Growing up, I was often bullied because I was shorter than most of my classmates and was considered "weird" for being myself. At an age when all I wanted was to fit in, I was constantly reminded that I looked different and didn't always act like everyone else. I was called names, laughed at, and made to feel like I didn't belong. Those experiences hurt more than people realized. Instead of looking forward to school each day, I often worried about what someone might say or do to embarrass me. It affected my confidence and made me question my self-worth. For a long time, I believed the negative things people said about me. I wondered if there was something wrong with me because I wasn't as tall as everyone else or because my personality didn't fit what others thought was "normal." Being bullied made me feel isolated, and there were times when I kept my thoughts and feelings to myself because I didn't think anyone would understand. Looking back, I realize that no one deserves to be treated that way simply for being different. Although being bullied was one of the most difficult parts of my childhood, it also taught me lessons that have shaped the person I am today. I learned that everyone's differences make them unique and that judging someone based on their appearance or personality can have lasting effects. Those experiences helped me develop empathy for others who may be struggling with challenges that are not always visible. I understand how much a kind word, a smile, or simply taking the time to listen can mean to someone who feels alone. Instead of allowing those experiences to define me, I chose to let them motivate me. Over time, I learned to accept myself for who I am and stopped trying to change just to fit in. I realized that my height does not determine my abilities, and being different is not something to be ashamed of. In fact, my experiences have made me stronger, more compassionate, and more determined to succeed. Every obstacle I have overcome has taught me resilience and reminded me that my value is not based on the opinions of others. These experiences are one of the reasons I want to pursue a career in nursing, specifically as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse. I have always loved children, and I want to be someone who provides comfort, compassion, and hope during difficult times. I know what it feels like to need kindness, and I want every patient and family I care for to feel respected, valued, and supported. While the babies I care for may never remember me, I hope their families will remember that they had a nurse who treated them with empathy and genuine compassion. Today, I no longer see being bullied as something that holds me back. Instead, I see it as part of my story that has helped shape my character. It taught me perseverance, strengthened my confidence, and inspired me to become someone who lifts others up instead of tearing them down. I hope to use those lessons throughout my life by showing kindness, standing up for those who feel unheard, and proving that our differences are not weaknesses—they are what make us unique. My past has given me resilience, and that resilience continues to motivate me as I work toward becoming the compassionate nurse I aspire to be.

I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I have always wanted to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Nursing is more than a career to me—it is an opportunity to provide comfort, compassion, and hope to people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I want to be someone my patients and their families can trust, knowing they will be treated with kindness, respect, and empathy. Being able to care for others while making a positive impact every day is what inspires me to become a nurse. My personal experiences have played a significant role in shaping this goal. Growing up, my parents were not actively involved in my life, and I often had to rely on myself to overcome challenges and plan for my future. Although those experiences were difficult, they taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of perseverance. They also showed me how valuable it is to have someone who genuinely cares. Instead of allowing my circumstances to define me, I have used them as motivation to build a future centered on helping others and making a difference in my community. My greatest passion is working with children, which is why my dream is to become a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse. I have always loved being around kids and helping care for them. Babies are especially vulnerable and depend entirely on the people around them for care and protection. The opportunity to help premature or critically ill newborns grow stronger and healthier is incredibly meaningful to me. I know that working in the NICU requires patience, attention to detail, emotional strength, and compassion, and I am committed to developing those qualities throughout my education and career. I also understand that caring for newborns means caring for their families. Having a baby in the NICU can be one of the most stressful experiences a parent can face. As a NICU nurse, I want to provide reassurance, answer questions with patience, and support families through both the difficult days and the joyful milestones. I hope to be remembered not only for providing excellent medical care but also for making families feel heard, supported, and hopeful. Another reason I am passionate about nursing is the opportunity to continue learning throughout my career. Healthcare is constantly evolving, and I look forward to expanding my knowledge and improving my skills so I can provide the best possible care. Nursing combines science, critical thinking, teamwork, and compassion, making it the perfect career for someone who enjoys learning while serving others. My goal is to become a compassionate and skilled NICU nurse who makes a positive impact on the lives of newborns and their families. I want my patients to receive the highest quality care and for their families to know they have someone who truly cares about their well-being. My experiences have taught me resilience, my love for children has given me purpose, and my passion for helping others has confirmed that nursing is the career I am meant to pursue. I am excited to dedicate my life to caring for others and making a lasting difference, one patient and one family at a time.

