Chutes and ladders. It’s a classic children’s game that I always hated growing up. As soon as I would reach spot number 97, so close to finishing, it seemed as though I always landed on a slide and slid back down to spot number 10. It was a gruesome challenge; one I felt related a lot to my life. In the beginning of fifth grade, I felt like I was on top of the world. I was doing well in school; I had a great group of friends and was excited to start middle school the following year. I felt like nothing could bring me down; I was at spot 96 on my game board. However, that year, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. It was like a rolled a one on the die, landed on spot 97, and slid all the way back to the beginning of the game. We didn’t know how long my mom had left or if she would respond to treatment. All I knew was that she was in a lifelong battle. As my mother went through chemotherapy, had multiple surgeries and endured radiation, I noticed the kindness and care exerted by the nurses taking care of my mom. Whether it was bringing a warm blanket and a smile, taking a few minutes to listen and sympathize, or even crying with my mom when she got back an unfavorable test result, the nurses have helped my mom through the rigorous chronic treatment over the last nine years and helped relieve the relentless pressures that accompany it. Throughout her treatment, I watched my mom gradually climb a few steps up her ladder every week, with many nurses helping her along the way. I developed an appreciation for the nurses and decided I wanted to devote my life to helping others climb their ladders. I didn’t think I would be able to help others climb their ladder until I finished school and became a registered nurse, but I was quickly proven wrong. In eighth grade my friend confided in me that her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I immediately knew I could help her. I became the guiding hand that I wish I had when my mother was diagnosed, helping her navigate what lay ahead and the many difficult milestones her mom would face. I helped take her mind off the stress of her mom’s treatments and was the listening ear when it all became too much. Day by day I helped her climb her ladder. Eventually, her mother completed her treatment and got to ring the bell. I celebrated with her as her mother was cancer free. My friend thanked me for everything I did for her. I was so rewarding watching her climb the ladder. While my mom will never be done with treatment, my friend also helped me climb up my ladder. She may not have realized it, but the sense of fulfillment I gained from helping her made me realize that I wanted to spend my life helping others. More specifically, it made me realize I wanted to be a nurse. Throughout high school, I worked in a local nursing home in the dining services department. I have helped serve food, carry trays, and clean up the dining area for residents. During my time there, I developed relationships with many of the residents. I would talk to them about my aspirations of becoming a nurse, and they would tell me about their lives. One day, I came into work and learned that one of the residents I spoke to regularly with had passed away. I saw him every day at dinner in the dining hall. Following his death, I noticed his wife at the dining hall less and less. She hadn’t come down to eat with the other residents for several days after his death. When she finally returned to the dining hall for dinner, I approached her. Normally I tried to brighten a resident’s day with a quick “hello” or “how are you doing,” but I felt this situation required more. I sat down with the resident and told her how sorry I was to hear about her husband. I expressed how much I enjoyed talking with him and seeing him in the dining hall. We sat and funny stories about him and when I got up to leave, she placed her hand on my wrist said, “Thank you for helping me remember all of the good times I had with my husband.” She thanked me for letting him live on in her memories, and she gave me a hug. After that encounter, I saw light in her eyes. She had remembered the good times she had with her husband had and didn’t let the sadness of his death dim the light. I watched her slowly climb her ladder. She found support in other widows who lived in the assisted living nursing home. Through helping her, I once again noticed myself slowly climbing up my ladder. I want to combine my experience with cancer and an interest in pediatrics, ultimately leading to a career in pediatric oncology. I want to help children facing health challenges and their struggling families climb their ladders. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, but I return to work at the nursing home during school breaks and over the summer. I returned to work this month during winter break. I was happy to reconnect with all of the residents, especially the widow. Her light is shining brightly, and she is a reminder to me of the impact you can have on others’ lives. While I’m sure I will experience many more slides in my future, knowing that in two short years I will become a licensed registered nurse who helps families climb up their ladders in terrible situations makes me feel like I have already won the game.

