I am proud to be both a student and an athlete at Emory and Henry University, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel." My mom, Michelle, is an algebra teacher at Bassett High School, where I also attended. Having her as both a parent and a teacher came with unique challenges, but it also gave me a front-row seat to witness her passion and dedication. She isn’t just a math teacher—she’s a mentor, a role model, and often, the reason many students come to school at all. Countless former students have written her letters thanking her for caring when no one else did. She’s helped shape lives, not just with equations and lessons, but with compassion and belief in her students. That same compassion and commitment are qualities I strive to carry into my own career. If I can become even a fraction of the nurse my mom is as a teacher, I know I’ll be making a real difference in people’s lives.

I am proud to be both a student and an athlete at Emory and Henry University, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel." I found this scholarship on Bold.org.

I am proud to be both a student and an athlete at Emory and Henry University, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I am a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete at E&H, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. One of the main reasons I chose Emory and Henry is their steller nursing program and ability to continue playing volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. I believe the ICU will give me a strong foundation as a nurse. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I am a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete at E&H, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. One of the main reasons I chose Emory and Henry is their steller nursing program and ability to continue playing volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. I believe the ICU will give me a strong foundation as a nurse. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I am a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete at E&H, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. One of the main reasons I chose Emory and Henry is their steller nursing program and ability to continue playing volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. I believe the ICU will give me a strong foundation as a nurse. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I am a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete at E&H, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. One of the main reasons I chose Emory and Henry is their steller nursing program and ability to continue playing volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. I believe the ICU will give me a strong foundation as a nurse. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a sophomore at Emory and Henry University. In high school I was a member of BETA, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. I’ve worked extremely hard to maintained a high GPA throughout my high school career and into my first year of college. During my high school years, I volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned the importance of giving back to the community. I am a very focused, dedicated, and compassionate individual that strives to make circumstances of others around me better. I have competed in school and travel volleyball and softball for the past ten years. Sports have taught me the importance of teamwork and helped me cope with failure and success. I’ll take these experiences and apply them to college and life in general. I was accepted to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry University. Along with academics and nursing, volleyball is one of my passions. I’m very fortunate to keep playing volleyball at the next level. Only approximately 3% of high school volleyball players get the opportunity to play in college. My educational and professional goals consist of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once I complete the BSN program and become an RN, I'll be able to continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very early age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. For the longest time, I thought I would become a doctor, and that’s still not out of the question. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. To make my dream come true of becoming a nurse will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and funding. Going to college is expensive, and going to medical school is very expensive. It will be almost impossible for me to attend college without various forms of financial assistance. Receiving this scholarship would help me immensely cover the cost of education at Emory and Henry University. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. I believe the ICU will give me a strong foundation as a nurse. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I know the journey throughout this process from now until the end of my college/educational career will be tough, but I am very committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve my goal of becoming a CRNA. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I always wished I could’ve been some help during that time. I’ve always loved making people smile and laugh, so it broke my heart to know that patients in these hospitals weren’t even receiving the quality care they deserved due to the healthcare shortage. The idea that someone could be sick, scared, and without a comforting presence made me even more determined to pursue this career. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope.

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. I believe the ICU will give me a strong foundation as a nurse. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I know the journey throughout this process from now until the end of my college/educational career will be tough, but I am very committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve my goal of becoming a CRNA. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I always wished I could’ve been some help during that time. I’ve always loved making people smile and laugh, so it broke my heart to know that patients in these hospitals weren’t even receiving the quality care they deserved due to the healthcare shortage. The idea that someone could be sick, scared, and without a comforting presence made me even more determined to pursue this career. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope.

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. I believe the ICU will give me a strong foundation as a nurse. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I know the journey throughout this process from now until the end of my college/educational career will be tough, but I am very committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve my goal of becoming a CRNA. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I always wished I could’ve been some help during that time. I’ve always loved making people smile and laugh, so it broke my heart to know that patients in these hospitals weren’t even receiving the quality care they deserved due to the healthcare shortage. The idea that someone could be sick, scared, and without a comforting presence made me even more determined to pursue this career. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope.

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. I believe the ICU will give me a strong foundation as a nurse. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I know the journey throughout this process from now until the end of my college/educational career will be tough, but I am very committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve my goal of becoming a CRNA. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I always wished I could’ve been some help during that time. I’ve always loved making people smile and laugh, so it broke my heart to know that patients in these hospitals weren’t even receiving the quality care they deserved due to the healthcare shortage. The idea that someone could be sick, scared, and without a comforting presence made me even more determined to pursue this career. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope.

