COMPASSIONATE CARE: MY INSPIRATION TO PURSUE NURSING My motivation for pursuing a career in Nursing stems from several experiences that have shaped my perspective and reinforced my desire to become a healthcare provider. First, and a major one: caring for my sister Phoebe. When she smiles, she literally lights up the room. Her capacity to give her best in all she can do astounds me sometimes, but then, she has those moments where she’ll require just a bit extra help to get through her day. Phoebe was born Down’s Syndrome; as her primary caregiver, I have gained first-hand experience in providing compassionate care to her because she requires extra attention and support to be her best self. Second, a while back, when my mother got admitted in hospital for an extended period, the nurses provided her with exceptional care that made her comfortable and confident in her recovery. Seeing the positive impact they had also inspired me to pursue a career in Nursing. I am passionate about helping people and I know this is my calling because not only do I see it in myself, but others also see it in me; this is why I am excited to apply for this scholarship, because I know it is going to help with my tuition. Throughout my time in University, I had the privilege of volunteering at a children's home in Kenya. For almost a year, I dedicated myself to helping these children in any way that I could, from assisting with their basic needs to organizing educational activities for them. That experience taught me the value of compassion and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in nursing. I witnessed first-hand how important it is for healthcare professionals to show empathy and kindness to their patients, particularly in vulnerable populations like children. I learnt to be patient, attentive, and resourceful, skills that I believe will be invaluable as a Nurse. My decision to pursue a career in Nursing marks a significant shift in my professional trajectory. After completing my first degree in International Business Administration, I worked in several roles in the corporate sector. However, over time, I found that my passion for helping people and making a positive impact in their lives was not being fully utilized. Pursuing this course is a career change for me, but it is one that I am enthusiastic about. I see it as an opportunity to combine my skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, with my desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. As an international student pursuing a degree in the United States, I face significant financial challenges because of my visa restrictions, which limit my employment opportunities to on-campus jobs. These positions do not provide sufficient income to cover my tuition and living expenses. This scholarship would reduce this financial burden. I sincerely hope that I will be considered for this scholarship, as it will play a crucial role in supporting my educational journey and future career in nursing.

INSPIRED BY HARRIET TUBMAN: MY PURSUIT FOR A NURSING DEGREE The movie “Harriet” popped up on my Netflix recommendations one day when I was mindlessly scrolling, trying to find something to watch. I decided to watch the movie, and by the time I was done, it reminded me of the extraordinary life Harriet Tubman had lived. When I decided to leave my home country to move to the United States to pursue a nursing degree, it was one of the most challenging decisions I have ever made. Harriet Tubman’s story is an inspiring one to me, being that her strength, resilience, and determination guided her through a lot of obstacles in a bid to free her people from slavery. Even though Harriet was born into slavery, she escaped to freedom and then repeatedly risked her life to help other slaves gain freedom through the underground railroad. She had an unwavering commitment to her mission, despite the dangers, and this I relate to this because it reminds me of what it felt like when I was making plans to leave behind everything I knew. When I decided to leave my home country, I was filled with anticipation, but also anxiety because whatever lay ahead was uncertain, similar to the risky routes Tubman navigated. Her story taught me that true change often requires immense courage and a willingness to face the unknown. I didn’t know what the future held, what to anticipate, and the kind of challenges I would face, but I knew that taking the first step towards this dream was the only way I was going to find out the kind of reward that awaited me on the other side. Despite the physical and emotional toll the missions had on her, she was still committed to freeing her people. Adjusting to a new culture, overcoming language barriers, and handling financial constraints have been significant challenges. Yet, just like Tubman, I have learned to view these obstacles not as barriers but as opportunities to grow stronger. Every challenge I overcome brings me one step closer to my goal of becoming a nurse, with the intention to care for those in need. The decision to pursue my dreams meant saying goodbye to the people and places that had shaped the person I am. I missed the daily interactions with loved ones, the comfort of familiar surroundings, and the support system that had always been there for me. Tubman’s bravery in leaving behind what was familiar to fight for a greater cause reminded me about the strength it takes to make such a difficult decision because it is a step towards achieving something greater. I realize that my decision to relocate was not just about pursuing a career in nursing but also about seeking a life of purpose and service. Harriet Tubman’s dedication to helping others inspires me to do the same in my future profession. As a nurse, I will have the opportunity to impact lives much like Tubman advocated for those she led to freedom. Her story has empowered me to face my challenges with courage and to remain committed to my goals. Her legacy reminds me that as long as I keep on being determined and resilient, I will achieve my dream of becoming a nurse, and I will look back one day and be glad that I made this choice.

