The most transformative chapter emerging from adversity was surviving addiction, securing sobriety and rebuilding a positive path centered in service and empowerment. For years, substance abuse dimmed my inner light as I lost sense of identity or purpose beyond chasing temporary numbness. The daily weight of secrecy, shame and despair clouded any truth of my inherent worth existing separate from addiction. In bewildering early sobriety, trauma’s residues stained each hour. I remained haunted by specters of relationships, jobs and stability severed by years sacrificing everything to cravings. I clung to lifelines offered through compassionate therapists, tightknit recovery groups, and mentors who believed in my ability to persevere before I felt capable again. Their support fueled small victories when I relearned basics like paying bills, securing housing, and showing up authentically. My motivation for maintaining hard-won sobriety crystallized with my daughter’s birth years into recovery. Her utter dependence erupted protective love and consecrated my pledge to nurture her future free from addiction’s misery. When I attained sole custody leaving her father, precarious uncertainty relapsed despite desperate hopes of sheltering her from prior storms I unleashed. On days when PTSD flashbacks consumed me or economic fears loomed, my daughter’s pure laughter resonated the blessing woven into breakdown’s rubble. The solidarity of other single mothers and advocates uplifted us through dark seasons. Their demonstrated belief in our buried potential when faith waivered awakened my direction. Soon I found purpose coordinating programs supporting vulnerable families managing intersecting issues. Now I am becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner to expand care access for people combating addiction, trauma aftermath and barriers concentering within marginalized groups. My counseling strives to provide the grace and compassion once carrying me until I could walk. By fighting for community investment, policy reforms centered in humanity and restorative programming, I aim to uplift beyond conventional roles. The pain survived, resilience earned and sobriety safeguarded now compel my dedication to so many still struggling. My vision took shape when “why me” transformed into “why not me” as the conduit guiding my service. By leveraging wisdom gleaned from the depths, I hope to banish the false divisions once used to constrain others’ dignity. The gift salvaged from adversity’s rubble is solidarity with silent souls scanning the horizons for first light - together through courage may we run toward justice as one unbroken flock shepherding the sunrise. Rather than identifying as a victim it is time to advocate!

As a 33-year-old single mother who has overcome significant challenges, including sexual assault, drug addiction, domestic violence and living with functional neurological disorder (FND) and fibromyalgia, I have developed a deep passion for helping others and providing compassionate care. Nursing calls to me as a career path that will allow me to make a profound difference in people's lives during some of their most vulnerable moments. I am no stranger to trauma. I was sexually assaulted as a preteen and that experience started my nightmare of a whirlwind of what felt like never ending traumas. This assault lead to underaged drinking and drug use and kick started my decline into addiction. Thankfully, I am approaching 6 1/2 years clean and sober, after a long run that nearly took my life. Sobriety lead me into my relationship with my daughters father. I was still so broken that I had not established healthy boundaries and endured more abuse then anyone deserves. When I attempted to leave the relationship, shortly after I learned I was pregnant, after being told when I was younger, due to the violent sexual assault, I would never be able to have children. I took this miracle as a sign to attempt to reconcile the relationship. Unfortunately things only got worse as the time passed. Thankfully my beautiful daughter and I made it out alive. My own experiences with chronic illness have given me firsthand insight into the frustrations and fears patients face, as well as the importance of having an empathetic and patient-centered healthcare team. I understand what it's like to feel misunderstood or dismissed by medical professionals. This drives me to become the type of nurse who truly listens, validates concerns, and becomes a reassuring advocate for my patients. Furthermore, my personal journey has instilled in me an unshakable resilience and determination that will serve me well in the demanding nursing profession. I have learned to persevere through adversity, manage stressful situations, and maintain a positive outlook even in difficult circumstances. These qualities will allow me to provide a calming presence at my patients' bedsides. Ultimately, I am drawn to nursing because of my sincere desire to be of service to others. Whether providing skilled care, offering emotional support, or educating patients and families, I want to use my experiences to heal and empower those in need. I hope my struggles will allow me to connect with my patients through a sense of familiarity. I pray to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for the young girl who is raped at a party, the addict who was brought by ambulance for an overdose, the woman who cannot fathom leaving their abusive partner and becoming a single parent, to the patient who receives a scary diagnosis, to any and all patients who cross my path. As I work toward my goal of becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am eager to specialize in supporting individuals with mental health challenges. I hope to play a role in destigmatizing mental illness and ensuring patients receive quality, comprehensive treatment. My path has been challenging, but I view those difficulties as strengthening my empathy, compassion, and commitment to this honorable profession. I am ready to dedicate myself fully to the nursing calling and impact lives in a meaningful way. Thank you for your consideration.

