Journey From Cleats to Scrubs My Dad always joked that my life revolved around soccer. It was a constant in my life for 9 years, playing a significant role in shaping me as a person. My summers were spent conditioning, my school days started with morning workouts at 6:30 am and practices every day after school. This became a way of life. I became a detailed planner to keep up with schoolwork and assignments. Soccer taught me many valuable life skills like being a good team player, learning time management skills and being organized to meet deadlines. I was thriving with good grades and in the best shape on the school team. I won 2 ‘player of the year’ awards, one voted by Coaches and one by my teammates. But life took an unexpected turn. During a game in my sophomore year, I was shoved midgame. The referee’s whistle blew, and the game paused for a moment, but I heard none of it. All I heard a “POP!” and I knew something was wrong. The verdict was a torn ACL in the right knee and the only option given to play any sport or even run was through surgery. The initial weeks of recovery involved missing school, intense physical therapy and learning to walk again. However, I continued to show up to every practice and game, supporting my teammates from sidelines on crutches and a knee brace. It was a grueling 10-month journey filled with tears, frustrations, and pain, but finally I made it to the field in my senior year on the Varsity team. Recovery was brutal but it taught me hard work and perseverance. Looking back, my recovery room experience is what influenced my career choice of nursing. The compassion and care given by nurses was incredibly valuable at a time when I was feeling scared, vulnerable, and uncertain about what to expect or how to take care of myself. They did not just treat me but comforted me and gave me hope. That was my “aha” moment to be that kind of person for someone else in my situation. However, choosing nursing as my intended major was not an easy decision as my parents are both in the IT industry so it would be like stepping into an unknown territory. But my surgery shone a new light on this noble profession. Today, as a college freshman majoring in nursing, it’s not easy managing rigorous coursework and long study hours. It’s not easy with the financial pressure of tuition, housing and meals. But I’m here because of a moment that changed my life, and I’m determined to pay it forward. The drive and discipline I learned from soccer is the foundation I carry forward to reaching the new goal of becoming a nurse. The path is challenging, but I am excited to be making a difference in people’s lives just as those nurses did in mine.

My world revolved around soccer since my younger years. However, my journey towards becoming a nurse is fueled by an ACL injury and surgery, where I received invaluable care and compassion from the nurses. This encounter altered my perspective. No one from my family is in healthcare. My parents are both in the IT industry, so choosing nursing as my intended area of study was not an easy decision. The ability to care for someone other than myself and my commitment to physical fitness, instilled by soccer, somehow aligned with each other. The journey to recovery was long but since the setback from ACL injury, I have come a long way in overcoming my fears, learning from failure, and making significant improvements. I worked harder than ever and got a spot back on the varsity team in my senior year on the High school Team. Although I do not yet have experience in the medical field, I found opportunities to serve and connect with the community. Participating in caroling at senior living centers with the non-profit organization called Malayalee Association of Memphis became a cherished part of holiday season. We visited senior centers and sang joyful carols. Witnessing pure joy on their elderly faces reminded that one of the simple acts of kindness can give joy to others. Volunteering with TOP Soccer, a soccer program for special needs kids, throughout all four years of high school was a rewarding experience. I served as the President of the Youth committee at India Association of Memphis where we organized simple yet impactful activities such as volunteering at the mid-south food bank, organizing winter clothing drives and Food Can drives. Now as a college freshman, I’m starting to realize the hefty price tag with higher education. However, the demanding college coursework and cost associated with nursing, long study hours limit my ability to work part time. The meal plans, dorm expenses, managing groceries and travel have added to the pressure. Without scholarships, loans seem unavoidable. But I am committed to becoming a compassionate nurse just like those who helped me during my toughest times. Receiving this scholarship would be invaluable in reducing the financial strain of college tuition, allowing me to focus more on my studies and become the best nurse I can. The path is challenging, yet it is one I eagerly look forward to making a meaningful difference in the world of healthcare.

