Throughout the course of my life, I have faced numerous challenges that attempted to define my limitations and my life. Born with a congenital heart defect (Coarctation of the Aorta) and later diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, it was explained to me from an early age that my life would be different. However, rather than succumbing to these limitations, I decided that through faith, determination, and a desire to portray that anything is possible, I also want to inspire others who had their own limitations to push forward. Living with a congenital heart defect required countless doctors’ visits, limitations, and continual uncertainty as to where the Lord was leading me. It often felt impossible to keep up with other children my age. However, I refused to let my heart defect define who I was or what I could do. I leaned into the Lord, trusting that I was gifted these obstacles in order to overcome and one day inspire others with physical limitations to push themselves past what they ever dreamed possible. I trained relentlessly, understanding that my athletic journey would take more time, perseverance, and sacrifice than most. After years of training, continual setbacks, and perseverance, I earned the starting third baseman position on the varsity baseball team and earned a spot on the varsity basketball team; both as a freshman. Two years later I was awarded the Second Team All-District Varsity Basketball medal. All these accomplishments were seemingly impossible for me to achieve due to my heart defect; and this sentiment was often verbally expressed to me as I trained alone. These achievements were far more than personal achievements; they were symbols of what is possible when you refuse to be held back by your circumstances and trust in the Lord’s faithfulness to you. At the same time, I was fighting an entirely separate battle with Tourette Syndrome. Gradually losing control over my own body was extremely frustrating and often humiliating. But through patience, the support of my parents, and continual practice I learned to understand, manage, and eventually regain control over my own body. This process taught me how to be patient in the face of adversity, along with the importance of mental disciplines which have now strengthened me in ways I never thought possible. While my Tourette Syndrome separated me from friends and publicly humiliated me, I am thankful the Lord placed me in a battle that strengthened me and brought me closer to those who truly love me and separated me from those who didn’t. What drives me is not a desire to succeed, but a desire to inspire. I want others struggling with both physical and neurological conditions to see that their dreams and aspirations are within reach. I want them to realize that with faith, determination, and the right support, anything is possible. My story has just begun, and every step that I take is proof that the past and present conditions do not dictate my future. I want others to see my life and realize that our limitations, if we choose to rise above them, can often become our path to strength and success. In conclusion, my dream is not to succeed for myself, but to open the eyes of those whose dreams have been shut by the circumstances of their lives and help them rise above their potential in order to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.

The passion for nursing that I hold comes from a very personal and impactful time in my life. At birth I was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (coarctation of the aorta) and spent much of my early life in and out of hospitals. In these hospitals I was surrounded by doctors and nurses who treated much more than just my medical needs. While I hold a very high respect for doctors, I have seen the comfort, strength, and empathy that nurses continually provide throughout the treatment process simply by their presence. These experiences in and out of hospitals, and the continual support and encouragement of nurses by my side, have instilled and fueled a passion to help children facing similar situations. Becoming a pediatric travel nurse gives me the opportunity to provide aid to children in need in underserved communities, providing not just medical care, but also empathy and understanding from a nurse who has experienced firsthand the struggles of medical needs. Due to my understanding of the fear and uncertainty I experienced as a patient, I am striving to become a source of both stability and compassion for patients and their families alike. As a travel nurse, I will have the ability to serve in areas that have the greatest need, connecting communities with the necessary aid for patients around the country. Looking into the future, my goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). As an infant, the operating room saved my life more than once. While I have no memory of my open-heart surgeries, I remember throughout my childhood watching the anxiety of my parents grow as possible surgical needs arose and I understand the pressure and strain that anxiety puts on families. I now fully realize how critical a role anesthesia can play in surgery, not only for the comfort of the patients, but also as it aids in the safety and success of the surgery. As a CRNA I intend to stand at the operating table, ensuring that children who are in need, just as I was, receive the same care, precision, and compassion that I did. Each step of my journey, from patient to pediatric travel nurse to possible nurse anesthetist, is rooted in a strong desire to give back and serve just as medical professionals have done for me. I am driven by the memory of the support and encouragement provided to me and aim to both provide the same service to children in need and provide much needed relief to communities throughout the country. Whether through bedside nursing in a local hospital, or in the sterile operating room, my goal is to leave a lasting impact on the lives of children and families fighting to live a fulfilled and fearless life.

