To me, becoming a nurse means becoming a source of strength, compassion, and care for people when they are at their most vulnerable. Nursing is more than just a career, it's a calling to serve others through both skill and heart. My passion for nursing grew out of a personal experience when my mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer a few years ago. Even though her diagnosis was considered treatable, the word “cancer” was still terrifying. Our lives were filled with uncertainty, fear, and long days spent waiting for updates or results. What helped us through that time the most were the nurses. They were not only skilled in their care, but they were also patient, kind, and comforting. They answered our questions without rushing, reassured us when we were overwhelmed, and treated my mom like more than just a diagnosis. Watching the impact they had on my family inspired me to follow in their footsteps. I realized that nurses are the heart of healthcare providing more than medicine. They offer a steady presence, emotional support, and real human connection. Since then, my understanding of nursing has deepened. Through my volunteer work at UNC Rex Hospital, I’ve seen firsthand how much of an impact even small actions can have on patients. Whether I’m delivering meds or helping someone find their way, I’ve learned how important it is to listen, show empathy, and be present. These experiences have confirmed for me that nursing is the right path, and they have helped prepare me for the challenges and responsibilities that come with it. To me, becoming a nurse also means being a lifelong learner and someone who’s always striving to grow. I plan to serve as a nurse in the U.S. Navy after college, where I’ll gain diverse and meaningful clinical experience in high-pressure environments. This path will not only allow me to serve my country but also develop the discipline, leadership, and adaptability that are essential in the field. After my service, I hope to become a Nurse Anesthesiologist, a role that allows me to care for patients during some of the most critical and delicate moments of their lives. In every step of this journey, my goal is to be the kind of nurse who makes patients feel safe, seen, and supported. Becoming a nurse means dedicating my life to the service of others, and to me, there is no greater purpose than that.

A couple of years ago, my life changed when my mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Although it is considered a treatable form of cancer, the experience was terrifying for my family. Watching her go through surgery and radiation, and seeing how much the nurses supported her and our entire family, opened my eyes to the importance of nursing. The nurses provided not only medical care but also comfort, patience, and reassurance during an incredibly difficult time. Their compassion inspired me to pursue nursing as a career, where I can provide both expert care and emotional support to patients and families. I am particularly interested in combining my passion for healthcare with a commitment to service by joining the U.S. Navy after college. Serving as a Navy nurse will allow me to gain valuable experience in diverse and challenging medical environments. This unique opportunity will help me develop strong clinical skills, adaptability, and leadership qualities, all of which are essential in nursing. I also hope to continue my education through the Navy’s programs to become a Nurse Anesthesiologist. This specialization appeals to me because it blends detailed medical knowledge with direct patient care during critical moments, such as surgeries, allowing me to make a significant impact on patients’ lives. To prepare myself for this path, I have actively sought experiences that build both my medical knowledge and my ability to provide compassionate care. Volunteering at UNC Rex Hospital has been a crucial part of this preparation. At Rex, I assisted with various patient services which taught me the value of empathy, communication, and teamwork in healthcare settings. I’ve learned that even small acts of kindness, like offering a smile or listening ear, can greatly improve a patient’s day and ease their stress. In addition to volunteering, my personal experience supporting my mom during her cancer treatment has given me resilience, patience, and a deep understanding of the emotional aspects of nursing. I witnessed firsthand how important emotional support is to healing and recovery, and I am committed to becoming a nurse who treats patients addressing both their physical and emotional needs. Ultimately, I want to be a nurse who makes a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, whether serving in the Navy or in civilian healthcare. This career will allow me to combine my dedication to service, my passion for science, and my desire to care for people during their most vulnerable moments. This scholarship would be a valuable step in helping me achieve these goals by supporting my education and growth as a future nurse.

The nursing industry interests me because it combines science, compassion, and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives every day. I’ve always wanted to help others, but my passion for nursing grew deeply during my mom’s battle with thyroid cancer. Watching her go through surgery and radiation treatment was a frightening and emotional experience for my family. What stood out most to me were the nurses who cared for her. They didn’t just provide medical treatment; they also offered comfort, reassurance, and kindness. Their compassion helped my family stay hopeful and strong during a difficult time. Seeing their impact inspired me to pursue nursing as a career, where I can support patients and their families both physically and emotionally. My goal for a successful nursing career is to become a skilled and empathetic healthcare professional who provides excellent care and makes patients feel safe and heard. I want to continually learn and improve so I can adapt to new medical advances and the diverse needs of patients. Ultimately, I hope to specialize in a field where I can make a lasting difference, such as oncology or pediatrics, and become a leader who helps improve patient care practices. To prepare for this career, I have volunteered at UNC Rex Hospital, where I assist with tasks like delivering meals and helping patients navigate the hospital. This experience has given me insight into the healthcare environment and the teamwork it requires. I’ve seen firsthand how small acts of kindness, offering a smile or a listening ear can make a patient’s day better and ease their anxiety. Volunteering has strengthened my communication skills and confirmed my desire to work in healthcare. Additionally, my personal experience supporting my mom during her cancer treatment taught me resilience and patience. I learned the importance of emotional support in healing and the value of empathy in nursing care. These experiences have shaped my commitment to becoming a nurse who not only treats illness but also cares deeply for patients as individuals. My goals for my nursing career include serving in the U.S. Navy for a few years after I graduate from college. I want to combine my passion for healthcare with my desire to serve my country, and the Navy offers a unique opportunity to do both. Serving as a nurse in the military will allow me to gain valuable experience in a variety of medical settings, often in challenging and fast-paced environments. After my service in the Navy, I hope to further my education through their advanced programs to become a Nurse Anesthesiologist. This scholarship would help me cover educational costs and allow me to continue gaining the skills and experiences needed to achieve my nursing goals. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to pursue a career where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

