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Since I was a young girl my dream has always been to become a nurse. I have always wanted to help and care for others, to feel that I can contribute something meaningful to the world. My goals in this area were put on hold as I married early and started a family and concentrated on the daily needs of supporting my family.

I have also been inspired and encouraged by the lives and attitudes of nurses I have met while raising my children. My dreams were recently rekindled when my eight year old had surgery to repair a hernia. We went to Lakeside Hospital in Omaha. His preoperative nurse was an amazing woman; she quickly put my son 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 that 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. That's how I want to feel about my job as a nurse.

I regret that I didn't pursue my dream straight out of high school but I also know that it's never too late to complete your goals. I have spoken to my family at length about my going back to school to become a nurse and they support me all the way. 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 on my results.

I have seven children at home. With a family of seven children finances are strained. A scholarship will make the difference, and allow me to pursue my dream with a job that I will love, and provide an income level and the shift flexibility that I need. I want my children to know that education is important and that you are never too old to learn or fulfill your dreams. When things look insurmountable, through perseverance and never losing focus on your goals, you can accomplish anything.

I am very involved with my family and community outside of the work place. We make it a point to eat dinner together every night as a family so we can stay connected and involved in their lives. 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. Through my children I also contribute to my community and society as a whole by leading them and instructing them through life.


When my children were younger I was a member of the policy council for the Early Head Start Program. My children and I were one of the first families that were participants in the program. As an initial member of the program I was asked to participate in the formal kick-off dedication festivities. On February 19, 1998, I gave a speech in front of news reporters, officers of The Salvation Army, incumbent Mayor Hal Daub, and Senator J. Robert Kerrey. I wrote the speech two days prior to the engagement and I had never given a public speech outside of school. It was exhilarating and amazing. I was approached by both Mayor Hal Daub and Senator Kerrey after the dedication service; they both complimented me on my speech. I was later asked to speak again for the Salvation Army at a special fund raising dinner which was attended by prominent members of our community, which I accepted. I was the parent representative of the policy council that was requested to meet with Senator Hagel when he toured the Lied Renaissance Center. I was a part of the Early Head Start program for over two years.

To conclude, I am not your traditional student, I wear many hats, and play many roles. I have everything it takes to succeed, in terms of ability, motivation and family support. It is just the finances that are lacking. While a grant will help pay for tuition and books, there are many other expenses while attending school. 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. I hope that you will grant me a scholarship and give me the opportunity to prove this.