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Alexis Barnes

585

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am an accelerated nursing student at the University of West Florida, driven by a deep passion for nursing and a commitment to making a positive impact in healthcare. My academic journey is rooted in a desire to combine my love for science with compassionate patient care, preparing me to excel in this vital field. Beyond my studies, I am an active member of the UWF cheerleading team, where I have developed strong teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Balancing academic and extracurricular commitments with a part-time job has honed my time management abilities and work ethic, equipping me to meet the demands of a nursing career. In my free time, I enjoy babysitting, which allows me to nurture my caregiving skills. I am also actively involved in my church community, attending services and Bible study regularly. These activities strengthen my faith and provide me with a strong sense of purpose and community. Additionally, I love taking care of my bunny, Willow, who brings joy and comfort into my life. I am excited to continue my journey toward becoming a nurse, where I can make a meaningful difference in healthcare and contribute to the well-being of others.

Education

The University of West Florida

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

University of South Florida-Main Campus

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Public Health

St. Lucie West Centennial High School

High School
2017 - 2021

Indian River State College

Associate's degree program
2017 - 2021
  • Majors:
    • Psychology, General

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Hospital & Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

      Sports

      Cheerleading

      Varsity
      2008 – Present16 years

      Awards

      • captain
      • national champion
      Community Health Ambassador Scholarship for Nursing Students
      Pursuing a degree in nursing is more than just an academic endeavor for me; it is a deeply personal and meaningful journey that aligns with my passion for helping others and my desire to make a tangible impact in my community. From an early age, I was drawn to the idea of caring for people in their most vulnerable moments. Over the years, this interest evolved into a commitment to becoming a nurse, a profession that embodies compassion, resilience, and service. Growing up, I took on significant responsibilities in my family, which taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and hard work. These experiences were instrumental in shaping my desire to pursue a career in healthcare, where I can use these qualities to support and care for others. My role as a babysitter, for example, allowed me to develop strong caregiving skills, fostering a nurturing environment for the children I looked after. This role gave me a glimpse into the profound impact that a caregiver can have on someone’s life, further solidifying my decision to pursue nursing. Nursing, as a field, offers a unique blend of science and compassion, and this is precisely what draws me to it. I am fascinated by the human body and how medical interventions can restore health, but what excites me most is the opportunity to be there for patients on a personal level—providing not only medical care but also emotional support and reassurance. My involvement in my church and Bible study has also deepened my understanding of compassion and service, reinforcing my commitment to a career that allows me to live out these values daily. As I work toward my nursing degree in the accelerated program at the University of West Florida, I am constantly inspired by the potential to make a difference. The rigorous curriculum challenges me to grow intellectually, while my part-time job and participation in the UWF cheerleading team have taught me invaluable lessons in time management, teamwork, and leadership. These experiences are preparing me to excel in the demanding field of nursing, where I can bring my best self to every patient interaction. Looking ahead, I see my future role as a nurse as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to my community. I am particularly passionate about providing care to underserved populations, where access to healthcare is often limited. As a nurse, I hope to work in settings where I can address these disparities, advocating for patients who may not have a strong voice in the healthcare system. Whether it’s through direct patient care, community outreach, or health education, I aim to make healthcare more accessible and equitable for everyone in my community. Moreover, I want to be a source of comfort and support for my patients, helping them navigate their health challenges with dignity and compassion. In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, I believe that the role of a nurse is to provide a sense of hope and healing. I am committed to being that person for my patients, someone they can trust to care for them holistically, addressing not only their physical needs but also their emotional and spiritual well-being. In summary, I want to pursue a degree in nursing because it aligns with my passion for helping others, my love for science, and my commitment to service. Through this career, I hope to make a lasting impact on my community, ensuring that everyone has access to the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve.
      Ayana Grace Belton Memorial Nursing Scholarship