The story of Kylee Govoni strikes a chord with me as I battled a similar challenge that helped build strength and determination in me. I am an athlete, and my world revolves around soccer! From the thrill of the game to the team work on the field, it shaped me into the person I am today. Soccer has been a constant in my life since middle school. Being on Collierville High school soccer team. I learnt many valuable life skills like teamwork, staying organized and managing time while maintaining good grades and being in best shape on the school team. I won awards for ‘Player of the year’, one voted by Coaches and one by my teammates which was a testament to my hard work. But life had other plans. One unfortunate day, I fell and tore ACL in my right knee during a game in sophomore year. The devastating injury not only sidelined me from the game I loved but challenged me physically and emotionally. I cried in fear about not being able to return to the field and not being able to regain the normalcy. Surgery was the only option given to be able to play any sport or even run again. My ACL reconstruction surgery and the subsequent recovery is what influenced my career choice of nursing. The care and comfort given by nurses was incredibly valuable at a time when I was feeling uncertain about what to expect or how to take care of myself. During rehab, I realized staying fit, mentally, and physically, is important. The year-long road to recovery was challenging. The setbacks tested my resilience and patience. But I came out stronger and more determined. I returned to the field in my senior year, playing on the Varsity team which was a huge victory over adversity. I am now driven to pay forward the kindness I received from nurses. My career goals were not always clear to me. My parents are both in the IT industry and hence choosing nursing as my intended area of study was not an easy decision. Looking back at my experiences, the thrill of the game, sting of the injury and victory of recovery – all have shaped my perspective. As I step into the next chapter of my educational journey, I carry forward these life skills. My goal is to become a registered nurse and work in a hospital setting. I am drawn towards pediatrics care as I experienced and understand the anxieties and challenges faced and feel empathy with younger patients. As my career progresses, I will also be looking into pursuing an advanced degree. The path is challenging, but I am excited, feeling a purpose of making a difference in the field of healthcare and working around children in pediatrics.

My Journey to Nursing: I am an athlete, and my world revolves around soccer! From the thrill of the game to the team work on the field, it shaped me into the person I am today. Soccer has been a constant in my life since middle school. Being on Collierville High school soccer team. I learnt many valuable life skills like teamwork, staying organized and managing time while maintaining good grades and being in best shape on the school team. I won awards for ‘Player of the year’, one voted by Coaches and one by my teammates which was a testament to my hard work. But life had other plans. One unfortunate day, I fell and tore ACL in my right knee during a game in sophomore year. The devastating injury not only sidelined me from the game I loved but challenged me physically and emotionally. I cried in fear about not being able to return to the field and not being able to regain the normalcy. Surgery was the only option given to be able to play any sport or even run again. My ACL reconstruction surgery and the subsequent recovery is what influenced my career choice of nursing. The care and comfort given by nurses was incredibly valuable at a time when I was feeling uncertain about what to expect or how to take care of myself. During rehab, I realized staying fit, mentally, and physically, is important. The year-long road to recovery was challenging. The setbacks tested my resilience and patience. But I came out stronger and more determined. I returned to the field in my senior year, playing on the Varsity team which was a huge victory over adversity. I am now driven to pay forward the kindness I received from nurses. My career goals were not always clear to me. My parents are both in the IT industry and hence choosing nursing as my intended area of study was not an easy decision. Looking back at my experiences, the thrill of the game, sting of the injury and victory of recovery – all have shaped my perspective. My advice to anyone facing similar situation is that adversity is inevitable, but don’t let it keep you down. Adversity can test your limits, but it also gives you’re an opportunity for self-discovery. Dig deeper and reveal your hidden strength. All setbacks are temporary, and you can beat it with positive attitude.

My Journey to Nursing: I am an athlete, and my world revolves around soccer! From the thrill of the game to the team work on the field, it shaped me into the person I am today. Soccer has been a constant in my life since middle school. Being on Collierville High school soccer team. I learnt many valuable life skills like teamwork, staying organized and managing time while maintaining good grades and being in best shape on the school team. I won awards for ‘Player of the year’, one voted by Coaches and one by my teammates which was a testament to my hard work. But life had other plans. One unfortunate day, I fell and tore ACL in my right knee during a game in sophomore year. The devastating injury not only sidelined me from the game I loved but challenged me physically and emotionally. I cried in fear about not being able to return to the field and not being able to regain the normalcy. Surgery was the only option given to be able to play any sport or even run again. My ACL reconstruction surgery and the subsequent recovery is what influenced my career choice of nursing. The care and comfort given by nurses was incredibly valuable at a time when I was feeling uncertain about what to expect or how to take care of myself. During rehab, I realized staying fit, mentally, and physically, is important. The year-long road to recovery was challenging. The setbacks tested my resilience and patience. But I came out stronger and more determined. I returned to the field in my senior year, playing on the Varsity team which was a huge victory over adversity. My career goals were not always clear to me, but my ACL surgery shone a new light on this noble profession. No one from my family is in healthcare. My parents are both in the IT industry and hence choosing nursing as my intended area of study was not an easy decision. Looking back at my experiences, the thrill of the game, sting of the injury and victory of recovery – all have shaped my perspective. Witnessing the positive impact that the nurses have on patients like me was one of the driving forces to pursue nursing. The path is challenging, but I am excited to be that guiding support for someone and pay forward the kindness I received.

