When I first began community college as an 18-year-old freshman in 2012, despite an impressive academic history allowing me to receive a scholarship and admission into the Honors Program, I never believed that I would be able to pursue a career in healthcare. People like me who had grown up under the poverty line, with one surviving parent, living with chronic illness, and living a tumultuous home life don’t become healthcare providers, let alone nurses. Thanks to the support and guidance from my professors and community college staff, I was able to earn my first college degree and transfer to a 4-year university, earning a bachelor’s degree in science. However, I still didn’t believe in myself to pursue the career I really wanted—Registered Nursing. It wasn’t until after college graduation when my autoimmune illness worsened and I received treatment from a multi-disciplinary team including nurses, that I began to imagine a different future. My personal and family experiences with chronic illness and disability were a benefit, not a hindrance or barrier, to providing compassionate nursing care. I could offer a different perspective and use my knowledge to advocate for improved care for patients with complex illness and disability. During this time, I began my journey to become a nurse by serving people all around Chicago and learning the basics of healthcare as an urgent care medical assistant during the COVID-19 pandemic, inpatient certified nursing assistant at a Level I trauma center, and certified EKG technician helping to identify cardiac events in an underserved community. The experience working with patients across the lifespan and from all socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities further enforced the importance practicing patient-centered and culturally competent healthcare. In the Fall Semester of 2024 after completing the Nursing prerequisites, I was able to return to community college as a full-time student while still working in the community part-time. These past-two semesters have continued to broaden my knowledge and dedication to become a nurse, allowing me to achieve academic success and qualification for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 President’s list. My continued dedication to individuals like myself has inspired me to take additional nursing coursework and become a IL Licensed Practical Nurse. I am dedicated to continuing my education after MVCC, and I hope to achieve not only Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree but continue my training as a MSN Nurse Educator to inspire students like myself.

When I first began community college as an 18-year-old freshman in 2012, despite an impressive academic history allowing me to receive a scholarship and admission into the Honors Program, I never believed that I would be able to pursue a career in healthcare. People like me who had grown up under the poverty line, with one surviving parent, living with chronic illness, and living a tumultuous home life don’t become healthcare providers, let alone nurses. Thanks to the support and guidance from my professors and community college staff, I was able to earn my first college degree and transfer to a 4-year university, earning a bachelor’s degree in science. However, I still didn’t believe in myself to pursue the career I really wanted—Registered Nursing. It wasn’t until after college graduation when my autoimmune illness worsened and I received treatment from a multi-disciplinary team including nurses, that I began to imagine a different future. My personal and family experiences with chronic illness and disability were a benefit, not a hindrance or barrier, to providing compassionate nursing care. I could offer a different perspective and use my knowledge to advocate for improved care for patients with complex illness and disability. During this time, I began my journey to become a nurse by serving people all around Chicago and learning the basics of healthcare as an urgent care medical assistant during the COVID-19 pandemic, inpatient certified nursing assistant at a Level I trauma center, and certified EKG technician helping to identify cardiac events in an underserved community. The experience working with patients across the lifespan and from all socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities further enforced the importance practicing patient-centered and culturally competent healthcare. In the Fall Semester of 2024 after completing the Nursing prerequisites, I was able to return to community college as a full-time student while still working in the community part-time. These past-two semesters have continued to broaden my knowledge and dedication to become a nurse, allowing me to achieve academic success and qualification for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 President’s list. My continued dedication to individuals like myself has inspired me to take additional nursing coursework and become a IL Licensed Practical Nurse. I am dedicated to continuing my education after MVCC, and I hope to achieve not only Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree but continue my training as a MSN Nurse Educator to inspire students like myself.

