As a Latina with Indigenous roots from Ecuador, I have dedicated myself to ensuring that my community has access to proper and adequate mental healthcare. I have partnered with, volunteered for, and worked alongside the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for my contributions. Through NAMI en Español, I visited underrepresented and marginalized communities with predominantly Hispanic and Indigenous populations, listening to their stories, understanding their struggles, and connecting them with free mental health resources. This experience has fueled my passion for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in Hispanic and Indigenous communities and advocating for greater accessibility to care. As a trilingual Hispanic immigrant, I strive to be a voice for my community. My professional goals include becoming a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner and a registered dietitian specializing in oncology, creating tailored meal plans for cancer patients. This mission is deeply personal to me, as I have lost family members to cancer due to the lack of accessible resources in their communities. I want to bridge that gap and ensure that no one has to suffer simply because they lack support or knowledge. In addition to my work in healthcare, I am passionate about leadership and advocacy. With pursuing a minor in business management, I aspire to become a campaign manager for the Student Visionaries of the Year program through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). As a former Student Visionary, I visited schools in underrepresented communities to educate children about cancer while implementing fundraising challenges. Through my efforts, my team earned the Research Mission Pillar Award for being the top research-focused fundraising team out of 28 groups, raising a total of $36,000 for LLS. This experience reinforced my desire to use my skills to create meaningful change in my community. In the future, I aspire to create my own nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underrepresented communities affected by cancer, with a special focus on pediatric patients. I want to provide resources, emotional support, and financial assistance to families who often lack access to proper care. A key part of my mission will be organizing school-based drives to collect toys, books, and comfort items for children undergoing treatment, ensuring they experience joy even in the midst of their battles. Beyond donations, I want to host interactive events at hospitals and schools, where volunteers can spend time with young patients, bringing moments of happiness to their difficult journeys. Every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued, regardless of their background or circumstances, and I am committed to making that a reality through my nonprofit. Receiving this scholarship would help alleviate my parents’ financial burden as I pursue my nursing degree. As a first-generation college student in the U.S., I am determined to break stigmas, uplift my community, and make my family proud. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I grew up in and out of hospitals, watching my sister undergo diagnosis and treatment for her heart defects. While this experience was not always positive, it led me to discover my passion. The nurses who cared for my sister were some of the most compassionate, patient, and understanding people I had ever met. I knew from a young age that I wanted to emulate their kindness and grace. I held onto this passion for helping others, even as my life took unexpected turns. When my family moved to a new country, I had to navigate a different language, education system, and culture. I witnessed my parents’ silent struggle with depression, knowing that as members of an underrepresented and often overlooked Hispanic community, they had little access to resources or support. Growing up, I translated for my parents at doctor’s appointments, and it struck me that I had never met a Spanish-speaking nurse, until one day, I did. The visible relief on my parents' faces was unforgettable. Despite my interest in healthcare, I wasn’t ready to fully commit to the field. Wanting to explore it further, I applied and was accepted into the Summer Teen Program at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. I spent my summers in the Chemotherapy and Hematology wing, where I had a life-changing experience on my very first day. While handing out lunches, I met a woman in Suite 21 who pointed to a banana and said, “Plátano.” Realizing she was speaking Spanish, I immediately responded in her language. That one interaction opened a gateway, I soon found myself communicating with multiple patients in Spanish. As a trilingual Hispanic immigrant, I used my language skills to bridge gaps in communication and support as many patients as possible. This experience solidified my motivation to become a nurse. I want to serve my community and give back to those who once supported my family in our times of need. For the past two summers, I have returned to the Cancer Institute, rediscovering and reaffirming the passion I had tucked away. Now, as a high school senior committed to the University of Connecticut’s School of Nursing, I am determined to relieve as much of my parents' financial burden as possible when it comes to tuition and textbooks. They have sacrificed so much, moving across three countries and crossing literal and figurative boundaries to provide my sister and me with the best possible life. This scholarship would not only help me contribute to my education but also allow me to break stigmas within the Indigenous Hispanic/Latinx community. As a first-generation college student in the U.S., this opportunity would mean the world to me. I am deeply grateful for your time and consideration.

