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Brooke Cook

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Bio

I have decided to become a Nurse. While I am still unsure which nursing profession I want to pursue at the moment, one goal will always be the same. I want to make a difference. Not enough nurses are willing to be kind, passionate, non-judgemental, and an advocate. People need someone on their side, and that’s my goal. A little about myself: I am married to a wonderful husband, have four dogs, and have two brothers and three adopted siblings. I have a huge family! The one person that got me started in healthcare is my grandmother. She passed away not long ago. She was my rock; I will always look up to her!

Education

Cleveland Community College

Associate's degree program
2022 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
  • Minors:
    • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Hospital & Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

      Hospice Nurse

    • CNA

      Hospice
      2021 – Present3 years

    Sports

    Cheerleading

    Club
    2003 – 20085 years

    Research

    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other

      Cleveland Community College — Student
      2022 – 2023

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Hospice — I gave hair cuts and trimmed beards.
      2021 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship

    Dashanna K. McNeil Memorial Scholarship
    My name is Brooke Cook. I am currently enrolled at CCC for my LPN. I plan on continuing my education and eventually obtaining my Nurse practitioner license. I am interested in pursuing nursing because it has always been a dream of mine. My grandmother set the stage for me when I was younger. She worked in healthcare and loved it. Her favorite job was hospice care. She cared for all different walks of life. She treated everyone as if they had a purpose in this world. She held their hands and brushed the tears away for her patients. Even though she was a CNA, she is the kind of nurse I strive to be. Everyone has a purpose in this world, and everyone has people that love them. She always wanted me to go farther than she did. Years later, I am a CNA working on obtaining my LPN. I want to honor my grandmother and myself by providing excellent care for everyone, no matter who they are. I want to make a difference in health care. The first step for me to take is to get my degree. I am doing my preceptorship at a hospital in the ER. I love seeing people come in, get excellent care, and have the ability to go home with/to their loved ones. I have firsthand experience as a nurse, and I have fallen in love with the profession. I do believe I have found my calling. The people who come in to be treated are vulnerable and, most of the time, in pain. When you get a patient to care for, I want you to think, "What if that was me laying there? How would I want to be treated?". As a nurse, I can become their advocate to ensure they are being taken care of the way I would want to be treated. When someone comes into the ER, I treat them the way I would want to be treated. I take pride in who I am today and where I am in life. I owe my grandmother all the credit for pushing and encouraging me. Without her, I would not have chosen my path today. From the moment I started my journey in healthcare, I have always said that I would try my best to make a positive difference in someone's life. Even if you only touch one person's heart in 24 hours, you still have done your best.
    Nikhil Desai Reinventing Healthcare Scholarship
    My name is Brooke Cook. I am currently enrolled at CCC for my LPN. I plan on continuing my education and eventually obtaining my Nurse practitioner license. I am interested in pursuing nursing because it has always been a dream of mine. My grandmother set the stage for me when I was younger. She worked in healthcare and loved it. Her favorite job was hospice care. She cared for all different walks of life. She treated everyone as if they had a purpose in this world. She held their hands and brushed the tears away for her patients. Even though she was a CNA, she is the kind of nurse I strive to be. Everyone has a purpose in this world, and everyone has people that love them. She always wanted me to go farther than she did. Years later, I am a CNA working on obtaining my LPN. I want to honor my grandmother and myself by providing excellent care for everyone, no matter who they are. I want to make a difference in health care. The first step for me to take is to get my degree. I am doing my preceptorship at a hospital in the ER. I love seeing people come in, get excellent care, and have the ability to go home with/to their loved ones. I have firsthand experience as a nurse, and I have fallen in love with the profession. I do believe I have found my calling. The people who come in to be treated are vulnerable and, most of the time, in pain. When you get a patient to care for, I want you to think, "What if that was me laying there? How would I want to be treated?". As a nurse, I can become their advocate to ensure they are being taken care of the way I would want to be treated. When someone comes into the ER, I treat them the way I would want to be treated. I take pride in who I am today and where I am in life. I owe my grandmother all the credit for pushing and encouraging me. Without her, I would not have chosen my path today. From the moment I started my journey in healthcare, I have always said that I would try my best to make a positive difference in someone's life. Even if you only touch one person's heart in 24 hours, you still have done your best.
    Community Health Ambassador Scholarship for Nursing Students
    My name is Brooke Cook. I am currently enrolled at CCC for my LPN. I plan on continuing my education and eventually obtaining my Nurse practitioner license. I am interested in pursuing nursing because it has always been a dream of mine. My grandmother set the stage for me when I was younger. She worked in healthcare and loved it. Her favorite job was hospice care. She cared for all different walks of life. She treated everyone as if they had a purpose in this world. She held their hands and brushed the tears away for her patients. Even though she was a CNA, she is the kind of nurse I strive to be. Everyone has a purpose in this world, and everyone has people that love them. She always wanted me to go farther than she did. Years later, I am a CNA working on obtaining my LPN. I want to honor my grandmother and myself by providing excellent care for everyone, no matter who they are. I want to make a difference in health care. The first step for me to take is to get my degree. I am doing my preceptorship at a hospital in the ER. I love seeing people come in, get excellent care, and have the ability to go home with/to their loved ones. I have firsthand experience as a nurse, and I have fallen in love with the profession. I do believe I have found my calling. The people who come in to be treated are vulnerable and, most of the time, in pain. When you get a patient to care for, I want you to think, "What if that was me laying there? How would I want to be treated?". As a nurse, I can become their advocate to ensure they are being taken care of the way I would want to be treated. When someone comes into the ER, I treat them the way I would want to be treated. I take pride in who I am today and where I am in life. I owe my grandmother all the credit for pushing and encouraging me. Without her, I would not have chosen my path today. From the moment I started my journey in healthcare, I have always said that I would try my best to make a positive difference in someone's life. Even if you only touch one person's heart in 24 hours, you still have done your best.
    Wieland Nurse Appreciation Scholarship
