Nine years ago, I was homeless, addicted, and convinced my life was beyond saving. I had lost my child because of my choices, and I was losing myself even faster. Every day was a fight just to survive—and most days, I wasn’t sure I even wanted to. But today, I stand on the other side: sober, a full-time mother to my two beautiful boys, and determined to use my nursing career to help others fight their way out of the same darkness I once lived in. I know addiction from every angle. I have seen the worst—friends who never made it out, lives ended far too soon. I have also seen the best—people who have rebuilt their lives and are now thriving in sobriety. My own journey has taken me through both. Volunteering in sober living homes has shown me the courage it takes to start over, and it was there I met the love of my life. We have shared years of sobriety together, built a family, and created a life we once thought was impossible. Addiction destroys more than just the person using. It ripples outward—hurting parents, children, siblings, and friends. I know what it feels like to be the addict, and I know what it feels like to be the loved one, watching helplessly. That is why I believe support must be given to both sides. When I become a nurse, I won’t just bring medical skills into the room—I will bring compassion, understanding, and the kind of empathy that only comes from lived experience. My work ethic has been forged in struggle. I don’t quit, no matter how hard the road gets. I’ve had to fight for every piece of my life back—from my sobriety to my custody to my stability. Those battles taught me perseverance, humility, and the importance of never giving up on someone, even when they’ve given up on themselves. These are the values I will carry into my nursing career. Helping others through addiction is more than a passion for me—it’s a purpose. My goal as a nurse is not only to treat patients but to meet them where they are, to give them hope when they can’t find it themselves, and to be living proof that recovery is possible. I want my children to see that no matter how far you fall, you can rise again—and when you do, you can use your story to lift others up with you. This scholarship is not just an investment in my education—it’s an investment in the lives I will touch. I am committed to using my degree to stand beside people at their lowest, just as others once stood beside me. My story began in rock bottom, but my future will be spent helping others climb out of theirs. I am proof that redemption is real. And with your support, I will spend my nursing career making sure others know it too.

Raising children, attending school, working, and keeping up with household responsibilities are more stressful than I thought. These are those times when I hope my children see that dreams don’t come easy. Maybe my children will even know the difference in living. I have tried my best as a mom, and for most of the 12 years, it has been just me and my two sons. Money has always been tight, and the struggle of extreme budgeting to make sure money lasts the two weeks before the next paycheck. Right now, these times are more chaotic than ever. As much shame as it brings me to admit, recently my children and I have become at risk for homelessness, as school is something I cannot give up on, and it is hard to find a job that works with my school schedule. I'm determined to support my family and finish school, and the resources like this scholarship could be what my family needs to get us through one more year of pursuing my degree. With no family comes little support, these scholoarships are all i have as a chance to get caught up or even just a little ahead. With this scholarship, I can focus more on my studies and dreams of becoming a nurse. My aunt would always say, “You’re good at taking care of others,” whenever she saw me playing doctor or with kids younger than me. I think that all clicked when it came so naturally to me during one of the most challenging times in my life. Cleaning my sister's port she had for chemo treatment, making sure all medications were taken on time, lots and lots of medication. It wasn’t just sterilizing and keeping records of medications. Individuals sick with cancer have several related diseases and symptoms that most people wouldn’t be willing, or couldn’t stomach, to be around. It never bothered me, it never deterred me. Watching the nurses care for my sister as she battled cancer was a glimpse of what roles they play in healthcare. The nurses who cared for my sister were terrific people. Their bedside manners, support, and kindness stayed with me long after those hospital visits ended. When my sister began remission status, I dove straight into healthcare. Nearly four years working at The Arc of the Ozarks, I decided to make nursing my future and apply to college. Becoming a registered nurse is more than just a career move—it’s my calling, purpose, and promise to my children to build a better future. Before I can put on my scrubs and get to work, there’s some hard work that needs to be done, a challenge that involves patience, caffeine, and a lot of textbooks. The schooling process for this degree will consist of one year of prerequisites geared toward the fundamentals of nursing. Ultimately, I’m not just chasing a degree; I’m building a life that matters. Before taking the leap of faith, I researched the initial stages of leaning toward critical care, i read through the article https://nursingeducation.org/authors/(2024, February 5). What are the career paths in Critical Care Nursing?. NursingEducation. https://nursingeducation.org/insights/critical-care-career-paths/. I learned several different subunits to critical care, from pediatrics to cardiac care. Whether I end up in a high-stakes ICU or by the bedside of someone going through chemo, I know I’ll be where I’m supposed to be. I’m becoming a nurse just like the nurses I once admired who cared for my sister. And one day, someone like me will look at me in admiration and know they’ve found their path too.