From the moment of my birth, my life has been a medical miracle. Diagnosed with a congenital heart defect at birth and later with Tourette Syndrome, I have faced both the visible and invisible battles in the medical world. While these obstacles easily could have limited and defined me, I chose to rely upon my faith, trust in the Lord’s will for my life, and to persevere. My journey along this path has not only shaped my character but has also revealed the Lord’s calling for my life. As a continual patient in hospitals throughout my childhood, I have experienced both fear and healing. The care, support, encouragement, and compassion of medical professionals were often an escape from the darkness of my condition. The presence of nurses, in particular, brought comfort and strength which provided me with the ability to see nursing as a calling rather than a career. As I grew, I developed a strong interest in anatomy and biology, and that interest, combined with my own personal healthcare experiences, solidified my desire to pursue a career in pediatric nursing. I want to become a nurse in order to help children facing their own medical needs; both physically and emotionally. I understand what it feels like to be the patient, carrying the weight of a diagnosis, and to feel different from your friends. This unique perspective has allowed me to approach a career in nursing, not only with knowledge, but also with compassion and empathy. My goal is to change the way children experience medical care. I want them to feel safe, valued, and heard. Whether that’s explaining their condition in a way that they can understand or to offer a hand to hold in times of struggle, I intend to be source of hope, security, and light for all the patients I serve. My journey has also taught me the power of determination and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the limitations that have been placed on me by the world and the people around me, I trained day in and day out and became the starting third baseman on my varsity baseball team as a freshman in high school. Two years later I was awarded the Second Team All-District Varsity basketball award. These accomplishments were far more than athletic milestones. They were proof that determination, faith, and discipline can overcome the greatest of obstacles. Outside of my medical life, I have found a calling in leading worship, participating in glorifying our Creator, and sharing the hope that I have found in Christ. I strongly believe that the service opportunity of leading worship has not only brought me closer the Christ but also provided me with the opportunity to bring light into the lives of others who have been surrounded by darkness. I know that in my life worship has been a strong light calling me to a purpose greater than the darkness of my condition and the limitations and humiliation that come with it. As a nurse, I hope to impact my community by serving as a healthcare provider, encourager, and advocate for children and families walking difficult roads. My ultimate goal is to become a nurse anesthetist, and to use my skills in vital moments in order to help save lives. However, no matter the setting, my mission is to care, comfort, reflect the love of Christ, and provide patients with the same love and support that I have received from medical professionals throughout my life.

Throughout the course of my life, I have faced numerous obstacles; testing both my physical and mental abilities. These obstacles have forced me to grow in resilience, determination, and patience. From the moment of my birth, I was burdened with a congenital heart defect (coarctation of the aorta) for which families aren’t often prepared. After surviving two open heart surgeries, I spent the first few years of my life continually attending doctors’ appointments and checkups. While other kids were free to play, I was often reminded by doctors and parents of what I was unable to participate in. However, I never viewed my obstacles as permanent. As I got older my condition stabilized, and as my passion for sports grew, I focused on controlled training in order to keep up with the competition. When I reached high school the unnoticed hours of practice I had put in outside of the scheduled training had put me into a position few believed I could achieve. As a freshman in high school, I had earned the starting third baseman position on the varsity baseball team. That moment symbolized the years of dedication, resilience, and the belief that I could overcome the limitations that the world and my heart put on me. Two years later I was awarded the Second Team All-District Varsity basketball award. This was another large milestone reflecting my determination to thrive in a world that had limited my abilities. However, at the age of twelve another unexpected obstacle arose: Tourette Syndrome. The tics were often sudden and overwhelming. This obstacle was exposed to the world around me and was not an internal, but rather an external battle available for all to see. This struggle made me extremely self-conscience, and I dreaded social situations. It felt as though I had lost complete control over my own body. Despite this external struggle, I faced it with the same determination and resilience as I had faced my congenital heart defect. I refused to let another unexpected diagnosis control who I was and what I could become. Through years of practice, patience, and support from my parents, I managed to control my tics. Today the uncontrollable and humiliating tics that once governed me have been dialed into the unnoticeable popping of a rubber band on my wrist. The rubber band on my wrist is a constant reminder that with discipline, resilience, and patience, God can use the greatest obstacles for growth and strength. Through overcoming a congenital heart defect to become an All-District athlete, along with managing the uncontrollable tics of my Tourette Syndrome, I have learned that resilience is not about avoiding hardship but pushing through when you are unable to see the road ahead. Resilience is continuing down the path of hardship, adapting to your circumstances, and never giving in to the idea that you are controlled by your circumstances. I have also learned that determination is often found in the small steps you take, such as showing up, working harder than others, and believing in yourself when the road ahead is unclear. These challenges have greatly shaped who I am today; a man that is not defined by the limitations of his body, but the determination of his heart. In every obstacle I have overcome, I have found strength, empathy, and a strong belief that I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