    My name is Brooke Cook. I am currently enrolled at CCC for my LPN. I plan on continuing my education and eventually obtaining my Nurse practitioner license. I am interested in pursuing nursing because it has always been a dream of mine. My grandmother set the stage for me when I was younger. She worked in healthcare and loved it. Her favorite job was hospice care. She cared for all different walks of life. She treated everyone as if they had a purpose in this world. She held their hands and brushed the tears away for her patients. Even though she was a CNA, she is the kind of nurse I strive to be. Everyone has a purpose in this world, and everyone has people that love them. She always wanted me to go farther than she did. Years later, I am a CNA working on obtaining my LPN. I want to honor my grandmother and myself by providing excellent care for everyone, no matter who they are. I want to make a difference in health care. The first step for me to take is to get my degree. I am doing my preceptorship at a hospital in the ER. I love seeing people come in, get excellent care, and have the ability to go home with/to their loved ones. I have firsthand experience as a nurse, and I have fallen in love with the profession. I do believe I have found my calling. The people who come in to be treated are vulnerable and, most of the time, in pain. When you get a patient to care for, I want you to think, "What if that was me laying there? How would I want to be treated?". As a nurse, I can become their advocate to ensure they are being taken care of the way I would want to be treated. When someone comes into the ER, I treat them the way I would want to be treated. I take pride in who I am today and where I am in life. I owe my grandmother all the credit for pushing and encouraging me. Without her, I would not have chosen my path today. From the moment I started my journey in healthcare, I have always said that I would try my best to make a positive difference in someone's life. Even if you only touch one person's heart in 24 hours, you still have done your best.
    Eric Maurice Brandon Memorial Scholarship
    My name is Brooke Cook. I am currently enrolled at CCC for my LPN. I plan on continuing my education and eventually obtaining my Nurse practitioner license. I am interested in pursuing nursing because it has always been a dream of mine. My grandmother set the stage for me when I was younger. She worked in healthcare and loved it. Her favorite job was hospice care. She cared for all different walks of life. She treated everyone as if they had a purpose in this world. She held their hands and brushed the tears away for her patients. Even though she was a CNA, she is the kind of nurse I strive to be. Everyone has a purpose in this world, and everyone has people that love them. She always wanted me to go farther than she did. Years later, I am a CNA working on obtaining my LPN. I want to honor my grandmother and myself by providing excellent care for everyone, no matter who they are. I want to make a difference in health care. The first step for me to take is to get my degree. I am doing my preceptorship at a hospital in the ER. I love seeing people come in, get excellent care, and have the ability to go home with/to their loved ones. I have firsthand experience as a nurse, and I have fallen in love with the profession. I do believe I have found my calling. The people who come in to be treated are vulnerable and, most of the time, in pain. When you get a patient to care for, I want you to think, "What if that was me laying there? How would I want to be treated?". As a nurse, I can become their advocate to ensure they are being taken care of the way I would want to be treated. When someone comes into the ER, I treat them the way I would want to be treated. I take pride in who I am today and where I am in life. I owe my grandmother all the credit for pushing and encouraging me. Without her, I would not have chosen my path today. From the moment I started my journey in healthcare, I have always said that I would try my best to make a positive difference in someone's life. Even if you only touch one person's heart in 24 hours, you still have done your best.
    Christina Taylese Singh Memorial Scholarship
    My name is Brooke Cook, I am working on obtaining my LPN and then bridging to RN. It has always been a dream of mine to get into the healthcare field. My biggest goal is to listen, be patient, and become the best advocate for my patients. I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I want to make a difference in people's lives. My goal for a successful career is to keep doing what makes me happy: taking care of others. I have had many personal accomplishments to date that have helped me pursue my goals, Such as taking care of my grandmother when she couldn't care for others anymore and my time working for Hospice. These two experiences stand out among all of the rest, which are my grandmother and Hospice. My grandmother is the main reason I am a CNA today. She was a CNA her whole life. She was an extraordinary woman who wore many hats; mom, grandmother, gardener, and caregiver. I was always in awe at how deeply she cared for her residents and job. She was a huge advocate for the people she took care of. We would sit on the porch in the rocking chairs, drinking coffee while she told her life stories. I would sit there holding on to every word she said. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I did. I learned from the most loving, gentle, and honest woman I have ever known. Three years ago, she passed away from COPD. I got into a deep depression and missed her dearly. She always told me I didn't need to stop improving myself as she did. I have listened. I am now going to school to continue my journey. I know in my heart that she is walking right beside me every step of the way. She worked for Hospice, which leads me to my second reason for becoming a nurse. I also worked for Hospice, and I adored every minute of it! It is a beautiful thing to help make someone comfortable while they transition. We never judge someone on their past or let their history influence how we treat them. I have cared for drug addicts, alcoholics, murderers, and preachers. I have treated everyone with the same love and gratitude. Little things that you do can make a huge difference. I aim to work for Hospice and contribute to residents and their families. It is a challenging situation for everyone involved when someone is passing. Taking the time to offer a hand to hold or to sit and listen to someone can make a whole world of difference. I find it incredible when we get a resident with a life expectancy of fewer than six months with horrible bed sores, and we work as a team to try and get them better and watch them go home with their family again. That is my purpose in this field. I have also thought about being a wound care nurse. It is fascinating to see a wound at the beginning of treatment and watch it heal. It is gratifying because you know you helped take the pain away and help heal someone. I am religious and believe that God gives everyone a gift. Everyone is put in this world for a reason. I feel like he gave me the same gift as my grandmother. I believe with all my heart that continuing to care for others is my calling and gift.
    Girls Ready to Empower Girls
    My name is Brooke Cook, I am working on obtaining my LPN and then bridging to RN. It has always been a dream of mine to get into the healthcare field. My biggest goal is to listen, be patient, and become the best advocate for my patients. I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I want to make a difference in people's lives. My goal for a successful career is to keep doing what makes me happy: taking care of others. I have had many personal accomplishments to date that have helped me pursue my goals, Such as taking care of my grandmother when she couldn't care for others anymore and my time working for Hospice. These two experiences stand out among all of the rest, which are my grandmother and Hospice. My grandmother is the main reason I am a CNA today. She was a CNA her whole life. She was an extraordinary woman who wore many hats; mom, grandmother, gardener, and caregiver. I was always in awe at how deeply she cared for her residents and job. She was a huge advocate for the people she took care of. We would sit on the porch in the rocking chairs, drinking coffee while she told her life stories. I would sit there holding on to every word she said. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I did. I learned from the most loving, gentle, and honest woman I have ever known. Three years ago, she passed away from COPD. I got into a deep depression and missed her dearly. She always told me I didn't need to stop improving myself as she did. I have listened. I am now going to school to continue my journey. I know in my heart that she is walking right beside me every step of the way. She worked for Hospice, which leads me to my second reason for becoming a nurse. I also worked for Hospice, and I adored every minute of it! It is a beautiful thing to help make someone comfortable while they transition. We never judge someone on their past or let their history influence how we treat them. I have cared for drug addicts, alcoholics, murderers, and preachers. I have treated everyone with the same love and gratitude. Little things that you do can make a huge difference. I aim to work for Hospice and contribute to residents and their families. It is a challenging situation for everyone involved when someone is passing. Taking the time to offer a hand to hold or to sit and listen to someone can make a whole world of difference. I find it incredible when we get a resident with a life expectancy of fewer than six months with horrible bed sores, and we work as a team to try and get them better and watch them go home with their family again. That is my purpose in this field. I have also thought about being a wound care nurse. It is fascinating to see a wound at the beginning of treatment and watch it heal. It is gratifying because you know you helped take the pain away and help heal someone. I am religious and believe that God gives everyone a gift. Everyone is put in this world for a reason. I feel like he gave me the same gift as my grandmother. I believe with all my heart that continuing to care for others is my calling and gift.
