
Hobbies and interests
Coaching
Reading
Romance
I read books multiple times per month
Skyla Cruz
1x
Finalist
Skyla Cruz
1x
FinalistBio
I’m a dedicated college student-athlete and gymnast who strives to balance academics, leadership, and personal growth. Alongside competing in gymnastics, I’m actively involved in organizations such as SGA, Walk Like MADD, and Alpha Epsilon Delta, where I work to make a positive impact on both my campus and community. Education is extremely important to me, and despite the challenges that come with the high cost of school, I remain focused and motivated in pursuing my goals. I hope to become a Nurse and then CRNA in the future so I can help others through compassionate healthcare and meaningful patient care.
Education
Centenary College of Louisiana
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
Minors:
- Biological and Physical Sciences
Bel Air High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Biological and Physical Sciences
Career
Dream career field:
Health, Wellness, and Fitness
Dream career goals:
CRNA
PT tech, I worked a lot with patients, helping the PTs and PTAs
Brewer Physical Therapy2025 – 20261 year
Sports
Artistic Gymnastics
Club2012 – Present14 years
Public services
Advocacy
Walk Like MADD — To reach out to individuals to come support our causes2025 – Present
VNutrition and Wellness Nursing Scholarship
Nutrition plays a vital role in overall health, recovery, and quality of life. As a future nurse, I hope to make a positive impact on my patients by helping them understand the connection between healthy eating and long term wellness. While medications and treatments are important, proper nutrition is often one of the most effective tools for preventing disease, managing chronic conditions, and supporting recovery. Through education, encouragement, and leading by example, I plan to help patients make healthier choices that can improve their lives.
My nursing career will allow me to work directly with patients and families who may be facing health challenges such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or other chronic illnesses. Many of these conditions are influenced by nutrition and lifestyle habits. As a nurse, I want to provide patients with practical information that they can realistically apply to their daily lives. Rather than overwhelming patients with strict diets or unrealistic expectations, I hope to help them make small, sustainable changes that can lead to long term success.
One of the most important steps I plan to take is educating patients about the impact of food choices on their health. Many people know that eating healthier is important, but they may not understand how specific foods affect blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, energy levels, or recovery from illness. By taking time to explain these connections in a way that is easy to understand, I can help patients feel more confident in making informed decisions about their nutrition.
I also plan to encourage healthier eating habits by helping patients set realistic goals. For example, instead of completely changing their diet overnight, I might encourage them to drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables, reduce sugary beverages, or choose healthier snacks. Small changes often feel more achievable and can build confidence for larger lifestyle improvements over time.
Another way I hope to improve people's health is by recognizing that nutrition is not the same for everyone. Every patient comes from a different background, has different preferences, and may face different challenges such as limited access to healthy foods or financial constraints. I want to listen to patients and work with them to find solutions that fit their individual circumstances. By showing understanding and respect, I can help patients feel supported rather than judged.
As someone pursuing a nursing career with an interest in critical care, I know I will care for patients experiencing serious illnesses and medical emergencies. In these situations, nutrition often plays a key role in recovery and long term health outcomes. Whether helping a patient recover after hospitalization or educating them about preventing future complications, I want to ensure they understand how nutrition can support their health goals.
Ultimately, my goal as a nurse is to empower patients to take control of their health. By providing education, encouragement, and compassionate support, I hope to help people develop healthier eating habits that improve not only their nutrition but also their overall well being and quality of life. Through nursing, I will have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of the patients and families I serve.
EverGreen Trails of Service Scholarship
My decision to pursue nursing was inspired by my grandmother, who has been a nurse for many years. Growing up, I watched the compassion, dedication, and hard work she brought to her patients every day. Even though nursing was always around me, I did not initially see myself following the same career path. However, after shadowing healthcare professionals and gaining experience in healthcare settings, I began to realize the meaning and rewards of nursing.
