For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of being a nurse. That dream was first inspired by someone I admire most: my mom. She’s a nurse, and watching how deeply she cares for people—how much energy and compassion she pours into her patients—has shaped who I am. The way she treats others, with patience and dignity, has always stuck with me. She doesn’t just go to work—she makes a difference. And when I was eight years old, she encouraged me to sign up for a Nursing class at a summer camp called College 4 Kids at Meridian Community College. While my friends were excited about options like “Spa-La-La” and “Cake Decorating,” I couldn’t stop thinking about Nursing. Spa-La-La promised relaxing yoga mats and mud masks, and all my friends wanted me to join. But I was curious about what it would feel like to be in scrubs, learning CPR and using personal protective equipment. Choosing Nursing over time with friends wasn’t easy, but my mom’s encouragement gave me the confidence to follow what felt right. During those two weeks, something clicked. On the last day of class, we received a set of scrubs and PPE to take home. When I put them on and looked at myself in the mirror, I knew: this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. That early interest turned into a deep passion years later when my grandmother was hospitalized for stress-induced cardiomyopathy—also known as “broken heart syndrome”—after battling COVID-19. Because she was in the ICU and we lived an hour and a half away, I wasn’t allowed to visit. The only updates I received came from my mom via text. I felt powerless. I was anxious, not knowing if she was getting the care she needed. All I could think about was whether I’d get to laugh with her again, play cards with her again—or even say goodbye. When she was finally stable and transferred to a swing-bed facility, I went to stay with her and my grandfather for a week. I helped her change her clothes, kept her on track with her diet, and did my best to make her comfortable. Being there, I saw the impact nurses had—not just on her recovery, but on our entire family. They provided care, yes, but more than that, they gave us comfort. They were advocates. That’s when I realized I don’t just want to help people. I want to be their voice when they can’t speak, their support when their families feel helpless. I want to inspire others the way those nurses inspired me, and the way my mom continues to inspire me. Nursing, for me, isn’t just about skill or science. It’s about trust. It’s about being there when someone’s world is upside down. I know what it feels like to be a worried family member, watching and hoping someone is fighting for your loved one. I want to be that someone. I want to serve not just my patients, but their families too—wholeheartedly, compassionately, and selflessly. Choosing nursing at eight years old might have seemed small, but it changed everything. I’m grateful to my mom for guiding me and to the nurses who showed me what this profession truly means. Nursing isn’t just a dream—it’s who I’m meant to be.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of being a nurse. That dream was first inspired by someone I admire most: my mom. She’s a nurse, and watching how deeply she cares for people—how much energy and compassion she pours into her patients—has shaped who I am. The way she treats others, with patience and dignity, has always stuck with me. She doesn’t just go to work—she makes a difference. And when I was eight years old, she encouraged me to sign up for a Nursing class at a summer camp called College 4 Kids at Meridian Community College. While my friends were excited about options like “Spa-La-La” and “Cake Decorating,” I couldn’t stop thinking about Nursing. Spa-La-La promised relaxing yoga mats and mud masks, and all my friends wanted me to join. But I was curious about what it would feel like to be in scrubs, learning CPR and using personal protective equipment. Choosing Nursing over time with friends wasn’t easy, but my mom’s encouragement gave me the confidence to follow what felt right. During those two weeks, something clicked. On the last day of class, we received a set of scrubs and PPE to take home. When I put them on and looked at myself in the mirror, I knew: this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. That early interest turned into a deep passion years later when my grandmother was hospitalized for stress-induced cardiomyopathy—also known as “broken heart syndrome”—after battling COVID-19. Because she was in the ICU and we lived an hour and a half away, I wasn’t allowed to visit. The only updates I received came from my mom via text. I felt powerless. I was anxious, not knowing if she was getting the care she needed. All I could think about was whether I’d get to laugh with her again, play cards with her again—or even say goodbye. When she was finally stable and transferred to a swing-bed facility, I went to stay with her and my grandfather for a week. I helped her change her clothes, kept her on track with her diet, and did my best to make her comfortable. Being there, I saw the impact nurses had—not just on her recovery, but on our entire family. They provided care, yes, but more than that, they gave us comfort. They were advocates. That’s when I realized I don’t just want to help people. I want to be their voice when they can’t speak, their support when their families feel helpless. I want to inspire others the way those nurses inspired me, and the way my mom continues to inspire me. Nursing, for me, isn’t just about skill or science. It’s about trust. It’s about being there when someone’s world is upside down. I know what it feels like to be a worried family member, watching and hoping someone is fighting for your loved one. I want to be that someone. I want to serve not just my patients, but their families too—wholeheartedly, compassionately, and selflessly. Choosing nursing at eight years old might have seemed small, but it changed everything. I’m grateful to my mom for guiding me and to the nurses who showed me what this profession truly means. Nursing isn’t just a dream—it’s who I’m meant to be. I found out about this scholarship on Bold.org. Thank you for your time and this opportunity!

