“Are you black? Are you white? Where are you from?” These were the first words said after I introduced myself. Whatever happened to: “Hello. How are you? What’s your name?” I felt a mix of confusion and sadness, a reminder that sometimes people see labels before they see me as a person. My mouth dropped, my brain shut off, and I closed my eyes, walking away from the staring crowd. I waited until I could no longer hear their giggles before letting my tears fall. That experience was a turning point in my identity. My nationality? A silent chapter in my story. My origins? A whisper I kept locked away. Heritage became my hidden tapestry. I was unaffected by opinions until I joined a circle where acceptance was a standard I lacked. They loved not for who I was, but for the labels they could not see past. At one point I tried changing myself to fit in, but nothing good came from that. I have carried the weight of being the only Egyptian in my grade, feeling like I have to showcase my culture to everyone. These experiences, though tough, have taught me the value of self-acceptance and the strength of diversity. They have shaped me into a more empathetic person. Determined to turn my experiences into positive change, I joined the "Stop the Hate Club", dedicated to combating prejudice and promoting acceptance. Participating in the "Stop the Hate Essay" competition allowed me to channel my pain and growth into advocacy, where I shared my journey of embracing my heritage and fighting stereotypes. Through these platforms, I found my voice, learning that standing up against hate starts with personal courage and collective action. They say “actions speak louder than words,” but that is until you are called names like “Arab” or “Mummy.” Hearing that, I was in awe. My classmate claimed it was a joke, but I saw it differently. Despite the setting of such words, I am using this to motivate and educate others. I want to transform the ignorance I have faced into an opportunity to spread awareness and understanding. By sharing my story and the richness of my Egyptian heritage, I aim to break down stereotypes and build a community that honors, rather fears, diversity. The past three years have helped me grow, not just in my understanding of the world, but in recognizing the resilience and adaptability within myself. I have grown as an individual, learning to embrace who I am and stand up for what is right. I became more comfortable sharing my heritage with friends without fear of judgment. Surrounding myself with positive people made a huge difference, keeping me calm and confident. Embracing my authentic self and finding strength in optimism, I urge others to join me in this journey of self-acceptance and support, breaking down barriers and celebrating diversity.

A single mistake can change a life. A misdiagnosed 'cold' can nearly ruin a life. To me, becoming a nurse is about making a meaningful impact during vulnerable moments, moments I once had to overcome as a patient. I am passionate about helping people and wanting to offer caring support. Nursing offers the perfect blend of hands-on involvement and emotional connection, allowing me to use my skills and empathy to contribute to the well-being of patients and their families. Everybody hates growing up. I would love to be young again; as long as I never have to be nine again. The challenges I faced at that age, including a severe battle with pneumonia, left an indelible mark on me. A whole month and a half away from my friends, a whole month and a half missing school, a whole month and a half of feeling isolated within the hospital walls and sitting in pain. I felt scared all the time, yet this experience fueled my desire to become a nurse. Ever since this time in my life, I have wanted to channel my own struggles into something positive by providing care and support to others in their times of need. My goal is to ensure that no one feels as alone and scared as I once did, and to help them navigate their journey to recovery with empathy and understanding. The only person who truly supported me through my illness was my nurse. She ensured I was not at my lowest, bringing me coloring books and keeping me engaged with school. In the future, I aspire to be a similar source of support for someone's child, ensuring they don't feel isolated. I want to make a real difference by being there for people on their worst days. From my experience, I've learned that nursing is more than just providing medical care; it also involves offering emotional support. This field appeals to me because it combines the chance to make a significant impact with endless opportunities for learning and growth, as medicine and healthcare are constantly evolving everyday. The University of Kentucky’s nursing program stands out to me for its blend of strong clinical skills and compassionate care. I'm eager to learn from experienced faculty and gain hands-on experience through diverse clinical opportunities. The program's focus on cutting-edge research aligns with my goal of making a real difference while continuously growing. The success of The University of Kentucky’s nursing alumni, who have made significant impacts in the field, highlights the program’s excellence. The University of Kentucky’s supportive environment will equip me with the skills and knowledge to become a skilled and compassionate nurse. Facing pneumonia as a child taught me the critical role of empathy in healing. The care I received during my illness highlighted how a nurse's kindness can transform a patient's experience. I am driven to offer the same level of support.

As a child I always found myself navigating two worlds: one filled with the lively sounds of my first language at my family’s dinner table, and the other with the clear, organized English I heard in school. It was a confusing conversation with a classmate that made me realize the special challenges, and surprising benefits of being bilingual. Over time I grew to express my language, but growing up in a small white town, it was not so easy to show my talent and culture. It was difficult to switch between two languages, English and Arabic. I often felt lost in conversations, unsure of which words to use and how to convey my feelings. This confusion often led to misunderstanding, leaving me frustrated and hesitant to participate in any conversations or group discussions. However, these challenges pushed me to become the adaptable and resourceful person I am, teaching me to find creative ways to communicate and connect with others. Being bilingual opened up a world of opportunities. I began to appreciate the beauty of my heritage and found pride in my ability to speak Arabic while also embracing English. This unique perspective allowed me to connect with others, helping those around me to learn about my background in ways they might not have known before. I hope to attend a great college after high school and pursue my dream of becoming a pediatric nurse. Not only will I make myself proud, but mainly my parents, who have always supported me through my high school years. Their unwavering encouragement has inspired me to work and strive for excellence. Becoming a pediatric nurse is more than just a career, it is a way to give back to the community and make a positive difference on the lives of children and their families. My experiences navigating different cultures and languages have taught me the importance of empathy and communication, which I believe are essential in healthcare. I am ready to combine my passion for helping others with my love for learning in a field that truly makes a difference. In this role, I look forward to not only providing care but also being actively involved and being an advocate for young patients and their families whereas English might not be their first language. I aim to create a supportive environment where they feel understood and empowered during challenging times. I believe that fostering trust and connection is just as vital as medical expertise, and I am looking forward to being a part of a profession that values both.