    Noble E. Gagucas Nursing Scholarship
    My name is Brooke Cook, I am working on obtaining my LPN and then bridging to RN. It has always been a dream of mine to get into the healthcare field. My biggest goal is to listen, be patient, and become the best advocate for my patients. I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I want to make a difference in people's lives. My goal for a successful career is to keep doing what makes me happy: taking care of others. I have had many personal accomplishments to date that have helped me pursue my goals, Such as taking care of my grandmother when she couldn't care for others anymore and my time working for Hospice. These two experiences stand out among all of the rest, which are my grandmother and Hospice. My grandmother is the main reason I am a CNA today. She was a CNA her whole life. She was an extraordinary woman who wore many hats; mom, grandmother, gardener, and caregiver. I was always in awe at how deeply she cared for her residents and job. She was a huge advocate for the people she took care of. We would sit on the porch in the rocking chairs, drinking coffee while she told her life stories. I would sit there holding on to every word she said. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I did. I learned from the most loving, gentle, and honest woman I have ever known. Three years ago, she passed away from COPD. I got into a deep depression and missed her dearly. She always told me I didn't need to stop improving myself as she did. I have listened. I am now going to school to continue my journey. I know in my heart that she is walking right beside me every step of the way. She worked for Hospice, which leads me to my second reason for becoming a nurse. I also worked for Hospice, and I adored every minute of it! It is a beautiful thing to help make someone comfortable while they transition. We never judge someone on their past or let their history influence how we treat them. I have cared for drug addicts, alcoholics, murderers, and preachers. I have treated everyone with the same love and gratitude. Little things that you do can make a huge difference. I aim to work for Hospice and contribute to residents and their families. It is a challenging situation for everyone involved when someone is passing. Taking the time to offer a hand to hold or to sit and listen to someone can make a whole world of difference. I find it incredible when we get a resident with a life expectancy of fewer than six months with horrible bed sores, and we work as a team to try and get them better and watch them go home with their family again. That is my purpose in this field. I have also thought about being a wound care nurse. It is fascinating to see a wound at the beginning of treatment and watch it heal. It is gratifying because you know you helped take the pain away and help heal someone. I am religious and believe that God gives everyone a gift. Everyone is put in this world for a reason. I feel like he gave me the same gift as my grandmother. I believe with all my heart that continuing to care for others is my calling and gift.
    Sigirci-Jones Scholarship
    My name is Brooke Cook, I am working on obtaining my LPN and then bridging to RN. It has always been a dream of mine to get into the healthcare field. My biggest goal is to listen, be patient, and become the best advocate for my patients. I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I want to make a difference in people's lives. My goal for a successful career is to keep doing what makes me happy: taking care of others. I have had many personal accomplishments to date that have helped me pursue my goals, Such as taking care of my grandmother when she couldn't care for others anymore and my time working for Hospice. These two experiences stand out among all of the rest, which are my grandmother and Hospice. My grandmother is the main reason I am a CNA today. She was a CNA her whole life. She was an extraordinary woman who wore many hats; mom, grandmother, gardener, and caregiver. I was always in awe at how deeply she cared for her residents and job. She was a huge advocate for the people she took care of. We would sit on the porch in the rocking chairs, drinking coffee while she told her life stories. I would sit there holding on to every word she said. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I did. I learned from the most loving, gentle, and honest woman I have ever known. Three years ago, she passed away from COPD. I got into a deep depression and missed her dearly. She always told me I didn't need to stop improving myself as she did. I have listened. I am now going to school to continue my journey. I know in my heart that she is walking right beside me every step of the way. She worked for Hospice, which leads me to my second reason for becoming a nurse. I also worked for Hospice, and I adored every minute of it! It is a beautiful thing to help make someone comfortable while they transition. We never judge someone on their past or let their history influence how we treat them. I have cared for drug addicts, alcoholics, murderers, and preachers. I have treated everyone with the same love and gratitude. Little things that you do can make a huge difference. I aim to work for Hospice and contribute to residents and their families. It is a challenging situation for everyone involved when someone is passing. Taking the time to offer a hand to hold or to sit and listen to someone can make a whole world of difference. I find it incredible when we get a resident with a life expectancy of fewer than six months with horrible bed sores, and we work as a team to try and get them better and watch them go home with their family again. That is my purpose in this field. I have also thought about being a wound care nurse. It is fascinating to see a wound at the beginning of treatment and watch it heal. It is gratifying because you know you helped take the pain away and help heal someone. I am religious and believe that God gives everyone a gift. Everyone is put in this world for a reason. I feel like he gave me the same gift as my grandmother. I believe with all my heart that continuing to care for others is my calling and gift.
    Sikora Drake Women in STEM Scholarship
