Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. We had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded. I continue to use DBT, grounding, and calm in exercises to change my negative thoughts about myself and my painful childhood. I continue to remind myself of my progress whenever I spiral from the stress of college. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. He was a medic veteran from the US Army in the 90s, but he left the Army after about 4 years to raise my older sister with autisum. He doesn’t see his contribution as much, but I know that my dad is a hero and that he has contributed more to this country than he will ever know through his selfless service. After we moved, we had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded. I continue to use DBT, grounding, and calm in exercises to change my negative thoughts about myself and my painful childhood. I continue to remind myself of my progress whenever I spiral from the stress of college. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded. I continue to use DBT, grounding, and calm in exercises to change my negative thoughts about myself and my painful childhood. I continue to remind myself of my progress whenever I spiral from the stress of college. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded. I continue to use DBT, grounding, and calm in exercises to change my negative thoughts about myself and my painful childhood. I continue to remind myself of my progress whenever I spiral from the stress of college. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded. I continue to use DBT, grounding, and calm in exercises to change my negative thoughts about myself and my painful childhood. I continue to remind myself of my progress whenever I spiral from the stress of college. My dad was a tremendous caregiver during is hard time in my life. He took me to my therapy appointments and always made sure that my needs were put first, even before his own. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. I grew up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. As you can probably tell, I had what I would call a difficult childhood. Not to try to draw pity from it, but I think that it's important for me to tell some of the things that I experienced. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended, which I always enjoyed. My childhood may have been difficult, but growing up and becoming a young adult was even harder. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. Now, it was time for me to start college. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. Probably overwhelmed by this huge life change and living on my own, I will visit my family often and tell them how amazing and also hectic my new career is. They will be happy for me that I'm doing what I love, all while giving me an 'I told you so' look. Additionally, for my academic goals in the next ten years, I will have started my Master's in nursing. I will become a Nurse Practitioner and have a more advanced role in patient care and coordination. What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Of course, I still have a lot to learn about being the best nurse that I can be, as right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. I have had many sleepless nights and many tears that I have shed in frustration, wanting to give up on pursuing my dream of being a nurse due to stress, but a new tomorrow always came, and I had to be accountable to myself and to my goal. My current education at Radford University has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. To conclude, things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. My current schooling at Radford University has challenged me and will continue to challenge me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I have been going to therapy since 2021 and I continue to use DBT, grounding, and calm in exercises to change my negative thoughts about myself and my painful childhood. I continue to remind myself of my progress whenever I spiral from the stress of college. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I have been going to therapy since 2021 and I continue to use DBT, grounding, and calm in exercises to change my negative thoughts about myself and my painful childhood. I continue to remind myself of my progress whenever I spiral from the stress of college. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I have been going to therapy since 2021 and I continue to use DBT, grounding, and calm in exercises to change my negative thoughts about myself and my painful childhood. I continue to remind myself of my progress whenever I spiral from the stress of college. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I have been going to therapy since 2021 and I continue to use DBT, grounding, and calm in exercises to change my negative thoughts about myself and my painful childhood. I continue to remind myself of my progress whenever I spiral from the stress of college. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I have been going to therapy since 2021 and I continue to use DBT, grounding, and calm in exercises to change my negative thoughts about myself and my painful childhood. I continue to remind myself of my progress whenever I spiral from the stress of college. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I was diagnosed severe social anxiety and depression to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I have been going to therapy since 2021 and I continue to use DBT, grounding, and calm in exercises to change my negative tho go hts about myself and my pain childhood. I continue to remind myself of my progress whenever I spiral from the stress of college. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. Things have not always been easy for my dad and me, but he has always believed in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my future patients. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Medical diversity I'm healthcare is so important, especially for Black women, who are often ignored when they are in pain due to racism used against us in medicine. I want to be an advocate for women like me. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. Growing up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. What inspires me about nursing is What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. I grew up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. I had a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. My future goal is to have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. After my BSN, I plan to have started my Master's in nursing. I will become a Nurse Practitioner and have a more advanced role in patient care and coordination. What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I'm working to get into the nursing program at my school in the spring of 2027. College has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have grown a lot in these past two years. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. Things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. In the next ten years, I will have graduated from Radford University with my BSN, passed the NCLEX, and started my MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner. College has challenged me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Stephanie. I grew up in an immigrant Ghanaian family that has been struggling for as long as I can remember. Not enough clothes to wear to school? Not a problem. Just wear a coat and say that you're not hot while playing recess outside during the summer. Don't have much food at home? Just eat as much as you can at school. Didn't get much sleep last night because your older sister with behavioral autism had a meltdown and was crying? Just take a nap during class. As you can probably tell, I had what I would call a difficult childhood. Things were always hard financially for my parents, and they became even harder when my parents divorced as I was starting middle school. My dad took care of me, my older sister, and my older brother, providing a roof over our heads and food to eat. Of course, we just had to sleep on the floor or couch since my dad didn't have enough money yet to buy us a mattress for the apartment we just moved into. He worked at a grocery store and would bring us donuts every night after his evening shift ended. I struggled socially in high school. I had moved yet again and was in a new environment. I developed severe social anxiety to the point where I could only tolerate eating lunch in an empty classroom rather than sit with my fellow peers in the overcrowded lunchroom. I eventually overcame my obstacles in high school and graduated with an advanced diploma. While I try not to look back at this difficult period in my life, it is important because it has shaped me into who I am and my goals for my future. For my future plans, I will have graduated from Radford University with a BSN in nursing. By then, I will have passed the NCLEX and started my nursing career. Additionally, I will have started my Master's in nursing, becoming a Nurse Practitioner who has a more advanced role in patient care and coordination. What inspires me about nursing is that it combines both science and caretaking, providing the most optimal form of care by combining the two. Right now, I'm a sophomore pre-nursing student at Radford University. I have had many sleepless nights and many tears that I have shed in frustration, wanting to give up on pursuing my dream of being a nurse due to stress, but a new tomorrow always came, and I had to be accountable to myself and to my goal. College has has done a lot for me mentally and socially. I have had some of my lowest lows, but I have also had some of the highest highs in my life. I have failed, and I have lost, but more importantly, I have learned. Even through failure and self-doubt, I have shown myself just how capable I am of tackling anything in my way. To conclude, things have not always been easy for my family and me, but they believe in me and my dream to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients. My current schooling at Radford University has challenged me and will continue to challenge me in ways that will only help me to grow and to flourish into the kind of competent and advocating nurse that the world needs more of. I can't do this alone, and with the financial support of this scholarship, I will bridge the gap between financial instability and earning my BSN. Thank you.

