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Talisa Barnes

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Finalist

Bio

Hello! My name is Talisa Barnes, I have a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare studies. I am currently in an accelerated nursing program at the University of Bridgeport. I aspire to become a registered nurse and explore the field of cardiac, ICU, or oncology. I plan to pursue my master's in nursing to become a family nurse practitioner.

Education

University of Bridgeport

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Southern Connecticut State University

Bachelor's degree program
2020 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      nursing

    • Dream career goals:

      Nurse Practitioner

    • Caregiver

      Able Home
      2021 – 20221 year
    • Personal Care Attendent

      St.Vincent Special Needs
      2023 – Present1 year
    • Customer service specialist

      Best Buy
      2019 – 20212 years

    Arts

    • Klein Memorial Auditorium

      Theatre
      2013 – 2014

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      St.Vincents Hospital
      2015 – 2017

    Future Interests

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship

    Women in Nursing Scholarship
    I want to become a nurse because human connection and teamwork have always been meaningful. I love working with others and knowing I’m part of a work family. Nurses come together to share their workload encouragingly. I would love to be the kind of person who can be counted on by my colleagues and has a good support network as part of the job. Nursing has always been my dream career since high school; I have admired nurses and their dedicated work in providing quality care to their patients. At a young age, I discovered this passion I had to help and care for others the best I could. I wanted a career where I felt valued and respected and my work would be helpful to others. I’ve always been passionate about nursing and admired nurses because of their tireless dedication to patients. In my case, there was no moment of divine intervention or footsteps of an admired parent or relative to follow in, but rather a gradual realization that nursing would be the perfect career for me. Stepping into someone’s life at the low moments and making a difference in their experience is an incredible privilege. It brings a joyous feeling to my heart when I think about it; it makes me feel that way because I know I will bring happiness and hope to another person’s life someday. In 2019, I worked as a camp counselor at UCP Camp Harkness in Waterford, CT. I applied to become a camp counselor who supports and cares for people with disabilities. I assisted campers with daily living skills such as bathing, dressing, toileting, lifting, and transferring them in and out of their beds. I also participated in activities with campers and counselors in swimming, boating, horseback riding, bonfires, dances, concerts, arts and crafts, hiking, and gardening. It was a wonderful experience working at the camp for the summer because I could speak with fellow nurses and learn more about their experiences in nursing. I enjoyed spending time with campers and was grateful to make their summer experience great. Caring for these people and working with senior nurses reassured me that I was heading in the right direction in wanting to pursue my career in nursing. Over the past summer, I shadowed at the Yale New Haven Hospital, following a nurse working in the sickle cell unit. So whenever I get the chance to discuss my passion for nursing with others, I always tell them the situations I have encountered that sparked my interest in this field and why I would like to pursue it as a full-time career. At a young age, I discovered this passion I had to help and take care of others, the best I could. I wanted a career where I felt valued, respected, and where I felt as though my work would be helpful to others. I have always had a passion for nursing and admired nurses because of their tireless dedication to those in need. I currently work as a personal care attendant for special needs in a group. The job I currently work at has improved my interpersonal skills, patient care, and work ethic to become a good future nurse. Stepping into someone’s life at the low moments and making a difference in their experience is an incredible privilege. It brings a joyous feeling to my heart when I think about it; it makes me feel that way because I know I am going to bring happiness and hope to another person’s life someday.
    Nursing Student Scholarship
