What encompasses personal wellness? Is it about conforming to society's standards of obtaining a balanced diet and strict exercise regimen? Is it striving to achieve unrealistic Western body ideals? Or is it about finding genuine contentment with one's image and persona? In my view, there isn't a single correct answer to this question. However, I place great emphasis on prioritizing happiness, both for myself and for the people in my life. By embracing this perspective, I strive to create an appealing and fulfilling path toward wellness that celebrates individuality and fosters genuine well-being. To achieve this, I established a well-rounded routine that allocates dedicated time for studying, socializing, and engaging in self-care activities. This balanced approach allows me to maintain a healthy equilibrium between academic pursuits and personal fulfillment. One way I nurture my wellness is by making time to go rock climbing with my partner. It serves as an opportunity for us to bond over a shared interest and provides a much-needed respite from the constant demands of school and work. Rock climbing, along with weightlifting, takes precedence in my routine as it contributes to relaxation and overall well-being. Since my early childhood, I have nurtured an immense passion for the captivating rhythms of salsa, merengue, and cumbia. These vibrant Latin dances not only allow me to indulge in my cultural heritage but also keep me deeply connected and grounded to my roots. While the demands of school sometimes limit my exposure to my culture, engaging in these rhythmic movements provides a remarkable sense of upliftment to my overall well-being. To further cultivate this passion, I attend dance classes, dedicating regular time every other week to immerse myself in the joy of dancing. Not only does dancing bring an abundance of happiness to my life, but it also contributes significantly to both my physical and mental health, creating a harmonious blend of joy and wellness. Maintaining my wellness is crucial for my success as a student. I prioritize taking care of myself physically, mentally, and emotionally as a top priority. By doing so, I experience heightened energy levels, improved focus, and increased productivity. I view personal wellness as a chain reaction, where making a few healthy choices like getting sufficient sleep (around 7-8 hours) and engaging in regular gym sessions (around 3-4 times a week) leads to an innate desire for overall well-being. Consequently, my body naturally craves more healthy habits to support and nurture my overall wellness. Moreover, sustaining personal wellness enhances my ability to tackle challenges, maintain a positive mindset, and effectively cope with stress. This equilibrium is particularly essential in my profession as a registered nurse, which operates in a high-stress environment. Additionally, as I pursue further education as a nurse practitioner, the demands on me will only intensify, making personal wellness even more vital as I will be responsible for managing patient care. Ultimately, prioritizing personal wellness establishes a solid foundation for holistic well-being, allowing me to thrive academically and relish a fulfilling college experience. By nurturing my physical, mental, and emotional health, I am better equipped to meet the demands of my studies, excel in my academic pursuits, and navigate the challenges that come my way.

My mother's injury, now a chronic condition, has profoundly shaped my life. As a child, I fondly remember our trips to Disneyland, where we delighted in epic rides and attractions during our summer vacations. Sadly, circumstances have changed. The tasks that were once my mother's responsibilities, like tying my shoes or accompanying me to doctor's appointments as a child, have now been reversed. Due to her chronic condition, I find myself assisting my mother with even the simplest tasks we often take for granted, such as putting on a pair of socks or reaching for items on high pantry shelves. Witnessing her struggle with these basic activities is disheartening, yet she perseveres, pushing herself to her physical limitations. The injury that left my mother debilitated for life occurred while I was pursuing my undergraduate nursing education. We faced a tumultuous journey as we fought to prove to the government that her physical status rendered her legally handicapped and incapable of working. Though my mother has made progress with her daily activities, she has never fully regained her former capabilities. It still pains me to see her unable to enjoy the simple things she once loved, like playing kickball with her cousins or strolling through Disneyland's enchanting attractions. Being a nurse for the past six years, it is ingrained in me to care for my mother. My mother must remain in the best mindset as she maintains her physical independence, serving as my constant inspiration. Moreover, my aspiration to care for patients as an advanced clinician drives me toward pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner-- to assist individuals in managing their chronic conditions to the best of my abilities. The pressing need for more healthcare providers who can deliver preventative care and chronic health management within communities motivates me further. Becoming a nurse practitioner means I can contribute to managing the care of a greater number of individuals, reducing the demand and shortage of primary care providers. As a nurse practitioner, my purpose is to deliver compassionate care, educate patients, and contribute to healthcare initiatives that empower individuals, communities, and the world at large. I hope to educate my patients about their health conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures, empowering them to actively participate in their healthcare decisions. By promoting health literacy and assisting individuals in making informed choices, I aim to help them take control of their well-being. One of the significant issues I observe in healthcare is the lack of advocacy for marginalized communities, whether that be due to a lack of health coverage or a language barrier. There is an urgent need for healthcare system advocates who can guide individuals through complex healthcare systems, ensuring they receive appropriate care while being treated with dignity and respect. Through my advocacy for equitable access to healthcare, especially for marginalized individuals, I can gradually empower individuals to take charge of their health. While my mother is fortunate to have assistance at home, including support for emergency room visits and routine doctor appointments, she also benefits from someone who can educate her on medication management and healthy lifestyle choices. However, I recognize that not everyone has access to such luxuries. As a nurse practitioner, I will strive to be a contributor to the educational gap and serve as a support system that many desperately need. I hope to bridge the gap between understanding and acquiring appropriate healthcare, enabling individuals to lead fulfilling lives without compromising their health.

