Scholarship Finalists 2023

1. Ethan William Throop

I was not always a very helpful or grateful person. I often thought of my own wants and needs despite the practice of selflessness my parents tried to instill in me. But over time I changed. My family has always been very blessed by those around us. Whether by close friends or those we didn’t even know well. We have often received astounding care when we have been down on our luck and didn’t see how we would get ourselves back up, or how others would help us up. One time in particular that effected my behavior and outlook on life, is when all six of us were still living together and two of our cars broke down. We were down to one car, and it was not our sturdiest car either. During this time, both my mom and dad were working, my older brother and sister were going to school, and both had different sports they were a part of. We had no idea how we were going to get to all our different commitments or find ourselves a reliable car with our limited spendable income at that time. We thought we would have to go into debt to be able to afford a decent car, but we were provided for. Some people we knew through a mutual friend were moving away and were trying to get rid of their car and when they heard of our need, they just gave it to us. Then shortly after that, another friend sold us a car for an extremely marked down price. This along with other situations is what taught me not only to be grateful and content, but also to give to others as well. Many people lack the supplies or care they need, so I have begun to take it upon myself to help wherever I can, though it seems like such a small thing sometimes. That is partly why I want to become a nurse. I want to be able to bless others like my family and I were and help improve the lives of others around me, whether by being a kind and loving presence to people while they are struggling with an injury, sickness, or disease, or just giving some flour to my neighbor when they are running low.

2. Ky-Mani Peterson

In a world where acts of kindness are often overshadowed by self-interest, the story of my mother's auntie stands out as a beacon of hope. Her unwavering support and generosity not only rescued my single mother from the clutches of an abusive relationship but also opened doors of opportunity that would shape my future. This essay explores the profound impact of her act of kindness, highlighting how it transformed our lives and nurtured a newfound sense of strength and determination.

My mother's auntie recognized the financial strain my mother faced as a single parent, and she selflessly stepped forward to alleviate her burdens. She paid off my mother's rent, ensuring a stable and secure living environment for us. Additionally, she generously covered our grocery expenses, relieving the constant worry of putting food on the table. By removing these financial obstacles, she created a foundation upon which my mother could rebuild her life.

Recognizing the power of education as a catalyst for change, my mother's auntie took it upon herself to invest in my future. She generously donated to my college funds, laying the groundwork needed to pursue higher education. This act of kindness not only empowered me with the means to acquire a quality education but also instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude and motivation to make the most of this opportunity.

Beyond the financial support, my mother's auntie was a pillar of strength during a tumultuous time. She provided unwavering emotional support, guiding my mother towards healing and self-discovery after enduring an abusive relationship. Her nurturing presence helped my mother regain her confidence, paving the way for a brighter, more hopeful future.

The act of kindness displayed by my mother's auntie has left an indelible mark on our lives. Her selflessness and generosity not only rescued my mother from a dire situation but also laid the foundation for our continued growth and success. This profound act of kindness has inspired me to pay it forward, to be a source of support and hope for others in need. Through her actions, my mother's auntie exemplified the true essence of kindness, reminding us of the transformative power it possesses. As I embark on my academic journey, I carry her love and support in my heart, determined to make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.

3. Arneissa Powell

One of the most profound experiences in life is witnessing an act of kindness. It has the power to touch our hearts, restore our faith in humanity, and inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. I was fortunate enough to witness such an act of kindness that left a lasting impact on me, inspiring me to spread compassion and empathy to others.

It was a cold winter day when I saw an elderly woman struggling to walk across a busy intersection. She seemed disoriented and overwhelmed by the bustling city streets. Most people hurried past her without a second glance, absorbed in their own lives and concerns. However, one young man caught my attention as he approached her with a warm smile.

The young man gently offered his arm to the elderly woman, providing her with the support she needed to navigate the icy sidewalks. He walked slowly, matching her pace, making sure she felt safe and comfortable. It was evident that he genuinely cared for her well-being, as he patiently listened to her stories and shared genuine laughter with her.

