My decision to pursue nursing was inspired by a desire to create meaningful change in people's lives and address the challenges I have seen within our healthcare system. Growing up, I became aware that access to quality healthcare is not equal for everyone. Too many individuals and families struggle because of financial hardships, limited resources, or barriers that prevent them from receiving the care they need. Witnessing these realities motivated me to pursue a career where I could be part of the solution rather than simply observe the problem. As I learned more about healthcare through volunteering and clinical experiences, I realized that nurses are at the heart of patient care. They are not only responsible for providing medical treatment but also for offering comfort, advocacy, education, and hope during some of the most difficult moments in a person's life. I was inspired by the compassion nurses show every day, the way they take time to listen, ease fears, and treat every patient with dignity and respect. Their ability to make someone feel seen and cared for, even during moments of uncertainty, showed me the kind of healthcare professional I want to become. Being a first-generation college student has strengthened my commitment to this path. Pursuing higher education has required perseverance, resilience, and determination, but every challenge has reinforced my belief that serving others is my purpose. I understand that behind every patient is a unique story, and I want to be the kind of nurse who takes the time to understand those stories while providing excellent care. Although I am passionate about caring for patients at the bedside, my long-term vision reaches beyond direct patient care. I hope to become a healthcare leader who bridges the gap between healthcare organizations and government, helping develop policies and systems that improve access to quality, equitable healthcare for underserved communities. I believe that nurses have a unique perspective because they witness firsthand the barriers patients face, and I want to use that perspective to advocate for lasting change. Nursing is the perfect combination of compassion, leadership, science, and service. It will allow me to make an immediate difference in the lives of individuals while also working toward broader improvements that benefit entire communities. I chose nursing because I want to care for people during their most vulnerable moments, advocate for those whose voices often go unheard, and dedicate my career to creating a healthcare system where every patient is treated with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Nursing is more than the career I chose, it's the calling that allows me to combine my passion for serving others with my desire to create meaningful change. From an early age, I became aware of the challenges many people face when trying to access quality healthcare. I saw how financial barriers, limited resources, and gaps within the healthcare system could affect families, often leaving them feeling overwhelmed, underserved, and unheard. Those experiences made me realize that healthcare is about much more than treating illnesses; it's about advocating for people, restoring dignity, and ensuring every patient receives compassionate care. As I grew older, my passion for healthcare continued to deepen through volunteer experiences and clinical exposure. Working in healthcare setting allowed me to witness the incredible impact nurses have on patients and their families. Nurses are often the first to comfort someone after receiving difficult news, the ones who patiently answer questions, and the advocates who ensure every patient is treated with respect. They provide reassurance during some of the most vulnerable moments in a person's life, and their compassion can be just as healing as the medical care they provide. Seeing that level of dedication confirmed that nursing was the path I wanted to pursue. I am also a first-generation college student, which has strengthened my determination to make the most of every opportunity. Pursuing higher education has required resilience, discipline, and a willingness to overcome challenges that many students face without a roadmap. Those experiences have taught me to persevere and have reinforced my belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for creating lasting change. While I am passionate about caring for patients at the bedside, my vision extends beyond direct patient care. I aspire to become a healthcare leader who bridges the gap between healthcare organizations and government. I want to help shape policies that improve access to affordable, high-quality healthcare while ensuring healthcare systems remain compassionate, equitable, and centered on the needs of patients. Too often, the greatest barriers to good health are not medical—they are social, economic, and systemic. I want to be part of creating solutions that address those challenges so that every individual has the opportunity to receive the care they deserve. Throughout my journey, I hope to use my experiences to encourage others to pursue careers dedicated to service. Whether mentoring future nursing students, advocating for underserved communities, or leading initiatives that improve patient care, I want to be someone who inspires others to believe they can make a difference. Every patient deserves a healthcare professional who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares about their well-being. Nursing offers the unique opportunity to combine science, compassion, leadership, and advocacy into one profession. It's a career that allows me to make an immediate impact in patients' lives while working toward broader improvements that benefit entire communities. I chose nursing because I want to be more than a caregiver, I want to be a leader who creates meaningful change, improves lives, and helps build a healthcare system where every person feels valued, respected, and cared for. I also found out about this scholarship through Bold.org.