Chadwick Boseman, a late American actor who died from cancer, said in a commencement speech at Howard University, "The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose." This is precisely true for me. I was in fifth grade when my mom was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at age 38. The cancer had spread to every bone in her body. Her five-year survival rate was 20%. At the time, I could not see the good that was going to come of this terrible situation. But looking back over the past nine years, I realize I was wrong. I struggled to cope with her diagnosis. My mom helped me re-evaluate my perspective. She said that no amount of worrying we do or anger we have would change the situation. She was going to trust in her treatment, and we would make the best memories together with whatever time she had left. My mom had 6 rounds of chemotherapy and a double mastectomy which resulted in four years of remission until her first brain tumor was discovered. I was a freshman in high school, and my parents were more forthcoming with information. They met with doctors and the treatment plan included targeted brain radiation, with few side effects and a high success rate. She had two more recurrences in her brain, again treated with radiation. She has continued immunotherapy every three weeks which will continue for the rest of her life or until it stops working. Cancer has devasted my family again this past year. My father was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and I lost my maternal grandmother to metastatic breast cancer. Because of this, I was evaluated by a breast surgeon to calculate my risk for cancer and develop a plan for monitoring me. I am also undergoing genetic testing. Cancer has taught me to stop worrying about minor problems and truly appreciate the little things, whether it’s watching a beautiful sunset or telling a joke and making someone laugh. Most importantly, I learned the gift of kindness and empathy. While at chemotherapy or during scans, I noticed the kindness and care exerted by the nurses taking care of my mom. Whether it was bringing a warm blanket and a smile, taking a few minutes to listen and sympathize, or even crying with my mom when she got back an unfavorable test result, the nurses have helped my mom through the rigorous chronic treatment over the last nine years and helped relieve the relentless pressures that accompany it. Watching the nurses provide care made me want to help too. I am committed and focused on becoming a nurse. From gaining experience in the healthcare field working in a local retirement community and volunteering in the neonatal intensive care unit to being directly admitted into the nursing program at the University of Tennessee, I have systematically been working toward achieving this goal. Despite the challenges I faced with my mother’s diagnosis, I graduated high school in the top 10% of my class with a 5.18 weighted GPA and have been able to maintain that level of success in college finishing my third semester with a cumulative GPA of 3.71. Ultimately, I would like to combine my experience with cancer and an interest in pediatrics leading to a career in pediatric oncology. I envision my future nurse self to be one that is committed to continued learning, one that is a compassionate healthcare provider and source of support especially during vulnerable times, and one who will care for the whole person considering their physical, mental, and emotional health.

Chadwick Boseman, a late American actor who died from cancer, said in a commencement speech at Howard University, "The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose." This is precisely true for me. I was in fifth grade when I found out my mom was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She was 38 and the cancer had spread to every bone in her body. Her five-year survival rate was about 20%. At the time, I could not see the good that was going to come of this terrible situation. But looking back over the past nine years, I realize I was wrong. I struggled to cope with her diagnosis, but my mom helped me to re-evaluate my perspective. She said that no amount of worrying we do or anger we have would change the situation. She told me that she was going to trust in her treatment, and we would make the best memories together with whatever time she had left. My mom had 6 rounds of chemotherapy. She couldn’t eat because everything tasted terrible, and she started losing weight. January 2016 brought the last round of chemotherapy, but she would have to continue targeted therapy for the rest of her life. A scan done eight weeks later showed there was no active cancer. She had a double mastectomy in March of 2016 and enjoyed four years of remission until her first brain tumor was discovered in 2019. I was a freshman in high school, and since I was older, my parents were more forthcoming with information. They met with doctors and came up with a treatment plan which included targeted brain radiation, with few side effects and a high success rate. She made it through without issue. Cancer has taught me to stop worrying about minor problems and truly appreciate the little things, whether it’s watching a beautiful sunset or telling a funny joke and making someone laugh. Most importantly, I learned the gift of kindness and empathy. While at chemotherapy or during scans, I noticed the kindness and care exerted by the nurses taking care of my mom. Whether it was bringing a warm blanket and a smile, taking a few minutes to listen and sympathize, or even crying with my mom when she got back an unfavorable test result, the nurses have helped my mom through the rigorous chronic treatment over the last nine years and helped relieve the relentless pressures that accompany it. Watching the nurses provide care made me want to help too. My initial interest in pediatrics was a result of serving as a mentor to young swimmers on my neighborhood swim team. I have also served as a certified lifeguard and swim lesson instructor for the past four summers. I have always been able to develop trusting relationships and form personal connections with the children I have mentored and taught. I am exploring an interest in combining my experience with cancer and my interest in pediatrics that may lead to a career in pediatric oncology. I envision my future nurse self to be one that is committed to continued learning, one that is a compassionate healthcare provider and source of support especially during vulnerable times, and one who will care for the whole person considering their physical, mental, and emotional health. I am committed and focused on achieving this goal. Despite the challenges I had faced accompanying my mother’s diagnosis, I graduated high school with a 5.18 GPA while volunteering in the NICU at a local hospital and working at a retirement community. I was directly admitted into the nursing program at UTK and have maintained this level of success in college, finishing my first semester with a 3.98 GPA. The nursing program at UTK has many additional fees including a $250/credit hour surcharge for each nursing class. This scholarship would help alleviate the financial pressures of completing the program. My mother has been under constant treatment for metastatic breast cancer since I was in fifth grade hindering their ability to save for school.