1. In 2019. I was in middle school when the MV ‘CROWN’ blew up on YouTube. I had gotten into K-pop that year but wasn’t sure which groups I liked or where to start. When I clicked on the ‘CROWN’ MV, I was bombarded with a new kind of genre of music that was so carefree and that was filled with eloquent lyrics about love and the human experience. 2. Determined, empathetic, supportive, and a little hard-headed when it comes to sticking up for what they believe in. A MOA also needs to have literacy when it comes to the media that TXT puts out and their messages. Sometimes their messages are direct, but other times they are indirect and having media literacy is essential to fully understand the message that TXT conveys in each project. 3. I don’t have a bias for TXT, I respect them all! 4. Jeongyeon from TWICE. I loved her ‘girl crush’ era with her short hair and I was immediately charmed by her humor and powerful vocals. There just something about her vocals that I love so much. It’s powerful yet calming. She also seems like a really sweet person and has dedicated a lot to fans and the group. 5. ‘CROWN’ since it lit the fuse for my interest in TXT and it is extremely nostalgic for me. It reminds me of the memories when I was a middle schooler listening to K-pop with my fellow classmates. It helped me make friends by connecting through something we shared: a love for music. At first, I didn’t understand the hype around K-pop, but ‘CROWN’ was not only captivating, but I was blown away at the quality of lyrics and singing strength. I found a new genre that defied some rules and brought something completely different to the game. It was a colorful MV with cool visuals and c’mon…TXT is precious. 6. Not yet, but u plan to! I know concerts can be a lot since fans are so passionate but I would love to get to experience that 7. The Dream Chapter because of how it approaches the exploration of young love, growing up, and the pain that both come with 8. Taking out student loans and applying for as many scholarships as I can. I also work part-time 9. It will greatly help me because it will help increase my limited funding for school, since my parents already struggle to pay the bills. It will greatly fill financial gaps and funding 10. TXT has shown me to embrace my inner self, even if I get ridiculed for it. They have shown me to do what I love wholeheartedly and to embrace my youth while letting it go in order to grow up and live life meaningfully 11. I will use my BSN in nursing to help sick people in hospitals and to provide them a glimmer of hope that things can get better. I also want to go to different countries who may be experiencing a lack of adequate and safe medical care and facilities, and to get into philanthropy. Thank you!

Growing up with an older sister who was diagnosed with behavioral autism made me grow up faster than my peers. I had to help out my family with her caregiving. I had to learn to manage my frustration and accept situations I cannot change. I also learned to hide certain parts of myself because I felt self-conscious and I didn’t want my peers or even friends to see my family struggling. This childhood experience has also greatly informed my sense of purpose in making me a more competent person. The way my parents raised me to be self-sufficient also helped me develop a growing sense of competence. I have been independent since I was little when it came to making food for myself and my siblings, going to bed when my parents couldn’t return from work until past midnight most days, and getting up early in the morning to get ready for school. Additionally, helping in the caretaking of my older sister has informed my sense of purpose in wanting to be a caretaker and wanting to do nursing. This experience has helped me to realize how fulfilling it is to see someone get better and the joy that brings. To conclude, my childhood experience and the struggle that my family has faced and is facing have informed my sense of purpose in refining me into a person who seeks to serve others.

As a kid, I had told my parents that I wanted to be a pediatrician. They were excited, as they knew that my compassion would take me far in the field of medicine. I have always been passionate about taking care of others when they’re sick or feeling down. Covering them with a blanket is the least I could do to make them feel better, and this compassion is what I want to infuse into my career in medicine. I want to reach underserved and underprivileged communities who are in need of medical treatment. I want my compassion to shine in these areas through my career in medicine. I’m interested in pursuing nursing because of its versatility, where I can have a career in a field where I can offer my patients the best care. While applying for colleges and universities, I have picked pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, or programming as my major for many of them, and this is because I feel as though these degrees are where my calling is. If I pursue nursing and it’s not right for me, then I still want to pursue a career in the medical field. Furthermore, dentistry is a field of medicine that I want to pursue. If I pursue dentistry, then I want to perform oral surgery and preventative care on my patients, and I want to make a difference in the oral health of my patients. My inspiration for pursuing the medical field is wanting to help others. I want to help patients when they are sick. If it is in my power, then I want to administer treatment to better the lives of people. I want to have a tangible impact on others. While I’m still not certain what I want to do, I’m confident that I want to pursue a career in medicine where I can make a difference in the lives of people. I have always found myself gravitating towards the medical field, and I believe that it is my calling. I want to take up this calling by getting an education in medicine. After graduating, I want to establish my practice where I can serve underserved communities. I want my work to make a positive change in the lives of my patients, and I will work diligently to become a competent practitioner in medicine. I want to be compassionate towards those in need, and the medical field is the perfect place for my value of serving others. I'm passionate about pursuing a degree in pre-med, pre-dentistry, or programming because of of the opportunities that these fields will offer me in serving those in need. I want to have a career where I can better the lives of others, and these fields will offer me this. Addtiosnnly, I have a spark to pursue my degree in pre-med, pre-dentistry, or progrmaming because I simply love to do them. These degrees are where my calling lies, and I want to take on that calling. I feel fulfilled helping others, and I want to pursue a degree where compassion is at the forefront.

