Nakaya Hock

As I walked to the plate, bat in hand, I could always count on one person, yelling and cheering me on. From the softball field to the basketball court, my dad’s booming voice always rose above all the others. He was my biggest supporter, sometimes my harshest critic, but always my motivation. But at 14 years old, he was gone. A heart attack ripped me away from the person that was my rock and my foundation. I was left not knowing how to react or what I was going to do with my life. I never knew how much he pushed me until he was gone. “Life is not fair, get used to it.” How many times had I heard my dad say these words? Now, they held so much more meaning.
At first, I was lost and in disbelief that tragedies happened to 14-year-olds. There were some angry pity party moments where I wanted to wither up in depression, but Dad’s words kept playing through my mind. When he passed, I had to regain confidence and it gave me a sense of determination. I had to figure out how I could push myself. But I also know I wouldn’t be where I am today if my dad didn’t push me to be that person. My dad died of a heart attack, and my question could I have made a difference if I had been there? It was when I came to that last question that I realized there was one part of it I could control “making a difference.” I could not help my father but I could do something to make a difference for others. I could become a nurse. I want to try to bring back someone’s loved one. I want to be able to say I saved a life today. That thought has never left my brain about if I could have been there, then maybe I could have helped somehow.

This scholarship will help me pay for books. I have often pondered going to a 4-year school but starting at a 2-year school will save me some money. My mom has helped me with many things throughout my life, but with 5 kids as a single parent, it is hard for her to put 5 kids through college. If my dad would have had life insurance some of the hospital bills, funeral expenses, and many other things would have helped will all those bills. I have worked since I was 13. I have put most of my money into buying a reliable car and helping my mom pay the bills around the house. I am self-reliant with my bills and only spend money when it’s needed. Managing my money will be essential as I move into the next step. Coming out of nursing school with very little debt is my goal, and I’m working hard to meet that. Your scholarship consideration will be very helpful in helping me meet my goals. I’ve done all I can to take an unfair life and turn it into a life that will help others in their times of need. I hear my dad’s booming voice in the back of my head yelling “You got this, I am so proud of you, and you are ready for this.”