My journey toward becoming a nurse began long before I officially chose this career. I have spent more than a decade working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, beginning in 2012. Those early years in long-term care opened my eyes to the profound impact that compassionate caregiving can have on a person’s life. Over time, I came to understand that nursing is not just a job, it is a purpose. The experiences I’ve had professionally and personally, have shaped my commitment to pursue nursing and fueled the passion that keeps me moving forward. For the last eight years, I have worked in a long-term care facility where I built strong connections with residents and their families. Even though I am currently only able to work a few hours a month due to school and travel distance, I continue because the people there feel like family. Being at the bedside taught me how important it is to treat patients as whole people, individuals with personal histories, preferences, fears, and hopes. I learned that a gentle touch, a warm conversation, or simply sitting quietly with someone can provide comfort in ways medicine alone cannot. My grandmother’s developing dementia became an even deeper turning point in my decision to pursue nursing. I helped care for her at home until we could no longer safely meet her needs. When she was eventually admitted to the nursing facility where I worked, I was able to be part of her care as a caregiver and as her granddaughter. I saw how dementia slowly steals pieces of a person, but I also saw how compassionate care can preserve their dignity. Even when she could no longer recognize us, familiar sounds or the comfort of holding her hand brought her peace. Her passing in April was painful, but it reinforced why I want to be a nurse: to support families and patients through the hardest moments of their lives. In January 2023, I lost my father to a sudden heart attack. My husband and I performed CPR until help arrived, but he did not survive. That day changed me. My father was always one of my biggest supporters, especially when it came to my education. He believed deeply that I would make a great nurse. After his passing, that belief became an even stronger source of motivation. When school feels overwhelming, I remind myself that I am honoring him by continuing to pursue the career he always imagined for me. His loss strengthened my desire to be the kind of nurse who brings not only skill, but steadiness, empathy, and presence to families in crisis. Through my education, I hope to become a nurse who treats every patient with dignity, advocates for the vulnerable, and provides support to families navigating grief, illness, and uncertainty. I am especially drawn to working with the elderly, ensuring that their final years are met with respect, patience, and compassion. I believe that great nursing care can transform not just a patient’s experience, but the experience of those who love them. The nursing shortage in the United States has highlighted how essential nurses are to the health system, as well as the urgent need for new caregivers to step into the field. I am proud to be working toward becoming part of that next generation. My experiences have taught me that nursing is both a privilege and a responsibility, one that allows us to make a meaningful difference every single day. I hope to continue growing into the kind of nurse who brings comfort, hope, and strength to the people who need it most.

My name is Talisa Church, and my journey has been shaped by family, loss, and a deep desire to care for others. I grew up in a tight-knit household where love was abundant, even when resources were not. My parents worked hard to provide what they could, and their support taught me the value of commitment, compassion, and resilience. Those lessons became even more meaningful when my father passed away unexpectedly in January of 2023. Losing a parent so suddenly changes the course of your life. My father had a heart attack, and my husband and I performed CPR until emergency personnel arrived. Despite every effort, he didn’t survive. The shock of his passing left a hole in our family that will never fully heal. Overnight, the family structure I had always known shifted, and I found myself trying to navigate grief while continuing school, working limited hours as a CNA, and supporting my mother emotionally from a distance. My father was always one of my biggest supporters. He believed I would make a great nurse long before I believed it myself. His confidence in me is what helped push me forward when I decided to return to school. After he passed, that encouragement became even more powerful. Continuing my nursing education feels like a way to honor him and to carry forward the love he gave our family by giving that same care to others. Around the same time, I was also helping care for my grandmother, who suffered from dementia. I cared for her at home until her symptoms progressed, and she eventually moved into the nursing facility where I worked. I had already been a Certified Nursing Assistant since 2012, but being both her caregiver and her granddaughter gave me a new understanding of what families go through. Even when she no longer recognized people she once loved, small moments like brushing her hair, holding her hand, familiar music brought her comfort. She passed away in April, but the lessons I learned during her decline strengthened my resolve to care for vulnerable people with dignity. My experiences have also brought financial and emotional challenges. With school, a long commute, and family responsibilities, I have only been able to work a few hours a month. My husband and I do our best to support one another, and although the loss of my father has been incredibly difficult, it has also shown me the importance of strong support systems. My faith helps guide me, and volunteering through the Student Nurses Association and my church allows me to stay connected to my community and give back in ways that lift my spirit. Through my education, I hope to make a difference by becoming a nurse who is fully present with patients and families in their most difficult moments. I want to care for people the way others cared for my father and grandmother, with empathy, patience, and respect. I am especially drawn to working with older adults and advocating for those who can no longer speak for themselves. Ultimately, I hope to be a steady, compassionate presence, bringing comfort to patients and helping families feel supported during times of fear or grief. My journey has been shaped by loss, but it has also given me purpose. I plan to use my education to help others navigate the same vulnerable moments that changed my life and to honor my father by becoming the nurse he always believed I could be!