COMPASSIONATE CARE: MY INSPIRATION TO PURSUE NURSING My motivation for pursuing a career in Nursing stems from several experiences that have shaped my perspective and reinforced my desire to become a healthcare provider. First, and a major one: caring for my sister Phoebe. When she smiles, she literally lights up the room. Her capacity to give her best in all she can do astounds me sometimes, but then, she has those moments where she’ll require just a bit of extra help to get through her day. Phoebe was born with Down’s Syndrome; as her primary caregiver, I have gained first-hand experience in providing compassionate care to her because she requires extra attention and support to be her best self. Second, a while back, when my mother got admitted in hospital for an extended period, the nurses provided her with exceptional care that made her comfortable and confident in her recovery. Seeing the positive impact they had also inspired me to pursue a career in Nursing. I am passionate about helping people and I know this is my calling because not only do I see it in myself, but others also see it in me; this is why I am excited to apply for this scholarship, because I know it is going to help with my tuition. Throughout my time in University, I had the privilege of volunteering at a children's home in Kenya. For almost a year, I dedicated myself to helping these children in any way that I could, from assisting with their basic needs to organizing educational activities for them. That experience taught me the value of compassion and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in nursing. I witnessed first-hand how important it is for healthcare professionals to show empathy and kindness to their patients, particularly in vulnerable populations like children. I learnt to be patient, attentive, and resourceful, skills that I believe will be invaluable as a Nurse. I am eager to continue using my passion for service to others as I pursue my studies in Nursing My decision to pursue a career in Nursing marks a significant shift in my professional trajectory. After completing my first degree in International Business Administration, I worked in several roles in the corporate sector. However, over time, I found that my passion for helping people and making a positive impact in their lives was not being fully utilized. Pursuing this course will be a career change for me, but it is one that I am enthusiastic about. I see it as an opportunity to combine my skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, with my desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. I am excited to apply my previous experiences and skills to this new path and am eager to become a compassionate and skilled healthcare provider. I sincerely hope that I will be considered for this scholarship, as it would play a crucial role in supporting my educational journey and future career in nursing.

COMPASSIONATE CARE: MY INSPIRATION TO PURSUE NURSING My motivation for pursuing a career in Nursing stems from several experiences that have shaped my perspective and reinforced my desire to become a healthcare provider. First, and a major one: caring for my sister Phoebe. When she smiles, she literally lights up the room. Her capacity to give her best in all she can do astounds me sometimes, but then, she has those moments where she’ll require just a bit extra help to get through her day. Phoebe was born Down’s Syndrome; as her primary caregiver, I have gained first-hand experience in providing compassionate care to her because she requires extra attention and support to be her best self. Second, a while back, when my mother got admitted in hospital for an extended period, the nurses provided her with exceptional care that made her comfortable and confident in her recovery. Seeing the positive impact they had also inspired me to pursue a career in Nursing. I am passionate about helping people and I know this is my calling because not only do I see it in myself, but others also see it in me. Throughout my time in University, I had the privilege of volunteering at a children's home in Kenya. For almost a year, I dedicated myself to helping these children in any way that I could, from assisting with their basic needs to organizing educational activities for them. That experience taught me the value of compassion and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in nursing. I witnessed first-hand how important it is for healthcare professionals to show empathy and kindness to their patients, particularly in vulnerable populations like children. I learnt to be patient, attentive, and resourceful, skills that I believe will be invaluable as a Nurse. I am eager to continue using my passion for service to others as I pursue my studies in Nursing My decision to pursue a career in Nursing marks a significant shift in my professional trajectory. After completing my first degree in International Business Administration, I worked in several roles in the corporate sector. However, over time, I found that my passion for helping people and making a positive impact in their lives was not being fully utilized. Pursuing this course will be a career change for me, but it is one that I am enthusiastic about. I see it as an opportunity to combine my skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, with my desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. I am excited to apply my previous experiences and skills to this new path and am eager to become a compassionate and skilled healthcare provider. Studying Nursing is critical to my long-term goals of becoming a skilled Nurse Practitioner who can provide compassionate care while also contributing to the advancement of healthcare practices. As an international student pursuing a nursing degree in the United States, I face significant financial challenges because of my visa restrictions, which limit my employment opportunities to on-campus jobs. These positions do not provide sufficient income to cover my tuition and living expenses. This scholarship would reduce this financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies. It would enable me to continue my education and achieve my goal of becoming a skilled nurse, ultimately contributing positively to the healthcare community. I am committed to working hard, learning as much as I can, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of those I serve.

