I am a fan of Wicked because it is an adaptation of my childhood favorite The Wizard of Oz. Wicked gives us a look into the life of the wicked witch of the West. I feel that there is always a background reason as to why someone chooses to either do good or bad in life. The Broadway musical brings to life the story behind the character we know so little about but has made a great impact in a long-time beloved classic tale. As a child, I was fascinated by the stark contrast between the Wicked Witch and the sweet, kind Glinda. How could one witch be so wicked while the other was so gentle and kind? It sparked my curiosity and left me pondering the age-old question: What drives a person to choose good or evil? Wicked dives deep into this dilemma, revealing the complexities of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch, and exploring the events that shaped her into the feared figure we know today. This brilliant adaptation gives new life to the beloved classic, transforming our perception of villainy and morality. Through catchy songs, enchanting choreography, and a vibrant set, Wicked captivates audiences, inviting us to empathize with Elphaba's struggles. It's a celebration of individuality and friendship that resonates with both children and adults alike. This isn’t just a story about a witch; it’s a tale about understanding, acceptance, and the gray areas of human nature. It challenges us to reconsider our judgments and reminds us that there’s often much more to a story than meets the eye. Never judge a book by its cover.

I have faced an array of formidable obstacles, each one shaping my journey toward higher education and a better life for myself and my son. As a young mother, I have battled financial difficulties, navigated the complexities of finding affordable childcare, and confronted mental health challenges all while working full-time. The weight of these responsibilities has often felt overwhelming, I stretched every dollar to cover monthly rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and the basic needs of our household. Each day brought new challenges, from securing essential school supplies for my son to managing our limited resources. There were moments when the burden felt insurmountable, leading me into a deep depressive state. I often felt isolated, and battled with the fear that I might never achieve my goals or escape the cycle of struggle. Yet, through it all, I never wavered in my commitment to my dream or my role as a strong mother. My faith is the source of perseverance especially when it comes to my ability to manage motherhood and being a full-time student. I trust that I can do all things because God strengthens me. It may not always be easy but I have the love from my baby boy and the love from God pushing me each day. My experiences have ignited a passion within me to make a difference in the lives of others, especially those in underserved communities who lack access to essential healthcare and knowledge. My pursuit of a nursing education is not just a personal ambition; it is a means to uplift others. In addition to delivering babies and caring for new mothers in the hospital, I also envision myself providing community educational sessions and courses about health, medication management, and proper nutrition to those in need. By doing so, I aim to empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed health choices, ultimately improving their quality of life. I aspire to be a beacon of hope for those who feel trapped by their circumstances, particularly for young people who believe that success is out of reach due to financial hardships. I want to show them that it is possible to pursue a healthcare or any other degree and thrive, despite the odds stacked against them. My presence in the community will serve as a reminder that resilience and determination can pave the way to a brighter future. With this scholarship, I will be better positioned to continue my education and contribute meaningfully to the field of healthcare. I am driven by a vision of a future where I can provide hope and inspiration to others, especially young mothers, fathers, and individuals facing adversity. By pursuing a career in nursing, I aim to foster positive change, challenge existing stigmas, and make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.