    My name is Brooke Cook, I am working on obtaining my LPN and then bridging to RN. It has always been a dream of mine to get into the healthcare field. I am doing this to better my family and the world. My biggest goal is to listen, be patient, and become the best advocate for my patients. I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I want to make a difference in people's lives. My goal for a successful career is to keep doing what makes me happy: taking care of others. I have had many personal accomplishments to date that have helped me pursue my goals, Such as taking care of my grandmother when she couldn't care for others anymore and my time working for Hospice. These two experiences stand out among all of the rest, which are my grandmother and Hospice. My grandmother is the main reason I am a CNA today. She was a CNA her whole life. She was an extraordinary woman who wore many hats; mom, grandmother, gardener, and caregiver. I was always in awe at how deeply she cared for her residents and job. She was a huge advocate for the people she took care of. We would sit on the porch in the rocking chairs, drinking coffee while she told her life stories. I would sit there holding on to every word she said. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I did. I learned from the most loving, gentle, and honest woman I have ever known. Three years ago, she passed away from COPD. I got into a deep depression and missed her dearly. She always told me I didn't need to stop improving myself as she did. I have listened. I am now going to school to continue my journey. I know in my heart that she is walking right beside me every step of the way. She worked for Hospice, which leads me to my second reason for becoming a nurse. I also worked for Hospice, and I adored every minute of it! It is a beautiful thing to help make someone comfortable while they transition. We never judge someone on their past or let their history influence how we treat them. I have cared for drug addicts, alcoholics, murderers, and preachers. I have treated everyone with the same love and gratitude. Little things that you do can make a huge difference. I aim to work for Hospice and contribute to residents and their families. It is a challenging situation for everyone involved when someone is passing. Taking the time to offer a hand to hold or to sit and listen to someone can make a whole world of difference. I find it incredible when we get a resident with a life expectancy of fewer than six months with horrible bed sores, and we work as a team to try and get them better and watch them go home with their family again. That is my purpose in this field. I have also thought about being a wound care nurse. It is fascinating to see a wound at the beginning of treatment and watch it heal. It is gratifying because you know you helped take the pain away and help heal someone. I am religious and believe that God gives everyone a gift. Everyone is put in this world for a reason. I feel like he gave me the same gift as my grandmother. I believe with all my heart that continuing to care for others is my calling and gift.
    Joseph Joshua Searor Memorial Scholarship
    My name is Brooke Cook, I am working on obtaining my LPN and then bridging to RN. It has always been a dream of mine to get into the healthcare field. My biggest goal is to listen, be patient, and become the best advocate for my patients. I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I want to make a difference in people's lives. My goal for a successful career is to keep doing what makes me happy: taking care of others. I have had many personal accomplishments to date that have helped me pursue my goals, Such as taking care of my grandmother when she couldn't care for others anymore and my time working for Hospice. These two experiences stand out among all of the rest, which are my grandmother and Hospice. My grandmother is the main reason I am a CNA today. She was a CNA her whole life. She was an extraordinary woman who wore many hats; mom, grandmother, gardener, and caregiver. I was always in awe at how deeply she cared for her residents and job. She was a huge advocate for the people she took care of. We would sit on the porch in the rocking chairs, drinking coffee while she told her life stories. I would sit there holding on to every word she said. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I did. I learned from the most loving, gentle, and honest woman I have ever known. Three years ago, she passed away from COPD. I got into a deep depression and missed her dearly. She always told me I didn't need to stop improving myself as she did. I have listened. I am now going to school to continue my journey. I know in my heart that she is walking right beside me every step of the way. She worked for Hospice, which leads me to my second reason for becoming a nurse. I also worked for Hospice, and I adored every minute of it! It is a beautiful thing to help make someone comfortable while they transition. We never judge someone on their past or let their history influence how we treat them. I have cared for drug addicts, alcoholics, murderers, and preachers. I have treated everyone with the same love and gratitude. Little things that you do can make a huge difference. I aim to work for Hospice and contribute to residents and their families. It is a challenging situation for everyone involved when someone is passing. Taking the time to offer a hand to hold or to sit and listen to someone can make a whole world of difference. I find it incredible when we get a resident with a life expectancy of fewer than six months with horrible bed sores, and we work as a team to try and get them better and watch them go home with their family again. That is my purpose in this field. I have also thought about being a wound care nurse. It is fascinating to see a wound at the beginning of treatment and watch it heal. It is gratifying because you know you helped take the pain away and help heal someone. I am religious and believe that God gives everyone a gift. Everyone is put in this world for a reason. I feel like he gave me the same gift as my grandmother. I believe with all my heart that continuing to care for others is my calling and gift.
    Pangeta & Ivory Nursing Scholarship
    My name is Brooke Cook, I am working on obtaining my LPN and then bridging to RN. It has always been a dream of mine to get into the healthcare field. I am doing this to better my family and the world. My biggest goal is to listen, be patient, and become the best advocate for my patients. I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I want to make a difference in people's lives. My goal for a successful career is to keep doing what makes me happy: taking care of others. I have had many personal accomplishments to date that have helped me pursue my goals, Such as taking care of my grandmother when she couldn't care for others anymore and my time working for Hospice. These two experiences stand out among all of the rest, which are my grandmother and Hospice. My grandmother is the main reason I am a CNA today. She was a CNA her whole life. She was an extraordinary woman who wore many hats; mom, grandmother, gardener, and caregiver. I was always in awe at how deeply she cared for her residents and job. She was a huge advocate for the people she took care of. We would sit on the porch in the rocking chairs, drinking coffee while she told her life stories. I would sit there holding on to every word she said. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I did. I learned from the most loving, gentle, and honest woman I have ever known. Three years ago, she passed away from COPD. I got into a deep depression and missed her dearly. She always told me I didn't need to stop improving myself as she did. I have listened. I am now going to school to continue my journey. I know in my heart that she is walking right beside me every step of the way. She worked for Hospice, which leads me to my second reason for becoming a nurse. I also worked for Hospice, and I adored every minute of it! It is a beautiful thing to help make someone comfortable while they transition. We never judge someone on their past or let their history influence how we treat them. I have cared for drug addicts, alcoholics, murderers, and preachers. I have treated everyone with the same love and gratitude. Little things that you do can make a huge difference. I aim to work for Hospice and contribute to residents and their families. It is a challenging situation for everyone involved when someone is passing. Taking the time to offer a hand to hold or to sit and listen to someone can make a whole world of difference. I find it incredible when we get a resident with a life expectancy of fewer than six months with horrible bed sores, and we work as a team to try and get them better and watch them go home with their family again. That is my purpose in this field. I have also thought about being a wound care nurse. It is fascinating to see a wound at the beginning of treatment and watch it heal. It is gratifying because you know you helped take the pain away and help heal someone. I am religious and believe that God gives everyone a gift. Everyone is put in this world for a reason. I feel like he gave me the same gift as my grandmother. I believe with all my heart that continuing to care for others is my calling and gift.
    TEAM ROX Scholarship