COMPASSIONATE CARE: MY INSPIRATION TO PURSUE NURSING My motivation for pursuing a career in Nursing stems from several experiences that have shaped my perspective and reinforced my desire to become a healthcare provider. First, and a major one: caring for my sister Phoebe. When she smiles, she literally lights up the room. Her capacity to give her best in all she can do astounds me sometimes, but then, she has those moments where she’ll require just a bit extra help to get through her day. Phoebe was born Down’s Syndrome; as her primary caregiver, I have gained first-hand experience in providing compassionate care to her because she requires extra attention and support to be her best self. Second, a while back, when my mother got admitted in hospital for an extended period, the nurses provided her with exceptional care that made her comfortable and confident in her recovery. Seeing the positive impact they had also inspired me to pursue a career in Nursing. I am passionate about helping people and I know this is my calling because not only do I see it in myself, but others also see it in me. Throughout my time in University, I had the privilege of volunteering at a children's home in Kenya. For almost a year, I dedicated myself to helping these children in any way that I could, from assisting with their basic needs to organizing educational activities for them. That experience taught me the value of compassion and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in nursing. I witnessed first-hand how important it is for healthcare professionals to show empathy and kindness to their patients, particularly in vulnerable populations like children. I learnt to be patient, attentive, and resourceful, skills that I believe will be invaluable as a Nurse. I am eager to continue using my passion for service to others as I pursue my studies in Nursing My decision to pursue a career in Nursing marks a significant shift in my professional trajectory. After completing my first degree in International Business Administration, I worked in several roles in the corporate sector. However, over time, I found that my passion for helping people and making a positive impact in their lives was not being fully utilized. Pursuing this course will be a career change for me, but it is one that I am enthusiastic about. I see it as an opportunity to combine my skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, with my desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. I am excited to apply my previous experiences and skills to this new path and am eager to become a compassionate and skilled healthcare provider. Studying Nursing is critical to my long-term goals of becoming a skilled Nurse Practitioner who can provide compassionate care while also contributing to the advancement of healthcare practices. As an international student pursuing a nursing degree in the United States, I face significant financial challenges because of my visa restrictions, which limit my employment opportunities to on-campus jobs. These positions do not provide sufficient income to cover my tuition and living expenses. This scholarship would reduce this financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies. It would enable me to continue my education and achieve my goal of becoming a skilled nurse, ultimately contributing positively to the healthcare community. I am committed to working hard, learning as much as I can, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of those I serve.

COMPASSIONATE CARE: MY INSPIRATION TO PURSUE NURSING My motivation for pursuing a career in Nursing stems from several experiences that have shaped my perspective and reinforced my desire to become a healthcare provider. First, and a major one: caring for my sister Phoebe. When she smiles, she literally lights up the room. Her capacity to give her best in all she can do astounds me sometimes, but then, she has those moments where she’ll require just a bit extra help to get through her day. Phoebe was born Down’s Syndrome; as her primary caregiver, I have gained first-hand experience in providing compassionate care to her because she requires extra attention and support to be her best self. Second, a while back, when my mother got admitted in hospital for an extended period, the nurses provided her with exceptional care that made her comfortable and confident in her recovery. Seeing the positive impact they had also inspired me to pursue a career in Nursing. I am passionate about helping people and I know this is my calling because not only do I see it in myself, but others also see it in me; this is why I am excited to apply for this scholarship, because I know it is going to help with my tuition. Throughout my time in University, I had the privilege of volunteering at a children's home in Kenya. For almost a year, I dedicated myself to helping these children in any way that I could, from assisting with their basic needs to organizing educational activities for them. That experience taught me the value of compassion and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in nursing. I witnessed first-hand how important it is for healthcare professionals to show empathy and kindness to their patients, particularly in vulnerable populations like children. I learnt to be patient, attentive, and resourceful, skills that I believe will be invaluable as a Nurse. My decision to pursue a career in Nursing marks a significant shift in my professional trajectory. After completing my first degree in International Business Administration, I worked in several roles in the corporate sector. However, over time, I found that my passion for helping people and making a positive impact in their lives was not being fully utilized. Pursuing this course will be a career change for me, but it is one that I am enthusiastic about. I see it as an opportunity to combine my skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, with my desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. I am excited to apply my previous experiences and skills to this new path and am eager to become a compassionate and skilled healthcare provider. As an international student pursuing a nursing degree in the United States, I face significant financial challenges because of my visa restrictions, which limit my employment opportunities to on-campus jobs. These positions do not provide sufficient income to cover my tuition and living expenses. This scholarship would reduce this financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies. I sincerely hope that I will be considered for this scholarship, as it would play a crucial role in supporting my educational journey and future career in nursing.