As the first person in my family to attend a four-year university, pursuing higher education has never been just about earning a degree, it has always been about creating opportunities that extend beyond myself. I come from a hardworking family that has always encouraged me to dream big, even if they didn't have firsthand experience navigating college. While they could offer endless love and support, they couldn't explain financial aid, scholarship applications, choosing a major, or balancing college life. Much of my journey has been built on asking questions, seeking mentors, and refusing to let unfamiliarity become a barrier to success. I am currently pursuing my Bachelors of Science in Nursing alongside an Associate of Business Administration while preparing for a future in healthcare leadership. My long-term goal is to become a leader who bridges the gap between healthcare organizations and government, helping create policies and systems that improve access to quality care for underserved communities. I believe healthcare should be compassionate, equitable, and accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or financial circumstances. Achieving that goal starts with education, which is why earning my degree means so much to me. Throughout high school and now in college, I have actively looked for opportunities to serve and lead. I have served in student leadership roles, volunteered in healthcare settings, and accepted the responsibility of becoming a Resident Assistant because I enjoy creating supportive environments where others feel welcomed and encouraged. Leadership has taught me that making an impact does not always require holding the highest title. Sometimes, the greatest difference comes from taking the time to listen, offering guidance, or simply believing in someone before they believe in themselves. Being a first-generation student has also taught me resilience. There have been moments when I questioned whether I was making the right decisions because I didn't have someone at home who had experienced college before me. Financial concerns, unfamiliar processes, and balancing multiple responsibilities have all presented challenges. Instead of allowing those obstacles to discourage me, I have used them as motivation to learn more, ask for help, and grow stronger. Every challenge I overcome becomes knowledge that I can share with someone else walking a similar path. I plan to inspire other first-generation students by being the mentor I once needed. I want to help students understand that asking for help is a sign of determination, not weakness. I hope to guide them through scholarship opportunities, campus resources, leadership experiences, and career planning while reminding them that they belong in higher education just as much as anyone else. Representation matters, and I want younger students to see someone who shares their background succeeding and reaching leadership positions they may have never imagined for themselves. Most importantly, I want to show first-generation students that success is not measured by where you start, but by your willingness to keep moving forward. Every degree earned by a first-generation student creates new possibilities for future generations. I hope my journey demonstrates that with perseverance, community, and a commitment to serving others, barriers can become stepping stones. My education is not only an investment in my future, it's an opportunity to open doors for others, advocate for those whose voices are often unheard, and inspire the next generation of first-generation students to believe that they, too, can achieve their dreams.

As a first-generation college student, I have learned that empathy is more than simply understanding another person's feelings, it's choosing to listen, advocate, and create opportunities for others, even when their experiences are different from your own. Growing up, I didn't have family members who could explain the college application process, financial aid, or what it truly meant to pursue higher education. I had to seek out mentors, ask difficult questions, and learn through experience. Those challenges shaped me into someone who believes that no one should have to navigate life's biggest opportunities alone. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to build genuine relationships with people from all walks of life. Whether I am volunteering in a healthcare setting, serving as a Resident Assistant, mentoring peers, or participating in community service, I make a conscious effort to listen before offering solutions. I believe every person has a unique story, and understanding those stories allows us to lead with compassion instead of assumptions. In a world that often feels divided, I believe listening is one of the most powerful tools for creating empathy. My passion for healthcare has strengthened this belief even further. Through my experiences in hospitals and clinics, I have seen firsthand that many patients struggle with more than medical conditions. They face financial hardships, language barriers, transportation issues, and confusing healthcare systems that make receiving quality care difficult. These experiences have inspired me to pursue my Bachelors of Science in Nursing, alongside earning an associate of Business Administration while continuing my journey toward leadership in healthcare. I want to understand not only how healthcare works at the patient level but also how organizations, policies, and government systems influence the care people receive. My long-term goal is to serve in a leadership position where I can bridge the gap between healthcare and government. I want to advocate for policies that improve access to affordable, equitable healthcare while ensuring that organizations operate efficiently and compassionately. I believe effective leaders must be willing to hear the voices of those who are often overlooked and transform those concerns into meaningful action. By combining my healthcare experience, business education, and leadership skills, I hope to create systems that prioritize people rather than bureaucracy. I also plan to use my experiences as a first-generation student to mentor others who are beginning similar journeys. Throughout my academic career, mentors have encouraged me to pursue opportunities I never thought possible, and I want to be that source of encouragement for future students. Whether it's helping someone complete a college application, apply for scholarships, or simply reminding them that they belong in higher education, I want to ensure that others feel supported rather than intimidated. Small acts of mentorship can create lasting ripple effects that strengthen entire communities. Building a more empathetic and understanding global community begins with individuals who are willing to listen, serve, and lead with compassion. I hope to use my communication skills, resilience, and commitment to service to inspire trust, foster collaboration, and advocate for meaningful change. My goal is not only to improve healthcare systems but also to create environments where every person feels respected, valued, and heard. By leading with empathy in every role I take on, I hope to leave behind stronger communities and opportunities for the generations that follow.

