Sophia Frank
Going into my sophomore year of college, I feel incredibly grateful to be studying nursing at such an amazing program. I know that getting the chance to pursue higher education is something many people dream about, and I don’t take that opportunity for granted. Every class and clinical experience reminds me why I chose this
path.
Receiving this scholarship would help ease the financial stress that comes with college and allow me to focus more on my education. Nursing school is challenging, and every bit of support helps me spend more time learning and preparing to care for future patients instead of worrying about the cost of school.
I’ve always wanted a career where I could make a difference in someone’s life. That’s what drew me to nursing. I know that nurses do so much more than provide medical care. They comfort people during scary
moments, support families, and remind patients that they aren’t alone. I hope to be the kind of nurse that people remember not just because I helped them get better, but because I treated them with kindness when
they needed it most.
My dad has been one of my biggest inspirations. Although I was only one year old when my dad lost his life serving our country, his sacrifice has shaped the person I want to become. I don’t have many memories of him, but I have grown up knowing he chose to serve something bigger than himself. He gave everything to protect others, and that example has always inspired me. While my way of serving will look different, I hope to honor his legacy by dedicating my own life to helping people. Nursing gives me the opportunity to do that every day.
To me, being a nurse means more than treating illnesses. It means showing up for people when they are scared, celebrating their victories, and helping them through challenges they never expected to face. I want my patients to know they are never just another name on a chart. I want them to feel respected, heard, and cared for every time I walk into the room.
This scholarship would mean so much more than financial assistance. It would be an investment in my education and in the nurse I hope to become. I am committed to working hard, making the most of every opportunity, and one day giving back to others the same way so many people have helped me.
Nicole Hanek
When I was trying to decide what I wanted to study in college, Biology was the one major that kept coming back to me. I’ve always been interested in how living things work and why nature works the way it does. I love being outside, going to the beach, taking care of my plants, and learning random facts about science. I don’t know exactly what career I want yet, but I know Biology is something I’m genuinely excited to learn more about.
I’ll be attending Point Loma Nazarene University this fall, and while I don’t have my whole future planned out, I know I want to build a life where I enjoy what I do every day. I think college is where I’ll figure out what that looks like. I’m excited to meet new people, challenge myself, and find a career that combines my interest in science with helping other people.
Right now I work for the City of El Cajon as a lifeguard and swim instructor. I really enjoy teaching kids how to swim and watching them become more confident in the water. My job has taught me a lot about being responsible, staying calm, and being someone others can count on. Those are qualities I hope to carry with me throughout college and into whatever career I choose.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my life was losing my dad while he was serving in the Army. Losing a parent changes your life in ways that are hard to explain, and it’s something my family has had to learn to live with. Even though it’s been difficult, it’s also shown me how important it is to have people and organizations that genuinely care about military families. That’s one of the reasons the Sugar Bear Foundation means so much to me. The work you do shows families like mine that we haven’t been forgotten, and that support makes a bigger difference than you probably realize.
Receiving this scholarship would take away some of the financial stress that comes with paying for college. My family isn’t able to help pay for my tuition, so every scholarship I receive makes a huge difference. It would allow me to spend more time focusing on my classes instead of picking up extra hours at work just to cover school expenses. I want to be able to put my full effort into my education because I know these next four years are going to shape the rest of my life.
I don’t think success is just about getting a degree. For me, it’s about becoming someone my family would be proud of. I want to work hard, keep learning, and eventually have a career that I genuinely enjoy. I know my dad would have wanted me to chase opportunities like this, and that motivates me every day.
Thank you for taking the time to read my essay and consider my application. I truly appreciate everything the Sugar Bear Foundation does for families who have lost someone in the military. Your generosity gives students like me the chance to focus on our education and our future, and I’m incredibly grateful for that opportunity.