Earning my college degree is just the beginning of a lifelong journey dedicated to helping others. My primary goal is to become a registered travel nurse, allowing me to gain hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings while expanding my medical knowledge and patient care skills. Working in different hospitals and regions will provide me with the opportunity to learn from various healthcare professionals, adapt to new environments, and understand the unique needs of different patient populations. This experience will be invaluable as I continue to grow in my career. Beyond nursing, my passion for health and wellness has driven me to pursue a minor in nutrition. With this knowledge, I aspire to become a registered dietitian and nutritionist specializing in oncology patients. Cancer treatments often take a significant toll on patients, affecting their appetite, digestion, and overall nutritional status. By designing personalized meal plans and providing tailored nutritional guidance, I hope to improve their quality of life, boost their immune function, and help them feel more comfortable during treatment. Nutrition plays a critical role in recovery, and I want to ensure that patients receive the best possible dietary care to support their healing process. In addition to my work in healthcare, my minor in business management will allow me to expand my impact beyond direct patient care. I plan to become a campaign manager for the Student Visionaries of the Year campaign through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This role will enable me to advocate for cancer patients, raise awareness about blood cancers, and secure funding for critical research and support programs. By combining my background in healthcare with leadership and management skills, I aim to make a difference not only in individual lives but also in the broader fight against cancer. I have many passions and aspirations, and I refuse to limit myself to a single path. I am committed to using my education to improve the lives of others, whether through direct patient care, nutritional counseling, or advocacy work. My college degree will serve as the foundation for achieving these goals, equipping me with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to make a meaningful impact in the world. My career aspirations center around making a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most. As a future nurse, dietitian, and advocate, I want to provide compassionate care, improve health outcomes, and give patients the resources they need to lead healthier lives. However, achieving these goals requires extensive education and training, which come with significant financial burdens. This scholarship would be instrumental in helping me afford tuition, textbooks, and other essential academic expenses. As a first-generation college student, I am deeply aware of the sacrifices my parents have made to provide me with the opportunity to pursue higher education. I also have a sister in college, which adds to the financial strain on my family. While I am determined to do whatever it takes to earn my degrees, receiving this scholarship would alleviate some of the financial stress and allow me to focus on my studies without constantly worrying about how to afford my education. Beyond financial relief, this scholarship would empower me to fully engage in my academic and extracurricular pursuits. I am committed to excelling in my coursework, participating in research, and gaining clinical experience that will prepare me for my future career. Without the burden of financial constraints, I would have more freedom to take advantage of learning opportunities, internships, and professional development programs that will enhance my skills and knowledge. My ultimate goal is to serve underserved and marginalized communities, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or financial status, receives high-quality healthcare. I understand that many individuals, particularly in low-income communities, lack access to proper medical care and nutritional guidance. As a nurse and nutritionist, I hope to bridge this gap by providing affordable and accessible healthcare services. Additionally, through my work with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I aim to advocate for better resources and support systems for cancer patients and their families. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my education but also help me achieve my long-term mission of creating a more equitable healthcare system. With the financial assistance provided, I would be one step closer to realizing my dreams and making a meaningful impact in the lives of countless individuals. Looking ahead, I have ambitious plans for my future, and I am committed to pursuing each of them with determination and perseverance. After working as a travel nurse for two years, I plan to continue my education by attending Nurse Practitioner (NP) school. My ultimate goal is to become a Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner, providing specialized care for children battling cancer. This role will allow me to combine my nursing expertise with my passion for pediatric care, offering young patients the support and medical attention they need during one of the most challenging times in their lives. Additionally, I plan to establish my own nutrition and dietary practice, where I will provide customized meal plans and dietary counseling for oncology patients. By integrating medical knowledge with nutritional expertise, I hope to offer a holistic approach to patient care, addressing both physical and dietary needs. Cancer treatment is already a difficult journey, and I want to ensure that patients have access to nutritional guidance that can improve their overall well-being. While working in healthcare, I will also continue my involvement with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Through fundraising, advocacy, and education, I