Mothers are essential to little girls' lives, as everyone would say. They are known for their nurturing spirit and caring heart. Though I believed they were necessary, I never knew how essential a mother was until I lost my own. My mother passed away when I was 8 years old, due to Short Bowel Syndrome. Before my mother got sick, she was the most productive woman I had ever known with a heart strictly for the people. I watched my mother endure a lot after her sickness arose; she grew to be less active and forced to be bedridden. Due to her circumstances, my family hired many in-home nurses. This was certainly an adjustment for me, not just seeing my mother in an unusual state but watching my home turn into a hospital. Though my mother was sickly for a while, her hope and strength for longevity would ignite because of her nurses. The point at which my nursing dream arose, was when I saw my mother make the most out of her situation. She would become close friends with her nurses, laugh more, and resume normal activity. My mother chose to be happy and make the most out of her circumstances, all because of the care she experienced. Being exposed to this when I was young allowed me to realize nurses' impact on their patients. The nurses who cared for my mother knew her condition, but they helped her to see that her identity was not found in her sickness. I quickly learned that my dream is to instill hope, courage, and care among sick people. I plan to study nursing in college and excel in the workplace afterward. My personal career goal that I have as a nurse is to be like the amazing set of nurses who helped my mom regain her spark. I have aspirations of receiving a nursing pin, excellence award, and DAISY award. I plan to do this by using my childhood experiences with nurses as my motivating force. I am committed to using my abilities to better the health of my community and promote kindness. I will be confident, courageous, and compassionate as a nurse. I want to stand out in my career and demonstrate what it means to be a healthcare provider, which is not only physical but mental as well. In the workplace, I want to be a role model for others with my approach to the career. I am determined to comfort, care, and exhibit a character that is appreciated by all. In conclusion, I have learned many valuable things about the nursing career throughout my journey; I believe it is my calling to partake in the respected profession. I have taken steps to practice by interning at my local, Wesley Long Hospital, with a total of 32 hours. Although I lost my mother, her heart and productivity live within me. I am excited to showcase that to my community while earning the privilege of wearing a registered nurse badge.

Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated by the human body and how it works. This curiosity, combined with a deep desire to help others, has led me to pursue a degree in nursing. I believe that healthcare is not just about treating illnesses, but also about caring for people and improving their quality of life. I decided to pursue a healthcare education as I grew older in high school. I grew to learn my skills are helping others and providing care. That said, a goal of mine is to make a positive impact by providing compassionate care and advocating for those who need it most. Choosing to pursue a career in healthcare was not a decision I made lightly. I have always been inspired by the nurses and doctors I have encountered in my life. Their dedication and empathy have shown me the difference that one person can make. I want to be that person for someone else. The idea of being able to comfort and care for people during their most vulnerable times is incredibly fulfilling to me. I am particularly drawn to nursing because it allows for close patient interaction and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships. As a mixed woman, I understand the importance of representation in healthcare. Patients often feel more comfortable and understood when they see healthcare professionals who share their background or experiences. I want to be a role model for young women of diverse backgrounds, showing them that they too can pursue a career in healthcare. Diversity in healthcare not only improves patient care but also fosters innovation and understanding within the field. In addition to providing direct patient care, I hope to advocate for health equity. Many communities, especially those of color, face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare. By becoming a nurse, I want to work towards breaking down these barriers and ensuring that everyone receives the care they deserve. I believe that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege, and I am committed to working towards a more equitable system. Furthermore, I am eager to contribute to the advancement of healthcare through continuous learning and collaboration. The field of healthcare is always evolving, and I am excited to be a part of that change. By staying informed about the latest research and best practices, I hope to provide the best possible care to my patients. I also look forward to working with other healthcare professionals to develop new solutions and improve patient outcomes. In conclusion, my decision to pursue a degree in healthcare is driven by a desire to make a difference in people's lives. As a woman in this field, I am committed to providing compassionate care, advocating for health equity, and inspiring future generations. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the healthcare community and look forward to the journey ahead.