COMPASSIONATE CARE: MY INSPIRATION TO PURSUE NURSING My motivation for pursuing a career in Nursing stems from several experiences that have shaped my perspective and reinforced my desire to become a healthcare provider. First, and a major one: caring for my sister Phoebe. When she smiles, she literally lights up the room. Her capacity to give her best in all she can do astounds me sometimes, but then, she has those moments where she’ll require just a bit extra help to get through her day. Phoebe was born Down’s Syndrome; as her primary caregiver, I have gained first-hand experience in providing compassionate care to her because she requires extra attention and support to be her best self. Second, a while back, when my mother got admitted in hospital for an extended period, the nurses provided her with exceptional care that made her comfortable and confident in her recovery. Seeing the positive impact they had also inspired me to pursue a career in Nursing. I am passionate about helping people and I know this is my calling because not only do I see it in myself, but others also see it in me; this is why I am excited to apply for this scholarship, because I know it is going to help with my tuition. Throughout my time in University, I had the privilege of volunteering at a children's home in Kenya. For almost a year, I dedicated myself to helping these children in any way that I could, from assisting with their basic needs to organizing educational activities for them. That experience taught me the value of compassion and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in nursing. I witnessed first-hand how important it is for healthcare professionals to show empathy and kindness to their patients, particularly in vulnerable populations like children. I learnt to be patient, attentive, and resourceful, skills that I believe will be invaluable as a Nurse. I am eager to continue using my passion for service to others as I pursue my studies in Nursing. My decision to pursue a career in Nursing marks a significant shift in my professional trajectory. After completing my first degree in International Business Administration, I worked in several roles in the corporate sector. However, over time, I found that my passion for helping people and making a positive impact in their lives was not being fully utilized. Pursuing this course will be a career change for me, but it is one that I am enthusiastic about. I see it as an opportunity to combine my skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, with my desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. I am excited to apply my previous experiences and skills to this new path and am eager to become a compassionate and skilled healthcare provider. As an international student pursuing a nursing degree in the United States, I face significant financial challenges because of my visa restrictions, which limit my employment opportunities to on-campus jobs. These positions do not provide sufficient income to cover my tuition and living expenses. This scholarship would reduce this financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies. It would enable me to continue my education and achieve my goal of becoming a skilled nurse, ultimately contributing positively to the healthcare community. I sincerely hope that I will be considered for this scholarship, as it would play a crucial role in supporting my educational journey and future career in nursing.

COMPASSIONATE CARE: MY INSPIRATION TO PURSUE NURSING My motivation for pursuing a career in Nursing stems from several experiences that have shaped my perspective and reinforced my desire to become a healthcare provider. First, and a major one: caring for my sister Phoebe. When she smiles, she literally lights up the room. Her capacity to give her best in all she can do astounds me sometimes, but then, she has those moments where she’ll require just a bit extra help to get through her day. Phoebe was born Down’s Syndrome; as her primary caregiver, I have gained first-hand experience in providing compassionate care to her because she requires extra attention and support to be her best self. Second, a while back, when my mother got admitted in hospital for an extended period, the nurses provided her with exceptional care that made her comfortable and confident in her recovery. Seeing the positive impact they had also inspired me to pursue a career in Nursing. I am passionate about helping people and I know this is my calling because not only do I see it in myself, but others also see it in me; this is why I am excited to apply for this scholarship, because I know it is going to help with my tuition. Throughout my time in University, I had the privilege of volunteering at a children's home in Kenya. For almost a year, I dedicated myself to helping these children in any way that I could, from assisting with their basic needs to organizing educational activities for them. That experience taught me the value of compassion and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in nursing. I witnessed first-hand how important it is for healthcare professionals to show empathy and kindness to their patients, particularly in vulnerable populations like children. I learnt to be patient, attentive, and resourceful, skills that I believe will be invaluable as a Nurse. I am eager to continue using my passion for service to others as I pursue my studies in Nursing My decision to pursue a career in Nursing marks a significant shift in my professional trajectory. After completing my first degree in International Business Administration, I worked in several roles in the corporate sector. However, over time, I found that my passion for helping people and making a positive impact in their lives was not being fully utilized. Pursuing this course will be a career change for me, but it is one that I am enthusiastic about. I see it as an opportunity to combine my skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, with my desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. I am excited to apply my previous experiences and skills to this new path and am eager to become a compassionate and skilled healthcare provider. As an international student pursuing a nursing degree in the United States, I face significant financial challenges because of my visa restrictions, which limit my employment opportunities to on-campus jobs. These positions do not provide sufficient income to cover my tuition and living expenses. This scholarship would reduce this financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies. It would enable me to continue my education and achieve my goal of becoming a skilled nurse, ultimately contributing positively to the healthcare community. I sincerely hope that I will be considered for this scholarship, as it would play a crucial role in supporting my educational journey and future career in nursing.