My journey into nursing began from the darkest period of my life when I was in the grim depths of opiate addiction. For several agonizing years, I was utterly consumed by substance abuse, allowing powerful opioids to take over every aspect of my existence. I lied, drained my bank accounts, and alienated myself from my family and friends - all in pursuit of getting my next fix to temporarily escape reality. My life was no longer my own; I had become merely a shell of my former self. Any dreams, ambitions or self-worth I once possessed were stripped away as opiates became my sole priority. I was living in a perpetual cycle of intoxication and agonizing sickness. The person I had become was unrecognizable - just another tragic statistic consumed by the nationwide opiate epidemic ravaging our communities. Hitting rock bottom was devastating, a harsh slap across the face forcing me to realize I was slowly killing myself with every subsequent dose. But as painful as it was to confront how dismally low I had sunk, it ultimately became the driving force for me to summon the strength required to claw my way into recovery. Getting sober was the most arduous battle I have ever fought, an uphill journey filled with pitfalls and dark moments when I didn't know if I could persevere. However, I had hit my personal rock bottom and was determined to reclaim my life. It has now been 6 years since I last used opiates, and each single day I feel incredibly grateful to have broken free from the vicious chains of addiction. Recovery is an ongoing process, but I've regained my sense of self-worth, ability to experience true happiness, and hope for a bright future - things my addiction had robbed me of. I am living proof that no situation is too insurmountable when you have the proper support system and refusal to ever quit fighting. Through this experience, I gained tremendous empathy for the harsh realities of what addicts and their families go through. Addiction is a monstrous, relentless opponent that thrives on eroding confidence and coping skills from even the most strong-willed individuals. However, my successful recovery has revealed the light at the end of that long, dark tunnel. I am now committed to paying forward the empathy and non-judgmental guidance that helped me reclaim my life. As a nurse, I vow to treat every patient, including those suffering from substance use disorders, with the utmost dignity and respect. Drawing from my lived experience, I can nurture an environment of empathy, understanding and compassion rather than harsh stigma or disdain. I want to be a reassuring presence who can relate firsthand to their struggles. I also hope to play an active role in transforming the way our healthcare system approaches addiction treatment through advocating for more comprehensive, holistic, evidence-based practices. My personal journey made me realize just how complex and multilayered opioid addiction truly is. Effective care requires addressing not just the physiological dependence, but also the deep-rooted psychological, social, and emotional traumas that are inextricably linked to substance abuse for so many. We must meet patients where they are through integrated treatment addressing all aspects of their wellbeing. My life's challenges have been difficult, but they've given me insightful perspective and tremendous determination to persevere through adversity. With my hard-fought sobriety under my belt, I am ready to be the empathetic, devoted, passionate nurse that patients struggling with the disease of addiction need to find their own path to lasting recovery.

I would like to begin by thanking Eric for all he had accomplished and send my deepest condolences to all who were lucky enough to know him. As a 33-year-old single mother who has overcome significant challenges, including domestic violence and living with functional neurological disorder (FND) and fibromyalgia, I have developed a deep passion for helping others and providing compassionate care. Nursing calls to me as a career path that will allow me to make a profound difference in people's lives during some of their most vulnerable moments. My own experiences with chronic illness have given me firsthand insight into the frustrations and fears patients face, as well as the importance of having an empathetic and patient-centered healthcare team. I understand what it's like to feel misunderstood or dismissed by medical professionals. This drives me to become the type of nurse who truly listens, validates concerns, and becomes a reassuring advocate for my patients. Furthermore, my personal journey has instilled in me an unshakable resilience and determination that will serve me well in the demanding nursing profession. I have learned to persevere through adversity, manage stressful situations, and maintain a positive outlook even in difficult circumstances. These qualities will allow me to provide a calming presence at my patients' bedsides. Ultimately, I am drawn to nursing because of my sincere desire to be of service to others. Whether providing skilled care, offering emotional support, or educating patients and families, I want to use my experiences to heal and empower those in need. As I work toward my goal of becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am eager to specialize in supporting individuals with mental health challenges. I hope to play a role in destigmatizing mental illness and ensuring patients receive quality, comprehensive treatment. The lack of available mental health resources and professionals is disheartening and I hope to aid in bridging the gap and providing the best care possible. My path has been challenging, but I view those difficulties as strengthening my empathy, compassion, and commitment to this honorable profession. I am ready to dedicate myself fully to the nursing calling and impact lives in a meaningful way. This opportunity will aid me in my goal of destigmatizing the mental health aspect of health care and allow for a better and brighter tomorrow for all of those who may be struggling at this time. Thank you for your consideration.