My Journey to Nursing: I am an athlete, and my world revolved around soccer! From the thrill of the game to the camaraderie on the field, it shaped me into the person I am today. Playing on the high school soccer team meant that my summers were spent conditioning. My school days started with morning workouts at 6:30 am and practice every day after school. However, I learnt many valuable life skills like teamwork, staying organized and managing time while maintaining good grades and being in best shape on the school team. But life had other plans! One unfortunate day, I fell and tore ACL in my right knee during a game in sophomore year. The devastating injury not only sidelined me from the game I loved but challenged me physically and emotionally. I cried in fear about not being able to return to the field. Surgery was the only option given to be able to play any sport or even run again. My ACL reconstruction surgery and the recovery journey was a testament of compassion to me. One nurse that I vividly remember was the one who prepped me for surgery. Sensing my fear and anxiety, she offered words of hope and positive encouragement. She shared stories of patients who overcame similar injury providing me much needed assurance and hope. Following my surgery, I found myself feeling unsure of what lay ahead but the invaluable care I received went beyond mere medical advice. During rehab, I realized the importance of wellness and why staying fit, mentally, and physically, is important. It was a long road to recovery but despite the setbacks and challenges, I emerged stronger and more determined. It has taught me resilience and patience. I played on the Varsity team in my Senior year, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. Looking back on my journey, the positive impact that the nurses had on patients like me was one of the driving forces to pursue nursing. I want to become that person to be able to make an impact in someone’s life. As I step into the next chapter of my educational journey, my goal is to become a registered nurse and work in a hospital setting. This career will combine the ability to care for someone other than myself and the commitment to physical fitness gained from soccer. The path is challenging, but I want to become a guiding support for someone and pay forward the kindness I received.

My dad says my life revolves around soccer and he is not wrong. Soccer has been a constant in my life for 9 years, playing a significant role in shaping me as a person. I started playing competitive club soccer in middle school, but the decision to join high school soccer while doing competitive club took it up a notch. Not only would my commitment to soccer be greater with being on the high school team but my academic workload would also significantly become intense through the years. But the joy of being able to play soccer with my school friends outweighed the decision. My summers were spent on the soccer field conditioning for the school season. Socializing on the weekends were replaced with tournament games. Tanned skin with scratches and bruises became a norm. Gatorade, Bio freeze and Protein bars became my best friends. Being tired was not an option. Daily morning workouts before school and practices daily after school made me meticulously plan out my day so schoolwork could be submitted on time. High school brought more intense soccer practices and a heavier load of schoolwork. Every day, checking a daily list of things became a habit that kept me sane and from staying up late until midnight unlike some of my friends. I had to become organized and disciplined. Planning out my homework and sticking to a schedule eventually became a habit. Soccer didn't hurt my grades; instead, it helped me stay focused on my studies. I was able to maintain good grades and was in great form on my school team. I started every game and won two of the four most important awards on the team: Player of the year awards, one voted by Coaches and one by my teammates. But life had other plans! That December of Sophomore year, I tore ACL in my right knee during a game. Surgery was the only way to get back on the field, to even run again. Recovery from surgery was brutal and keeping up with physical therapy appointments and keeping up with schoolwork was a challenge. My initial weeks were spent on crutches and then in a knee brace for the next 5 months. I felt discouraged at times and the fear of getting cut from the team kept me up at nights. However, my ACL reconstruction surgery and the subsequent recovery journey is what influenced my career choice of nursing. The care and comfort given by nurses was incredibly valuable at a time when I was feeling uncertain about what to expect or how to take care of myself. I saw firsthand that effect nurses have on patients and their families. Their compassion and understanding made me truly appreciate this profession. No one from my family is in healthcare. My parents are both in the IT industry and hence choosing nursing as my intended area of study was not an easy decision. My career goals were not always clear to me, but my surgery shone a new light on this noble profession. The ability to care for someone other than myself and my commitment to physical fitness instilled by soccer aligned with each other. I want to be that guiding support for someone and pay forward the kindness I received. Since the set back from ACL injury, I have come a long way in overcoming my fears and learning from failure. It was a long recovery spanning over a year, but with support, I made it back to the field my senior year. This experience taught me resilience and perseverance. Reflecting on my experiences, soccer has not only taught me leadership skills and life experiences, but it has also carved the way into nursing. As my career progresses, I will also be looking into pursuing an advanced degree to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). The path is challenging, but I am excited, feeling a purpose of making a difference in the field of healthcare.