Higher education is providing me with the knowledge, experiences, and opportunities to turn my passion for helping others into a career dedicated to creating meaningful change. As a first-generation college student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while earning an Associate of Science in Business Administration, I see education as more than a pathway to a career, it's preparing me to become a leader who can improve healthcare not only at the bedside but also through policy, advocacy, and organizational leadership. Growing up in a low-income household, I witnessed how financial barriers and limited access to healthcare affected families, including my own. These experiences inspired me to pursue nursing because I wanted to care for people during their most vulnerable moments and ensure every patient feels seen, heard, and respected. As I continue my education, I realized that many of the challenges patients face extend beyond the walls of a hospital. Issues such as healthcare accessibility, affordability, and health disparities are often influenced by decisions made outside of direct patient care. That realization motivated me to expand my education by studying Business Administration alongside nursing, allowing me to develop leadership, management, and problem-solving skills that complement my clinical knowledge. Higher education has challenged me to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. Through leadership opportunities, my hospital internship, campus involvement, and academic experiences, I have learned that meaningful change requires both compassion and the ability to influence systems. These experiences have strengthened my desire to become a leader who understands healthcare from multiple perspectives and can advocate for improvements that benefit both patients and healthcare professionals. My ultimate goal is to create a positive impact by bridging the gap between healthcare and government. Too often, policies are created without fully understanding the realities healthcare professionals and patients experience every day. I want to be a leader who brings those perspectives together by ensuring that healthcare decisions are informed by both clinical experience and thoughtful public policy. Whether that means working in hospital administration, healthcare policy, or government leadership, I hope to serve as a voice that connects healthcare providers, policymakers, and the communities they serve. I also hope to mentor future healthcare professionals and first-generation college students, encouraging them to pursue leadership positions where they can advocate for meaningful change. I believe representation matters, and I want others from backgrounds like mine to see that they, too, can influence the future of healthcare. For me, higher education is not simply about earning degrees, it's about gaining the knowledge, skills, and perspective necessary to become a servant leader. Every class, clinical experience, and leadership opportunity brings me one step closer to my long-term vision of helping shape a healthcare system that is more accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of the people it serves. By combining my nursing education with my foundation in business and my passion for public service, I hope to become a leader who bridges the gap between healthcare and government, creating policies and systems that improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities for generations to come.