How I Am an Upstander: A Commitment to Community and Healthcare Being an upstander means taking action to support and uplift those around us, and I embody this principle through my involvement with the NAACP, my role as a volunteer community college mentor, and my work with MANNA. As a dedicated nursing major, I am passionate about championing educational development and promoting both physical and mental health within my community. My journey has not been easy—balancing the demands of full-time nursing studies as an older student comes with its own set of challenges. Yet, I remain resolute in my pursuit of a nursing degree, driven by a deep-seated belief that I can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. I aspire to be a beacon of hope for those who feel trapped by their circumstances, particularly young people who believe that success is out of reach due to financial hardships. I want to show them that pursuing a degree in healthcare is not just a dream—it's an attainable goal. My presence in the community serves as a reminder that resilience and determination can pave the way to a brighter future. I have dedicated years to overcoming obstacles, and now I aim to inspire others to do the same. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate some of my financial burdens and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and community service. With your support, I can transform my challenges into opportunities—not just for myself, but for my entire community. Together, we can create a ripple effect of hope and empowerment that encourages others to believe in their potential and strive for a better life. As an African American, I am acutely aware of the health disparities that disproportionately affect my community, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. In the near future, I plan to use my nursing education to provide essential healthcare services to underserved populations who lack access to adequate resources. I envision conducting educational sessions on medication management and proper nutrition, empowering individuals to make informed health choices that can significantly improve their quality of life. Moreover, I strive to be a role model for young parents and aspiring healthcare professionals facing financial hardships. I want to instill hope in those who may feel discouraged and remind them that their dreams are within reach. My journey as a single mother navigating the complexities of education has provided me with a unique perspective. I understand firsthand the obstacles that can seem insurmountable, and I want to demonstrate that perseverance and dedication can lead to success. My commitment to changing the narrative around healthcare within the African American community is deeply personal. There is a critical need for increased awareness and education about health and wellness, and I am determined to be part of that change. My experiences as a volunteer support aide during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic have reinforced my dedication to compassionate care. I worked tirelessly to comfort patients and maintain a safe environment, gaining invaluable insights into the importance of healthcare accessibility. In conclusion, my pursuit of a nursing degree is not merely a personal ambition; it is a pledge to uplift my community and create a meaningful impact. I aim to empower individuals with knowledge and resources, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. By supporting my journey through this scholarship, you are investing in a future where resilience, education, and compassion transform lives. Together, we can inspire others to believe in themselves and work towards a healthier, more equitable community.

Pursuing a degree in healthcare is not just a personal aspiration for me; it is a commitment to creating a meaningful impact within my community and beyond. My education in nursing will equip me with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver educational sessions and courses about medication management and proper nutrition to those in need. By doing so, I aim to empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed health choices, ultimately improving their quality of life. My journey has been driven by a profound desire to be an inspiring example, particularly for those who face financial barriers to higher education. I want to be a beacon of hope for individuals who might otherwise feel that their dreams are out of reach due to economic constraints. As a woman who has navigated the challenges of single motherhood while pursuing a degree, I understand firsthand the obstacles that can seem impossible. My goal is to demonstrate that with perseverance and dedication, it is possible to overcome these challenges and achieve success. Additionally, I am deeply committed to changing the narrative around healthcare within the African American community and among other people of color. There is a critical need for increased awareness and education about health and wellness in these communities, and I am determined to be a part of that change. My experiences as a volunteer support aide during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic at Abington Hospital provided me with invaluable insights into the healthcare field. I worked tirelessly to comfort patients, monitor vital signs, and maintain a clean and safe environment. These experiences have strengthened my resolve to provide compassionate care and education to underserved populations. Next year, I plan to apply to the new graduate nurse program offered by the U.S. Navy. I have already consulted with a recruiter affiliated with my school regarding this opportunity. Upon graduation, I will undergo training to become a naval officer. Following the successful completion of this training, I will have the chance to be stationed in a region of my choice, embarking on a fulfilling career as a full-time naval nurse. This program allows me to integrate my passion for nursing with my commitment to service, providing a unique chance to travel while fulfilling my professional duties. Additionally, this path positions me to return to school debt-free in the future, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).