This act of kindness deeply moved me. In a world that often seems self-centered and indifferent, witnessing this young man's compassion reminded me of the power we all possess to make a positive difference in someone's life. It made me question my own actions and behaviors, prompting me to reflect on how I could contribute to making the world a kinder and more compassionate place.

Inspired by this young man's kindness, I began seeking opportunities to help others in my community. I volunteered at local shelters, spent time with the elderly in nursing homes, and engaged in small acts of kindness, such as holding the door open for someone or offering a genuine smile to a stranger. These seemingly insignificant gestures may not have a monumental impact, but they have the potential to brighten someone's day and remind them that they are seen and valued.

Moreover, this act of kindness taught me the importance of empathy and understanding. It reminded me that we all carry burdens and struggles, regardless of our age or background. By taking the time to listen and show compassion, we can alleviate some of the weight that others carry, even if only for a moment.

Witnessing this act of kindness not only impacted my actions but also shifted my perspective on the world. It reminded me that amidst the chaos and busyness of life, there are opportunities to show kindness and make a positive impact. It strengthened my belief that even the smallest acts of kindness can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to extend compassion to those around them.

In conclusion, the act of kindness I witnessed that winter day continues to inspire me to this day. It serves as a constant reminder that each of us has the power to make a difference in someone's life, no matter how small the gesture may seem. By spreading kindness and empathy, we can create a world that is more compassionate, understanding, and united.

4. Claudia Vivas

One day, my mother and I were waiting for my brother to audition for an art school in Downtown Miami when we encountered a young homeless man asking for money. Instead of simply giving him cash, we decided to listen to his story and see if there was any other way to help him. We learned that he had been living on the streets for months and had lost all hope of ever changing his situation. He felt abandoned by the world, with no family or friends to turn to.

My mother was moved by his plight and bought him a plate of food. She also offered to buy him new clothes and hygiene products and connect him to resources that could help him find a job. Initially hesitant, the young man eventually agreed to accept her offer, and we walked him to an office of volunteers working with the homeless population.

The volunteers worked with him over a few weeks to help him find a job, a place to live, and access to healthcare. They even helped him reconnect with his estranged family. The transformation in this man's life was amazing. He went from feeling hopeless and alone to feeling like he had a second chance at life.

What inspired me the most about this act of kindness was the dedication and selflessness of my mother and the volunteers. Even though they didn't have to help this man, they chose to do so out of the goodness of their hearts. They didn't just give him a handout; they worked with him to help him become self-sufficient and regain his dignity. This act of kindness showed me that even the smallest gestures could significantly impact someone's life. It also reminded me that we all have the power to make a positive difference in the world, no matter how big or small.

5. Anika Kale

As a national level athlete, I dreamed of being an NCAA college athlete and had worked hard to maintain grades. In my junior year of high school, it seemed like my hard work was about to pay off and I was talking to three top colleges for possible fencing recruitment.

Life, however, had other plans, and five days before the Junior Olympics, I was in a car crash. A speeding car T-boned my car, which flipped 270 degrees. I knew I was lucky to escape with only a concussion, yet I felt like the unluckiest person alive. I was unable to fence and continue conversations with these college coaches at the Junior Olympics, thereby diminishing chances of recruitment. Everything I had worked for seemed to evaporate and I was consumed by self-pity.

When suddenly, a small breath of gratitude crept in. I was grateful to be alive. I was grateful to the passerby who rushed to help me and for his immense kindness.

He rushed to the car and knocked on the window till I became conscious. He kept talking to me and asked me to open the sunroof, now perpendicular to the road. Fighting through airbags, I tried. The sunroof opened a little but got jammed. My anonymous friend continued to talk to me, asking me to not lose hope. Using sheer force, he yanked the sunroof, breaking it open and helped me crawl out – alive.

As I sat trembling on the pavement, they called 911. His friend removed glass pieces from my hair and lent me her phone to call my parents.

In the ensuing blur of lights and sounds of police cars and ambulances, I searched for my friend, but he was gone. I know I will never forget his voice urging me to remain conscious after the shock.