My name is Tyrielle Darensburg, and I am a first-generation college student from Chalmette, Louisiana. I am currently a sophomore at Loyola University New Orleans pursuing a degree in Nursing with a minor in Business Administration. Throughout my life, I have been driven by a desire to serve others, advocate for those whose voices are often overlooked, and create opportunities for healthier communities. Service has always been a central part of who I am. During high school, I served as Senior Class President and was actively involved in Student Council, Beta Club, Key Club, 4-H, and STEM Club. Through these experiences, I learned that leadership is not about holding a title, it’s about listening, helping others, and working toward solutions that benefit the entire community. Whether I was organizing events, supporting fellow students, or volunteering in my community, I found fulfillment in making a positive difference in the lives of others. These experiences continue to shape the person I am today and inspire my commitment to service. My passion for healthcare stems from seeing the health disparities that affect many families and communities. While still in high school, I earned certifications as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), EKG Technician, Phlebotomist, and CPR provider. I also participated in healthcare and public health experiences that exposed me to the challenges faced by individuals living with chronic illnesses, including diabetes and heart failure. Working with and learning from these individuals helped me understand that many health problems are preventable, yet barriers such as limited access to healthcare, education, and resources often stand in the way. These experiences reinforced my belief that healthcare should be accessible, equitable, and focused on prevention as much as treatment. Through my nursing career, I hope to make a positive impact by providing compassionate patient care while also addressing larger public health issues. My long-term goal is to combine healthcare knowledge with leadership and business skills to advocate for programs and policies that improve health outcomes in underserved communities. I want to help bridge the gap between healthcare, education, and community resources so that individuals and families have the support they need to live healthier lives. One cause that is especially important to me is health equity and community wellness. I have seen how factors such as income, education, and access to healthcare can significantly affect a person's quality of life. Through volunteering and healthcare-related experiences, I have worked to promote health education and community engagement because I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their best possible health, regardless of their background or circumstances. I am also passionate about educational access and student leadership. As a first-generation college student, I understand the challenges many students face when pursuing higher education, and I hope to mentor and encourage others as they work toward their goals. Receiving the Addie James Hamerter Memorial Scholarship would help relieve some of the financial burden associated with pursuing my education. Coming from a low-income family, this support would allow me to focus more on my academics, clinical experiences, volunteer service, and leadership development rather than financial concerns. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to becoming a nurse and future healthcare leader dedicated to improving the lives of others. Like Addie James Hamerter, I believe that service, education, and advocacy have the power to transform communities. I am committed to carrying those values forward through my work, my leadership, and my dedication to helping others create healthier and brighter futures.

As a first-generation African American student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I plan to use my degree to make a meaningful impact both within my community and beyond. My passion for helping others stems from personal experiences, particularly supporting my sister, who lives with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Witnessing the challenges she and my family faced opened my eyes to the importance of compassionate healthcare, mental health advocacy, and access to quality resources. These experiences not only shaped who I am but also inspired the career path I have chosen. My goal is to become a pediatric psychiatric nurse, where I can help children and adolescents facing mental health challenges while also supporting their families through difficult times. Growing up, I saw how mental illness affects not only the individual but also everyone around them. I learned the value of patience, empathy, and advocacy, and I want to provide the same level of support and understanding to other families navigating similar situations. I believe every patient deserves to feel heard, respected, and cared for, regardless of their circumstances. My commitment to healthcare is reflected in the experiences I have pursued throughout my education. I earned certifications as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), EKG Technician, and Phlebotomy Technician to build my clinical skills and prepare for a career in nursing. I have also completed more than 150 volunteer hours at a local hospital, where I gained exposure to patient care and observed the dedication of healthcare professionals. Currently, I serve as a hospital intern while earning my degree, allowing me to continue learning in a clinical environment and strengthen my passion for serving others. As a first-generation student from a low-income background, I understand the challenges many families face when trying to access quality healthcare and educational opportunities. These experiences have motivated me to become an advocate for underserved populations. In addition to my nursing degree, I am pursuing a minor in Business Administration because I want to make an impact not only at the bedside but also through leadership and healthcare innovation. In the future, I hope to become involved in healthcare policy and government. I want to use my nursing background and firsthand experience working with patients to help shape policies that improve access to healthcare, expand mental health services, and reduce disparities in underserved communities. I believe nurses bring a unique perspective to leadership because they see the realities patients face every day and understand the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care. Through my education and future career, I hope to serve as a role model for other first-generation African American students while working to improve healthcare outcomes for those who need it most. Whether I am caring for patients, advocating for mental health awareness, or helping develop policies that strengthen communities, my goal is to create lasting change and give back to the communities that have helped shape me.