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of being a nurse. That dream was first inspired by someone I admire most: my mom. She’s a nurse, and watching how deeply she cares for people—how much energy and compassion she pours into her patients—has shaped who I am. The way she treats others, with patience and dignity, has always stuck with me. She doesn’t just go to work—she makes a difference. And when I was eight years old, she encouraged me to sign up for a Nursing class at a summer camp called College 4 Kids at Meridian Community College. While my friends were excited about options like “Spa-La-La” and “Cake Decorating,” I couldn’t stop thinking about Nursing. Spa-La-La promised relaxing yoga mats and mud masks, and all my friends wanted me to join. But I was curious about what it would feel like to be in scrubs, learning CPR and using personal protective equipment. Choosing Nursing over time with friends wasn’t easy, but my mom’s encouragement gave me the confidence to follow what felt right. During those two weeks, something clicked. On the last day of class, we received a set of scrubs and PPE to take home. When I put them on and looked at myself in the mirror, I knew: this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. That early interest turned into a deep passion years later when my grandmother was hospitalized for stress-induced cardiomyopathy—also known as “broken heart syndrome”—after battling COVID-19. Because she was in the ICU and we lived an hour and a half away, I wasn’t allowed to visit. The only updates I received came from my mom via text. I felt powerless. I was anxious, not knowing if she was getting the care she needed. All I could think about was whether I’d get to laugh with her again, play cards with her again—or even say goodbye. When she was finally stable and transferred to a swing-bed facility, I went to stay with her and my grandfather for a week. I helped her change her clothes, kept her on track with her diet, and did my best to make her comfortable. Being there, I saw the impact nurses had—not just on her recovery, but on our entire family. They provided care, yes, but more than that, they gave us comfort. They were advocates. That’s when I realized I don’t just want to help people. I want to be their voice when they can’t speak, their support when their families feel helpless. I want to inspire others the way those nurses inspired me, and the way my mom continues to inspire me. Nursing, for me, isn’t just about skill or science. It’s about trust. It’s about being there when someone’s world is upside down. I know what it feels like to be a worried family member, watching and hoping someone is fighting for your loved one. I want to be that someone. I want to serve not just my patients, but their families too—wholeheartedly, compassionately, and selflessly. Choosing nursing at eight years old might have seemed small, but it changed everything. I’m grateful to my mom for guiding me and to the nurses who showed me what this profession truly means. Nursing isn’t just a dream—it’s who I’m meant to be.

1. My name is Camryn Walker, and I am a third-semester nursing student at the University of Southern Mississippi. As the youngest daughter in a family of nurses, I grew up watching my mom and sister care for others with compassion and competence, which inspired my own path in healthcare. I have carried that same commitment into the organizations I am involved in, including Luckyday Citizen Scholars, Eagle Connection, Diamond Darlings, and Heart of Hospice. A core value that has shaped me the most is servant leadership. Through experiences in these programs, I have learned that true leadership begins with service—putting the well-being of others first. Servant leadership qualities such as empathy, healing, awareness, and listening have helped me grow into a more supportive friend, sister, daughter, and community member. These values have also fueled my passion for human health and wellness by teaching me to recognize individual needs, respond with compassion, and create space for people to feel seen and heard. Whether volunteering with hospice patients or mentoring peers, each interaction reinforces my belief that caring for others is both a privilege and a responsibility. These experiences are what make me passionate about becoming a nurse who leads through service. 2. To me, empathy is the ability to truly understand another person’s experience—to listen without judgment, recognize their emotions, and meet them where they are. It is more than feeling for someone; it is feeling with them. My understanding of empathy has been shaped by the servant leadership perspective, which teaches that empathy is not a passive emotion, but an active commitment to supporting others. In servant leadership, empathy motivates us to serve with compassion, humility, and awareness. That mindset has deeply influenced how I want to practice as a nurse. In nursing, empathy is essential because patients are often at their most vulnerable—physically, emotionally, or both. Empathy allows a nurse to read between the lines, understand fear behind frustration, or see pain that someone may not know how to express. It guides compassionate care by reminding us that every patient has a story beyond their diagnosis. Empathy also moves nurses to advocate for others. When we understand someone’s struggle, we become motivated to protect their dignity, speak up when they cannot, and ensure they receive the care and respect they deserve. A key part of empathy in healthcare is remaining unbiased. To truly understand and support someone, a nurse must be aware of their own assumptions and set them aside. Servant leadership emphasizes awareness—recognizing personal biases, listening openly, and approaching every patient with the belief that their feelings are valid, regardless of background, beliefs, or behavior. Empathy pushes us to look past