Growing up with two working parents who didn’t always have enough to buy me the things I wanted, I’m determined to have more opportunities available to me by pursuing an education in STEM. With it being an ever-growing field, an education in STEM will open new doors for me. My dream career is to be in the medical field. I want to practice medicine and administer life-saving treatment to my patients. When I was a kid, I told my parents that I wanted to be a pediatrician. Early on, I knew that my true calling was in the field of medicine. An education in STEM will allow me to become a practitioner, as I want to serve underrepresented communities. I want to make a difference in the world through my education in STEM, by reaching those in dire need of medical treatment and being the one who steps up to this calling. I’m passionate about an education in STEM because STEM is a versatile field where I can pursue anything in medicine. Another interest that I have in STEM is programming. In 11th grade, my class had a programming experience with DoD STEM, and this was my first-ever introduction to programming and STEM. Initially, I had thought that I couldn’t possibly learn to program; it was too difficult for me. However, after programming a character in a game with commands to run and jump over obstacles during the lab, I soon realized that I had the potential to program. Programming in the lab was an introspective experience for me, as I realized that programming was not impossible for me and that I could achieve anything. After the lab, I got to thinking: maybe I really could pursue STEM. Maybe I had what it took to learn how to program. My experience in DoD STEM opened new doors in my mind, and I developed an interest in the field of STEM. Additionally, I recently completed an application for a virtual DoD STEM program this summer, where I will gain even more experience with STEM. I’m excited about this experience because I will gain more valuable skills and knowledge in the field of STEM. Programming gives me independence, I’m able to create anything, and I don’t need much input from others in that aspect. I can create something new or I can create something familiar, and that is why programming is of interest to me; it allows me to be independent in my work. I’m passionate about an education in STEM because new doors in medicine and programming will be opened for me through STEM, and I can’t wait to learn.

As a kid, I had told my parents that I wanted to be a pediatrician. They were excited, as they knew that my compassion would take me far in the field of medicine. I have always liked to take care of others when they’re sick or feeling down. Covering them with a blanket is the least I could do to make them feel better, and this compassion is what I want to infuse into my career in medicine. I want to reach underserved and underprivileged communities who are in need of medical treatment. I want my compassion to shine in these areas through my career in medicine. I’m interested in pursuing nursing because of its versatility, where I can have a career in a field that I can offer my patients the best care. While applying for colleges and universities, I have picked nursing and pre-dentistry as my major for many of them, and this because I feel as though nursing or pre-dentistry is where my calling is. If I pursue nursing and it’s not right for me, then I still I want to pursue a career in the medical field. Furthermore, dentistry is a field in medicine that I want to pursue. If I pursue dentistry, then I want to perform oral surgery and preventative care on my patients, and I want to make a difference in the oral health of my patients. My inspiration for pursing the medical field is wanting to help others. I want to help patients when they are sick. If it is in my power, then I want to administer treatment to better the lives of people. I want to have a tangible impact on others. While I’m still not certain what I want to do, I’m confident that I want to pursue a career in medicine where I can make a difference in the lives of people. I have always found myself gravitating towards the medical field, and I believe that it is my calling. I want to take up this calling by getting an education in medicine. After graduating, I want to establish my own practice where I can serve underserved communities. I want my work to make a positively change the lives of my patients, and I will work diligently to become a competent practitioner in medicine. I want to be compassionate towards those in need, and the medical field is the perfect place for my value of serving others.

Growing up with two working parents who didn’t always have enough to buy me the things I wanted, I’m determined to be have more opportunities available to me by pursing an education in STEM. With it being an ever-growing field, an education in STEM will open new doors for me. My dream career is to be in the medical field. I want to practice medicine and to administer life-saving treatment to my patients. When I was a kid, I told my parents that I wanted to be a pediatrician. Early on, I knew that my true calling was in the field of medicine. An education in STEM will allow me to become a practitioner, as I want to serve underrepresented communities. I want to make a difference in the world through my education in STEM, by reaching those in dire need of medical treatment and being the one who steps up to this calling. I’m passionate about an education in STEM because STEM is a versatile field where I can pursue anything in medicine. Another interest that I have in STEM is programing. In 11th grade, my class had a programming experience with DoD STEM, and this was my first ever introduction to programming and STEM. Initially, I had thought that I couldn’t possibly learn to program; it was too difficult for me. However, after programming a character in a game with commands to run and jump over obstacles during the lab, I soon realized that I had the potential to program. Programming in the lab was an introspective experience for me, as I realized that programming was not impossible for me, and that I could achieve anything. After the lab, I got to thinking: maybe I really could pursue STEM. Maybe I had what it took to learn how to program. My experience DoD STEM opened new doors in my mind, and I developed an interest for the field of STEM. Additionally, I recently completed an application for a virtual DoD STEM program this summer, where I will gain even more experience with STEM. I’m excited for this experience, because I will gain more valuable skills and knowledge in the field of STEM. Programing gives me independence, I’m able to create anything, and I don’t need much input from others in that aspect. I can create something new or I can create something familiar, and that is why programming is of interest to me; it allows me to be independent in my own work. I’m passionate about an education in STEM because new doors in medicine and programming will be opened for me through STEM, and I can’t wait to learn.