The most transformative chapter emerging from adversity was surviving addiction, securing sobriety and rebuilding a positive path centered in service and empowerment. For years, substance abuse dimmed my inner light as I lost sense of identity or purpose beyond chasing temporary numbness. The daily weight of secrecy, shame and despair clouded any truth of my inherent worth existing separate from addiction. In bewildering early sobriety, trauma’s residues stained each hour. I remained haunted by specters of relationships, jobs and stability severed by years sacrificing everything to cravings. I clung to lifelines offered through compassionate therapists, tightknit recovery groups, and mentors who believed in my ability to persevere before I felt capable again. Their support fueled small victories when I relearned basics like paying bills, securing housing, and showing up authentically. My motivation for maintaining hard-won sobriety crystallized with my daughter’s birth years into recovery. Her utter dependence erupted protective love and consecrated my pledge to nurture her future free from addiction’s misery. When I attained sole custody leaving her father, precarious uncertainty relapsed despite desperate hopes of sheltering her from prior storms I unleashed.  On days when PTSD flashbacks consumed me or economic fears loomed, my daughter’s pure laughter resonated the blessing woven into breakdown’s rubble. The solidarity of other single mothers and advocates uplifted us through dark seasons. Their demonstrated belief in our buried potential when faith waivered awakened my direction. Soon I found purpose coordinating programs supporting vulnerable families managing intersecting issues.  Now I am becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner to expand care access for people combating addiction, trauma aftermath and barriers concentering within marginalized groups. My counseling strives to provide the grace and compassion once carrying me until I could walk. By fighting for community investment, policy reforms centered in humanity and restorative programming, I aim to uplift beyond conventional roles.   The pain survived, resilience earned and sobriety safeguarded now compel my dedication to so many still struggling. My vision took shape when “why me” transformed into “why not me” as the conduit guiding my service. By leveraging wisdom gleaned from the depths, I hope to banish the false divisions once used to constrain others’ dignity. The gift salvaged from adversity’s rubble is solidarity with silent souls scanning the horizons for first light - together through courage may we run toward justice as one unbroken flock shepherding the sunrise. Rather than identifying as a victim it is time to advocate!

I am driven towards a nursing career by a profound calling to offer compassionate care, promote healing and uphold dignity during volatile times of illness or anguish. Nursing provides intimacy with human vulnerability as well as tools to nurture stability. My aspirations stretch beyond delivering excellent treatment at bedsides. I hope to pursue opportunities as an advocate reducing disparities unjustly impacting community health across overlapping populations. Fundamentally, I believe nurses carry a sacred trust and privilege to influence better outcomes when systems fail individuals. My vision entails collaborating with community health organizations providing screenings, nutrition access, parenting classes, counseling, transitional housing assistance and concrete support conveying respect for all people, regardless of circumstances. I aim to participate in outreach clinics within schools, shelters, religious centers, mobile health buses and marginalized neighborhoods to increase access and understanding of resources available. By listening first to identify service gaps then targeting interventions, I hope to tangibly empower populations managing barriers known and unseen. My goal is conveying through nursing care that our shared humanity deserves investment because injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere. I pledge to practice cultural humility by continually educating myself regarding the complex dynamics, identities and generational trauma shaping health realities across diverse communities. Additionally, I plan to mentor students from disadvantaged backgrounds who show passion for healthcare careers but lack exposure to such possibilities awaiting them. I hope to inspire future generations to envision themselves serving in vital medical roles that uplift society’s wellbeing. I aim to offer personal guidance navigating educational pathways, managing stress and overcoming systemic obstacles as a first-generation student myself. With compassion and conviction, I want to ignite dreams that transcend limiting messages about who belongs in nursing. I hope to nurture cultural competence and psychological safety within healthcare spaces reflecting inclusive excellence. Fundamentally, I intend to leverage my privileged role to stand beside those made to feel undeserving of high-quality, compassionate and dignified care. The startling rates of maternal mortality concentrating among Black women, soaring addiction within LGBTQ+ youth escaping non-accepting households and disproportionate chronic diseases burdening communities compel my sense of duty to advocate through nursing. We all have the capacity to shift culture by living the truth that preferential treatment based on identity has no room where healing occurs. I pursue this career acknowledging that healthcare spaces mirror the injustice permeating broader society. However, nurses can defend human rights threatened within corrupted establishments by binding patient wounds while simultaneously addressing violations of equality and dignity diseasing our systems. We carry esteemed potential to reshape medicine’s conscience, purpose and practices. That opportunity brings hope despite steep challenges ahead, fueling my dedication to keep showing up courageously where integrity and justice call until equity prevails.

