Hello my name is Vivica valsaint Growing up, I learned that healing is about much more than treating injuries or illnesses. It is about giving people hope when they feel powerless and reminding them that they are not alone. My life has been shaped by challenges that many people never see. As a child, I experienced trauma that left emotional wounds long before I understood what healing truly meant. Instead of letting those experiences define my future, I chose to let them shape my purpose. They inspired me to pursue a career in the medical field because I want to become the kind of healthcare professional who makes patients feel safe, respected, and heard. When someone enters a hospital or clinic, they are often experiencing one of the most difficult moments of their life. They may be scared, uncertain, or in pain. I know what it feels like to need compassion during difficult times, and I believe that kindness can be just as powerful as medicine. A healthcare provider who listens carefully, explains procedures, and treats every patient with dignity can make an unforgettable difference. That is the kind of professional I hope to become. My dream is to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, become a registered nurse, and continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). This career combines advanced medical knowledge with the opportunity to care for patients before, during, and after surgery. I admire the responsibility, precision, and compassion required to ensure patients are safe while they undergo procedures that can be life changing. I want to be someone patients trust during moments when they are most vulnerable. My journey has also taught me resilience. Moving to the United States meant adapting to a new culture, learning new systems, and pursuing higher education while balancing work and school. Although the transition has not always been easy, every challenge has strengthened my determination. Each obstacle reminds me why education is so important and why I must continue moving forward. As I progress in my career, I hope to make healthcare more accessible and compassionate, especially for underserved communities. Many people delay seeking medical care because of financial difficulties, language barriers, or fear of being judged. As someone who speaks multiple languages and understands what it feels like to adapt to a new environment, I hope to bridge communication gaps and help patients feel understood. I want every patient, regardless of their background, to know they deserve quality care and respect. In addition to caring for patients, I hope to mentor future nursing students who may face obstacles similar to mine. I want to encourage young people to believe that their circumstances do not determine their future. Success is not reserved for those with perfect lives; it belongs to those who continue moving forward despite setbacks. By sharing my experiences and offering guidance, I hope to inspire others to pursue careers where they can serve their communities. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education and bring me closer to achieving my goals. More importantly, it would be an investment in someone who is deeply committed to serving others. I cannot change the hardships I have experienced, but I can choose how they shape my future. I have chosen a path of healing, compassion, and service. My goal is not only to provide excellent medical care but also to ensure that every patient I encounter feels valued, respected, and hopeful. Through nursing and eventually becoming a CRNA, I hope to make a lasting difference, one patient at a time.

Life has taught me that healing is not a straight path. It is a journey filled with pain, setbacks, courage, and hope. My experience with addiction began after one of the most traumatic events of my life. As a child, I was sexually abused by my uncle. When I finally found the courage to tell my family what had happened, I expected to be protected and believed. Instead, I was told to stay quiet because they did not want to damage his reputation. That moment changed my life. I felt abandoned, invisible, and completely alone. The emotional pain became overwhelming. I carried feelings of fear, shame, anger, and I began drinking alcohol as a way to escape my thoughts and numb the pain. For a while, drinking seemed like the only way I could silence the memories and emotions that followed me everywhere. Although it gave me temporary relief, it never truly healed the wounds I was carrying. Eventually, I realized that alcohol was taking away the future I wanted for myself. Instead of helping me, it was keeping me trapped in my trauma. I made the difficult decision to stop drinking and face the pain I had been trying to avoid. Recovery was one of the hardest challenges I have ever faced, but it also became one of my greatest accomplishments. Every day I chose not to drink was a step toward reclaiming my life. I learned healthier ways to cope with my emotions, discovered my inner strength, and began believing that my past did not have to define my future. My journey through trauma and recovery inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. I know what it feels like to be vulnerable, unheard, and in need of compassion. Because of my experiences, I want every patient I care for to feel respected, safe, and valued. Nurses have the opportunity to comfort people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and I want to be that source of hope for others. My goal is not only to treat illnesses but also to care for people with empathy, kindness, and dignity. Today, I am an undergraduate student in Florida working toward my nursing degree. My long-term goal is to continue my education and eventually become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). I know this path will require dedication, perseverance, and hard work, but overcoming addiction has already shown me that I am capable of facing difficult challenges and refusing to give up. Receiving the Jeffrey Robert Burris Memorial Scholarship would ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to stay focused on becoming the nurse I aspire to be. More importantly, it would honor a journey of resilience and recovery that has transformed my life. My past has shaped me, but it does not define me. Instead, it has given me the compassion, determination, and purpose to dedicate my future to helping others heal, just as I have fought to heal myself.