I was in fifth grade when I found out my mom was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She was 38 and the cancer had spread to every bone in her body. At the time, I could not see the good that was going to come of this terrible situation. But looking back over the past nine years, I realize I was wrong. I struggled to cope with her diagnosis, but my mom helped me to re-evaluate my perspective. She said that no amount of worrying we do or anger we have would change the situation. She said we would make memories together with whatever time she had left. Cancer taught me to stop worrying about minor problems and truly appreciate the little things. My mom had 6 rounds of chemotherapy. She couldn’t eat because everything tasted terrible, and she started losing weight. January 2016 brought the last round of chemotherapy, but she would have to continue targeted therapy for the rest of her life. A scan done eight weeks later showed there was no active cancer. She had a double mastectomy in March of 2016 and enjoyed four years of remission until her first brain tumor was discovered in 2019. I was a freshman in high school, and since I was older, my parents were more forthcoming with information. They met with doctors and came up with a treatment plan which included targeted brain radiation, with few side effects and a high success rate. She made it through without issue. Cancer is part of my life. It is a lifelong battle for my mother. The perspective I have gained has given me a different outlook. Most people think that nothing good can come out of a cancer diagnosis. I beg to differ. Had we not faced this challenge, we would have continued to not prioritize the things most important. When you are faced with the concept of death, you live life differently. Standing alongside my mother in her cancer journey inspired a career in nursing. I noticed the care exerted by nurses taking care of my mom. Whether it was bringing a warm blanket or even crying with my mom when she got back an unfavorable test result, the nurses have assisted through the rigorous chronic treatment over the last nine years and helped relieve the relentless pressures that accompany it. It made me want to help too. Chadwick Boseman, a late American actor that died from cancer, said in a commencement speech at Howard University, "The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose." This is precisely true for me. Knowledge IS power and that is why I am meeting with a breast surgeon in December to evaluate my own risk for breast cancer. This includes a breast MRI to evaluate the type of tissue I have and genetic testing. My mothers genetic testing was negative in 2015 but technology has changed and it may be able to provide additional information. This is especially important for me because both of my grandmothers were also diagnosed with breast cancer. Going through this process at age 19 is overwhelming, but thanks to advances in treatment of breast cancer, my mom will be there to support me. Despite the challenges I had faced accompanying my mother’s diagnosis, I graduated high school with a 5.18 GPA while volunteering in the NICU at a local hospital and working at a retirement community. I was directly admitted into the nursing program at UTK and have maintained this level of success in college, finishing my first semester with a 3.98 GPA.

