Lauren McNeely

Dear Reach for the Stars Nursing Scholarship Program,

Since the day before Thanksgiving, I’ve been trying to wrap my mind around the fact I was chosen to receive such an amazing opportunity — I literally prayed on it from the time I wrote the essay!! The journey from finishing my prerequisites, to taking my TEAS and then applying has been such a rollercoaster because life has its ways of knocking you down sometimes but getting back was the true test for me.

After receiving my acceptance letter into KCKCC, I was ecstatic but still worried about how I could possibly afford to pay for it as I already had a balance owed to the college. I was stressed about how I could work enough hours to take care of home and pay tuition all while being a full-time nursing student. I went out on a limb and applied and told myself, “The worst they can say is no, then you just reapply if so.” When they walked in with the balloons and letter letting me know I was chosen, I cried my eyes out and was just in disbelief and so very thankful!!

The scholarship from Reach for the Stars Nursing Scholarship Program means I have a chance; it means I have even more of a reason to stay focused and do my absolute best because I know I have others who believe in me. They believed in me enough to write letters of recommendation and believed in me enough to invest in my future, and that means EVERYTHING to me. This scholarship is giving others, like myself, the opportunity to create better lives for ourselves and our children with one less worry.

I’ve always paid for college out of pocket to avoid putting myself in debt, and I worked extremely long hours and multiple jobs taking time away from children to pay for school, so this scholarship is also allowing me to have time with them. It’s so much more helpful than some people could imagine!!

I prefer to speak things into existence, so with this scholarship I will complete the RN program successfully at KCKCC on December 22, 2024. I plan to spend my career working in pediatrics and giving the best care to everyone I meet. I want them to feel comfortable and know that my care is genuine. I’ve always naturally been a nurturer, so this field is perfect for me and RFTS has helped in such an amazing way.

If I could hug and thank each donor personally I would, and just want them to understand the impact they’re making on our lives. Thank you so much RFTS Donors for believing in me!!!

Sincerely,

Lauren McNeely
Patient Service Representative
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Indian Creek Campus