I have faced a few challenges that have all helped me to refocus my attention to what's truly important in life; an education. I struggled after Covid with going back to school due to anxiety, and this impacted my grades. I still struggle with going to school, but thanks to the support of my family, I've been able to focus on my education. I went to therapy to help me get back on track with school, and it had helped me to get back up when life knocked me down. Furthermore, for financial struggles, my dad is the one paying all of the bills alone, and this has led to significant stress. Even though he struggles to pay rent and buy groceries, he is more than willing to pay for my higher education. He wants me to attend an institution, and wishes that I would go to a university or college. The Julius Quentin Jackson Scholarship will help me to achieve my educational goals by giving me hope that it is possible to pay for a higher education. Through the financial support that this scholarship will give me, I will be able to focus less on how I'll pay for a higher education, and more on which major I want to pursue. A weight will be lifted off my shoulders through the Julius Quentin Jackson Scholarship, and I will be able to attain a higher education.

Being a first-generation college student has influenced my career goals to be centered on earning a living. While I initially wanted to pursue a college degree based on hobbies I was passionate about, such as writing or history, I have had to focus on getting a degree that has a promising career turnout. Being a first-generation college student and experiencing seeing my parents struggle with their finances and paying bills has altered my relationship with money. I now see money as a necessity to survive, and it is at the forefront of the degree and career that I will pursue. My parents have always wanted me to go to college and get a degree. More than that, they want me to be successful. They want me to surpass them and to go on to have financial freedom. For me, I never wanted my parents to feel like failures, and so I would say to them that I would go to college and that I would get a degree for them. I have learned that they want me—and not themselves—to succeed. I want what is best for me, and they want me to follow the path of getting a college degree so that I can go on to have a promising career. This has altered the way I view college—not as an exciting new step in life—but as one of life or death, where I have to succeed and I have to get a good job or else I won’t be able to succeed in life and will struggle just as they did. While my parents aren’t trying to scare me, their realistic expectations have altered the way I view my career goals to be focused on earning enough to survive in life. With all of this said, being a first-generation college student has also shown me that I can be anything I want to be. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a pediatrician, and my parents told me that anything was possible. They told me that I could become whoever I wanted to be because nothing was impossible for me. Their faith in me has shown me that I will be successful in my dream career of being in medicine.

Around 9th grade, it felt surreal being back in the building. I now kept to myself and didn’t talk to anyone. I had become more introverted through the time spent alone at home for a few years. Everything had changed. My friends were different, they seemed to have matured and found themselves. I felt like I was behind on my journey, comparing myself to my friends and classmates, who now seemed to have a sense of themselves while I was still in an awkward phase. I didn’t talk to my friends at school as much, I didn’t say “Hi” when I saw them in the hallway with their group of friends. I was embarrassed of myself, of the way I looked, and I compared myself to them. After lockdown, returning to the building was a difficult transition for me. I would get social anxiety, which made it debilitating to go to school. My dad was worried for my mental health, and had gotten me in therapy. I had met with a therapist who had helped me through social anxiety. She helped me to learn techniques to cope with my anxiety. I find a sense of fulfillment when I help others, and this is something that I want to incorporate into a career in health. Seeing documentaries of people living in impoverished places and without access to proper medical treatment has always been eye-opening. Helping others to feel better through life-changing medical treatment is something I have felt passionate about. I have chosen the medical field as my field of interest because I know that I can help those in need of medical care through a medical degree. The medical field is also versatile, and there are many careers to choose from, meaning in some way my work can be helpful to someone. How I desire to create a positive impact is through having patients for whom I can provide medical care whether it be through prescribing medicine or surgery which all go towards the enhancement and betterment of someone’s life that has been impacted through their condition. I desire to create an impact by aiding as many people in need of medical care as I possibly can. There are numerous individuals with medical conditions and problems and if I can help even just one person through my medical degree, then that will leave me with a sense of fulfillment. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my medical career by traveling to places where medical care and treatment are needed and performing life-saving treatments there. I want to make a positive impact through volunteering and humanitarian aid, and through a medical degree, this will be possible. Seeing documentaries of people in places like Pakistan who slave away building bricks which has caused multiple respiratory and health problems, stirs a feeling of wanting to act. Not being able to do anything to help is both saddening and frustrating. Seeing people without access to proper medical treatment whether it be they cannot afford it or their area does not have adequate hospitals is something I have felt strongly about in wanting to aid in some way. I know that I will need to attain medical knowledge and a degree before I can offer any real aid to others, and so a degree in health is a path towards that.

My top three Billie Eilish songs are “Birds of A Feather”, “Lovely”, and “idontwannabeyouanymore”. Billie Eilish has expanded in her work drastically since I first time I listened to her music. Her music tackles themes of mental health, self-image, and love. With her nuanced and relatable music and hauntingly beautiful voice, her music has touched the hearts of many. “Birds of A Feather” resonates with me so deeply for numerous reasons. I listen to the song to help calm my mind when I’m in an anxious state such as when I’m in school. This song is calming to me in times of stress, as Billie’s voice brings me back into the present moment. The song also resonates with me as it is now a memory I have with my brother. “Birds of A Feather” evokes the feeling of playing a nostalgic song from a memory. Playing it and spending time together with my brother is now one of my favorite memories. We usually don’t have much time to listen to music or to spend quality time together, and so “Birds of A Feather” is special to me in having shared that experience. “Lovely” is another Billie Eilish song that resonates deeply with me. It came out during a time when I needed to hear it. “Lovely” has always been a hauntingly beautiful song that can mean many things. It meant finding a better place and getting through difficult times for me. The lyrics, “Oh, I hope someday I'll make it out of here Even if it takes all night or a hundred years Need a place to hide, but I can't find one near Wanna feel alive, outside I can't fight my fear” resonated with me because I also wanted to escape difficult times and get towards better times. “Lovely” is also a beautiful song that was a source of comfort during those difficult times. It serves as a reminder of the times that have passed, and I can look back at it to remind me of that. “idontwannabeyouanymore” also resonates with me deeply. It is a very powerful song with the lyrics, “Tell the mirror what you know she's heard before I don't wanna be you, anymore” relates with me deeply to my shared experience of not wanting to be me. Additionally, the lyrics, “If teardrops could be bottled There'd be swimming pools filled by models” was something that a tween me needed to hear. “idontwannabeyouanymore” is nuanced in its lyrics about self-image and beauty standards. Its lyrics about these issues resonate deeply with me for tackling issues such as self-image. “Birds of A Feather”, “Lovely”, and “idontwannabeyouanymore” are my top three Billie Eilish songs for their beautiful lyrics, getting me through difficult times, and for the memories they contain.