Growing up, I always loved the innocence of children; their naiveness from the world. The laughs and giggles to everything and the desperate need for entertainment. As I’ve reflected on my passion for helping others and this love for children, I realize that becoming a pediatric nurse would bring me immense joy. The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young patients and their families is a prospect that fills me with joy and purpose. Working with children requires a unique blend of compassion, patience, and playfulness – qualities that I possess and continue to develop. As a pediatric nurse, I would be able to provide emotional support and reassurance to children during times of illness, injury, or uncertainty. I would take the time to listen to their concerns, explain treatments in a way that's easy to understand, and offer comfort and distraction when needed. Beyond the emotional rewards, I am drawn to the intellectual challenge of pediatric nursing. Children's bodies are constantly growing and developing, making every patient encounter unique and requiring critical thinking and creativity. I am eager to stay up-to-date on the latest medical research and technologies, ensuring that I provide evidence-based care that addresses the complex needs of my young patients. Furthermore, as a pediatric nurse, I would have the opportunity to work with families and caregivers, empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide optimal care for their loved ones. I believe that education and support are essential components of effective healthcare, and I am committed to delivering family-centered care that addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of the entire family unit. In addition to the personal fulfillment I would derive from this career, I am also motivated by the opportunity to be part of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals working together to improve the health and well-being of children. Collaboration, open communication, and mutual respect are essential in pediatric nursing, and I am excited about the prospect of working with others who share my passion for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. In conclusion, my desire to become a pediatric nurse stems from my deep love for children, my passion for delivering compassionate and evidence-based care, and my commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of families and communities. I am confident that this career path will bring me joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose, and I look forward to embarking on this rewarding journey.

Growing up I was exposed to a multitude of hurt. I experienced the loss of a parent to illness, my grandmother’s battle with cancer, and the confusion that accompanied my circumstances that left severe scars- physically and mentally. All of the pain that I endured throughout my childhood forced me to be a reserved, sensitive, and observant individual. Fortunately, today I can say that I have entered a permanent state of gratitude. Witnessing my grandmother’s triumphant 100% recovery from ovarian cancer has been a testament to the resilience and divine intervention, made possible through the tireless efforts of her medical team; providing her with essential care and kindness that healed her soul. I have been greatly impacted by nurses in my life and have become driven to pursue notable career. Today, I am passionate about helping others in any way possible. My life experiences have instilled in me a profound understanding of the devestating impact of hurt on individuals. Having faced physical and mental struggles, I emphasize deeply with those suffering. I am the most empathetic person anyone will ever meet. I feel deeply for myself and others. This is a strength of mine. With a passion for helping others, I am committed to providing essential care and kindness that heals both body and soul. With that being said, I plan to major in nursing where I will be able to make an impact on lives daily. Having had a tumultuous childhood, I've developed a deep affection for children, who embody purity and innocence. I believe it's essential to protect and preserve their well-being. My purpose is clear: to serve my community and positively impact the lives of families and children. Pediatric nursing aligns perfectly with this goal, allowing me to provide compassionate care and support during vulnerable moments. Inspired by my journey, I'm committed to fulfilling the needs of others. Through my nursing career, I aspire to heal individuals - alleviating physical pain, soothing emotional wounds, and instilling mental resilience. I am wholeheartedly passionate about every inch of nursing and fully committed to pursuing the profession. I firmly believe that nursing is my calling, driven by an unwavering dedication to caring for others. My passion for people runs deep, rooted in the very core of my being. It fuels my desire to provide compassionate, comprehensive care that addresses the intricate needs of body, mind, and spirit. The experiences I faced curated my love for people, they developed my passion for helping others. In my opinion, there is nothing better than receiving emotional fulfillment from being a light in others’ lives. Nursing is an incredibly rewarding career that I foresee providing me with a multitude of fulfillment every day I go to work. My passion in life is to make a difference in the lives of others. If I can use my skills to make one person smile with hope and faith for their future, I will have succeeded. Likewise, If I can use my skills to heal one person of an illness, I will succeed. I am passionate about nursing.