From my younger years, I have seen my dad and mom being actively involved in the community and this exposure influenced my thoughts on community service. Be it volunteering with the Indian Association or for American Asian Indian Charity or making meals for St Jude patients, my parents have shown me no work is big or small. My mom used to spend time crafting holiday cards for the senior center along with a group of ladies. These greeting cards were filled with festive cheer. Eager to join in, I found myself pulled in the creative process of sticking, gluing, folding, and writing mailing addresses on envelopes. Counting cards, putting in envelopes gave a sense of accomplishment. Each completed card would brighten someone's day and represented a small act of kindness. Little did I know that these small random acts would be instilling values like ‘Do the Right Thing’ and ‘Make a Difference’. As I transitioned into middle school, another tradition deepened my belief in the act of kindness. Participating in caroling at senior living centers with the Malayalee Association of Memphis became a cherished part of holiday season. We visited senior centers throughout a day and sang joyful carols. Witnessing pure joy on their elderly faces reminded that one of the simple acts of kindness can give joy to others. In my junior/senior year, my journey took a meaningful turn when I served as the president of the Youth Committee of the India Association of Memphis. This wasn't just a title but a platform for learning, contributing, and leading with purpose. This was a formative experience, where I learned to listen to other people’s perspectives before making any decisions. Organizing youth corner activities at India fest event gave a sense of responsibility that made little kids entertained and happy. Managing and assigning booths to youth volunteers, setting up and taking down décor, providing guidance and direction further instilled a deep sense of commitment to bring a positive change in the community. Throughout the year, we also organized simple yet impactful activities such as volunteering at the mid-south food bank, organizing winter clothing drives and Food Can drives. What I learned in my journey is that even small gestures can make a big impact, offering a sense of peace and satisfaction. One important thing it highlighted was that doing the right thing extends beyond personal gain and one shouldn’t expect anything in return. That is what kindness is. I am driven by the desire to serve and pay it forward. As I step into the next chapter of my educational journey, my goal is to become a registered nurse and work in a hospital setting. This will allow me to serve and contribute to the well-being of other individuals. I am particularly interested in critical care or emergency nursing. As my career progresses, I will also be looking into pursuing an advanced degree to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). The path is challenging, but I am excited, feeling a purpose of making a difference in other people's lives.

I am an athlete, and my dad says my world revolves around soccer! From the thrill of the game to the camaraderie on the field, it has shaped me into the person I am today. I have been playing since I was in middle school and loved being on the Collierville High school soccer team. I have learnt many valuable life skills like how to be a good team player, staying organized and managing time so I could complete homework assignments on time. I maintained good grades and was in best shape on the school team. I won two awards for ‘Player of the year’, one voted by Coaches and one by my teammates. But one day, during a game in my sophomore year, I fell and tore ACL on my right knee. The only option given was to undergo surgery to be able to play any sport or even run again. My ACL reconstruction surgery and the subsequent recovery journey is what influenced my career choice of nursing. The care and comfort given by nurses was incredibly valuable at a time when I was feeling uncertain about what to expect or how to take care of myself. I saw firsthand that effect nurses have on patients and their families. Their compassion and understanding made me truly appreciate this profession. No one from my family is in healthcare. My parents are both in the IT industry and hence choosing nursing as my intended area of study was not an easy decision. My career goals were not always clear to me, but my ACL surgery shone a new light on this noble profession. I experienced firsthand the positive impact that the nurses have on patients like me. This was a learning experience and one of the driving forces to pursue nursing. The ability to care for someone other than myself and my commitment to physical fitness instilled by soccer aligned with each other. I want to be that guiding support for someone and pay forward the kindness I received. Since the set back from ACL injury, I have come a long way in overcoming my fears and learning from failure. It has taught me resilience and patience. As I step into the next chapter of my educational journey, I carry forward these life skills. Upon graduating from high school, my goal is to become a registered nurse and work in a hospital setting. I am particularly drawn to critical care or emergency nursing, where the pace is fast, and the impact on patient outcome is significant. As my career progresses, I will also be looking into pursuing an advanced degree to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). The path is challenging, but I am excited, feeling a purpose of making a difference in the field of healthcare.