differences and instead focus on the common humanity we all share. Practicing through a human-centered lens means prioritizing each patient as a person first. I hope to do this by consistently listening before acting, learning about what matters most to my patients, and tailoring care to their individual needs rather than approaching situations with a one-size-fits-all mindset. It means asking, “What does this person need in this moment?” instead of only relying on what the chart says. It also means honoring cultural differences, personal preferences, and the unique emotional experiences that shape someone’s health journey. As a future nurse, I want my care to be guided by empathy not just during meaningful conversations, but in everyday actions—offering comfort, advocating for pain relief when a patient feels unheard, slowing down to explain a procedure, or simply being present. Servant leadership has shown me that empathy is not only a value but a responsibility. It challenges me to serve others with patience, understanding, and a willingness to put their well-being first. Empathy is what transforms clinical care into compassionate care. It is the foundation for trust, healing, and human connection in nursing. And it is the quality that will guide me to practice with integrity, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to the people I will one day serve.

For me, nursing is more than a career—it is my passion and purpose. I’ve wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember, inspired first and foremost by my mom. She is a nurse and my ultimate role model. I’ve watched her care deeply for her patients, putting energy and compassion into everything she does. The way she treats others—with patience, dignity, and empathy—taught me the kind of person I want to become. When I was eight years old, my mom encouraged me to sign up for a nursing class at a summer camp. While my friends chose classes like cake decorating and Spa-La-La, I gravitated toward nursing. That decision turned out to be more than a childhood whim. At camp, we received a pair of scrubs, and according to my mom, I practically lived in them all summer. That was my "aha" moment. That small moment planted a seed of passion that has only grown stronger with time. My desire to become a nurse became even more personal when my grandmother was hospitalized with stress-induced cardiomyopathy, or “broken heart syndrome,” following the emotional toll of COVID-19. Since she was in the ICU, I couldn’t visit her right away. I felt helpless, filled with anxiety as I waited for updates. When she was finally stable, I was able to visit—and the nurses who cared for her left a lasting impression. They weren’t just tending to her physical needs; they brought peace and reassurance to our entire family. Little did they know, they were caring for me too. That experience helped me understand that nursing isn’t just about clinical skills—it’s about advocacy, trust, and compassion. I want to be that person for someone else, to bring comfort and support to patients and their families in their most vulnerable moments. I want to make a difference not only in my patients’ lives, but also in the lives of those who love them. Today, I’m a junior nursing major at the University of Southern Mississippi, and I just finished my first semester of nursing school. I currently hold a 3.8 GPA, and I aim to maintain a 3.5 or higher throughout my time in the program. I’m also working toward gaining hands-on experience through a nursing externship. While I’m dedicated to academic excellence, I also prioritize my mental well-being. I believe that to serve others well, I must first care for myself. Before college, I participated in the Health Sciences program at Hinds Community College. In my first year, I earned a Practical Nursing credit. In my second year, I competed in the Nursing Assisting category at the HOSA competitions, earning 1st place regionally and 4th place at the state level. These experiences gave me a strong foundation in both clinical and soft skills. Currently, I volunteer with Heart of Hospice. My role involves sitting with patients, offering companionship, and occasionally helping change bed linens. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to provide holistic care to patients and their families. This has given me a clearer picture of the kind of nurse I want to be—one who leads with heart, listens with patience, and serves with purpose. My mother’s example, my grandmother’s illness, and my hands-on experiences have all fueled my desire to become a nurse. Nursing requires strength, compassion, and resilience. I believe I can meet those expectations—not just capably, but wholeheartedly. And one day, I hope to inspire others the same way my mom and those nurses inspired me.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of being a nurse. That dream was first inspired by someone I admire most: my mom. She’s a nurse, and watching how deeply she cares for people—how much energy and compassion she pours into her patients—has shaped who I am. The way she treats others, with patience and dignity, has always stuck with me. She doesn’t just go to work—she makes a difference. And when I was eight years old, she encouraged me to sign up for a Nursing class at a summer camp called College 4 Kids at Meridian Community College. While my friends were excited about options like “Spa-La-La” and “Cake Decorating,” I couldn’t stop thinking about Nursing. Spa-La-La promised relaxing yoga mats and mud masks, and all my friends wanted me to join. But I was curious about what it would feel like to be in scrubs, learning CPR and using personal protective equipment. Choosing Nursing over time with friends wasn’t easy, but my mom’s encouragement gave me the confidence to follow what felt right. During those two weeks, something clicked. On the last day of class, we received a set of scrubs and PPE to