I was in fifth grade when I found out my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. At the time of her initial diagnosis at age 38, the cancer had spread to almost every bone in her body. Her diagnosis carried a five-year survival rate of about 20%. “Your mom is getting the best treatment,” my family reassured me. Despite their assurances, I couldn’t see the sun behind the ominous clouds. I could not see the good that was going to come of this terrible situation. But looking back over the past nine years, I realize I was wrong. Initially, I feared I would let my anger and worry consume me. Was my mom going to be there to cheer me on at my swim meets or see me graduate high school? I struggled to cope with her diagnosis, but my mom helped me to re-evaluate my perspective. She told me that no amount of worrying we do or anger we have would change the situation. She told me that she was going to trust her treatment, and we would make the best memories together with whatever time she had left. The disease taught me to stop worrying about minor problems and truly appreciate the little things, whether it’s watching a beautiful sunset or telling a funny joke and making someone laugh. Most importantly, I learned the gift of kindness and empathy. While at chemotherapy or during scans, I noticed the kindness and care exerted by the nurses taking care of my mom. Whether it was being quick with a warm blanket and a smile, taking a few minutes to listen and sympathize, or even crying with my mom when she got back an unfavorable test result, the nurses have helped my mom through the rigorous chronic treatment over the last eight years and help relieve the relentless pressures that accompany it. Watching the nurses provide care made me want to help too. I applied for direct admit Bachelor of Science Nursing program. Despite the many challenges I have faced accompanying my mother’s diagnosis, I graduated high school with a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking many advanced placement classes and volunteering in the NICU at a local hospital 6 hours per week. I have been able to maintain this work ethic and level of success in college, finishing the first semester with a 3.98 GPA. Standing alongside my mother through her cancer journey has inspired a career in nursing. Chadwick Boseman, a late American actor that died from cancer, once said in a commencement speech at Howard University, "The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose." This is precisely true for me. This scholarship would assist my family in covering the cost of obtaining a BSN. Nursing tuition includes many additional fees that other majors do not incur. My mom has been undergoing expensive ongoing treatment since her diagnosis in 2015. She has also had multiple surgeries and procedures which have required time off from work.

I was in fifth grade when I found out my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. At the time of her initial diagnosis at age 38, the cancer had spread to almost every bone in her body. Her diagnosis carried a five-year survival rate of about 20%. “Your mom is getting the best treatment,” my family reassured me. Despite their assurances, I couldn’t see the sun behind the ominous clouds. I could not see the good that was going to come of this terrible situation. But looking back over the past nine years, I realize I was wrong. Initially, I feared I would let my anger and worry consume me. Was my mom going to be there to cheer me on at my swim meets or see me graduate high school? I struggled to cope with her diagnosis, but my mom helped me to re-evaluate my perspective. She told me that no amount of worrying we do or anger we have would change the situation. She told me that she was going to trust her treatment, and we would make the best memories together with whatever time she had left. The disease taught me to stop worrying about minor problems and truly appreciate the little things, whether it’s watching a beautiful sunset or telling a funny joke and making someone laugh. Most importantly, I learned the gift of kindness and empathy. While at chemotherapy or during scans, I noticed the kindness and care exerted by the nurses taking care of my mom. Whether it was being quick with a warm blanket and a smile, taking a few minutes to listen and sympathize, or even crying with my mom when she got back an unfavorable test result, the nurses have helped my mom through the rigorous chronic treatment over the last eight years and help relieve the relentless pressures that accompany it. Watching the nurses provide care made me want to help too. I applied for direct admit Bachelor of Science Nursing program. Despite the many challenges I have faced accompanying my mother’s diagnosis, I graduated high school with a 5.28 weighted GPA while taking many advanced placement classes and volunteering in the NICU at a local hospital 6 hours per week. I have been able to maintain this work ethic and level of success in college, finishing the first semester with a 3.98 GPA. Standing alongside my mother through her cancer journey has inspired a career in nursing. Chadwick Boseman, a late American actor that died from cancer, once said in a commencement speech at Howard University, "The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose." This is precisely true for me. This scholarship would assist my family in covering the cost of obtaining a BSN. Nursing tuition includes many additional fees that other majors do not incur. My mom has been undergoing expensive ongoing treatment since her diagnosis in 2015. She has also had multiple surgeries and procedures which have required time off from work.

