
Zoe VanNorman
1x
Finalist
Zoe VanNorman
1x
FinalistBio
Want to pursue a career in nursing, in need of as much as I can get.
Education
Watkins Glen Central High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Career
Dream career field:
Hospital & Health Care
Dream career goals:
Host and Busser
Jerlandos Restaurant and Pizzeria2023 – 20252 years
Sports
Track & Field
Varsity2024 – 2024
Losinger Nursing Scholarship
My inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing comes from a lifelong desire to help people and ensure that everyone receives the care and respect they deserve. From a young age, I was drawn to the idea of comforting others and making a difference in their lives, whether it was through listening, offering support, or simply being there when someone needed help. Over time, that desire grew into a passion for healthcare a field where compassion and science meet to create real change.
Throughout my life, I have seen how discrimination and bias can affect people’s access to medical care. I’ve witnessed moments where individuals were treated differently based on their race, background, or economic status. Those experiences deeply affected me and made me realize that I wanted to be part of the solution. As a nurse, I want to be someone who listens without judgment, advocates for fairness, and provides care that treats every patient with dignity.
My inspiration also comes from watching nurses care for loved ones during difficult times. Their patience, kindness, and professionalism left a lasting impact on me. They didn’t just heal with medicine they healed with empathy and presence. That is the kind of nurse I aspire to become: one who provides comfort and understanding along with skilled care. Nursing allows me to combine compassion, equality, and knowledge to help others in their most vulnerable moments, and that is what truly inspires me.
To me, the phrase “human touch” represents more than physical contact it symbolizes connection, empathy, and genuine care. It means seeing patients not as cases or conditions, but as human beings with emotions, fears, and stories that deserve to be heard. The “human touch” reminds us that medicine is not only about curing disease but also about comforting the soul. It’s the simple yet powerful act of treating people with kindness, respect, and compassion.
In nursing, the human touch can completely transform patient care. A reassuring hand on the shoulder, a calm voice explaining a procedure, or a few moments spent listening to a patient’s worries can ease anxiety and build trust. Many patients come to hospitals feeling afraid or alone, and small gestures of empathy can remind them that they are not just patients they are people who matter. When patients feel cared for on a human level, their recovery can improve both emotionally and physically.
The human touch also plays a crucial role in bridging gaps caused by cultural, social, or economic differences. When nurses approach each person with understanding and respect, they create an environment where every individual feels valued, regardless of their background. This connection fosters better communication, adherence to treatment, and overall well-being.
For me, the human touch represents the heart of nursing. It’s what transforms healthcare from a routine process into a meaningful experience. It’s the reason I want to become a nurse to provide more than medical care, to offer comfort, understanding, and hope. I believe that compassion, combined with skill, is what truly heals people, and the human touch is the bridge that brings those two worlds together. For me, the human touch represents the heart of nursing. It’s what transforms healthcare from a routine process into a meaningful experience. It’s the reason I want to become a nurse—to provide more than medical care, to offer comfort, understanding, and hope. I believe that compassion, combined with skill, is what truly heals people, and the human touch is the bridge that brings those two worlds together.
Maureen C. Pace Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Throughout my life, I have seen how discrimination and bias can affect people’s access to care. I have watched people be treated differently because of the color of their skin, their financial situation, or their background. It has always been painful to witness someone feel unseen or undeserving of care simply because of who they are. No one should ever feel judged or overlooked when they are at their most vulnerable. These experiences opened my eyes to the importance of equality and compassion in healthcare. Nurses play a vital role in ensuring that every patient is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. I want to be that kind of nurse—the kind who listens without judgment, advocates for her patients, and treats everyone with kindness and equality.
One experience that solidified my decision to pursue nursing was when a close family member was hospitalized. Watching the nurses care for them left a lasting impression on me. I saw first-hand how their presence made a difference, not just through medical knowledge, but through genuine compassion. They were calm, patient, and attentive, taking the time to explain procedures and comfort my family during moments of fear and uncertainty. That experience showed me how powerful empathy can be in healing, and I knew I wanted to bring that same comfort to others someday.
Nursing combines two things I value deeply: science and empathy. It requires both skill and heart understanding the human body while also understanding the human experience. I am fascinated by how the body works and how medicine can improve people’s lives, but I also know that compassion is what connects us as human beings. Whether I am comforting a patient in pain, encouraging someone through recovery, or supporting a family in crisis, I want to be someone who makes a positive difference each day. no matter how big or small, young or old they may be I want to create a safe space for those who feel discouraged. And be the person they need to care for them.
Ultimately, my goal is to not only care for individuals but to advocate for fairness within the healthcare system. I hope to help create change by ensuring that every person, regardless of their background or status, receives the treatment and respect they deserve. I believe that being a nurse means standing for empathy, equality, and hope—and I am committed to carrying those values with me throughout my career.
Community Health Ambassador Scholarship for Nursing Students
Throughout my life, I have seen how discrimination and bias can affect people’s access to care. I have watched people be treated differently because of the color of their skin, their financial situation, or their background. It has always been painful to witness someone feel unseen or undeserving of care simply because of who they are. No one should ever feel judged or overlooked when they are at their most vulnerable. These experiences opened my eyes to the importance of equality and compassion in healthcare. Nurses play a vital role in ensuring that every patient is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. I want to be that kind of nurse, the kind who listens without judgment, advocates for her patients, and treats everyone with kindness and equality.
One experience that solidified my decision to pursue nursing was when a close family member was hospitalized. Watching the nurses care for them left a lasting impression on me. I saw first-hand how their presence made a difference, not just through medical knowledge, but through genuine compassion. They were calm, patient, and attentive, taking the time to explain procedures and comfort my family during moments of fear and uncertainty. That experience showed me how powerful empathy can be in healing, and I knew I wanted to bring that same comfort to others someday.
Nursing combines two things I value deeply: science and empathy. It requires both skill and heart understanding the human body while also understanding the human experience. I am fascinated by how the body works and how medicine can improve people’s lives, but I also know that compassion is what connects us as human beings. Whether I am comforting a patient in pain, encouraging someone through recovery, or supporting a family in crisis, I want to be someone who makes a positive difference each day. No matter how small the patient would be or even how old that patient may be. I want them to feel safe knowing someone cares for who they are.
Ultimately, my goal is to not only care for individuals but to advocate for fairness within the healthcare system. I hope to help create change by ensuring that every person, regardless of their background or status, receives the treatment and respect they deserve. I believe that being a nurse means standing for empathy, equality, and hope and I am committed to carrying those values with me throughout my career.