The recent pandemic changed the lives of many around the world. It was the spring of my first year of high school. I heard of this virus going around, but I never would have thought that this little virus would change the course of my high school career. However, it was much more than the pandemic that changed my life forever. I volunteered at the nursing home where my mother worked during my first year. She had recently graduated with her BSN, and I was so excited to come with her to work. Just before the pandemic, devastatingly, my father passed away. He passed away due to heart failure during his journey of trying to find a heart transplant in Salt Lake City. Much to my regret, I was not with him when he passed. My life and passions slipped away before me as I struggled through the denial, anger, and depression phases of grief. Shortly after, the pandemic came around, and I was no longer able to spend my time with the residents I dearly loved at the nursing home. There was no outlet for my grief, and understandably, I was quarantined in my room up until my junior year of high school for my safety due to my mother still working as a nurse during this high-risk time. For most hours of the day, I slept, hoping to wake up to find that my life was still intact and not shattered to pieces. Finally, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. I was still struggling with grief as we came out of the pandemic, and I was still struggling with making friends again when I came back to school. Thankfully, however, at this time, I found my passion in health and fitness. I worked out every day after school and found friends with similar passions. I started opening up to physicians and my mother about my mental struggles and received help from friends and family. My main goal and biggest accomplishment for my junior and senior years of high school was to improve my passions and academics. I wanted to find myself in life again, and I am deeply grateful for the people around me, especially my mother, for helping me achieve this. Because of my admiration for my mother for pushing through the most harrowing period of our lives, I grew the same love for healthcare and nursing she did. This passion drove me to join the medical assisting program provided by my high school with the goal of pursuing nursing in her footsteps. I scored the highest in my class on the medical assisting certification exam, which further proved to me that I am capable of the hardships in nursing school. My mother graduated from her MSN NP program very shortly after I graduated high school. I seize every opportunity in life out of admiration for her and with the hope of making my father proud. While taking my prerequisites for nursing school, I joined the Filipinx Student Association at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. For the first time in my life, I found others who have gone through many similar struggles and who grew up very similar to me. I saw family within this organization, and my passion showed through my work as an intern. I became a leader and was voted into the Internal Vice-President position for this upcoming 2024-2025 school year. I am excited to continue to grow as a leader and network with others to benefit my future endeavors as a healthcare professional after my undergraduate career.

Much of my family has struggled with mental health due to trauma from the military. My cousin took his own life at the age of 21 after his service. My father struggled with hallucinations after his service and struggled with alcohol abuse which then led to his kidney eventually shutting down. After my step-father, whom I considered a genuine father figure in my life, passed away in 2017, my biological father also passed away in 2019. Never would I have thought that I would fall into the generational trauma within my daily, but after laying to rest two role models in my life, my mental health plummeted. Especially with going into lockdown due to the pandemic, I struggled with coping with the grief. I lost many of my friends around me, and I felt as if I couldn’t talk about my struggles with my immediate family. I continued to suffer alone for two years. After my attempt at taking my own life in 2021, I felt a shift in my mentality. I wanted to see the day that I would graduate high school. I wanted to experience proms and homecomings. I wanted to pursue a happier and healthier life. I finally sought help from my mother, whom I felt was the only person in the world who would listen to me at the time. She guided me through finding myself again. She is a nurse practitioner, and she has been a major influence and role model in my life. I want to follow in her footsteps with my career aspirations. During my mental health journey, I spent time being active outside. This was the perfect outlet for my grief. I journaled much of my thoughts as well as an outlet. I believe that my mental health journey has shaped me into a sensitive, open-minded person. I believe that it is important to be a rock and a support for your peers and family, as you never know what someone is going through. It is important to be sensitive and kind and build relationships with even those who you may think are difficult to build a relationship with. Everyone is human, and much of society forgets that. Through my nursing career, I aspire to specialize in working with psychiatric patients. I aim to give these patients the patience and kind care that isn’t seen much in psychiatric facilities. I hear around me that psychiatric patients are just “crazy.” But these people are not crazy, there is always a reason why they have fallen into that life. Outside of healthcare, I aim to be an example and advocate for those struggling with mental health. I aim to be a rock and a support for patients and peers and family alike, because I know from personal experience what it feels like to struggle to just live until the next day and having that mentality that this cycle will never end. Through my nursing career, I aspire to do more than just hand out pharmaceuticals to patients with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. I aspire to bring holistic practices to patients and encouraging building goals and aspirations in life, so that tomorrow is something brighter.