My vision for myself as a future nurse is to be a steady source of compassion, advocacy, and dignity for every person I encounter. I believe nursing is far more than providing medical care. It is a commitment to honor the human experience of illness, aging, healing, and loss. My journey so far has shaped not only why I want to become a nurse, but the kind of nurse I am determined to be. I began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in 2012, and I have spent most of my career in long-term care. I have always felt drawn to the elderly. Their strength, stories, and reflections on life have taught me more about humanity than any textbook ever could. For the past eight years, I have worked at the same long-term care facility, forming lasting connections with residents and families. Because of school and the hour-long drive, I am only able to work a few hours a month, but I choose to stay because those residents feel like home. They shaped who I am as a caregiver, and I carry their lessons with me. Working in long-term care has given me a profound appreciation for what patients need beyond physical care. Some of the most meaningful moments have come from simply listening, holding a hand, or treating someone with gentleness when they are afraid or confused. I have learned how deeply dignity matters, especially to those who must depend on others for nearly everything. My vision as a nurse is to continue honoring my patients as whole people: individuals with unique histories, preferences, and emotional needs, no matter their condition. My grandmother’s decline from dementia played a significant role in defining that vision. I helped care for her at home until we could no longer meet her needs; she was eventually admitted to the long-term care facility where I worked. Experiencing the process from both sides, as a caregiver and a granddaughter changed me. I learned how frightening dementia can be, not only for patients but for the family members who watch their loved ones slowly fade. I witnessed how small gestures of kindness, patience, and familiarity could bring her peace even when she no longer recognized people she loved. Losing her in April was incredibly difficult, but it strengthened my desire to advocate for people who cannot speak for themselves. I want to be the nurse who reassures families that their loved ones are treated respectfully, even when their memory is gone. Another defining experience was the sudden loss of my father in January 2023. My husband and I performed CPR until emergency responders arrived, but he could not be saved. That day changed my life in an instant. My dad had always encouraged me to continue my education and become a nurse. He believed in my ability to care for people in the most vulnerable moments. He saw it in me before I fully saw it in myself. After his passing, I carried his encouragement with me as a promise. Going back to school became more than a goal; it became a way to honor him. His memory drives me every day, especially when school feels overwhelming. These personal experiences have shaped the nurse I hope to become: one who brings calm when uncertainty feels overwhelming, one who supports families through their hardest moments, and one who believes that kindness and presence are just as important as clinical skill. Beyond my CNA work, I am involved in the Student Nurses Association, where I participate in volunteer opportunities that serve my community. Giving back has always been important to me, especially because I know what it feels like to need support. I am also active in my church, where my husband and I attend regularly and contribute our time. Faith has been a grounding force through grief, school, and work, and it has taught me the importance of service, humility, and hope, values I carry with me into patient care. My life outside nursing is simple, but full. My husband and I enjoy spending time with our fur baby, Bentley, who has brought so much joy and comfort into our home. We also love participating in demolition derbies — a hobby that might seem unusual, but is something we both grew up around and became something fun we enjoy doing together. It reminds me that life needs balance, and that laughter and adventure are part of staying emotionally healthy. When I finish school, we hope to grow our family, something we are both very excited about! As a future nurse, I hope not just to provide excellent clinical care, but to create meaningful relationships with my patients and their families. I want my presence to make people feel safer, heard, and understood. I am drawn to continuing my work with vulnerable populations, especially older adults and continuing to advocate for their needs. I also hope to support new nursing students one day, just as others have encouraged me. Continuing education is important to me, and I plan to keep learning, growing, and expanding my skills throughout my career. Sheila A. Burke believed in encouraging others to pursue their nursing ambitions, especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Her legacy of positivity and dedication to nursing education reflects what I hope to embody: someone who gives back, lifts others up, and helps expand access to compassionate care. Like Sheila, I want to be a nurse who makes space for others to learn, thrive, and find purpose. My vision is to be a nurse who shows up fully with skill, compassion, patience, and humility and who honors every person’s dignity from admission to end of life. It would be a privilege to carry that vision forward, and this scholarship would help make that possible.