As an infant I was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (coarctation of the aorta), and later at the age of twelve, I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. From an early age, I faced continual physical and emotional obstacles. However, I never allowed the expectations and limitations of the world to shape who I am. Rather, I chose to persevere and lean into the Lord for strength. After years of specialized training, I earned the starting third baseman position on the varsity baseball team, and as a junior I was awarded an All-District Varsity Basketball award. These accomplishments have been far more than athletic accomplishments, but testaments to the Lord’s faithfulness towards me. Through every obstacle, I have learned to trust in the Lord for all things, finding my strength in the realization that it is not I who live, but Christ who lives in me. This faith has not only carried me through multiple medical struggles but also has molded me into the man that I am today. From a young age, I developed a passion for music. As my faith matured, that passion for music transformed into a passion for worship. For the past four years, I have led my student body in worship weekly and previously led worship for my church youth group. Music became far more than a hobby; it grew into a way to connect with others in the hope I have found in Christ. The medical professionals who walked alongside me through my struggles of both a congenital heart defect and Tourette Syndrome have played a vital role along my journey. Their encouragement and support have not only helped me physically but also inspired me. At an early age I found a passion and interest in both anatomy and biology. With the combination of this passion and the inspiration of medical professionals in my own life, I discovered God’s calling for my life. I have found a passion and a calling towards pediatric nursing. I intend to use my scientific knowledge and nursing abilities to save lives, while also being a light for children struggling with their own battles, just as medical professionals have done for me. Secondly, I intend to pursue a career as a nurse anesthetist in order to save lives in operating rooms for patients in desperate need of care. The most important preparation that I have undergone to become a nurse has been experiencing the mindset of the patient. As a child I experienced firsthand the fear and uncertainty of my future as I battled a congenital heart defect. This perspective has allowed me to understand the mindset of children in need and better serve and comfort them. Secondly, my passion for anatomy has given me a strong baseline knowledge preparing me for nursing school. Finally, the persistence and determination required to become an All-District athlete has given me the determination and resilience necessary to succeed in the rigorous academic courses required to become an RN.