Free speech represents an essential cornerstone for nurturing the intellectual and personal growth of college students. Protecting the open, often heated exchange of ideas - including those considered controversial, radical, offensive or simply false to some - fuels the marketplace of theories, ideologies and basic assumptions about reality that academia strives to cultivate. Students deserve immersion in passionate, substantive civil debate and discourse surrounding complex issues that defy consensus without risk of censorship or retaliation. Vocalizing our perspectives requires first carefully examining the origins of our internal value hierarchies, knowledge frameworks and logical reasoning chains applied to policy matters or social norms. Hearing counter viewpoints, especially those that adamantly oppose ideologies we align with or critique groups we belong to, intensifies critical analysis of both their reasoning and the strength of our rebuttals. Formulating articulate, ethical arguments expands intellectual clarity on multifaceted dilemmas while building rhetorical skills valuable beyond college as citizens influencing society's direction. University campuses serve as training grounds meant to prepare students for active democratic citizenship in an increasingly pluralistic nation. Achieving compromise around charged wedge issues that threaten to fracture American society along demographic lines requires civic leaders well-versed in identifying shared concerns beneath surface debates. Protecting free speech despite discomfort gives students thick skin to separate heated language from underlying motivations in order to find consensus amid disagreement without disengaging from public discourse. Learning to thoughtfully express personal ideas rooted in evidence while genuinely listening to validate contrasting worldviews cultivates openness that transcends insularity. College students in early adulthood are developmentally primed for the personal growth that happens when fundamental assumptions are carefully questioned under new information that challenges concrete convictions once deemed absolute. My field of nursing grapples with complex behavioral motivations and frequently polarizing disorders that test black-and-white interpretations of health versus dysfunction. Meanwhile, campus advocacy work around issues like racial justice, immigration, LGBTQ+ equality and religious liberty hone abilities to find compassion amid opposing stances. Here, the Constitution's free speech protections grant me elevated platforms to argue for equity that marginalized groups may be barred from off campus. Navigating passionate conviction alongside openness to critique builds critical thinking muscles and forges the kind of principled resolve required to drive ethical progress. Training students across diverse disciplines and ideologies to judiciously balance speaking with listening helps democracy's future withstand turbulence. By protecting free speech, universities arm graduates with wisdom that reality’s problems rarely yield to simplistic solutions. Our liberties depend on electing leaders who appreciate nuance.

"I do NOT want opiates!" This is now how I begin every appointment with a new provider in order for them not to tune me out immediately. Navigating the healthcare system and broader society as a person with chronic illness, mental health challenges and a history of addiction has indelibly shaped my perspective and goals. My multiple marginalized identities grant me painfully unique but invaluable insight into how insidious discrimination permeates treatment experiences and subsequent outcomes when patient narratives clash against provider assumptions rooted in homogeneity. By courageously fighting relentless stigma and collaborating with impacted populations to establish alternative clinical models intentionally grounded in social justice, I am called to expand truly egalitarian access to life-saving, spirit-saving care for all those pushed to society’s margins then blamed. By boldly uplifting urgent needs and perspectives too long discounted to obtuse policymakers while simultaneously amplifying ignored patient voices, I consecrate my entire nursing career to eradicating the unjust disparities that once rendered me invisible and bleeding. My vision moving forward is contributing towards a more ethical world forged by and for the next generations trailing these footsteps.

"I do NOT want opiates!" This is now how I begin every appointment with a new provider in order for them not to tune me out immediately. Navigating the healthcare system and broader society as a person with chronic illness, mental health challenges and a history of addiction has indelibly shaped my perspective and goals. The radical solidarity I discovered in disability and recovery communities reignited my sense of purpose when isolation and dismissal from ignorant providers threatened to rupture hope. My visceral lived experience is the foundation driving my fervent passion for patient advocacy and radically transforming access, quality and cultural understanding of care for marginalized populations across medical and support systems. Like countless patients with complex, contested diagnoses or persisting symptoms that elude simplified labels, I struggled relentlessly to be truly seen, believed and heard by clinicians relying on stale biases and dismissive assumptions. The crushing exhaustion of continually self-advocating to educate oblivious medical staff on updated evidence while simultaneously managing my health often felt like waging an uphill battle just to maintain basic dignity and agency in my own care. However, discovering nonjudgmental support groups and intentionally connecting with the vibrant, diverse disability community reminded me that I never had to traverse these writhing depths alone without allies who validate my daily realities. Together, we collaborated to create liberatory spaces where we learned tools increasing self-efficacy and collective empowerment – despite arbitrary limitations imposed by those clinging to power. Our shared resilience also fueled public advocacy efforts demanding long-overdue policy reforms backed by science and morality. The transcendent solidarity we intentionally built replaced my former isolation with inspired motivation to turn hard-gleaned wisdom into uplifting service to current and future patients denied justice. As I diligently progress through my nursing education, I am fiercely determined to promote the seismic paradigm shifts urgently needed to address systemic healthcare inequities and intersecting barriers impacting marginalized communities within defective structures. My multiple marginalized identities grant me painfully unique but invaluable insight into how insidious discrimination permeates treatment experiences and subsequent outcomes when patient narratives clash against provider assumptions rooted in homogeneity. By courageously fighting relentless stigma and collaborating with impacted populations to establish alternative clinical models intentionally grounded in social justice, I am called to expand truly egalitarian access to life-saving, spirit-saving care for all those pushed to society’s margins then blamed. The disability and recovery communities lovingly replaced shame with radical kinship, isolation with collective power – bonding through sacred wisdom only surfaced together while navigating dehumanization's violent legacy. By boldly uplifting urgent needs and perspectives too long discounted to obtuse policymakers while simultaneously amplifying ignored patient voices, I consecrate my entire nursing career to eradicating the unjust disparities that once rendered me invisible and bleeding. The incredible generosity of courage demonstrated by countless people daring to excavate then share their agonizing stories gives me continual reason to nurture hope. My vision moving forward is contributing towards a more ethical world forged by and for the next generations trailing these footsteps.