My name is Brionna Woody, and I am a high school senior with a passion for healthcare. Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated by the human body and how it works. This curiosity, combined with a deep desire to help others, has led me to pursue a degree in nursing. I believe that healthcare is not just about treating illnesses, but also about caring for people and improving their quality of life. As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to make a positive impact by providing compassionate care and advocating for those who need it most. Choosing to pursue a career in healthcare was not a decision I made lightly. I have always been inspired by the nurses and doctors I have encountered in my life. Their dedication and empathy have shown me the difference that one person can make. I want to be that person for someone else. The idea of being able to comfort and care for people during their most vulnerable times is incredibly fulfilling to me. I am particularly drawn to nursing because it allows for close patient interaction and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships. As a mixed woman, I understand the importance of representation in healthcare. Patients often feel more comfortable and understood when they see healthcare professionals who share their background or experiences. I want to be a role model for young women of diverse backgrounds, showing them that they too can pursue a career in healthcare. Diversity in healthcare not only improves patient care but also fosters innovation and understanding within the field. In addition to providing direct patient care, I hope to advocate for health equity. Many communities, especially those of color, face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare. By becoming a nurse, I want to work towards breaking down these barriers and ensuring that everyone receives the care they deserve. I believe that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege, and I am committed to working towards a more equitable system. Furthermore, I am eager to contribute to the advancement of healthcare through continuous learning and collaboration. The field of healthcare is always evolving, and I am excited to be a part of that change. By staying informed about the latest research and best practices, I hope to provide the best possible care to my patients. I also look forward to working with other healthcare professionals to develop new solutions and improve patient outcomes. In conclusion, my decision to pursue a degree in healthcare is driven by a desire to make a difference in people's lives. As a woman in this field, I am committed to providing compassionate care, advocating for health equity, and inspiring future generations. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the healthcare community and look forward to the journey ahead. Thank you for considering my application for the Women in Healthcare Scholarship.

My name is Brionna Woody, and I am a high school senior with a passion for healthcare. Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated by the human body and how it works. This curiosity, combined with a deep desire to help others, has led me to pursue a degree in nursing. I believe that healthcare is not just about treating illnesses, but also about caring for people and improving their quality of life. As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to make a positive impact by providing compassionate care and advocating for those who need it most. Choosing to pursue a career in healthcare was not a decision I made lightly. I have always been inspired by the nurses and doctors I have encountered in my life. Their dedication and empathy have shown me the difference that one person can make. I want to be that person for someone else. The idea of being able to comfort and care for people during their most vulnerable times is incredibly fulfilling to me. I am particularly drawn to nursing because it allows for close patient interaction and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships. As a mixed woman, I understand the importance of representation in healthcare. Patients often feel more comfortable and understood when they see healthcare professionals who share their background or experiences. I want to be a role model for young women of diverse backgrounds, showing them that they too can pursue a career in healthcare. Diversity in healthcare not only improves patient care but also fosters innovation and understanding within the field. In addition to providing direct patient care, I hope to advocate for health equity. Many communities, especially those of color, face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare. By becoming a nurse, I want to work towards breaking down these barriers and ensuring that everyone receives the care they deserve. I believe that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege, and I am committed to working towards a more equitable system. Furthermore, I am eager to contribute to the advancement of healthcare through continuous learning and collaboration. The field of healthcare is always evolving, and I am excited to be a part of that change. By staying informed about the latest research and best practices, I hope to provide the best possible care to my patients. I also look forward to working with other healthcare professionals to develop new solutions and improve patient outcomes. In conclusion, my decision to pursue a degree in healthcare is driven by a desire to make a difference in people's lives. As a woman in this field, I am committed to providing compassionate care, advocating for health equity, and inspiring future generations. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the healthcare community and look forward to the journey ahead. Thank you for considering my application for the Women in Healthcare Scholarship.

