Jaylynn Burns (NJ) College Scholarship Recipient – IMPACTFUL

One night, going into sophomore year, I had an epiphany. My head felt dizzy, my legs felt weak, and I dropped to the floor with rivers of tears pouring out my eyes. I felt alone, trapped like the world had disappeared. Then I felt a sense of quiet peace, tranquil and alone but with a presence I could not describe. In my heart I felt it was God. My family was not deeply religious. I said I believed, but I was never taught how to pray, worship, or even read the Word of God. I only knew of Him when we occasionally went to church and had Bible study for the children where most of the time they played movies about Jesus. I always watched the movies but never felt a connection to the person who sacrificed himself for my wrongdoings, never gaining a relationship with Him.

This encounter was my wake-up call. When God entered my life, I gained a renewed mind and began trying new experiences like golfing, rock climbing, and traveling. These experiences humbled me and instead of worrying about the future [I decided to] take a breath and truly inhale the glory and blessings that are right before my eyes. My friends saw a new side of me and allowed me to pray over meals when we went out to eat or pray for them when they faced trouble. Doing small things like this has helped me be more confident within my faith and help me lead my friends in their own path to God as well.

Growing in my faith throughout high school encouraged me to join clubs, internships, and have great opportunities. I participated in the Student Athletic Training internship, which assisted me to care for others as Jesus actively demonstrated. Doing this allowed me to connect with people, spread God's Word, and find my passion and purpose within the medical field. Combining these aspects is why I decided to enroll at Eastern University and pursue nursing. This decision has encouraged my faith walk with God and my confidence to help others truly know Him, as well as to care, tend, and connect to others making a true impact on others’ lives spiritually, mentally, and physically.