want to raise awareness about blood cancers and support groundbreaking research that can lead to better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. My work with this organization is deeply personal, and I am determined to remain actively engaged in the fight against cancer. This scholarship is a critical step in helping me achieve these goals. The cost of higher education is substantial, and the financial burden can often be overwhelming. By receiving this scholarship, I would be able to invest in my education without the constant worry of how to afford tuition, textbooks, and other necessary expenses. Instead, I could devote my time and energy to excelling academically, gaining hands-on experience, and preparing for my future career. As a first-generation Hispanic immigrant, I understand the value of education and the opportunities it provides. My parents have worked tirelessly to give me the chance to pursue my dreams, and I am determined to make the most of this opportunity. I refuse to let financial barriers stand in the way of my aspirations, and I am willing to work as hard as necessary to achieve my goals. However, receiving this scholarship would provide the support I need to reach my full potential. Education is more than just a degree, it is a gateway to making a real difference in the world. With this scholarship, I would be one step closer to becoming a dedicated nurse, nutritionist, and advocate for cancer patients. I am excited about the future and the impact I will be able to make, and I am grateful for any support that can help me along this journey. In conclusion, my future plans are ambitious, but I am fully committed to making them a reality. With the financial assistance provided by this scholarship, I will be able to focus on my education, gain valuable experience, and ultimately use my knowledge and skills to improve the lives of others. My dream is to make a lasting impact in healthcare and advocacy, and this scholarship would be a vital part of that journey. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students like me who are eager to make a difference in the world.

My passion for nursing stems from my deep desire to help others and make a meaningful impact in people’s lives. Nursing, in particular, resonates with me because it is a profession built on compassion, resilience, and lifelong learning. I believe that as a nurse, I will have the opportunity to not only treat patients but also advocate for them, educate them, and provide emotional support during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. As a Hispanic individual, I have witnessed the struggles that marginalized communities face in accessing quality healthcare. I have had loved ones pass away from cancer because they lacked necessary resources and care due to systemic inequalities. Hispanic families, especially in underserved communities, face language barriers, financial constraints, and limited healthcare. This has fueled my passion to become a nurse who can bridge this gap by providing culturally competent care and communicating with Spanish-speaking patients in their native language. Beyond the technical skills and medical knowledge required, nursing is about forming connections and being a source of reassurance for patients. I am excited about the opportunity to build trusting relationships with my patients. I plan to specialize in pediatric oncology nursing, a field that combines my love for working with children and my commitment to helping those battling cancer. Pediatric oncology is a challenging yet deeply rewarding specialty, as it requires not only medical expertise but also immense compassion and emotional strength. I also want to focus on improving healthcare access for Hispanic families facing pediatric cancer diagnoses. Many of these families struggle to navigate the healthcare system due to language and financial barriers. As a bilingual nurse, I will be able to communicate directly with Spanish-speaking parents, ensuring they fully understand their child’s diagnosis, treatment options, and nutritional needs. I want to be an advocate for these families, helping them access the resources and support they need to give their children the best possible chance at recovery. As a pediatric oncology nurse, I hope to make a lasting impact by providing compassionate, individualized care to young patients and their families. I understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and I want to be a source of support, guidance, and encouragement for those going through this difficult journey. Beyond bedside care, I plan to advocate for better resources and support systems for pediatric oncology patients. Through my involvement with organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I want to raise awareness, fund research, and promote initiatives that improve the quality of care for children battling cancer. By combining my expertise in nursing, nutrition, and advocacy, I hope to contribute to a holistic approach to pediatric oncology care that prioritizes both medical treatment and overall well-being. I want to make a difference in the Hispanic community by ensuring that language and financial barriers do not prevent families from receiving high-quality cancer care. I hope to work in hospitals and clinics that serve marginalized populations, advocating for increased healthcare funding and programs that provide support to low-income families. My goal is to create initiatives that offer nutritional guidance, financial assistance, and culturally competent care to Hispanic pediatric oncology patients and their families. I am committed to making a difference in the field of pediatric oncology, ensuring that every child receives the highest standard of care, and helping families navigate the complexities of cancer treatment with compassion and hope. Through my work, I hope to honor the loved ones I have lost and give back to the communities that need it most.