The weight of trauma and mental health struggles has been a shadow over my family, especially as a result of military service. My cousin, a young man of just 21, took his own life after returning from service. My father, too, battled demons after his time in the military, facing terrifying hallucinations and turning to alcohol as an escape—a battle that ultimately claimed his life when his kidneys failed. In 2017, I lost my stepfather, a man who was more than a stepfather—he was my true father figure. Just two years later, in 2019, my biological father passed away as well. These losses left me shattered, never imagining that I, too, would be caught in the web of generational trauma. When the pandemic forced us into isolation, my grief intensified. I lost friends and felt more alone than ever, unable to share my pain even with my family. I kept my struggles hidden, suffering in silence for two long years. In 2021, when I reached my breaking point and attempted to take my own life, something inside me shifted. I realized I still had hopes and dreams—I wanted to graduate, to experience life’s milestones like prom and homecoming, and most importantly, I wanted to live a happier, healthier life. It was then that I turned to my mother, the one person I believed would truly listen. A nurse practitioner, she guided me through the darkness, helping me rediscover myself. She has been my rock, my inspiration, and the reason I am determined to follow in her footsteps and pursue a career in nursing. Throughout my mental health journey, I found solace in the outdoors, where I could process my grief. Journaling became my lifeline, a place where I could pour out my thoughts and begin to heal. This journey has shaped me into someone who is sensitive, open-minded, and deeply empathetic. I’ve learned the importance of being a support system for others, recognizing that everyone carries their own burdens, often hidden beneath the surface. In my nursing career, I am committed to working with psychiatric patients, providing them with the patience and compassionate care they so often lack. I want to be the person who understands that these individuals are not “crazy,” but are fighting battles that deserve to be acknowledged with dignity and care. Beyond the healthcare setting, I aim to be a beacon of hope and advocacy for those grappling with mental health challenges. I know what it feels like to struggle just to make it to the next day, and I want to be there for others in their darkest moments. My goal is not just to administer medications, but to incorporate holistic practices that encourage patients to build dreams and aspirations, so that they can look forward to brighter tomorrows. This scholarship would not only support my educational journey but also empower me to fulfill my purpose of bringing light to those in their most difficult times.

As a nursing student, I often hear that nursing school will challenge me in ways I cannot imagine, that it will be the hardest period of my life, requiring sacrifices just to pass my classes. However, I believe college is not meant for suffering, especially not for suffering alone. While there will be trying times, I see college as a journey of self-discovery through the many great opportunities and experiences it offers. My experience so far has reinforced this belief, proving that with the right mindset and community, the hardships can be navigated successfully. From the very beginning, I have been immensely grateful for the organizations provided by my university. Joining the Filipinx Student Association (FSA) in search of belonging, I found a community that feels like family. These are people I would love to see in the audience at my wedding someday. Even complete strangers within FSA offer support during the challenging times of nursing school. This sense of community and solidarity is what college means to me. It is this shared bond that has made the rigors of nursing school more manageable, providing a source of strength and encouragement. I have also discovered my identity by stepping out of my comfort zone and spending time alone in unfamiliar places. It was no small feat to join an organization by myself, let alone become a leader within FSA. This journey has taught me the importance of resilience and the value of taking risks. Each step outside my comfort zone has been a step toward personal growth and self-discovery. Being a part of FSA has not only connected me with a wonderful community but has also given me the confidence to pursue leadership roles and advocate for causes I believe in. My involvement with FSA has inspired me to further build connections in college through various organizations. My plan is to join more cultural groups on campus and foster closer ties between FSA and other diverse groups through social events, panel discussions, and more. I believe that by bridging the gaps between different cultural organizations, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students. These interactions and collaborations are crucial for fostering understanding and unity within the university community. As a leader, I aim to make an impact on the diverse groups at my university, demonstrating that college is not meant for suffering but for finding a community that helps you build toward your dreams. Leadership, to me, is about serving others and being a beacon of hope and inspiration. I am committed to climbing the ladder of leadership and being an example to my peers, showing that with the right support and connections, we can thrive together. By sharing my journey and the lessons I have learned, I hope to motivate others to seek out their communities and take on leadership roles. In conclusion, college is a time for growth, exploration, and building lasting relationships. It is a journey that should be embraced with optimism and an open heart. My experiences as a nursing student and a member of FSA have shown me the transformative power of community and support. As I continue my college journey, I am excited to see how I can contribute to the diverse tapestry of our university and make a positive impact on those around me. With determination and the backing of a strong community, I am confident that I can overcome any challenges and achieve my dreams.