I was in fifth grade when I found out my mom was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She was 38 and the cancer had spread to every bone in her body. Her five-year survival rate was about 20%. At the time, I could not see the good that was going to come of this terrible situation. But looking back over the past nine years, I realize I was wrong. I struggled to cope with her diagnosis, but my mom helped me to re-evaluate my perspective. She said that no amount of worrying we do or anger we have would change the situation. She was going to trust in her treatment, and we would make memories together with whatever time she had left. Cancer taught me to stop worrying about minor problems and truly appreciate the little things. My mom had 6 rounds of chemotherapy. The first week after a dose she could barely get off the couch, she couldn’t eat because everything tasted terrible, and she started losing weight. I was worried, but I put on a brave face because my mom was already carrying a heavy load. January 2016 brought the last round of chemotherapy, but she would have to continue targeted therapy for the rest of her life. A scan done eight weeks later showed there was no active cancer. She had a double mastectomy in March of 2016. My mom enjoyed four years of remission until her first brain tumor was discovered in 2019. I was a freshman in high school, and since I was older, my parents were more forthcoming with information. They met with doctors and came up with a treatment plan while I was adjusting to high school and the demands that came with it. Treatment included targeted brain radiation which was a couple of sessions, with few side effects and a high success rate. She made it through without issue. Cancer has become part of my life. It was not one episode that was successfully treated and then it was over. This is a lifelong battle for my mother. She has defied statistics. She is an outlier. The perspective I have gained since that time has given me a different outlook. While most people think that nothing good can come out of a cancer diagnosis, I beg to differ. Had we not been presented with this challenge, we would have continued to live our lives not prioritizing the things most important. When you are faced with the concept of death, you live life differently. I also learned the gift of kindness and empathy. I noticed the care exerted by the nurses taking care of my mom. Whether it was bringing a warm blanket, taking a few minutes to listen and sympathize, or even crying with my mom when she got back an unfavorable test result. The nurses have helped my mom through the rigorous chronic treatment over the last nine years and relieve the relentless pressures that accompany it. It made me want to help too. Despite the challenges I had faced accompanying my mother’s diagnosis, I graduated high school with a 5.18 GPA while volunteering in the NICU at a local hospital. I maintained this level of success in college, finishing my first semester at UTK with a 3.98 GPA. . Standing alongside my mother in her cancer journey inspired a career in nursing. Chadwick Boseman, a late American actor that died from cancer, said in a commencement speech at Howard University, "The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose." This is precisely true for me.

I was in fifth grade when I found out my mom was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She was 38 and the cancer had spread to every bone in her body. Her five-year survival rate was about 20%. At the time, I could not see the good that was going to come of this terrible situation. But looking back over the past nine years, I realize I was wrong. I struggled to cope with her diagnosis, but my mom helped me to re-evaluate my perspective. She said that no amount of worrying we do or anger we have would change the situation. She was going to trust in her treatment, and we would make memories together with whatever time she had left. Cancer taught me to stop worrying about minor problems and truly appreciate the little things. My mom had 6 rounds of chemotherapy. The first week after a dose she could barely get off the couch, she couldn’t eat because everything tasted terrible, and she started losing weight. I was worried, but I put on a brave face because my mom was already carrying a heavy load. January 2016 brought the last round of chemotherapy, but she would have to continue targeted therapy for the rest of her life. A scan done eight weeks later showed there was no active cancer. She had a double mastectomy in March of 2016. My mom enjoyed four years of remission until her first brain tumor was discovered in 201*. I was a freshman in high school, and since I was older, my parents were more forthcoming with information. They met with doctors and came up with a treatment plan while I was adjusting to high school and the demands that came with it. Treatment included targeted brain radiation which was a couple of sessions, with few side effects and a high success rate. She made it through without issue. Cancer has become part of my life. It was not one episode that was successfully treated and then it was over. This is a lifelong battle for my mother. She has defied statistics. She is an outlier. The perspective I have gained since that time has given me a different outlook. While most people think that nothing good can come out of a cancer diagnosis, I beg to differ. Had we not been presented with this challenge, we would have continued to live our lives not prioritizing the things most important. When you are faced with the concept of death, you live life differently. I also learned the gift of kindness and empathy. I noticed the care exerted by the nurses taking care of my mom. Whether it was bringing a warm blanket, taking a few minutes to listen and sympathize, or even crying with my mom when she got back an unfavorable test result. The nurses have helped my mom through the rigorous chronic treatment over the last nine years and relieve the relentless pressures that accompany it. It made me want to help too. Despite the challenges I had faced accompanying my mother’s diagnosis, I graduated high school with a 5.18 GPA while volunteering in the NICU at a local hospital. I maintained this level of success in college, finishing my first semester at UTK with a 3.98 GPA. Standing alongside my mother in her cancer journey inspired a career in nursing. Chadwick Boseman, a late American actor that died from cancer, said in a commencement speech at Howard University, "The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose." This is precisely true for me.

