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Sydney Wade

615

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

Both of my parents graduated college in unconventional ways, so I am navigating my secondary education mostly on my own. I’m passionate about helping people, because I believe our greatest resource is everyone around us.

Education

California State University-East Bay

Bachelor's degree program
2021 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Medical Practice

    • Dream career goals:

    • Administration

      Blooming Brands
      2022 – Present2 years

    Sports

    Softball

    Junior Varsity
    2016 – 20182 years

    Boxing

    Club
    2017 – 20192 years

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Tutor
      2017 – 2020

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Jeannine Schroeder Women in Public Service Memorial Scholarship
    Through news and social media, as well as personal experiences and family health challenges, I've become acutely aware of an essential social issue: the need for comprehensive and compassionate healthcare. In response, I have committed myself to the nursing profession, not only as a career but also as a conduit to address this significant societal concern. The healthcare system, while technically advanced, often lacks the necessary empathy, patient-centered care, and adequate communication that are the hallmarks of truly effective and humanistic medical care. My stepmother's ordeal with nerve pain and her subsequent mistreatment by her healthcare team highlighted this issue in stark reality. Similarly, my stepsister's struggle during her teenage pregnancy exposed the dearth of patient education and support within the healthcare system. These experiences have propelled me to strive for a transformation in healthcare practices, with an emphasis on empathy, patient advocacy, and improved communication between healthcare providers and patients. My goal is to work towards a system where no individual feels neglected, misunderstood, or misled, particularly during their most vulnerable moments. To address this social issue, I am equipping myself with the necessary skills and knowledge through nursing, emergency, and first aid courses. These courses have provided a solid foundation for understanding the medical aspects of patient care. They have also reinforced the significance of empathy and swift decision-making in emergency situations. In the long term, I aim to achieve a nurse practitioner's license and specialize in one of three sectors: women's health, prenatal care, or labor and delivery. These realms of healthcare are where I believe I can make a significant impact. My dream is to ensure that everyone can make educated, happy decisions about family planning and make sure that each pregnant person's transition into parenthood is met with appropriate guidance, care, and empathy, a marked shift from the experiences of my stepsister. Furthermore, I envision my future practice as a haven where every patient feels listened to and valued. I aim to establish an environment that fosters trust, open communication, and accurate diagnosis and treatment. In conclusion, my personal experiences have led me to acknowledge the shortcomings within the current healthcare system, an issue I am determined to address. The path I have chosen is undoubtedly challenging, but it also offers numerous opportunities to make a difference. Through my work in nursing, I hope to usher in a new era of healthcare where empathy, patient advocacy, and comprehensive care are not just ideals, but realities. My journey in nursing is not just a pursuit of a career, it is my way of addressing a vital social issue, one patient at a time. I believe in the potential of healthcare to transform lives, and I am committed to being part of that transformation.
    Rose Browne Memorial Scholarship for Nursing
    Growing up as the child of a single father in the military, my life has been a unique blend of resilience, adaptability, and exposure to a variety of experiences. These experiences, including witnessing close family members navigate challenging health situations, have significantly influenced my decision to pursue a career in nursing. My life, thus far, has cultivated within me an unwavering commitment to helping others, an aspiration that aligns seamlessly with the noble profession of nursing. A common saying in the military community is, "just rub some dirt in it," a mentality that fosters endurance and self-sufficiency. Growing up, this expression was frequently used in our household, creating an environment where one learned to handle adversity with courage and determination. However, this attitude, while suitable for managing temporary setbacks, falls short when dealing with more complex health issues. My family's personal health experiences have taught me that there's a place for endurance, but also a critical need for attentive and compassionate healthcare. I witnessed this firsthand when my stepmother was irrevocably disabled by nerve pain. The healthcare team in charge of her case failed to provide the care, support, and empathy she needed. The experience was agonizing to witness, and I felt a deep-seated frustration at the healthcare system's apparent shortcomings. This incident highlighted the importance of medical professionals who are equipped not only with medical knowledge, but also with empathy and the ability to connect with patients on a human level. Similarly, my stepsister's teenage pregnancy was a glaring example of a health system's insufficiencies. Her care team's inability to offer adequate education and support compounded her fears, turning an already challenging situation into a traumatic ordeal. These experiences helped me understand the vast difference proper nursing care can make and ignited a desire to contribute positively to the healthcare system. My first step toward this goal was acquiring foundational medical knowledge through nursing, emergency, and first aid courses. I learned valuable life-saving techniques, but more importantly, I understood the significance of empathy, patient-centric care, and advocacy in health outcomes. In conclusion, my life experiences, particularly growing up in a military household and witnessing loved ones struggle with health issues, have shaped my decision to choose nursing. It is these experiences that fuel my resolve to improve the current healthcare system and ensure every patient receives care that is not only medically sound but also humane and compassionate. Just as resilience and determination are cornerstones of the "just rub some dirt in it" mentality, I intend to embed these traits in my nursing practice while incorporating empathy, patient advocacy, and high-quality care. My journey in nursing is not just a career choice; it is a personal mission stemming from my life experiences and a firm belief that everyone deserves the best care possible.