    I want to become a nurse because human connection and teamwork have always been meaningful. I love working with others and knowing I’m part of a work family. Nurses come together to share their workload encouragingly. I would love to be the kind of person who can be counted on by my colleagues and has a good support network as part of the job. Nursing has always been my dream career since high school; I have admired nurses and their dedicated work in providing quality care to their patients. At a young age, I discovered this passion I had to help and care for others the best I could. I wanted a career where I felt valued and respected and my work would be helpful to others. I’ve always been passionate about nursing and admired nurses because of their tireless dedication to patients. In my case, there was no moment of divine intervention or footsteps of an admired parent or relative to follow in, but rather a gradual realization that nursing would be the perfect career for me. Stepping into someone’s life at the low moments and making a difference in their experience is an incredible privilege. It brings a joyous feeling to my heart when I think about it; it makes me feel that way because I know I will bring happiness and hope to another person’s life someday. In 2019, I worked as a camp counselor at UCP Camp Harkness in Waterford, CT. I applied to become a camp counselor who supports and cares for people with disabilities. I assisted campers with daily living skills such as bathing, dressing, toileting, lifting, and transferring them in and out of their beds. I also participated in activities with campers and counselors in swimming, boating, horseback riding, bonfires, dances, concerts, arts and crafts, hiking, and gardening. It was a wonderful experience working at the camp for the summer because I could speak with fellow nurses and learn more about their experiences in nursing. I enjoyed spending time with campers and was grateful to make their summer experience great. Caring for these people and working with senior nurses reassured me that I was heading in the right direction in wanting to pursue my career in nursing. Over the past summer, I shadowed at the Yale New Haven Hospital, following a nurse working in the sickle cell unit. So whenever I get the chance to discuss my passion for nursing with others, I always tell them the situations I have encountered that sparked my interest in this field and why I would like to pursue it as a full-time career. At a young age, I discovered this passion I had to help and take care of others, the best I could. I wanted a career where I felt valued, respected, and where I felt as though my work would be helpful to others. I have always had a passion for nursing and admired nurses because of their tireless dedication to those in need. I currently work as a personal care attendant for special needs in a group. The job I currently work at has improved my interpersonal skills, patient care, and work ethic to become a good future nurse. Stepping into someone’s life at the low moments and making a difference in their experience is an incredible privilege. It brings a joyous feeling to my heart when I think about it; it makes me feel that way because I know I am going to bring happiness and hope to another person’s life someday.
    Mental Health Scholarship for Women
    Mental health has profoundly impacted both my academic performance and personal life navigating the demands of school. Academically, I have experienced mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and stress which have severely hindered my cognitive functioning, making it difficult to concentrate, remember information, and engage effectively in my coursework. These cognitive impairments often result in decreased grades, missed deadlines, and an overall decline in my academic performance. Furthermore, it has caused diminished motivation and engagement, leading me to withdraw from academic courses and procrastinate, which exacerbates academic difficulties. Physical symptoms of mental health challenges, such as fatigue and sleep disturbances, can further impair a student’s ability to stay alert and perform well. There were days I didn't shower or brush my teeth because mentally I was fatigued and stressed. On a personal level, mental health issues can strain relationships with friends, family, and peers, leading to conflicts and feelings of isolation. This strain undermines the vital support networks necessary for emotional well-being. Daily functioning can also become overwhelming, with routine tasks like attending classes and completing assignments feeling daunting, which impacts the overall quality of life and balance. To prioritize my mental health, I have taken several proactive steps. First I sought professional help through my school counseling sessions. My school offered counseling services that provided support tailored to students’ needs, helping them develop effective coping strategies. Building a robust support network is also crucial; nurturing relationships with friends, family, and support groups can offer emotional comfort and practical advice during challenging times. Engaging in stress-reducing activities, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies, can enhance resilience and overall mental well-being. I would go to my school gym to de-stress before doing my studies. Practicing self-care by ensuring adequate sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and staying physically active supports both mental and physical health. I started eating more fruits and vegetables and got myself an alarm clock to manage my sleep better. Setting realistic goals and breaking tasks into manageable steps can help students avoid feeling overwhelmed and improve focus and productivity. Establishing a structured routine that includes time for study, relaxation, and social activities can help manage time effectively and reduce stress. Lastly, utilizing campus resources, such as academic advising and wellness workshops, can provide additional support and enhance both academic and mental health. By adopting these strategies, I was able to manage the challenges of school, leading to improved academic performance and a more balanced, fulfilling personal life.