As a child, I hated rain. Rainy days meant no outdoor play so my parents encouraged me to read. Reading books bought for birthdays, Christmas, and without cause. From Dr. Suess's books to Junie B. Jones, or simple autobiographies, my parents placed me in a maelstrom of books. They believed reading would achieve excellence. In elementary school, I was an extraordinary child. I read significantly above my reading level. I was known to pass every spelling test and use advanced vocabulary. I received many awards during this time; principal's honor roll, leadership awards, and citizenship awards. With consistent success in English and parental encouragement, I raised my hand high and entered rooms with confidence. To me, success was attainable through social status and lengthy resumes. The path to success was found in optimism and ambition. I knowingly became a strong-willed perfectionist. I didn't see myself as worthy unless I was recognized for outstanding achievements. I thrived on recognition. In knowing that, I made efforts socially in my community, academically in the classroom, and physically in sports, to shine among my peers. My life plan was set and I was certain it’d be easy. As I grew older, success became critical. Later in life, the rain came when life took an unexpected turn. I lost a vital part of my life- my mother. Enduring a pivotal time in life combined with heartbreak changed me. Excellence seemed irrelevant. Once driven, I now struggled to care about awards or grades. Math problems baffled me, navigating teenhood felt impossible, and confidence among challenging peers seemed unattainable. I felt lost, seeking balance amidst grief. Assuming a nurturing role, I prioritized my younger siblings’ needs, managing household chores and ensuring their comfort. This new responsibility consumed my days. I had less time for myself- less time to read. I went from proactive to passive. My mind became cluttered. Though my path to excellence faltered, I discovered strength in supporting my loved ones. Over time, I reclaimed my life. With balance, I learned to accept the changes that were no longer weighing heavy on my shoulders. I became intentional, smiling more, dressing with purpose, and exploring self-care. I reignited my passion for English. I took it a step further and began to express myself through writing, where I could release pain and creativity. My sporadic thoughts were mended by the movement of my pencil. Sharing this work in school, I earned commendations, revitalizing my confidence. I went on to involve myself in the community, hoping to embark on emotional fulfillment. I joined the basketball team at my school, volunteered at my local daycare, and participated in a youth hospital internship. Through these experiences, I discovered fulfillment in helping others and refining myself. It was during these experiences that I witnessed qualities developing that aligned me with my purpose. Throughout my life, I have read many books. Through reading, I’ve confronted challenges, questioned assumptions, and broadened my empathy. Life humbled me, teaching me that excellence isn’t about awards or possessions; it’s inherent. My journey has been transformative. From the early Dr. Suess books encouraging my imagination to adult tear-jerkers, I’ve gained a new perspective. So as I reflect, I realize reading’s greatest gift: understanding human experiences. Excellence isn’t achieved; it’s uncovered. The journey of life amplifies this truth. In the end, I’ve shifted from seeking accolades to embracing gratitude. Hard times broke me but taught me to rebuild. Today, I am a person with an unwavering mindset. I no longer hate rain; instead, I shower in it. I am excellence- not despite my struggles, but because of them.

Growing up I was exposed to a multitude of hurt. I experienced the loss of a parent to illness, my grandmother’s battle with cancer, and the confusion that accompanied my circumstances that left severe scars- physically and mentally. All of the pain that I endured throughout my childhood forced me to be a reserved, sensitive, and observant individual. Fortunately, today I can say that I have entered a permanent state of gratitude. Witnessing my grandmother’s triumphant 100% recovery from ovarian cancer has been a testament to the resilience and divine intervention, made possible through the tireless efforts of her medical team; providing her with essential care and kindness that healed her soul. I have been greatly impacted by nurses in my life and have become driven to pursue notable career. Today, I am passionate about helping others in any way possible. My life experiences have instilled in me a profound understanding of the devestating impact of hurt on individuals. Having faced physical and mental struggles, I emphasize deeply with those suffering. I am the most empathetic person anyone will ever meet. I feel deeply for myself and others. This is a strength of mine. With a passion for helping others, I am committed to providing essential care and kindness that heals both body and soul. With that being said, I plan to major in nursing where I will be able to make an impact on lives daily. Having had a tumultuous childhood, I've developed a deep affection for children, who embody purity and innocence. I believe it's essential to protect and preserve their well-being. My purpose is clear: to serve my community and positively impact the lives of families and children. Pediatric nursing aligns perfectly with this goal, allowing me to provide compassionate care and support during vulnerable moments. Inspired by my journey, I'm committed to fulfilling the needs of others. Through my nursing career, I aspire to heal individuals - alleviating physical pain, soothing emotional wounds, and instilling mental resilience. I am wholeheartedly passionate about every inch of nursing and fully committed to pursuing the profession. I firmly believe that nursing is my calling, driven by an unwavering dedication to caring for others. My passion for people runs deep, rooted in the very core of my being. It fuels my desire to provide compassionate, comprehensive care that addresses the intricate needs of body, mind, and spirit. The experiences I faced curated my love for people, they developed my passion for helping others. In my opinion, there is nothing better than receiving emotional fulfillment from being a light in others’ lives. Nursing is an incredibly rewarding career that I foresee providing me with a multitude of fulfillment every day I go to work. My passion in life is to make a difference in the lives of others. If I can use my skills to make one person smile with hope and faith for their future, I will have succeeded. Likewise, If I can use my skills to heal one person of an illness, I will succeed. I am passionate about nursing.