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. I believe the ICU will give me a strong foundation as a nurse. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I know the journey throughout this process from now until the end of my college/educational career will be tough, but I am very committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve my goal of becoming a CRNA. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I always wished I could’ve been some help during that time. I’ve always loved making people smile and laugh, so it broke my heart to know that patients in these hospitals weren’t even receiving the quality care they deserved due to the healthcare shortage. The idea that someone could be sick, scared, and without a comforting presence made me even more determined to pursue this career. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope.

My name is Zoie Pace and I am a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete here, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After I graduate college, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. The idea that someone could be sick, scared, and without a comforting presence made me even more determined to pursue this career. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. I believe I am the best candidate to receive this scholarship because I have consistently demonstrated dedication, resilience, and a deep desire to serve others, both inside and outside the classroom. In college I’ve earned a 3.67 GPA and making the Dean’s List during my first year. I will continue this commitment through my collegiate career as I have set very high goals for myself. Non-academically, I’ve balanced major leadership roles in sports and volunteer work with local nonprofit organizations, gaining valuable life experience and learning the importance of teamwork, giving back, compassion, and service. What sets me apart is not just my achievements, but my drive to use my education to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I want to be a nurse who not only delivers excellent care but also brings comfort and hope to patients during their most difficult moments. Going to college is not cheap and it will be almost impossible for me to attend college without various forms of financial assistance. Receiving this scholarship would help me immensely cover the cost of education at Emory & Henry University. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of pursuing my goals, but also allow me to continue working toward a future where I can give back to my community through healthcare. I am committed, hardworking, and passionate about making a difference, and I’m ready to put that passion into action with the help of this scholarship!

My name is Zoie Pace, and I am a sophomore at Emory & Henry University, where I proudly balance the roles of both student and athlete. As a member of the college volleyball team, I’ve learned the value of time management, resilience, and teamwork—skills that also serve me well in the classroom. I’m currently majoring in Nursing and have been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, Class of 2028—an achievement that I am extremely proud of. This opportunity fuels my determination and motivates me to work even harder toward my future. The greatest influence in my life has been my mom. Like many mother-daughter relationships, we’ve had our share of ups and downs, but her presence in my life has always been one of unwavering love and support. My mom is an algebra teacher at Bassett High School, where I also attended. Having her as both a parent and a teacher came with unique challenges, but it also gave me a front-row seat to witness her passion and dedication. She isn’t just a math teacher—she’s a mentor, a role model, and often, the reason many students come to school at all. Countless former students have written her letters thanking her for caring when no one else did. She’s helped shape lives, not just with equations and lessons, but with compassion and belief in her students. That same compassion and commitment are qualities I strive to carry into my own career. If I can become even a fraction of the nurse my mom is as a teacher, I know I’ll be making a real difference in people’s lives. After graduating from Emory & Henry, I plan to take the NCLEX and begin working as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it demands both clinical excellence and the ability to perform under pressure. I believe it will give me the strong foundation I need as a nurse. After gaining a couple of years of ICU experience, I plan to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), with a specialization in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has long been a dream of mine, and I am committed to doing the hard work necessary to reach that goal. To me, nursing is not just a profession—it’s a calling. I am driven by a desire to help improve health care in my community and to be part of a workforce that brings healing and comfort to those who need it most. Maya Angelou once said, “As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel.” This quote reminds me every day of why I’ve chosen this path—and why I’ll never stop working to become the best nurse I can be.