I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I have always wanted a career where I could make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. To me, nursing is more than providing medical treatment—it is about showing compassion, offering comfort, and being there for people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I want to be the person who helps patients feel safe, respected, and cared for while they are facing illness or uncertainty. Knowing that I can make someone's day a little easier or help improve their health is what motivates me to become a nurse. My personal experiences have had a significant influence on my decision to pursue nursing. Growing up, my parents were not actively involved in my life, and I often had to learn how to overcome challenges on my own. While those experiences were difficult, they taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of having someone who truly cares. I know what it feels like to need support, encouragement, and someone who listens without judgment. Those experiences have inspired me to become the kind of person who provides that support to others when they need it most. I have always admired nurses because of the compassion, patience, and dedication they show every day. They do much more than administer medications or assist doctors. Nurses advocate for their patients, educate families, provide emotional support, and help people through some of the most challenging experiences of their lives. Their ability to remain calm under pressure while treating every patient with kindness has inspired me to follow the same path. I want to be someone who not only provides excellent medical care but also makes every patient feel valued and understood. Another reason I chose nursing is because it offers lifelong opportunities to learn and grow. Healthcare is constantly changing, and I am excited about continuing to expand my knowledge and skills throughout my career. I enjoy learning, solving problems, and working in environments where every day presents new challenges and opportunities to help others. Nursing combines science, critical thinking, and compassion, making it the perfect career for me. My long-term goal is to become a nurse who positively impacts both patients and my community. I want to care for people with empathy, respect, and professionalism while advocating for those who may not have a voice. I also hope to inspire others by showing that difficult circumstances do not determine a person's future. Despite the obstacles I have faced, I have remained committed to building a better life through education, hard work, and service to others. The opportunity to attend college and pursue nursing means more to me than simply earning a degree. It represents hope, independence, and the chance to create the future I have always wanted. I am committed to working hard, continuing to grow both personally and professionally, and becoming the kind of nurse who makes a lasting difference in the lives of others. My past has given me strength, my experiences have given me compassion, and my passion for helping people has confirmed that nursing is the career I am meant to pursue.

I’m Adeline Ferronato. I was born and raised in Vacaville, CA. With cultural backgrounds in both Hispanic and Filipino cultures. My mother's family migrated from Peru in search of a better life in the Americas. My father's family is from Vallejo and stems from Petaluma. I go to Will C Wood High School, but for my first two years, I went to Vacaville High School. My story is one of resilience, growth, and the process of me discovering who I am through the hardships and the joy that life has to offer. Throughout my life, I have faced challenges that have caused me to grow up faster than most, but those experiences have changed and shaped me into the person I have become. While the journey has not been easy nor a walk in the park, it has been meaningful and has made a significant impact on the way I see the world. I feel like the salutations that I’ve been through have shaped me into someone who values kindness, faith, and perseverance. Dealing with the great divide between two different worlds. The atmosphere at one was financial struggles, where I gained independence and responsibilities. Where the atmosphere at another house was stable and allowed me moments to simply be a child. It wasn't perfect, with problems stemming from the relationship with my father, it was the best because it was stable. This dynamic affected me and the way I learned to live life. By the time I was nine, I knew basic responsibilities like cooking, cleaning and babysitting. This was because of the consistent time spent alone at home. I became someone who learned to live life without the assistance of my parents. I struggle with mental health and physical health. Around the age of 13, my mom left me for good because of problems with commitment and Achcol. This moment in my life was a painful experience. However, I didn’t let this define me. Instead, I found a purpose in things I love, like dance and education. Dance being the sport that I have thrived in my whole life. Dance became my safe space, the place I met friends and created long-term memories. Through dance, I found a way to express myself and my feelings. Dance taught me discipline, resilience, and how to push through the pain even during the injury days. It wasn’t about the performing, competing or winning that meant anything. It was about the community that I created. Academically, my path was not always easy. I struggled in school because of the life around me. But those struggles motivated me to work harder. The one thing that was the best decision I made was to join avid. It was my turning point in my high school career. It gave me the tools to think about college as an option. It gave me a family and a community. Avid became more than just a class; it became a family. It gave me the opportunity to pursue a career in nursing. Even after transferring schools, I found the same family I thought I was leaving at Wood. I am determined to build a future in medicine where I can make a meaningful difference by providing compassionate care and helping improve the lives of others. My resilience and the challenges I have overcome inspire me every day to keep working toward my goals and become someone my future patients can trust and depend on.