    My name is Brooke Cook, and I am an undergraduate at CCC. I am working on obtaining my LPN and then bridging to RN. It has always been a dream of mine to get into the healthcare field. My biggest goal is to listen, be patient, and become the best advocate for my patients. I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I want to make a difference in people's lives. My goal for a successful career is to keep doing what makes me happy: taking care of others. I have had many personal accomplishments to date that have helped me pursue my goals, Such as taking care of my grandmother when she couldn't care for others anymore and my time working for Hospice. These two experiences stand out among all of the rest, which are my grandmother and Hospice. My grandmother is the main reason I am a CNA today. She was a CNA her whole life. She was an extraordinary woman who wore many hats; mom, grandmother, gardener, and caregiver. I was always in awe at how deeply she cared for her residents and job. She was a huge advocate for the people she took care of. We would sit on the porch in the rocking chairs, drinking coffee while she told her life stories. I would sit there holding on to every word she said. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I did. I learned from the most loving, gentle, and honest woman I have ever known. Three years ago, she passed away from COPD. I got into a deep depression and missed her dearly. She always told me I didn't need to stop improving myself as she did. I have listened. I am now going to school to continue my journey. I know in my heart that she is walking right beside me every step of the way. She worked for Hospice, which leads me to my second reason for becoming a nurse. I also worked for Hospice, and I adored every minute of it! It is a beautiful thing to help make someone comfortable while they transition. We never judge someone on their past or let their history influence how we treat them. I have cared for drug addicts, alcoholics, murderers, and preachers. I have treated everyone with the same love and gratitude. Little things that you do can make a huge difference. I aim to work for Hospice and contribute to residents and their families. It is a challenging situation for everyone involved when someone is passing. Taking the time to offer a hand to hold or to sit and listen to someone can make a whole world of difference. I find it incredible when we get a resident with a life expectancy of fewer than six months with horrible bed sores, and we work as a team to try and get them better and watch them go home with their family again. That is my purpose in this field. I have also thought about being a wound care nurse. It is fascinating to see a wound at the beginning of treatment and watch it heal. It is gratifying because you know you helped take the pain away and help heal someone. I am religious and believe that God gives everyone a gift. Everyone is put in this world for a reason. I feel like he gave me the same gift as my grandmother. I believe with all my heart that continuing to care for others is my calling and gift.
    Rosalie A. DuPont (Young) Nursing Scholarship
    My name is Brooke Cook, and I am an undergraduate at Cleveland Community College. I am working on obtaining my LPN and then bridging to RN. It has always been a dream of mine to get into the healthcare field. I am doing this to better my family and the world. My biggest goal is to listen, be patient, and become the best advocate for my patients. I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I want to make a difference in people's lives. My goal for a successful career is to keep doing what makes me happy: taking care of others. I have had many personal accomplishments to date that have helped me pursue my goals, Such as taking care of my grandmother when she couldn't care for others anymore and my time working for Hospice. These two experiences stand out among all of the rest, which are my grandmother and Hospice. My grandmother is the main reason I am a CNA today. She was a CNA her whole life. She was an extraordinary woman that wore many hats; mom, grandmother, gardener, and caregiver. I was always in awe at how deeply she cared for her residents and job. She was a huge advocate for the people she took care of. We would sit on the porch in the rocking chairs, drinking coffee while she told her life stories. I would sit there holding on to every word she said. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I did. I learned from the most loving, gentle, and honest woman I have ever known. Three years ago, she passed away from COPD. I got into a deep depression and missed her dearly. She always told me I didn't need to stop improving myself as she did. I have listened. I am now going to school to continue my journey. I know in my heart that she is walking right beside me every step of the way. She worked for Hospice, which leads me to my second reason for becoming a nurse. I also worked for Hospice, and I adored every minute of it! It is a beautiful thing to help make someone comfortable while they transition. We never judge someone on their past or let their history influence how we treat them. I have cared for drug addicts, alcoholics, murderers, and preachers. I have treated everyone with the same love and gratitude. Little things that you do can make a huge difference. I aim to work for Hospice and contribute to residents and their families. It is a challenging situation for everyone involved when someone is passing. Taking the time to offer a hand to hold or to sit and listen to someone can make a whole world of difference. I find it incredible when we get a resident with a life expectancy of fewer than six months with horrible bed sores, and we work as a team to try and get them better and watch them go home with their family again. I have also thought about being a wound care nurse. It is fascinating to see a wound at the beginning of treatment and watch it heal. It is gratifying because you know you helped take the pain away and help heal someone. I am religious and believe that God gives everyone a gift. Everyone is put in this world for a reason. I feel like he gave me the same gift as my grandmother. I believe with all my heart that continuing to care for others is my calling and gift.
    Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
    My experience with mental health has shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world in many ways. I have always struggled with depression and anxiety my whole life. I have talked to doctors, but they never take me seriously. The best quote from a doctor's appointment was, "Well, you don't look sad, just eat better or exercise." Most of the time, the ones who need the most help can never get it because we have grown accustomed to hiding our feelings since it doesn't fit society's norm. People not being heard is one reason I believe suicide is so prevalent! I let my mental health hold me back from many extraordinary opportunities in life. I allowed it to define me. It wasn't until I met my husband, who is very dear to me, understood that it was not okay to feel like this; it is not normal. He did not judge me but sat and listened to me. He is always patient and has taught me how to cope with many things. I want to become a nurse to help everyone who struggles with any ailment, including mental health. I want others to know that you do not always have to pretend and put your happy mask up. I have learned that everyone is different and everyone feels different also. One person's depression is not the same as mine. No one treatment fits all! The world needs better advocates. People need someone willing to stand up for them to get the treatment they deserve. I feel that healthcare has failed the people it is supposed to care for. If someone finally gets enough courage to talk about their concerns and problems, they shouldn't be brushed off. The solution could be something as simple as a thyroid not working correctly, a missing vitamin, hormonal imbalance, PTSD from past trauma in childhood, etc. Lives could be saved if someone takes the time to determine the underlying issue.
    Dashanna K. McNeil Memorial Scholarship