As a single mother who has navigated significant personal challenges, I strive to be a role model demonstrating resilience, grit, and tireless self-improvement for my young daughter and all youth I cross paths with. My priority is showing them how adversity strengthens character when you remain committed to personal growth, surrounded by community, focused on serving others and determined to actualize your highest potential. I understand intimately how trauma, unhealthy relationships, and lack of resources can derail dreams or limit life’s possibilities. In early adulthood, grief and instability left me vulnerable to finding solace in drugs and alcohol which delayed owning my worth. The journey back from addiction to reclaim hope and purpose nearly destroyed my inner light multiple times. I committed wholeheartedly to recovery support, therapy, and taking small steps towards long-held aspirations that seemed impossible amidst inner turmoil for so long. I realized that our lowest moments can reveal reserves of courage and empathy to uplift others still grappling. My motivation shifted profoundly from simply surviving to deliberately building a meaningful life anchored in community despite lingering self-doubt. When my daughter was born, fear almost paralyzed me given my shaky foundation. But taking that initial leap of faith to parenting alone sparked monumental personal evolution. With my daughter depending fully on my ability to provide stable love and nurture, I vowed to continue healing generational cycles of adversity. I returned to college as a single mother to study nursing while working, securing housing assistance, and piecing together childcare options. Each small achievement fueled my motivation to maintain progress. Completing my bachelor’s degree soon, as the first in my family to graduate college, symbolizes breaking barriers I once viewed as cemented for people sharing certain identities or backgrounds. I aim to show my daughter that grit and grace can help you not only overcome hardship but unlock beautiful purpose from the depths of despair. Now I utilize my education and lived experience to help other mothers in recovery or facing related issues through support groups, parenting workshops, and advocating for policy reforms that make stability more accessible. My purpose is gleaned from walking with others still fighting battles etched into my bones. By improving systems and nourishing the community so future generations have more visible allies, I can spare my daughter and her peer's inherited trauma’s weight. Despite ongoing obstacles as a single working mother furthering her education, my determination teaches my daughter the power of perseverance. Hardship reveals hidden reservoirs of resilience when you cling to courage and heart. I want her to understand no barrier defines her horizons if she has devoted mentors and bold conviction in her inherent brilliance. My journey continues as a student learning to shine a light for others so they might see flickers of hope guiding their way through the dark. I pray my daughter grasps fully that their potential outpaces any limitation society instills.

As a first-generation college student raised in a low-income, single-parent household, the journey toward my bachelor’s degree has been marked by significant adversity. However, the motivation fueling my academic aspirations crystallized intensely when I became a single mother during college. Now balancing school alongside providing stable support for my young daughter crystallized my vision of building a better life for both of us through tireless work and education centered in community impact. Through childhood, my single mother sacrificed tremendously supporting my siblings and I. Witnessing her resilience working while denied equitable pay and benefits shaped my ideals of justice. Despite poverty and discrimination, my mother nurtured hope through emphasizing education’s power to uplift marginalized voices and forge change. Her example drives my college persistence despite substantial barriers as I now raise my daughter alone. Without access to generational wealth or safety nets, I patchworked limited income sources from part-time jobs, food assistance and Medicaid amidst relentless expenses. Like many student parents, I contend with inflexible workplace leave policies, unreliable transportation, expensive childcare costs and too few campus support resources geared toward families. However, deep bonds strengthen through overcoming known and unforeseen challenges together with my young daughter. My most vital motivation is creating a stable foundation for both of us to thrive with financial security allowing fuller nurturing of passions and purpose. As the first potential college graduate in my family, I bear responsibility of opening doors for future generations too by beating daunting odds stacking economic mobility against young single mothers. Though intimidated often as a pioneer charting this course alone, I promise to lift others walking parallel roads one day because I intimately understand heavy shoes worn on steep trails typically deemed unwalkable. Through my nursing studies and future career, I am devoted to empowering vulnerable single-parent families and improving access to resources combating intergenerational poverty cycles. Too many individuals never glimpsed their brilliant potential because basic needs went chronically unmet while juggling multiple jobs and barriers. I envision developing nonprofit community support programs providing low-income, student, and immigrant single mothers access to affordable housing assistance, childcare, nutrition programs, mental healthcare, parenting and life skills classes, job training opportunities, academic tutoring/mentorships for youth, and concrete pathways fostering upward economic mobility. It is essential that my neighbors can envision richer futures because someone invested concretely in their personal development and barriers’ removal. By creating needed spaces for nurturing growth often stifled by oppression and hardship, I can spark monumental ripple effects uplifting my entire community. My daughter motivates me to keep showing up courageously as both a parenting protector and social justice champion. The privilege of education compels me to share knowledge and resources until equity prevails.