I chose nursing because I have seen firsthand the difference compassionate healthcare professionals can make in the lives of patients and their families. My passion for nursing was inspired by my personal experiences helping care for my sister, who lives with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Watching her navigate the challenges of mental illness taught me the importance of empathy, advocacy, and quality healthcare. These experiences showed me that nurses do far more than provide medical care,they provide comfort, support, and hope during some of life's most difficult moments. As I learned more about healthcare, I became particularly interested in mental health and the impact nurses have on patient outcomes. My experiences with my sister inspired me to pursue a career where I can advocate for vulnerable populations and help individuals receive the care and dignity they deserve. This passion has led me to pursue a nursing degree, with the goal of eventually specializing in pediatric psychiatric nursing. My long-term career goals extend beyond bedside care. In addition to pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I am also pursuing a minor in Business Administration. While I am passionate about direct patient care, I also want to understand the leadership and operational side of healthcare. My goal is to not only provide exceptional patient care but also help improve healthcare systems and expand access to quality services for patients and families. I have actively pursued opportunities to prepare myself for a career in nursing. I earned my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license, Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician certification, and Phlebotomy certification, which provided me with foundational clinical skills and valuable insight into patient care. In addition, I volunteered more than 150 hours at a local hospital, where I observed healthcare professionals, interacted with patients, and gained a deeper appreciation for the compassion and teamwork required in healthcare. Currently, I am serving as a hospital intern while pursuing my nursing degree, allowing me to continue building hands-on experience in a clinical setting. In addition to my healthcare experiences, I have successfully completed my first year of college as a first-generation student from a low-income background while balancing academic responsibilities, financial challenges, and family obligations. I was also selected to serve as a Resident Assistant, a leadership role that has strengthened my communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. These experiences have helped me develop resilience, leadership, and a strong commitment to service. Sara Jane dedicated nearly five decades of her life to nursing and encouraged aspiring healthcare professionals to pursue their dreams. Her commitment to putting patients first and supporting future nurses is inspiring to me. As I continue my education, I hope to honor those same values by becoming a nurse who leads with compassion, advocates for vulnerable populations, and makes a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and families. Through nursing, I hope to carry forward a legacy of service, empathy, and lifelong learning.

Having a family member with disabilities has had a profound impact on my life and is one of the primary reasons I chose to pursue a career in nursing. My sister lives with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and witnessing her challenges firsthand has shaped my understanding of mental health, compassion, and the importance of quality healthcare. Growing up, I saw the effects that mental illness can have not only on an individual but also on an entire family. There were times when my sister struggled with symptoms that affected her daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. As a family, we learned how important patience, understanding, and support are during difficult moments. Because of these experiences, I often took on caregiving responsibilities and provided emotional support when she needed it most. In addition to these responsibilities, I come from a low-income background. Balancing the financial realities of college while helping care for my sister has often been challenging. There have been times when I felt overwhelmed by academic demands, financial stress, and family obligations all at once. However, these experiences taught me resilience, time management, and perseverance. I learned how to prioritize my responsibilities, seek resources when needed, and remain focused on my long-term goals even when circumstances were difficult. Rather than discouraging me, my experiences strengthened my commitment to nursing. Through helping care for my sister, I developed empathy, patience, and an appreciation for the role healthcare professionals play in supporting both patients and their families. I witnessed the difference compassionate care can make, especially for individuals living with mental illness. My sister's journey is one of the primary reasons I am pursuing nursing, with a particular interest in pediatric psychiatric nursing. I want to be a nurse who advocates for children and adolescents facing mental health challenges and provides support to families navigating difficult circumstances. I understand firsthand how overwhelming mental illness can be for both patients and their loved ones, and I hope to use my education and experiences to make a meaningful difference in their lives. My sister has taught me that every person deserves understanding, dignity, and compassionate care. The challenges my family has faced have shaped me into a stronger student, caregiver, and future nurse. As I continue my nursing education, I carry these lessons with me and remain committed to serving others with the same compassion and support that my family needed throughout our journey.