Life's most challenging events often make us appreciate the small details—each sunrise, every peaceful car ride, and even the simple act of breathing. I am grateful for every breath, especially after a time when I didn't want to breathe anymore. Losing my stepfather to a heart attack shattered my world, leaving my mother and me alone in a deafening silence. Attempting to reconnect with friends and family helped briefly, but the passing of my biological father left me gasping for air, drowning in grief. During these darkest moments, I longed for someone—parents, teachers, anyone—to ask, “Are you okay? Do you need help?” But no one did, and I felt lost and alone. In my darkest moments, I refused help and wrote farewell letters to my loved ones, dreading my sixteenth birthday and wishing I wouldn’t live to see it. However, I eventually saw a glimmer of hope. Taking the first step towards recovery was the hardest, but it was necessary. I started by buying a journal and documenting my journey. One crucial decision was to distance myself from friends who didn't share my goals and didn't realize the long-term impact of their choices. I sought out people who motivated me and aimed for success. This decision was a significant step in my self-improvement journey. Learning to enjoy my own company was another pivotal moment. I needed time alone to process my thoughts and fully grieve. During this period, I rediscovered childhood hobbies like journaling, painting, scrapbooking, and playing the guitar. I also began working out, which became a vital part of healing both my mind and body. The gym became a daily refuge, helping me work through my emotions physically. Now, as I move into the next chapter of my life, I am fully recovered from the grief that weighed me down for years. I am proud of my journey and the strength I’ve gained, and I am filled with love for life again at eighteen years old. My mother's teachings about our family's sacrifices for better opportunities have profoundly shaped me. Immigrant families, including ours, often endure hardships to provide a brighter future for their children. In 2011, my mother and I left the Philippines to pursue the 'American dream.' Leaving our peaceful island life, where we did laundry in streams and played in waterfalls, was difficult. Nursing wasn’t always my dream, especially after witnessing my mother’s struggles. However, I now understand the immense effort it takes to provide for a family from the ground up. My mother's hard work as a single parent in a foreign country inspires me as I pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Joining the Filipinx Student Association (FSA) at my university was a turning point. This organization connected me with others who share similar experiences and backgrounds. For the first time, I found friends who asked me, “Are you okay? Do you need help?” Their genuine concern and understanding provided the support I had longed for. Many immigrant parents work tirelessly to pave an easier path for their children, a sentiment echoed in the stories of the 'titas' and 'titos' I’ve met through FSA. Their calloused hands and humble homes symbolize their dedication and sacrifices. My peers in FSA feel like extended family, sharing our ancestors' beliefs and values. This community has been a source of strength and motivation, helping me endure the challenges of nursing school and continue our shared path to success. Receiving this scholarship will help me positively impact the Filipinx community, allowing me to honor my family's sacrifices and support the dreams of future generations.