Overcoming Obstacles: A Journey of Resilience and Hope I have faced an array of formidable obstacles, each one shaping my journey toward higher education and a better life for my son and me. As a young mother, I have battled financial difficulties, navigated the complexities of finding affordable childcare, and confronted mental health challenges—all while working full-time. The weight of these responsibilities has often felt overwhelming, yet I have persevered with unwavering determination. As a single mother, I worked as a medical assistant, earning only $15 an hour. I stretched every dollar to cover monthly rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and the basic needs of our household. Each day brought new challenges, from securing essential school supplies for my son to managing our limited resources. There were moments when the burden felt insurmountable, leading me into a deep depressive state. I often felt isolated, grappling with the fear that I might never achieve my goals or escape the cycle of struggle. Yet, through it all, I never wavered in my commitment to my dream or my role as a strong mother. My experiences have ignited a passion within me to make a difference in the lives of others, especially those in underserved communities who lack access to essential healthcare and knowledge. My pursuit of a nursing education is not just a personal ambition; it is a means to uplift others. I envision myself providing educational sessions on medication management and proper nutrition, empowering individuals to take charge of their health. I aspire to be a beacon of hope for those who feel trapped by their circumstances, particularly for young people who believe that success is out of reach due to financial hardships. I want to show them that it is possible to pursue a degree in healthcare and to thrive, despite the odds stacked against them. My presence in the community will serve as a reminder that resilience and determination can pave the way to a brighter future. Receiving this scholarship would not only alleviate some of the financial burdens I face but also keep me firmly on the path to achieving my educational goals. It would enable me to focus on my studies and continue to serve as a role model for young parents and aspiring healthcare professionals. With your support, I can turn my challenges into opportunities for growth—not just for myself but for my entire community. Together, we can create a ripple effect of hope and empowerment that inspires others to believe in their potential and strive for a better life. I would encourage young people to pursue philately in many ways such as, encouraging interactive workshops to introduce the concept of themed collections, such as animals, movies, space, or famous historical figures. I would also encourage them to collect stamps that reflect their personal interests, making the hobby more relatable and exciting. In addition, I would also use technology to incorporate social media and highlight the educational benefits of philately. Lastly, I would explain how it can enhance knowledge of geography, history, and cultures around the world and create fun challenges, like researching the story behind a particular stamp. I believe these activities would definitely gain a lot of young people to pursue Philately as a hobby.

Pursuing a degree in healthcare is not just a personal aspiration for me; it is a commitment to creating a meaningful impact within my community and beyond. My education in nursing will equip me with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver educational sessions and courses about medication management and proper nutrition to those in need. By doing so, I aim to empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed health choices, ultimately improving their quality of life. My journey has been driven by a profound desire to be an inspiring example, particularly for those who face financial barriers to higher education. I want to be a beacon of hope for individuals who might otherwise feel that their dreams are out of reach due to economic constraints. As a woman who has navigated the challenges of single motherhood while pursuing a degree, I understand firsthand the obstacles that can seem insurmountable. My goal is to demonstrate that with perseverance and dedication, it is possible to overcome these challenges and achieve success. Additionally, I am deeply committed to changing the narrative around healthcare within the African American community and among other people of color. There is a critical need for increased awareness and education about health and wellness in these communities, and I am determined to be a part of that change. My experiences as a volunteer support aide during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic at Abington Hospital provided me with invaluable insights into the healthcare field. I worked tirelessly to comfort patients, monitor vital signs, and maintain a clean and safe environment. These experiences have strengthened my resolve to provide compassionate care and education to underserved populations. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance; it is a crucial step toward achieving my goal of advancing my education and continuing my work in healthcare. As a single mother working as a medical assistant, I have managed to stretch a modest income to cover all necessities while balancing my responsibilities as a parent and a student. Despite the overwhelming pressures and moments of doubt, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to my education and my role as a mother. With this scholarship, I will be better positioned to continue my education and contribute meaningfully to the field of healthcare. I am driven by a vision of a future where I can provide hope and inspiration to others, especially young mothers, fathers, and individuals facing adversity. By pursuing a career in nursing, I aim to foster positive change, challenge existing stigmas, and make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.