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing Class of 2028. Losing my great-grandmother to cancer was one of the most painful experiences for me and my family. She was the heart of our family, someone whose strength, kindness, and wisdom shaped who we are. When cancer affected her life, it changed all of us. Her illness not only tested our strength but also brought us closer together in ways we never expected. When she was first diagnosed, it didn’t seem real. My great-grandmother had always been strong and full of energy. She was the one who cooked our favorite meals at family gatherings, told stories about the “old days,” and made everyone laugh. Watching her grow weaker was heartbreaking. Her illness affected every part of our lives. My grandmother became her main caregiver, often spending long nights by her side. It was hard to see my grandmother so exhausted and worried, but it also showed me what unconditional love looks like. My family started to value time differently. We spent more of it together, talked more openly, and learned to appreciate even the smallest moments of peace. When my great-grandmother passed away, it felt like a piece of our family’s foundation was gone. The house felt emptier, holidays felt quieter, and there was a sadness that lingered in everything we did. Losing her taught me that grief doesn’t go away, it changes over time, but it never completely disappears. Choosing a career path in nursing wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events, such as losing my great-grandmother to cancer, that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. Losing my great-grandmother to cancer during COVID-19 was a moment in history that was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?”. I always wished I could’ve been some help during that time. I’ve always loved making people smile and laugh, so it broke my heart to know that patients in these hospitals weren’t even receiving the quality care they deserved due to the healthcare shortage. The idea that someone could be sick, scared, and without a comforting presence made me even more determined to pursue this career. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness but also brings comfort and hope. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete, balancing academics with commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. I believe the ICU will give me a strong foundation as a nurse. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I know the journey throughout this process from now until the end of my college/educational career will be tough, but I am very committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve my goal of becoming a CRNA. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I always wished I could’ve been some help during that time. I’ve always loved making people smile and laugh, so it broke my heart to know that patients in these hospitals weren’t even receiving the quality care they deserved due to the healthcare shortage. The idea that someone could be sick, scared, and without a comforting presence made me even more determined to pursue this career. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: “As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete, balancing academics with commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. I believe the ICU will give me a strong foundation as a nurse. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I know the journey throughout this process from now until the end of my college/educational career will be tough, but I am very committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve my goal of becoming a CRNA. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I always wished I could’ve been some help during that time. I’ve always loved making people smile and laugh, so it broke my heart to know that patients in these hospitals weren’t even receiving the quality care they deserved due to the healthcare shortage. The idea that someone could be sick, scared, and without a comforting presence made me even more determined to pursue this career. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: “As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I’m proud to be a student/athlete, balancing academics with commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision made lightly, it was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I always wished I could’ve been some help during the Covid-19 pandemic. I’ve always loved making people smile and laugh, so it broke my heart to know that patients in these hospitals weren’t receiving the quality care they deserved due to the healthcare shortage. The idea that someone could be sick, scared, and without a comforting presence made me even more determined to pursue this career. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: “As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete, balancing academics with commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. I believe the ICU will give me a strong foundation as a nurse. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I know the journey throughout this process from now until the end of my college/educational career will be tough, but I am very committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve my goal of becoming a CRNA. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I always wished I could’ve been some help during that time. I’ve always loved making people smile and laugh, so it broke my heart to know that patients in these hospitals weren’t even receiving the quality care they deserved due to the healthcare shortage. The idea that someone could be sick, scared, and without a comforting presence made me even more determined to pursue this career. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: “As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete, balancing academics with commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. I believe the ICU will give me a strong foundation as a nurse. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I know the journey throughout this process from now until the end of my college/educational career will be tough, but I am very committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve my goal of becoming a CRNA. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I always wished I could’ve been some help during that time. I’ve always loved making people smile and laugh, so it broke my heart to know that patients in these hospitals weren’t even receiving the quality care they deserved due to the healthcare shortage. The idea that someone could be sick, scared, and without a comforting presence made me even more determined to pursue this career. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: “As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. After graduation, I plan to take the NCLEX and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. I believe the ICU will give me a strong foundation as a nurse. After gaining about two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I know the journey throughout this process from now until the end of my college/educational career will be tough, but I am very committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve my goal of becoming a CRNA. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I always wished I could’ve been some help during that time. I’ve always loved making people smile and laugh, so it broke my heart to know that patients in these hospitals weren’t even receiving the quality care they deserved due to the healthcare shortage. The idea that someone could be sick, scared, and without a comforting presence made me even more determined to pursue this career. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope.