    I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I want to make a difference in people's lives. My goal for a successful career is to keep doing what makes me happy: taking care of others. I have had many personal accomplishments to date that have helped me pursue my goals, Such as taking care of my grandmother when she couldn't care for others anymore and my time working for Hospice. These two experiences stand out among all of the rest, which are my grandmother and Hospice. My grandmother is the main reason I am a CNA today. She was a CNA her whole life. She was an extraordinary woman that wore many hats; mom, grandmother, gardener, and caregiver. I was always in awe at how deeply she cared for her residents and job. She was a huge advocate for the people she took care of. We would sit on the porch in the rocking chairs, drinking coffee while she told her life stories. I would sit there holding on to every word she said. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I did. I learned from the most loving, gentle, and honest woman I have ever known. Three years ago, she passed away from COPD. I got into a deep depression and missed her dearly. She always told me I didn't need to stop improving myself as she did. I have listened. I am now going to school to continue my journey. I know in my heart that she is walking right beside me every step of the way. She worked for Hospice, which leads me to my second reason for becoming a nurse. I also worked for Hospice, and I adored every minute of it! It is a beautiful thing to help make someone comfortable while they transition. We never judge someone on their past or let their history influence how we treat them. I have cared for drug addicts, alcoholics, murderers, and preachers. I have treated everyone with the same love and gratitude. Little things that you do can make a huge difference. Once a week, on a day I was off, I would volunteer my time by going to Hospice and providing hair washings, hair cuts, and beard trimmings. I aim to work for Hospice and contribute to residents and their families. It is a challenging situation for everyone involved when someone is passing. Taking the time to offer a hand to hold or to sit and listen to someone can make a whole world of difference. I find it incredible when we get a resident with a life expectancy of fewer than six months with horrible bed sores, and we work as a team to try and get them better and watch them go home with their family again. I have also thought about being a wound care nurse. It is fascinating to see a wound at the beginning of treatment and watch it heal. It is gratifying because you know you helped take the pain away and help heal someone. I am religious and believe that God gives everyone a gift. Everyone is put in this world for a reason. I feel like he gave me the same gift as my grandmother. I believe with all my heart that continuing to care for others is my calling and gift.
    Elijah's Helping Hand Scholarship Award
    I would love to start by explaining my mental health. Everyone deals with their ordeals differently. Not everyone will feel the same way about every situation. I also suffer from depression and anxiety. I acquire my mental health problems from my father. Mental health is hard to deal with in today's economy. It is hard for people to get the help they need due to many obstacles, such as a lack of income, proper insurance, or doctors taking them seriously. The last time I talked to a doctor about my depression and anxiety, I was told I didn't look sad and just to be happy. My experience with my mental health has been extremely challenging in my life; every day is a struggle. I fully believe in a robust support system. An example from myself is that my grandmother, whom I was very close to, passed away three years ago around this same time of year. This time of the year is exceptionally overwhelming for me. I also just went to college orientation for an LPN program, which was highly nerve-racking; I had severe GI problems, including vomiting and nervousness. I would have never gotten through that if not for my strong support system, my husband. He has been kind, none judgmental, and patient with me. He does not get upset with me and picks me up when I am down. He has taught me to talk out my problems instead of shutting down. He is my medicine. Everyone dealing with depression, anxiety, etc., needs a powerful support system to be there and have their back. My experience has helped me with my career. I am currently a certified nursing assistant going on six years. As a CNA, I have cared for all different walks of life. I have found that the best medicine is not to judge but to be the shoulder to cry on, the listening ear, and provide a hand to hold. You can not fix or cover up someone who struggles mentally, but you can be there for them. I want to be the nurse that people can depend on to be there for them when they need me. I want to advocate for patients who seek help. People do not always need mind-altering medication, but they need help figuring out the actual cause. For some people, it could be a missing vitamin, thyroid problem, chemical imbalance, hormonal imbalance, etc. Sometimes all it takes is a little time in your day to save someone else's life, or just a simple compliment can change their whole day around. Be kind to everyone because you never know what they are going through inside.
    I Can Do Anything Scholarship
    The dream version of my future self is to become a Nurse that is companionate and non-judgment to all she takes care of.
    Kelly O. Memorial Nursing Scholarship
    I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I want to make a difference in people's lives. My goal for a successful career is to keep doing what makes me happy: taking care of others. I have had many personal accomplishments to date that have helped me pursue my goals, Such as taking care of my grandmother when she couldn't care for others anymore and my time working for Hospice. These two experiences stand out among all of the rest, which are my grandmother and Hospice. My grandmother is the main reason I am a CNA today. She was a CNA her whole life. She was an extraordinary woman that wore many hats; mom, grandmother, gardener, and caregiver. I was always in awe at how deeply she cared for her residents and job. She was a huge advocate for the people she took care of. We would sit on the porch in the rocking chairs, drinking coffee while she told her life stories. I would sit there holding on to every word she said. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I did. I learned from the most loving, gentle, and honest woman I have ever known. Three years ago, she passed away from COPD. I got into a deep depression and missed her dearly. She always told me I didn't need to stop improving myself as she did. I have listened. I am now going to school to continue my journey. I know in my heart that she is walking right beside me every step of the way. She worked for Hospice, which leads me to my second reason for becoming a nurse. I also worked for Hospice, and I adored every minute of it! It is a beautiful thing to help make someone comfortable while they transition. We never judge someone on their past or let their history influence how we treat them. I have cared for drug addicts, alcoholics, murderers, and preachers. I have treated everyone with the same love and gratitude. Little things that you do can make a huge difference. Once a week, on a day I was off, I would volunteer my time by going to Hospice and providing hair washings, hair cuts, and beard trimmings. I aim to work for Hospice and contribute to residents and their families. It is a challenging situation for everyone involved when someone is passing. Taking the time to offer a hand to hold or to sit and listen to someone can make a whole world of difference. I find it incredible when we get a resident with a life expectancy of fewer than six months with horrible bed sores, and we work as a team to try and get them better and watch them go home with their family again. I have also thought about being a wound care nurse. It is fascinating to see a wound at the beginning of treatment and watch it heal. It is gratifying because you know you helped take the pain away and help heal someone. I am religious and believe that God gives everyone a gift. Everyone is put in this world for a reason. I feel like he gave me the same gift as my grandmother. I believe with all my heart that continuing to care for others is my calling and gift.
    Wieland Nurse Appreciation Scholarship
