Before I was old enough to drive or get a job, I was already responsible for two young children and preparing to enter college. Pursuing nursing is more than just a career goal for me, it’s a calling shaped by my personal experiences and the people around me. At 15 years old, I’ll be entering university this fall with a clear purpose: to become a nurse who brings compassion and diligence to those who need it most. I’d like to think my journey has been anything but ordinary, but every step has brought me closer to the path I now follow with ambition and drive. Two years ago, my family moved from New York to Maryland, where I enrolled in a homeschool program that allowed me to complete my last three grades at an accelerated pace. I’ve worked diligently, completing all my coursework with a 4.0 GPA. Homeschooling not only gave me academic flexibility, but it also demanded a high level of discipline and independence, qualities I believe are essential in both college and the nursing profession. While my mother works full-time, I’ve taken on the responsibility of caring for my younger siblings, my 9-year-old brother and 8-year-old sister. Balancing school and caregiving has never felt like a burden to me. In fact, I’ve always been a caretaker at heart, being the eldest of three only deepened that instinct. Helping others, especially those in need, has always come naturally to me. It has helped me grow into someone who can lead with empathy, stay calm under pressure, and put others’ needs before my own. My desire to pursue nursing also stems from the people in my life whose strength and resilience have inspired me. My aunt has lived with severe arthritis for years and now relies on a wheelchair. My older cousin, due to complications during birth involving his twin, is unable to move the entire left side of his body. Growing up, I saw firsthand how deeply their lives were affected, not just physically, but emotionally. It made me realize how powerful compassionate medical care can be. Nurses are often the ones who spend the most time with patients, offering not only treatment but also kindness and dignity. For me, nursing is not simply about earning a degree. It’s about mindset, about being present during someone’s hardest moments and making a difference, no matter how small. It’s the little acts of service that can restore a person’s hope. I’m still exploring which area to specialize in, but I’m leaning closer to pediatric or rehabilitative care so I can work with individuals like my cousin and aunt, helping them find strength in their everyday lives. Looking ahead, I want to be more than just a nurse. I want to be a role model for my younger siblings and the people around me. I want them to see that with enough determination, neither age nor circumstances can hold you back. My dream is for them to follow in my footsteps, not necessarily in nursing, but in living with purpose and compassion. This scholarship would not only support my education but help me build a future where I can give back in meaningful ways. I carry the memory of Gloria Rickett with respect, and I hope to honor her legacy through my journey.