I may never see him again or know his identity. Yet just as he saved me, I would like to pursue a career that saves lives of others, by perhaps pursuing a career in Emergency medicine. It will be my thank-you to my anonymous friend.

6. Brooke Nez

Two years ago I was going about my figure skating lesson like I had any other. During a botched attempt at a flip toe-loop jump combination I broke, nay, shattered both my tibia and fibula. The injury would have rendered me unable to walk for more than 30 minutes at a time without undergoing surgery to have an internal fixation screwed into my bone. The injury was hard on me and the surgery was painful but I made it my mission to get back out onto the ice as soon as possible. While I was lying in bed feeling sorry for myself, my coach was on a mission of her own. It was determined that the injury was partially the result of ill-fitting boots. My lack of affinity for the feminine white boots made the choice for black skates a no-brainer. The problem was that they were made to fit men and boys, and while with regular shoes it’s not that big of a deal to wear men’s styles, it became one with something as structured as an ice-skating boot. My coach, Odie, decided to start a fundraising campaign for custom skates. She began raising money weeks after I had initially injured myself, and all throughout my recovery it had been kept a secret from me. With the help of Facebook, news of the campaign spread to my extended family, friends of my parents, friends of my coach, fellow skaters, and anonymous individuals who felt like showing an act of kindness. By the time the money was raised and an appointment to get my foot measured was scheduled, I was walking with the aid of a brace. My mother sent me off to the city, which is give or take 2 hours away, under the guise of another appointment for my ankle. Imagine my surprise when we pulled up to the rink. Inside my coach waited with a consultant from the skate company. Tears filled my eyes as I hugged her. To this day, I feel the love those skates were made with every time I lace them up.

7. Samantha Malpartida Melendez

The moment I met my little niece and she opened her little eyes to me, I realized that there was nothing better than being next to her and holding her little hand. Last year in December, my sister, my nephews, my mother, and I were in the living room watching a movie, but my niece had fallen asleep, so my sister took her to her room to rest, but her brother just went to see her and we heard him scream saying that Brianna was drowning and was purple. At that moment I didn't know how to react and my sister quickly tried to help her breathe and my mother called the emergency room. The truth is that I hugged my nephew and felt tears falling down my eyes because of fear. After a few minutes, my niece got better and the ambulance arrived and they took her to the hospital. They did many tests to find out what had happened and asked my sister many questions. After a few days, they told us that my niece had laryngomalacia and that they needed to operate on her, since she couldn't drink milk, so she couldn't gain weight and that she wasn't well. She was only a month old. But the doctor who operated filled us with security, peace and positivity. For me, that doctor inspired me to become a pediatrician since she had excellent treatment with children, she was kind and soothed the family's nerves and doubts. That doctor always accompanied us, she talked with us every day to give us updates about my niece's surgery, she always brought us comfort with her words and actions, and she was very careful when handling the baby. I told her that I wanted to be a pediatrician and she gave me a lot of advice, but the most important was that children are beings full of love, innocence and life, so we must be very careful how we treat them and not We must forget that there is a family behind every child that is worried about him.

My niece's operation went very well and now she is a healthy and strong girl, but we still take great care of her.

8. Bitanya Ephrem

As I walked down the hospital hallway one evening, a frail, elderly voice called out. Turning the corner, I found a patient struggling to reach her water bottle from her bed. Offering a hand, her grateful eyes met mine, and in that brief moment, the simple act of fetching water made her smile with joy. Not knowing what she was going through, I understood that I had made a difference in her day. That made me realize that every room held a story, and every bed was a testament to human resilience. If offering a hand could bring comfort, how big would the impact of a nurse, someone trained to medically treat and emotionally support, be?

As I navigated Patient Service Main 4, my introduction was consistent: “Hello, I'm Bitanya, a volunteer. How can I help you today?” But the hopeful expressions I was met with often shifted to mild disappointment when patients realized I wasn't a nurse. These encounters made me understand the deep trust and expectations vested in the nursing profession. Their hope wasn't for just medical expertise but also for the warmth and understanding that nurses give off.