At 17 I found myself in a situation that tested not only my maturity, but also my compassion. After working a long shift after school, I was driving home when I noticed a stranded car blocking an exit ramp. Inside the car was an elderly, Middle Eastern couple that looked scared and confused. Their car had two flat tires and was clearly stuck. I could have easily driven by without a thought, as I was exhausted after work and I didn’t know how I could help them. However, the values of kindness and service my parents had instilled in me overpowered the exhaustion I felt. So, I pulled over and approached the car. As I got closer, I realized the couple didn’t speak English. They were crying and obviously confused. In that moment, I saw their vulnerability and knew I couldn’t leave them alone. I pushed their car into a nearby movie theater parking lot just as the police arrived. However, to my surprise, the officers told me they couldn’t help due to liability concerns that I did not understand. These people clearly needed assistance, and yet no one could step in except me. I remembered the basics of car repair I’d learned from my dad and through volunteering at a local garage that supported single mothers and veterans’ families. While unsure of my abilities, I stayed with the couple and tried to communicate through a translator app. I learned they were visiting their son in Texas and were now on their way to the airport, still an hour away, when they got stuck. Understanding how lost and isolated they must have felt, I committed to helping however I could. Despite being nervous, I grabbed my tools and got to work changing their tires while the police watched from their cars. The process was slow and stressful, and I second guessed every move that I made. But the thought of this couple being stranded, far from home, with no way to communicate pushed me on. After finishing the repair, the couple cried and hugged me; overwhelmed with relief and gratitude. I gave them directions to the airport and watched them drive off, no longer stranded or afraid. That night changed me. It taught me that compassion means choosing to care when it’s inconvenient, when it’s uncomfortable, and when no one else will step up. I didn’t save the world, but I made a real difference in someone’s life at a moment when they needed it most. More than anything, it showed me how powerful simple acts of kindness can be. That moment didn’t just help them; it helped shape me. It reminded me that empathy isn’t about having the perfect solution, but showing up, being present, and doing what you can. That night, in a quiet parking lot at 10:30 PM, I learned that the heart behind your actions matters more than your age or experience, and that realization continues to guide how I live and serve others today.

Over the course of my life, I have learned to view adversity as an opportunity for growth rather than an insurmountable obstacle. While these adversities were uncomfortable, and difficult, they prepared me for many different situations in life and molded me into the man that I am today. I was born with a congenital heart defect and forced to submit to the physical limits I never had a chance to explore further. As I grew, I learned to be cautious and restrain myself from the everyday physical activities in which normal kids participate. However, I did not see this condition as a weakness, instead I saw it as preparation and training that would mold me into a better man. I found a strong passion for sports as a child which led me to commit to years of specialized training, specifically on the baseball field and the basketball court. Slowly, throughout the course of my training I found where I was able to push my limits, and where it was best to refrain. As a freshman I earned the starting third baseman position on the varsity baseball team. During my junior year I earned a starting position on the varsity basketball team and was awarded a Second-Team All-District Varsity basketball award. The accomplishments were far more than athletic achievements; they were evidence that I was able to turn what others viewed as a weakness into strength through continual and disciplined effort. However, while I believed the weight of a congenital heart defect was the only obstacle I would bear, the Lord had in store another obstacle that would help shape me into the man I am today. At twelve years old I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. The tics came suddenly and were seemingly incontrollable. This struggle was far different than a congenital heart defect. It was a battle that was visible to the world around me yet fought internally. However, I decided to treat this obstacle as an opportunity to grow and began developing a plan to overcome it. Through the help of my parents, I started wearing a rubber band on my wrist. Whenever I felt the tic or urge build, I simply snapped the band which gave an unnoticeable controlled response to the seemingly incontrollable obstacle. It may have been a simple response to the overwhelming urges that stemmed from my Tourette Syndrome, but over time it rewired my responses, and I regained control of my body. The simple snap of a rubber band became an anchor for me, and a reminder that just as I was able to overcome the physical setbacks of a congenital heart defect, I was also able to regain control over my own body. Today I live with both conditions. However, neither defines me. Rather they have changed the way that I view myself and the life I live. I no longer see struggles as obstacles to avoid at all costs, but as a training process that can only strengthen me. Like a workout, while uncomfortable, it builds strength that lasts a lifetime.

