When asked why I want to be a nurse, a few reasons come to mind. The innate gift to serve others and my personal experience with nursing care are among the reasons. As a little girl, I found it fulfilling to empathize with the hurting, care for the sick, and encourage others. I remember walking into various stores in my Nigerian hometown on a mission to find the fruit-flavored soda my elder sister had requested. She had been admitted to the hospital because of typhoid and malaria, which dimmed her bubbly personality and appetite. I knew that getting the drink would relieve and brighten her day. The long search paid off and I was elated to present her with the soda. In light of this, I knew I would someday pursue a career that would allow me to work and care for people in health care. Going further, when I think about nurses, I envision someone who makes one feel safe, listens to concerns, and provides compassionate care. Thankfully, I had a personal encounter with the said statement. My childhood nurse made me feel heard and safe in the unfamiliar hospital environment and when my family was away. I was comfortable talking to her about being nervous to receive an intravenous medication on my arm. She would take the time to listen and encourage me. These personal healthcare experiences were milestones that inspired my nursing interest. When the opportunity to attend college in the United States came, I applied for the Grand Valley State University nursing program. Classes at GVSU have prepared and brought me closer to my goal of becoming a registered nurse. I particularly enjoyed my anatomy and clinical nutrition classes, from which I learned the workings of the human body system. I also joined school and volunteer organizations such as the Student Nurses Association, Kids Food Basket, and 20 Liters. I participated at the Kids Food Basket to decorate and package food bags for children without access to quality food. In addition, volunteering with the 20 Liters organization allowed me to work alongside team members to assemble water filter equipment that would enable families to filter and have convenient access to clean water. As a nursing student, my clinical placements at the hospital have allowed me to meet and care for diverse patient populations. I utilized and honed my clinical skills to assess vital signs, administer medications, and document patients' health status. However, there have been memorable times when innovation and humor go the extra mile to make a big difference in patients' lives. Some of those included making a paper bouquet for a patient who wanted flowers, encouraging a client to take her medications which I referred to as M&Ms, and making a back scratcher out of coffee stirrers and a toothbrush with a colleague. These were interesting and lively ways to deliver healthcare and promote patient trust and comfort. As a future nurse, I hope to continue to find innovative ways to provide health care to promote positive patient outcomes. I am in my final year of college and a few steps closer to becoming the registered nurse I had dreamed of. Some of my long-term goals include partnering with international health missions such as Doctors Without Borders and establishing a clinic in my home country to provide access to quality healthcare. As a younger person, I dreamed of becoming someone who would use her education, gifts, talents, and character traits to serve humanity and make a difference in her community. I hope to continue to put smiles on people's faces and positively impact them.