As an older nursing student balancing intense academics with family life, my sacred respite indulging episodic drama reveals the British heart-wrencher Call the Midwife. Swept into the lively mid-century East London Nonnatus House clinic, I immerse among formidable nurse-midwives administering medical aid and emotional support to vulnerable expectant mothers as hormones, history and health collisions mount against the era’s cultural chaos. What grips me across eight sweeping seasons are the intimate portraits conveying how gravely policy oversights, stigma around sexual health and systemic inequality compound the nutritive care so desperately needed for many to thrive amidst immense change. Babies arrive regardless of crushing circumstances threatening to dim their welcome if compassion does not convene often last minute to guide all lights elevated safely through birth canal crucibles. As nursing student ardently advocating for trauma-informed practices emphasizing dignity over margin notes, Call the Midwife models fierce client advocacy when bureaucracy blithely disregards context blinding standard procedure. The show captures clash between progressive community care uplifting humanity against lingering Victorian gatekeeping limiting who merits saving based on paternalistic standards. I ache as shamed mothers fall prey to snake oil charms for want of nonjudgment reception so rampant fatalism suddenly seems only escape from societies’ sideways glare. My outrage stokes as infants suffer bonds severed by narrow institutions propagating helplessness instead of cradling through historic transitions. And yet no plot descends without the formidable, determined midwives spotlighting each Expectant spirit’s irreducible value regardless of imposed hierarchy metrics. They serve as gate crashers to injustice everywhere lurking behind bedrest, lobbying passionately for living wages, housing, alcohol treatment, asylum, adoption reform—any systemic drivers antagonizing patient welfare cast immediacy toppling lesser obstructions to nurture new life against odds stacked by man not God. Weekends binging the Botts’ heroics nourish my spirit towards instituting similar shelter for those resource access prevents from navigating profound transformation unaided. If nothing else, surgical gloves slap my wandering smartphone reach longing to refresh hope when inertia looms ominously ahead along this steep non-traditional student path! I draw courage seeing patients blossom from trapped glass Towers the Crown’s clinical clergy confined them to once silence shatters. Where concern coats fear, rivers of redemption drown desperation’s bile however bodies and budgets betray. My vision crystallizes watching this nursing Sorority battleshell inequality as casually as blood pressure while easing deliverance. Their bold advocacy emboldens my young voice to demand similar system reforms from inside healthcare strongholds once shut to marginalized expertise. If love looms over law, no mother turned away finds herself alone on streets that never claimed her, no babe bears burdens not born shared stewarded home. These compassion warriors model how even in finite hours turning tides, we leave behind ripples changing destinies well past curtain call if dare play our blessed needed work bestowed from beyond. Call the Midwives reminds why I must try.

The epidemic of gun violence devastating communities across New York is heartbreaking. As a nursing student, I feel compelled to use my education to make an impact and promote healing at the local level. While large-scale policy changes are needed, nurses can lead community-based efforts to break cycles of violence. I plan to volunteer with outreach programs and advocate for initiatives that address root causes of violence in a public health framework. With mentorship from nursing faculty, I hope to develop a community health program focused on youth in neighborhoods affected by gun crime. I envision conducting peer support groups and workshops on topics like conflict resolution, coping with trauma, pursuing education and career goals, and alternatives to gang involvement. As a mentor and nurse, I can provide a non-judgmental example of someone who overcame barriers. My education equips me to incorporate evidence-based, trauma-informed practices into outreach. Additionally, I plan to volunteer at local schools in underserved areas as a health educator. I will teach youth about recognizing signs of depression, managing emotions, building healthy relationships, and making smart choices. As I earn my nursing degree, I look forward to bringing hands-on learning tools to classrooms and coaching students interested in healthcare careers. At the policy level, I intend to join nurses advocating for public health strategies to curb violence. I will call on legislators to invest in economic development, youth programs, addiction treatment, affordable housing, and access to mental healthcare. I will stress that gun violence is at its core a community health crisis requiring compassionate solutions. Nurses are the largest employment group in the country and are constantly advocating for the rights and safety of our nation when dealing with Congress and legislation. My college education is empowering me to lead change where it is needed most. As a nurse rooted in community, I am committed to breaking generational cycles of violence through education, mentoring, and health advocacy. I believe nurses have a duty to promote justice, give voice to the vulnerable, and actualize our highest ideals of caring. I promise to dedicate my career to bringing more peace, hope and healing to my community. Advocating is one of the main roles of nursing and I plan on making my voice heard loud and clear! Our youth need to feel empowered without a weapon, they need to know that their voice is heard and I believe as a nurse I can aid in making that happen!