take home. When I put them on and looked at myself in the mirror, I knew: this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. That early interest turned into a deep passion years later when my grandmother was hospitalized for stress-induced cardiomyopathy—also known as “broken heart syndrome”—after battling COVID-19. Because she was in the ICU and we lived an hour and a half away, I wasn’t allowed to visit. The only updates I received came from my mom via text. I felt powerless. I was anxious, not knowing if she was getting the care she needed. All I could think about was whether I’d get to laugh with her again, play cards with her again—or even say goodbye. When she was finally stable and transferred to a swing-bed facility, I went to stay with her and my grandfather for a week. I helped her change her clothes, kept her on track with her diet, and did my best to make her comfortable. Being there, I saw the impact nurses had—not just on her recovery, but on our entire family. They provided care, yes, but more than that, they gave us comfort. They were advocates. That’s when I realized I don’t just want to help people. I want to be their voice when they can’t speak, their support when their families feel helpless. I want to inspire others the way those nurses inspired me, and the way my mom continues to inspire me. Nursing, for me, isn’t just about skill or science. It’s about trust. It’s about being there when someone’s world is upside down. I know what it feels like to be a worried family member, watching and hoping someone is fighting for your loved one. I want to be that someone. I want to serve not just my patients, but their families too—wholeheartedly, compassionately, and selflessly. Choosing nursing at eight years old might have seemed small, but it changed everything. I’m grateful to my mom for guiding me and to the nurses who showed me what this profession truly means. Nursing isn’t just a dream—it’s who I’m meant to be.

For me, nursing is more than a career—it is my passion and purpose. I’ve wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember, inspired first and foremost by my mom. She is a nurse and my ultimate role model. I’ve watched her care deeply for her patients, putting energy and compassion into everything she does. The way she treats others—with patience, dignity, and empathy—taught me the kind of person I want to become. When I was eight years old, my mom encouraged me to sign up for a nursing class at a summer camp. While my friends chose classes like cake decorating and Spa-La-La, I gravitated toward nursing. That decision turned out to be more than a childhood whim. At camp, we received a pair of scrubs, and according to my mom, I practically lived in them all summer. That small moment planted a seed of passion that has only grown stronger with time. My desire to become a nurse became even more personal when my grandmother was hospitalized with stress-induced cardiomyopathy, or “broken heart syndrome,” following the emotional toll of COVID-19. Since she was in the ICU, I couldn’t visit her right away. I felt helpless, filled with anxiety as I waited for updates. When she was finally stable, I was able to visit—and the nurses who cared for her left a lasting impression. They weren’t just tending to her physical needs; they brought peace and reassurance to our entire family. Little did they know, they were caring for me too. That experience helped me understand that nursing isn’t just about clinical skills—it’s about advocacy, trust, and compassion. I want to be that person for someone else, to bring comfort and support to patients and their families in their most vulnerable moments. I want to make a difference not only in my patients’ lives, but also in the lives of those who love them. Today, I’m a junior nursing major at the University of Southern Mississippi, and I was recently accepted into the nursing program. I currently hold a 3.8 GPA, and I aim to maintain a 3.5 or higher throughout my time in the program. I’m also working toward gaining hands-on experience through a nursing externship. While I’m dedicated to academic excellence, I also prioritize my mental well-being. I believe that to serve others well, I must first care for myself. Before college, I participated in the Health Sciences program at Hinds Community College. In my first year, I earned a Practical Nursing credit. In my second year, I competed in the Nursing Assisting category at the HOSA competitions, earning 1st place regionally and 4th place at the state level. These experiences gave me a strong foundation in both clinical and soft skills. Currently, I volunteer with Heart of Hospice. My role involves sitting with patients, offering companionship, and occasionally helping change bed linens. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to provide holistic care to patients and their families. This has given me a clearer picture of the kind of nurse I want to be—one who leads with heart, listens with patience, and serves with purpose. My mother’s example, my grandmother’s illness, and my hands-on experiences have all fueled my desire to become a nurse. Nursing requires strength, compassion, and resilience. I believe I can meet those expectations—not just capably, but wholeheartedly. And one day, I hope to inspire others the same way my mom and those nurses inspired me.