When I first began Moraine Valley Community College as an 18-year-old freshman in 2012, despite an impressive academic history allowing me to receive a full-tuition 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 the Moraine Valley professors and 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. People who have experienced serious injury or medical conditions need a passionate healthcare provider who not only advocates for their current health and safety but continues to encourage progressive healing and rehabilitation in a compassionate and patient-centered manner that honors their dignity, autonomy, and long-term well-being. My experience of suffering from but gaining control of disabling autoimmune illness prepared to be this type of healthcare advocate. After this realization, 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 Moraine Valley Community College as a full-time student while still working in the community part-time as a family practice and urgent care medical assistant. 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 with a 4.0 nursing GPA. My continued dedication to individuals like myself has inspired me to take additional coursework this Summer 2025 Semester to become a Practical Nurse and increase the scope care and advocacy I am able to provide. 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 Nurse Educator. And while I don’t know exactly where my nursing future will lead, I know my health, work, and educational experiences will prepare me for a career truly helping others.

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!