    I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I want to make a difference in people's lives. My goal for a successful career is to keep doing what makes me happy: taking care of others. I have had many personal accomplishments to date that have helped me pursue my goals, Such as taking care of my grandmother when she couldn't care for others anymore and my time working for Hospice. These two experiences stand out among all of the rest, which are my grandmother and Hospice. My grandmother is the main reason I am a CNA today. She was a CNA her whole life. She was an extraordinary woman that wore many hats; mom, grandmother, gardener, and caregiver. I was always in awe at how deeply she cared for her residents and job. She was a huge advocate for the people she took care of. We would sit on the porch in the rocking chairs, drinking coffee while she told her life stories. I would sit there holding on to every word she said. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I did. I learned from the most loving, gentle, and honest woman I have ever known. Three years ago, she passed away from COPD. I got into a deep depression and missed her dearly. She always told me I didn't need to stop improving myself as she did. I have listened. I am now going to school to continue my journey. I know in my heart that she is walking right beside me every step of the way. She worked for Hospice, which leads me to my second reason for becoming a nurse. I also worked for Hospice, and I adored every minute of it! It is a beautiful thing to help make someone comfortable while they transition. We never judge someone on their past or let their history influence how we treat them. I have cared for drug addicts, alcoholics, murderers, and preachers. I have treated everyone with the same love and gratitude. Little things that you do can make a huge difference. Once a week, on a day I was off, I would volunteer my time by going to Hospice and providing hair washings, hair cuts, and beard trimmings. I aim to work for Hospice and contribute to residents and their families. It is a challenging situation for everyone involved when someone is passing. Taking the time to offer a hand to hold or to sit and listen to someone can make a whole world of difference. I find it incredible when we get a resident with a life expectancy of fewer than six months with horrible bed sores, and we work as a team to try and get them better and watch them go home with their family again. I have also thought about being a wound care nurse. It is fascinating to see a wound at the beginning of treatment and watch it heal. It is gratifying because you know you helped take the pain away and help heal someone. I am religious and believe that God gives everyone a gift. Everyone is put in this world for a reason. I feel like he gave me the same gift as my grandmother. I believe with all my heart that continuing to care for others is my calling and gift.
    Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
    First, I read your story about your mother, Sheri Rosser. Let me say that my heart goes out to you and your family tremendously. I can not sit here and tell you I know exactly how she felt or what she was going through. Everyone deals with their ordeals differently. Not everyone will feel the same way about every situation. I also suffer from depression and anxiety. I acquire my mental health problems from my father. Mental health is hard to deal with in today's economy. It is hard for people to get the help they need due to many obstacles, such as a lack of income, proper insurance, or doctors taking them seriously. The last time I talked to a doctor about my depression and anxiety, I was told I didn't look sad and just to be happy. My experience with my mental health has been extremely challenging in my life; every day is a struggle. I fully believe in a robust support system. An example from myself is that my grandmother, whom I was very close to, passed away three years ago around this same time of year. This time of the year is exceptionally overwhelming for me. I also just went to college orientation for an LPN program, which was highly nerve-racking; I had severe GI problems, including vomiting and nervousness. I would have never gotten through that if not for my strong support system, my husband. He has been kind, none judgmental, and patient with me. He does not get upset with me and picks me up when I am down. He has taught me to talk out my problems instead of shutting down. He is my medicine. Everyone dealing with depression, anxiety, etc., needs a powerful support system to be there and have their back. My experience has helped me with my career. I am currently a certified nursing assistant going on six years. As a CNA, I have cared for all different walks of life. I have found that the best medicine is not to judge but to be the shoulder to cry on, the listening ear, and provide a hand to hold. You can not fix or cover up someone who struggles mentally, but you can be there for them. I want to be the nurse that people can depend on to be there for them when they need me. I want to advocate for patients who seek help. People do not always need mind-altering medication, but they need help figuring out the actual cause. For some people, it could be a missing vitamin, thyroid problem, chemical imbalance, hormonal imbalance, etc. Sometimes all it takes is a little time in your day to save someone else's life, or just a simple compliment can change their whole day around. Be kind to everyone because you never know what they are going through inside. Again, I am sorry for your loss. If I could change the world so that no one has to go through such things, I would. While I can't do magic, I can help the people I meet, which is my main goal in life.
    Michael Rudometkin Memorial Scholarship
    My future career aspiration is to become a nurse. I am enrolled in the LPN program, but I want to keep going after that. Growing up was very difficult because my father was the only one working. No one in my family has attended college. I am the first one to go! My goal for a successful career is to keep doing what makes me happy: taking care of others. I have had many personal accomplishments to date that have helped me pursue my goals, Such as taking care of my grandmother when she couldn't care for others anymore and my time working for Hospice. These two experiences stand out among all of the rest, which are my grandmother and Hospice. My grandmother is the main reason I am a CNA today. She was a CNA her whole life. She was an extraordinary woman that wore many hats; mom, grandmother, gardener, and caregiver. I was always in awe at how deeply she cared for her residents and job. She was a huge advocate for the people she took care of. We would sit on the porch in the rocking chairs, drinking coffee while she told her life stories. I would sit there holding on to every word she said. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I did. I learned from the most loving, gentle, and honest woman I have ever known. Three years ago, she passed away from COPD. I got into a deep depression and missed her dearly. She always told me I didn't need to stop improving myself as she did. I have listened. I am now going to school to continue my journey. I know in my heart that she is walking right beside me every step of the way. She worked for Hospice, which leads me to my second reason for becoming a nurse. I also worked for Hospice, and I adored every minute of it! It is a beautiful thing to help make someone comfortable while they transition. We never judge someone on their past or let their history influence how we treat them. I have cared for drug addicts, alcoholics, murderers, and preachers. I have treated everyone with the same love and gratitude. Little things that you do can make a huge difference. Once a week, on a day I was off, I would volunteer my time by going to Hospice and providing hair washings, hair cuts, and beard trimmings. I aim to work for Hospice and contribute to residents and their families. It is a challenging situation for everyone involved when someone is passing. Taking the time to offer a hand to hold or to sit and listen to someone can make a whole world of difference. I find it incredible when we get a resident with a life expectancy of fewer than six months with horrible bed sores, and we work as a team to try and get them better and watch them go home with their family again. I have also thought about being a wound care nurse. It is fascinating to see a wound at the beginning of treatment and watch it heal. It is gratifying because you know you helped take the pain away and help heal someone. I am religious and believe that God gives everyone a gift. Everyone is put in this world for a reason. I feel like he gave me the same gift as my grandmother. I believe with all my heart that continuing to care for others is my calling and gift
    Corrick Family First-Gen Scholarship