I was in fifth grade when I found out my mom was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She was 38 and the cancer had spread to every bone in her body. Her five-year survival rate was about 20%. At the time, I could not see the good that was going to come of this terrible situation. But looking back over the past nine years, I realize I was wrong. I struggled to cope with her diagnosis, but my mom helped me to re-evaluate my perspective. She said that no amount of worrying we do or anger we have would change the situation. She was going to trust in her treatment, and we would make memories together with whatever time she had left. Cancer taught me to stop worrying about minor problems and truly appreciate the little things. My mom had 6 rounds of chemotherapy. The first week after a dose she could barely get off the couch, she couldn’t eat because everything tasted terrible, and she started losing weight. I was worried, but I put on a brave face because my mom was already carrying a heavy load. January 2016 brought the last round of chemotherapy, but she would have to continue targeted therapy for the rest of her life. A scan done eight weeks later showed there was no active cancer. She had a double mastectomy in March of 2016. . My mom enjoyed four years of remission until her first brain tumor was discovered in 201*. I was a freshman in high school, and since I was older, my parents were more forthcoming with information. They met with doctors and came up with a treatment plan while I was adjusting to high school and the demands that came with it. Treatment included targeted brain radiation which was a couple of sessions, with few side effects and a high success rate. She made it through without issue. Cancer has become part of my life. It was not one episode that was successfully treated and then it was over. This is a lifelong battle for my mother. She has defied statistics. She is an outlier. The perspective I have gained since that time has given me a different outlook. While most people think that nothing good can come out of a cancer diagnosis, I beg to differ. Had we not been presented with this challenge, we would have continued to live our lives not prioritizing the things most important. When you are faced with the concept of death, you live life differently. I also learned the gift of kindness and empathy. I noticed the care exerted by the nurses taking care of my mom. Whether it was bringing a warm blanket, taking a few minutes to listen and sympathize, or even crying with my mom when she got back an unfavorable test result. The nurses have helped my mom through the rigorous chronic treatment over the last nine years and relieve the relentless pressures that accompany it. It made me want to help too. Despite the challenges I had faced accompanying my mother’s diagnosis, I graduated high school with a 5.18 GPA while volunteering in the NICU at a local hospital. I maintained this level of success in college, finishing my first semester at UTK with a 3.98 GPA. Standing alongside my mother in her cancer journey inspired a career in nursing. Chadwick Boseman, a late American actor that died from cancer, said in a commencement speech at Howard University, "The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose." This is precisely true for me.

I was in fifth grade when I found out my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. At the time of her initial diagnosis at age 38, the cancer had spread to almost every bone in her body. Her diagnosis carried a five-year survival rate of about 20%. “Your mom is getting the best treatment,” my family reassured me. Despite their assurances, I couldn’t see the sun behind the ominous clouds. I could not see the good that was going to come of this terrible situation. But looking back over the past nine years, I realize I was wrong. Initially, I feared I would let my anger and worry consume me. Was my mom going to be there to cheer me on at my swim meets or see me graduate high school? I struggled to cope with her diagnosis, but my mom helped me to re-evaluate my perspective. She told me that no amount of worrying we do or anger we have would change the situation. She told me that she was going to trust her treatment, and we would make the best memories together with whatever time she had left. The disease taught me to stop worrying about minor problems and truly appreciate the little things, whether it’s watching a beautiful sunset or telling a funny joke and making someone laugh. Most importantly, I learned the gift of kindness and empathy. While at chemotherapy or during scans, I noticed the kindness and care exerted by the nurses taking care of my mom. Whether it was being quick with a warm blanket and a smile, taking a few minutes to listen and sympathize, or even crying with my mom when she got back an unfavorable test result, the nurses have helped my mom through the rigorous chronic treatment over the last eight years and help relieve the relentless pressures that accompany it. Watching the nurses provide care made me want to help too. I applied for direct admit Bachelor of Science Nursing program. Despite the many challenges I have faced accompanying my mother’s diagnosis, I graduated high school with a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking many advanced placement classes and volunteering in the NICU at a local hospital 6 hours per week. I have been able to maintain this work ethic and level of success in college, finishing the first semester with a 3.98 GPA. My exposure in the NICU has solidified my interest in specializing in pediatric nursing. My initial interest in pediatrics was a result of serving as a mentor to young swimmers on my neighborhood swim team. I have also served as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor for the past four summers. I have always been able to develop trusting relationships and form personal connections with the children I have mentored and taught. I may have an interest in combining my experience with cancer and my interest in pediatrics leading to a career in pediatric oncology. Standing alongside my mother through her cancer journey has inspired a career in nursing. Chadwick Boseman, a late American actor that died from cancer, once said in a commencement speech at Howard University, "The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose." This is precisely true for me. This scholarship would assist my family in covering the cost of obtaining a BSN. Nursing tuition includes many additional fees that other majors do not incur. My mom has been undergoing expensive ongoing treatment since her diagnosis in 2015. She has also had multiple surgeries and procedures which have required time off from work.