I am Anna Artrip, an aspiring nurse with a deep appreciation for life and a passion for helping others. Born in the Philippines, I moved to the United States with my mother in 2011, leaving behind a simple and serene life for the promise of the American dream. My journey has been marked by significant personal challenges and profound loss, but these experiences have shaped my resilience and determination. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, driven by a desire to honor my mother's sacrifices and make a meaningful impact on my community. Life's most transformative moments often come during times of great adversity. For me, these moments have instilled a deep appreciation for the small joys in life—the warmth of the sun, peaceful car rides, and the very breath in my lungs. This gratitude stems from a period when I struggled to find reasons to breathe at all. The loss of my stepfather to a heart attack was the first blow that silenced my world. The house felt unbearably empty with just my mother and me. Despite my efforts to reconnect with friends and family, another devastating loss—the death of my biological father—left me feeling utterly bereft. I was a young child who had lost my way, refusing help and writing farewell letters that I kept hidden, as I struggled with thoughts of ending my life before my sixteenth birthday. Yet, amidst the darkness, I found a glimmer of hope and decided to take the first, most difficult step towards recovery. I began by journaling, which allowed me to process my emotions and find clarity. I realized that my friends at the time were not the supportive figures I needed; they lacked ambition and understanding of life's consequences. Distancing myself from these relationships was a crucial step towards self-improvement. Learning to enjoy my own company was another significant milestone. I rediscovered hobbies from my childhood—journaling, painting, scrapbooking, and playing the guitar. Additionally, I embraced working out, which became a vital part of my healing process, providing a physical outlet for my emotions. The gym became a sanctuary where I could build both mental and physical strength. Now, at eighteen, I look back at my journey with pride. The girl who once doubted she would see her sixteenth birthday is now filled with a renewed love for life and a determination to make the most of every opportunity. My mother has always been my greatest inspiration. She taught me the value of hard work and sacrifice, a common thread in many immigrant families. We left the Philippines in pursuit of better opportunities, and despite the challenges, my mother persevered as a single parent in an unfamiliar country. Her dedication and resilience motivate me to pursue a career in nursing, even though it was not my initial dream. In high school, I resisted the idea of becoming a nurse, having witnessed the struggles my mother faced during her nursing education. However, as I grew older, I gained a deeper understanding of the sacrifices she made for our family's future. Her journey from the Philippines to the United States, starting from rock bottom, made me appreciate the importance of providing for one's family and the significance of hard work. Joining the Filipinx Student Association (FSA) at my university has been a pivotal experience. I found a community of peers who share similar backgrounds and values, all striving to honor their parents' sacrifices. The 'titas' and 'titos' I have met through FSA embody the resilience and dedication of the immigrant experience, their hard work evident in their calloused hands and modest homes. These connections have strengthened my resolve to succeed in nursing school and make a positive impact on the Filipinx community. My goal is to become a nurse who not only provides excellent care but also serves as a role model for future generations. I want to contribute to the community by offering support and guidance to others who, like me, are navigating the challenges of pursuing a dream while honoring their family's legacy. Receiving this scholarship would significantly aid my journey. It would alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with nursing school, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on financial stress. More importantly, it would be a testament to the values my mother instilled in me—hard work, perseverance, and dedication to one's goals. In conclusion, my life experiences have shaped my aspirations and career goals. Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is not just about securing a stable future; it is about honoring my mother's sacrifices, contributing to my community, and inspiring others to overcome their challenges. I am committed to making a positive impact in the nursing field and the Filipinx community, driven by the values of resilience and hard work that have been the cornerstone of my journey.