Hello, my name is Stephanie. I find a sense of fulfillment when I help others, and this is something that I want to incorporate into a career in health. Seeing documentaries of people living in impoverished places and without access to proper medical treatment has always been eye-opening. Helping others to feel better through life-changing medical treatment is something I have felt passionate about. I have chosen the medical field as my field of interest because I know that I can help those in need of medical care through a medical degree. The medical field is also versatile, and there are many careers to choose from, meaning in some way my work can be helpful to someone. Continuing, how I desire to create a positive impact is through having patients for whom I can provide medical care whether it be through prescribing medicine or surgery which all go towards the enhancement and betterment of someone’s life that has been impacted through their condition. Furthermore, I desire to create an impact by aiding as many people in need of medical care as I possibly can. There are numerous individuals with medical conditions and problems and if I can help even just one person through my medical degree, then that will leave me with a sense of fulfillment. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my medical career by traveling to places where medical care and treatment are needed and performing life-saving treatments there. I want to make a positive impact through volunteering and humanitarian aid, and through a medical degree, this will be possible. Seeing documentaries of people in places like Pakistan who slave away building bricks which has caused multiple respiratory and health problems, stirs a feeling of wanting to act. Not being able to do anything to help is both saddening and frustrating. Seeing people without access to proper medical treatment whether it be they cannot afford it or their area does not have adequate hospitals is something I have felt strongly about in wanting to aid in some way. I know that I will need to attain medical knowledge and a degree before I can offer any real aid to others, and so a degree in health is a path towards that. The medical field has been of interest to me, as I want my medical career to involve the treatment of individuals. In conclusion, I plan to make a positive insight into the world through my medical career by using medical knowledge to treat patients, which all go towards the betterment of lives.

BlackPink is one of the popular K-pop groups among my friends and K-Pop served as a way for me to make friends. K-pop has become mainstream, guaranteeing meeting new friends by just talking about K-pop. BlackPink’s confidence in their music videos has been impactful in me emulating their self-confidence, making me more confident. Additionally, BlackPink has become a global culture in that fans from numerous countries around the world often tune in to their new releases and often send their comments of love in their music videos. BlackPink’s fanbase is made up of Blinks from different countries and often different languages send messages of love to BlackPink in their comments, showing just how many people have been influenced by their songs. Many girl groups have impacted my confidence in their lyrics of self-confidence and with their bold lyrics about loving yourself. Another girl group that is my favorite is TWICE. TWICE has a style that I like and their songs are some of my favorites. I resonate with the group and they are one of my favorites. TWICE has now become widely known globally and is one of the most beloved girl groups. Another favorite is ITZY for their fierce songs and lyrics. ITZY isn’t like the rest, they don’t care as much for expectations and make fierce music about loving yourself. Many of these girl groups have inspired me and have helped me gain confidence and fierceness through their lyrics of self-love. A solo artist who has been inspiring is IU. Her music has been impactful in her lyrics about wanting to stay in youth and being in your twenties. Her music can either be a fun R&B song or a sad melody. IU is one of those artists that I listen to who has been inspirational in her boldness. IU has impacted global culture in her songs and lyrics which have helped people around the world in dark places. Many listeners of IU have stated how much her songs about the complexity of life have helped them get through dark times. Circling back to BlackPink, a lot of my favorite K-pop songs are from them. BlackPink’s music has had a positive impact on my life through their lyrics on loving themselves and confidence. While some songs like Shut Down are just flexes, it still gives me a sense of confidence with their unapologetic music. To conclude, BlackPink is one of my favorite K-pop groups and has enhanced my confidance as well as gained supporting fans from numerous countries who make up their fanbase of Blinks.

I’m a fan of Sabrina Carpenter for her authenticity and nuance. Carpenter is one of the few singers who is authentically herself and pursues things like activism that matter to her. I resonate with that aspect of Carpenter, as she hasn’t changed who she is to fit in with others in her field. Her career first impacted me when I saw Girl Meets World. Her character Maya Hart was different from most of the formulaic Disney original series characters. Maya was over-confident, tough, and sarcastic. Whenever she was on screen she had something to say regarding current issues or something that mattered to her. However, under the sarcasm and overconfidence was also someone vulnerable and unsure. The nuance of Carpenter’s character and her portrayal of Maya resonated with me, as she wasn’t a cookie cutter character, and the show wasn’t afraid to give her flaws and insecurities. Carpenter to me is in a word, different. She is authentic and talented and bring nuance to her field. It’s never the same old thing with Carpenter, and she is constantly changing things up and evolving in her music. Carpenter’s early music has improved vastly and I still remember listening m to “Thumbs” by Carpenter. “Thumbs” tells its own story, which Carpenter wasn’t afraid to do. She wasn’t Afia’s to be different. In conclusion, Carpenter has always been nuanced and has been doing her own thing and that aspect of Carpenter has impacted me positively.

