When I was diagnosed with diabetes, my whole world was turned upside down. The very first thought I had when I heard diabetes was “needles.” It seemed like a cruel fate that my number one fear would now be my everyday life, and there was nothing I could do about it. In situations where there is a health crisis, it can be hard to stay calm and positive, but it is possible. As I sat there in a hospital bed, there were so many people rushing around with paperwork in their hands and strange medical devices. When a doctor finally told me I did have diabetes, everything seemed to stop. As I had so many thoughts going through my head, I couldn’t help but feel alone. I felt alone at the thought that my whole life would be sickness and needles, and this disease would be mine alone to deal with. In the darkest moment of my young life, the nurses held my hand and guided me through. They patiently went over how to check my blood sugars. While I cried, they were reassuring and provided me comfort. In the moment, I thought they must feel sorry for me, but it wasn’t that; it was compassion. Being compassionate was not something I had personally experienced before. The kindness and patience the nurses showed me transformed my fear into something manageable. They didn't just teach me how to handle the practical aspects of my new reality; they also helped me understand that I was not alone in facing it. They shared stories of other patients who had learned to live full and active lives despite their diabetes, which gave me hope. They encouraged me to take one day at a time and reminded me that I was stronger than I thought. Their compassion made a world of difference in those initial days of adjustment. Witnessing and receiving this compassion had a significant impact on me. It taught me the power of empathy and understanding in the face of adversity. It showed me that even in the most challenging times, a simple act of kindness can provide comfort and strength. This experience has inspired me to approach others with the same level of compassion, knowing firsthand how transformative it can be. It also inspired me to pursue my career in Nursing, which I will begin in the fall at Sonoma State University. I want to be able to provide the same comfort and support to others that I received during one of the most difficult times in my life. I am committed to making a positive difference in the lives of my future patients, just as those nurses did for me.

Losing my dad when I was 10 was one of the hardest things I've ever faced. Just two months after his passing, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It was a lot to handle at such a young age, but my mom stepped up in incredible ways to support me through it all, especially in my education. Despite dealing with her own grief, my mom made sure that my schooling remained a priority. She took on the roles of both parents, working hard to provide for us and support my education. I remember her attending all my parent-teacher meetings and talking to my teachers to ensure I had the resources and understanding I needed in school, especially with managing my health. At home, my mom created a supportive environment for learning. We spent quality time together doing homework, reading, and discussing different subjects. She encouraged my interests and helped me develop a passion for learning, even while managing my diabetes. Beyond academics, my mom taught me life lessons. She showed me how to be responsible and resilient, especially in dealing with my health challenges. She always emphasized the importance of kindness and empathy, not just towards others but also towards myself. Whenever I felt overwhelmed or discouraged, my mom was there to lift me up. Her unwavering belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to pursue higher education and strive for my dreams. Every accomplishment I've achieved is a testament to her incredible support and dedication. Looking back, I'm so grateful for everything my mom has done for me. Despite the obstacles we faced, her love and support have been unwavering. She's not just my mom; she's my hero, showing such strength, perseverance, and unconditional love. As I entered my teenage years and started high school, my mom's support continued to be crucial. Managing my diabetes while juggling schoolwork and extracurricular activities was challenging, but my mom was always there to guide me. She helped me develop a routine for monitoring my blood sugar levels and taught me how to advocate for myself in school settings. One of the most impactful aspects of my mom's support was her unwavering positivity. She never allowed me to see diabetes as a limitation but instead encouraged me to embrace life fully. Her optimism was contagious, motivating me to face challenges head-on and never give up on my dreams. As I approach graduation, my mom's dedication to my education became even more evident. She researched scholarships, helped me with college applications, and provided emotional support during this stressful time. My mom's influence on my educational journey has been profound. From navigating the loss of my father and my diabetes diagnosis to supporting my academic and personal growth, she has been my constant source of strength and inspiration. Her love, sacrifices, and encouragement have shaped me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful for her guidance and support, and I know that her lessons will continue to guide me as I begin this new chapter in life.

