Growing up in South Carolina, you see a lot of people who are uneducated about their health. You have people who don't know anything about their ailments, and those who have no idea why treatments are needed. I knew from a young age that I wanted to change that. I have always loved science, but health sciences drew me in. The more of an impact I can have on a community, the better. Nursing is a noble profession that has a positive impact on individuals, families, and entire communities. Working in nursing involves providing care to individuals, from newborn babies to the elderly, who are going through various life stages and challenges. Nurses provide direct care to patients and support them through their journey. They are the bridge between the patients and the medical team, providing essential information to doctors and other medical support staff who rely on their observations to make informed decisions about the patient's medical course. Nurses improve the quality of life for sick and injured individuals. They assist in providing medication and necessary treatments to accelerate the recovery process and manage symptoms. Nurses' emotional support and compassionate care aid patients in their recovery from trauma, enhances their wellness, and improves their quality of life. In addition, nurses work closely with the families and loved ones of patients to offer support and education on how to manage their condition effectively. Their advocacy for patients creates an environment of open communication and trust that often leads to better diagnosis and treatment options. Nursing has an impact on the entire community. Public health nurses strive to assist in preventing chronic illnesses by educating the public on healthy living patterns, collaborating with groups to promote immunization campaigns, and detecting the potential spread of infectious diseases. This activity reduces the overall cost of medical care while also improving long-term patient outcomes. Nurses contribute to the research field by collecting and analyzing data on patient outcomes and developing new intervention methods to improve them. Their findings add to healthcare knowledge and available treatment options, making a significant positive impact in the medical field. Moreover, nurses with administrative roles, such as those in nursing management, provide directions for quality initiatives, identify and eliminate potential health hazards, review policies and regulations, and provide guidance to the care team. They play a critical role in improving patient safety and outcomes. Apart from improving the quality of life for patients, nurses have many benefits and satisfaction in their careers. The recognition and gratitude from patients, their families and the medical team often increases motivation and drive. Being able to impact lives positively is often the main drive of many nurses, leading to prolonged job satisfaction, which ultimately contributes to the overall outcomes. In conclusion, working in nursing positively impacts individuals, families, and entire communities. Nurses are an essential part of providing medical care, providing support and education to patients and their loved ones while creating a comfortable environment for patients to recover. They contribute to medical research, public health, preventative healthcare, safety, and quality initiatives. The profession is rewarding and fulfilling, and by choosing nursing, professionals plant a seed of positivity in society that can bear fruits of a healthy and vibrant community.

From a young age, I had a natural inclination toward helping others. As I grew older, I realized that nursing would be the perfect career for me. The sudden surge in demand for nursing professionals in the world made me more confident in choosing this path. My brother and I used to volunteer at our local hospital together in school. I am fascinated by how nurses provide care and comfort to patients during their most vulnerable moments. The idea of working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds to provide comprehensive care, assist with individual needs and help them recover from illnesses or injuries inspires me and strengthens my desire to help others. While there are many specialties in the nursing profession, I plan to specialize in wound care. I find working with those in need to be incredibly rewarding, and watching them grow and recover is deeply satisfying. The importance of treating children with care and empathy while also including their families and loved ones in the care process is essential and something I am passionate about. To prepare myself for a career in nursing, I have engaged in various activities such as volunteering and internships in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. I also work as a nurse extern at McLeod Health. During these opportunities, I was exposed to different scenarios that gave me a comprehensive understanding of the medical field as a whole. I was able to communicate with patients, learn about their ailments, and provide comfort to them, which improved my problem-solving and communication skills and developed my intrinsic qualities such as empathy. I have also taken requirements classes and have acquired a fundamental knowledge base in healthcare management including disease control, patient care, medication administration and nutrition. At times, moments of self-doubt arise, but they are short-lived because being a nurse is something I am passionate about and willing to do what it takes to pursue this vision. In summary, I am excited about embarking on a career in nursing as it is inherently altruistic and offers opportunities that are fulfilling and beneficial to society. I aspire to become a pediatric nurse who provides the utmost care to children and their families while participating in innovative practices that enhance the lives of patients and their communities. I am committed to positively impacting lives and prepared to face the challenges that come with this noble profession.