I have always been guided by the principles my mother instilled in me: we come from a lineage of parents who work tirelessly and sacrifice everything to provide their children with better opportunities. This ethos is not unique to my family but is a common thread among many immigrant families. It has profoundly influenced my commitment to future generations. In 2011, my mother and I left everything we knew in the Philippines to pursue the 'American dream.' I was only six years old and couldn't comprehend why we were leaving our peaceful life on the islands, where we did our laundry in the streams and played by the waterfalls. Despite our simple and serene life, my mother sought greater opportunities for us in the United States. Initially, I resisted the idea of pursuing nursing, having witnessed my mother's struggles while she was in nursing school. During high school, I was determined to explore other paths. However, as I matured, I began to understand the immense effort required to provide for a family, especially when starting from scratch in a new country. My mother's dedication as a single parent in an unfamiliar environment inspired me to follow in her footsteps and strive towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Joining the Filipinx Student Association (FSA) at my university connected me with others who shared similar experiences. Within this community, I met many 'titas' and 'titos' whose hard work and sacrifices were evident in their calloused hands and the homes they built. The FSA has become an extended family for me, reinforcing the values and beliefs passed down from our ancestors. This community constantly motivates me to persevere through the challenges of nursing school. Accountability plays a crucial role in my journey. The collective ambition and dedication of my peers and the broader Filipino community remind me of the responsibility I have to uphold the sacrifices made by our parents. I hold myself accountable by setting clear goals, maintaining a disciplined study routine, and seeking support from my FSA family. This accountability ensures that I remain focused on my path, motivated to succeed not just for myself but for the generations that follow. The support and encouragement I receive from the Filipinx community are pivotal to my success. They remind me daily of the importance of resilience, hard work, and the collective effort required to achieve our dreams. This scholarship will enable me to continue positively impacting the Filipinx community, honoring the sacrifices of our parents and paving the way for future generations.

My first concert memory is one I will always cherish. It was a thrilling night at a Why Don’t We concert, featuring the amazing Ava Max and Bryce Vine. The excitement started with Ava Max, who not only delivered a fantastic performance but also gave me a heartfelt hug and called me beautiful. That moment felt like a dream come true and set the tone for an unforgettable experience. The concert was even more special because I got to share it with my friend Adriana and her mom. We were ecstatic, singing along to our favorite songs. One of the highlights of the night was hugging each member of the Why Don’t We boyband. They were so kind and engaging, making us feel like we were part of something truly special. During the concert, I discovered Bryce Vine. His performance blew me away, and he quickly became my favorite artist for several years. His song "Drew Barrymore" resonated with me deeply and became a staple on my playlist. Why Don’t We also left a lasting impression, especially with their song "8 Letters." The emotional delivery and the connection I felt with the lyrics made it my favorite song by them. This concert was a whirlwind of emotions and incredible moments that I’ll always remember fondly. My most recent concert memory is one I hold close to my heart. It was a country concert featuring Cody Johnson, with Justin Moore and Dillon Carmichael as the opening acts. My boyfriend introduced me to Cody Johnson when we first started dating a year ago with the song “Diamond in My Pocket,” so this concert felt like a full-circle moment for us. One of the most touching moments of the night was when they asked the military personnel in the audience to raise their hands. Seeing my boyfriend proudly raise his hand and being able to applaud him was incredibly moving. It was a moment of pride and gratitude that added a special layer to the evening. The concert was filled with high energy and great music. During the show, I met a group of girls who invited me to dance with them. We were the only ones on the floor, dancing around in circles and having the time of our lives. It was a carefree and joyful experience that made the night even more memorable. “The Painter” by Cody Johnson, a song that many people know from social media, had the whole crowd singing along. This concert was not just a musical event but a series of unforgettable moments that I’ll always treasure.