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of being a nurse. That dream was first inspired by someone I admire most: my mom. She’s a nurse, and watching how deeply she cares for people—how much energy and compassion she pours into her patients—has shaped who I am. The way she treats others, with patience and dignity, has always stuck with me. She doesn’t just go to work—she makes a difference. And when I was eight years old, she encouraged me to sign up for a Nursing class at a summer camp called College 4 Kids at Meridian Community College. While my friends were excited about options like “Spa-La-La” and “Cake Decorating,” I couldn’t stop thinking about Nursing. Spa-La-La promised relaxing yoga mats and mud masks, and all my friends wanted me to join. But I was curious about what it would feel like to be in scrubs, learning CPR and using personal protective equipment. Choosing Nursing over time with friends wasn’t easy, but my mom’s encouragement gave me the confidence to follow what felt right. During those two weeks, something clicked. On the last day of class, we received a set of scrubs and PPE to take home. When I put them on and looked at myself in the mirror, I knew: this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. That early interest turned into a deep passion years later when my grandmother was hospitalized for stress-induced cardiomyopathy—also known as “broken heart syndrome”—after battling COVID-19. Because she was in the ICU and we lived an hour and a half away, I wasn’t allowed to visit. The only updates I received came from my mom via text. I felt powerless. I was anxious, not knowing if she was getting the care she needed. All I could think about was whether I’d get to laugh with her again, play cards with her again—or even say goodbye. When she was finally stable and transferred to a swing-bed facility, I went to stay with her and my grandfather for a week. I helped her change her clothes, kept her on track with her diet, and did my best to make her comfortable. Being there, I saw the impact nurses had—not just on her recovery, but on our entire family. They provided care, yes, but more than that, they gave us comfort. They were advocates. That’s when I realized I don’t just want to help people. I want to be their voice when they can’t speak, their support when their families feel helpless. I want to inspire others the way those nurses inspired me, and the way my mom continues to inspire me. Nursing, for me, isn’t just about skill or science. It’s about trust. It’s about being there when someone’s world is upside down. I know what it feels like to be a worried family member, watching and hoping someone is fighting for your loved one. I want to be that someone. I want to serve not just my patients, but their families too—wholeheartedly, compassionately, and selflessly. Choosing nursing at eight years old might have seemed small, but it changed everything. I’m grateful to my mom for guiding me and to the nurses who showed me what this profession truly means. Nursing isn’t just a dream—it’s who I’m meant to be. I found out about this scholarship on Bold.org. Thank you for your time and this opportunity!

For me nursing is more than a career; it’s my passion. For as long as I can remember I have aspired to be a nurse. My mom is a nurse and she is my ultimate inspiration. I see how much she cares about people. I admire how much energy she puts into her patients. It reflects how well she treats others. When I was eight years old, my mom encouraged me to sign up for nursing classes at summer camp. At camp, I was given scrubs to wear. My mom told me that I lived in those scrubs for the whole summer. From a young age, I’ve had an affinity for nursing and it has only grown. Recently, my grandmother was hospitalized for stress-induced cardiomyopathy. When I found out the news, I wasn’t allowed to visit my grandmother because she was in the ICU. I felt vulnerable. I was on edge every day until my grandmother got out of the ICU. When I was able to see my grandmother, I saw how her nurses were taking care of her. Little did they know, they were taking care of me too. I want to be for someone who someone was for me. That’s why the nursing industry interests me. I want to advocate for my patient’s health and serve them with compassion and empathy. The nursing industry has countless ways you can serve others. There are opportunities to work with children, adults, or elderly people. There are multiple fields to specialize in. But, no matter where you go you’re taking care of someone’s family. I want to make a difference in my patient’s life and their family’s life. I am currently a sophomore nursing major at the University of Southern Mississippi. I just received news that I was accepted into the nursing program! I have a couple of goals in order to be successful in my nursing journey. Currently, my GPA sits at a 4.0. I want to maintain that GPA or keep my GPA at a 3.5 or higher. I aim to get a nursing externship to gain more experience in the nursing field. While keeping up my academic status, I want to prioritize my mental health. You can’t serve others if you don’t serve yourself. To reach my goal, I started my involvement with a vocational Health Sciences program at Hinds Community College. In the first year of the program, I earned a Practical Nursing college credit. In the second year of the program, I competed in the Nursing Assisting category with Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). In the regional competition, I was awarded 1st place. In the state competition, I was awarded 4th place. I studied, practiced, and performed nursing skills in order to receive these awards. I currently serve as a hospice volunteer at Heart of Hospice. One of my main responsibilities is sitting with patients. Occasionally, I help change the patient’s bedding. Volunteering with Heart of Hospice has been a rewarding experience. I have been able to provide holistic care to the patients and their family members. This has given me a glimpse into what nursing will be like. Finally, my mom’s example, my grandmother’s hospitalization, and my experience in healthcare have motivated me to pursue a career in the nursing field. Nursing requires resilience and I believe that I can fulfill that requirement. Not only will I fulfill that requirement, I will fulfill it compassionately, intelligently, and wholeheartedly. Maybe one day my daughter will see me as an inspiration and strive to become a nurse.