Health is the foundation of a fulfilling life. Without good health, we cannot pursue our dreams or reach our potential. As someone who has experienced the profound impact that poor health can have on one's life, I have developed a deep passion for health and wellness. My interest in health began when I was diagnosed with a chronic illness in my teenage years. Suddenly, I found myself struggling to manage the physical and emotional demands of my condition, and it was a difficult and isolating experience. However, this experience taught me the importance of taking care of my health and made me realize the impact that lifestyle choices can have on our well-being. Since that time, I have devoted myself to learning everything I can about health and wellness. I have read countless books and articles, attended workshops and seminars, and experimented with different diets and exercise programs. Through this process, I have developed a deep understanding of the complex interplay between physical, mental, and emotional health. One aspect of health that I find particularly intriguing is the role that lifestyle choices play in our well-being. From nutrition and exercise to stress management and mindfulness, the choices we make on a daily basis have a profound impact on our health. I believe that by making small, sustainable changes to our habits and behaviors, we can improve our quality of life and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Another aspect of health that I am passionate about is the connection between mind and body. Our mental and emotional states are intimately connected to our physical health, and I believe that addressing mental health is an essential component of holistic health and wellness. Finally, I am passionate about health because of the positive impact that it can have on our communities and society as a whole. By promoting healthy habits and lifestyles, we can reduce healthcare costs, increase productivity and reduce absenteeism, and create a more vibrant and engaged society. As someone who is passionate about health, my ultimate goal is to help others realize their full potential through improved health and wellness. I believe that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling and healthy life, and by providing education, support, and resources, we can empower people to take control of their health and achieve their goals. One of the ways in which I plan to make a difference in the field of health is by pursuing a career in health promotion. I want to work with communities and organizations to promote healthy habits and lifestyles, and to create environments that support healthy behaviors. Whether it is through education, policy change, or community programs, I believe that there are many ways that we can create a culture of health and wellness. In conclusion, my passion for health stems from a personal connection to the impact that health can have on our lives, as well as a deep appreciation for the complex interplay between different aspects of well-being. I am committed to using my knowledge and skills to promote health and wellness, and to help others achieve their full potential through improved health. I believe that by working together, we can create a healthier, happier, and more vibrant community and society.

Health is the foundation of a fulfilling life. Without good health, we cannot pursue our dreams or reach our potential. As someone who has experienced the profound impact that poor health can have on one's life, I have developed a deep passion for health and wellness. I have devoted myself to learning everything I can about health and wellness. I have read countless books and articles, attended workshops and seminars, and experimented with different diets and exercise programs. Through this process, I have developed a deep understanding of the complex interplay between physical, mental, and emotional health. One aspect of health that I find particularly intriguing is the role that lifestyle choices play in our well-being. From nutrition and exercise to stress management and mindfulness, the choices we make on a daily basis have a profound impact on our health. I believe that by making small, sustainable changes to our habits and behaviors, we can improve our quality of life and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Another aspect of health that I am passionate about is the connection between mind and body. Our mental and emotional states are intimately connected to our physical health, and I believe that addressing mental health is an essential component of holistic health and wellness. Finally, I am passionate about health because of the positive impact that it can have on our communities and society as a whole. By promoting healthy habits and lifestyles, we can reduce healthcare costs, increase productivity and reduce absenteeism, and create a more vibrant and engaged society. As someone who is passionate about health, my ultimate goal is to help others realize their full potential through improved health and wellness. I believe that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling and healthy life, and by providing education, support, and resources, we can empower people to take control of their health and achieve their goals. One of the ways in which I plan to make a difference in the field of health is by pursuing a career in health promotion. I want to work with communities and organizations to promote healthy habits and lifestyles, and to create environments that support healthy behaviors. Whether it is through education, policy change, or community programs, I believe that there are many ways that we can create a culture of health and wellness. In conclusion, my passion for health stems from a personal connection to the impact that health can have on our lives, as well as a deep appreciation for the complex interplay between different aspects of well-being. I am committed to using my knowledge and skills to promote health and wellness, and to help others achieve their full potential through improved health. I believe that by working together, we can create a healthier, happier, and more vibrant community and society.

From a young age, I have always been interested in science and medicine. I found it fascinating that the human body is a complex and interconnected system, and I was curious to understand how it all works. As I grew older, my interest in medicine only grew, and I became passionate about pursuing a career in the medical field. One of the main reasons that I was inspired to pursue a career in medicine was the desire to help others. The thought of being able to make a difference in someone's life was incredibly appealing to me, and I wanted to use my skills and knowledge to help improve the health and well-being of people in my community. Beyond this, I was also drawn to the challenge of medicine. It is a constantly evolving field, and there is always more to learn and discover. As a lifelong learner, this was a particularly exciting aspect of medicine for me, and I was eager to embark on a career that would allow me to continue learning and growing throughout my life. As I begin my career in medicine, my focus is on making a difference in the lives of my patients. One of the ways in which I plan on doing this is by providing compassionate, patient-centered care. I believe that it is essential to treat patients as individuals, rather than just a series of symptoms. By taking the time to understand the unique needs and concerns of each patient, I can provide care that is tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Another way in which I plan on making a difference in my career is through education. I believe that patient education is an essential aspect of medical care, and I plan on taking the time to explain diagnoses, treatments, and other medical information to my patients in a way that is accessible and easy to understand. I want my patients to feel empowered and informed about their health, so that they can take an active role in their own care. In conclusion, my inspiration to pursue a career in the medical field comes from a desire to help others and a passion for lifelong learning. As I embark on my career, I am committed to providing patient-centered care and to educating my patients about their health. I am excited to make a difference in the lives of those I serve and to contribute to the ongoing progress and innovation in the field of medicine.