I grew up in a small town in the Western part of Kenya. I used to listen to people talking about finding jobs and going to school abroad and when I was younger, I never thought that would ever be me, because it felt like such a farfetched dream. That I would actually have the courage to leave everything I know behind, and then decide to go pursue my studies in another country. In addition to this, I was also changing careers because I had taken a career path I wasn’t passionate about and it took a while before I realized my purpose. Pursuing a nursing degree in the United States has been a transformative journey that reflects my commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. My motivation for pursuing a career in Nursing stems from several experiences that have shaped my perspective and reinforced my desire to become a healthcare provider. First, and a major one: caring for my sister Phoebe. When she smiles, she literally lights up the room. Her capacity to give her best in all she can do astounds me sometimes, but then, she has those moments where she’ll require just a bit extra help to get through her day. Phoebe was born with Down’s Syndrome; as her primary caregiver, I have gained first-hand experience in providing compassionate care to her because she requires extra attention and support to be her best self. Second, a while back, when my mother got admitted in hospital for an extended period, the nurses provided her with exceptional care that made her comfortable and confident in her recovery. Seeing the positive impact they had also inspired me to pursue a career in Nursing. I am passionate about helping people and I know this is my calling because not only do I see it in myself, but others also see it in me; this is why I am excited to apply for this scholarship, because I know it is going to help a lot with my tuition. Throughout my time in University when I was studying my first degree, I had the privilege of volunteering at a children's home in Kenya. For almost a year, I dedicated myself to helping these children in any way that I could, from assisting with their basic needs to organizing educational activities for them. That experience taught me the value of compassion and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in nursing. I witnessed first-hand how important it is for healthcare professionals to show empathy and kindness to their patients, particularly in vulnerable populations like children. I learnt to be patient, attentive, and resourceful, skills that I believe will be invaluable as a Nurse. As an international student pursuing a nursing degree in the United States, I face significant financial challenges because of my visa restrictions, which limit my employment opportunities to on-campus jobs. These positions do not provide sufficient income to cover my tuition and living expenses. This scholarship would reduce this financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies. It would enable me to continue my education and achieve my goal of becoming a skilled nurse, ultimately contributing positively to the healthcare community. I sincerely hope that I will be considered for this scholarship, as it would play a crucial role in supporting my educational journey and future career in nursing.

A CALLING BEYOND BORDERS: MY JOURNEY AS AN INTERNATIONAL NURSING STUDENT I grew up in a small town in the Western part of Kenya. I used to listen to people talking about finding jobs and going to school abroad and when I was younger, I never thought that would ever be me. That I would actually have the courage to leave everything I know behind, and then decide to go pursue my studies in another country. In addition to this, I was also changing careers because I had taken a career path I wasn’t passionate about and it took a while before I realized my purpose. Pursuing a nursing degree in the United States has been a transformative journey that reflects my commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. I grew up in a community where healthcare resources were often limited, and witnessing the struggles of people around me ignited a passion for helping others. As an international student, relocating to the United States has been both challenging and rewarding. Having to leave behind my family, friends, and everything familiar was quite scary, but my determination to pursue a career in nursing gave me the motivation I needed to take that step. The cultural adjustments, homesickness, and financial obligations were significant, yet each challenge helped me discover my resilience and adaptability, traits that are quite important in the nursing profession. Technological advancement has provided opportunities for a lot of people to earn a living, especially through social media. However, my decision to pursue a nursing degree is driven by a deeper purpose. It is not just a career; it is a profession that requires empathy, dedication, and a sincere desire to serve others.

