Judy Ann Watland Memorial Scholarship

Funded by
user profile avatar
Heather Oakley
$1,425
1 winner$1,425
Awarded
Application Deadline
Dec 1, 2024
Winners Announced
Jan 1, 2025
Education Level
Any
1
Contribution
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school, undergraduate, or graduate student
Religion:
Christian
Field of Study:
Nursing
Background:
Single mother

Pursuing a college degree takes drive, focus, financial resources, and an incredible time commitment.

In light of the many obstacles presented by college, it can be incredibly difficult for single parents to pursue their academic goals. All of the responsibilities and costs that come with raising children, especially without the help of a partner, can make it difficult to reserve the bandwidth for school.

This scholarship seeks to help single mothers who are pursuing higher education so they have the support they need to complete their degrees. 

Any Christian high school, undergraduate, or graduate student who is a single mother interested in nursing may apply for this scholarship opportunity.

To apply, upload a headshot and tell us why you feel called to nursing and how you will help your kids, community, coworkers, and patients.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published August 26, 2024
Essay Topic

As a single mother of the Christian faith, please share how you have been called to become a nurse and how you hope to be a beacon of light and hope to your children, community, colleagues, and the patients you serve.

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

Winning Application

Norelle Meadows
Ivy Tech Community CollegeMerrillville, IN
To whom it may concern: My name is Norelle Meadows and I am applying for this scholarship to pay for my associate's degree in nursing. I have found a love for the medical field as I currently work in an assisted living facility a Qualified Medication Tech. My faith has been an asset in my life and I show Gods love to the residents while a work. I explain to the residents that their body is temple and God and we should take care of ourselves by drinking water and being active daily. I want to continue to make a difference in the lives of people in nursing homes and hospitals; finishing my degree and becoming a nurse will allow me to do more than I am unable to do at this time. As a single mother, I can appreciate the lower tuition because I have a son who depends on me and this scholarship would put less of a strain on me as I am his sole provider. I have been able to pick myself up after a long and traumatizing divorce a few years ago and helped my son transition to a new life without the other parent around and adjusting to the different financial changes that come with being the sole provider. Out of 182 applicants, I am one of 25 students accepted into the spring 2025 RN program. I hope that I have shown my son that he should never give up or allow circumstances to stop him from achieving his goals in life, I hope that I have displayed and continue to display a great example of resilience for him to internalize and may he never forget as he grows and matures into a resilient adult. I plan to work in an urban area or community hospital where I can help the less fortunate by providing care for them. Although I am one person, sometimes when people see themselves in others, be it by experience, age, or cultural background, that sometimes is the catalyst to cultivate a change for the better in them. While working at the hospital, I want to volunteer at a middle school and boys and girls club to educate young girls and boys about their health. I will express to them how important it is to stay away from drugs and the effects of too much screen time. I want to also partner with the schools to teach students about their health, of course with the consent of their parents. As a Christian, I believe in the power of prayer. I will pray for my patients when given a chance while respecting their religious beliefs. I will show empathy towards my coworkers and patients and will lend a helping hand when needed. If ever I find myself in a disagreement at work, I will maintain dignity address my coworkers and patients with respect, and maintain a professional demeanor. Christians have to abide by a standard no matter what challenging situation they are in, and I believe that people should see and feel the love of Jesus Christ in me.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Dec 1, 2024. Winners will be announced on Jan 1, 2025.