The more time I spent around patients and healthcare teams, the more I realized that I enjoy helping people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I find fulfillment in knowing that even small actions can make a patient feel more comfortable, supported, and hopeful. Seeing patients improve and recover because of the care they receive is incredibly rewarding, and it motivated me to pursue a career where I can make a direct impact on others every day.
My grandmother played a major role in helping me understand the many aspects of nursing. Through her experiences, she taught me that nursing is not only about medical knowledge but also about compassion, advocacy, and communication. Her guidance helped me appreciate the trust that patients place in nurses and the difference a caring nurse can make in someone's life.
My planned specialty is either intensive care (ICU) or emergency nursing (ER). I am drawn to these areas because they require quick thinking, teamwork, strong clinical skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. I enjoy fast paced environments where every day presents new challenges and opportunities to learn. I am especially interested in caring for critically ill patients and helping them through medical emergencies when they need support the most.
Working in the ICU will also help me achieve my long term goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). CRNAs play a vital role in patient care, and I am excited by the opportunity to combine advanced medical knowledge with hands on patient care. I believe that beginning my career as an ICU nurse will allow me to develop the skills, experience, and confidence necessary to provide exceptional care throughout my nursing career.
Ultimately, I chose nursing because I want to help people, make a meaningful difference in their lives, and continue the legacy of compassion and service that my grandmother inspired in me. Nursing offers the opportunity to positively impact patients and families every day, and I am excited to dedicate my future to this profession.
Charles B. Brazelton Memorial Scholarship
One thing that has always made me stand out is that I talk to myself constantly. It is something I have done for as long as I can remember, and honestly, I do not even realize I am doing it most of the time. My teammates think it is hilarious because they are always convinced I am talking to them, and then they realize I am actually just having a conversation with myself. At this point, it has become one of the things people know me for.
As awkward as it sounds, talking to myself has actually helped me a lot throughout my life, especially as an athlete. Gymnastics is such a mental sport, and I am always thinking through routines, correcting myself, or hyping myself up before a skill. Sometimes I will quietly repeat reminders like “tight legs,” “breathe,” or “you got this” without even noticing. Other times, I am replaying an entire routine out loud while walking around the gym. My teammates will randomly answer me because they think I asked a question, and then we all end up laughing when I tell them I was not talking to anyone.
Growing up, I used to get embarrassed about it because people would point it out or joke about it. But over time, I realized it is just part of who I am. If anything, it reflects how focused and driven I can be. I am constantly thinking ahead, analyzing situations, and trying to improve myself. Talking through things helps me stay organized mentally and keeps me calm under pressure.
Being homeschooled for most of my life may have contributed to it too. I spent a lot of time training, studying independently, and keeping myself motivated. When you spend hours practicing difficult skills or balancing schoolwork and athletics, you learn how to encourage yourself and stay mentally strong. Talking to myself became second nature.
Now, instead of seeing it as something awkward, I see it as something unique and funny that makes me memorable. It has become a running joke among my teammates, but it also shows how comfortable I am being myself around others. I think everyone has little quirks that make them different, and this just happens to be mine.
At the end of the day, I have learned that the things that make us seem “awkward” are often the same things that make us authentic. My habit of talking to myself may confuse people sometimes, but it also reminds me not to take life too seriously. If my teammates are laughing and I am smiling too, then I would say it is not such a bad thing after all.
Champions Of A New Path Scholarship
I believe I deserve this scholarship because I have dedicated my life to both academics and athletics while overcoming the financial and personal challenges that come with pursuing higher education and competitive sports. What gives me an advantage over others is not only my work ethic, but also my perseverance, discipline, and long-term commitment to reaching my goals despite obstacles.
For over 15 years, gymnastics has been one of the biggest parts of my life. The sport has taught me lessons that go far beyond athletics, including time management, resilience, leadership, and determination. Gymnastics is physically and mentally demanding, and balancing years of intense training with school has required constant sacrifice and dedication. Even while competing, I remained focused on my education and worked hard to maintain strong academic performance.