For me nursing is more than a career; it’s my passion. For as long as I can remember I have aspired to be a nurse. My mom is a nurse and she is my ultimate inspiration. I see how much she cares about people. I admire how much energy she puts into her patients. It reflects how well she treats others. When I was eight years old, my mom encouraged me to sign up for nursing classes at summer camp. At camp, I was given scrubs to wear. My mom told me that I lived in those scrubs for the whole summer. From a young age, I’ve had an affinity for nursing and it has only grown. Recently, my grandmother was hospitalized for stress-induced cardiomyopathy. When I found out the news, I wasn’t allowed to visit my grandmother because she was in the ICU. I felt vulnerable. I was on edge every day until my grandmother got out of the ICU. When I was able to see my grandmother, I saw how her nurses were taking care of her. Little did they know, they were taking care of me too. I want to be for someone who someone was for me. That’s why the nursing industry interests me. I want to advocate for my patient’s health and serve them with compassion and empathy. The nursing industry has countless ways you can serve others. There are opportunities to work with children, adults, or elderly people. There are multiple fields to specialize in. But, no matter where you go you’re taking care of someone’s family. I want to make a difference in my patient’s life and their family’s life. I am currently a sophomore nursing major at the University of Southern Mississippi. I just received news that I was accepted into the nursing program! I have a couple of goals to be successful in my nursing journey. Currently, my GPA sits at a 4.0. I want to maintain that GPA or keep my GPA at a 3.5 or higher. I aim to get a nursing externship to gain more experience in the nursing field. While keeping up my academic status, I want to prioritize my mental health. You can’t serve others if you don’t serve yourself. To reach my goal, I started my involvement with a vocational Health Sciences program at Hinds Community College. In the first year of the program, I earned a Practical Nursing college credit. In the second year of the program, I competed in the Nursing Assisting category with Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). In the regional competition, I was awarded 1st place. In the state competition, I was awarded 4th place. I studied, practiced, and performed nursing skills to receive these awards. I currently serve as a hospice volunteer at Heart of Hospice. One of my main responsibilities is sitting with patients. Occasionally, I help change the patient’s bedding. Volunteering with Heart of Hospice has been a rewarding experience. I have been able to provide holistic care to the patients and their family members. This has given me a glimpse into what nursing will be like. Finally, my mom’s example, my grandmother’s hospitalization, and my experience in healthcare have motivated me to pursue a career in the nursing field. Nursing requires resilience and I believe that I can fulfill that requirement. Not only will I fulfill that requirement, I will fulfill it compassionately, intelligently, and wholeheartedly. Maybe one day my daughter will see me as an inspiration and strive to become a nurse.

