Hello. My name is Abigail Griffith, and I am currently a senior at Gateway High School. Throughout my life, I have had excellent role models that have shown me by example and shaped me into the young teenager that I am today. My mother and father have guided me and taught me important life lessons that I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life. However, the one person in particular who has inspired me throughout my childhood is my grandmother. Even though she lives in Ohio, I have always been very close to her and would visit frequently for long weekends or when I was off school. As a nurse, I observed that she always put others first and never hesitated when others called or stopped at her house for help. Even after she retired, she was still practicing nursing and helping the people in her community. For example, every week she takes hours out of her day to go to a person's house who is very ill and tends to her medical needs. Also, my grandfather has been in and out of the hospital throughout the past several years due to various illnesses and surgeries. Following his surgeries, once my grandfather is back at home, recoveries are always the hardest for him with a number of complications. My grandmother, without hesitation or resentment is the one who has cared for him during these critical times. I watched first-hand how the therapists or visiting nurses came to rely on my grandmother and how much they appreciated her skill set. Not only did the professionals acknowledge this, but it was observed in my grandfather's expressions when he was thanking my grandmother for taking care of him. It was known that if she was not able to care for him, he would have had to recover at a nursing home. The doctors who cared for him realized what a blessing my grandmother was, due to the fact that not all spouses can provide this critical care for their husbands the way my grandmother does. No matter how difficult and mentally draining this could be for my grandmother, she always has an open heart and is ready to help people whenever needed. Even though she has numerous obligations, she always answers her phone when family or friends are calling for medical advice or help. Regardless of the miles that separate us and the commitments that she has, I can always call her, and she will immediately pick up the phone and be there for me no matter what is happening in her world. With my grandmother being a nurse, and my grandfather being in and out of the hospital throughout my childhood, I have been introduced to the field of nursing in many different ways. After seeing what my grandmother has done for people, it has inspired me to also become a nurse. When my grandfather was in the hospital, I would ask my parents to figure out a way that I could go and visit him. When he was in the hospital during the restricted times of COVID-19, my parents drove an hour and a half so we could see him through a window visit because I could not stand not being there with him and my grandmother. When he would be discharged home, I would help my grandmother take care of him. Whether it was changing a bandage, flushing an IV, or giving him a shot, I was willing to do it. Just like helping my grandfather, I want to help and care for other people and that is why my passion has been to become a nurse. I understand that nursing is a difficult program to study, and I know that there will be challenges along the way, but I have always valued my education, and I know that my organizational skills and disciplined work ethic, as well as effective time management will help guide me and help me persevere through college. While maintaining a 3.8 GPA or above, I have taken many Honors and AP courses in high school. Along with valuing my education, I also value my relationships with my family and friends. My friends and family members have said that I am truly an empathetic and caring person and am there whenever they need me. Being the oldest sibling, I strive to become a better person and role model for my younger brother and sister. Throughout my life, I have participated in many different volunteering opportunities in my community and school. I have always enjoyed helping people and serving my community. I have been accepted into a competitive nursing program at Penn State University, which has a 4% acceptance rate. This BSN nursing program will be the first step to learning the foundational skills of nursing. With this four-year degree successfully obtained, I will be closer to my long-term goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.