I was in fifth grade when I found out my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. At the time of her initial diagnosis at age 38, the cancer had spread to almost every bone in her body. Her diagnosis carried a five-year survival rate of about 20%. “Your mom is getting the best treatment,” my family reassured me. Despite their assurances, I couldn’t see the sun behind the ominous clouds. I could not see the good that was going to come of this terrible situation. But looking back over the past nine years, I realize I was wrong. Initially, I feared I would let my anger and worry consume me. Was my mom going to be there to cheer me on at my swim meets or see me graduate high school? I struggled to cope with her diagnosis, but my mom helped me to re-evaluate my perspective. She told me that no amount of worrying we do or anger we have would change the situation. She told me that she was going to trust her treatment, and we would make the best memories together with whatever time she had left. The disease taught me to stop worrying about minor problems and truly appreciate the little things, whether it’s watching a beautiful sunset or telling a funny joke and making someone laugh. Most importantly, I learned the gift of kindness and empathy. While at chemotherapy or during scans, I noticed the kindness and care exerted by the nurses taking care of my mom. Whether it was being quick with a warm blanket and a smile, taking a few minutes to listen and sympathize, or even crying with my mom when she got back an unfavorable test result, the nurses have helped my mom through the rigorous chronic treatment over the last eight years and help relieve the relentless pressures that accompany it. Watching the nurses provide care made me want to help too. I applied for direct admit Bachelor of Science Nursing program. Despite the many challenges I have faced accompanying my mother’s diagnosis, I graduated high school with a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking many advanced placement classes and volunteering in the NICU at a local hospital 6 hours per week. I have been able to maintain this work ethic and level of success in college, finishing the first semester with a 3.98 GPA. My exposure in the NICU has solidified my interest in specializing in pediatric nursing. My initial interest in pediatrics was a result of serving as a mentor to young swimmers on my neighborhood swim team. I have also served as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor for the past four summers. I have always been able to develop trusting relationships and form personal connections with the children I have mentored and taught. I may have an interest in combining my experience with cancer and my interest in pediatrics leading to a career in pediatric oncology. Standing alongside my mother through her cancer journey has inspired a career in nursing. Chadwick Boseman, a late American actor that died from cancer, once said in a commencement speech at Howard University, "The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose." This is precisely true for me. This scholarship would assist my family in covering the cost of obtaining a BSN. Nursing tuition includes many additional fees that other majors do not incur. My mom has been undergoing expensive ongoing treatment since her diagnosis in 2015. She has also had multiple surgeries and procedures which have required time off from work.