While working as a nurse during the pandemic, I sought solace in books. There was one titled "The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel that caught my attention amid the media's relentless focus on the economy. The author's perspective on the connection between individuals and their finances, and how our behaviors and emotions influence our financial decisions, engrossed me. What struck me deeply was the book's emphasis on true financial success being determined not by earnings alone, but by effective management and utilization of money. It serves as a gentle reminder that money holds the power to unlock the boundless potential within individuals, empowering them to sculpt their ultimate life, one that resonates with profound tranquility, robust vitality, and holistic well-being. Allow me to share a glimpse of my relationship with money. While I am currently seeking financial assistance to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner, I have always held a deep respect for money and its impact on society. Money influences everyone, whether they acknowledge it or not. For some, it remains a tool, while for others, it becomes an all-consuming obsession. Money is undeniably a necessity, and it pains me to witness patients and their families forego medical care due to financial constraints. This unfortunate reality predisposes them to increased health risks and, in extreme cases, death. I distinctly recall an instance where one of my patients succumbed to septic shock— a life-threatening condition that drops one's blood pressure to a dangerously low level after an infection —simply because she lacked the monetary means due to the prohibitive costs. It is disheartening to witness individuals unable to afford vital treatments that can have profound implications for their well-being. These experiences highlight the significance of addressing our mindset and approach toward money. "The Psychology of Money" is a thought-provoking guide that blends practical advice with psychological principles. This book could empower readers to make sound financial choices, improve their overall well-being, and align their financial goals with their values. The book emphasizes the importance of patience and humility with money, which would be enlightening for readers. Overall, this book has profoundly reshaped my mindset and approach to money, and I would hope it would do the same for those who read it. Embracing the wisdom within its pages enables individuals to make smarter financial decisions, enhance their well-being, and lead more fulfilling lives.

It's a warm afternoon at a local coffee shop in Toluca Lake, CA. The atmosphere is buzzing with conversation and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. Two strangers find themselves engrossed in a captivating discussion about their unique interests. One of them, with a look of confusion in their eyes, exclaims, "So let me get this straight, you willingly drive 3 hours to Joshua Tree to climb rocks for fun?" He intriguingly replies, "Yeah, it's amazing. You should come out sometime, and I can show you." There's a brief pause before the other chuckles and responds, "I’ll give that a thought, I am not one to test gravity." Laughter fills the air, and they continue to enjoy their delightful afternoon. Little did I know that this casual outing would ignite a passion within me for the world of climbing. As the months passed by, I found myself deeply immersed in a profound admiration for climbing. Throughout my life, I have always valued fitness and wellness, constantly pushing my body to its limits; however, I never anticipated the sheer fascination that would arise from traveling to Las Vegas, not to indulge in gambling and buffet-style dining as many presumed, but rather to climb the sun-kissed boulders of Red Rock Canyon. Reflecting upon that moment, I realize that over a year had elapsed since my first climb and my love for climbing has only deepened. It continues to captivate me with its physical, emotional, and, above all, mental challenges. The mere thought of driving out to Joshua Tree, with its rugged beauty, fills me with excitement, even knowing that I will face numerous falls as I tackle my projects. Climbing has become, not only, a shared interest between my partner and me, but also an essential outlet that provides respite from the pressures of life. Just as I meticulously plan my next move on the wall, I find myself contemplating the tactics and resources I can utilize to navigate my path in graduate school and fulfill my aspiration of becoming a nurse practitioner. The prospect of receiving this award would grant me the invaluable opportunity and monetary support to decelerate and truly cherish the moments during my graduate school journey, akin to how climbing allows me to slow down and focus on the intricacies of each climb. Climbing requires discipline and unwavering commitment, especially when faced with numerous falls that outweigh successful ascents. It is precisely this reason that propels me to persist in pursuing my passion for climbing while attending graduate school. As a nurse practitioner, I aim to make a meaningful impact by delivering patient-centered care and promoting a holistic perspective that encompasses physical, social, and spiritual well-being. Just as climbing demands dedication and resilience, my desire to continue climbing symbolizes my unwavering dedication to both personal and professional growth, ensuring that I approach my studies and future career with the same tenacity and spirit that have propelled me in my climbing pursuits. Although I never had the chance to meet Sean, his words, "I am grateful that I get to do it," resonate deeply with me. Climbing serves as a reminder of my body's incredible capabilities and instills within me a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to venture into breathtaking crags and attempt routes that have been conquered by climbers for years. It fosters a sense of unity and tranquility, providing solace during my demanding academic pursuit.

The dream version of myself would be a highly skilled and empathetic healthcare professional equipped with advanced technology, knowledge, and the ability to provide holistic care to empower patients toward better health and wellness.