For me nursing is more than a career; it’s my passion. For as long as I can remember I have aspired to be a nurse. My mom is a nurse and she is my ultimate inspiration. I see how much she cares about people. I admire how much energy she puts into her patients. It reflects how well she treats others. When I was eight years old, my mom encouraged me to sign up for nursing classes at summer camp. At camp, I was given scrubs to wear. My mom told me that I lived in those scrubs for the whole summer. From a young age, I’ve had an affinity for nursing and it has only grown. Recently, my grandmother was hospitalized for stress-induced cardiomyopathy. When I found out the news, I wasn’t allowed to visit my grandmother because she was in the ICU. I felt vulnerable. I was on edge every day until my grandmother got out of the ICU. When I was able to see my grandmother, I saw how her nurses were taking care of her. Little did they know, they were taking care of me too. I want to be for someone who someone was for me. That’s why the nursing industry interests me. I want to advocate for my patient’s health and serve them with compassion and empathy. The nursing industry has countless ways you can serve others. There are opportunities to work with children, adults, or elderly people. There are multiple fields to specialize in. But, no matter where you go you’re taking care of someone’s family. I want to make a difference in my patient’s life and their family’s life. I am currently a sophomore nursing major at the University of Southern Mississippi. I just received news that I was accepted into the nursing program! I have a couple of goals in order to be successful in my nursing journey. Currently, my GPA sits at a 4.0. I want to maintain that GPA or keep my GPA at a 3.5 or higher. I aim to get a nursing externship to gain more experience in the nursing field. While keeping up my academic status, I want to prioritize my mental health. You can’t serve others if you don’t serve yourself. To reach my goal, I started my involvement with a vocational Health Sciences program at Hinds Community College. In the first year of the program, I earned a Practical Nursing college credit. In the second year of the program, I competed in the Nursing Assisting category with Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). In the regional competition, I was awarded 1st place. In the state competition, I was awarded 4th place. I studied, practiced, and performed nursing skills in order to receive these awards. I currently serve as a hospice volunteer at Heart of Hospice. One of my main responsibilities is sitting with patients. Occasionally, I help change the patient’s bedding. Volunteering with Heart of Hospice has been a rewarding experience. I have been able to provide holistic care to the patients and their family members. This has given me a glimpse into what nursing will be like. Finally, my mom’s example, my grandmother’s hospitalization, and my experience in healthcare have motivated me to pursue a career in the nursing field. Nursing requires resilience and I believe that I can fulfill that requirement. Not only will I fulfill that requirement, I will fulfill it compassionately, intelligently, and wholeheartedly. Maybe one day my daughter will see me as an inspiration and strive to become a nurse.

For as long as I can remember I have dreamed of being a nurse. When I was eight years old my friends and I wanted to participate in a camp called College 4 Kids. Some of the classes we could take were Cake Decorating, Spa-La-La, and Hair, Nails, and More. We were all trying to settle on one class to take together at camp. Spa-La-La seemed like a strong contender. However, the Nursing class stuck out to me but was looked over by everyone else. When I suggested the class to my friends none of them were excited about it. I had to make a tough decision for an eight-year-old: nursing or Spa-La-La. My friends were pretty bummed when they didn’t see me in Spa-La-La at camp. But, I was thrilled to be sitting in the Nursing class learning about CPR and how to use PPE. On the last day of Nursing class, they gave each student a set of scrubs to take home with them. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I knew that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. However, I recently discovered the extent of my passion for nursing. A month ago my grandmother was hospitalized for stress-induced cardiomyopathy. My mom and stepdad went to see my grandmother, but my mom suggested that I stay home. There wasn’t much I could do since my grandmother was in the ICU and I wouldn’t be allowed to visit her. The best thing I could do was wait. The week of waiting was miserable. I felt helpless. I’m protective over the people that I love, and I was anxious about the type of care my grandmother was receiving. I couldn’t imagine what I would do if I never got to play cards with my grandmother again or laugh with her again. These thoughts swarmed through my head for a week until I received news that she was out of the ICU and I was able to go see her. I stayed with her and my grandfather for a whole week. I was relieved when I realized that there were nurses watching over her and making sure that she was being taken care of. Once she was discharged and back at home I reflected on the entire experience. The general consensus for why someone wants to be a nurse is that they want to help people. For me, it’s more than that. Being a nurse means being an advocate, not just for the patient but for the patient’s family. Being a patient's loved one feels powerless and scary. But when there is a nurse who is advocating for your loved one and making sure they are being taken care of, the anxiety that you are feeling dissipates. I want to advocate for my patient's health and serve them to the best of my abilities. I want to provide quality care filled with compassion and empathy. I don’t know what it’s like being a patient, but I know what it’s like being their loved one. I know that by advocating for the patient's rights and providing the best care I am indirectly advocating for that patient's loved one. I want to be for someone that someone was for me. I don’t just want to help people, I want to serve them. I want to serve selflessly and wholeheartedly. I want to build trust with my patients and their families and create a safe environment for them. I want to be a nurse. I can thank my eight-year-old self for choosing Nursing over Spa-La-La.