From the time I became a Certified Nursing Assistant while in high school in 2012, I knew that my work in healthcare would be more than a job, it would be a calling. Over the last twelve years, I have devoted myself to caring for others, especially those in long-term care. The relationships I've formed, the stories I’ve been entrusted with, and the lessons I’ve learned from the aging population have shaped the nurse I am becoming. My journey has not been easy, but the people I have cared for, along with my personal life experiences, have fueled my commitment to continue my education and pursue nursing at a deeper level. For the past eight years, I have worked in long-term care at the same facility. While balancing nursing school and a one-hour commute has limited how many hours I can work, I still choose to remain there because the residents feel like family. I have always been drawn to the elderly, and working closely with them has taught me patience, compassion, humility, and the importance of treating every person with dignity. The truth is, many of our elders simply want to feel seen and valued. Even on the most challenging days, I am reminded that the smallest acts of care such as a warm blanket, listening ear, or gentle reassurance can bring peace and comfort. My passion for nursing grew even deeper when I helped care for my grandmother, who had dementia. I cared for her at home as long as possible before she eventually moved to the nursing facility where I worked. Losing her this past April was incredibly difficult, but being part of her care journey reinforced why I chose this field. I saw firsthand how vulnerable patients and families feel, and how the right caregivers can bring dignity to even the most challenging moments. My grandmother’s decline reminded me how important it is to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. I hope to honor her story by carrying that commitment into every patient interaction. In January 2023, my father passed away suddenly from a heart attack. My husband and I performed CPR until emergency personnel arrived, but he could not be saved. It was a moment that changed my life forever. My dad always encouraged me to continue my education and become a nurse. His belief in me and losing him so unexpectedly became one of the strongest driving forces behind my decision to return to school. Every time I feel overwhelmed by coursework or clinicals, I remind myself that I am pursuing the dream he always saw in me. Nursing became more than a passion; it became a mission to make him proud and carry on his legacy of helping others. Outside of nursing, I try to find balance through faith, family, and hobbies. I am part of the Student Nurses Association and regularly volunteer my time through service activities. I also enjoy helping at my church and attending services with my husband. Our faith gives us strength and keeps us grounded. Together, we like spending time with our fur baby, Bentley, and participating in demolition derbies—something fun and a little unconventional that brings us joy. After I graduate and begin my career as a nurse, my husband and I hope to start a family of our own. Nursing is not simply a career I want, it is the person I am becoming. My experiences have taught me that compassionate care is a gift that can change someone’s hardest day into one filled with dignity, comfort, or hope. I aspire to be the kind of nurse who truly sees her patients, listens to their stories, and advocates for their well-being. I hope to make a meaningful impact on every life I touch, just as the nurses caring for Mary Jane Beck have done for her. This scholarship would not only support my education, but also strengthen my ability to carry these experiences forward and continue serving others with purpose, empathy, and dedication.

I have been working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) since 2012, and throughout my career, I have developed a deep passion for healthcare and serving my community. My journey into healthcare was driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. As a CNA, I have had the privilege of providing care to patients in a variety of settings, from hospitals to nursing homes, and each experience has further solidified my commitment to healthcare. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is being able to offer comfort to patients during vulnerable moments. I’ve worked with individuals who were facing life-altering health challenges, and I’ve seen firsthand how compassionate, attentive care can not only improve their physical well-being but also uplift their spirits. These experiences have been humbling, and they’ve reinforced my desire to pursue nursing as a means to expand my impact and ability to serve. Throughout my time as a CNA, I’ve encountered countless opportunities to advocate for my patients, whether it’s ensuring they receive timely care, coordinating with other healthcare professionals, or simply offering a kind word in moments of distress. I’ve learned that healthcare isn’t just about medical procedures; it’s about seeing the person in front of you, listening to their concerns, and providing them with the care they deserve. These lessons have shaped my view of nursing as not only a career but as a calling to help others in their most critical moments. I have decided to pursue a nursing career because I believe it will allow me to continue serving my community on a deeper level. As a nurse, I would have the opportunity to directly influence patient care, guide individuals through their recovery, and contribute to the broader healthcare system that supports our most vulnerable populations. Whether it’s working in an emergency room, providing care in underserved areas, or teaching patients how to manage chronic conditions, I am eager to make a lasting impact on the lives of others. I am committed to becoming a nurse who not only excels in clinical skills but also embodies the values of empathy, advocacy, and patient-centered care. This scholarship would be a critical step toward achieving my goal of becoming a registered nurse, allowing me to further my education and pursue a career that blends my passion for healthcare with my desire to serve others. Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to continue my journey in healthcare and to contribute meaningfully to the field of nursing. Your support would play an invaluable role in helping me take the next step toward making a lasting impact in the lives of my patients and my community.