My career goal is to work as a nurse practitioner with my on practice, with a focus on family health. I aim to serve vulnerable and underserved populations by expanding access to care and empowering communities through education. I decided to become a nurse because I aspire to help heal people holistically – physically, mentally, and emotionally. After overcoming my battle with addiction, which began with prescription pain medication by a trusted physician, I realized that nursing would allow me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. The experience of overcoming a personal hardship has affirmed my commitment to nursing and shaped the nurse I hope to become. I plan to focus on the patient as a whole, with a holistic approach and alternative medicine options to obtain the best overall wellness between the mind, body, and soul. During my undergraduate years, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness - fibromyalgia. Living with an unpredictable condition challenged me physically, emotionally, and mentally. As a nursing student accustomed to caring for others, I had to learn to accept help during flares. The experience taught me empathy for what patients go through in facing health conditions. I was hospitalized several times and saw how skilled, compassionate nurses made the experience less frightening. Their example inspires me to provide that same holistic care and advocate for my future patients. My condition also motivates me to promote community health outreach and education. After my diagnosis, I realized how many people lack resources and support for managing chronic medical issues. I envision developing programs that provide screenings, counseling, health literacy workshops, wellness activities, and access to social services. I aim to help community members gain knowledge and tools to take charge of their health. As a nurse practitioner, I will focus on addressing social determinants of health and health disparities through evidence-based, patient-centered care. I used to view my illness as a weakness, but it taught me resilience and ignited my passion for nursing. I now see it as an asset that gives me greater compassion, a problem-solving mentality, and desire to uplift others facing health challenges. Turning hardship into service for others will shape me into the caring, dedicated nurse I aspire to be. I believe my personal experiences and commitment to community health make me well-suited to achieving my goals in the nursing profession. Along with my past dealing with addiction, I have seen some of the worst outcomes as well as too many miracles, including myself, to count and aim to be able to witness endless more.

Dear Scholarship Committee, As a single mother working towards my bachelor's degree in nursing while raising my young daughter, I understand firsthand the unique challenges of pursuing higher education as a single parent. Though it has not been easy, I am proud of how far I have come. Just five and a half years ago, I was in a very difficult place, battling addiction and in an abusive relationship. I knew I had to make a change for myself. I got sober, left the relationship, and moved back to New York to be closer to family. Living in poverty and overcoming addiction were extremely difficult obstacles, but I persevered. I enrolled in community college and began chipping away at my degree requirements. Juggling school, work, and parenting has been exhausting at times, but I am determined to succeed. As a single mom, the obstacles I've overcome while attending school include: lack of childcare, little financial support, having to maintain a job while taking classes, and finding time to study while caring for my daughter alone. It has been incredibly challenging juggling school, work, parenting, and my own health and wellbeing as I suffer from fibromyalgia. However, with all the obstacles I have faced this far I am determined to push through. I am more than half way through my RN degree, with the goal of obtaining my masters degree and become a nurse practitioner in family medicine. As a nurse, I want to provide compassionate care and be a positive role model for my daughter and others who may be struggling. My experiences give me a unique perspective that I believe will allow me to connect with and uplift my patients. I plan on providing a holistic approach to healthcare, where I treat the whole patient rather than the ailment they are suffering from in the moment. Being my addiction, as well as many others, began with a medication prescribed by a physician, my goal is to encompass and introduce my patients to alternative medicine and aim to an overall wellness rather than a slew of medications. A scholarship would help relieve the financial burden of completing my degree as a single parent. It would allow me to cut back on work hours and spend more quality time with my daughter. With your support, I know I can achieve my dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner and creating a stable, loving home for my family. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Tina Widergren

Nursing is more than just a profession for me. It is a passion, a calling, and a way of life. I have always been fascinated by the human body and its ability to heal, adapt, and overcome challenges. I have also always had a strong desire to help others, especially those who are suffering, vulnerable, or in need of care. Nursing combines these two aspects of my personality and allows me to make a positive difference in the world. I chose nursing as a career path because I believe that it offers me many opportunities for personal and professional growth. As a nurse, I will be able to learn new skills, acquire new knowledge, and face new challenges every day. I will also be able to work in different settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, or communities, and with different populations, such as children, adults, or seniors. Nursing is a dynamic and diverse field that will keep me motivated and interested throughout my career. Another reason why I chose nursing as a career path is because I value the relationships that nurses build with their patients, colleagues, and other health care professionals. As a nurse, I will be able to provide holistic care that addresses not only the physical, but also the emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of my patients. I will also be able to collaborate with other members of the health care team and contribute to the improvement of the quality and safety of patient care. Nursing is a rewarding and fulfilling field that will allow me to connect with others. Finally, I chose nursing as a career path because I want to be part of the solution to the current and future health care challenges that our society faces. As a nurse, I will be able to advocate for the health and well-being of my patients and their families, as well as for the health and well-being of the public at large. I will also be able to participate in research, education, policy-making, and leadership activities that aim to advance the science and practice of nursing. Nursing is a powerful and influential field that will enable me to make a positive impact on the world. In conclusion, nursing is important to me because it aligns with my passion, my personality, and my purpose. It is a career path that offers me many benefits and opportunities for growth. It is also a career path that requires me to be compassionate, competent, and committed. I am confident that pursuing nursing as a career path will allow me to achieve my personal and professional goals and fulfill my potential as a human being.