Mothers are essential to little girls' lives, as everyone would say. They are known for their nurturing spirit and caring heart. Though I believed they were necessary, I never knew how essential a mother was until I lost my own. My mother passed away when I was 8 years old, due to Short Bowel Syndrome. Before my mother got sick, she was the most productive woman I had ever known with a heart strictly for the people. I watched my mother endure a lot after her sickness arose; she grew to be less active and forced to be bedridden. Due to her circumstances, my family hired many in-home nurses. This was certainly an adjustment for me, not just seeing my mother in an unusual state but watching my home turn into a hospital. Though my mother was sickly for a while, her hope and strength for longevity would ignite because of her nurses. The point at which my nursing dream arose, was when I saw my mother make the most out of her situation. She would become close friends with her nurses, laugh more, and resume normal activity. My mother chose to be happy and make the most out of her circumstances, all because of the care she experienced. Being exposed to this when I was young allowed me to realize nurses' impact on their patients. The nurses who cared for my mother knew her condition, but they helped her to see that her identity was not found in her sickness. I quickly learned that my dream is to instill hope, courage, and care among sick people. I plan to study nursing in college and excel in the workplace afterward. My personal career goal that I have as a nurse is to be like the amazing set of nurses who helped my mom regain her spark. I have aspirations of receiving a nursing pin, excellence award, and DAISY award. I plan to do this by using my childhood experiences with nurses as my motivating force. I am committed to using my abilities to better the health of my community and promote kindness. I will be confident, courageous, and compassionate as a nurse. I want to stand out in my career and demonstrate what it means to be a healthcare provider, which is not only physical but mental as well. In the workplace, I want to be a role model for others with my approach to the career. I am determined to comfort, care, and exhibit a character that is appreciated by all. In conclusion, I have learned many valuable things about the nursing career throughout my journey; I believe it is my calling to partake in the respected profession. I have taken steps to practice by interning at my local, Wesley Long Hospital, with a total of 32 hours. Although I lost my mother, her heart and productivity live within me. I am excited to showcase that to my community while earning the privilege of wearing a registered nurse badge.

Mothers are essential to little girls' lives, as everyone would say. They are known for their nurturing spirit and caring heart. Though I believed they were necessary, I never knew how essential a mother was until I lost my own. My mother passed away when I was 8 years old, due to Short Bowel Syndrome. Before my mother got sick, she was the most productive woman I had ever known with a heart strictly for the people. I watched my mother endure a lot after her sickness arose; she grew to be less active and forced to be bedridden. Due to her circumstances, my family hired many in-home nurses. This was certainly an adjustment for me, not just seeing my mother in an unusual state but watching my home turn into a hospital. Though my mother was sickly for a while, her hope and strength for longevity would ignite because of her nurses. The point at which my nursing dream arose, was when I saw my mother make the most out of her situation. She would become close friends with her nurses, laugh more, and resume normal activity. My mother chose to be happy and make the most out of her circumstances, all because of the care she experienced. Being exposed to this when I was young allowed me to realize nurses' impact on their patients. The nurses who cared for my mother knew her condition, but they helped her to see that her identity was not found in her sickness. I quickly learned that my dream is to instill hope, courage, and care among sick people. I plan to study nursing in college and excel in the workplace afterward. My personal career goal that I have as a nurse is to be like the amazing set of nurses who helped my mom regain her spark. I have aspirations of receiving a nursing pin, excellence award, and DAISY award. I plan to do this by using my childhood experiences with nurses as my motivating force. I am committed to using my abilities to better the health of my community and promote kindness. I will be confident, courageous, and compassionate as a nurse. I want to stand out in my career and demonstrate what it means to be a healthcare provider, which is not only physical but mental as well. In the workplace, I want to be a role model for others with my approach to the career. I am determined to comfort, care, and exhibit a character that is appreciated by all. In conclusion, I have learned many valuable things about the nursing career throughout my journey; I believe it is my calling to partake in the respected profession. I have taken steps to practice by interning at my local, Wesley Long Hospital, with a total of 32 hours. Although I lost my mother, her heart and productivity live within me. I am excited to showcase that to my community while earning the privilege of wearing a registered nurse badge.