My favorite book-to-film adaptation is The Hunger Games. The Hunger Games movies are special to me now, after having read the first book, in their display of the book’s events on the big screen. I can now appreciate that the Hunger Games movies became so popular because the Hunger Games books deserved a movie and the insane ride of a story that Suzanne Collins wrote needed to be seen on the big screen by moviegoers who may have not been familiar with the Hunger Games novels. The Hunger Games movies bridged the gap between reading and viewing experiences by getting people interested in the Hunger Games as a whole. With the popularity of the first movie, it got fans of the movies to veer into reading the books which explained things that may have been confusing in the movies and which gave more insight into things that the movies may not have captured. With this said the movies were still very faithful to the books and did their best to convey what was happening in the book, making it one of the most adequate book adaptions. After having read the first book in the series, going back to watch the movies is honestly more fun as I get to see the direction that the movies take. The movies and the books go hand-in-hand and I can proudly say that reading the Hunger Games novels did not ruin the movies for me. Reading the nnovels have given me a sort of appreciation for the movies, and now watching the movies is interesting to see what they chose to incorporate from the Hunger Games novels into the movie. The Hunger Games movies were able to transform the story of the Hunger Games books into live action. Jennifer Lawrence’s performance as Katniss perfectly encapsulated the character that Suzanne Collins wrote, getting moviegoers to see an unlikely hero that Collins had written into a tangible character. In conclusion, The Hunger Games book-to-film adaptation is special to me because of the direction it took to faithfully portray the story of the novels. From the actors who perfectly portrayed their book characters to the factual sets to the Capitol background characters and their eccentric wigs and highlighter colors were all brought to the screen from the books. The Hunger Games movies managed to bridge the gap by taking a creative and directive approach from designing sets and character costumes to display the story that the Hunger Games books told.

Seeing documentaries of people living in impoverished places and without access to proper medical treatment have always been eye-opening. Helping others to feel better through life-changing treatment is something I have felt passionate about. I have chosen the medical field as my field of interest because I know that I can help those in need of medical care through a medical degree. The medical field is also versatile, and there are many careers to choose from, meaning in some way my work can be helpful to someone. Continuing on, how I desire to create an impact is through having patients for whom I can provide medical care whether it be through prescribing medicine or surgery which all go towards the enhancement and betterment of someone’s life that has been impacted through their condition. Furthermore, I desire to create an impact by aiding as many people in need of medical care as I possibly can. There are numerous individuals with medical conditions and problems and if I can help even just one person through my medical degree, then that will leave me with a sense of fulfillment. A personal goal that will help me achieve my professional passion is getting into a university or college that is right for me so I can be on my way to attaining a medical degree! In conclusion, I have chosen the medical field so that I can have a sense of fulfillment in helping others feel and get better. I desire to create an impact through humanitarian aid, and a personal goal that will help me achieve my professional passion is getting into a university or college so I can be on my way toward my medical degree.

One of my favorite summers was when I visited Virginia Tech and Radford University through a program called the College Partnership Program. Similarly, during the school year, one of my favorite moments was visiting Shenandoah University through an AVID class. I got to see Virginia Tech, Shenandoah, and Radford University’s distinct campuses and got to learn more about thier majors, courses, and the history of the schools themselves, creating an interest in each of these distinct schools. The feeling of simply being on a campus through college visits alone was amazing and the college visits were a lot of fun. I felt like I was there as a college student embarking on their journey. It really showed me what it’s like to attend a university or college and that is an experience in itself. Even though I was not attending these schools, I honestly felt proud of myself, as if I was a student whose hard work paid off and was now in a university. I think that’s really the most influential part of the program for me. I felt like I was a student on my way to attaining a degree, and I just felt so proud. Exploring through the campus, I felt like one of the students attending the university. I felt like I had made it, that I did well and now was on my path towards a better future. Going to college to me means that I made it, it means that all my work paid off in school and that I scored well and got good grades. As uninspiring as that may seem, “making it” additionally means being proud of myself for breaking the cycle of not going to a university. Of not getting a degree. It stands for being on the path to a bright future of infinite possibilities for any career. While I’m trying to accomplish the feeling of “making it” by going to college, what I’m also trying to accomplish is not just a feeling of being proud of myself but also of one where I can help others. What I’m trying to accomplish is getting a degree in health so that I can become a doctor or some other medical practitioner. I love to write, but attaining a medical degree has always been something I have weighed with getting a degree in writing. Seeing documentaries of people in places like Pakistan who slave away building bricks which has caused multiple respiratory and health problems, stirs a feeling of wanting to act. Not being able to do anything to help is both saddening and frustrating. Seeing people without access to proper medical treatment whether it be they cannot afford it or their area does not have adequate hospitals is something I have felt strongly about in wanting to aid in some way. I know that I will need to attain medical knowledge and a degree before I can offer any real aid to others, and so a degree in health is a path towards that. In conclusion, going to college means that I’m proud of myself for attending a university or college and that I’m on the path toward a bright future. Lastly, what I am trying to accomplish is pursuing a degree in health so that I can go where people need medical care and I can do humanitarian aid which has always been something that I felt passionate about.

I love the aspect of an open world where I can explore for hours. The aspect of having an open world makes the game fun and keeps it engaging. I love exploring a randomized terrain in the game and seeing where it will take me. This resonates with me so deeply because it truly feels like I’m in that terrain, that I’m right there mining stone mountains or exploring a perilous cave where deadly mobs can generate. Additionally, my favorite aspect of the game is the continuously generating terrain that creates infinite possibilities. A mountain or even a sheep could generate next, resulting in an engaging game. I like that Minecraft has no finite amount of possibilities. A player could land in the game on one of Minecraft’s multiple unique terrains which could be anything from a snow terrain to a desert terrain or even a jungle terrain which has always been my personal favorite. The creatures and animals and wildlife vary based on the terrain, making each biome more special as unique animals and creatures spawn exclusively on them if you’re lucky enough to come across that terrain. For example, the speedy ocelots are only found in the jungle terrain, along with vines that grow distinctly in jungle trees. The dark oak trees in the jungle terrain additionally can only be found in the jungles. These jungle trees can also grow into mega trees, ones that are some of the tallest in the game. The jungle terrain has always been my personal favorite for its vibrant green colors which really bring you into the game. In conclusion, my favorite aspect of Minecraft is its open worlds where a player can embark on a new adventure on whichever terrain they land on, and, Minecraft’s distinctive landscapes are some of my favorite features of the game. It resonates with me deeply for all the fond memories of exploring a jungle terrain or snowy terrain and the feeling of awe at the unique places and creatures different biomes have.