Phillip Ramsey
From an early age, my father, Master Sergeant Kevin J. Tuhoy, instilled a relentless academic work ethic in my brother and me. To him, education wasn't a passive milestone; it was a tool for self-reliance and leadership. Even during his active service as a United States Marine Corps logistics officer, he worked tirelessly, balancing the demanding rigors of military life with his own pursuit of higher education at public colleges. He led by example, showing us that true dedication requires showing up and putting in the work, regardless of the circumstances. Before his passing, he commended me for enrolling in a college certificate program and told me he was proud of me. My father was a man who was incredibly frugal with his emotions, so when those words left his mouth, they carried the weight of absolute truth. That moment became permanently etched into my character.
My father's dedication to this nation extended far beyond his military uniform; he possessed a profound, infectious love for this country. He jumped on every single opportunity to explore it, ensuring my brother and I experienced both its natural and historical majesty. As an avid outdoorsman, he dragged us along to immerse ourselves in America's natural beauty through camping, hiking, and exploring our national parks. Equally, he wanted us to understand the nation's heritage, taking us to appreciate its historical beauty, ranging from the monuments of our nation's capital, to landmark sites up and down the coasts and across the country. I will never forget the time we took a road trip cross-country and how that enriched my worldview. He didn't just defend America; he revered its land and its history, passing that awe down to his children.
Admittedly, my path hasn't been a straight line. I had a rocky start in my young adult life, navigating the turbulent waters of financial survival and just trying to get by day-to-day. Growing up, our family lacked the luxuries many took for granted, a struggle further complicated by the transient, unpredictable nature of moving frequently in a military lifestyle. However, overcoming these hardships built an unshakeable resilience and self-reliance within me. This background prepared me to succeed in the demanding environment of higher education. When my father passed away from suicide, the fog of grief brought an immediate, sharp clarity: I instantly knew I had to return to school to pursue a full degree and become the first in my family to attain it; something my father would show extreme pride in.
My father’s tragic end was a heartbreaking reminder that the wounds of military sacrifice are not always visible on a battlefield. His loss left an undeniable void, but it also granted me a deep, empathetic perspective on the human cost of dedication. It taught me that strength is found in our willingness to extend a hand to those who are silently struggling to stay anchored. I am channeling the grief of that sacrifice into a new mission. With this academic foundation, I intend to commission as a nurse in the United States Air Force, consciously bridging the logistical discipline of my father's past with the healthcare requirements of our military's future. Just as leaders in military logistics ensure every piece remains upright while their own foundation is tested, I will use my training as a nurse to build bridges of recovery, mental wellness, and physical care for the servicemen and women who protect our nation today.
Pursuing this vision, however, comes with severe contemporary challenges. Living and studying in North County San Diego introduces an incredibly high cost of living that places a heavy, constant strain on basic financial survival. Navigating skyrocketing housing costs, inflation, and the daily expenses of this region means that simply maintaining a stable foundation is an ongoing battle. Yet, despite these immense economic pressures, I refuse to let financial obstacles dictate my future. I am fully committed to continuing my education through every trial and tribulation, choosing to view these hardships not as barriers,
but as fires that refine my resolve.
Receiving this scholarship removes the financial barriers that have historically held me back. This opportunity is the vital bridge between merely wanting to achieve more and having the actual resources to execute that vision. The rigorous coursework required to enter the nursing field demands absolute focus and dedication. This financial support serves as a lifeline that will allow me to focus entirely on my academic responsibilities, ensuring that I can honor my father's legacy by maintaining the highest standards.
By standing on the threshold of a higher education degree and a future military commission, I am redefining my family's legacy for future generations. I am proving that a legacy of military service does not have to end in the dark shadow of tragedy; instead, it can evolve into a profound source of light and renewal. My path demonstrates that resilience is a conscious choice to turn personal pain into a public good. With the support of this scholarship, I will be equipped to graduate as a highly skilled professional, turn my father's pride into a lifetime of meaningful impact, and lead and serve my community.