My passion for nursing comes from a very personal time in my life that made a tremendous impact. At birth I was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect requiring two open-heart surgeries and spent much of my early life in and out of hospitals. I was surrounded by doctors and nurses who treated much more than just my medical needs. While I hold a very high respect for doctors, I have seen the comfort, strength, and empathy that nurses continually provide throughout the treatment process simply by their presence. These experiences in and out of hospitals and the continual support and encouragement of nurses by my side have instilled and fueled a passion to help children facing similar situations. Becoming a pediatric travel nurse gives me the opportunity to provide aid to children in underserved communities, providing not only medical care, but also empathy and understanding from a nurse who has experienced firsthand the struggles of medical setbacks. Due to my understanding of fear and uncertainty as a patient, I desire to become a source of both stability and compassion for patients and their families alike. As a travel nurse, I will have the ability to serve in areas that have the greatest need, connecting communities with the necessary aid for patients around the country. Looking into the future, my goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). As an infant the operating room saved my life more than once. While I have no memory of my open-heart surgeries, I remember throughout my childhood watching the anxiety of my parents grow as possible surgical needs arose and I understand the pressure and strain that anxiety puts on families. I now fully realize how critical a role anesthesia can play in surgery; not only the comfort of the patients, but also the safety and success of the surgery. As a CRNA I intend to stand at the operating table, ensuring that children who are in need receive the same care, precision, and compassion that I did. Each step of my journey, from patient to pediatric travel nurse to possible nurse anesthetist, is rooted in a strong desire to give back and serve just as medical professionals have done for me. I am driven by the memory of the support and encouragement provided to me and aim to both provide the same service to children in need and provide much needed relief to communities throughout the country. Whether through bedside nursing in a local hospital, or in the sterile operating room, I intend to leave a lasting impact on the lives of children and families fighting to live a fulfilled and fearless life.

My career goals come from a deep passion for serving others and making even the smallest difference for those in need. I desire to become a traveling nurse, specifically in pediatric hospitals around the country that are overwhelmed and short-staffed, where I can help to provide empathetic and skilled care for children during difficult stages of their lives. This career path will allow me to provide support to hospitals in great need of help, while also gaining valuable experiences across different communities. This desire to be a nurse comes not only from a heart of service, but also from the inspiration of my uncle, who, after serving in the military as a paratrooper, became an ER nurse to save those in desperate need of medical attention. My uncle and grandfather both served in the military and have both taught me the citizens' duty is to serve their community, just as the military serves their country. They have taught me great lessons, such as determination, teamwork, and the importance of service, which have inspired me to pursue a career that revolves around the service of others. After I provide aid as a nurse for children in hospitals around the country, I intend to pursue a Master’s degree in order to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). This elevated degree will not only advance my abilities, but also place me in a position to serve more critical and specialized needs. With the knowledge and skills I obtain through CRNA school, I intend to volunteer by giving medical aid to those in need around my community. Service has played a vital role throughout the course of my life. Through a ministry in my community called God’s Garage, I have had the opportunity to refurbish vehicles for single mothers and widows of veterans, providing both transportation and independence. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to build housing for those in need in both Opelousas, LA, and Costa Rica. These experiences have provided me with a deeper appreciation for community, faith, and the necessity of giving back to those in need. Another large part of my service ability includes leading worship for my school over the last four years, and stepping in to lead with my local church when needed. As a child, I developed a strong passion for music, and as my faith grew, that passion for music evolved into a passion for worship. I intend to remain actively involved in church worship wherever the Lord leads me, just as He has called me to do these last four years. While I love having the opportunity to provide aid for the physical needs of people around my community, I have found that I am also able to provide spiritual aid, peace, and encouragement for those struggling spiritually. I hope to continue leading worship and providing spiritual aid for those in need wherever the Lord leads me. In every aspect of my life, I strive to be a source of compassion, strength, and healing. Whether through nursing, service opportunities, or leading worship, my goal is to serve others and be a light on a hill as I have been called to be in Scripture. This goal will continue guiding me as I step into the next chapter of my education, service, and worship leadership.

As a Christian, there is an indelible call on my life to love my neighbor. With that in mind, I have been involved in numerous community service opportunities since middle school. I have served at my local church in the sound booth, leading worship in my youth group, and participated in frequent mission trips and local service opportunities. In my own town, I have served at God's Garage (a local ministry providing vehicles to veterans and single mothers) as a volunteer mechanic assistant. And through my school I have served in Key Club, Spanish Club, international missions (Costa Rica), and led our school's Praise Team. Additionally, I have served the mentally challenged in my community through a program called Battle of the Warriors. Through serving others, I have grown in my understanding of what it means to love my neighbor, and that my neighbor is not only the poor and destitute in a faraway land, but also those I meet daily here at home. Through my desire to become a pediatric nurse, I intend to continue to serve my patients and also my local community. My calling remains the same...love my neighbor.