Going to college means everything to me. As a nursing major at the University of Connecticut, I am committed to developing the skills, knowledge, and compassion needed to provide the best care for others. My passion lies in helping people, and college allows me to immerse myself in diverse communities while gaining hands-on experience through clinicals. Beyond academics, I plan to rush a sorority to expand my network, build lifelong connections, and open doors to internships and research opportunities. College is not just about growing as a student, it’s about growing as a person. I am determined to take full advantage of every resource available, from writing centers and supplemental instruction to TA-led tutoring sessions. However, my journey is about more than just personal success. I lost a close friend to suicide, someone who always encouraged those around her to never sell themselves short. Nursing is hard, but I know I can do it, because I’m not just doing it for myself, I’m doing it for her. After her passing, I struggled to envision a future for myself, let alone one that involved leaving my home state for college. At six years old, I moved to the United States, navigating a new language and culture. I watched my parents battle depression in silence, unable to access the support they needed. At a young age, I had to grow up quickly, translating at doctor’s appointments, helping file taxes, and taking on responsibilities beyond my years. As a Hispanic immigrant, I am determined to break stereotypes and pave the way for others like me. My grandparents both who had to drop out of high school to support their families, and my parents who did not attend college here in the US wholeheartedly support my ambitions and dreams. In pursuing this dream, I am breaking through barriers (literally), breaking through transgenerational trauma, and breaking the stigma around the hispanic community. My ultimate goal is to become a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner and serve marginalized, underserved communities. I have firsthand experience in medical settings, and I’ve seen the visible relief on patients' faces when I speak Spanish to them. My parents would have loved to have a nurse who spoke their native language. I want to be that person for others, to provide the care that my family never had access to. I am pursuing this dream for myself, but at the heart of it all, my purpose is to uplift those around me and make a lasting difference in the world.

When my sister was seven years old, she was diagnosed with heart defects. The months we spent in the hospital were some of the most challenging times my family had ever faced. We were constantly surrounded by uncertainty, fear, and exhaustion. However, one thing that stood out to me more than anything else was the compassion of the nurses. They did more than administer medication and monitor vital signs; they provided comfort, reassurance, and kindness. Their compassion was not just about their actions but about the warmth and sincerity behind those actions. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be in a position where I could provide that same comfort to someone else. Years later, I had the opportunity to participate in a summer teen program at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. It was my first day, and my job was simple: distribute lunches to patients. While it seemed like a small task, I quickly realized how much these meals meant to the individuals receiving them. Each tray represented nourishment, care, and a brief sense of normalcy in their otherwise difficult days. As I made my way through the suites, I reached Suite 21, the last stop on my route. There, I encountered a woman who looked up at me and said, “Plátano.” As a Spanish speaker, I immediately understood that she was referring to a type of banana. My ability to communicate with her in Spanish brought a visible wave of relief across her face. We began conversing in our native language, and in that brief exchange, I could tell how much it meant to her to be understood. She was alone at that moment, waiting for her family to arrive with lunch. Despite her own struggle, undergoing chemotherapy, she made the effort to connect with me, to share in a moment of familiarity and warmth. Soon after, her husband and daughter arrived, bringing lunch with them. Without hesitation, she set up an extra plate and invited me to join them. I was surprised and touched by her gesture. Here was a woman in the midst of her battle with cancer, yet she extended kindness to me, a complete stranger. That afternoon, I sat with her and her family, sharing a meal of birria tacos. In that moment, I did not feel like a volunteer handing out lunches, I felt like a friend, welcomed and appreciated. That simple yet powerful act of kindness stayed with me. Every other Tuesday that summer, I found myself returning to Suite 21, looking forward to our shared meals and conversations. It was not just about the food; it was about the connection, the sense of community, and the reminder that patients are more than their diagnoses. They are individuals with stories, emotions, and the capacity to give as much as they receive. This experience reinforced my belief that nursing is the career for me. It is not just about medical knowledge or technical skills; it is about being present for people in their most vulnerable moments, offering them comfort, and recognizing their humanity beyond their illness. The compassion I received from that patient, someone who had every reason to focus on her own struggles, showed me the depth of human kindness. It is a lesson I will carry with me throughout my career, always striving to be the kind of nurse who makes a difference in someone’s life, just as the nurses once did for my sister and my family.