Growing up I was exposed to a multitude of hurt. I experienced the loss of a parent to illness, my grandmother’s battle with cancer, and the confusion that accompanied my circumstances that left severe scars- physically and mentally. All of the pain that I endured throughout my childhood forced me to be a reserved, sensitive, and observant individual. Fortunately, today I can say that I have entered a permanent state of gratitude. Witnessing my grandmother’s triumphant 100% recovery from ovarian cancer has been a testament to the resilience and divine intervention, made possible through the tireless efforts of her medical team; providing her with essential care and kindness that healed her soul. I have been greatly impacted by nurses in my life and have become driven to pursue this notable career. Today, I am passionate about helping others in any way possible. My life experiences have instilled in me a profound understanding of the devestating impact of hurt on individuals. Having faced physical and mental struggles, I emphasize deeply with those suffering. I am the most empathetic person anyone will ever meet. I feel deeply for myself and others. This is a strength of mine. With a passion for helping others, I am committed to providing essential care and kindness that heals both body and soul. With that being said, I plan to major in nursing where I will be able to make an impact on lives daily. Having had a tumultuous childhood, I've developed a deep affection for children, who embody purity and innocence. I believe it's essential to protect and preserve their well-being. My purpose is clear: to serve my community and positively impact the lives of families and children. Pediatric nursing aligns perfectly with this goal, allowing me to provide compassionate care and support during vulnerable moments. Inspired by my journey, I'm committed to fulfilling the needs of others. Through my nursing career, I aspire to heal individuals - alleviating physical pain, soothing emotional wounds, and instilling mental resilience. I am wholeheartedly passionate about every inch of nursing and fully committed to pursuing the profession. I firmly believe that nursing is my calling, driven by an unwavering dedication to caring for others. My passion for people runs deep, rooted in the very core of my being. It fuels my desire to provide compassionate, comprehensive care that addresses the intricate needs of body, mind, and spirit. The experiences I faced curated my love for people, they developed my passion for helping others. In my opinion, there is nothing better than receiving emotional fulfillment from being a light in others’ lives. Nursing is an incredibly rewarding career that I foresee providing me with a multitude of fulfillment every day I go to work. My passion in life is to make a difference in the lives of others. If I can use my skills to make one person smile with hope and faith for their future, I will have succeeded. Likewise, If I can use my skills to heal one person of an illness, I will succeed. I am passionate about nursing.

Ever since I was young, my parents surrounded me with books. They bought me books for birthdays, Christmas, and just because. From the newest Dr. Suess books to Junie B. Jones, or even Geronimo Stilton, my parents paved the way for me to appreciate the wonderful imaginations that were endless through reading. Little did I know, my life would soon reflect that. When I was in Kindergarten, I read way above my reading level. I would pass all my spelling tests and word games. By the time I was in first grade, the librarian at my school was my best friend. She picked out specially curated books for me and eventually awarded me the Librarian Award. I received many more awards, like multiple Principal's List honors, Honor roll, and citizenship awards. This all started due to my encouraged love for reading. Because of my consistent success with reading, I developed optimism, ambition, and confidence in my abilities at a very young age. From first grade on, I became a perfectionist. I decided that striving for excellence would soon become a part of my personality. I didn't feel like myself unless I was being recognized for outstanding achievement. Ever since, I have made efforts academically, socially, and physically in sports, to shine among my peers. as a result of indulging in mature books at a young age, the older I got, the better my writing and vocabulary became. The older I grew, the more substance my books had and the higher my expectations were. In Fifth grade, I read "Blue" by Joyce Hostetter; this book destroyed me. This heart-filled book expanded on ideas foreign to the young fifth grader reading it. This book changed my perspective on history and hardship while allowing me to experience the feeling of gratitude that would amplify my perfectionist personality. The authenticity of this fiction book, caused me to expand my brain to accept harsh historical truths. I grew infatuated with the main character, Ann Fay Honeycutt, and the idea that this book was based on true events. "Blue" by Joyce Hostetter, taught me that there are so many more lives being lived than the one I am living and that there are an incredible number of truths to be shared. It also taught me to be grateful for the social advancements in America being a child of mixed race and female. As a young woman, I'm allowed to exercise leadership and even run for president. I am privileged enough to witness the change my ancestors could only dream of, everyone receiving acceptance no matter their race. Unlike the ideas in this book regarding the Jews, I am currently able to experience freedom. I am healthy enough to resist diseases and death daily, and I live in a society that no longer fears Polio. I am alive and permitted the ability to have choice; choice to flourish in my youthful femininity, or like Ann Fay, become the man of the house at 13 years old. All in all, this book developed a mature spirit within me and has impacted me to this day. It is one of many books I've read during my youth, to motivate me to walk in gratitude daily. I have been inspired to the core by many authors and choose to fulfill the dreams that are now attainable. My goals and expectations in life have grown. I seek to get the most out of life and push myself because there are no limits. Without my love for reading, I would not have the optimism, courage, and ambition now to chase my goals.