Throughout the course of my life, I have faced a multitude of obstacles that have tested not only my physical strength, but also my emotional resilience. At birth I was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (Coarctation of the Aorta) and spend a vast amount of time in and out of hospitals throughout my childhood. My younger sister, born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, endured much larger obstacles. Seeing the resilience of my sister fighting for each heartbeat inspired me to enjoy the gifts that I can enjoy rather than focus on the challenges I must overcome. Then at twelve years old I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. While it may have been easy to let the combination of my physical limitations and the emotional weight of Tourette Syndrome define me, I instead used these obstacles as motivation to overcome them. Through continuous determination, I earned a Second Team All-District Varsity basketball award, and as a freshman I earned the starting third-baseman position on the varsity baseball team. These achievements came at the cost of continuous practice outside of school, and a refusal to let my conditions determine my future. Competing at a high level and managing a congenital heart defect and Tourette Syndrome taught me to adapt, be patient, and push forward despite the expectation of others. Beyond my own determination, my community and my faith in Christ have become an even bigger sustaining force in my life. The grace of God to place me within a loving, supportive family and in an encouraging church have given me the eternal perspective necessary to overcome obstacles where I am able. More importantly, these experiences have instilled in me a strong compassion for those in the midst of physical and emotional trials. I know how it feels to question your ability to live a “normal” life. I understand the emotional weight that comes from both physical and emotional differences, and the courage required handle such difficulty. The struggles and limitations of my past have shaped me into a man that understands physical and emotional weight, and who also is driven to lift that weight off others. That is why I intend to pursue a career in pediatric nursing. I intend to enroll at Liberty University in the Fall while majoring in Nursing. The opportunity to study Nursing from a wholistic, biblical worldview, and learn from tremendous faculty with significant clinical experience is something that I truly desire. My hope is to become more than a healthcare provider. I want to instill hope and courage in the lives of children in need. I want to create an environment that exudes safety and values the patient’s feelings. I strive to help children recognize their capabilities rather than limiting their lives to the expectations of others. One’s heart determines what they can do, not their obstacles.

Throughout the course of my life, I have faced a multitude of obstacles that have tested not only my physical strength, but also my emotional resilience. At birth I was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (Coarctation of the Aorta) and spend a vast amount of time in and out of hospitals throughout my childhood. My younger sister, born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, endured much larger obstacles. Seeing the resilience of my sister fighting for each heartbeat inspired me to enjoy the gifts that I can enjoy rather than focus on the challenges I must overcome. Then at twelve years old I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. While it may have been easy to let the combination of my physical limitations and the emotional weight of Tourette Syndrome define me, I instead used these obstacles as motivation to overcome them. Through continuous determination, I earned a Second Team All-District Varsity basketball award, and as a freshman I earned the starting third-baseman position on the varsity baseball team. These achievements came at the cost of continuous practice outside of school, and a refusal to let my conditions determine my future. Competing at a high level and managing a congenital heart defect and Tourette Syndrome taught me to adapt, be patient, and push forward despite the expectation of others. Beyond my own determination, my community and my faith in Christ have become an even bigger sustaining force in my life. The grace of God to place me within a loving, supportive family and in an encouraging church have given me the eternal perspective necessary to overcome obstacles where I am able. More importantly, these experiences have instilled in me a strong compassion for those in the midst of physical and emotional trials. I know how it feels to question your ability to live a “normal” life. I understand the emotional weight that comes from both physical and emotional differences, and the courage required handle such difficulty. The struggles and limitations of my past have shaped me into a man that understands physical and emotional weight, and who also is driven to lift that weight off others. That is why I intend to pursue a career in pediatric nursing. My desire is to become more than a healthcare provider. I want to instill hope and courage in the lives of children in need. I want to create an environment that exudes safety and values the patient’s feelings. I strive to help children recognize their capabilities rather than limiting their lives to the expectations of others. One’s heart determines what they can do, not their obstacles. While my journey has been filled with obstacles and frustrations, it has also helped me to realize the Lord’s calling for me. Through the Lord’s grace and love for me I have turned my obstacles into opportunities, and I hope to provide children in need with the same ability.