I attend St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Edison, New Jersey. My favorite thing about the school is that it's more service oriented as opposed to being all athletics or all academics. I started getting involved with my school when I was selected to be a part of the Campus Ministry Leadership Team and the Christian Social Action Club Board. We hosted several drives and fundraisers to support local shelters and hospitals. Around this time, I was looking for more active volunteering opportunities. And that is when I came across an advertisement for the Cancer Institute of New Jersey's Summer Teen Volunteer Program. I applied, and I got in. Throughout the summer I spent a lot of my time in the Chemotherapy and Hematology wing. I handed out lunches, cleaned suites, and restocked medical supplies. But the interaction that stuck out to the most happened on my very first day. I was handing out lunches and the lady I was assisting had difficulty expressing what she wanted. I heard her say a word in spanish, and my heart did a backflip. I speak fluent spanish because my parents were born in Ecuador. I was able to ask her what she wanted for lunch, and I checked on her periodically throughout the day. At one point, she stopped me and told me to sit down and keep her company. She told me that her husband and daughter were on the way with food. Her family came in and pulled up chairs, and put a plate in front of me. The patient had bought me birria tacos. It was that interaction that made me realize that that was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I want to have an impact on people and make their journey with Cancer as comfortable as possible. If it hadn't been for my schools pressure and encouragement to get involved in my community, I don't think I would've searched for an opportunity in a clinical setting. I attribute my passion for my future career; Pediatric Oncologist Nurse Practitioner, to my school. They foster a positive environment that motivates students to get out and do things. My school's motto is "Discover Who You Are" and "It is better to illuminate than merely to shine." I want to make a difference in the world and make sure that patients around the world get the treatment they deserve and need. I cannot wait to become a nurse and to help those around me, and I couldn't be more grateful that my school pushed me and continues to push me to be the best version of myself.

As a nurse, I want to work in the Pediatric Oncology wing. My passion for children and working with them came from a Summer job. I was looking for a job to fill my time and make some money during the summer. Reluctantly, I submitted an application to my local YMCA. I got the job. I was a camp counselor for the YMCA. And to say the experience completely changed my life is an understatement. I was placed with the age group that is third to fifth grade. I originally wanted the older kids, the middle schoolers. But I'm so happy that my request wasn't fulfilled. Being with kids at that age made me see the world from another perspective. It's such a developmental age. You're learning how to problem solve, make new friends, and express your emotions on your own. I loved being able to provide the kids with the attention, understanding, and patience I wish I would've been treated with at that age. Those kids had such an impact on my life, and I hope that I had an impact on theirs. Prior to this experience, I already new I wanted to be a nurse. But the job solidified the fact that I wanted to work with kids. I found out I wanted to be a nurse because of my school. We have a service requirement to fulfill. I was looking for more active volunteering opportunities. And that is when I came across an advertisement for the Cancer Institute of New Jersey's Summer Teen Volunteer Program. I applied, and I got in. Throughout the summer I spent a lot of my time in the Chemotherapy and Hematology wing. I handed out lunches, cleaned suites, and restocked medical supplies. But the interaction that stuck out to the most happened on my very first day. I was handing out lunches and the lady I was assisting had difficulty expressing what she wanted. I heard her say a word in spanish, and my heart did a backflip. I speak fluent spanish because my parents were born in Ecuador. I was able to ask her what she wanted for lunch, and I checked on her periodically throughout the day. At one point, she stopped me and told me to sit down and keep her company. She told me that her husband and daughter were on the way with food. Her family came in and pulled up chairs, and put a plate in front of me. The patient had bought me birria tacos. It was that interaction that made me realize that that was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I want to have an impact on people and make their journey with Cancer as comfortable as possible. If it hadn't been for my schools pressure and encouragement to get involved in my community, I don't think I would've searched for an opportunity in a clinical setting. I attribute my passion for my future career; Pediatric Oncologist Nurse Practitioner, to my school. They foster a positive environment that motivates students to get out and do things. My school's motto is "Discover Who You Are" and "It is better to illuminate than merely to shine." I want to make a difference in the world and make sure that patients around the world get the treatment they deserve and need. I cannot wait to become a nurse and to help those around me, and I couldn't be more grateful that my school pushed me and continues to push me to be the best version of myself. As a future nurse, I hope to spread positivity and kindness. I want every person I come in contact with to remember that they matter.