I was homeschooled from third through tenth grade, which helped me become independent and self-disciplined in my studies while continuing to train and compete in gymnastics. During my final two years of high school, I returned to a traditional school setting so I could compete for both high school and club gymnastics. That transition taught me how to adapt to new environments while continuing to succeed academically and athletically.
Today, I am a college gymnast at Centenary College of Louisiana pursuing a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a biology minor. My goal is to attend Physician Assistant (PA) school and work in sports medicine or orthopedics. As an athlete, I have experienced injuries, recovery, and the importance of healthcare firsthand, which inspired my passion for helping others improve their health and return to doing what they love.
What truly motivates me is my family. My parents have always worked hard to provide for me and my two younger brothers, and they have sacrificed so much to support my gymnastics career and education. Because gymnastics and college are both expensive, I understand the financial burden that comes with pursuing these opportunities. Receiving this scholarship would not only help ease that burden, but it would also allow me to continue pursuing my education and athletic career without giving up on the goals I have worked toward for so many years.
I believe I stand out because I am not afraid of hard work. I have spent years balancing academics, athletics, and personal responsibilities while continuing to push myself to improve. I am determined to use my education and experiences to build a successful future in healthcare, help others live healthier lives, and eventually give back to my family for everything they have done for me.
This scholarship would be an investment in someone who is driven, hardworking, and committed to making a positive impact both in athletics and in the medical field.
Future of S&C: Strength Coach Job Network Scholarship
As someone who has been an athlete for over 15 years, I have personally experienced how important strength and conditioning is to both athletic performance and overall health. Throughout my gymnastics career, I have worked with many different coaches, training styles, and conditioning programs. Those experiences have shown me that strength and conditioning is constantly evolving, and I believe the next 5–10 years will bring even more advancements focused on injury prevention, individualized training, recovery, and long-term athlete wellness.
One of the biggest ways I see the field evolving is through more personalized and science-based training programs. In the past, many athletes followed similar conditioning plans regardless of their individual needs, but now coaches and healthcare professionals are beginning to understand that every athlete’s body responds differently to training. Advances in technology, movement analysis, and recovery tracking are helping create programs tailored to each athlete’s strengths, weaknesses, and injury history. I believe future strength and conditioning programs will continue to become more data-driven and focused on improving performance while reducing injuries and burnout.
Another major evolution in the field will be the increased emphasis on overall wellness and recovery rather than just physical performance. As an athlete, I have learned that training hard is important, but recovery, nutrition, sleep, and mental health are just as essential for long-term success. In the future, I think strength and conditioning professionals will work even more closely with sports medicine providers, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and nutritionists to create a more complete approach to athlete care. Athletes are beginning to understand that staying healthy is just as important as performing well, and I believe that mindset will continue to grow.
I also believe social media and technology will continue to influence the fitness and strength industry. More people now have access to workouts, training information, and health education than ever before. While this can be beneficial, it also creates challenges because not all information online is accurate or safe. This is one reason why educated professionals in sports medicine and strength training will become even more important in the future. Athletes and everyday individuals need guidance from people who truly understand proper movement, injury prevention, and healthy training methods.
My goal is to contribute to this evolution by combining my personal athletic experience with a medical background. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a biology minor, and I plan to attend Physician Assistant (PA) school to work in sports medicine and orthopedics. Through this career path, I hope to help athletes recover from injuries, improve their performance safely, and maintain healthy lifestyles long-term.
Because I have spent most of my life as a gymnast, I understand firsthand the physical and mental demands athletes face. I want to use my experiences to connect with patients and encourage them to stay active, prioritize their health, and develop confidence in themselves. I love working out, staying fit, and learning how to keep the body healthy, and I hope to inspire others to do the same. Whether I am helping athletes return to their sport or motivating individuals to improve their overall health, I want to make a positive impact by promoting safe training, wellness, and lifelong fitness.
