sees patients for who they are, not just what they’re going through. I want to offer the same dignity and support that saved me when I was at my lowest. This scholarship would make a huge difference. I’m currently balancing parenting, school, and finances entirely on my own. Every bit of help matters. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease my financial stress—it would give me more time to focus on my studies and be present for my daughter, who deserves a strong and loving mom. My dream is simple: to become the kind of nurse who changes lives—one patient, one act of kindness at a time. And with your support, I’m one step closer to making that dream come true.

The trade I am passionate about is nursing. While some may view nursing as a traditional career path rather than a “trade,” to me, it is both a calling and a skilled profession that demands compassion, critical thinking, and hands-on care—everything that defines trade work at its highest level. My journey into nursing wasn’t straightforward. I began my professional life in the airline industry as a passenger service agent in the Philippines, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Tourism. After losing both of my parents shortly after college, I took on the responsibility of raising my younger brother. In 2019, I moved to the United States, hoping to start a new chapter. I had no friends, no family here—just hope. The pandemic hit as soon as I arrived. Alone and isolated, I struggled emotionally and financially. To cope, I poured myself into something creative: designing handmade, ocean-themed tables. What began as a hobby became a successful Etsy business. I went from a $50 order to selling custom dining tables worth thousands of dollars. But just when things started to feel stable, my account was shut down without explanation. I lost my business overnight. Then came another life-altering moment—my pregnancy. During prenatal visits, I learned my daughter had a rare condition called situs inversus. I chose to become a full-time mom and focus solely on her. Soon after, in 2024, I was diagnosed with a borderline phyllodes tumor and underwent a mastectomy. The physical pain was immense—but what truly changed me was the care I received from my nurses. Their kindness, patience, and gentle strength helped me through one of the darkest seasons of my life. It was in those hospital rooms, not on any career planning sheet, that I discovered my true purpose. That’s when I decided to pursue nursing. I earned my CNA while raising my daughter and am now studying for my LVN at Unitek College. Every day I study or step into clinicals, I carry with me not just knowledge, but lived experience. I know what it’s like to feel scared, to feel alone, and to be completely at the mercy of the healthcare system. I want to be the kind of nurse who sees the whole person—not just the chart. What inspires me most are the stories of resilience in people—especially immigrants, mothers, and underserved families—who often feel overlooked. I want to be their advocate and their steady presence. Nursing isn’t just a career for me; it’s how I give back. It’s how I honor the care I once received and pay it forward. This scholarship would be more than financial aid. It would be a reminder that people believe in second chances—and in people like me, who have had to rebuild from nothing. With your support, I can continue my journey, not just to become a nurse, but to become a healer and a voice for those who need one most. Thank you for considering my story.

If an AI system were trained to understand the Filipino-American experience, I would want it to know that this identity is more than just immigration status or geography—it is a journey defined by deep family sacrifice, quiet resilience, and unspoken strength. I would want it to understand that being Filipino means holding joy and struggle in the same hand—smiling through adversity, showing up for others no matter how exhausted we are, and honoring family even when it hurts. I was born and raised in the Philippines and came to the U.S. in 2019, just before the world shut down due to COVID. I had no friends or family here. I lost both my parents after college and took care of my younger brother on my own. When I moved here, I had to start over completely—navigating a new country, a pandemic, and motherhood all at once. I built a business on Etsy by making ocean-themed tables and turned a $50 sale into a thriving career—until my account was shut down without explanation, and I lost everything. Then came my pregnancy, and later, a diagnosis for my daughter: situs inversus. I paused everything to be present for her. Just when I thought I might be finding my rhythm, I was diagnosed with a borderline phyllodes tumor. I underwent a mastectomy and had to rebuild again—physically, emotionally, financially. But through it all, I never lost hope. If AI tried to represent my story, I believe it would miss the emotional complexity behind every decision I’ve made—the moments of loneliness, the layers of quiet strength, the grief masked by smiles. No algorithm can fully capture the warmth of Filipino values: how we care for family, the pride we carry in our food and language, the way we celebrate life even in hardship. Now, as an LVN student and full-time mom, I carry these experiences into my future career. I want to be the kind of nurse who doesn’t just understand symptoms, but truly sees her patients—especially immigrants, mothers, and low-income families like mine. That’s what being Filipino-American means to me: to rise again and again, and to always choose compassion. Note: I used AI to help organize my thoughts and refine grammar while staying true to my personal story and voice.