Back to School I Go

I took my Compass placement test for college today. I was extremely nervous but I did well. All that is left for me is to wait for the college to get my transcripts and let me know what they will accept for transfer. Then I will know what classes I will need to take for Summer semester. I am excited and nervous and I can't wait. It will be strange to go to school with a bunch of kids but I am up for it. I will get grants and if I have to, a student loan. I have the application for scholarships through the college. It requires that I write a letter that includes the following: Tell us how a scholarship will assist you in meeting your career goals. Tell us about your extra curricular/community activities/work. Tell us about some of your leadership activities. Tell us how a scholarship will help you overcomes your financial and extenuating circumstances. This is geared towards a recent high school graduate. I did my best with it. I am going to post it here and I ask that you please leave some helpful feedback, it's very important and means a lot. Thank you.

Scholarship

Since I was a young child my dream has been to become a nurse. I have always wanted to help and care for others, to contribute something meaningful to the world. The human body is full of wonder. I don't want to look back with regret,full of questions of what could have been. I currently regret that I didn't pursue my dream straight out of high school. I married early and started a family, obtained employment that paid the bills, but I have never given up on my dream. A scholarship would help me to realize that dream. I have the abilities, the drive,and the interest. A scholarship would help me to meet the financial needs I have as a parent and a student. I want my children to know that education is important and that you are never to old to learn or fulfill your dreams. When things look insurmountable, through perseverance and never losing focus on your goals, you can accomplish anything. Sometimes, life and things beyond your control get in the way, knock you down, get you off track. But if you keep focus, you can dust yourself off, stand yourself up,and keep climbing.

My eight year old recently had surgery to repair a hernia. We went to Lakeside Hospital in Omaha. His preoperative nurse was an amazing woman, she quickly put my child at ease. She spoke with him, not to him. She explained everything so that both my son and I fully understood what would occur. As we spoke, she told me she became a nurse at a time when all you needed was a diploma. She had been working as a nurse for over thirty years. After working in the same field for over thirty years she looked me in the eyes and said that it was the best thing she has ever done and that she loves what she does. How many people can say that about their jobs?

I have seven children at home. The oldest two are fifteen, the youngest is two. Working at a job and earning what many would consider decent pay, doesn't pay the bills. While pursuing my dream of nursing, I will not only obtain a job that I will love, but one that will provide an income level and shift flexibility that I need.

After discussing my return to school with a coworker, she said that she couldn't go back to school because she was too old. I replied that with the retirement age increasing I still have many years of work ahead of me,and it's better if I go back to school so I can at least enjoy the work, and get paid for my passion.

My extra curricular activities consists of being involved in my children's lives. We eat dinner together every night as a family. When someone has a test to study for or homework that they need help with, we tackle it together. We are a team, one for all and all for one. They support me entirely, as I support them. They talk about college, careers, and dreams. My two oldest are only three years away from being college students themselves. Since I decided to go back to school, they have been excited for me. They even waited to ask me how I did on my Compass test, and then congratulated me. Through my children I also contribute to my community and society as a whole my leading them and instructing them through life. When my job has been done well I will have strong, intelligent, contributing members of society.

To conclude, I am not your traditional student, I wear many hats, and play many roles. I have everything it takes to succeed. There is only one thing lacking, finances. The grants will help pay for tuition and books but there are many other expenses while attending school. In my case there will a reduction in employment hours and gas costs, living expenses, and daycare that will need to be paid. A scholarship will fill the financial need and help me reach my goals and the goals of my family. I will be an amazing nurse. I will be caring, compassionate, competent,confident,and a role model to my children and others. Thank you for the opportunity to prove this.