Balancing academic pursuits with personal challenges has profoundly shaped my experience as a student. As a young mother and a full-time worker, I have faced significant obstacles, including financial difficulties, the need to find affordable childcare, and mental health struggles. Despite these challenges, I have remained steadfast in my pursuit of higher education, driven by my commitment to achieving a better future for myself and my son. Mental health has played a crucial role in my academic performance and personal life. The overwhelming nature of juggling work, school, and parenting responsibilities led me to experience a depressive state. At one point, the weight of these responsibilities became so heavy that I had to withdraw from my courses for two semesters. During these times, I felt isolated and questioned whether I would ever achieve my goals. However, this period also taught me the importance of resilience and the need to prioritize mental health. To manage and prioritize my mental health, I have taken several proactive steps. I have learned to set realistic goals and manage my time effectively, allowing for moments of rest and self-care. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques have been instrumental in managing stress. Seeking support from counseling services and building a network of supportive friends and family have also been crucial in helping me navigate challenging times. Looking to the future, my education in nursing will enable me to address healthcare disparities, particularly in underserved communities. I am committed to using my knowledge to provide essential education on medication management and proper nutrition, serving as a role model for others facing financial hardships. My goal is to inspire and support those who may be struggling, particularly young mothers and fathers, and to demonstrate that with determination, it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve success. Receiving this scholarship would not only alleviate financial pressures but also enable me to focus more on my studies and continue making progress toward my BSN degree. As a first-generation college student, the support would be transformative, easing the burden of tuition costs and allowing me to remain on track with my academic and professional goals. My journey has been marked by perseverance and a deep commitment to creating a positive impact, and this scholarship would be a critical step in helping me achieve my aspirations while continuing to provide for my son and support my community.

I enrolled in my current nursing program driven by a profound commitment to address the healthcare disparities prevalent in underserved communities, particularly those that disproportionately affect African Americans. Given our genetic predispositions to conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, I am dedicated to equipping myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a significant impact in these areas. My education in nursing is not merely a personal goal; it represents a crucial step towards creating meaningful change in my community. I plan to leverage this education to provide comprehensive health care and educational sessions focusing on medication management and proper nutrition. By offering these resources, I aim to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed health decisions, ultimately improving their overall quality of life. Furthermore, I aspire to be a role model for those who face financial hardships and are considering a career in healthcare. I understand the barriers to pursuing higher education and want to serve as an example of perseverance and dedication. As someone who has experienced the challenges of single motherhood while working and studying, I am well-acquainted with the obstacles that can seem overwhelming. My goal is to demonstrate that with determination and hard work, it is possible to overcome these challenges and achieve success. Each challenge has been a reminder that my perseverance and hard work can lead to success. Working while being a college student has deeply impacted both my studies and personal life. Balancing work with academic responsibilities has taught me invaluable time management and organizational skills. It has also instilled in me a strong work ethic and resilience. Despite the demands and occasional exhaustion, these experiences have reinforced my commitment to my education and my desire to help others. The practical skills and insights gained from juggling work and study have enhanced my ability to manage stress and prioritize effectively, both of which are crucial in the healthcare field. Receiving this scholarship would be transformative, not only for my own educational journey but also for the lives of my close family who depend on me. It would alleviate financial pressures and enable me to focus more intently on my studies and community work. By pursuing a degree in healthcare, I am dedicated to improving health outcomes in underserved communities and serving as a beacon of hope for those who might otherwise feel that their aspirations are out of reach.

I have always been drawn to math, not just because of its inherent beauty and logic, but because of the personal challenges it has presented and the triumphs I have achieved despite those challenges. Math has been a challenging subject for me, especially during my college years as a nursing major, where precision and accuracy in medical math are critical. The journey with math has not been without its hurdles. For instance, passing the medical math exams required a score of 95%, a goal that initially eluded me. My first attempt did not meet the mark, but this did not deter me. I faced this challenge head-on, and with persistence, I passed on my second attempt when the required score was 90%. This experience taught me that setbacks are simply opportunities to learn and grow. My struggle with dyscalculia has further highlighted the complexity of math for me. However, this difficulty has never been a barrier to my success in math courses such as algebra and statistics. Instead, it has fueled my determination. Each challenge has been a reminder that my perseverance and hard work can lead to success. I love math because it pushes me to overcome obstacles and refine my problem-solving skills. The process of tackling complex problems and achieving a solution, especially when it requires extra effort, is incredibly rewarding. It’s this persistent challenge and the satisfaction of overcoming it that makes me appreciate and love math. Every achievement, no matter how small, reaffirms my belief in my ability to conquer difficulties and succeed. Math embodies the essence of resilience and determination, and that is why I find it so compelling and fulfilling.