Stephan L. Wolley Memorial Scholarship
My name is Skyla Cruz, I am 20 years old, a upcming junior in college, and I have been a gymnast for over 15 years. Gymnastics has shaped who I am both as an athlete and as a person. The sport has taught me discipline, perseverance, time management, and how to stay motivated even through challenges and setbacks. It has been a major part of my life since I was very young, and it continues to inspire my goals for the future.
I was homeschooled for most of my education, from third grade through tenth grade. Being homeschooled gave me the flexibility to dedicate more time to training and traveling for gymnastics while still focusing on academics. It also helped me become more independent and self-motivated in my studies. However, during my last two years of high school, I decided to return to a traditional school setting so I could compete for both the high school gymnastics team and club gymnastics. That experience allowed me to build friendships, grow socially, and balance both athletics and academics in a new environment.
Currently, I am a college gymnast at Centenary College of Louisiana, where I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a minor in biology. My academic interests are closely connected to my experiences as an athlete. Through years of training, injuries, recovery, and working with medical professionals, I became interested in healthcare and helping others improve their quality of life. My goal after college is to attend Physician Assistant (PA) school and build a career in medicine where I can make a positive impact on people’s lives.
My family dynamic is overall very supportive and loving. My parents have always worked hard to provide for me and my two younger brothers. They have sacrificed a lot to help me continue gymnastics throughout the years, especially because the sport can be extremely expensive. From travel expenses to training fees and competition costs, my parents have consistently encouraged me to pursue my passion while also emphasizing the importance of education. Watching their hard work has motivated me to stay focused and strive for success, not only for myself but also for my family.
As the oldest sibling, I try to set a good example for my younger brothers by showing them the importance of dedication and perseverance. Balancing school, gymnastics, and personal responsibilities has not always been easy, but those experiences have made me stronger and more determined. I understand the value of hard work and the importance of taking advantage of opportunities such as scholarships to help reduce the financial burden of college.
Receiving scholarship support would mean a great deal to me because it would allow me to continue pursuing both my education and my athletic career. Gymnastics has been a lifelong passion, and I hope to continue enjoying the sport while working toward my future goals. Most importantly, I hope to one day give back to my family for everything they have done for me and make them proud through my accomplishments in both academics and healthcare.
Women in STEM Scholarship
As a woman pursuing a career in STEM, this scholarship’s mission strongly connects with my goals, values, and experiences. I believe STEM is about more than science and technology. It is about using knowledge and innovation to improve people’s lives. For me, that passion comes from healthcare. I am currently working toward becoming a Physician Assistant because I believe healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation. No one should struggle to receive the care they need, and I want to be part of creating a more compassionate and accessible healthcare system.
Being both a student-athlete and a STEM major has taught me the importance of discipline, resilience, and perseverance. Balancing college gymnastics with demanding science courses has not always been easy, but those experiences have pushed me to grow stronger mentally and academically. Athletics taught me how to stay committed even during difficult moments, while STEM has challenged me to think critically, stay curious, and continue learning every day.
As a female athlete, I have also learned the importance of representation and leadership. Throughout my journey, I have realized how powerful it is for young girls to see women succeeding in both athletics and STEM fields. I want to inspire younger girls to believe they are capable of pursuing careers in healthcare, science, and other STEM related fields, even when those paths feel challenging. I currently mentor younger gymnasts, and I hope to continue encouraging young women to work hard, believe in themselves, and chase their goals fearlessly.
This scholarship would support me not only financially, but also personally. Right now, balancing expensive tuition, living expenses, and the responsibilities of being a college athlete can be overwhelming. Receiving this scholarship would relieve some of that stress and allow me to focus more on my education, athletic career, and future goals. More importantly, it would remind me that there are people and organizations who believe in supporting women in STEM and empowering them to succeed.
In the future, I hope to use my STEM education and healthcare career to make a positive impact in underserved communities. I want to provide care to people who may not otherwise have access to quality healthcare and be someone who truly listens to and supports patients. This scholarship would help me continue building toward that future while allowing me to grow as both a student and an athlete.