Joining the military is one of the biggest and most meaningful decisions I have made for my future. For many students, going to college is made possible with the financial and emotional support of their parents. Unfortunately, that has not been my experience. My parents have never been consistently involved in my life, and they have chosen not to help me pursue higher education. While I cannot change the circumstances I was born into, I can choose how I respond to them. Instead of allowing my situation to stop me from reaching my goals, I have decided to join the military as a way to earn the opportunity to attend college while building a better future for myself. Growing up without active parental support has forced me to become independent at a young age. There were many moments when I wished I had parents who were there to encourage me, help me plan for my future, or simply believe in my potential. Instead, I learned that I would have to rely on myself. Knowing that my parents have refused to help pay for my college education was disappointing, but it also motivated me to work harder. Joining the military is the best choice for me because it allows me to take control of my future. The educational benefits offered through military service will make it possible for me to earn a college degree without carrying the overwhelming burden of student loan debt. College has always been one of my goals, and I believe education is one of the best investments a person can make. By serving my country, I can earn the opportunity to continue my education while also gaining valuable work experience and professional skills. Beyond helping me pay for college, the military offers something even more valuable: personal growth. I know military service will challenge me mentally and physically, I also know those challenges will make me stronger. I want to develop leadership skills, learn discipline, strengthen my work ethic, and become someone who can perform well under pressure. These are qualities that will help me succeed not only in college but throughout my entire career and life. Serving in the military also gives me the chance to be part of something greater than myself. I want my work to have purpose, and I want to contribute to something meaningful. Being able to serve my country while creating opportunities for my own future is something I am proud of. Rather than seeing military service as only a way to pay for school, I see it as an opportunity to grow as a person while giving back to others. Although my family situation has presented obstacles, I refuse to let those obstacles determine the direction of my life. I cannot control the choices my parents have made, but I can control the choices I make moving forward. I choose to focus on my goals instead of my setbacks. Every challenge I have faced has made me more determined to build a stable and successful. In the end, joining the military represents far more than financial assistance for college. It represents independence, perseverance, and hope. It is my chance to prove to myself that my future is not limited by my past or by the support I did not receive. Through hard work, dedication, and military service, I will earn my education, build valuable life skills, and create a future that I can be proud of. I believe this path will allow me to achieve my goals while demonstrating that determination and resilience can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

I’m Adeline Ferronato. I was born and raised in Vacaville, CA. With cultural backgrounds in both Hispanic and Filipino cultures. My mother's family migrated from Peru in search of a better life in the Americas. My father's family is from Vallejo and stems from Petaluma. I go to Will C Wood High School, but for my first two years, I went to Vacaville High School. My story is one of resilience, growth, and the process of me discovering who I am through the hardships and the joy that life has to offer. Throughout my life, I have faced challenges that have caused me to grow up faster than most, but those experiences have changed and shaped me into the person I have become. While the journey has not been easy nor a walk in the park, it has been meaningful and has made a significant impact on the way I see the world. I feel like the salutations that I’ve been through have shaped me into someone who values kindness, faith, and perseverance. Dealing with the great divide between two different worlds. The atmosphere at one was financial struggles, where I gained independence and responsibilities. Where the atmosphere at another house was stable and allowed me moments to simply be a child. It wasn't perfect, with problems stemming from the relationship with my father, it was the best because it was stable. This dynamic affected me and the way I learned to live life. By the time I was nine, I knew basic responsibilities like cooking, cleaning and babysitting. This was because of the consistent time spent alone at home. I became someone who learned to live life without the assistance of my parents. I struggle with mental health and physical health. Around the age of 13, my mom left me for good because of problems with commitment and Achcol. This moment in my life was a painful experience. However, I didn’t let this define me. Instead, I found a purpose in things I love, like dance and education. Dance being the sport that I have thrived in my whole life. Dance became my safe space, the place I met friends and created long-term memories. Through dance, I found a way to express myself and my feelings. Dance taught me discipline, resilience, and how to push through the pain even during the injury days. It wasn’t about the performing, competing or winning that meant anything. It was about the community that I created. Academically, my path was not always easy. I struggled in school because of the life around me. But those struggles motivated me to work harder. The one thing that was the best decision I made was to join avid. It was my turning point in my high school career. It gave me the tools to think about college as an option. It gave me a family and a community. Avid became more than just a class; it became a family. It gave me the opportunity to pursue a career in nursing. Even after transferring schools, I found the same family I thought I was leaving at Wood. Above all things, my faith has been my foundation. My relationship with Jesus has guided me through every challenge I have faced. From a young age, the church has become a place of comfort, learning and connection. Most importantly, I am someone who has learned that life is not about the obstacles we face, but about the strength we gain from overcoming them. My story is still being written, and I'm excited for the life that is to come.