    Sara Jane Memorial Scholarship
    For starters, I would to explain my health care experience and what drew me to pursue nursing. From high school to college, I volunteered at St. Vincent Hospital to help transfer patients or packages to their care or another room. In 2019, I worked as a camp counselor at UCP Camp Harkness in Waterford, CT. I applied to become a camp counselor who supports and cares for people with disabilities. I assisted campers with daily living skills such as bathing, dressing, toileting, lifting, and transferring them in and out of their beds. Working for the summer was a wonderful experience because I could speak with fellow nurses and learn more about their experiences in nursing. In 2021, I became a direct support professional, accompanying autistic persons and helping them perform their daily activities and learning skills. In the summer of 2022, I shadowed a nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital in the sickle cell unit. Through my experience, I gained an enlightened perspective on the duties of a nurse. Currently, I am working as a Personal Care attendant at St. Vincent; 's Special Needs Center. As a personal care attendant, I am responsible for providing personal and domestic everyday support needed to people with physical and mental disabilities. I want to become a nurse because human connection and teamwork have always been meaningful. Nursing is an opportunity for me to help people at their most vulnerable. I love working with others and knowing I’m part of a work family. Nurses come together to share their workload encouragingly. I would love to be the kind of person who can be counted on by my colleagues and has a good support network as part of the job. Nursing has always been my dream career since high school; I have admired nurses and their dedicated work in providing quality care to their patients. At a young age, I discovered this passion I had to help and care for others the best I could. I wanted a career where I felt valued and respected and my work would be helpful to others. I’ve always been passionate about nursing and admired nurses because of their tireless dedication to patients. In my case, there was no moment of divine intervention or footsteps of an admired parent or relative to follow in, but rather a gradual realization that nursing would be the perfect career for me. Stepping into someone’s life at the low moments and making a difference in their experience is an incredible privilege. It brings a joyous feeling to my heart when I think about it; it makes me feel that way because I know I will bring happiness and hope to another person’s life someday. In 2019, I worked as a camp counselor at UCP Camp Harkness in Waterford, CT. I applied to become a camp counselor who supports and cares for people with disabilities. I assisted campers with daily living skills such as bathing, dressing, toileting, lifting, and transferring them in and out of their beds. I also participated in activities with campers and counselors in swimming, boating, horseback riding, bonfires, dances, concerts, arts and crafts, hiking, and gardening. It was a wonderful experience working at the camp for the summer because I could speak with fellow nurses and learn more about their experiences in nursing. I enjoyed spending time with campers and was grateful to make their summer experience great. Caring for these people and working with senior nurses reassured me that I was heading in the right direction in wanting to pursue my career in nursing.
    Wieland Nurse Appreciation Scholarship
    For starters, I would to explain my health care experience and what drew me to pursue nursing. From high school to college, I volunteered at St. Vincent Hospital to help transfer patients or packages to their care or another room. In 2019, I worked as a camp counselor at UCP Camp Harkness in Waterford, CT. I applied to become a camp counselor who supports and cares for people with disabilities. I assisted campers with daily living skills such as bathing, dressing, toileting, lifting, and transferring them in and out of their beds. Working for the summer was a wonderful experience because I could speak with fellow nurses and learn more about their experiences in nursing. In 2021, I became a direct support professional, accompanying autistic persons and helping them perform their daily activities and learning skills. In the summer of 2022, I shadowed a nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital in the sickle cell unit. Through my experience, I gained an enlightened perspective on the duties of a nurse. Currently, I am working as a Personal Care attendant at St. Vincent; 's Special Needs Center. As a personal care attendant, I am responsible for providing personal and domestic everyday support needed to people with physical and mental disabilities. I want to become a nurse because human connection and teamwork have always been meaningful. Nursing is an opportunity for me to help people at their most vulnerable. I love working with others and knowing I’m part of a work family. Nurses come together to share their workload