2026 Scholarship America Dream Award Spotlight: Michelle Chen

Scholarship America is proud to celebrate our 2026 class of Dream Award Scholars.

Each of these students has overcome obstacles and begun their college journey thanks to their grit, drive and determination—and the Dream Award provides them essential financial support so they can complete their education with less debt and less stress.

These renewable scholarships stay with students through the remainder of their college careers, ensuring that they can stay on track and finish their degrees. Since its founding in 2014, the Dream Award has helped nearly 200 talented, determined learners, and we’re excited to welcome the 2026 Dream Award cohort.

Today we’re introducing Michelle Chen, an Arlington, Massachusetts native pursuing a nursing degree at Simmons University. “Receiving the Dream Award means so much to me and truly feels like a reflection of the hard work, sacrifices, and dedication that have brought me to this point,” Michelle says. “Coming from a family with immigrant parents, I grew up hearing about the importance of education, perseverance, and creating opportunities for future generations. For me, this scholarship represents more than financial support; it represents hope, opportunity, and the ability to continue pursuing my dreams without limitations standing in the way.”

Here’s our conversation with Michelle; watch our blog to meet more Dream Award Scholars over the coming weeks.

What inspired you to pursue nursing?

I was inspired to pursue nursing because it combines science, compassion, advocacy, and human connection in such a meaningful way. I have always been drawn to healthcare because of the ability to directly impact people’s lives during some of their most difficult moments. Growing up, I also became increasingly aware of the barriers many individuals face within the healthcare system, especially in underserved and immigrant communities. Seeing gaps in access, communication, and support motivated me to become someone who could help bridge those gaps and advocate for patients who may not always feel seen or heard. What I love most about nursing is that it allows me to combine critical thinking and clinical skills with empathy and creativity. Every patient has a different story, and I value the opportunity to care for people not just physically but also emotionally and mentally.

How do you plan to spend your summer, and what are you most looking forward to when school starts again?

This summer, I will continue working as a Patient Care Associate on a general and trauma surgery floor, where I have gained valuable hands-on experience caring for patients during vulnerable moments in their recovery. Toward the end of the summer, I hope to transition into the Emergency Department as a Patient Care Associate, while also beginning work as a Mental Health Specialist. I am excited to continue exploring different areas of healthcare and developing my clinical and communication skills in fast-paced environments.

Academically, I will also be participating in the Summer Health Professions Education Program at the UCLA site. I am especially looking forward to meeting like-minded peers from across the country, learning from healthcare professionals, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally through the program. When school starts in the fall, I am most excited for my upcoming clinical rotations and the opportunity to continue building my confidence and skills as a future nurse. I am also looking forward to reconnecting with my professors and friends on campus.

What stresses does the Dream Award relieve? Are you able to pursue opportunities or outside activities you couldn’t before?

The Dream Award relieves a tremendous amount of financial stress. As a college student balancing rigorous coursework, clinicals, leadership involvement, and multiple jobs, I often find finances overwhelming. Receiving this scholarship allows me to focus more fully on my education and personal growth instead of constantly worrying about tuition and other expenses. Because of this support, I will be able to work fewer hours and dedicate more time to studying, preparing for clinicals, and taking care of my own well-being.

It also enables me to pursue opportunities I might not otherwise have been able to fully commit to, such as professional development programs and career-building experiences. Additionally, the scholarship gives me more space to prioritize self-care and maintain balance in my life. Whether it is going on runs, cooking meals, spending time with friends, or simply having a quiet night to recharge, I have learned that mental health is just as important as physical health, especially in healthcare professions.

What’s your dream or ideal plan right after graduating? How about in five years?

Right after graduating, my goal is to work as a Registered Nurse while also taking opportunities to travel and experience different places and healthcare settings. I am especially interested in emergency medicine and mental health, and I hope to continue learning and growing within those areas.

In five years, I hope to be practicing as either an Emergency Department Nurse Practitioner or a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I would also love to continue traveling and potentially relocate to the West Coast in the future.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to stop worrying so much about things beyond my control and not let fear prevent me from pursuing opportunities. I would remind myself that growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking chances, even when the outcome feels uncertain. I would tell myself to simply go for it, because the worst thing that can happen is learning from the experience. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my life happened because I decided to take a chance on myself.