Age
45
Hobbies and interests
Writing
Crafting
Cooking
Reading
Politics
Leadership
Childrens
I read books multiple times per month
FIRST GENERATION STUDENT
Yes
Renee Daniels
3,475
Bold Points3x
Nominee2x
Finalist1x
WinnerRenee Daniels
3,475
Bold Points3x
Nominee2x
Finalist1x
WinnerBio
Hi, I'm Renee; a small town girl born and raised in South Georgia, who has nurtured ambitious dreams of leaving a profound impact in the lives of others. Enduring personal challenges has taught me the value of perseverance. I earnestly devote myself to achieving my goals, aspiring to bring about positive change in the world.
I graduated high school with Honors and currently pursuing my Nursing degree. My aspiration is not only to pursue my passion for serving others, but also to provide a better life for my family and change my family’s legacy as a first generation college graduate.
My background and personal experience has prepared me for success. I’m fully aware of the immense amount of hard work and sacrifice that lies ahead, and couldn’t be more excited and committed to the process.
Education
Austin Community College District
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Austin Community College District
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Valdosta State University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Valdosta State University
Bachelor's degree programMinors:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Lowndes High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
Career
Dream career field:
Psychiatric Nursing
Dream career goals:
Entrepreneurship: Home Health Agency
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Austin Retina2021 – Present3 yearsPhlebotomist
American Red Cross2000 – 20066 yearsOffice Manager/Medical Asisstant
Yen Acupuncture2011 – 20121 yearOphthalmic Assistant
Texan Eye2012 – 20131 yearOwner
Hey Bouquet2013 – 20207 years
Sports
Track & Field
Junior Varsity1993 – 1993
Awards
- n/a
Marching Band + Dance Team
Varsity1993 – 19974 years
Awards
- 1st Clarinet
Cheerleading
Junior Varsity1990 – 19933 years
Awards
- Co captain
Softball
Club1989 – 19934 years
Awards
- n/a
Arts
DIY
Design2013 – Present
Public services
Advocacy
Be The Match — Listed Marrow Donor2003 – PresentAdvocacy
American Red Cross — Blood Donor2001 – 2006Volunteering
Word of Oasis Church - Valdosta, GA — Driver + Youth Activities2005 – 2007
Future Interests
Volunteering
Entrepreneurship
Joseph Joshua Searor Memorial Scholarship
WinnerA mother's love is truly a gift; a realization that dawned on me after becoming a mother myself. My journey has been greatly influenced by my mother's unwavering strength, who became a single parent of 4 after tragically losing my father to a motorcycle accident when I was just 10 years old. She worked tirelessly, often juggling 2 jobs to support our family. Though I wished for more of her time, looking back, I’m amazed at how she managed it all.
As the eldest of 4, I had to toughen up and take on new responsibilities, from looking after my siblings to cooking by age 12, even mowing the lawn with my brother during summer breaks. I was well equipped for the many challenges that awaited, even with regard to my emotional well-being. I can vividly remember one morning when my mother walked from her bedroom, and her once long hair had been unevenly, cut short. I sensed her mood shift and lack of motivation, as she isolated herself in her room. I know now that my mother was battling depression and thankfully she made it through.
My own experience with depression began a few years ago with the onset of the pandemic. Like many others, my life was suddenly disrupted, prompting a significant shift that for me started with the closing of my warehouse in 2020. I knew immediately I wanted to continue pursuing Nursing, so I enrolled at my local community college and completed 2 of 3 semesters required. Shortly after, my husband began experiencing health issues requiring short-term disability from work and surgery. We also relocated from our home in the city to a small rural development 30 minutes away. It was a dark, tumultuous period as I had to figure out quickly how to contribute more all while maintaining my sanity.
My son also graduated high school in 2020 with aspirations to pursue a Robotics Engineering degree, which was delayed until 2022 due to these unforeseen circumstances. I worked full-time to support him, but after completing his 1st semester, we were surprised by an unexplained balance of out-of-district fees. I felt so hurt, furious, and helpless, realizing how my shortcomings were impacting my family’s future. Because of our family dynamic, my son was fully aware of our situation and knew how much we valued his success. So he moved on to enroll in another program offering Networking Engineering with plans to finish by Summer 2024. We ensured this college was in-district, however, financial aid covered all but $6000 for the program. Still determined, we devised a plan to split $625 monthly to pay the balance.
Amidst the same period of 2022, I managed to complete my last semester of prerequisites, take the Nursing entrance exam, and earn acceptance into the program for the Spring of 2024, however, I deferred starting until Fall 2024 to ensure my son’s success. It’s a worthy sacrifice any proud mother would make, yet still leaves me to figure out how I’ll afford my own dream of earning my Nursing degree.
My deepest aspiration is to gain prestige and become a servant of healthcare, utilizing my skills to enhance the lives of others. This scholarship is a crucial step toward that goal. Though my story may be unique, I know there are other capable individuals with similar stories. I hope within 5 years and because of your favor, I’ve become that confident Nurse restoring health & wellness, but also paying forward the same generosity to another student.
Thank you for considering my story.
Sincerely,
Renee Daniels