I am proud to be a woman pursuing STEM, and I hope to continue contributing to a community of women who are driven, curious, hardworking, and passionate about making a difference in the world.
Strong Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
Leadership, to me, is not about having a title or being the loudest person in the room. I believe true leadership comes from the way you treat others, the example you set, and the effort you put in every single day. As a college gymnast, I am part of the leadership group for my team, and that experience has shown me that leadership is about consistency, trust, and supporting the people around you.
One thing I strongly believe is that you do not need the title of captain to be a leader. Anyone can lead through their actions. I try to lead by example both in and outside of the gym by working hard, staying disciplined, and showing up with a positive attitude. I believe that when people see someone giving their full effort and staying committed even during difficult times, it motivates others to do the same. Leadership is not just about telling people what to do—it is about inspiring them through your own actions.
In gymnastics, teamwork is extremely important even though it is often seen as an individual sport. Every athlete contributes to the energy and culture of the team. I always try to be supportive of my teammates, whether that means encouraging them during practice, helping them through difficult moments, or celebrating their successes. I know how important it is to feel supported, especially during stressful times, and I want my teammates to know they can rely on me.
Another quality that makes me a leader is honesty. I believe honesty builds trust, and trust is one of the most important parts of any strong team. I try to be genuine in the way I communicate and always stay true to myself and others. I also believe leaders should be accountable. If I make mistakes, I take responsibility for them and learn from them because growth comes from being willing to improve.
My experiences as an athlete have also shaped my leadership skills. Throughout my gymnastics career, I have faced challenges, setbacks, and injuries that tested me mentally and physically. Those experiences taught me resilience and showed me how to stay strong even during difficult moments. Because of that, I understand the importance of encouraging others when they are struggling and reminding them of their strength and potential.
Outside of athletics, I try to carry those same qualities into everyday life. Whether it is helping younger gymnasts, supporting friends, or balancing academics with athletics, I aim to be someone others can depend on. To me, leadership is about being hardworking, supportive, honest, and willing to help others grow alongside you.
Being a leader does not mean being perfect. It means continuing to learn, staying positive through challenges, and helping create an environment where others feel motivated and supported. That is the kind of leader I strive to be every day.
YOU GOT IT GIRL SCHOLARSHIP
1. Being a female athlete has shaped me into the hardworking and determined person I am today. I believe I am a “YOU GOT IT GIRL” because I always push myself to go the extra mile, both in sports and in life. Whether it is in the gym, at practice, or in the classroom, I give my full effort and stay committed to improving every day. Gymnastics has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of showing up for myself and others even during difficult times. One of the qualities that defines me most is my work ethic. I never settle for the minimum because I know growth comes from hard work and consistency. I believe being a great athlete also means being a supportive teammate who encourages others and helps create a positive environment. Gymnastics has also taught me how to overcome obstacles. There have been moments when I felt discouraged or exhausted, but I learned how to push through challenges instead of giving up. Every setback became a lesson that made me stronger mentally and emotionally. Because of sports, I have learned leadership, accountability, teamwork, and confidence. Lessons that will stay with me for the rest of my life.This scholarship would help me continue pursuing my academic and athletic goals. More importantly, receiving this scholarship would remind me that hard work, resilience, and dedication truly matter. I love my sport and everything it has given me. It has helped me grow into someone who never gives up, always supports others, and continues striving to become the best version of myself.
2. I have been involved in gymnastics since I was 7 years old, and now at 20, it has become one of the biggest parts of my life. Through gymnastics, I have learned discipline, resilience, and the importance of hard work both in sports and in everyday life. One of my proudest accomplishments is being the first girl from El Paso to commit to and compete for a college gymnastics program. During high school, I ranked Top 10 in the state for gymnastics, which motivated me to continue pushing myself to improve. I continued my gymnastics career at Centenary College of Louisiana, where I achieved some of my biggest accomplishments. I was one of five athletes on my team to qualify for nationals and one of only two to make it to finals on beam. At nationals, I earned a 9.825 on beam, which was one of the top scores of the season.