In April of this year, I lost my grandmother to Alzheimer's dementia. It was a deeply emotional and transformative experience, one that has shaped my understanding of aging, healthcare, and the critical need for further research into neurodegenerative diseases. Over the course of her diagnosis, I had the privilege of being her caregiver for two years, a role that began at home and transitioned to her being in a memory care unit. This experience not only taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, compassion, and patience, but it also ignited a passion within me to pursue a career dedicated to understanding and combating Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. When my grandmother was first diagnosed, our family was devastated. Watching her memory slowly fade was heart-wrenching, but what struck me the most was how she was still "herself" in so many ways—her love of music, her sense of humor, and her ability to connect with others, even as the disease progressed. This gave me a unique perspective on the importance of creating environments that support dignity, respect, and quality of life for people with dementia. I had the privilege of caring for her in my workplace, a memory care facility, where I witnessed firsthand how personalized care can make a significant difference in the lives of those with Alzheimer’s. My grandmother thrived in the community, surrounded by people who cared deeply for her. This environment of love and respect helped her maintain a sense of purpose, even as the disease took its toll. However, the experience also revealed the harsh realities of dementia. Despite the best efforts of caregivers and loved ones, there were moments of frustration, confusion, and helplessness. I saw how Alzheimer's can erode not only the person’s memory but also their ability to communicate and interact with others. It became painfully clear how little we truly know about the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s and how far we are from finding a definitive cure. This realization has driven me to want to contribute to the growing field of dementia research. I am particularly interested in studying Alzheimer's and related neurodegenerative diseases to understand their causes and identify potential treatments. In my academic journey, I aim to delve into the fields of neuroscience and medical research, with the hope of one day contributing to groundbreaking discoveries that can improve the lives of individuals living with dementia and their families. The scholarship honoring Henry Respert, with its focus on healthcare and medical research, aligns perfectly with my goals. Henry’s own battle with dementia underscores the urgent need for further awareness and research, and I am eager to follow in his footsteps by dedicating my studies to making a meaningful impact in this area. Through my experience as a caregiver, I’ve learned that dementia is not just a disease of the mind; it’s a disease that touches every aspect of a person’s being, and it affects everyone around them. It’s clear that we need more people in the medical and research fields who are driven by a desire to understand these conditions and help those impacted by them. I am committed to contributing to this effort, and I see this scholarship as an important stepping stone toward achieving that goal. In conclusion, the impact of Alzheimer’s on my grandmother and my family has been profound, but it has also been the catalyst for my dedication to medical research and healthcare. By pursuing a career focused on dementia research, I hope to help others facing similar challenges, just as my grandmother did in the loving care she received. With the support of this scholarship, I am determined to continue learning, researching, and working towards finding solutions that will one day ease the burden of Alzheimer’s disease and bring hope to families like mine.

I have been working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) since 2012, and throughout my career, I have developed a deep passion for healthcare and serving my community. My journey into healthcare was driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. As a CNA, I have had the privilege of providing care to patients in a variety of settings, from hospitals to nursing homes, and each experience has further solidified my commitment to healthcare. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is being able to offer comfort to patients during vulnerable moments. I’ve worked with individuals who were facing life-altering health challenges, and I’ve seen firsthand how compassionate, attentive care can not only improve their physical well-being but also uplift their spirits. These experiences have been humbling, and they’ve reinforced my desire to pursue nursing as a means to expand my impact and ability to serve. Throughout my time as a CNA, I’ve encountered countless opportunities to advocate for my patients, whether it’s ensuring they receive timely care, coordinating with other healthcare professionals, or simply offering a kind word in moments of distress. I’ve learned that healthcare isn’t just about medical procedures; it’s about seeing the person in front of you, listening to their concerns, and providing them with the care they deserve. These lessons have shaped my view of nursing as not only a career but as a calling to help others in their most critical moments. I have decided to pursue a nursing career because I believe it will allow me to continue serving my community on a deeper level. As a nurse, I would have the opportunity to directly influence patient care, guide individuals through their recovery, and contribute to the broader healthcare system that supports our most vulnerable populations. Whether it’s working in an emergency room, providing care in underserved areas, or teaching patients how to manage chronic conditions, I am eager to make a lasting impact on the lives of others. I am committed to becoming a nurse who not only excels in clinical skills but also embodies the values of empathy, advocacy, and patient-centered care. This scholarship would be a critical step toward achieving my goal of becoming a registered nurse, allowing me to further my education and pursue a career that blends my passion for healthcare with my desire to serve others. Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to continue my journey in healthcare and to contribute meaningfully to the field of nursing. Your support would play an invaluable role in helping me take the next step toward making a lasting impact in the lives of my patients and my community.