      Why I Want to Be a Nurse My decision to become a nurse is driven by a profound desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Nursing, for me, is not merely a career choice; it’s a calling that combines my passion for science with my innate drive to care for and support those in need. As the oldest of four siblings in a single-parent household, I grew up with significant responsibilities from a young age. My father, who has always worked hard to provide for us, relied on me to help manage our home and care for my younger siblings. These experiences have instilled in me a deep sense of empathy, responsibility, and resilience. I learned early on the importance of being there for others, offering emotional support, and creating a stable, nurturing environment—qualities that are essential in nursing. My academic journey further solidified my desire to pursue nursing. Enrolled in the accelerated nursing program at the University of West Florida, I have embraced the challenges of a rigorous curriculum with determination and focus. Earning all A’s last semester was a personal achievement that reflects not only my commitment to academic excellence but also my dedication to mastering the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional care as a future nurse. The accelerated program has equipped me with a strong foundation in the sciences, critical thinking abilities, and the confidence to handle the complexities of healthcare. Beyond academics, my involvement in the UWF cheerleading team has shaped my approach to teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. Cheerleading requires a unique blend of physical and mental strength, as well as the ability to work seamlessly with others. As a cheerleader, I’ve learned how to uplift and motivate my teammates, fostering a positive environment where we can all excel. These experiences have shown me the importance of communication, collaboration, and maintaining a supportive attitude—skills that are directly applicable to nursing, where teamwork and patient advocacy are paramount. Balancing my studies, cheerleading, and a part-time job has taught me invaluable lessons in time management, work ethic, and prioritization. Working while studying in an accelerated program has required me to be highly organized and efficient, skills that are essential in the fast-paced and demanding environment of healthcare. This balancing act has also strengthened my resilience and determination—qualities that will serve me well as I navigate the challenges and rewards of a nursing career. What draws me most to nursing is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives every day. Nurses are at the forefront of patient care, providing not only medical attention but also emotional support and advocacy. I am passionate about becoming a nurse because I believe in the power of empathy, compassion, and dedication to help others through their most vulnerable moments. Whether I’m comforting a patient, explaining a complex treatment plan, or advocating for their needs, I want to be a nurse who makes a difference. In the future, I hope to specialize in a field of nursing that allows me to continue growing and learning while making a positive impact. Whether it’s working in pediatrics, emergency care, or community health, my goal is to provide the highest level of care and support to my patients. Nursing is more than just a profession for me; it’s a lifelong commitment to serving others and contributing to the betterment of society.
      Nursing Student Scholarship
      Why I Want to Be a Nurse My decision to become a nurse is driven by a profound desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Nursing, for me, is not merely a career choice; it’s a calling that combines my passion for science with my innate drive to care for and support those in need. As the oldest of four siblings in a single-parent household, I grew up with significant responsibilities from a young age. My father, who has always worked hard to provide for us, relied on me to help manage our home and care for my younger siblings. These experiences have instilled in me a deep sense of empathy, responsibility, and resilience. I learned early on the importance of being there for others, offering emotional support, and creating a stable, nurturing environment—qualities that are essential in nursing. My academic journey further solidified my desire to pursue nursing. Enrolled in the accelerated nursing program at the University of West Florida, I have embraced the challenges of a rigorous curriculum with determination and focus. Earning all A’s last semester was a personal achievement that reflects not only my commitment to academic excellence but also my dedication to mastering the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional care as a future nurse. The accelerated program has equipped me with a strong foundation in the sciences, critical thinking abilities, and the confidence to handle the complexities of healthcare. Beyond academics, my involvement in the UWF cheerleading team has shaped my approach to teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. Cheerleading requires a unique blend of physical and mental strength, as well as the ability to work seamlessly with others. As a cheerleader, I’ve learned how to uplift and motivate my teammates, fostering a positive environment where we can all excel. These experiences have shown me the importance of communication, collaboration, and maintaining a supportive attitude—skills that are directly applicable to nursing, where teamwork and patient advocacy are paramount. Balancing my studies, cheerleading, and a part-time job has taught me invaluable lessons in time management, work ethic, and prioritization. Working while studying in an accelerated program has required me to be highly organized and efficient, skills that are essential in the fast-paced and demanding environment of healthcare. This balancing act has also strengthened my resilience and determination—qualities that will serve me well as I navigate the challenges and rewards of a nursing career. What draws me most to nursing is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives every day. Nurses are at the forefront of patient care, providing not only medical attention but also emotional support and advocacy. I am passionate about becoming a nurse because I believe in the power of empathy, compassion, and dedication to help others through their most vulnerable moments. Whether I’m comforting a patient, explaining a complex treatment plan, or advocating for their needs, I want to be a nurse who makes a difference. In the future, I hope to specialize in a field of nursing that allows me to continue growing and learning while making a positive impact. Whether it’s working in pediatrics, emergency care, or community health, my goal is to provide the highest level of care and support to my patients. Nursing is more than just a profession for me; it’s a lifelong commitment to serving others and contributing to the betterment of society.