During my high school years, I found myself deeply conflicted about my future career path. While many fields interested me, none felt like the right fit. It wasn’t until I experienced a life-threatening illness that I truly discovered my calling. During this challenging time, I witnessed the extraordinary care and compassion provided by my healthcare team. Their kindness not only helped me recover physically but also restored my faith in the power of healthcare professionals. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in nursing, where I can offer others the same level of care and support that was given to me. Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) is my immediate professional goal, as I want to help others through difficult times, restoring not only their health but also their hope. I have already completed two years of college at Olympic College through the Running Start program, and I am now focused on earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Washington once school begins in the fall. Beyond obtaining my RN and gaining experience in the field, I aspire to continue my education and pursue a master's degree to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP). I am drawn to the opportunity to take on a more advanced clinical role and contribute to healthcare in a deeper, more impactful way. My ultimate goal is to combine my nursing expertise with leadership skills, allowing me to make meaningful contributions to patient care and healthcare systems. Through continuous learning and growth, my goal is to improve the lives of those around me, just as my healthcare team did for me. In the future, I hope to be a compassionate and knowledgeable nurse who helps guide patients through their most challenging moments, while also mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals.
People say that goals after high school remain as dreams, as no one ever accomplishes their dreams, and I’m trying to prove them wrong. My goal for the future is to become a BMW technician and become one of the best there is. I’ve always been in love with these cars and learning more about them, and that's what I’ve devoted my future to. On August 25, 2025, I start trade school at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Arizona, and I couldn’t be more excited as I’ve heard good things about this institute that will help me learn and reach my goal of becoming a technician and hopefully working for BMW or at least a dealership for BMW. Just thinking about it makes me more eager for my future, as I hope I will be prepared to become one.
One thing I know for sure is that I can never stop learning new things, and that’s one thing I love about this profession, as I can never stop learning and always be expanding my knowledge to be as smart as I possibly can. I truly believe that everyone should be the best version of themselves, and that’s what I’m trying to be for myself. I really do believe my goals and my education are a huge step in this process because without goals, you can’t aim for anything, and without education, you would never learn how to reach those goals.
Another big step in accomplishing my goal is to try harder than I ever have, and I’m fully aware of that and will give it my all. I’ve always been a kid who tries to accomplish what other people can’t or won’t and tries to persevere over everything and anything. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been giving everything my all, and it mainly started when I was in elementary school and tried out for some math teams. Once I joined and got 1st place, I was more competitive than ever. This wasn’t just when I was a kid; even now at my job, I try to learn more and become a better employee. I truly believe that’s one thing you must have when you’re trying to achieve your goals: you have to have motivation and try to come out on top.
A couple of months ago, shortly after school started "my senior year", everyone in my life—my family, friends, teachers, and even new people I meet —began asking me, "What are you going to do?" While I've been asked this question for years, it felt different this time more urgent. My answer has evolved as well, I initially wanted to become a miner and work in the coal mines, then I wanted to become a border patrol officer, but my passion shifted towards blacksmithing. I have been blacksmithing since I was twelve years old, and it has become a significant source of happiness for me.
This year, I am taking a major step by selling my blacksmithing projects at craft fairs. So far, I am scheduled to participate in three fairs, and I am determined to establish my own business. My goal is to sell decorative works made from metal, as well as historically accurate replicas of items from the past. To support this dream, I am working towards earning a certificate in manufacturing. This certification will be valuable, as it will enhance my skills in applied mathematics, which is essential in both blacksmithing and machining. Additionally, it will equip me with a better understanding of manufacturing processes and leadership skills needed in the business industry.
I am also pursuing a certificate in welding and fabrication. These skills are closely related to blacksmithing learning how to create and read blueprints is extremely useful in this field, and I aim to focus on specialty welding theory, machine operation, advanced fabrication, and preparation for employment.
On my road to starting this business, I know that I may initially have a very small clientele. If that is the case, I would consider joining a trade, most likely welding or fabrication, to gain experience and build my knowledge further. While working in a trade, I would continue to develop my business on the side. Once my business begins to grow bigger, my focus will shift from making a living to building a sustainable and growing future, allowing me to fully pursue my passions in blacksmithing and beyond.