As a person who believes in God, I always ask myself, “Does everything happen for a reason?”. You tend to think that people come and go because of a different passage in life they are taking compared to the path you set for yourself. Things happen for a reason because it is a way of God or the universe telling you to change your ways. It is a way that a person grows and develops through there life and it is a way they become the person they are able to be in today's society. In today's world we tend to plan and not go with the flow and the more you plan the less you live. Going with the flow lets your path take its course because you can't control what is going to happen next. I believe that everything happens for a reason because when my mom left me, I thought that it was going to ruin my life, but the truth is it made me a stronger and better person. I got better academically in school by making the honor roll, joining clubs and even programs that will get me into college. I got better mentally because my life was altered to make me a stronger and wiser person as I take this path through life. The more I hurt because of the pain I was going through, the more I fought for what I got and wanted in life. This impacts my educational journey in the future because I know as long as I have Jesus, I can't achieve anything I put my mind to I will carry God with me through hard classes and sports. I will continue to spread the gospel through my peers and family. I will find peace with myself and the life I'm creating. I will continue to go to church and never forget the person who drove me to be the person I am today, the person who taught me the greatest things in life. My lord and savior Jesus Christ. So, you see, everything in life has a reason that it happened whether it be losing a friend, failing a test, joining a sport, and even meeting someone new. The passage of your life has its ups and downs but overall will bring you to an amazing future. So, live your life, go with the flow and remember that “everything happens for a reason”.

When people ask me, " what does your future hold" I would say that a future job as a nurse is that I have dreamed about since I was a little girl and to go to my dream school UNLV. But if you asked me on a deeper level, I would say, I can't exactly say that I know yet. I can tell you that I know when my life will begin, when all the pain in left in the past and get started with a wonderful future. I can tell you about the day that is a little bittersweet and how it came to be. The day my life begins! The day my life begins starts when I walk down that stage on Coach Wright Memorial Field and accept my diploma. The day I walk down the stage; I will choose my place in society and learn how to be an adult one step at a time. The future ahead has its ups and downs, but it's the moment in life when you decide what you want in life. When I think of graduation, I think of the day I'm going to leave everyone that had been a part of my life the last four years and the teachers who have shaped me into the person I am today. Throughout my high school life, I have been through the downs in life, but I have also done and achieved great things. Going through an emotional rollercoaster is a part of growing up and maturing. I have done wrong, I have had an F, I’ve had missing assignments, and I've made mistakes, but the truth is, everyone has their days. It is a part of life to fail, and it is a part of life to live a little. I'll remember all my years in high school and reminisce about what I could’ve done differently, but the truth is, you can’t go back in time. What's done is done, and your only choice is to move on and achieve the things you want to achieve in life. Greatness comes from the hard work and dedication you put in. I'll remember going home with so many missing assignments after a tough three weeks that were filled with stress and lack of sleep. I'll always remember how my parents would yell about my grades when I simply had a bad month or weeks. But I'll also remember how I'll never get my phone taken because they feel bad, or maybe it's because I'm different in a way. The memories of how hard my parents were on me will never go away, sadly, but will instead forever be my inspiration to keep going and prove the people who wronged me that I can do it. But I'll always remember that I'm not perfect and I can't force myself to be because it doesn’t exist. The truth is there's a lot about high school I'll never forget, like the school dances and the lang friend group that never died, instead it kept going. The society of today gives kids anxiety, depression, and overall stress because of the expectations by teachers and parents to be perfect and to never make mistakes. The truth is that most teachers may not believe that they were the source of our stress and nights with a lack of sleep, but also teachers who loved and cared for us deeply. The main truth is that parents were the people who gave us depression and made us believe we were failures because we were living a little in high school,