I was in fifth grade when I found out my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. At the time of her initial diagnosis at age 38, the cancer had spread to almost every bone in her body. Her diagnosis carried a five-year survival rate of about 20%. “Your mom is getting the best treatment,” my family reassured me. Despite their assurances, I couldn’t see the sun behind the ominous clouds. I could not see the good that was going to come of this terrible situation. But looking back over the past nine years, I realize I was wrong. Initially, I feared I would let my anger and worry consume me. Was my mom going to be there to cheer me on at my swim meets or see me graduate high school? I struggled to cope with her diagnosis, but my mom helped me to re-evaluate my perspective. She told me that no amount of worrying we do or anger we have would change the situation. She told me that she was going to trust her treatment, and we would make the best memories together with whatever time she had left. The disease taught me to stop worrying about minor problems and truly appreciate the little things, whether it’s watching a beautiful sunset or telling a funny joke and making someone laugh. Most importantly, I learned the gift of kindness and empathy. While at chemotherapy or during scans, I noticed the kindness and care exerted by the nurses taking care of my mom. Whether it was being quick with a warm blanket and a smile, taking a few minutes to listen and sympathize, or even crying with my mom when she got back an unfavorable test result, the nurses have helped my mom through the rigorous chronic treatment over the last eight years and help relieve the relentless pressures that accompany it. Watching the nurses provide care made me want to help too. I applied for direct admit Bachelor of Science Nursing program. Despite the many challenges I have faced accompanying my mother’s diagnosis, I graduated high school with a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking many advanced placement classes and volunteering in the NICU at a local hospital 6 hours per week. I have been able to maintain this work ethic and level of success in college, finishing the first semester with a 3.98 GPA. My exposure in the NICU has solidified my interest in specializing in pediatric nursing. My initial interest in pediatrics was a result of serving as a mentor to young swimmers on my neighborhood swim team. I have also served as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor for the past four summers. I have always been able to develop trusting relationships and form personal connections with the children I have mentored and taught. I may have an interest in combining my experience with cancer and my interest in pediatrics leading to a career in pediatric oncology. Standing alongside my mother through her cancer journey has inspired a career in nursing. Chadwick Boseman, a late American actor that died from cancer, once said in a commencement speech at Howard University, "The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose." This is precisely true for me. This scholarship would assist my family in covering the cost of obtaining a BSN. Nursing tuition includes many additional fees that other majors do not incur. My mom has been undergoing expensive ongoing treatment since her diagnosis in 2015. She has also had multiple surgeries and procedures which have required time off from work.

I was in fifth grade when I found out my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. At the time of her initial diagnosis at age 38, the cancer had spread to almost every bone in her body. Her diagnosis carried a five-year survival rate of about 20%. “Your mom is getting the best treatment,” my family reassured me. Despite their assurances, I couldn’t see the sun behind the ominous clouds. I could not see the good that was going to come of this terrible situation. But looking back over the past nine years, I realize I was wrong. Initially, I feared I would let my anger and worry consume me. Was my mom going to be there to cheer me on at my swim meets or see me graduate high school? I struggled to cope with her diagnosis, but my mom helped me to re-evaluate my perspective. She told me that no amount of worrying we do or anger we have would change the situation. She told me that she was going to trust in her treatment, and we would make the best memories together with whatever time she had left. The disease taught me to stop worrying about minor problems and truly appreciate the little things, whether it’s watching a beautiful sunset or telling a funny joke and making someone laugh. Most importantly, I learned the gift of kindness and empathy. While at chemotherapy or during scans, I noticed the kindness and care exerted by the nurses taking care of my mom. Whether it was being quick with a warm blanket and a smile, taking a few minutes to listen and sympathize, or even crying with my mom when she got back an unfavorable test result, the nurses have helped my mom through the rigorous chronic treatment over the last eight years and help relieve the relentless pressures that accompany it. Watching the nurses provide care made me want to help too. I applied for direct admit Bachelor of Science Nursing program. Despite the many challenges I have faced accompanying my mother’s diagnosis, I graduated high school with a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking many advanced placement classes and volunteering in the NICU at a local hospital 6 hours per week. I have been able to maintain this work ethic and level of success in college finishing the first semester with a 3.98 GPA. My exposure in the NICU has solidified my interest in specializing in pediatric nursing. My initial interest in pediatrics was a result of serving as a mentor to young swimmers on my neighborhood swim team. I have also served as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor for the past four summers. I have been always been able to develop trusting relationships and form personal connections with the children I have mentored and taught. I may have an interest in combining my experience with cancer and my interest in pediatrics leading to a career in pediatric oncology. Standing alongside my mother through her cancer journey has inspired a career in nursing. Chadwick Boseman, a late American actor that died from cancer, once said in a commencement speech at Howard University, "The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose." This is precisely true for me. This scholarship would assist my family in covering the cost of obtaining a BSN. Nursing tuition includes many additional fees that other majors do not incur. My mom has been undergoing expensive ongoing treatment since her diagnosis in 2015. She has also had multiple surgeries and procedures which have required time of from work.