Dear Deanna Ellis Memorial Scholarship Committee, I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to apply for the Deanna Ellis Memorial Scholarship, a chance to not only further my nursing education but also to share my deeply personal journey that has profoundly shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. My path to nursing has been marked by adversity, resilience, and a profound transformation. Six years ago, I found myself trapped in the dark and unforgiving world of substance abuse. It was a time when I lost sight of who I was and the potential for a brighter future. However, it was also during those challenging moments that seeds of change were sown, and my unwavering determination to overcome addiction began to emerge. My journey to recovery has been a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It has taught me the value of self-compassion, empathy, and the profound impact of holistic healing. While conventional pharmaceutical treatments played a major role in my substance abuse early on, it helped me to discover the immense value of alternative approaches, such as mindfulness, meditation, and nutrition. These holistic methods not only helped me overcome addiction but also fostered a sense of well-being that transcended mere sobriety. My experiences with substance abuse have indelibly shaped my beliefs about healthcare. I firmly believe that the field of nursing should embrace a holistic approach that goes beyond treating symptoms. Addiction recovery has shown me that the mind, body, and spirit are intimately connected, and true healing requires addressing all these facets. My personal journey has given me a unique perspective on the importance of mental health, emotional support, and the role of healthcare providers in guiding patients towards holistic well-being. My relationships have also been profoundly influenced by my journey through addiction and recovery. I have been blessed with the unwavering support of family and friends who stood by me during my darkest moments. I'm finding my sobriety I also found my soulmate who gave me the gift of a child that I was told would be impossible for me to conceive. This experience has deepened my understanding of the power of compassion and empathy, qualities I aim to embody in my nursing practice. I want to be the kind of nurse who not only administers medication but also listens, understands, and provides emotional support to patients and their families. As for my career aspirations, they are deeply intertwined with my recovery journey. I aspire to become a nurse who offers alternative options to pharmaceutical medications whenever possible. I envision a future where patients are actively involved in their treatment plans, where their mental and emotional well-being is given as much importance as their physical health. I want to be a healthcare provider who advocates for holistic approaches and empowers patients to explore complementary therapies and lifestyle changes as part of their healing process. In conclusion, my experience with substance abuse has been a crucible that has shaped my beliefs, strengthened my relationships, and ignited my career aspirations. The Deanna Ellis Memorial Scholarship represents not only a chance to further my education but also an opportunity to share my personal journey and my commitment to a holistic approach to healthcare. I am deeply grateful for your consideration and support on this journey toward a more compassionate and holistic healthcare system. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Dear Family of Maureen Pace, First I would like to send my deepest condolences for your loss. The loss of my grandmother was what turned my flicker of wanting to be a nurse into a wildfire of passion for the field. I am writing to express my deep passion for nursing and my sincere desire to be considered for the Maureen C. Pace Nursing Scholarship. Nursing has always been more than just a career choice for me; it is a calling that has been ignited by a series of experiences and personal convictions. From a young age, I witnessed the incredible impact that nurses can have on the lives of individuals and their families. My own family has faced health challenges, and it was the compassionate care provided by nurses that left a lasting impression on me. Their dedication, empathy, and unwavering support during difficult times inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. I saw the difference they made, not only in the physical well-being of their patients but also in their emotional and psychological recovery. As a nursing student, I am driven by the belief that healthcare is a fundamental human right. I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to improve the quality of life for others. I hope to achieve excellence in my nursing career, constantly seeking opportunities for growth and specialization to provide the best possible care. My long-term goal is to become a nurse practitioner, bridging the gap between medical diagnosis and patient care. I plan to focus on a holistic approach of treating the person, inside and out, head to toe, rather than individual ailments in hopes of helping achieve an overall well-being. By doing so, I aim to empower patients to take control of their health and make informed decisions. Beyond the hospital walls, I am dedicated to making a lasting impact on my community. I firmly believe in the importance of health education and prevention. I plan to engage in community outreach programs, offering my expertise to underserved populations, organizing health workshops, and advocating for better access to healthcare resources. By actively participating in local initiatives, I hope to contribute to the overall well-being of my community. Maureen C. Pace's values and traits serve as an inspiring example for me. Her dedication to nursing excellence, commitment to lifelong learning, and unwavering compassion for patients are qualities I deeply admire. To carry on these values, I am committed to continuous learning and professional growth. I will strive for excellence in my nursing practice, always putting patient well-being at the forefront. Moreover, I will actively engage in mentorship and support for aspiring nurses, fostering the same spirit of compassion and dedication that Maureen exemplified. In conclusion, my journey into nursing has been driven by a genuine passion to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and my community. The Maureen C. Pace Nursing Scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden of my education but also serve as a validation of my commitment to nursing excellence and community service. I am grateful for your consideration and the opportunity to contribute to the legacy of Maureen C. Pace through my nursing career. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Tina Widergren