Healthcare has been the field of study I have been interested in my whole life as I have always wanted to help others. I am currently a junior at Sacred Heart University in their nursing program. I have been attending clinicals and have had hands-on opportunities, such as witnessing a cesarean section delivery, that is shaping what I wanted to do with my career. The bachelor’s in nursing program has taught me diligence, how to keep my head up, and never give up.

Sacred Heart University has also given me the opportunity to get involved in an organization that is much bigger than myself. I had joined Kappa Delta during my freshman year and it opened so many doors. My sorority works very closely with a program called Prevent Child Abuse America which creates real change in the lives of children nationwide. We raised over $30,000 at our event called Shamrock the Runway last year which went towards supporting St. Joseph’s Parenting Center. We also hold many events with the local Girl Scouts to promote confidence and growth from a young age. Although these events are created for the Girl Scouts, being there and working with them truly shaped me as well. Kappa Delta is something that I did for fun here at Sacred Heart, but it grew to become a very meaningful experience.

The most influential people in my life are my parents. My father has taught me how to be the strong, hardworking, and driven woman that I am today. When I was 11 years old, my mother passed away suddenly, and it was the hardest thing my family had to go through. My father had to take on the role of both parents for me and my siblings and has done the most amazing job. His strength inspires me every day to get through the challenges I face in my life. Although my mother was only with me for a short period of time, she taught me everything I needed to know to be the best version of myself. I am so grateful for how she shaped me into the woman I am today. I think about my mother all the time when I am in school because she had a major influence on who I am today and who I want to be in the future.

My mother introduced me to the Columbus Citizens Foundation when I was in the fifth grade. Since then, the Foundation has changed my life in the most positive ways. When I received a scholarship for the first time, I was so honored because my hard work was getting recognized. I am so thankful for those involved in the Foundation for assisting me tremendously with my finances for my education. The Foundation enabled me to go to St. Edmund Preparatory High school where I received an amazing education and made the best memories. This led me to the nursing program at Sacred Heart University. Because of its exceptional program and all they had to offer, Sacred Heart University was my top choice and if it wasn’t for CCF, I wouldn’t be here. The Foundation guided me on the right path for school, my career, and my whole life. I do not know where I would be or if I would even be studying nursing if it wasn’t for CCF, and for that, I am so thankful.