My name is Tiana Lopez Mejia, and I am applying for the Mental Health Importance Scholarship. I believe mental health is crucial because it helps us stay healthy and function properly. Without good mental health, it is hard to succeed in any area of life. For me, maintaining my mental wellness is essential, especially because I am a teen mom, work full time, and have many responsibilities. During high school, I took honors classes for all four years. Balancing these demanding courses with my job and being involved in three clubs was challenging. However, I found that maintaining my mental health was key to managing everything. I made sure to do things I love, like spending time with my family and trying out new hobbies. These activities helped me relax and recharge. Spending time with my family is one of the main ways I maintain my mental wellness. My family is my support system, and being with them gives me strength. We often have dinners together, watch movies, or just talk about our day. These moments remind me that I am not alone and that I have people who care about me. Another way I keep my mental health in check is by trying out new hobbies. Exploring new interests keeps my mind active and helps me discover new passions. Whether it is painting, gardening, or learning to cook a new dish, these activities give me a break from my daily routine and help me find joy in simple things. Being a teen mom and working full time while pursuing my education is not easy. But I have learned that taking care of my mental health allows me to handle these challenges better. I prioritize self-care by setting aside time each day to do something I enjoy. This could be as simple as reading a book, going for a walk, or listening to music. These small acts of self-care help me stay balanced and focused. In conclusion, my mental health is important because it enables me to function properly and stay healthy. By doing things I love, spending time with my family, and exploring new hobbies, I maintain my mental wellness. These practices help me manage the demands of being a teen mom, working full time, and pursuing my education. I believe that with strong mental health, I can achieve my goals and overcome any obstacles that come my way. Thank you for considering my application for the Mental Health Importance Scholarship.

My name is Tiana Lopez Mejia, and I am a rising freshman at the University of West Georgia. I want to become a pediatric nurse or a labor and delivery nurse. My passion for nursing began when I was young, watching my mother, who worked as a nurse, care for patients with unwavering dedication. Her compassion and commitment left a lasting impression on me, and I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps. I chose pediatric nursing because I have always had a natural connection with children. Their resilience and positivity, even in difficult situations, inspire me. I want to be there for them during their most vulnerable times, providing not just medical care but also emotional support. Similarly, labor and delivery nursing appeals to me because it is a field where I can witness the miracle of life and support mothers through one of the most significant moments in their lives. Helping bring new life into the world and ensuring the well-being of both mother and baby is a profound responsibility that I am eager to embrace. My desire to create an impact in these fields is rooted in my belief that every child and mother deserves the best care possible. I aim to work in underserved communities where access to quality healthcare is limited. By doing so, I hope to bridge the gap and ensure that all families receive the attention and care they need. I believe that my background as a Black and Hispanic woman gives me a unique perspective and the ability to connect with diverse patients on a personal level. To achieve my professional passion, I am committed to excelling in my studies and gaining hands-on experience through internships and volunteer work. I plan to join relevant student organizations and seek mentorship from experienced nurses to enhance my skills and knowledge. My goal is to become a competent and compassionate nurse who makes a difference in the lives of my patients. My aspiration to become a pediatric or labor and delivery nurse is driven by a deep-seated desire to care for others and make a positive impact in their lives. With dedication, hard work, and the support of scholarships like the John Young 'Pursue Your Passion' Scholarship, I am confident that I can achieve my goals and contribute meaningfully to the field of nursing.

My name is Tiana Lopez Mejia, and I am a rising freshman at the University of West Georgia. I am a Black and Hispanic woman who has always had a deep love for science and a passion for helping others. These two interests have led me to pursue a degree in healthcare. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be there for people when they need it most. Science has always fascinated me. I love learning about how the human body works and how different treatments can improve people's lives. This love for science has only grown stronger as I have taken more advanced courses in college. I find it amazing how much we can do to help people through medicine and healthcare. I want to be a part of that. I want to use my knowledge to make a difference in people's lives. Helping others is something that has always been important to me. I have always felt a strong desire to support those who are going through tough times. I believe that being in healthcare will allow me to do this in a meaningful way. I want to be there for people when they are at their most vulnerable, to provide care and comfort when they need it most. As a woman in healthcare, I hope to make a positive impact in several ways. First, I want to be a role model for other young women, especially those who come from backgrounds like mine. I want to show them that it is possible to pursue a career in healthcare and to succeed in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men. Representation matters, and I want to be a part of changing the face of healthcare. I also hope to bring a unique perspective to the field. As a Black and Hispanic woman, I understand the importance of cultural competence in healthcare. I know that patients come from all walks of life and that their backgrounds can affect their health and their experiences with the healthcare system. I want to use my background and my experiences to provide more compassionate and effective care to all patients, regardless of their background. Finally, I want to be a part of the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare for everyone. There is always room for improvement, and I want to be a part of finding new and better ways to care for patients. Whether it is through research, advocacy, or direct patient care, I want to contribute to the betterment of healthcare. In conclusion, I have chosen to pursue a degree in healthcare because of my love for science and my passion for helping others. As a woman in healthcare, I hope to make a positive impact by being a role model, bringing a unique perspective, and contributing to the improvement of healthcare for all. Thank you for considering my application for the Women in Healthcare Scholarship.