Growing up, my mother instilled in me the value of hard work and sacrifice, a legacy passed down through generations in our family. This ethos is especially prominent in many immigrant families who endure hardships to provide their children with better opportunities. This principle has profoundly shaped my aspirations for the future. In 2011, my mother and I left our home and family in the Philippines to pursue the 'American dream' in the US. At just six years old, I couldn't grasp why we abandoned our idyllic life—where we did laundry in streams and played by waterfalls—to venture into the unknown. Our life in the Philippines was simple and serene, but my mother saw the potential for a brighter future in America. Initially, I did not envision a career in nursing. Witnessing my mother's struggles as she navigated nursing school made me determined to choose a different path. However, as I matured, I began to understand the immense challenges she faced as a single mother starting from scratch in a foreign country. Her perseverance and dedication have since inspired me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Joining the Filipinx Student Association (FSA) at my university has connected me with peers who share similar experiences. Many of our parents have worked tirelessly to pave an easier path for us. The stories of the ‘titas’ and ‘titos’ I’ve met through FSA, with their hardworking hands and homes built on dreams, resonate deeply with me. We, the children of immigrants, strive to honor our parents' sacrifices by achieving the success they once envisioned for themselves. My involvement with FSA has fostered a sense of extended family, united by shared beliefs and values from our ancestral homeland. This community continually motivates me to overcome the challenges of nursing school. I am driven by the desire to build upon the foundation laid by our parents, ensuring that the legacy of hard work and sacrifice continues for generations to come. In pursuing a degree in nursing, I aim to give back to my community by providing compassionate and competent care. I hope to be a source of support and healing, reflecting the same dedication and resilience that my mother demonstrated. By contributing to the health and well-being of others, I aspire to honor my family’s legacy and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those I serve. This scholarship will help me in my path to impacting my community.

“What could go wrong?” is a question we often ask, brushing it off with a hint of sarcasm. But in reality, life sometimes takes that query and turns it into an overwhelming cascade of events, each one more trying than the last. It is during life-changing events when the world feels like it's crumbling apart that we start to notice the minute details of every dewy sunrise, peaceful car ride, and even every warm breath in one’s lungs. Many things in life are taken for granted. I am thankful for every breath of mine because there was a moment when I wanted to breathe no longer. After I lost my stepfather to a heart attack, everything around me fell silent. The house felt empty with just my mom and me occupying the space. The silence was deafening. I tried to bring light back into my life by reconnecting with friends and family, but then the blinds were shut on me again. The news of my biological father's passing brought me to my knees and drew every last bit of oxygen from my lungs. Just like any other child who lost their way in life, I refused help. Letters I wrote to loved ones accumulated in my drawers in case of my own passing. As a young child, I couldn't wait to reach my sixteenth birthday; at this moment in time, however, I wished to never live to see the age of sixteen. "What could go wrong?" I thought, as I sank deeper into despair. Finally, I could see a speck of light at the end of the tunnel. The most challenging step to take in recovery is the decision to even make the first step, and I took it. What could go wrong if I tried to help myself? The heaviness lifted off my chest with every step I took. I started my journey by buying a journal. The most influential moment I documented was when I decided to distance myself from my friends. I realized that those people I called my friends were not who I needed to surround myself with. I needed people who motivated me to do my best in life and accomplish my goals. The decision to find people who had similar mindsets as mine was a big stepping stone into bettering myself. What could go wrong if I surrounded myself with positive influences? Another important step I took, following distancing myself from stressful friendships, was to learn to enjoy my own company. I was so adamant about spending as much time with my friends as possible until I realized that time alone was necessary for me to process what was going on within my own brain and fully grieve in the comfort of my own company. I took this time alone to rediscover the hobbies that I enjoyed as a child like journaling, painting, scrapbooking, and playing the guitar. I also picked up the hobby of working out. This was the most influential part of healing my mind as well as my body. I grew to love the gym and made it a part of my daily life. This helped by working through my emotions through a physical outlet. Just in time for the next chapter in my life, I have recovered fully from the grief that weighed me down for years. Sometimes I look in the mirror and see my younger self looking back at me with pride in her eyes. Reaching sixteen years old seemed impossible, but I am now eighteen years old with a heart full of love for life again. Reflecting on my journey, I see how much I have grown. It started with the simple question, "What could go wrong?" which then evolved into an exploration of what could go right. With every decision to take a step forward, to distance myself from negativity, and to embrace my own company, I found strength I never knew I had. The question "What could go wrong?" transformed from a sarcastic remark into a genuine exploration of the possibilities that lay ahead, both good and bad. As I continue to grow and face new challenges, I hold onto that question. It reminds me of the resilience within me and the power of hope. Life will always have its ups and downs, but I have learned that even in the darkest times, there is always a way forward. With a heart full of love and a spirit ready to embrace the future, I move forward with the belief that no matter what could go wrong, I have the strength to make things right.