I have a natural ability to care for others, especially those in need of health support, guidance, and compassion. This gift has been a constant throughout my life, particularly in the areas of addiction recovery and mental health support. Caring for others is not just something I can do—it is something I am called to do. I am also deeply committed to learning. Every day, I seek out opportunities to expand my knowledge because I know that education is the foundation for building a better life. As a single mother of two, with no support system, I have faced my share of challenges. Despite those obstacles, I have taken a leap of faith to create a brighter, more secure future for my family. My ultimate goal is to become a registered nurse—a career that is both self-fulfilling and a way to serve others in their moments of greatest need. Nursing is a significant responsibility, but one I feel fully prepared for due to my hands-on experiences. I have cared for my only sister through her battle with leukemia, learning firsthand the emotional, physical, and medical demands of supporting someone through illness. Additionally, I worked for four years with The Arc of the Ozarks, assisting individuals with physical and mental disabilities. My role was to help them reintegrate into the community, build independence, and improve their quality of life. These experiences have strengthened my skills in empathy, patience, and problem-solving—qualities essential for nursing. I also strive to set an example for my children. I want them to see that hard work and determination can turn dreams into reality, even when life presents significant challenges. I aim to show them that perseverance is worth it, no matter how many obstacles stand in the way. Currently, I am enrolled in an accelerated nursing program, consistently earning A’s and B’s. My education is my top priority, but I am facing financial hardship that could jeopardize my ability to stay in school. After losing my job, I am at risk of homelessness. While I have always found ways to push forward and keep our lives stable, the strain of meeting basic living expenses while studying full-time is becoming overwhelming. This grant would give me the stability I need to focus on my education and complete my program successfully. It will give me hope to keep trying, and not only would allow me to afford my monthly expenses but also will affort one months rent for my small studio apartment, located within walking distance of my classes. This proximity is critical, as it reduces transportation costs and gives me more time to dedicate to my studies. I have worked tirelessly to provide for my family and pursue my education. I am determined to succeed, not only for myself but for my children and the patients I will one day serve as a nurse. This grant would provide the support I need to keep moving forward, and I am deeply grateful for your consideration. I cannot express my gratitude for reading my essay.

I have a natural ability to care for others, especially those in need of health support, guidance, and compassion. This gift has been a constant throughout my life, particularly in the areas of addiction recovery and mental health support. Caring for others is not just something I can do—it is something I am called to do. I am also deeply committed to learning. Every day, I seek out opportunities to expand my knowledge because I know that education is the foundation for building a better life. As a single mother of two, with no support system, I have faced my share of challenges. Despite those obstacles, I have taken a leap of faith to create a brighter, more secure future for my family. My ultimate goal is to become a registered nurse—a career that is both self-fulfilling and a way to serve others in their moments of greatest need. Nursing is a significant responsibility, but one I feel fully prepared for due to my hands-on experiences. I have cared for my only sister through her battle with leukemia, learning firsthand the emotional, physical, and medical demands of supporting someone through illness. Additionally, I worked for four years with The Arc of the Ozarks, assisting individuals with physical and mental disabilities. My role was to help them reintegrate into the community, build independence, and improve their quality of life. These experiences have strengthened my skills in empathy, patience, and problem-solving—qualities essential for nursing. I also strive to set an example for my children. I want them to see that hard work and determination can turn dreams into reality, even when life presents significant challenges. I aim to show them that perseverance is worth it, no matter how many obstacles stand in the way. Currently, I am enrolled in an accelerated nursing program, consistently earning A’s and B’s. My education is my top priority, but I am facing financial hardship that could jeopardize my ability to stay in school. After losing my job, I am at risk of homelessness. While I have always found ways to push forward and keep our lives stable, the strain of meeting basic living expenses while studying full-time is becoming overwhelming. This grant would give me the stability I need to focus on my education and complete my program successfully. It would allow me to afford my monthly rent for my small studio apartment, located within walking distance of my classes. This proximity is critical, as it reduces transportation costs and gives me more time to dedicate to my studies. I have worked tirelessly to provide for my family and pursue my education. I am determined to succeed, not only for myself but for my children and the patients I will one day serve as a nurse. This grant would provide the support I need to keep moving forward, and I am deeply grateful for your consideration.