Inspired by these interactions, I recognized that nursing is a balanced blend of science and compassion. Observing nurses, I saw them effortlessly merge medical treatment with genuine empathy. Their dedication, which wove together the attention to detail of healthcare with the art of human connection, ignited my passion to embark on this journey. I yearn to combine my innate empathy with the skills of nursing. My vision extends beyond just medical care; I aspire to offer hope, comfort, and a sense of belonging. This deep-seated desire propels me towards a career in nursing, with a mission to ensure every patient feels truly acknowledged, cherished, and cared for.

9. Makayla Lofland

My first job in the medical field was right after I graduated with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, I accepted the position of a unit assistant for outpatient surgery at my local hospital. This job was more secretarial work than I had anticipated, I enjoyed the organization and the exposure to the medical field but I felt something was missing. I love surgery and my goal in life is to one day be a general surgeon so learning about surgery and seeing different parts of the field every day was wonderful, but I only had a bachelor's degree. Only having a bachelor's degree sounds like it should not be so tough, but in the medical field, it is. My degree was advanced, and wonderful, and I loved having this knowledge but unfortunately, I could not do any patient care with this degree so I had to stick to watching and listening while filing papers. Again, I learned so much from my position as a unit assistant but I wanted more, I craved doing more. I felt like I was not making a difference for people by answering phone calls or sitting at a desk in the waiting room making charts until I met Mrs. Flowers. Mrs. Flowers's husband had diabetes and had just finished chemo treatments for skin cancer. Unfortunately, because Mr. Flowers had cancer his body would not heal properly from the port that was removed since he no longer needed the chemo treatments. Luckily, my hospital had a wound care clinic with a hyperbaric chamber to aid in healing but this treatment can take about six hours each day. The waiting room in the wound care clinic was small and crowded and Mrs. Flowers never felt comfortable sitting there all day waiting for her husband to be done, they also drove two hours every day to do these treatments. I noticed this with Mrs. Flowers and offered her a more comfortable and spacious seat in my waiting room. For months I saw Mrs. Flowers every day, six hours a day until her husband was finished with his treatment. On his last day of treatment, Mrs. Flowers came to me and expressed how much this small act of kindness was a tremendous gift to her. Because of my relationship with Mrs. Flowers, I realized that you do not have to be the nurse in the patient room or the doctor to give them a diagnosis, sometimes the biggest impact for people is a comfortable and spacious waiting room.

10. Wenchell Jean Claude

I was sitting in my math class anxious to get my test back from my teacher, and so after minutes of just waiting she finally gave it back. Boom, my heart dropped and all of my emotions plummeted because of how disappointed I was because of the low test score I got. The bell rang and I started walking to my next class in the most upsetting emotion. All I was thinking was,”I don't want to be here anymore”. All I wanted was to burst into tears because I felt like a failure. While I was halfway to my next class I heard from a distance, “Hey, Wenchell keep your head up, you got this' '. That complement changed everything that day for me. It made me think,”maybe i'm not a failure. Ali Al Terkti was his name that changed my perspective on life that day and I knew him because he was one of my friends in one of my classes. Hearing Ali saying that to me made me Smile and Keep on going. Ali is the most motivating and inspirational person I know. He as a kid was struggling with a home situation which he could not controle, but only kept on moving forward to be someone one day. Ali is a straight A’s student that loved being at school and would always make someone's day even if he was having a bad day. There would be days during the week at lunch where I had nothing to eat, but Ali would always make sure I had something to eat! Ali is there reason why I chose to be a Pediatrician. Proving to people that you can do whatever you want as long as you put your mind towards that goal you can achieve anything which is what me and Ali stood by. Ali Kindness is why I chose to become a pediatrician one day. I hope to encourage and motivate kids one day because a single complement could possibly change a kid's life. Ali certainly did that day, and it changed my whole perspective of life and I hope to do that for some kid one day too.

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