Pursuing a degree in healthcare is not just a personal aspiration for me; it is a commitment to creating a meaningful impact within my community and beyond. My education in nursing will equip me with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver educational sessions and courses about medication management and proper nutrition to those in need. By doing so, I aim to empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed health choices, ultimately improving their quality of life. My journey has been driven by a profound desire to be an inspiring example, particularly for those who face financial barriers to higher education. I want to be a beacon of hope for individuals who might otherwise feel that their dreams are out of reach due to economic constraints. As a woman who has navigated the challenges of single motherhood while pursuing a degree, I understand firsthand the obstacles that can seem insurmountable. My goal is to demonstrate that with perseverance and dedication, it is possible to overcome these challenges and achieve success. Additionally, I am deeply committed to changing the narrative around healthcare within the African American community and among other people of color. There is a critical need for increased awareness and education about health and wellness in these communities, and I am determined to be a part of that change. My experiences as a volunteer support aide during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic at Abington Hospital provided me with invaluable insights into the healthcare field. I worked tirelessly to comfort patients, monitor vital signs, and maintain a clean and safe environment. These experiences have strengthened my resolve to provide compassionate care and education to underserved populations. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance; it is a crucial step toward achieving my goal of advancing my education and continuing my work in healthcare. As a single mother working as a medical assistant, I have managed to stretch a modest income to cover all necessities while balancing my responsibilities as a parent and a student. Despite the overwhelming pressures and moments of doubt, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to my education and my role as a mother. With this scholarship, I will be better positioned to continue my education and contribute meaningfully to the field of healthcare. I am driven by a vision of a future where I can provide hope and inspiration to others, especially young mothers, fathers, and individuals facing adversity. By pursuing a career in nursing, I aim to foster positive change, challenge existing stigmas, and make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.

I am currently in my junior year pursuing my BSN degree to become a labor & delivery nurse which will be the stepping stone to my ultimate goal of becoming a nurse midwife. The care, passion and, interest that I have for women's and maternal health is what drives me to continue my educational journey. Becoming a midwife is the greatest career that I see fit for myself. Women's and maternal health is magical and amazing how we are able to reproduce and go through such life-changing experiences and continue on. I personally can't wait to be able to educate patients and families on the importance of proper health care, prenatal care, postnatal, and post-partum care because of its significance to families. My calm-spirited nature is what I believe is my gift to use in addition to a well-rounded educational background and hands-on experience to be the best nursing provider possible. With the help of the Anna and Ava scholarship, I will be one step closer to making my dream a reality. Throughout my life thus far, I have overcome many obstacles such as financial difficulties, overcoming mental health issues, and working full-time while in my pursuit of higher education. As a young mother, I've had to provide everything for my son and myself no matter the difficult circumstances. The Anna & Ava scholarship would enable me to continue my pursuit of higher education by providing needed financial assistance to help ease the burden of my tuition costs. I also want to be a role model who gives hope to the younger generations who don't believe they can be successful and provide a better life for themselves. I would also like my presence in the community to provide hope to other young mothers and fathers who want to continue their education. I would be so gracious to receive this scholarship, it would not only impact my life but also the lives of my close family who are dependent on me. I strongly believe that God has a plan for me to prosper and achieve success to share with others. To whom it may concern reading this essay, I wish you love, strength, and happiness, and also to the parents and family of little Anna and Ava, I also send hugs and condolences. May your hearts always be filled with joy. Take care and be blessed; from one mother/parent to another.