Overcoming the medical impacts of a congenital heart defect and Tourette Syndrome has helped to shape my desire to serve others in need. Over the course of my medical journey, I faced a multitude of challenges both physical and emotional. However, the guidance and support of medical professionals during my struggles were extremely impactful and have helped inspire me to guide and support others through their medical difficulties. Not only did they provide physical guidance and treatment, but they also provided emotional comfort and security through seasons of doubt and shame, encouraging me to continue down the Lord's path for my life. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a career in nursing in order to provide the same support and guidance to others facing their own medical challenges. I hope to become a nurse who listens to my patients and treats them with empathy and compassion, strengthening them through their journeys. I have learned firsthand the importance of feeling heard and valued and intend to be an outlet for my patients emotionally and a source of encouragement and guidance as they grow and heal. As a nurse, I intend to strengthen the relationship and trust between the sick and healthcare providers. We currently live in a world that treats patients as a number in the system and a cash cow rather than a valuable individual. I believe that in order to shift the perspective of patients toward their doctors and vice versa it is essential as medical professionals to approach each individual with compassion, empathy, and most importantly respect. I desire to create an environment where patients feel valued, heard, and respected. In order to achieve this, I will diligently develop strong communication skills, ensuring the patients feel not only respected, but also comfortable discussing their questions and concerns. Secondly, attentive listening will be an essential tool in creating a safe environment, as it helps to reassure each patient that they are heard and their opinions are important. Finally, I intend to advocate for patient-centered care. The goal of patient-centered care is to value and take heed of the patient's feelings in treatment decisions, which reassures the patient that they are involved rather than outside of the treatment circle. In conclusion, I know firsthand through medical professionals in my life the importance of guidance and support through physical and emotional trials which has inspired me to provide that same love and support for those in need. Finally, I intend to create an environment of safety and respect between patients and medical professionals in order to provide comfort and security for my patients.

Due to my congenital heart defect and Tourette Syndrome, my family has spent a considerable amount of money on my care, which has prevented my parents from being able to save for my college education. This has led to a great need for outside aid for my further studies. The love and care of not only my family and friends, but also the support and guidance of medical professionals has inspired me to love and care for those in need. I have seen firsthand the impact that dedicated, caring medical professionals have on the lives of patients and their families. Therefore, I am determined to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing and a master’s degree in nurse anesthesia. I would love to serve families that are experiencing similar medical and emotional concerns that my family and I have gone through. As a freshman in high school, I became determined to attend Liberty University and graduate debt-free. I developed a plan to earn and maintain a 3.8 GPA, which would allow me to earn the second-highest merit scholarship that Liberty University offers. My plan includes setting aside two hours a day to study and prepare for upcoming quizzes and tests. Not only does this involve setting aside time outside of class to prepare for school, but also to use extra class time to finish homework during school hours leaving me ample time for my studies. I also have planned and set out on a course to apply for 40-50 outside local and national scholarships to earn up to $10,000 of outside aid. I researched and developed a spreadsheet showing all of the local and national scholarships for which I might be eligible. Some of these scholarships are related to my medical disabilities, but the large majority of the scholarships are local service and merit-based scholarships. I have applied for two to three scholarships a week based on their upcoming due dates for the past few months and intend to continue on this path through my college education to graduate with little-to-no college debt. Finally, I developed a plan to earn and save $10,000 into my college savings. I am currently working three days per week at a local restaurant, averaging $80 per shift (totaling to $960 per month) from January through May. Additionally, I look to pick up an extra shift where possible. During the summer, I intend to work five shifts per week (totaling to $1,600 per month). My intention is to continue working three days per week while in school at Liberty University. Outside of my educational and financial goals, I am determined to continue serving in my local church and community in an effort to use my God-given gifts and to serve those around me, as I have done in the past (i.e. Gods Garage Conroe, Battle of the Warriors, Hope for Opelousas, Joshua Expeditions, and Spring Cypress Presbyterian Church).