For as long as I can remember I have dreamed of being a nurse. When I was eight years old my friends, I wanted to participate in a camp called College 4 Kids. Some of the classes we could take were Cake Decorating, Spa-La-La, and Hair, Nails, and More. We were all trying to settle on one class to take together at camp. Spa-La-La seemed like a strong contender. However, the Nursing class stuck out to me and was looked over by everyone else. When I suggested the class to my friends none of them were excited about it. I had to make a tough decision for an eight-year-old: nursing or Spa-La-La. My friends were pretty bummed when they didn’t see me in Spa-La-La at camp. But, I was thrilled to be sitting in the Nursing class learning about CPR and how to use PPE. On the last day of Nursing class, they gave each student a set of scrubs to take home with them. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I knew that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. However, I recently discovered the extent of my passion for nursing. A month ago my grandmother was hospitalized for stress-induced cardiomyopathy. My mom and stepdad went to see my grandmother, but my mom suggested that I stay home. There wasn’t much I could do since my grandmother was in the ICU and I wouldn’t be allowed to visit her. The best thing I could do is wait. The week of waiting was miserable. I felt helpless. I’m protective over the people that I love, and I was anxious about the type of care my grandmother was receiving. I couldn’t imagine what I would do if I never got to play cards with my grandmother again or laugh with her again. These thoughts swarmed through my head for a week until I received news that she was out of the ICU and I was able to go see her. I stayed with her and my grandfather for a whole week. I was relieved when I realized that some nurses and therapists were watching over her and making sure that she was being taken care of. Once she was discharged and back at home I reflected on the entire experience. The general consensus for why someone wants to be a nurse is that they want to help people. For me, it’s more than that. Being a nurse means being an advocate, not just for the patient but for the patient’s family. Being a patient's loved one feels powerless and scary. But when there is a nurse who is advocating for your loved one and making sure they are being taken care of, the anxiety that you are feeling dissipates. I want to advocate for my patient's health and serve them to the best of my abilities. I want to provide quality care filled with compassion and empathy. I don’t know what it’s like being a patient, but I know what it’s like being their loved one. I know that by advocating for the patient's rights and providing the best care I am indirectly advocating for that patient's loved one. I want to be for someone that someone was for me. I don’t just want to help people, I want to serve them. I want to serve selflessly and wholeheartedly. I want to build trust with my patients and their families and create a safe environment for them. I want to be a nurse. I can thank my eight-year-old self for choosing Nursing over Spa-La-La.

I feel like you must know a person’s name to know who they truly are. My name is Camryn Walker. A career in nursing is nothing new to me. My mom is a nurse and my sister is currently in nursing school. When I announced my decision to pursue a career in nursing, no one was surprised. They assumed because my mom and sister were both in those fields that I would be too. They weren’t wrong of course. But they were not responsible for my decision. Ever since I was younger I’ve had a passion for nursing. During the summer, my mom would sign me and my sister up for summer programs. There was a program called College 4 Kids that contained different majors that you could take classes on. The popular classes were Hair and Nails, Cake Decorating, and Painting. However, I would always choose Nursing 10. They taught us different skills and sent us home with nursing supplies that we could practice on. I would set up a free clinic with my stuffed animals and use the skills that I learned in class on my stuffed animals. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to learn more about nursing and use my skills to help people. I plan to pursue a career in the anesthesia field of nursing. I feel like nurse anesthetists are overlooked. Many people view them as assistants to anesthesiologists but they play a significant role in improving patient care. They deliver anesthesia to patients using a variety of techniques. CRNAs provide their patients with comfort and are responsible for advocating for their patients so that they receive the best care possible. I want to make sure my patient is comfortable throughout their surgeries and help them during their recovery process. It’s hard being sick but no one talks about how hard it can be to recover from being sick. I want to provide comfort to my patient in any way that I can. I have taken action to prepare myself for the field of nursing. In high school, I registered for a two-year vocational program in health science. In the first year, I learned medical terminology, proper handwashing, and how to don and doff sterile gloves. At the beginning of the second year, I became CPR certified. I learned how to wrap a wound, take vital signs, and practice injections. I also competed in HOSA which is a competition where students are tested on their knowledge and skills in a certain category. I competed in the nursing assisting category. To prepare for the competition I had to practice skills such as donning and doffing PPE, transporting a patient from a bed to a wheelchair, and making a closed bed. Throughout the entire program, I was tested on anatomy and the signs and symptoms of diseases. I ended the program doing a couple of rounds of clinicals at a local hospital where I had the opportunity to gain a little ICU experience. Overall this program truly prepared me for my journey to becoming a nurse and made me eager for what is to come. Pursuing a career in nursing is a long and challenging voyage. But that voyage is worth all the while. I know that in the future I will look back at my younger self and see how proud she is of who I have become. From caring for stuffed animals to caring for patients, my passion for nursing has grown immensely. I can be confident that it will continue to grow as I continue my voyage.