My Dad says my life revolves around soccer. It has been a constant in my life for 9 years, playing a significant role in shaping me as a person. Playing on the high school soccer team meant that my summers were spent conditioning, my school days started with morning workouts at 6:30 am and practice every day after school. Soccer wasn't just about the sport; it developed my teamwork, sharpened my time management skills, and taught me discipline. I maintained good grades and was in my best shape on the school team. I won 2 ‘player of the year’ awards, one voted by Coaches and one by my teammates. But life had other plans! I tore ACL in my right knee in sophomore year. Surgery was the only way to get back on the field, to even run again. Recovery was brutal, both physically and mentally. I was out from school for the initial weeks, went through intense physical therapy and had to learn to walk again. However, I continued to attend every practice and games and cheered for my teammates from the sidelines. It was a long recovery, but with support, I made it back to the field my senior year into the Varsity team. This experience taught me resilience and perseverance. This was also the time when I realized that I was the only kid of Asian Indian heritage on the Girl’s soccer team. Soccer is not a popular sport in the Indian Culture. I am grateful that my parents are very supportive and fostered my love for soccer even if it didn’t fit well with their culture. But outside of school, I remain connected to my Indian roots by celebrating Indian festivals, and volunteering, finding a balance between the two cultures. Reflecting on the experiences, I think my ACL surgery and the subsequent recovery journey is what influenced my career choice of nursing. The care and comfort given by nurses was incredibly valuable at a time when I was feeling uncertain about what to expect or how to take care of myself. I saw firsthand that effect nurses have on patients and their families. Their compassion and understanding showed me a new perspective. However, no one from my family is in healthcare. My parents are both in the IT industry and hence choosing nursing was not an easy decision. My career goals were not always clear to me, but my surgery shone a new light on this noble profession. As I step into the next chapter of my educational journey, I carry forward these life skills. My goal is to become a registered nurse and work in a hospital setting. I am particularly drawn to critical care or emergency nursing and as my career progresses, I will also be looking into pursuing an advanced degree to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). The path is challenging, but I am excited, feeling a purpose of making a difference in the field of healthcare.

My Dad says my life revolves around soccer. It has been a constant in my life for 9 years, playing a significant role in shaping me as a person. Playing on the high school soccer team meant that my summers were spent conditioning, my school days started with morning workouts at 6:30 am and practice every day after school. Soccer wasn't just about the sport; it developed my teamwork, sharpened my time management skills, and taught me discipline. I maintained good grades and was in my best shape on the school team. I won 2 ‘player of the year’ awards, one voted by Coaches and one by my teammates. But life had other plans! I tore ACL in my right knee in sophomore year. Surgery was the only way to get back on the field, to even run again. Recovery was brutal, both physically and mentally. I was out from school for the initial weeks, went through intense physical therapy and had to learn to walk again. However, I continued to attend every practice and games and cheered for my teammates from the sidelines. It was a long recovery, but with support, I made it back to the field my senior year into the Varsity team. This experience taught me resilience and perseverance. This was also the time when I realized that I was the only kid of Asian Indian heritage on the Girl’s soccer team. Soccer is not a popular sport in the Indian Culture. I am grateful that my parents are very supportive and fostered my love for soccer even if it didn’t fit well with their culture. But outside of school, I remain connected to my Indian roots by celebrating Indian festivals, and volunteering, finding a balance between the two cultures. Reflecting on the experiences, I think my ACL surgery and the subsequent recovery journey is what influenced my career choice of nursing. The care and comfort given by nurses was incredibly valuable at a time when I was feeling uncertain about what to expect or how to take care of myself. I saw firsthand that effect nurses have on patients and their families. Their compassion and understanding showed me a new perspective. However, no one from my family is in healthcare. My parents are both in the IT industry and hence choosing nursing was not an easy decision. My career goals were not always clear to me, but my surgery shone a new light on this noble profession. As I step into the next chapter of my educational journey, I carry forward these life skills. My goal is to become a registered nurse and work in a hospital setting. I am particularly drawn to critical care or emergency nursing and as my career progresses, I will also be looking into pursuing an advanced degree to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). The path is challenging, but I am excited, feeling a purpose of making a difference in the field of healthcare.