One of my dream careers is becoming a best-selling author and having my writing be published for people to read. I have enjoyed writing and drawing comic books at an early age and it stuck with me until now. Writing is a way for me to express myself and I have a passion for storytelling and characters. Also, I have been interested in possibly pursuing the medical field. At first, I wanted to be a pediatrician. I gravitated towards the medical field because I saw it as a way to help people who are suffering and those without access to medical care. I thought of it as a way to essentially help people and I think that if I did pursue the medical field, it would give me a sense of fulfillment. Community service, philanthropy, and being in the medical field have come hand-in-hand as things that I think will lead to a sense of fulfillment. I do think that helping others wether it’s community service in my local community with making food and utilities for the homeless and underprivileged or helping children and people feel better through being in the medical field. I feel strongly about it, and I think that it could be a fulfilling thing that I could pursue. Even with writing and becoming an author, I think that could help people. I have started writing stories and they have given me a sense of fulfillment and purpose. I’ve always wanted my work to be read by others and it gives me a sense of purpose. This scholarship will help me with my career goals. After graduation and when I’m in a university or college, I will need help financing the cost of a college education as it is often expensive and can be a burden for anyone to handle while trying to pursue their dreams. This generous scholarship would be of tremendous help in lowering the financial costs of the college or university that I attend. I may plan on first going to a community college for two years to get my generals and then transfer to an in-state college or university. I am taking honors and two AP courses for English and History this year and the upcoming senior year so that I can get those college credits and possibly not have to pay for some courses. All of this is so that I can smoothly transition into a college or university and not have a lot of student debt. Thank you for your consideration!

The actor that is my favorite Spider-Man is Tom Holland. Tom Holland is able to capture the essence of the character. Holland brings a youthful energy and charm to the role in embodying the spirit of a teenage Spider-Man navigating the challenges of high school while saving the world. His portrayal of Peter Parker is relatable and endearing, making audiences root for him. Another reason Holland shines as Spider-Man is his physicality and dedication to the role. Holland performed many of his own stunts, showing his agility and athleticism in the action sequences. His background in dance and gymnastics allowed him to bring a sense of fluidity and grace to Spider-Man's movements, making the character's acrobatics look natural and exciting on screen. Also, Holland's chemistry with the other characters such as Iron Man and MJ, add depth and emotion to the character. Holland's Peter Parker deals with loss, friendship, love, and the weight of responsibility that comes with great power. Also, Holland’s enthusiasm in interviews and his down-to-earth was make him a like able actor for Spider-Man. Holland shows his love for the character of Spider-Man and works hard to bring the superhero to the big screen. Tom Holland's portrayal of Spider-Man has captured the hearts of fans, solidifying his place as the best Spider-Man actor. His talent, dedication, and charisma, has brought a new depth and authenticity to the character, redefining what it means to be Spider-Man.

The squad would be formed with Eleven, Steve, and Hopper. I would definitely bank on Eleven’s psychic prowess. Eleven is one of the most powerful characters in the show and she has honed her psychic abilities for many years, making her a stable for this squad. Eleven would also know how to go up against a new threat as she has fought them before. Additionally, Steve would be in the squad. Steve’s ‘Mom’ instincts could come in handy when making a plan to take down the new threat. He would also keep the squad safe from any peril as his ‘Mom’ instincts would watch out for the new threat. Steve is also a great friend to have in the squad for his ingenuity and smarts. He can come up with a plan to take down the new threat and would aid the squad altogether in defeating it. The third member of the squad would be Hopper. Hopper has taken down Demogorgans before and could be of great asset to the squad. Hopper is also the chief of the police in Hawkins, with his skills being an asset for the squad in taking down the new threat and he could help keep the squad together. If I had a squad in the Stranger Things series, these three characters would be my picks.

There are many series that I can watch over and over again. What makes One Piece endlessly captivating in its earlier days, when it was the Straw Hat crew exploring new islands, making new friends, and gaining more crew mates. The earlier episodes have been fun comfort episodes. The same can be said for Naruto’s first few seasons. These were nostalgic episodes that were also fun to watch. The older animation takes you back to a simpler time. I can rewatch the earlier episodes over and over again also because their story was very interesting and well written. Also, Attack on Titan is another series that I can watch over and over again. The incredible thing about the series is that most of it takes place in the future, and so when you go back to watch the first few seasons, things begin to line up and make sense. It can be mind-blowing at the foreshadowing that the author put in the earlier seasons. Attack on Titan is also simply a masterpiece and is very interesting to watch no matter the season. Every season is interesting and builds up to the next. DeathNote is another series that is endlessly captivating. DeathNote’s story was very interesting and had you rooting for many characters. It was also brilliantly written and nostalgic.