Throughout my childhood in Tinley Park, IL, I struggled with undiagnosed and poorly treated illnesses caused in part by a lack of adequate health insurance, access to medical providers, and absence of basic resources. Our lower socioeconomic status was a disconnect between my family, the surrounding community, and medical prescribers. This lead to delays in treatment and difficult to follow medical recommendations. As a young child, I felt extreme guilt for the burden I placed on my family for the cost of medical care. The introduction of the Affordable Care Act (2010) allowed me treatment of pre-existing illnesses and access to providers for the first time in years. I was able to receive proper medical care and interact with providers in a new way--including nurses. This opportunity not only improved my health but encouraged a passion to work in healthcare. I wanted every chronic illness patient to feel safe with their healthcare provider and found my calling. I inspired myself to become a healthcare worker advocating for those with complex illness in low-income communities. I chose nursing as it is a profession of patient-centered care, advocacy, and education. Per the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses (2015), the nurse is accountable to the patient, the community, and collaborative practice with other professionals to provide care. As a patient who has experienced the dichotomies of healthcare, my own unique perspectives have allowed me to connect with patients and bridge the gaps in care as a pre-licensure Student Nurse. The foundation of nursing is exploring the determinants of health and collaborating with the healthcare team to best care for the patient. My own personal understanding of health inequities have allowed me insight into health promotion activities and education topics while creating care plans for my patients. Contrary to belief, my previous health struggles have been an asset to the nursing profession and patients. I'm proud to have overcome many obstacles to achieve success and with healthcare, I'm not limited. I hope patients can see that health and success is possible in many fields. My work as a patient care technician and certified medical assistant has helped me further connect with the community, empathetically caring for those in need. After completing MVCC's Nursing AAS program, I aspire to work with individuals who are at-risk for chronic illness and pain conditions once I am a Registered Nurse. I plan continue my education with a BSN to further improve patient outcomes and inspire others to join the profession like Cindy.

It wasn't until the 1960s that women were allowed to open bank accounts without the permission of their husband or father. Prior to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974, women were denied the right to open a credit card in their name. For much of American history, women have been denied financial rights and kept financially illiterate regarding banking, investing, and wealth management. Today women are still fighting for financial freedom and pay equality. To honor the women before me who have paved the way to financial independence, I have committed to smart saving and investing through education. Female financial advisors have shown me the benefit of progressing beyond a simple checking account. Healthy finances are built by budgeting, utilizing high-yield savings, creating emergency savings accounts, maximizing retirement investments, and paying credit cards on time. Making monthly contributions to a retirement investment account or an employer sponsored plan compounds, generating a larger amount than the principal. The lifetime growth of these investments can not only provide for the individual but for the family. By limiting debt and taking advantage of opportunities, I've exponentially decreased the debt burden I face in the future. So much has changed since the 1970s and women continue to excel banking, finance, and business. I hope to grow my finances and make the women in my family proud with generational assets that will help my future family members.

It wasn't until the 1960s that women were allowed to open bank accounts without the permission of their husband or father. Prior to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974, women were denied the right to open a credit card in their name. For much of American history, women have been denied financial rights and kept financially illiterate regarding banking, investing, and wealth management. Today women are still fighting for financial freedom and pay equality. To honor the women before me who have paved the way to financial independence, I have committed to smart saving and investing through education. Female financial advisors have shown me the benefit of progressing beyond a simple checking account. Healthy finances are built by budgeting, utilizing high-yield savings, creating emergency savings accounts, maximizing retirement investments, and paying credit cards on time. Making monthly contributions to a retirement investment account or an employer sponsored plan compounds, generating a larger amount than the principal. The lifetime growth of these investments can not only provide for the individual but for the family. So much has changed since the 1970s and women continue to excel banking, finance, and business.

My student nursing practice has taught me the most selfless act we can give others actively and compassionately listening to others. Listen to stories about their day, funny jokes, ideas! Actively listening to those around us is an incredible gift that can build relationships and help others feel seen and heard. Learning to communicate and understand another person is a simple yet fundamental skill that benefits everyone involved. Too often in life, we may feel overwhelmed, focusing on our own worries, issues, and insecurities--forgetting to attend to those we care about around us. By checking with family, friends, and even people we meet, we're given the opportunity open a dialogue and learn valuable information. Take a step away from the smartphone, computer, or television screen to have a meaningful, engaging conversation that is beneficial to everyones. Remember to listen and you may be the person who changes someone's else's day!