encouragingly. I would love to be the kind of person who can be counted on by my colleagues and has a good support network as part of the job. Nursing has always been my dream career since high school; I have admired nurses and their dedicated work in providing quality care to their patients. At a young age, I discovered this passion I had to help and care for others the best I could. I wanted a career where I felt valued and respected and my work would be helpful to others. I’ve always been passionate about nursing and admired nurses because of their tireless dedication to patients. In my case, there was no moment of divine intervention or footsteps of an admired parent or relative to follow in, but rather a gradual realization that nursing would be the perfect career for me. Stepping into someone’s life at the low moments and making a difference in their experience is an incredible privilege. It brings a joyous feeling to my heart when I think about it; it makes me feel that way because I know I will bring happiness and hope to another person’s life someday. In 2019, I worked as a camp counselor at UCP Camp Harkness in Waterford, CT. I applied to become a camp counselor who supports and cares for people with disabilities. I assisted campers with daily living skills such as bathing, dressing, toileting, lifting, and transferring them in and out of their beds. I also participated in activities with campers and counselors in swimming, boating, horseback riding, bonfires, dances, concerts, arts and crafts, hiking, and gardening. It was a wonderful experience working at the camp for the summer because I could speak with fellow nurses and learn more about their experiences in nursing. I enjoyed spending time with campers and was grateful to make their summer experience great. Caring for these people and working with senior nurses reassured me that I was heading in the right direction in wanting to pursue my career in nursing.
    Eric Maurice Brandon Memorial Scholarship
    For starters, I would like to explain my healthcare experience, and what drew me to pursue nursing. From high school to college, I volunteered at St. Vincent Hospital to help transfer patients or packages to their care or another room. In 2019, I worked as a camp counselor at UCP Camp Harkness in Waterford, CT. I applied to become a camp counselor who supports and cares for people with disabilities. I assisted campers with daily living skills such as bathing, dressing, toileting, lifting, and transferring them in and out of their beds. Working for the summer was a wonderful experience because I could speak with fellow nurses and learn more about their experiences in nursing. In 2021, I became a direct support professional, accompanying autistic persons and helping them perform their daily activities and learning skills. In the summer of 2022, I shadowed a nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital in the sickle cell unit. Through my experience, I gained an enlightened perspective on the duties of a nurse. Currently, I am working as a Personal Care attendant at St. Vincent; 's Special Needs Center. As a personal care attendant, I am responsible for providing personal and domestic everyday support needed to people with physical and mental disabilities. I want to become a nurse because human connection and teamwork have always been meaningful. Nursing is an opportunity for me to help people at their most vulnerable. I love working with others and knowing I’m part of a work family. Nurses come together to share their workload encouragingly. I would love to be the kind of person who can be counted on by my colleagues and has a good support network as part of the job. Nursing has always been my dream career since high school; I have admired nurses and their dedicated work in providing quality care to their patients. At a young age, I discovered this passion I had to help and care for others the best I could. I wanted a career where I felt valued and respected and my work would be helpful to others. I’ve always been passionate about nursing and admired nurses because of their tireless dedication to patients. In my case, there was no moment of divine intervention or footsteps of an admired parent or relative to follow in, but rather a gradual realization that nursing would be the perfect career for me. Stepping into someone’s life at the low moments and making a difference in their experience is an incredible privilege. It brings a joyous feeling to my heart when I think about it; it makes me feel that way because I know I will bring happiness and hope to another person’s life someday. In 2019, I worked as a camp counselor at UCP Camp Harkness in Waterford, CT. I applied to become a camp counselor who supports and cares for people with disabilities. I assisted campers with daily living skills such as bathing, dressing, toileting, lifting, and transferring them in and out of their beds. I also participated in activities with campers and counselors in swimming, boating, horseback riding, bonfires, dances, concerts, arts and crafts, hiking, and gardening. It was a wonderful experience working at the camp for the summer because I could speak with fellow nurses and learn more about their experiences in nursing. I enjoyed spending time with campers and was grateful to make their summer experience great. Caring for these people and working with senior nurses reassured me that I was heading in the right direction in wanting to pursue my career in nursing.