It is during the life-changing events when the world seems to be crumbling apart that one begins to appreciate the minute details of every dewy sunrise, peaceful car ride, and even every warm breath in one’s own lungs. Many things in life are taken for granted. I am thankful for every breath of mine because there was a moment in my own life when I wanted to breathe no longer. After I lost my stepfather to a heart attack, everything around me fell silent. The house felt empty with my mom and me being the only ones occupying the space. I tried to bring light back into my life by reconnecting with friends and family until the blinds were shut on me again. The news of my biological father's passing brought me to my knees and drew every last bit of oxygen from my lungs. Just like any other child who lost their way in life, I refused help. As a young child, I could not wait to reach my sixteenth birthday; at this moment in time, however, I wished to never live to see the age of sixteen. In my darkest moments, it was my faith in God that began to illuminate the path ahead. I felt a glimmer of hope, a sense that I was not alone in my suffering. The decision to lean on my faith was pivotal. I started my journey by buying a journal, where I documented my thoughts and prayers. The most influential moment I recorded was when I decided to distance myself from my friends. I came to a realization that those people that I called my friends were not who I needed to surround myself with. I needed people who motivated me to do my best in life and accomplish my goals. The decision to find people who had similar mindsets as mine was a big stepping stone into bettering myself. Another important step I took that followed distancing myself from stressful friendships was to learn to enjoy my own company. I realized that time alone was necessary for me to process what was going on within my own brain and fully grieve in the comfort of my own company. I took this time alone to rediscover the hobbies that I enjoyed as a child like journaling, painting, scrapbooking, and playing the guitar. God’s presence was my constant companion, and my faith provided me with the resilience and hope I needed to navigate through my grief. Just in time for the next chapter in my life, I have recovered fully from the sorrow that weighed me down for years. Sometimes I look in the mirror and see my younger self looking back at me with pride in her eyes. Reaching sixteen years old seemed impossible, but I am now eighteen years old with a heart full of love for life again. As I move forward in my career, I know that my faith will continue to be my anchor. It will guide my decisions, provide me with strength during challenging times, and remind me to remain humble and compassionate. My faith has taught me the importance of perseverance, gratitude, and the belief that there is a greater plan for my life. With God by my side, I am confident that I will be able to face any obstacles that come my way and achieve my goals with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Life's most profound transformations often emerge from times when it feels like the world is falling apart. These moments compel us to appreciate every dewy sunrise, peaceful car ride, and even each breath we take. Many aspects of life are often taken for granted, but I am grateful for every breath because there was a time when I didn't want to breathe anymore. The catalyst for this profound change in my life was the loss of my stepfather to a heart attack. His sudden passing left our home in a haunting silence, with only my mother and me trying to fill the void. As I attempted to find solace by reconnecting with friends and family, another devastating blow struck. The news of my biological father's death left me breathless, collapsing under the weight of grief. Like many who lose their way in the darkness of loss, I refused help and silently penned letters to loved ones, uncertain if I would ever send them. Once eagerly anticipated, my sixteenth birthday now seemed like a milestone I dreaded reaching. Amidst this overwhelming sorrow, a glimmer of hope appeared. Deciding to take the first step towards recovery was the most challenging yet crucial decision I ever made. With each step, the burden on my chest lightened. I began my healing journey by purchasing a journal, documenting my thoughts and experiences. One pivotal moment was recognizing that my friends at the time were not the right people to support my growth. They lacked goals and didn't understand that their current choices would shape their futures. Realizing I needed a supportive and motivating circle was a significant step towards self-improvement. Another vital aspect of my recovery was learning to enjoy my own company. Previously, I had been adamant about spending time with friends, but I soon understood that solitude was necessary to process my thoughts and fully grieve. During this time alone, I rediscovered hobbies I loved as a child, such as journaling, painting, scrapbooking, and playing the guitar. I also embraced working out, which became a crucial part of healing both my mind and body. The gym became my sanctuary, allowing me to channel my emotions into physical activity. Integral to my healing was the discovery of agape love—a profound, selfless love that transcends and persists regardless of circumstance. This unconditional love helped me rebuild my connection with myself and others, instilling a deep sense of compassion and understanding. Agape love taught me to forgive myself for my perceived shortcomings and to extend that same forgiveness and love to those around me. As I prepared to embark on the next chapter of my life, I realized that I had fully recovered from the grief that had weighed me down for years. Sometimes, I look in the mirror and see my younger self looking back, proud of how far I have come. Reaching sixteen once seemed impossible, but now, at eighteen, I am filled with a renewed love for life and a heart brimming with Agape love.