3. One of the biggest challenges I faced was tearing my ACL during my senior year of high school gymnastics at regionals. At the time, I was ranked first in the state and had a real chance of winning state that year. It was heartbreaking because I had worked so hard for that moment, and suddenly everything changed in an instant. The injury not only ended my senior season, but it also affected my transition into college gymnastics. During my first year at Centenary College of Louisiana, I had to redshirt while recovering from surgery and rehabilitation. Watching my teammates compete while I was unable to do what I loved was mentally and emotionally difficult.
However, that experience taught me resilience and patience in a way nothing else could. Instead of giving up, I focused on my recovery and worked every day to come back stronger. The injury showed me that my strength was not only physical, but also mental. It taught me how to overcome setbacks, stay disciplined, and keep believing in myself even during difficult times.
4. Someone I look up to is my old teammate, Emma. She was hardworking, supportive, and always pushed herself to be better in and out of the gym. She constantly encouraged her teammates and created a positive environment for everyone around her. Emma showed me that being a great athlete is not just about talent, but also about leadership, kindness, and supporting others.
5. This scholarship would help me a lot because I am currently struggling financially. Between paying for my apartment and expensive tuition, it has been difficult trying to balance school, athletics, and everyday expenses. My apartment is my biggest expense right now, and having extra support would take a huge amount of stress off of me. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus on my goals instead of constantly worrying about money.
6. I would love the opportunity to represent YGIG as a college athlete. I currently compete in gymnastics for Centenary College of Louisiana, and being a student-athlete has taught me discipline, resilience, and how to balance challenges both in sports and academics. One of the most meaningful parts of my athletic journey is being able to give back to younger athletes.
Kayla Nicole Monk Memorial Scholarship
I chose to pursue a STEM major because I believe healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation. Growing up, I realized that many people struggle to receive the medical care they need. Some cannot afford treatment, while others face long wait times, language barriers, or a lack of healthcare providers in their communities. I believe it is unfair for any human being to suffer simply because they cannot access proper care. This belief inspired me to follow a path in healthcare and work toward becoming a Physician Assistant (PA).
What draws me most to the PA profession is the opportunity to directly help patients while building meaningful relationships with them. Physician Assistants play an important role in healthcare by diagnosing illnesses, creating treatment plans, educating patients, and working closely with physicians and nurses. I admire how PAs can work in many different specialties and provide compassionate care to people from all walks of life. I want to be someone who listens to patients, supports them during difficult moments, and ensures they feel respected and cared for.
Choosing a STEM major has challenged me academically and personally. Courses in biology, chemistry, and anatomy require discipline, critical thinking, and perseverance. Although the workload can be demanding, these experiences have strengthened my passion for healthcare and prepared me for the responsibilities of a future medical professional. STEM education is not only about learning scientific concepts; it is about using knowledge to solve real-world problems and improve people’s lives. For me, healthcare is one of the most important fields where science and compassion come together.
This scholarship would have a major impact on my educational journey and future goals. Pursuing a STEM degree and preparing for PA school can be financially overwhelming. Between tuition, textbooks, lab fees, and other expenses, the cost of education creates stress for many students. Receiving this scholarship would ease that burden and allow me to focus more on my studies, volunteer experiences, and professional development. Instead of worrying constantly about finances, I would be able to dedicate more time toward becoming the best healthcare provider I can be.
More importantly, this scholarship would bring me one step closer to achieving my dream of making healthcare more accessible. As a future Physician Assistant, I hope to serve underserved communities where access to healthcare is limited. I want to advocate for patients who feel unheard and help provide quality care to individuals who may otherwise go without treatment. My long-term goal is not only to treat illnesses, but also to educate patients about prevention and healthy living so they can lead better lives.
Education has the power to create change, and I want to use my STEM education to make a positive difference in the world. By becoming a Physician Assistant, I hope to combine science, empathy, and service to help people receive the care they deserve. This scholarship would not only support my education, but also support my mission to create a future where healthcare is more fair, compassionate, and accessible for everyone.
