My name is Annissa De Santiago, and I was raised in a proud military family where values like service, sacrifice, and compassion were part of daily life. My father has served in the U.S. Army for over 20 years, and my mother is a nurse who works at a military hospital. Growing up surrounded by two strong role models who dedicate their lives to serving others shaped my character and my goals. It inspired me to follow in their footsteps and pursue a career where I could make a difference too—through nursing. As a little girl, I used to listen closely when my mom shared stories about her patients. Whether it was comforting someone who was alone, helping a veteran in pain, or staying a little longer after her shift to ease someone’s anxiety, I could hear how much she cared. It wasn’t just her job—it was her way of giving back. Those stories made me see nursing as more than a profession. It’s a calling to help others at their most vulnerable moments, and I knew early on that I wanted to be part of that world. My dad’s stories added another layer to that calling. He often shared experiences about fellow soldiers who returned from deployment wounded—some physically, others emotionally. Hearing about what they endured made me feel a deep sense of responsibility to care for our service members. I want to work in a military hospital, just like my mom, where I can support veterans and active-duty soldiers in their recovery. These men and women have given so much for our country, and I want to be there for them during their healing journey. I believe that showing up with compassion, skill, and understanding is one way I can honor their sacrifice. I’ve always believed that nurses are the heart of the healthcare system. They are the ones who spend the most time with patients, who listen, advocate, and provide both physical and emotional care. I want to become the kind of nurse who not only treats medical conditions but also sees the person behind the illness. I want to be someone patients can trust, families can rely on, and coworkers can count on. My goal is to bring empathy, strength, and professionalism to every shift I work. Nursing school won’t be easy, but I am ready to face the challenge. I understand that this path requires hard work, focus, and emotional strength. I am committed to putting in the time and effort because I know the reward will be worth it—the chance to truly make a difference in people’s lives. I’m excited to learn, grow, and eventually step into a role where I can serve others in a meaningful way every single day. Through nursing, I hope to carry on my parents’ legacy of service and live out my own mission—to care, to serve, and to honor those who have sacrificed for our country and for each other.

What motivates me to become successful is my family and the experiences that have shaped who I am. Growing up, I watched my parents work incredibly hard just to make ends meet. They faced financial struggles with strength and determination, doing everything they could to provide for me and my siblings. Seeing their sacrifices firsthand instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility—not only to make something of myself but to one day give back to them in a meaningful way. My parents are my biggest motivation, along with my grandparents, my brother and sister, and my aunts and uncles, who have all played important roles in my life. They’ve shown me what it means to persevere, and I carry that lesson with me every day. My dream is to become a physical therapist. I’ve always had a passion for helping people, especially those who are going through pain or recovery. The idea of being able to guide someone through the healing process—helping them regain strength, mobility, and confidence—is incredibly meaningful to me. Physical therapy is not just about treating injuries; it’s about restoring hope and improving lives. That’s the kind of impact I want to have on others. Knowing that I can play a part in someone’s journey to wellness motivates me to stay focused and work hard toward my goal. Pursuing an education is essential to achieving that dream. For me, education represents opportunity, growth, and a pathway to a better future. It gives me the knowledge, skills, and experience I need to reach my career goals and become the best version of myself. But more than that, education empowers me to break the cycle of financial instability I witnessed growing up. It gives me the chance to build a life where I don’t have to struggle the way my parents did—and where I can support them in return. Education also helps me develop in ways beyond academics. It teaches me how to think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, and adapt to change. These are all qualities that will help me not only in my career as a physical therapist but in all areas of life. I believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and each step I take in my education brings me closer to my dreams. Success, to me, isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about honoring the people who helped me get here, giving back to my community, and living a life filled with purpose and passion. I am determined to make the most of the opportunities I’ve been given and to build a future I can be proud of. That is what drives me every single day.