    Dashanna K. McNeil Memorial Scholarship
    I want to become a nurse because human connection and teamwork have always been meaningful. Nursing is an opportunity for me to help people at their most vulnerable. I love working with others and knowing I’m part of a work family. Nurses come together to share their workload encouragingly. I would love to be the kind of person who can be counted on by my colleagues and has a good support network as part of the job. Nursing has always been my dream career since high school; I have admired nurses and their dedicated work in providing quality care to their patients. At a young age, I discovered this passion I had to help and care for others the best I could. I wanted a career where I felt valued and respected and my work would be helpful to others. I’ve always been passionate about nursing and admired nurses because of their tireless dedication to patients. In my case, there was no moment of divine intervention or footsteps of an admired parent or relative to follow in, but rather a gradual realization that nursing would be the perfect career for me. Stepping into someone’s life at the low moments and making a difference in their experience is an incredible privilege. It brings a joyous feeling to my heart when I think about it; it makes me feel that way because I know I will bring happiness and hope to another person’s life someday. In 2019, I worked as a camp counselor at UCP Camp Harkness in Waterford, CT. I applied to become a camp counselor who supports and cares for people with disabilities. I assisted campers with daily living skills such as bathing, dressing, toileting, lifting, and transferring them in and out of their beds. I also participated in activities with campers and counselors in swimming, boating, horseback riding, bonfires, dances, concerts, arts and crafts, hiking, and gardening. It was a wonderful experience working at the camp for the summer because I could speak with fellow nurses and learn more about their experiences in nursing. I enjoyed spending time with campers and was grateful to make their summer experience great. Caring for these people and working with senior nurses reassured me that I was heading in the right direction in wanting to pursue my career in nursing. I am a first-generation Jamaican American and one of the first in my family to attend college and receive a bachelor's degree. I grew up in a single-parent household with my other two siblings and received limited financial assistance due to my low family income. I am currently enrolled as a nurse in an accelerated bachelor of nursing program at the University of Bridgeport, in Bridgeport Connecticut. As someone continuing their education and wanting to pursue a career in nursing, I want to spend more time in school because it is crucial in my future career in nursing and my journey to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.
    She Rose in Health Scholarship
    I am a senior at Southern Connecticut State University in CT, majoring in Healthcare Studies. I chose healthcare studies because after graduating, I wanted to pursue a career in nursing. I have always had a passion for nursing and admired nurses because of their tireless dedication to those in need. In my case, there was no moment of divine intervention or footsteps of an admired parent or relative to follow in, but rather a gradual realization that nursing would be the perfect career for me. Stepping into someone's life at the low moments and making a difference in their experience is an incredible privilege. It brings a joyous feeling to my heart when I think about it; it makes me feel that way because I know I will bring happiness and hope to another person's life someday. After graduating with my Bachelor's in Healthcare studies, I want to attend an accelerated nursing program to get my Bachelor's in nursing. With my degree, I will be one of the first-generation students to complete college and become the first nurse in my family. This scholarship will help me pay off my student loans and focus more on finishing my studies and less stress about how I will pay for my college degree. That is how I plan to make a positive impact through my degree, making my family proud and becoming a patient advocate for all my patients. There is never a dull moment working in the healthcare field; such rewarding jobs push you to do more. The positive impact I will leave within healthcare would be being a great team player with my health field team and ensuring quality patient care. I want to promote health and well-being on a personal level. I want to empower people to take charge of their well-being and do everything I can for those in my care. I have always strived to succeed. I achieve high standards in my part-time job as a caregiver. I am committed to continuously improving, learning, and opening new avenues to extend my work knowledge and abilities. I have many qualities that make me a team player and ensure the patient has good care. I can form excellent working relationships with my colleagues from my positive energy. I am punctual and reliable in my work, am up to date with the standards of job roles, and make sure they are up to the required standard. And lastly, I have excellent interpersonal and active listening skills. I can work with all types of people and efficiently perform at my job. I will impact health care, exemplify integrity, and work to grow and learn. The challenges that I anticipate facing would-be worker burnout and quality patient time. Day-to-day stress—particularly in high-intensity medical operations—can cause people to quit the healthcare field altogether. With demanding work schedules and staff shortages, I want to create a good work-life balance and ensure I can provide patient care. That is how I plan to make a positive impact through my degree and grow to be a great healthcare worker as a nurse.
    Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship
    Hello! My name is Talisa Barnes. I am 22 years old and live in Connecticut. I am a healthcare study major, graduating this year, 2023. After graduation, I plan to apply to an accerlated nursing program and get my bachelor's in nursing. This will be my fifth year in college, and it has been a long road for me. My major accomplishment will be being one of the first generations in my family to complete college and pursue a career in nursing. I will be the first nurse in my family. All my life, I ever wanted to become a nurse to help take care of people. I enjoyed science, and it was one of my favorite subjects in high school because it challenged me to strive for As and Bs and sparked my interest in nursing. I have always had a passion for nursing and admired nurses because of their tireless dedication to those in need. In my case, there was no moment of divine intervention or footsteps of an admired parent or relative to follow in, but rather a gradual realization that nursing would be the perfect career for me. Stepping into someone's life at the low moments and making a difference in their experience is an incredible privilege. It brings a joyous feeling to my heart when I think about it; it makes me feel that way because I know I will bring happiness and hope to another person's life someday. My community involvement started in high school; I volunteered at my local hospital, delivered packages, and helped discharge patients. I also volunteered at my local library and helped clean up and set up books. At my college, I attend Southern Connecticut State University and am a treasurer in the Multicultural Health Leaders club. We accept majors in health and human services and provide resources and opportunities regarding healthcare. We have done blood drives, Narcan training, and volunteer at soup kitchens. The money I have saved by paying down my student loans will be used to focus on paying down my other student loans and add to my emergency fund. I am currently in debt of over $60,000. I am currently unemployed and searching for a job at my local hospital. By helping pay down my student loans, I will be one step closer to paying off my debt and continuing to pursue my career in nursing.
    Wieland Nurse Appreciation Scholarship
    Whenever I get the chance to discuss my passion for nursing with others, I always tell them the situations I have encountered that sparked my interest in this field and why I would like to pursue it as a full-time career. At a young age, I discovered this passion I had to help and take care of others, the best I can. I wanted a career where I felt valued and respected, and where I felt as though my work would be helpful to others. I remember when I was 12 or 13 years old, and my mother had liposuction and breast reduction surgery. I took care of her for weeks, until she was feeling like herself again. It was those moments when I was taking care of her that prompted me to learn more about nursing. I have always had a passion for nursing and admired nurses because of their tireless dedication to those in need. In my case, there was no moment of divine intervention, or footsteps of an admired parent or relative to follow in, but rather a gradual realization that nursing would be the perfect career for me. Stepping into someone’s life at the low moments and making a difference in their experience is an incredible privilege. It brings a joyous feeling to my heart when I think about it; it makes me feel that way because I know I am going to bring happiness and hope to another person’s life someday. I'm currently a nursing student at Southern Connecticut State University and I minor in Public Health. For this summer of 2022, I volunteered at my call and got the opportunity to shadow a nurse at my dream hospital. After that experience, I knew that nursing would be for me and would be a rewarding profession as well. I also believe in empathy. For me, empathy is one of the largest characteristics of humans. I want to bring empathy with me every time I come into the hospital. My passion for empathy brought me toward wanting to get a career in nursing at a young age. I want to become a nurse because I have a passion and a drive to be a part of the healing process. I believe that nursing is simply giving tender loving care while applying it to the everyday concept of medical care. That is why I decided to pursue a career in nursing and what inspired me to do so.
    Small Seed Big Flower Scholarship