I was born in Montreal, Canada. I lived there for 7 years before moving to New Jersey. For the years I lived there, my older sister underwent a series of surgeries. Because of this I spent a lot of time in the hospital at a young age. I still remember the nurses to this day, they were so kind and genuine. They made you feel seen, and they seemed so invested in the small talk they'd make with you. I will never forget how comfortable the nurses made my family's experience at the hospital. When I moved to New Jersey, I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to be an Architect with a minor in Interior Design. Fast forward a couple of years, I'm entering my sophomore year of high school. At the time, I became heavily involved with the National Alliance of Mental Illnesses. I would volunteer at events in predominantly hispanic areas. I would inform others about the resources we offered to those in mental health crisis'. This is when I started to realize that my true passion lies in helping others. I began to look for opportunities to volunteer in a clinical setting. I viewed this as my trial run, to kind of dip my feet in the water. And that is when I came across an advertisement for the Cancer Institute of New Jersey's Summer Teen Volunteer Program. I applied, and I got in. Throughout that summer I spent a lot of my time in the Chemotherapy and Hematology wing. I handed out lunches, cleaned suites, and restocked medical supplies. But the interaction that stuck out to the most happened on my very first day. I was handing out lunches and the lady I was assisting had difficulty expressing what she wanted. I heard her say a word in spanish, and my heart did a backflip. I speak fluent spanish because my parents were born in Ecuador. I was able to ask her what she wanted for lunch, and I checked on her periodically throughout the day. At one point, she stopped me and told me to sit down and keep her company. She told me that her husband and daughter were on the way with food. Her family came in and pulled up chairs, and put a plate in front of me. The patient had bought me birria tacos. It was that interaction that made me realize that that was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I want to have an impact on people and make their journey with Cancer as comfortable as possible. If it hadn't been for my schools pressure and encouragement to get involved in my community, I don't think I would've searched for an opportunity in a clinical setting. I attribute my passion for my future career; Pediatric Oncologist Nurse Practitioner, to my school. They foster a positive environment that motivates students to get out and do things. My school's motto is "Discover Who You Are" and "It is better to illuminate than merely to shine." I want to make a difference in the world and make sure that patients around the world get the treatment they deserve and need. I cannot wait to become a nurse and to help those around me, and I couldn't be more grateful that my school pushed me and continues to push me to be the best version of myself.

I attend St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Edison, New Jersey. My favorite thing about the school is that it's more service oriented as opposed to being all athletics or all academics. I started getting involved with my school when I was selected to be a part of the Campus Ministry Leadership Team and the Christian Social Action Club Board. We hosted several drives and fundraisers to support local shelters and hospitals. Around this time, I was looking for more active volunteering opportunities. And that is when I came across an advertisement for the Cancer Institute of New Jersey's Summer Teen Volunteer Program. I applied, and I got in. Throughout the summer I spent a lot of my time in the Chemotherapy and Hematology wing. I handed out lunches, cleaned suites, and restocked medical supplies. But the interaction that stuck out to the most happened on my very first day. I was handing out lunches and the lady I was assisting had difficulty expressing what she wanted. I heard her say a word in spanish, and my heart did a backflip. I speak fluent spanish because my parents were born in Ecuador. I was able to ask her what she wanted for lunch, and I checked on her periodically throughout the day. At one point, she stopped me and told me to sit down and keep her company. She told me that her husband and daughter were on the way with food. Her family came in and pulled up chairs, and put a plate in front of me. The patient had bought me birria tacos. It was that interaction that made me realize that that was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I want to have an impact on people and make their journey with Cancer as comfortable as possible. If it hadn't been for my schools pressure and encouragement to get involved in my community, I don't think I would've searched for an opportunity in a clinical setting. I attribute my passion for my future career; Pediatric Oncologist Nurse Practitioner, to my school. They foster a positive environment that motivates students to get out and do things. My school's motto is "Discover Who You Are" and "It is better to illuminate than merely to shine." I want to make a difference in the world and make sure that patients around the world get the treatment they deserve and need. I cannot wait to become a nurse and to help those around me, and I couldn't be more grateful that my school pushed me and continues to push me to be the best version of myself.