My name is Zoie Pace and I am a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. This acceptance is something I am extremely proud of, and it motivates me to work even harder towards my future goals. After I graduate college, I plan to take my NCLEX right away and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. I believe the ICU will give me a strong foundation as a nurse and allow me to use my skills developed during my STEM studies. After gaining two years of hands-on experience in the ICU, my long-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in nurse anesthesiology. Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I am committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve it. I know the journey throughout this process from now until the very end of my college/educational career will be tough, but I am very committed to putting in the necessary work to achieve my goal of becoming a CRNA. Choosing a career path in nursing wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to use my interest in STEM and become a nurse. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I am a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I am proud to be both a student and an athlete there, balancing academics with my commitment to playing college volleyball. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. This acceptance is something I am extremely proud of, and it motivates me to work even harder toward my future. After I graduate college, I plan to take my NCLEX right away and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I always wished I could’ve been some help during that time. I’ve always loved making people smile and laugh, so it broke my heart to know that patients in these hospitals weren’t even receiving the quality care they deserved due to the healthcare shortage. The idea that someone could be sick, scared, and without a comforting presence made me even more determined to pursue this career. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a sophomore at Emory and Henry University. In high school I was a member of BETA, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. I’ve worked extremely hard to maintained a high GPA throughout my high school career and into my first year of college. During my high school years, I volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned the importance of giving back to the community. I am a very focused, dedicated, and compassionate individual that strives to make circumstances of others around me better. I have competed in school and travel volleyball and softball for the past ten years. Sports have taught me the importance of teamwork and helped me cope with failure and success. I’ll take these experiences and apply them to college and life in general. I was accepted to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry University, that journey started this past fall. Along with academics and nursing, volleyball is one of my passions. I’m very fortunate to keep playing volleyball at the next level. Only approximately 3% of high school volleyball players get the opportunity to play in college. My educational and professional goals consist of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once I complete the BSN program and become an RN, I'll be able to continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very early age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. For the longest time, I thought I would become a doctor, and that’s still not out of the question. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. To make my dream come true of becoming a nurse will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and funding. Going to college is expensive, and going to medical school is very expensive. It will be almost impossible for me to attend college without various forms of financial assistance. Receiving this scholarship would help me immensely cover the cost of education at Emory and Henry University. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’ll be a sophomore at Emory & Henry University. I have many educational and career goals and have always set high expectations for myself. I am a Nursing major and have already been admitted into the Pre-Licensure Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Class of 2028. This acceptance is something I am extremely proud of, and it motivates me to work even harder toward my future. After I graduate college, I plan to take my NCLEX right away and start my career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU appeals to me because it requires both clinical skill and being able to work in high pressure situations. I believe the ICU will give me a strong foundation as a nurse. As I pursue my nursing education with the goal of working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), I am driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful impact in one of the most demanding yet rewarding areas of healthcare. I believe that nursing is not just a profession—it’s a calling to serve with both skill and heart, especially in critical care, where patients are often fighting for their lives. I want to make a positive impact on others by helping them through nursing. Choosing this career path wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I always wished I could’ve been some help during that time. I’ve always loved making people smile and laugh, so it broke my heart to know that patients in these hospitals weren’t even receiving the quality care they deserved due to the healthcare shortage. The idea that someone could be sick, scared, and without a comforting presence made me even more determined to pursue this career. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’ll be a sophomore at Emory and Henry University this fall. In high school I was a member of BETA, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. I’ve worked extremely hard to maintained a high GPA throughout my high school career and into my first year of college. During my high school years, I volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned the importance of giving back to the community. I am a very focused, dedicated, and compassionate individual that strives to make circumstances of others around me better. I have competed in school and travel volleyball and softball for the past ten years. Sports have taught me the importance of teamwork and helped me cope with failure and success. I’ll take these experiences and apply them to college and life in general. I was accepted to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry University, that journey started this past fall. Along with academics and nursing, volleyball is one of my passions. I’m very fortunate to keep playing volleyball at the next level. Only approximately 3% of high school volleyball players get the opportunity to play in college. My educational and professional goals consist of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once I complete the BSN program and become an RN, I'll be able to continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very early age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. For the longest time, I thought I would become a doctor, and that’s still not out of the question. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. To make my dream come true of becoming a nurse will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and funding. Going to college is expensive, and going to medical school is very expensive. It will be almost impossible for me to attend college without various forms of financial assistance. Receiving this scholarship would help me immensely cover the cost of education at Emory and Henry University. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I'll be a sophomore at Emory & Henry University this fall. I've chosen a career path in nursing to make a positive impact on others, especially children and adolescents. Choosing nursing wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It was shaped by real-life events that opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, dedicated healthcare workers. I chose nursing because when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the healthcare profession. That moment in history was frightening and uncertain for everyone, and it left a permanent impression on me. I witnessed countless healthcare professionals becoming overwhelmed, overworked, and in many cases, leaving the profession altogether. I thought to myself, “How can the richest country in the world have such a big shortage of something so basic?” It was shocking and heartbreaking to realize that even in a country with so many resources, hospitals and medical clinics were struggling to provide adequate care. I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I didn't know a single student from middle school through high school that wasn't scared of the uncertainty. I always wished I could’ve been some help to all students during that time. I’ve always loved making people smile and laugh, so it broke my heart to know that young patients in hospitals weren’t receiving the quality care they deserved due to the healthcare shortage. The idea of a child being sick, scared, and without a comforting presence made me even more determined to pursue this career. I want to be a nurse who brings peace and positivity into that environment; a reassuring presence who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares. Whether a patient is with me for a short visit or an extended stay, I want to be the bright spot in their day. Nursing is not just about medical care; it’s about human connection. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and strength, even when the job is tough. I believe that with my compassion, drive, and desire to serve, I can be the kind of nurse who not only treats illness, but also brings comfort and hope. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a freshman at Emory and Henry University. In high school I started attending Fellowship of Christian Athletes meetings on a regular basis. I also became a member of Young Life and was introduced to Jesus. During my high school years, I volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned the importance of giving back to the community. I am a very focused, dedicated, pro-life and compassionate individual that strives to make circumstances of others around me better. My educational and professional goals consist of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once I complete the BSN program and become an RN, I'll be able to continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very early age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I was fortunate to be able to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry University. During this past volleyball season, I used my Christian values and leadership skills I was exposed to with FCA and Young Life to help guide some of my teammates. Many of my freshman teammates struggled early during the fall semester and wanted to give up and go home. Being away from home, harder academics, and intense volleyball schedule was a challenge on us eighteen-year student athletes. We huddled as a group and prayed for comfort and guidance. I had many private discussions with some of my teammates during this time. Not that I didn’t struggle some myself, I was able to lean on my faith to get through some of the tough times. Pursuing a career in nursing as a Christian will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a freshman at Emory and Henry University. In high school I was a member of BETA, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. I’ve worked extremely hard to maintained a high GPA throughout my high school career and into my first year of college. During my high school years, I volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned the importance of giving back to the community. I am a very focused, dedicated, and compassionate individual that strives to make circumstances of others around me better. I have competed in school and travel volleyball and softball for the past ten years. Sports have taught me the importance of teamwork and helped me cope with failure and success. I’ll take these experiences and apply them to college and life in general. I was accepted to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry University, that journey started this past fall. Along with academics and nursing, volleyball is one of my passions. I’m very fortunate to keep playing volleyball at the next level. Only approximately 3% of high school volleyball players get the opportunity to play in college. My educational and professional goals consist of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once I complete the BSN program and become an RN, I'll be able to continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very early age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. For the longest time, I thought I would become a doctor, and that’s still not out of the question. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. To make my dream come true of becoming a nurse will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and funding. Going to college is expensive, and going to medical school is very expensive. It will be almost impossible for me to attend college without various forms of financial assistance. Receiving the Maxwell Tuan Nguyen Memorial Scholarship would help me immensely cover the cost of education at Emory and Henry University. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a freshman at Emory and Henry University. In high school I was a member of BETA, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. I’ve worked extremely hard to maintained a high GPA throughout my high school career and into my first year of college. During my high school years, I volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned the importance of giving back to the community. I am a very focused, dedicated, and compassionate individual that strives to make circumstances of others around me better. I have competed in school and travel volleyball and softball for the past ten years. Sports have taught me the importance of teamwork and helped me cope with failure and success. I’ll take these experiences and apply them to college and life in general. I was accepted to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry University, that journey started this past fall. Along with academics and nursing, volleyball is one of my passions. I’m very fortunate to keep playing volleyball at the next level. Only approximately 3% of high school volleyball players get the opportunity to play in college. My educational and professional goals consist of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once I complete the BSN program and become an RN, I'll be able to continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very early age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. For the longest time, I thought I would become a doctor, and that’s still not out of the question. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. To make my dream come true of becoming a nurse will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and funding. Going to college is expensive, and going to medical school is very expensive. It will be almost impossible for me to attend college without various forms of financial assistance. Receiving this scholarship would help me immensely cover the cost of education at Emory and Henry University. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a freshman at Emory and Henry University. In high school I was a member of BETA, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. I’ve worked extremely hard to maintained a high GPA throughout my high school career and into my first year of college. During my high school years, I volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned the importance of giving back to the community. I am a very focused, dedicated, and compassionate individual that strives to make circumstances of others around me better. I have competed in school and travel volleyball and softball for the past ten years. Sports have taught me the importance of teamwork and helped me cope with failure and success. I’ll take these experiences and apply them to college and life in general. I was accepted to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry University, that journey started this past fall. Along with academics and nursing, volleyball is one of my passions. I’m very fortunate to keep playing volleyball at the next level. Only approximately 3% of high school volleyball players get the opportunity to play in college. My educational and professional goals consist of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once I complete the BSN program and become an RN, I'll be able to continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very early age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. For the longest time, I thought I would become a doctor, and that’s still not out of the question. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. To make my dream come true of becoming a nurse will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and funding. Going to college is expensive, and going to medical school is very expensive. It will be almost impossible for me to attend college without various forms of financial assistance. Receiving this scholarship would help me immensely cover the cost of education at Emory and Henry University. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel." Saw this scholarship opportunity at nurse.org which had a link to Bold.org.