Mothers are essential to little girls' lives, as everyone would say. They are known for their nurturing spirit and caring heart. Though I believed they were necessary, I never knew how essential a mother was until I lost my own. My mother passed away when I was 8 years old, due to Short Bowel Syndrome. Before my mother got sick, she was the most productive woman I had ever known with a heart strictly for the people. I watched my mother endure a lot after her sickness arose; she grew to be less active and forced to be bedridden. Due to her circumstances, my family hired many in-home nurses. This was certainly an adjustment for me, not just seeing my mother in an unusual state but watching my home turn into a hospital. Though my mother was sickly for a while, her hope and strength for longevity would ignite because of her nurses. The point at which my nursing dream arose, was when I saw my mother make the most out of her situation. She would become close friends with her nurses, laugh more, and resume her normal activity. My mother chose to be happy and make the most out of her circumstances, all because of the care she experienced. Being exposed to this when I was young, allowed me to realize the impact nurses have on their patients. The nurses who cared for my mother knew her condition, but they helped her to see that her identity was not found in her sickness. I quickly learned that my dream is to instill true hope, courage, and care among sick people. I plan to study nursing in college and excel in the workplace afterward. My personal career goal that I have as a nurse is to be like the amazing set of nurses who helped my mom regain her spark. I have aspirations of receiving a nursing pin, excellence award, and DAISY award. I plan to do this by using my childhood experiences with nurses as my motivating force. I am committed to using my abilities to better the health of my community and promote kindness. I will be confident, courageous, and compassionate as a nurse. I want to stand out in my career and demonstrate what it means to be a healthcare provider, which is not only physical but mental as well. In the workplace, I want to be a role model for others with my approach to the career. I am determined to comfort, care, and exhibit a character that is appreciated by all. In conclusion, I have learned many valuable things about the nursing career throughout my journey; I believe it is my calling to partake in the respected profession. I have taken steps to practice by interning at my local, Wesley Long Hospital, with a total of 32 hours. Although I lost my mother, her heart and productivity live within me. I am excited to showcase that to my community while earning the privilege of wearing a registered nurse badge.

Watching my dad raise two daughters and two sons, and find love again was my most valuable experience. My mother, the heart of my family, passed from health issues when I was just 8 years old. This situation caused me to mature rapidly and do anything in my power to make life easier for my dad. One of the things that has always been important to my family is education. I have made many honorable accomplishments during this academic journey. In receiving the Certificate of Merit Principal's Honor 2012-2013, multiple Honor Roll recognitions, Early Childhood Education Fe11, and Service-Learning Exemplary award, I am on the road to obtaining my Service-learning Diploma and ASN as a high school senior. Growing up in a single-parent household has allowed me to push myself to achieve my dreams, because of the example I come home to every day. My dad has been an amazing inspiration for me, in not only maintaining his mental health but making an effort to be consistent in the upkeep of his children. His ability to provide, protect, and pour into all four of his children without the help of a mother and wife he once had, is impeccable to me. My dad is the reason why I believe in myself; he allows me to know I can attend college, attain a master's in psychology, and graduate with honors. He has pushed me at times I have become discouraged and overwhelmed by my unique teenage life. Lacking many things in my childhood has made giving a big part of who I am. I am a firm believer in giving without expecting, but that you receive what you put out. My dad taught me that the best thing we can give to others is love. I plan to give love to my community, kindness to my community, and encouragement to my community. I am dedicated to using my education as a vessel to uplift the youth. I want to give children a voice. Children who are grieving, like I once was. I desire to be a child psychologist to learn the depths of children and show them that, like me, the things you feel are setbacks are setups for God to plant seeds in you, that grow your purpose. My purpose is to love the next generation of doctors and lawyers. We must learn to heal, hear, and see our children. I plan to pursue my psychology career, and shortly, serve at my local daycare. I hope to give back by promoting perseverance, mental health awareness, and grief counseling, and give children with unfair circumstances hope in their dreams. They say that it takes a village, but for me, it only took my dad. I have been instilled with the courage to speak up about my story and to use it as a driving force. Going to college with less financial hardship would make my dad's life easier, which ultimately fulfills my goal. I want to use my opportunities to make my dad proud.