Past Scholarship Award Recipient Thanks ChesMRC

Scholarship Award Recipient Sheily Bartolon-Perez sent ChesMRC the following note thanking us for awarding her the opportunities to follow her dreams:

Sheily Bartolon-Perez

06/11/2025

I want to thank the ChesMRC Scholarship committee. Thank you for believing in me, in my goals, and in my potential to make a meaningful impact in the world of healthcare. Your support has been a true blessing throughout my nursing school journey, and I truly could not have done this without your help.

From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. As the daughter of immigrants, I often found myself translating for my parents during doctor’s visits. As a child I would explain medical terms, test results, and treatment plans to the best of my ability. It was always a relief when someone in the office spoke Spanish. In those moments I saw the anxiety lift from my parents’ faces. That experience shaped my passion. I knew then that I wanted to become someone who could help bridge the language and cultural gap that continues to prevent many Hispanic families from receiving the care they deserve.

I began my academic journey at Washington College, where I was fortunate to receive a full scholarship through the Washington Scholars program, which covered my tuition and room and board. I was also in their pre-nursing program that allowed me to get my bachelor’s in biology from them and then transfer to the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON). At UMSON I was a recipient of the Conway scholarship. However, this scholarship did not include housing.

That’s where ChesMRC stepped in. Their support allowed me to live closer to campus, focus fully on my studies, and excel in my clinicals without the added stress of wondering how I would afford rent. I was able to graduate on time, debt-free, and ready to step into the nursing profession with confidence.

Now, as a graduate of nursing school, I reflect on this journey with so much gratitude. The ChesMRC scholarship didn’t just help me financially, it gave me the opportunity to become the kind one nurse I once needed for my own family. My goal is to serve as an advocate and caregiver for underserved Hispanic communities.

Thank you again for investing in me, for helping me reach this milestone, and for making a difference not just in my life, but in the lives of the patients and families I will serve throughout my career.

Sincerely,

Sheily Bartolon-Perez

• Awarded scholarships to 31 students
• Raised contributions to award $212,000 in scholarship funding to students in need
• Supported students to attend 8 different colleges (almost 50% of the students attend Chesapeake College
• Supported over 18 different careers

Thank you to the major contributors, supporters and scholarship committee to make this program possible.