    My name is Talisa Barnes, and I am 21 years old, living in Bridgeport, Connecticut. I was born in Stamford Hospital but was raised in Bridgeport, CT. I go to Southern Connecticut State University and I am currently a nursing student who minors in Public health. This scholarship will encourage me to maintain my GPA in college which is now a 3.9. My dream future looks like being an official Registered Nurse working at Yale New haven hospital in either Pediatrics or surgical room. I would have graduated from my college with my bachelor's in nursing and potentially pursued a master's in being a nurse practitioner. The other that stands in the way of my building my dream future is Fear of Failure. When I graduated from high school in 2018 and applied to college for nursing, throughout my journey I was rejected two times by each college and was recently accepted in 2022 May. I felt discouraged and fell into a depression that destroyed my confidence in school. It wasn't until I joined therapy that I had to take some time for myself and rearrange my goals. I practiced self-care and grew my relationship with God. I changed my study habits and created boundaries for myself and applied for the nursing program again and got accepted. That fear of failure held me back from reapplying and not taking care of myself anymore. But I turned it around for myself and believe that even though I may fail sometimes, I will also succeed beyond my expectations. I should try and fail than not try at all and break down my dream future. Once I got accepted into nursing school, It opened a door of opportunities for me, I volunteered at my college and shadowed a nurse at my dream hospital, and that was when I knew that I was in the right place and onto building my dream future. I felt great and proud of myself because if I had given up two years ago, I would be able to experience all things nursing I do now. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies in nursing and gain experience in nursing. Winning this scholarship will add value to my degree, and when searching for a job in the hospital when I graduate college. I would be grateful because this scholarship would be a way for me to save money for college and continue to attend college. I am one of three children, raised by a single mother moving from a homeless shelter up until middle school. I am a first-generation student who didn’t come from a wealthy family therefore winning this scholarship can help me reach my goals of graduating with my BSN in nursing and reducing my student loan debt in the future. Achieving this scholarship would make a huge difference in my college career and make the most of my journey through college. While providing a great experience in college and more opportunities.
    Ruthie Brown Scholarship
    My name is Talisa Andrea Barnes and I am 21 years old and living in Bridgeport, Connecticut. I am Jamaican-American. My mother is from Jamaica and my Dad was born in America (African-American). I am currently going to Southern Connecticut State University and pursuing my bachelor's in Nursing and a minor in Public Health. And my expected graduation year is 2024, two years from now. I work as a caregiver for persons with Autism that pays 16.50$ an hour, semi-monthly. I am currently over 50,000$ in debt due to my lack of knowledge and being a first-generation college student. I am working on paying my student debt off by starting small. Every month I put 10-20$, if I can, towards my loans, but since interest is added it doesn't make a difference. What I have started to do in addressing my student loan debt, is figuring where I am financially and go from there. In the past, I was not most knowledgeable when it comes to financial literacy; and knowing how to save money. At my college, they offer a financial advisor who has helped and given me resources on how to plan and work on my current student loan debt. So I created a budget plan in which I use a step-down principle on my expenses to limit my spending habits. Instead of eating out or buying fast food, I buy groceries in bulk and cook them at home. Making sure to keep track of my bills so whatever I have left over I can use towards my savings for my future student loans after college. I am starting a savings fund specifically for my student loan debt and currently looking for ways to increase income and possible loan forgiveness. Knowing the amount that I owe in student loan debt, I'm reviewing the terms of the loan contract, and reviewing grace periods to adjust to my monthly budget plan. Once I reach a certain goal in finances I will pay off the highest interest rate first to lower my debt and work from there. Moreover, I plan to budget a certain amount above the total monthly required payments, then allocate the overage to the debt with the highest amount. My overall priority is to save as much as possible to reduce and eliminate my current student loan debt after I finish college and achieve my career in nursing. And this is how I plan to address my current student loan after college when I graduate.
    Lo Easton's “Wrong Answers Only” Scholarship
    I don't know why I should deserve this scholarship, and I deserve it because I am an expert on singing the ABCs in order. I overcame an obstacle when I had to defrost the chicken before my parents came home and made dinner. My academic goals are to wake up, read a book about self-care, and go to sleep.