My ideal bookshelf inspired by #Booktok recommendations would have many titles. Steelstriker by best-selling author Marie Lu are must-have. These books have truly transformed the science fiction genre and have gotten me interested in seeing more books like these in the science fiction genre. Skyhunter was a phenomenal book in the duology, but Steelstriker takes it up a notch as the sequel to the book. Both Steelstriker and Skyhunter are must-haves as they are some of my favorites. Skyhunter and Steelstriker have impacted the #BookTok community with their nuanced characters and the surprising relatability of their characters and their experiences in their dystopian world. These books tackle subjects such as facing racism from the nation that took you in and loss. Additionally, The Hunger Games are must-haves inspired by #BookTok recommendations. I have just gotten into the Hunger Games trilogy, and their lore is very interesting. The #BookTok community has raved about how good the Hunger Games books are, but I didn’t get the hype until I read the first chapter of the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins. The newest book in the series is a bit different from the rest in that it takes place before the events of the Hunger Games books, and it has been a very good read so far. Collins’s style of writing is really good and takes you into the minds of her characters within the Hunger Games story. Coriolanus Snow in the newest book had proven to be a very captivating narrator and character. This has gotten me interested in the Hunger Games books, and they will be additions to the bookshelf. The Hunger Games has impacted the #BookTok community in its very real characters who readers root for, which makes their tragic deaths so impactful to readers. The Hunger Games also explores many ideas and its dystopian story is not so different from our own, making its events a point of discussion. This has made The Hunger Games a beloved series in the #BookTok community. Lastly, there will be books that I have not yet read. The Fourth Wing and The Atlas Six were recommended by a friend and so was Mexican Gothic. These books have become very popular in the #Booktok community. Other notable #BookTok books are Shatter Me, The Silent Patient, Red Queen, and Shadow and Bone. These have all become popular books and staples in the #BookTok community.

I admire every aspect of Zendaya’s multifaceted career from her modeling to singing, activism, acting, and fashion. Zendaya has always been an inspirational role model for me growing up black. Seeing another black woman who was accomplished and on top of that talented, was very inspirational for me. I emulated Zendaya because I wanted to be just like her. She was a role model for me growing up as I saw myself in her. One aspect of her multifaceted career that I admire is her activism. Zendaya’s activism has been something I have admired from her, in that she raises awareness for many causes using her platform. It means a lot to me to see her in activism and it has also been inspirational for me in pursuing community service. Another aspect of her multifaceted career that I admire is her singing. I remember listening to Replay by Zendaya countless times as a kid, and that is not only because the song is super catchy but also because her singing symbolized so much. To reiterate, seeing Zendaya sing and act reinforced to me as a kid that I could also sing and dance, something I was passionate about. While Zendaya may not have persuaded her singing career as much as her fashion and acting careers, her singing has still left a dent in me as a kid, seeing another black woman who is talented and who is recognized and succeeding. I saw Zendaya as an older sister figure when I was younger and latched onto her as a role model. Additionally, Zendaya’s acting and modeling are aspects of her career that I also admire. Seeing another black woman on the face of Vogue magazine has in a way altered my brain chemistry. She has been so influential in the fashion and acting field as a notable and respected fashion icon and actress. She has changed these fields, showing black faces in these fields which oftentimes did not represent many people. Zendaya's being in these fields has greatly contributed to the onset of more black models and people of color getting the spotlight in their fields and being seen.

It would be Skyhunter and it’s follow-up, Steelstriker by Marie Lu. Both books are science fiction, which are a few of the only science fiction books that has me interested in its story building of the nation of Mara, where our hero, Talin, resides, and the bordering Karnesa, where the villains reside just outside their borders. Skyhunter follows Talin, a mute Striker solider who fights Ghosts which were people from the Federation tuned into monsters who are then scattered across the borders of Mara, the nation that she has sworn to defend. How did Talin loose her ability to speak? By the Federation, who used a chemical gas which suffocated her voice. There are pay-offs to every detail in the book, and lost times it leaves you surprised at the drastic turns it takes. Talin and her mother escaped the Federation’s raid of their home nation Basea, bordering Mara. Talin is a Basean refugee who fled to Mara, but her people are treated like rats, living on the outer rims of Mara. The book delves into protecting a nation that took you in, yet won’t allow you inside its city borders because you are seen as inferior. Talin becomes a soldier to protect Mara from what happened to her home nation. The reason everyone should read this book is because it eloquently expressed in the thoughts and common shared feelings of the protagonist, Talin. It talks about her trauma as a refugee and most of the book is her inner dialogue which gives insight to her character. It changed the way I viewed science fiction, and I am now more open to the kinds of stories that this genre offers.

My dad is the first person I think of. He’s encourage me to go to a university or college since early on, wanting me and my siblings to have better career paths. Whenever I would tell him about my fears and anxieties for the future and with growing up, he’s been reassuring that everything will be okay. Similarly, when I talk to him about social anxiety and not wanting to go to school anymore, he’s been a supportive listener to my concerns while establishing that he has no choice but for me to go to school until I graduate. He also lets me know that I am enough and that I don’t need my peers’ approval to like myself. He’s told me that not everyone needs to be my friend, and that sometimes you drift away from your best friends, that it’s natural. He’s helped me to realize my full potential by taking me to therapy which has helped me with cognitive distortions. He’s been supportive of me going to get counseling for social anxiety and depression. When I feel like giving up and don’t want to do things, my dad has been an anchor pushing me to succeed. He knows that it’s easier to quit than to work hard, so he wants me to take the later route and do something with my life. He’s helped me as I’ve evolved into different people and has been there to offer his guidance. He knows I can succeed and live the life I want with a career I love when I myself don’t see it. He sees my potential to get the careers I want and live a fulfilling life. Without him, I would have given up on my life and myself. My dad has helped me to realize my full potential in being a doctor and author. He’s seen the stories I’ve written and thinks they are good, encouraging me to keep writing stories and to share my imagination with others. My dad has profoundly impacted my life by helping me realize my full potential. He’s helped my realize my full potential by being the person who’s beloved in me and seen my success before I had seen it myself. He’s led me from the path of a mediocre life and into the path of success and he doesn’t take credit for it. He sees it as his job and has been my support.