Mental health is important to me as a student because I have overcome many obstacles such as financial difficulties, finding affordable childcare, overcoming mental health issues, and working full-time while in my pursuit of higher education. As a young mother, and a full-time student I've had to provide everything for my son and myself no matter the difficult circumstances. Managing all of my responsibilities was once very overwhelming to the point that I fell into a depressive state. I felt so alone like I would never reach my end goal or get to a better situation without so much struggle. Depression caused me weight loss which led to malnourishment. During this time I had to take a medical leave from work and school for 12 weeks. This was a very difficult period of my life especially because I felt as though I had given up on my dream and stopped being a strong mother to my son. Mental health awareness should be a priority to all, especially as a parent and a college student. Without a strong sense of self, determination, and support, depression can mentally and physically bring you down and get in the way of a better future. I advocate for mental health in my home by encouraging my son to regularly share his thoughts and feelings and I shower him with much love and support. In the future, I will use my nursing education to provide mental health care, especially to those in underserved communities that lack access to and knowledge of proper health care. My education in nursing will allow me to provide educational sessions and courses about mental health to those in my community. Not only will I be able to provide education, but also be a positive example to those who may be in a similar situation. I also want to be a role model to give hope to the younger generations who don't believe they can overcome their mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, be successful, and provide a better life for themselves. I would also like my presence in the community to give hope to other young mothers and fathers who want to continue their education. Most importantly above all else, I want my son to see me as a strong woman, and know that I give my all in all that I do to provide him a happy life where he won't have to endure the same difficult and misfortunate situations that I experienced.

It is very important for me to pursue nursing as a career path because I aim to help change the stigma of health care and medicine among the African American minority population and for other persons of color. My goal is to educate and bring awareness. Thus far on my educational journey, I have been a volunteer employee to work in Abington Hospital for 6 months during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. I worked as a support aide to nurses on the many COVID-positive patient floors. I offered many work hours and just about all I could do within my working capabilities to help such as comforting patients, maintaining vital stats, and keeping my work area as clean as possible.  In the near future, I will use my education and skills to provide health care, especially to those in underserved communities who lack access to and knowledge of proper health care. My education in nursing will allow me to provide educational sessions and courses about medication and a proper diet to those in my community. Not only would I be able to provide education, but also be an example to those who may want to pursue a degree in health care but also face financial hardship. I also want to be a role model to give hope to the younger generations who don't believe they can be successful and provide a better life for themselves. I would also like my presence in the community to provide hope to other young mothers and fathers who want to continue their education. This scholarship would help keep me on the right path to continue my pursuit of higher education by providing needed financial assistance. As a young mother, I've always had to provide everything for myself and my son no matter the difficult circumstances while working full time in my pursuit of higher education.  As a single mother, I've worked as a medical assistant making only $15/hr which I made stretch to pay monthly rent and utilities such as gas and electric, in addition to groceries, transportation, basic household needs, clothing, and shoes in addition to needed school supplies for myself and my son. Managing all of my responsibilities was once very overwhelming to the point that I fell into a depressive state. I felt so alone like I would never reach my end goal or get to a better situation without so much struggle, but throughout it all I have never given up on my dream and stopped being a strong mother to my son.

I have overcome many obstacles such as financial difficulties, finding affordable childcare, overcoming mental health issues, and working full-time while in my pursuit of higher education. As a young mother, I've had to provide everything for my son and myself no matter the difficult circumstances. As a single mother, I've worked as a medical assistant making only $15/hr which I made stretch to pay monthly rent and utilities such as gas and electric, in addition to groceries, transportation, basic household needs, clothing, and shoes in addition to needed school supplies for myself and my son. Managing all of my responsibilities was once very overwhelming to the point that I fell into a depressive state. I felt so alone like I would never reach my end goal or get to a better situation without so much struggle, but throughout it all I have never given up on my dream and stopped being a strong mother for my son. In the future, I will use my education to provide health care, especially to those in underserved communities that lack access to and knowledge of proper health care. My education in nursing will allow me to provide educational sessions and courses about medication and a proper diet to those in my community. Not only would I be able to provide education, but also be an example to those who may want to pursue a degree in health care but also face financial hardship. I also want to be a role model to give hope to the younger generations who don't believe they can be successful and provide a better life for themselves. I would also like my presence in the community to provide hope to other young mothers and fathers who want to continue their education. This scholarship would help keep me on the right path to continue my pursuit of higher education by providing needed financial assistance.