Women in Healthcare Scholarship
I chose to pursue a degree in healthcare because I have always been inspired by the women in my family who are nurses. Growing up, I watched them care for others with compassion, strength, and dedication. They showed me what it means to be a strong and independent woman while also making a difference in people’s lives. Seeing the impact they had on patients and families motivated me to follow a similar path and dedicate my future to helping others through healthcare.
My family members taught me that healthcare is more than just treating illnesses. It is about comforting people during difficult times, listening to patients, and giving them hope when they need it most. I admired how they balanced professionalism with kindness, and I realized that I wanted to have the same positive influence on others. Their example showed me that women in healthcare can be leaders, role models, and sources of support for their communities.
Another reason I want to pursue healthcare is because I believe everyone deserves access to quality care and compassion. There are many people around the world who do not receive the medical attention they need, and I want to be part of changing that. My goal is to provide healthcare to people from different backgrounds and communities, especially those who may not have enough resources or support. I want to use my education and skills to improve lives and help create healthier communities.
As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to inspire others the same way my family inspired me. I want to show young girls that they can achieve their goals, become successful professionals, and make a meaningful impact in the world. Women in healthcare play an important role because they bring empathy, understanding, and resilience to the profession. I hope to continue that legacy by being someone others can look up to and trust.
In addition, I want to make patients feel safe, respected, and cared for. Sometimes people are scared or vulnerable when they are in a hospital or clinic, and having a healthcare worker who treats them with kindness can make a huge difference. I hope to be the type of healthcare professional who not only helps patients physically but also supports them emotionally.
Overall, pursuing a degree in healthcare is deeply personal to me. My family members showed me the importance of caring for others and being a strong woman who can create positive change. Through healthcare, I hope to give back to the world by helping people, supporting communities, and inspiring future generations of women to believe in themselves and follow their dreams.
Hines Scholarship
Going to college means more to me than earning a degree. It represents an opportunity to honor the sacrifices my parents made and to create a future where I can give back to them and to others. My parents were teen parents, and despite the challenges they faced at such a young age, they worked tirelessly to provide my siblings and me with opportunities they never had. They sacrificed their time, energy, and finances to make sure we could succeed. Watching their determination has inspired me to work hard and make the most of every opportunity I am given.
For me, college is a chance to break barriers and prove that hard work and perseverance can create a better future. I do not want my parents’ sacrifices to go unnoticed or wasted. They have carried the financial burden of raising a family for many years, and one of my biggest goals is to ease that burden. By earning a college degree and pursuing a stable career, I hope to provide support for them and give back some of the love and effort they have always shown me.
At the same time, I want my education to be about more than financial stability. I want to do something greater than myself by helping others and making a positive impact in people’s lives. That is why I hope to become a Physician Assistant. The medical field appeals to me because it combines knowledge, compassion, and service. I admire healthcare professionals who dedicate themselves to caring for others during difficult times, and I want to be someone who can offer comfort, guidance, and treatment to patients in need.
Becoming a PA would allow me to build meaningful relationships with patients while also contributing to my community. I want to help people feel heard and cared for, especially those who may not always have access to quality healthcare or support. I understand that the journey to becoming a Physician Assistant will require discipline, commitment, and years of hard work, but I am prepared to put in the effort because I am aware of the stakes. My family’s sacrifices motivate me every day to keep pushing forward.
College is also an opportunity for personal growth. It will challenge me academically and help me develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed in a demanding profession. I want to learn not only from my classes, but also from the people I meet and the experiences I gain along the way. I hope to grow into someone who can inspire others the same way my parents inspired me.
Ultimately, going to college means creating a future filled with purpose. It means honoring my parents, supporting my family, and pursuing a career where I can make a difference in the lives of others. By becoming a Physician Assistant, I hope to combine my passion for helping people with my desire to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for me.