I am from Fairhope, Alabama, and I will be attending The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). I plan to major in Nursing, with the goal of continuing on to become a nurse practitioner,
particularly in psychiatric-mental health nursing.

How did you find out about the All-Star Scholarship? I found out about the UMPS CARE All-Star Scholarship while looking into scholarship opportunities available to students with an adoption and foster care background. I was so grateful to learn about this opportunity and to be considered for a scholarship that understands and supports students with experiences like mine.

What does this scholarship mean to you and your education? This scholarship means so much to me because it is not only financial support for my education, but also encouragement as I begin this new chapter of my life. Starting college is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially because I have never personally seen what college was like for someone in my family. Knowing that the UMPS CARE family believes in me gives me confidence as I work toward my nursing degree. This scholarship will help me focus more on my education and on becoming the kind of nurse who makes people feel supported, cared for, and heard.

Tell us about your family and your adoption. How old were you when you were adopted? My family has played a huge role in who I am today. I was adopted by my parents, Courtney and
Tanner, on December 16, 2020, when I was 13 years old. My adoption gave me a permanent family and a support system that has encouraged me to pursue my goals and become the person
I want to be.

How has being adopted given you a different perspective on life than your peers? Being adopted has taught me not to take the people and opportunities in my life for granted. My
experiences have given me a strong appreciation for stability, family, and the people who choose to show up for others. They have also made me more empathetic toward people who may be going through difficult things that others cannot see. I think that perspective will stay with me throughout college and eventually shape the way I care for my patients.

What’s one thing about you most people don’t know? One thing most people don’t know about me is how much I value serving others quietly. I have always enjoyed helping people without needing attention or recognition for it. Through my church and children’s ministry experiences, I have learned that some of the most meaningful ways to make a difference are simply being present, listening, and making someone feel cared for.

What’s one thing about you most people don’t know? One thing most people don’t know about me is how much I value serving others quietly. I have always enjoyed helping people without needing attention or recognition for it. Through my church and children’s ministry experiences, I have learned that some of the most meaningful ways to make a difference are simply being present, listening, and making someone feel cared for.

What are some things you want to accomplish during school? During school, I want to become a strong nursing student, build meaningful relationships, and take advantage of opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. I want to stay involved in service and continue working with children and families when I can. Most importantly, I want to graduate with the knowledge, compassion, and confidence I need to become a nurse who genuinely makes a difference in people’s lives.

Where do you want to be in 10 years? In 10 years, I hope to be an established nurse practitioner who is making a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients. I would love to work in psychiatric-mental health care and be someone patients feel safe talking to and cared for by. I also hope to have a life surrounded by family, faith, and people I love. My goal is to use everything I have experienced to help others feel supported and remind them that their circumstances do not have to define their future.