I have a natural ability to care for others, especially those in need of health support, guidance, and compassion. This gift has been a constant throughout my life, particularly in the areas of addiction recovery and mental health support. Caring for others is not just something I can do—it is something I am called to do. I am also deeply committed to learning. Every day, I seek out opportunities to expand my knowledge because I know that education is the foundation for building a better life. As a single mother of two, with no support system, I have faced my share of challenges. Despite those obstacles, I have taken a leap of faith to create a brighter, more secure future for my family. My ultimate goal is to become a registered nurse—a career that is both self-fulfilling and a way to serve others in their moments of greatest need. Nursing is a significant responsibility, but one I feel fully prepared for due to my hands-on experiences. I have cared for my only sister through her battle with leukemia, learning firsthand the emotional, physical, and medical demands of supporting someone through illness. Additionally, I worked for four years with The Arc of the Ozarks, assisting individuals with physical and mental disabilities. My role was to help them reintegrate into the community, build independence, and improve their quality of life. These experiences have strengthened my skills in empathy, patience, and problem-solving—qualities essential for nursing. I also strive to set an example for my children. I want them to see that hard work and determination can turn dreams into reality, even when life presents significant challenges. I aim to show them that perseverance is worth it, no matter how many obstacles stand in the way. Currently, I am enrolled in an accelerated nursing program, consistently earning A’s and B’s. My education is my top priority, but I am facing financial hardship that could jeopardize my ability to stay in school. After losing my job, I am at risk of homelessness. While I have always found ways to push forward and keep our lives stable, the strain of meeting basic living expenses while studying full-time is becoming overwhelming. This grant would give me the stability I need to focus on my education and complete my program successfully. It would allow me to afford my monthly rent for my small studio apartment, located within walking distance of my classes. This proximity is critical, as it reduces transportation costs and gives me more time to dedicate to my studies. I have worked tirelessly to provide for my family and pursue my education. I am determined to succeed, not only for myself but for my children and the patients I will one day serve as a nurse. This grant would provide the support I need to keep moving forward, and I am deeply grateful for your consideration.

I have a natural ability to care for others, especially those in need of health support, guidance, and compassion. This gift has been a constant throughout my life, particularly in the areas of addiction recovery and mental health support. Caring for others is not just something I can do—it is something I am called to do. I am also deeply committed to learning. Every day, I seek out opportunities to expand my knowledge because I know that education is the foundation for building a better life. As a single mother of two, with no support system, I have faced my share of challenges. Despite those obstacles, I have taken a leap of faith to create a brighter, more secure future for my family. My ultimate goal is to become a registered nurse—a career that is both self-fulfilling and a way to serve others in their moments of greatest need. Nursing is a significant responsibility, but one I feel fully prepared for due to my hands-on experiences. I have cared for my only sister through her battle with leukemia, learning firsthand the emotional, physical, and medical demands of supporting someone through illness. Additionally, I worked for four years with The Arc of the Ozarks, assisting individuals with physical and mental disabilities. My role was to help them reintegrate into the community, build independence, and improve their quality of life. These experiences have strengthened my skills in empathy, patience, and problem-solving—qualities essential for nursing. I also strive to set an example for my children. I want them to see that hard work and determination can turn dreams into reality, even when life presents significant challenges. I aim to show them that perseverance is worth it, no matter how many obstacles stand in the way. Currently, I am enrolled in an accelerated nursing program, consistently earning A’s and B’s. My education is my top priority, but I am facing financial hardship that could jeopardize my ability to stay in school. After losing my job, I am at risk of homelessness. While I have always found ways to push forward and keep our lives stable, the strain of meeting basic living expenses while studying full-time is becoming overwhelming. This grant would give me the stability I need to focus on my education and complete my program successfully. It would allow me to afford my monthly rent for my small studio apartment, located within walking distance of my classes. This proximity is critical, as it reduces transportation costs and gives me more time to dedicate to my studies. I have worked tirelessly to provide for my family and pursue my education. I am determined to succeed, not only for myself but for my children and the patients I will one day serve as a nurse. This grant would provide the support I need to keep moving forward, and I am deeply grateful for your consideration.