
Hobbies and interests
Hiking And Backpacking
Reading
Health
I read books multiple times per week
Vanessa Vaughan
2,192
Bold Points1x
Finalist1x
Winner
Vanessa Vaughan
2,192
Bold Points1x
Finalist1x
WinnerBio
I am passionate about mental health, helping patients and coworkers worth through all of life’s struggles. Guiding others to the tools within their own arsenal to battle whatever life throws at them.
Education
Binghamton University
Master's degree programMajors:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Capella University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Suffolk County Community College
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
Career
Dream career field:
Alternative Medicine
Dream career goals:
Assistant nurse manager
Stony Brook medicine2020 – Present5 years
Sports
Track & Field
Varsity2014 – 2014
Public services
Volunteering
South Country Ambulance — Lieutenant2019 – Present
Rose Browne Memorial Scholarship for Nursing
From an early age, I have always been drawn to helping others and taking on leadership roles. In high school, I was naturally outgoing and deeply involved in student government, constantly seeking opportunities to serve my classmates and community. Whether I was organizing events, mentoring peers, or stepping up during times of conflict, I found fulfillment in being someone others could rely on. That sense of responsibility, connection, and service quickly became a core part of who I am.
After high school, I wanted to continue giving back, so I began volunteering in my community and riding on the ambulance. It was there on those late nights responding to emergencies that I discovered my true calling. I remember the first time I watched nurses and doctors work seamlessly under pressure. They didn’t just treat conditions; they cared for people. I saw how a nurse’s calm presence could comfort a frightened patient, how teamwork could turn chaos into order, and how compassion could exist even in the most stressful moments. Those experiences left a lasting impression on me. I knew I didn’t just want to witness that kind of work, I wanted to be part of it.
As I pursued my nursing education and became a registered nurse, my appreciation for the profession deepened. Nursing is not only about clinical skill it’s about empathy, critical thinking, and resilience. I fell in love with the hospital environment and the privilege of caring for people during their most vulnerable moments. Every patient interaction taught me something new about humanity about patience, strength, and hope. I learned that sometimes, the smallest gestures holding someone’s hand, listening without judgment, or offering reassurance—can mean more than any medication or procedure.
Over the years, I have also developed a deep interest in mental health. Working in healthcare has shown me that healing extends beyond the physical body; emotional and psychological well-being are equally vital. I have seen how mental health struggles can affect patients, families, and even colleagues, and I want to be part of the solution. That passion has led me to continue my education to become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I want to use my experience, compassion, and clinical knowledge to help individuals find stability, self-worth, and hope again.
Nursing has shaped me into a stronger, more empathetic version of myself. It has taught me to lead with heart, to see the person behind every diagnosis, and to never stop learning. My life experiences from high school leadership to ambulance volunteering to my years as a registered nurse have all guided me to this path. Nursing isn’t just my career; it’s my purpose, and I am proud to continue growing within this profession that embodies service, compassion, and lifelong learning.
Gregory A. DeCanio Memorial Scholarship
WinnerMy Passion for Emergency Services and Community Involvement
Nine years ago, I joined South Country Ambulance with a simple goal: to get patient care time to prepare me for nursing school. What I didn’t expect was how deeply I would fall in love with the work—especially the sense of purpose that comes from serving others in their most vulnerable moments. Over time, my passion grew beyond just emergency care. I quickly gained rank and became a lieutenant, the first and only female lieutenant in our department. I became increasingly aware of the emotional and psychological toll this job takes not only on our patients but on my fellow EMTs and first responders as well. I saw colleagues struggle after traumatic calls, often in silence, and it made me realize that mental health care is just as critical as physical first aid.
Educational and Career Goals
This realization led me to pursue a path that blends both emergency medicine and mental health. I’m currently furthering my education to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). My goal is to take this specialized skill set back to the field—not only to become a more compassionate and effective EMT, but to be a trusted mental health resource for my South Country and EMS family. I want to bridge the gap between emergency response and emotional care, especially for those who are always expected to be strong. Mental health is often hidden away and ignored. I want to use my education to open doors and break barriers, use early recognition to help those in need.
Positive Impact on the Community
First responders often put others before themselves and rarely seek the help they need. With my training as a PMHNP, I aim to change that within my own ambulance company by offering free, confidential counseling to my coworkers. By doing so, I hope to foster a culture where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized. My ultimate goal is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in emergency services and create a support system that uplifts those who serve our communities every day.
This journey started as a way to fund my education, but it has become a calling to serve on a deeper, more meaningful level—for my patients, my coworkers, and my community. Everyone you meet is fighting their own battle, whether it’s in their time of crisis and they called 911 or it’s the person responding to that 911 call putting aside all of their own needs to help someone in their community. I have the utmost respect for first responders, they put everything and everyone before themselves. I want to use my education to guide them to be able to navigate the most challenging moments. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of my education, but directly support my mission to give back in a way that is often overlooked. I am committed, driven, and ready to make a lasting difference in the lives of first responders and those we care for.