    Kelly O. Memorial Nursing Scholarship
    Among the many specialties in nursing, my primary interests lie in pursuing women's health, prenatal care, or labor and delivery. These three choices are not arbitrary but have roots in witnessing the consequences of improper care and education during my stepsister's teenage pregnancy. Observing her ordeal ignited in me a fierce resolve to ensure that every woman's journey into motherhood is treated with the utmost respect, care, and appropriate guidance. I dream of a system where expectant mothers feel supported and confident, knowing that they are in skilled and empathetic hands. To prepare myself for this ambitious journey, I have been proactive in acquiring knowledge and hands-on experience in nursing, emergency, and first aid courses. I've not only delved into the technicalities of patient care but also understood the importance of quick decision-making and empathetic communication. The courses have offered a solid foundation upon which I can build the multifaceted skills required in nursing. Yet, I realize that technical knowledge alone is not enough. My stepmother's experience with nerve pain and her subsequent mistreatment by her care team underscored the importance of patient advocacy and holistic care. As I watched her struggle, I understood that nursing goes beyond physical care; it's about emotional support, advocating for patients' rights, and being the voice that questions and demands answers when things seem amiss. In an endeavor to bridge the gap between medical expertise and compassion, I plan to achieve my nurse practitioner's license. As a nurse practitioner, I aim to elevate the standard of care and bring about systemic changes that prioritize patient well-being and satisfaction. I envision my future practice as a sanctuary where patients feel listened to, empowered, and confident in their care. Driven by my personal experiences, my path in nursing is one of passion and determination. It's not merely a career choice; it's a commitment to transform the healthcare system, one patient at a time. I seek to ensure that no one faces the ordeals my family experienced, that everyone has access to patient-centered care, and that no one feels alone in their healthcare journey. In conclusion, my interest in nursing is a testament to my belief in empathy, advocacy, and relentless pursuit of excellence. I am steadfast in my commitment to improve the healthcare system and protect others from misgivings and misinformation. The road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but it is a challenge that I willingly accept and am prepared for. My journey in nursing has just begun, and I am excited about the opportunities and transformative experiences it will bring.
    Sara Jane Memorial Scholarship
    The nursing industry has intrigued me since my early years, not because of its white coats or advanced technologies, but due to the raw human essence it embodies - empathy, care, and commitment. My interest is born from a place of profound personal experience and an undying desire to influence change. Watching my stepmother grapple with debilitating nerve pain, and being sidelined by her care team, was a life-altering experience for me. I witnessed her suffer, not only from her condition but also from the apathy of those who were meant to provide care and solace. The impact was so irrevocable that it embedded in me a deep-seated need to ensure that no individual should feel alienated or deceived within the healthcare system, especially in their most vulnerable moments. Another decisive moment was accompanying my stepsister through her tumultuous teenage pregnancy. The lack of care and education from her care team amplified her fears and anxieties, making an already challenging situation even more difficult. These experiences shaped my understanding of healthcare, underlining the urgency for compassion, accuracy, and patient-centric care. Although I lack professional medical experience, I have invested significant time and energy into acquiring knowledge that will prepare me for my nursing journey. During my teenage years, I completed emergency and first aid courses, learning basic yet crucial lifesaving techniques. While these courses served as my initial foray into the medical field, they underscored the importance of prompt and efficient response in medical emergencies, a quality I intend to bring into my nursing career. My ultimate ambition is to own a practice as a nurse practitioner. This goal is motivated not just by the prospect of professional growth, but more so by the opportunity it presents to effect meaningful change within the healthcare system. I envision a practice where patients feel heard, cared for, and empowered. I yearn to foster an environment of trust, open communication, and relentless pursuit of accurate diagnosis and treatment. To date, my greatest accomplishment has been deciding to pursue a nursing career despite my lack of conventional experience. This decision, inspired by personal circumstances, has given me clarity and purpose. It has been my compass, guiding my pursuits, and instilling in me a relentless determination to ensure that the unfortunate experiences of my family members aren't repeated. The path I have chosen is not easy; the challenges are many, but so too are the opportunities to make a difference. I believe that my personal experiences have laid the foundation for me to become a caring and empathetic nurse, dedicated to improving patient experiences. My goal is not just to be a nurse but to be a beacon of hope for those who need it most. In conclusion, the nursing industry interests me because it represents an avenue for personal growth, a platform for positive societal change, and an opportunity to provide genuine and compassionate care to those who need it. It presents an opportunity to turn my painful personal experiences into lessons that can better the lives of others. The journey may be long, but I am ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead in my pursuit of a successful nursing career.