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a freshman at Emory and Henry University. In high school I started attending Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) meetings on a regular basis. I also became a member of Young Life and was introduced to Jesus. During my high school years, I volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned the importance of giving back to the community as a Christian. I am a very focused, dedicated, and compassionate individual that strives to make circumstances of others around me better. My educational and professional goals consist of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once I complete the BSN program and become an RN, I'll be able to continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very early age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. I was fortunate to be able to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry University. During this past volleyball season, I used my Christian values and leadership skills I was exposed to with FCA and Young Life to help guide some of my teammates. Many of my freshman teammates struggled early during the fall semester and wanted to give up and go home. Being away from home, harder academics, and intense volleyball schedule was a challenge on us eighteen-year student athletes. We huddled as a group and prayed for comfort and guidance. I had many private discussions with some of my teammates during this time. Not that I didn’t struggle some myself, I was able to lean on my faith to get through some of the tough times. Pursuing a career in nursing as a Christian will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a freshman at Emory and Henry University. In high school I was a member of BETA, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. I’ve worked extremely hard to maintained a high GPA throughout my high school career and into my first year of college. During my high school years, I volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned the importance of giving back to the community. I am a very focused, dedicated, and compassionate individual that strives to make circumstances of others around me better. I have competed in school and travel volleyball and softball for the past ten years. Sports have taught me the importance of teamwork and helped me cope with failure and success. I’ll take these experiences and apply them to college and life in general. I was accepted to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry University, that journey started this past fall. Along with academics and nursing, volleyball is one of my passions. I’m very fortunate to keep playing volleyball at the next level. Only approximately 3% of high school volleyball players get the opportunity to play in college. My educational and professional goals consist of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once I complete the BSN program and become an RN, I'll be able to continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very early age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. For the longest time, I thought I would become a doctor, and that’s still not out of the question. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. To make my dream come true of becoming a nurse will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and funding. Going to college is expensive, and going to medical school is very expensive. It will be almost impossible for me to attend college without various forms of financial assistance. Receiving this scholarship would help me immensely cover the cost of education at Emory and Henry University. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a freshman at Emory and Henry University. In high school I was a member of BETA, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. I’ve worked extremely hard to maintained a high GPA throughout my high school career and into my first year of college. During my high school years, I volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned the importance of giving back to the community. I am a very focused, dedicated, and compassionate individual that strives to make circumstances of others around me better. I have competed in school and travel volleyball and softball for the past ten years. Sports have taught me the importance of teamwork and helped me cope with failure and success. I’ll take these experiences and apply them to college and life in general. I was accepted to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry University, that journey started this past fall. Along with academics and nursing, volleyball is one of my passions. I’m very fortunate to keep playing volleyball at the next level. Only approximately 3% of high school volleyball players get the opportunity to play in college. My educational and professional goals consist of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once I complete the BSN program and become an RN, I'll be able to continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very early age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. For the longest time, I thought I would become a doctor, and that’s still not out of the question. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. To make my dream come true of becoming a nurse will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and funding. Going to college is expensive, and going to medical school is very expensive. It will be almost impossible for me to attend college without various forms of financial assistance. Receiving this scholarship would help me immensely cover the cost of education at Emory and Henry University. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a freshman at Emory and Henry University. In high school I was a member of BETA, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. I’ve worked extremely hard to maintained a high GPA throughout my high school career and into my first year of college. During my high school years, I volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned the importance of giving back to the community. I am a very focused, dedicated, and compassionate individual that strives to make circumstances of others around me better. I have competed in school and travel volleyball and softball for the past ten years. Sports have taught me the importance of teamwork and helped me cope with failure and success. I’ll take these experiences and apply them to college and life in general. I was accepted to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry University, that journey started this past fall. Along with academics and nursing, volleyball is one of my passions. I’m very fortunate to keep playing volleyball at the next level. Only approximately 3% of high school volleyball players get the opportunity to play in college. My educational and professional goals consist of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once I complete the BSN program and become an RN, I'll be able to continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very early age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. For the longest time, I thought I would become a doctor, and that’s still not out of the question. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. To make my dream come true of becoming a nurse will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and funding. Going to college is expensive, and going to medical school is very expensive. It will be almost impossible for me to attend college without various forms of financial assistance. Receiving this scholarship would help me immensely cover the cost of education at Emory and Henry University. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a freshman at Emory and Henry University. In high school I was a member of BETA, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. I’ve worked extremely hard to maintained a high GPA throughout my high school career and into my first year of college. During my high school years, I volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned the importance of giving back to the community. I am a very focused, dedicated, and compassionate individual that strives to make circumstances of others around me better. I have competed in school and travel volleyball and softball for the past ten years. Sports have taught me the importance of teamwork and helped me cope with failure and success. I’ll take these experiences and apply them to college and life in general. I was accepted to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry University, that journey started this past fall. Along with academics and nursing, volleyball is one of my passions. I’m very fortunate to keep playing volleyball at the next level. Only approximately 3% of high school volleyball players get the opportunity to play in college. My educational and professional goals consist of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once I complete the BSN program and become an RN, I'll be able to continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very early age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. For the longest time, I thought I would become a doctor, and that’s still not out of the question. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. To make my dream come true of becoming a nurse will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and funding. Going to college is expensive, and going to medical school is very expensive. It will be almost impossible for me to attend college without various forms of financial assistance. Receiving this scholarship would help me immensely cover the cost of education at Emory and Henry University. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a freshman at Emory and Henry University. In high school I was a member of BETA, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. I’ve worked extremely hard to maintained a high GPA throughout my high school career and into my first year of college. During my high school years, I volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned the importance of giving back to the community. I am a very focused, dedicated, and compassionate individual that strives to make circumstances of others around me better. I have competed in school and travel volleyball and softball for the past ten years. Sports have taught me the importance of teamwork and helped me cope with failure and success. I’ll take these experiences and apply them to college and life in general. I was accepted to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry University, that journey started this past fall. Along with academics and nursing, volleyball is one of my passions. I’m very fortunate to keep playing volleyball at the next level. Only approximately 3% of high school volleyball players get the opportunity to play in college. My educational and professional goals consist of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once I complete the BSN program and become an RN, I'll be able to continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very early age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. For the longest time, I thought I would become a doctor, and that’s still not out of the question. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. To make my dream come true of becoming a nurse will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and funding. Going to college is expensive, and going to medical school is very expensive. It will be almost impossible for me to attend college without various forms of financial assistance. Receiving this scholarship would help me immensely cover the cost of education at Emory and Henry University. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a freshman at Emory and Henry University. In high school I was a member of BETA, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. I’ve worked extremely hard to maintained a high GPA throughout my high school career and into my first year of college. During my high school years, I volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned the importance of giving back to the community. I am a very focused, dedicated, and compassionate individual that strives to make circumstances of others around me better. I have competed in school and travel volleyball and softball for the past ten years. Sports have taught me the importance of teamwork and helped me cope with failure and success. I’ll take these experiences and apply them to college and life in general. I was accepted to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry University, that journey started this past fall. Along with academics and nursing, volleyball is one of my passions. I’m very fortunate to keep playing volleyball at the next level. Only approximately 3% of high school volleyball players get the opportunity to play in college. My educational and professional goals consist of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once I complete the BSN program and become an RN, I'll be able to continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very early age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. For the longest time, I thought I would become a doctor, and that’s still not out of the question. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. To make my dream come true of becoming a nurse will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and funding. Going to college is expensive, and going to medical school is very expensive. It will be almost impossible for me to attend college without various forms of financial assistance. Receiving this scholarship would help me immensely cover the cost of education at Emory and Henry University. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a freshman at Emory and Henry University. In high school I was a member of BETA, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. I’ve worked extremely hard to maintained a high GPA throughout my high school career and into my first year of college. During my high school years, I volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned the importance of giving back to the community. I am a very focused, dedicated, and compassionate individual that strives to make circumstances of others around me better. That is one measure of success for me, at least in a humanitarian way. I have competed in school and travel volleyball and softball for the past ten years. Sports have taught me the importance of teamwork and helped me cope with failure and success. I’ll take these experiences and apply them to college and life in general. I was accepted to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry University, that journey started this past fall. Along with academics and nursing, volleyball is one of my passions. I’m very fortunate to keep playing volleyball at the next level. Only approximately 3% of high school volleyball players get the opportunity to play in college. Playing volleyball for Emory and Henry University is a major extracurricular success for me. My educational and professional goals consist of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once I complete the BSN program and become an RN, I'll be able to continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very early age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. For the longest time, I thought I would become a doctor, and that’s still not out of the question. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. To make my dream come true of becoming a nurse will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and funding. Going to college is expensive, and going to medical school is very expensive. It will be almost impossible for me to attend college without various forms of financial assistance. Receiving the “Redefining Victory Scholarship” would help me immensely cover the cost of education at Emory and Henry University. Pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel." That alone is what success means to me! Thank you for your consideration for this scholarship.