COMPASSIONATE CARE: MY INSPIRATION TO PURSUE NURSING My motivation for pursuing a career in Nursing stems from several experiences that have shaped my perspective and reinforced my desire to become a healthcare provider. First, and a major one: caring for my sister Phoebe. When she smiles, she literally lights up the room. Her capacity to give her best in all she can do astounds me sometimes, but then, she has those moments where she’ll require just a bit extra help to get through her day. Phoebe was born Down’s Syndrome; as her primary caregiver, I have gained first-hand experience in providing compassionate care to her because she requires extra attention and support to be her best self. Second, a while back, when my mother got admitted in hospital for an extended period, the nurses provided her with exceptional care that made her comfortable and confident in her recovery. Seeing the positive impact they had also inspired me to pursue a career in Nursing. I am passionate about helping people and I know this is my calling because not only do I see it in myself, but others also see it in me; this is why I am excited to apply for this scholarship, because I know it is going to help with my tuition. Throughout my time in University, I had the privilege of volunteering at a children's home in Kenya. For almost a year, I dedicated myself to helping these children in any way that I could, from assisting with their basic needs to organizing educational activities for them. That experience taught me the value of compassion and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in nursing. I witnessed first-hand how important it is for healthcare professionals to show empathy and kindness to their patients, particularly in vulnerable populations like children. I learnt to be patient, attentive, and resourceful, skills that I believe will be invaluable as a Nurse. I am eager to continue using my passion for service to others as I pursue my studies in Nursing My decision to pursue a career in Nursing marks a significant shift in my professional trajectory. After completing my first degree in International Business Administration, I worked in several roles in the corporate sector. However, over time, I found that my passion for helping people and making a positive impact in their lives was not being fully utilized. Pursuing this course will be a career change for me, but it is one that I am enthusiastic about. I see it as an opportunity to combine my skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, with my desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. I am excited to apply my previous experiences and skills to this new path and am eager to become a compassionate and skilled healthcare provider. As an international student pursuing a nursing degree in the United States, I face significant financial challenges because of my visa restrictions, which limit my employment opportunities to on-campus jobs. These positions do not provide sufficient income to cover my tuition and living expenses. This scholarship would help with my tuition and allow me to focus on my studies. I sincerely hope that I will be considered for this scholarship, as it would play a crucial role in supporting my educational journey and future career in nursing.

COMPASSIONATE CARE: MY INSPIRATION TO PURSUE NURSING My motivation for pursuing a career in Nursing stems from several experiences that have shaped my perspective and reinforced my desire to become a healthcare provider. First, and a major one: caring for my sister Phoebe. When she smiles, she literally lights up the room. Her capacity to give her best in all she can do astounds me sometimes, but then, she has those moments where she’ll require just a bit extra help to get through her day. Phoebe was born Down’s Syndrome; as her primary caregiver, I have gained first-hand experience in providing compassionate care to her because she requires extra attention and support to be her best self. Second, a while back, when my mother got admitted in hospital for an extended period, the nurses provided her with exceptional care that made her comfortable and confident in her recovery. Seeing the positive impact they had also inspired me to pursue a career in Nursing. I am passionate about helping people and I know this is my calling because not only do I see it in myself, but others also see it in me; this is why I am excited to apply for this scholarship, because I know it is going to help with my tuition. Throughout my time in University, I had the privilege of volunteering at a children's home in Kenya. For almost a year, I dedicated myself to helping these children in any way that I could, from assisting with their basic needs to organizing educational activities for them. That experience taught me the value of compassion and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in nursing. I witnessed first-hand how important it is for healthcare professionals to show empathy and kindness to their patients, particularly in vulnerable populations like children. I learnt to be patient, attentive, and resourceful, skills that I believe will be invaluable as a Nurse. I am eager to continue using my passion for service to others as I pursue my studies in Nursing My decision to pursue a career in Nursing marks a significant shift in my professional trajectory. After completing my first degree in International Business Administration, I worked in several roles in the corporate sector. However, over time, I found that my passion for helping people and making a positive impact in their lives was not being fully utilized. Pursuing this course will be a career change for me, but it is one that I am enthusiastic about. I see it as an opportunity to combine my skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, with my desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. I am excited to apply my previous experiences and skills to this new path and am eager to become a compassionate and skilled healthcare provider. The decision to pursue my dreams meant saying goodbye to the people and places that had shaped the person I am. I miss the daily interactions with loved ones, the comfort of familiar surroundings, and the support system that had always been there for me. I realize that my decision to relocate was not just about pursuing a career in nursing but also about seeking a life of purpose and service. As a nurse, I will have the opportunity to impact lives and fulfill my passion for helping people. I strive to remain committed to my goals because I know I will look back one day and be glad that I made this choice.