I’ve decided to pursue a career in nursing because I want to be the person who brings comfort, strength, and care to others during some of the hardest moments in their lives. My passion for nursing began a couple of years ago when my mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Even though it’s considered one of the more treatable forms of cancer, the word itself was terrifying. I remember the fear and uncertainty my family felt when we first got the news. Cancer has a way of shaking your sense of safety, even when doctors are optimistic. My mom had surgery to remove her thyroid, followed by a week of radiation treatment, which meant she had to isolate at my grandmother’s house. Being apart from her during that time was especially hard for me. I wanted to help, to comfort her, but I couldn’t even be near her. That feeling of helplessness stuck with me. Thankfully, her treatment was successful, but the fear of recurrence and concern for other family members never completely goes away. Throughout this experience, the nurses who cared for my mom had a lasting impact on me. They were calm, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable. They didn’t just care for my mom—they supported all of us. They answered our questions with patience, explained procedures clearly, and treated my mom with compassion and dignity. Watching how they combined medical skill with emotional support inspired me. I realized then that nursing is about more than providing treatment but also it’s about being a steady presence during someone’s most vulnerable moments. That inspiration led me to begin volunteering at UNC Rex Hospital, where I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful every part of a nurse’s role can be. Whether it’s delivering meals, helping patients find their way, or simply offering a kind word, I’ve learned that even small actions can make a big difference in someone’s experience. Volunteering there has confirmed for me that nursing is the path I want to follow. I want to be a nurse who not only understands the science of healthcare but also values empathy, communication, and human connection. I want to be someone patients and families can rely on just as my family relied on the nurses who helped us through a scary time. Their impact on my life has inspired my goals, and I hope to carry that same spirit into my own nursing career. I found out about this scholarship on bold.org while searching for scholarships for nursing students.

A couple of years ago, my mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Even though we learned that this type of cancer is generally treatable and relatively common, it was still one of the scariest moments my family has faced. At the time, I didn’t know how to process the news. The word “cancer” carries so much fear, uncertainty, and weight, no matter the survival rate. I remember feeling helpless, unsure how to support my mom and family or how this would affect our future. My mom had surgery to remove her thyroid and later had to undergo a week of radiation therapy, which required her to stay in isolation at my grandmother’s house. That week felt incredibly long. Not being able to hug her or even be in the same room was hard for all of us, especially for me as a teen. Thankfully, the treatment was successful, and she has been cancer-free since, but the fear of it returning never fully disappears. And I often think about the possibility of other family members going through the same thing. During that time, one thing that made a big impact on me and my family was the nursing team who helped my mom. From answering our many questions to offering reassurance before and after her surgery, the nurses were always present, calm, and kind. They treated my mom with dignity and care, and they helped my family feel a little less stressed. Seeing how much comfort and strength they provided made me realize that I want to be that person for someone else. That experience helped motivate me and my passion for nursing. I want to be a nurse who not only understands the science of care but also values the emotional side, where I can help patients and families feel seen, heard, and supported during their most difficult times. I’ve already begun taking steps toward this path by volunteering at UNC Rex, where I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful even small acts of service can be in a healthcare setting. Whether delivering meals or simply offering a smile, I’ve learned how important every role is in a patient’s experience. I hope to continue building on this foundation through college and, eventually, nursing school. This scholarship would support my journey to becoming the kind of nurse who makes a difference just like the ones who helped my mom and inspired me to pursue this path.

If selected for this scholarship, I would use the funds to support my education in nursing and be able to spend more time volunteering at the hospital instead of working more hours at my job. While volunteering at UNC Rex, I had the chance to assist nurses and patients by helping them with various tasks around the hospital. One moment that stood out to me was when helping an elderly patient who was nervous about a procedure. I sat with her, listened, and offered reassurance. Though I wasn’t providing medical care, I saw how much comfort and compassion matter in healthcare. That experience confirmed my passion for this field and motivated me to continue learning and growing. This scholarship would help cover educational expenses and open the door to more volunteer and training opportunities. Through being able to spend more time at the hospital, it would allow me to deepen my understanding of patient care and better prepare for a future where I can make a real difference in people’s lives through healthcare.