Vivian knows that every step forward — no matter how small — is still making progress. The 33-year-old may not be a typical college student, but the 1,000 Dreams Fund Scholarship recipient’s resolve to be a nurse has only grown stronger through her life experience. She’s attending Cecil College in North East, Maryland, where she is following her career dreams.

What is your professional dream?

My dream is to become a nurse practitioner.

How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship?

I am grateful for the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship to help with college tuition and fees.

How is this scholarship helping you get closer to your dream? 

Scholarships are the only way I can afford to attend school without taking on more debt. This scholarship will help me reach my dream of becoming a nurse while avoiding exponential student loan debt.

What advice do you have for other young women who are wanting to pursue their dreams?

Even a tiny step forward is still a step forward. Any progress is better than none. So, take those tiny steps and never give up!

Have you had any setbacks? How did you move past them?

I’ve had many setbacks but I use those setbacks as fuel to keep moving forward. Setbacks are my motivation to try harder.

What’s next for you? What is your next goal?

My next goal, after becoming a nurse, is to pay off my debt.