My name is Tiana Lopez Mejia, and I am a rising sophomore at the University of West Georgia. I am applying for the Sheila A Burke Memorial Scholarship because I have a vision for myself as a nurse that I am deeply passionate about. My dream is to work in a pediatric setting, caring for babies and children. This dream is driven by my lifelong experiences with kids and my own journey as a mother. From a young age, I have always been around children. Whether it was babysitting for neighbors or volunteering at local community centers, I found joy in caring for kids. These experiences helped me develop patience, empathy, and a genuine love for nurturing young lives. My passion for working with children only grew stronger when I became a mother. Having my own child has given me a deeper understanding of the importance of compassionate and skilled care. It means so much to me to be able to help my son and other children thrive. As a nursing student, I am committed to gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the best care possible. My studies at the University of West Georgia have given me a strong foundation in the basics of nursing. I have learned about anatomy, physiology, and the fundamentals of patient care. These courses have been challenging, but they have also been incredibly rewarding. Each lesson brings me one step closer to my goal of becoming a pediatric nurse. In the future, I see myself working in a hospital or clinic where I can make a real difference in the lives of children and their families. I want to be the nurse who comforts a scared child before surgery, who educates parents on how to care for their newborn, and who advocates for the health and well-being of every young patient. I believe that every child deserves the best care possible, and I am dedicated to providing that care. One of the reasons I am so passionate about pediatric nursing is because I understand the unique challenges that children and their families face. As a Black and Hispanic woman, I have seen firsthand how disparities in healthcare can affect minority communities. I want to be a nurse who not only provides excellent medical care but also understands and respects the cultural backgrounds of my patients. I believe that cultural competence is crucial in healthcare, and I am committed to continuing my education on this topic. In addition to my academic studies, I am also involved in extracurricular activities that align with my career goals. I volunteer at a local children's hospital, where I assist with various tasks and interact with young patients. This experience has been invaluable, as it has given me a glimpse into the day-to-day responsibilities of a pediatric nurse. It has also reinforced my desire to work in this field. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the children I help is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to keep working hard towards my goal. I am also a member of the university's nursing club, where I participate in workshops and seminars on different aspects of nursing. These events have broadened my understanding of the profession and have introduced me to various specialties within nursing. However, my heart always leads me back to pediatrics. I am inspired by the resilience and strength of children, and I want to be a part of their journey to health and happiness. Receiving the Sheila A Burke Memorial Scholarship would be an incredible honor and would greatly assist me in achieving my goals. The financial support would allow me to focus more on my studies and less on the burden of tuition and other expenses. It would also enable me to take advantage of additional learning opportunities, such as attending conferences or workshops related to pediatric nursing. In conclusion, my vision for myself as a nurse is clear. I want to work with babies and children, providing them with the compassionate and skilled care they deserve. My experiences as a mother and my background in working with children have prepared me for this path. I am committed to my education and to becoming the best nurse I can be. I believe that with hard work, dedication, and the support of scholarships like the Sheila A Burke Memorial Scholarship, I can achieve my dream and make a positive impact on the lives of many children and their families. Thank you for considering my application.

As I embark on the journey of motherhood, I find myself at a crossroads, where the path to a brighter future for myself and my child is illuminated by the beacon of education. This is my first pregnancy, and the road hasn't been easy. There have been moments of doubt and exhaustion, but amidst it all, one thing remains unwavering - my determination to create a life filled with opportunities for my child and myself. The prospect of motherhood has only strengthened my resolve to pursue a higher education. With each passing day, I am reminded of the immense responsibility that comes with bringing a new life into this world. It is this sense of responsibility that fuels my ambition to succeed, not only for myself but for the precious little one growing within me. In envisioning the future, I see myself as a pediatric nurse, a guardian of children's health and well-being. The desire to care for and nurture young lives has always resonated deeply within me. I believe that every child deserves access to quality healthcare and compassionate support, and I am committed to being a catalyst for positive change in their lives. Choosing the path of pediatric nursing was a decision rooted in both passion and purpose. I am drawn to the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families, to be a source of comfort and healing during times of illness and uncertainty. It is a calling that ignites a fire within me, driving me to pursue excellence in my education and future career. Pursuing a higher education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about unlocking doors to endless possibilities. With each milestone achieved, I am one step closer to realizing my dreams and providing a better life for my child. Education empowers us to break free from the chains of circumstance, to defy the odds, and to carve out our own destinies. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship, as it represents more than just financial assistance. It symbolizes belief - belief in my potential, belief in my aspirations, and belief in the power of education to transform lives. With this scholarship, I will be able to pursue my academic goals without the burden of financial strain, allowing me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies and future career in pediatric nursing. In conclusion, my journey towards becoming a pediatric nurse is not just a personal pursuit; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to dream. With unwavering determination and the support of this scholarship, I am confident that I will not only achieve my goals but also inspire others to believe in the power of their own dreams.