One of the most significant challenges I've faced was balancing my academic responsibilities with volunteering commitments during a particularly difficult semester. I had always been passionate about volunteering, especially in roles where I could assist students with learning disabilities, and helping others gave me purpose. However, this semester I found myself overwhelmed with coursework and facing a lack of time for my usual volunteering. To overcome this challenge, I learned how to better prioritize tasks and developed more efficient time management strategies. I made it a point to create structured daily schedules, allocated specific time blocks for study and for volunteering, and even started using apps to stay on track. By doing so, I was able to stay ahead in my studies while still being actively involved in the volunteer program. I also became more attuned to my own limits and learned to ask for help when needed —whether it was from professors or peers. This experience showed me the importance of balance and self-care, two things I didn't always value before. Love of Learning or Helping Others: My love of helping others has always been intertwined with my love for learning. Whether it's in a classroom or through one-on-one tutoring, I find immense satisfaction in helping someone understand something new. My passion for teaching others grew during hig hool when I started tutoring my peers in subjects like mathematics and science. I realized that explaining concepts in ways that made sense to someone else not only helped them, but also deepened my understanding of those concepts. It's the process of making something complex feel accessible that truly excites me. My love for learning doesn't just end with academics. I enjoy exploring new ways to be a better helper— whether it's through studying educational psychology, learning new tutoring techniques, or diving into the study of leadership. Everything I've learned about teaching and helping others feeds into the way I approach challenges and how I strive to make a positive impact on those around me. Log in How | Will Make a Difference with My Education: With my education, I hope to continue working at the intersection of learning and leadership. I am particularly interested in studying how educational systems can be made more inclusive and supportive, especially for students who are often underserved. I want to be an advocate for policies that help bridge educational gaps and create accessible learning environments. Whether through direct teaching, mentoring, or working on educational policy, I am committed to using my education to improve educational outcomes for others. I'm also eager to apply what I've learned in real-world settings, such as through community engagement, internships, and eventually working with organization scused on educational reform. I believe that with the right tools and knowledge, we can create an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed-regardless of their background or challenges.

Ever since I was young, I’ve felt a strong calling to care for others. Whether it was helping a friend through a difficult time, volunteering in my community, or simply being there for loved ones in moments of need, I’ve always found fulfillment in providing comfort and support to those around me. This innate desire to help people led me to pursue a career in healthcare, and I am currently working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). My experiences as a CNA have deepened my passion for nursing, as I witness firsthand the profound impact that compassionate care can have on patients and their families. The loss of my father was a turning point in my life, one that further fueled my determination to become a nurse. When my dad passed away, I experienced the deep and overwhelming grief that comes with losing a parent. It was a difficult time for my family, and I couldn’t help but reflect on how much I wished I could have done something to ease his suffering or perhaps even save him. The pain of not having my dad around is something I carry with me every day, but it has also given me a sense of purpose. I want to use my experiences to help others who are facing similar situations—particularly those who are dealing with the illness or loss of a loved one. I hope that by pursuing nursing, I can make a difference in the lives of others and perhaps even save someone’s parent, just as I would have wanted for my own. Nursing, to me, is more than just a profession. It is a way to honor the memory of my father by giving back to others who are suffering. It is about being present during someone’s most vulnerable moments and offering them the same care and compassion I wished my father could have received. I am driven not only by the skills I have developed as a CNA but also by the emotional connection I have to the work. I want to become a nurse who is not only competent and skilled but also deeply empathetic and attuned to the emotional needs of patients and their families. I discovered this scholarship through my nursing advisor, who has been an incredible resource and support in my educational journey. Her guidance has been invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunities she has brought to my attention, including this scholarship. It would be an honor to receive this scholarship and use the funds to further my education in nursing, so that I can continue to pursue my goal of becoming a compassionate and skilled nurse. In conclusion, my decision to pursue nursing is rooted in both my desire to care for others and the personal experience of losing my father. I believe that my journey as a CNA, combined with my personal connection to the profession, has uniquely prepared me to make a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare. I am committed to improving the lives of patients and their families, and I hope that this scholarship will help me achieve that goal.