I am honored to have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship as a non-traditional pre-nursing student. At just 17 years old, I am proud to have graduated high school a year early while balancing my responsibilities as a student-athlete. I am also a first-generation college student, which makes this journey especially meaningful for both me and my family. My first semester has been amazing, and my GPA currently sits at a 3.60. Growing up, my mother’s experiences shaped my understanding of education’s value. She left school at only 16 years old, started working, and earned her GED at 18, despite her choices, she instilled in me a deep respect for the opportunities that higher education provides. Watching her work hard and sacrifice to ensure I could pursue a better future has been my greatest inspiration. It is because of her encouragement and belief in me that I am determined to push beyond the limits of what is expected and achieve my goals. As a pre-nursing student, my ambitions are clear: I want to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). This path will require seven years of dedication to education and clinical training. However, the financial demands of out-of-state college are significant, and I am deeply committed to achieving my dreams without the burden of student debt. This scholarship would provide vital assistance, allowing me to focus on my coursework, clinical experience, and athletic responsibilities without the added stress of financial strain. I aim to use this support to be the best student and future nurse I can be. My decision to pursue nursing stems from a passion for helping others and my desire to make a meaningful impact on patient care. Nursing, particularly the specialized field of anesthesia, combines compassion, critical thinking, and technical expertise—skills I am dedicated to developing throughout my education. With each step in my academic journey, I will continue to push myself, knowing that I am building a foundation for a career where I can contribute to my community and inspire others who, like me, may not have had a traditional path to higher education. I am grateful for your consideration of my application. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me meet my current financial needs but also bring me one step closer to my long-term goal of becoming a CRNA. I promise to honor your support through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence in all that I do. Thank you for this opportunity. Sincerely, Chiara Henderson