My nursing journey has been profoundly shaped by personal hardships and enduring loss. Witnessing my father's battle with lung cancer taught me the essence of perseverance and resilience. His lifelong struggle with Type 1 diabetes was a manageable constant, but cancer presented an overwhelming and unpredictable challenge that took him from us within a mere 18 months. The day he went into surgery, I returned home to shattering news: during the procedure, my father suffered a heart attack, and slipped into a coma. Those days were filled with uncertainty, leaving me yearning for answers. I vividly remember the compassion and dedication of the nurses who tended to my father. They provided round-the-clock care, administering treatments, managing pain, and offering unwavering emotional support not only to my father but also to our entire family. Their tireless efforts in ensuring his comfort and well-being amidst the harsh realities of cancer left an indelible mark on me. Their empathy, combined with their medical expertise, offered a glimmer of solace during a time fraught with uncertainty and fear. Less than 50 days later, I found myself hospitalized, diagnosed with the same Type 1 diabetes that had affected my father. Doctors attributed it to the stress of his situation—a storm I was inevitably destined to weather. This connection made me feel closer to him but also painfully isolated, as he was physically present yet emotionally distant. Again, I found myself surrounded by constant support from nurses. My inspiration to pursue nursing stemmed from personal encounters and admiration for the unwavering dedication and compassion displayed by healthcare professionals, notably my grandmother. Their profound influence during my hospitalization, guiding me with unwavering patience and kindness, ignited my aspiration to extend the same solace and support to others grappling with health challenges. Embracing the potent role of education in public health, I am steadfast in propagating awareness, dispelling misconceptions, and advocating for healthier practices. My passion for averting future pandemics drives me to champion education, undertake comprehensive research, and advocate for robust healthcare infrastructure. I envision a world where my contributions to nursing, along with collaborative efforts, mitigate the devastating impact of pandemics. Through workshops, seminars, and educational campaigns, I aim to empower communities with accurate information, debunk myths, and promote healthier lifestyles to fortify our collective resilience against future health crises. I aspire to support type 1 diabetic patients, offering them the comfort and understanding I yearned for during my diagnosis. Achieving this dream necessitates continuing my educational journey. Becoming a registered nurse requires earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This degree, coupled with passing the NCLEX-RN exam, will grant me the necessary foundation to pursue a career in endocrinology and aid individuals like myself. This educational pursuit presents a significant opportunity for me, one I will handle with utmost responsibility and dedication, knowing it will lead me to fulfill my lifelong desire: helping others. While my condition inevitably shapes my daily life, it has also provided me with an alternate pathway to assist people. Challenges have never hindered me; they've spurred me on. Obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing will not only facilitate my personal growth but also contribute to the growth of every individual navigating type 1 diabetes.

My name is Natalia Ordaz, and I am a high school senior at Lincoln High School in Stockton, California. I am a first-generation college student, and I have been accepted to Sonoma State University. I plan on attending there in the fall of 2024, majoring in nursing, with the intent of becoming a nurse practitioner. I was nine years old when I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. It will be a day I never forget; there was not a local hospital that specialized in pediatric endocrinology, so I had to be transported to a children's hospital about an hour away. I was hospitalized for 3 days. I could not imagine that in that short amount of time, I would be taught how to calculate carbs, check my blood sugar, and give myself injections. I can recall that a portion of my learning to live with diabetes was in a group setting, and the majority of the other patients were of minority and had trouble understanding what was being taught. This stuck with me because I felt scared and alone, but I saw the fear in their eyes as well, plus not knowing English very well. Being diagnosed with this illness and seeing others experiencing the same obstacles that I have had to learn to navigate has given me a passion to work as a nurse in the endocrinology field. There are many unincorporated and migrant workers in our area, and I want to bring more education and awareness to the signs and symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes that go unnoticed. I desire to support young patients and their families who deal with the daily hurdles that come with being diabetic, as it stems from my exposure. I feel these shared experiences will benefit others. Not only do I wish to work in the endocrinology field, but I also want to set up groups for newly diagnosed diabetics in the area. This was something lacking in my area, and I felt very alone. Living my life with Type 1 Diabetes has given me tremendous strength, motivation to live healthily, a better perspective on life, and a purpose for my future. I intend to devote my career to this pursuit. If I receive this scholarship, it will solidify for me that I am on the right path. I appreciate your consideration, and I hope that you can help me pursue a profession in nursing.

My name is Natalia Ordaz, and I am a high school senior at Lincoln High School in Stockton, California. I am a first-generation college student, and I have been accepted to Sonoma State University. I plan on attending there in the fall of 2024, majoring in nursing, with the intent of becoming a nurse practitioner. I was nine years old when I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. It will be a day I never forget; there was not a local hospital that specialized in pediatric endocrinology, so I had to be transported to a children's hospital about an hour away. I was hospitalized for 3 days. I could not imagine that in that short amount of time, I would be taught how to calculate carbs, check my blood sugar, and give myself injections. I can recall that a portion of my learning to live with diabetes was in a group setting, and the majority of the other patients were of minority and had trouble understanding what was being taught. This stuck with me because I felt scared and alone, but I saw the fear in their eyes as well, plus not knowing English very well. Being diagnosed with this illness and seeing others experiencing the same obstacles that I have had to learn to navigate has given me a passion to work as a nurse in the endocrinology field. There are many unincorporated and migrant workers in our area, and I want to bring more education and awareness to the signs and symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes that go unnoticed. I desire to support young patients and their families who deal with the daily hurdles that come with being diabetic, as it stems from my exposure. I feel these shared experiences will benefit others. Not only do I wish to work in the endocrinology field, but I also want to set up groups for newly diagnosed diabetics in the area. This was something lacking in my area, and I felt very alone. Living my life with Type 1 Diabetes has given me tremendous strength, motivation to live healthily, a better perspective on life, and a purpose for my future. I intend to devote my career to this pursuit. If I receive this scholarship, it will solidify for me that I am on the right path. I appreciate your consideration, and I hope that you can help me pursue a profession in nursing.