From caring for my sister and I our entire lives, to giving her patients that same love and care, my mother has been the biggest inspiration for me and others with her compassionate heart. A good nurse is one who is passionate about their field of work; her passion shows through the gifts she brings her to patients and the tears that are shed when her patients are struggling to recover. I hope to bring that same passion into the healthcare field. Although my mother watched me grow up from the moment I came out of the womb, I watched her passion for nursing grow from the moment she got her first job at a nursing home. We are first generation immigrants, and we moved to the US in 2011. I started volunteering with her at the Woodbridge Health Campus when she got her job as a RCA. I learned to care for patients at a young age through my years of volunteer work. Even if it was simple activities like painting residents’ nails and playing their favorite card games, I enjoyed spending time with them and making sure that their stay at the nursing home never had a dull moment as long as I was around. Furthering her passion for helping others, my mother received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing. We shared tears and hugs when she received her first position as a RN at St. Mary’s Healthcare Center. I was then invited by her co-workers to begin volunteer work under her supervision, and I was more than appreciative to build connections with the residents at St. Mary’s, as I did at Woodbridge. Unfortunately, the pandemic brought volunteering in nursing homes to a halt. One resident in particular still checks in on me through FaceBook; those connections remind me of why it is important to build relationships with residents in my care and to build that trust and safe environment between the healthcare provider and patients as I go further down my career path. To further my healthcare education, I attended the Health Science I program at the Greater Lafayette Career Academy during my junior year of high school. This program provided me dual credits in Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology as well as a certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. I am attending the career academy again for my senior year to become a CCMA. I am hoping that gaining healthcare education early on in my life will help me give patients quality care, along with giving them an enjoyable visit using my experience from earlier volunteer work. Now that I have set my sights on nursing as my dream career, I am more than willing to play ‘patient’ for my mother. She is now pursuing her dream to be an NP, and it is so exciting to ask her medical questions as she does her mock examinations on me. I am so thankful that I get the opportunity to learn so much about the healthcare field through my mother and not just while watching from a classroom. Patients will find comfort and safety while in my care, and that is one of the most important qualities to have as a nurse. Those who are passionate about their profession usually bring the best quality of work to their field, and my passion and dedication for nursing is what the healthcare field needs, emulating Nurse Cindy Visser. Although nursing can be a tough profession to pursue, knowing that I form close provider-patient connections is one of many motivational factors that keeps me going on this career path.

This being my fourth year of high school, the best back-to-school tip I can give is to learn how to enjoy your own company. I have watched my peers let their motivation fall apart because of relationships and friendships that drained them mentally. I am also guilty of wasting my time and energy on people who never motivated me to be my best self. Enjoying your own company does not mean that you should isolate yourself. It is healthy to spend time with family and friends. The important part of it all is to realize when those certain people do not wish the best for you. Either surround yourself with people who have the same goals as you or learn how to motivate yourself to pursue your goals. Instagram: @annamarieartrip

Watching my mom's passion for the healthcare field grow sparked my interest in nursing. My dream is to travel the world and help care for others, thus my goal to be a travel nurse after college. I also hope to explore nursing specialties and find where I belong in the world of healthcare.