Choosing nursing as a career path is not merely a professional decision for me; it is the fulfillment of a lifelong calling to serve others during their most vulnerable moments. The nursing industry uniquely blends rigorous scientific knowledge with profound human empathy. I am drawn to this field because nurses are the heartbeat of healthcare, providing the continuous, direct patient care that truly defines a patient's healing experience. My ultimate goal is to become a highly skilled, compassionate registered nurse who not only treats illnesses but also advocates for patient wellness and healthcare equity. My fascination with healthcare was solidified through my personal experiences volunteering at organisation Life and esperance in Dominican republic. Spending time in this environment allowed me to observe the fast-paced, highly collaborative nature of a medical team. One specific moment stands out: while assisting a patient who was anxious before a procedure, I realized that taking an extra moment to listen and offer a calming presence made a measurable difference in their comfort level. This experience taught me that medical expertise must always be paired with emotional support. It confirmed that I possess the patience, resilience, and communication skills necessary to thrive in a demanding clinical setting. To prepare for the challenges of nursing school and my future career, I have consistently pushed myself to achieve high academic standards. Maintaining a 4.1 GPA while balancing science-heavy coursework and extracurricular activities has been a major personal accomplishment. This required strict time management, discipline, and a strong work ethic—traits that are essential for any successful nursing student. Additionally, being recognized for my leadership as a president of volunteer work at church helped me develop the team-building and critical-thinking skills that I will rely on daily when collaborating with doctors, therapists, and fellow nurses. In the long term, my goal is to specialize in CRNA . I am incredibly eager to dive into clinical rotations to understand the complexities of this specialty. Beyond clinical practice, I aspire to eventually pursue leadership roles, such as a charge nurse or nurse educator, where I can help train and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. I want my career to be defined by continuous learning, adapting to new medical technologies, and contributing to a hospital culture focused on patient-centered care. Receiving the Sara Jane Memorial Scholarship would be a transformative milestone in my journey. The financial support would allow me to focus entirely on my rigorous nursing curriculum and clinical clinical hours without the heavy burden of financial stress. This investment in my education will directly translate into the high-quality, dedicated care I will provide to my future patients. I am deeply committed to honoring the legacy of this scholarship by bringing dedication, empathy, and clinical excellence to the nursing profession every single day. Thank you for your time and consideration of my application.

I am pursuing a career in dentistry because I am passionate about helping people improve their health, confidence, and overall quality of life. Oral health is closely connected to physical and emotional well-being, and I am inspired by how dentistry combines science, precision, and compassion. I am especially drawn to the opportunity to work hands-on with patients, relieve pain, prevent disease, and help individuals feel more confident in their smiles. Dentistry allows me to make a meaningful impact while continuously learning and developing specialized skills, which motivates me to pursue this trade with dedication and purpose. After completing my dental education, my goal is to begin working in a clinical setting where I can gain experience and refine my skills as a dental professional. I plan to continue expanding my knowledge through additional certifications and training to become highly competent in patient care. In the future, I hope to serve diverse communities, particularly those with limited access to dental care. My long-term plan is to build a stable and fulfilling career in dentistry while giving back by promoting oral health education and preventative care. I want to be someone patients trust—not only for technical expertise, but also for empathy and understanding. One of the most significant challenges I have overcome was adapting to life after recently entering the United States. Transitioning to a new country meant adjusting to a different education system, language expectations, and cultural environment, all while maintaining strong academic performance. At times, this change felt overwhelming, but I refused to allow obstacles to define my future. I worked through this adversity by staying disciplined, asking for help when needed, and remaining focused on my long-term goals. I developed resilience, time-management skills, and confidence in my ability to adapt under pressure. This experience strengthened my determination and prepared me for the demanding nature of a dental career. Overcoming these challenges has taught me perseverance, patience, and empathy—qualities that will guide me as I continue my education and serve others through dentistry. One of the greatest challenges I have overcome was adjusting to a new life after recently entering the United States. Adapting to a new culture and educational system required resilience, patience, and discipline. Through determination and hard work, I learned how to manage stress, stay focused on my goals, and remain confident in my abilities. This experience shaped my character and strengthened my desire to pursue a demanding and service-oriented career in dentistry.