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a freshman at Emory and Henry University. In high school I was a member of BETA, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. I’ve worked extremely hard to maintained a high GPA throughout my high school career and into my first year of college. During my high school years, I volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned the importance of giving back to the community. I have also competed in school and travel sports, such as volleyball and softball. I was accepted to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry University, that journey started this past fall. Along with academics and nursing, volleyball is one of my passions and I want it to be part of my college experience. My educational goal consists of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become an Registered Nurse (RN). Once I complete the BSN program and become an RN, I'll be able to continue my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very early age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. For the longest time, I thought I would become a doctor, and that’s still not out of the question. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I saw so many people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” I was just a freshman in high school when COVID-19 struck this nation. That period in time greatly affected my high school experience and solidified the reasons why I want to become a nurse. To make my dream come true of becoming a nurse will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and money. Going to college is expensive, and going to medical school is very expensive. It will be almost impossible for me to attend college without various forms of financial assistance. I think pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou inspires me every day: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel." Thank you for your consideration for this scholarship.

My name is Zoie Pace and I’m a senior at Bassett High School in Henry County Virginia. I’m a current member of BETA, National Honors Society, and National Technical Honor Society and have worked hard to maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my high school career. During my high school years, I have volunteered my time with local nonprofit organizations and learned how important giving back to the community is for me. I have also competed in school and travel sports, such as volleyball and softball. I have been captain of the Bassett High School varsity volleyball team for the past three years. Being captain carries a considerable amount of leadership responsibility. I wasn’t only responsible to make sure all the players maintain a high level of play, I had to make sure to display good sportsmanship and attitude no matter the circumstance. As a very competitive player, that was challenging at times, especially this past season. The first two years as captain, the team was very competitive and advanced during playoffs. Playing with skilled teammates makes it easy to lead and maintain a positive attitude. This past season our team wasn’t as good and didn’t have the success as past seasons. The team was young and just didn’t have the skills. Being a senior on the team and captain, I had to maintain composure and good attitude every day at practice and during games. I used my leadership qualities to help the younger players develop skills. When they made mistakes on the court, I was the first one to provide positive reinforcement. In the end, we finished winning half of our matches and advanced to the regional playoffs. It was rewarding to have the younger players thank me for helping them and they couldn’t wait to see me play at the next level. Having the younger players recognize my commitment to them and the team was a huge success for me. I applied and have been accepted to continue my academic and volleyball career at Emory and Henry College starting Fall of 2024. Along with academics, volleyball is my passion and I want it to be part of my college experience. My educational goal consists of obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The BSN degree with specific training and experience will allow me to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). From a very young age I’ve wanted to work in the health care industry. For the longest time, I thought I would become a doctor, and that’s still not out of the question. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, we witnessed so many qualified and dedicated people leave the health care profession. I thought to myself, “How could the richest nation in the world experience such a void in a basic necessity?” As a society, how did we villainize the very people that provided important health care to the general population? Very simple, we panicked! That all is in the past and I want to help rebuild that health care commitment. To make my dream come true of becoming a nurse will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and money. Going to college is expensive, and going to medical school is very expensive. It will be almost impossible for me to attend college without various forms of financial assistance. I think pursuing a career in nursing will provide me the opportunity to help increase the number of health care providers and improve my community's health quality conditions. A quote by Maya Angelou solidified my passion to become a nurse: "As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel." That is what success looks like!!