    My future career aspiration is to become a nurse. I am enrolled in the LPN program, but I want to keep going after that. Growing up was very difficult because my father was the only one working. No one in my family has attended college. I am the first one to go! My goal for a successful career is to keep doing what makes me happy: taking care of others. I have had many personal accomplishments to date that have helped me pursue my goals, Such as taking care of my grandmother when she couldn't care for others anymore and my time working for Hospice. These two experiences stand out among all of the rest, which are my grandmother and Hospice. My grandmother is the main reason I am a CNA today. She was a CNA her whole life. She was an extraordinary woman that wore many hats; mom, grandmother, gardener, and caregiver. I was always in awe at how deeply she cared for her residents and job. She was a huge advocate for the people she took care of. We would sit on the porch in the rocking chairs, drinking coffee while she told her life stories. I would sit there holding on to every word she said. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I did. I learned from the most loving, gentle, and honest woman I have ever known. Three years ago, she passed away from COPD. I got into a deep depression and missed her dearly. She always told me I didn't need to stop improving myself as she did. I have listened. I am now going to school to continue my journey. I know in my heart that she is walking right beside me every step of the way. She worked for Hospice, which leads me to my second reason for becoming a nurse. I also worked for Hospice, and I adored every minute of it! It is a beautiful thing to help make someone comfortable while they transition. We never judge someone on their past or let their history influence how we treat them. I have cared for drug addicts, alcoholics, murderers, and preachers. I have treated everyone with the same love and gratitude. Little things that you do can make a huge difference. Once a week, on a day I was off, I would volunteer my time by going to Hospice and providing hair washings, hair cuts, and beard trimmings. I aim to work for Hospice and contribute to residents and their families. It is a challenging situation for everyone involved when someone is passing. Taking the time to offer a hand to hold or to sit and listen to someone can make a whole world of difference. I find it incredible when we get a resident with a life expectancy of fewer than six months with horrible bed sores, and we work as a team to try and get them better and watch them go home with their family again. I have also thought about being a wound care nurse. It is fascinating to see a wound at the beginning of treatment and watch it heal. It is gratifying because you know you helped take the pain away and help heal someone. I am religious and believe that God gives everyone a gift. Everyone is put in this world for a reason. I feel like he gave me the same gift as my grandmother. I believe with all my heart that continuing to care for others is my calling and gift
    Sara Jane Memorial Scholarship
    The nursing industry interests me as a career choice because I want to make a difference in people's lives. My goal for a successful career is to keep doing what makes me happy: taking care of others. I have had many personal accomplishments to date that have helped me pursue my goals, Such as taking care of my grandmother when she couldn't care for others anymore and my time working for Hospice. These two experiences stand out among all of the rest, which are my grandmother and Hospice. My grandmother is the main reason I am a CNA today. She was a CNA her whole life. She was an extraordinary woman that wore many hats; mom, grandmother, gardener, and caregiver. I was always in awe at how deeply she cared for her residents and job. She was a huge advocate for the people she took care of. We would sit on the porch in the rocking chairs, drinking coffee while she told her life stories. I would sit there holding on to every word she said. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I did. I learned from the most loving, gentle, and honest woman I have ever known. Three years ago, she passed away from COPD. I got into a deep depression and missed her dearly. She always told me I didn't need to stop improving myself as she did. I have listened. I am now going to school to continue my journey. I know in my heart that she is walking right beside me every step of the way. She worked for Hospice, which leads me to my second reason for becoming a nurse. I also worked for Hospice, and I adored every minute of it! It is a beautiful thing to help make someone comfortable while they transition. We never judge someone on their past or let their history influence how we treat them. I have cared for drug addicts, alcoholics, murderers, and preachers. I have treated everyone with the same love and gratitude. Little things that you do can make a huge difference. Once a week, on a day I was off, I would volunteer my time by going to Hospice and providing hair washings, hair cuts, and beard trimmings. I aim to work for Hospice and contribute to residents and their families. It is a challenging situation for everyone involved when someone is passing. Taking the time to offer a hand to hold or to sit and listen to someone can make a whole world of difference. I find it incredible when we get a resident with a life expectancy of fewer than six months with horrible bed sores, and we work as a team to try and get them better and watch them go home with their family again. I have also thought about being a wound care nurse. It is fascinating to see a wound at the beginning of treatment and watch it heal. It is gratifying because you know you helped take the pain away and help heal someone. I am religious and believe that God gives everyone a gift. Everyone is put in this world for a reason. I feel like he gave me the same gift as my grandmother. I believe with all my heart that continuing to care for others is my calling and gift.
    Rose Browne Memorial Scholarship for Nursing
    Many life experiences have influenced my decision to choose nursing as a career. Two experiences stand out among all of the rest, which are my grandmother and Hospice. My grandmother is the main reason I am a CNA today. She was a CNA her whole life. She was an extraordinary woman that wore many hats; mom, grandmother, gardener, and caregiver. I was always in awe at how deeply she cared for her residents and job. She was a huge advocate for the people she took care of. We would sit on the porch in the rocking chairs, drinking coffee while she told her life stories. I would sit there holding on to every word she said. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I did. I learned from the most loving, gentle, and honest woman I have ever known. Three years ago, she passed away from COPD. I got into a deep depression and missed her dearly. She always told me I didn't need to stop improving myself as she did. I have listened. I am now going to school to continue my journey. I know in my heart that she is walking right beside me every step of the way. She worked for Hospice, which leads me to my second reason for becoming a nurse. I also worked for Hospice, and I adored every minute of it! It is a beautiful thing to help make someone comfortable while they transition. We never judge someone on their past or let their history influence how we treat them. I have cared for drug addicts, alcoholics, murderers, and even preachers. I have treated everyone with the same love and gratitude. I aim to work for Hospice and contribute to residents and their families. It is a challenging situation for everyone involved when someone is passing. Taking the time to offer a hand to hold or to sit and listen to someone can make a whole world of difference. I find it incredible when we get a resident with a life expectancy of fewer than six months with horrible bed sores, and we work as a team to try and get them better and watch them go home with their family again. I have also thought about being a wound care nurse. It is fascinating to see a wound at the beginning of treatment and watch it heal. It is gratifying because you know you helped take the pain away and help heal someone. I am religious and believe that God gives everyone a gift. Everyone is put in this world for a reason. I feel like he gave me the same gift as my grandmother. I believe with all my heart that continuing to care for others is my calling and gift.