Making It Count by Abigail

Making It Count by Abigail - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

As I step into my first year at Towson University, I carry my parents’ sacrifices, my love for helping others, and big dreams for the future. I have high hopes for myself this year. I want to adjust to college life while staying focused on academics, finding ways to get involved on campus, and continuing the kind of service work that means so much to me. I’m planning to major in nursing, and this year is the start of a journey I’ve been working toward for a long time.

One of my biggest goals is to maintain a strong GPA so that I can apply to the nursing program. I earned my Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) license in high school, so I already know how important it is to stay organized and manage my time well. I want to keep building those habits in college. I also hope to shadow more nurses and join pre-nursing clubs to learn even more outside the classroom.

Another goal I’m excited about is staying connected to my community. In high school, I volunteered as a Spanish interpreter and supported elementary and middle school families who didn’t speak English. I plan to keep using my bilingual skills in college, and I want to join clubs that focus on helping others, especially in healthcare and mental health. Giving back is something that keeps me grounded.

Last summer, I had the chance to intern at Holy Cross Hospital through the Summer RISE program. I shadowed registered nurses and learned how to take vital signs, communicate clearly with patients, and understand the importance of kindness in healthcare. What stood out most was how building relationships with patients made a difference — I spent time talking with them and keeping them company, which helped them feel less alone and more comfortable. This experience showed me that nursing is about more than medicine; it’s about caring for people as whole human beings.

What motivates me most is my parents. I’m a first-generation college student, and I’ve seen how hard they’ve worked and how much they’ve given up to support me. I want to make them proud. I also think about the little kids I worked with during my volunteer experiences. They reminded me why I chose nursing. I want to be someone they can look up to and count on one day.

This year, I’m stepping into something completely new, but I know I belong here, and I’m ready to make it count.