When I think of compassion, I don't think of a bond with a friend, parent, teacher or anyone that you can visibly see. I think of the one person that has showed me compassion my whole life. Something that stems from religion but what may just be church on a Sunday to you, is everything to me. It has been one of the only true relationships that I've had with someone who doesn't leave me but instead is with me through every passage of life. the reason things happen, the only way I can succeed. My heart, my everything happens for a reason and the only way I choose to live my life. Our lord and savor Jesus Christ. So you may be thinking why I can feel so much compassion from someone that i can't see, but the truth is I can. I see him everyday making the world a better place and through the people I love. Let me share with you my compassion, JESUS and how he has shaped my past but all so my future. Things happen for a reason because it is a way of god or the universe telling you to change your ways. It is a way that a person grows and develops through there life and it is a way they become the person they are able to be in today's society. In today's world we tend to plan and not go with the flow and the more you plan the less you live. Going with the flow lets your path take its course because you can't control what is going to happen next. I believe that everything happens for a reason because when my mom left me, I thought that it was going to ruin my life but the truth is it made me a stronger and better person. I got better academically in school by making the honor roll, joining clubs and even programs that will get me into college. I got better mentally because my life was altered to make me a stronger and wiser person as I take this path through life. The more I hurt because of the pain I was going through, the more I fought for what I got and wanted in life. So you see, everything in life has a reason that it happened whether it be losing a friend, failing a test, joining a sport, and even meeting someone new. The passage of your life has its ups and downs but overall will bring you to an amazing future. So live your life, go with the flow and remember that “everything happens for a reason”.

The day my life begins starts when I walk down that stage on Coach Wright Memorial Field and accept my diploma. The day I walk down the stage; I will choose my place in society and learn how to be an adult one step at a time. The future ahead has its ups and downs, but it's the moment in life when you decide what you want in life. When I think of graduation, I think of the day I'm going to leave everyone that had been a part of my life the last four years and the teachers who have shaped me into the person I am today. Throughout my high school life, I have been through the downs in life, but I have also done and achieved great things. Going through an emotional rollercoaster is a part of growing up and maturing. I have done wrong, I have had an F, I’ve had missing assignments, and I've made mistakes, but the truth is, everyone has their days. It is a part of life to fail, and it is a part of life to live a little. I'll remember all my years in high school and reminisce about what I could’ve done differently, but the truth is, you can’t go back in time. What's done is done, and your only choice is to move on and achieve the things you want to achieve in life. Greatness comes from the hard work and dedication you put in. I'll remember going home with so many missing assignments after a tough three weeks that were filled with stress and lack of sleep. I'll always remember how my parents would yell about my grades when I simply had a bad month or weeks. But I'll also remember how I'll never get my phone taken because they feel bad, or maybe it's because I'm different in a way. The memories of how hard my parents were on me will never go away, sadly, but will instead forever be my inspiration to keep going and prove the people who wronged me that I can do it. But I'll always remember that I'm not perfect and I can't force myself to be because it doesn’t exist. The truth is there's a lot about high school I'll never forget, like the school dances and the lang friend group that never died, instead it kept going. The society of today gives kids anxiety, depression, and overall stress because of the expectations by teachers and parents to be perfect and to never make mistakes. The truth is that most teachers may not believe that they were the source of our stress and nights with a lack of sleep, but also teachers who loved and cared for us deeply. The main truth is that parents were the people who gave us depression and made us believe we were failures because we were living a little in high school, like they didn't do those things either. We are not our parents, nor are our teachers, and generations differ. When I think of graduation, I think of the life ahead, but I will never forget the hard work and dedication it took to get here. The life behind me is just the beginning, and the past behind me is the steppingstones. This is where my life begins, and this is where I take my place in society, not to change the world but to make it better. That is what success means to me, in my font, my character and the version on my story.