My passion for science began at a young age. I have always been fascinated by the world around me and have wanted to understand how it works. As I grew older, my curiosity and passion for science continued to grow, and I found myself drawn to the study of biology, chemistry, and physics. For me, science is not just a subject that I learn about in school. It is a way of looking at the world and understanding the complex processes that govern our lives. Science has the power to answer some of the most profound questions that we face as a society, from the origins of the universe to the mysteries of the human mind. In college, my favorite(and one of my highest grades) was microbiology. Learning about different deadly diseases underneath a microscope, or figuring out the "mystery" microbe we were given at the beginning of the semester was my favorite. One of the things that I find most exciting about science is the way in which it is constantly evolving. Every day, scientists are making new discoveries and pushing the boundaries of what we know about the world. This constant progress and discovery is what motivates me to pursue a career in science. Another aspect of science that I find particularly inspiring is its potential to make a positive impact on people's lives. Advances in medical science have led to the development of life-saving treatments and technologies that have improved the quality of life for millions of people around the world. The potential for science to continue to make a meaningful difference in people's lives is truly limitless. My passion for science has driven me to pursue a degree in a scientific field. I believe that a career in science will allow me to continue to explore my curiosity and to make a tangible positive impact on the world. I am excited to join a community of scientists, researchers, and innovators who are working to push the boundaries of what we know about the world and improve the lives of those around us. In conclusion, my passion for science stems from a deep curiosity about the world around me and a belief in the power of scientific discovery to make a positive impact on people's lives. I am thrilled to be pursuing a career in science, and I can't wait to contribute to the ongoing progress and innovation in this field.

The nursing industry is a profession that has always intrigued me. The unique combination of science, technology, and compassion that is required to excel in this field is what draws me to it. Within the healthcare industry, nurses have a critical role in providing care and support to patients and their families. They often function as the primary point of contact between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. My goals for a successful career in nursing include becoming a registered nurse, specializing in either wound care or going into the emergency department, and advancing my education to obtain a doctorate degree in nursing. I aspire to become a leader within the nursing profession, focusing on the implementation of innovative care models and advocating for the use of technology to improve patient outcomes. Additionally, I hope to work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide integrated and holistic care to my patients. In terms of personal accomplishments, I have developed several skills and qualities that have contributed to my pursuit of a successful career in nursing. I have excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, which I have developed through my involvement in community service and extracurricular activities. I am also compassionate, and empathetic, and have an innate desire to help others. These qualities have been cultivated through various experiences and have motivated me to pursue a career that will allow me to make a difference in the lives of others. Additionally, I have volunteered at a local hospital, working alongside nurses in various departments such as the emergency and pediatric units. This experience has exposed me to the ins and outs of the healthcare industry, and I have learned what it takes to become an effective healthcare provider. I have had the opportunity to provide care and support to patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly, as well as providing emotional support to their families. Furthermore, I have worked as a nursing extern on a medical-surgical unit at a hospital. In this role, I have had the opportunity to work with patients suffering from various chronic conditions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. As a result, I have learned the importance of maintaining the dignity and respect of patients, particularly through end-of-life care. Both of these experiences have strengthened my passion for nursing and reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in this field. In conclusion, the nursing industry interests me as a career choice because it offers a unique combination of technical and compassionate skills, and offers a platform for me to make a positive difference in the lives of others. My goal for a successful career is to become a registered nurse specializing in wound care or going into the emergency department and to eventually advance my education to obtain a doctorate degree in nursing. I have had several personal accomplishments that have helped me to pursue these goals, including volunteering in a hospital and working in a long-term care facility. I look forward to commencing my studies and pursuing a fulfilling career in nursing.

My decision to pursue nursing as a career has been influenced by a variety of life experiences that have shaped my worldview and inspired me to make a positive impact on the lives of others. These experiences have helped me develop the skills and traits that are essential for success as a nurse, including compassion, empathy, and a strong work ethic. One of the primary experiences that influenced my decision to pursue nursing was my experience caring for my great-grandmother. My great-grandmother had several chronic health conditions that required ongoing care and attention, and I spent a great deal of time helping care for her. This experience taught me the importance of compassionate care and the impact it can have on a patient's quality of life. I was inspired by the ways in which my actions could make a difference in my grandmother's health outcomes and overall well-being. Another experience that influenced my decision to pursue nursing was my time volunteering at a local hospital. I worked in a variety of settings, including the emergency department, pediatrics, and the intensive care unit. During this time, I saw firsthand the important role that nurses play in providing care and support to patients and their families. I was inspired by the professionalism and dedication of the nurses I worked with, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of this essential profession. As a current nursing student, I have taken care of people of all different backgrounds and all different medical conditions. I have held people's hands as they passed and I have comforted loved ones who just watched their family members take their last breath. That's the part of nursing I believe is the most important. Finally, my experience working in a variety of healthcare settings as a patient care technician has solidified my commitment to pursuing nursing. Through this work, I have developed a deep appreciation for the importance of teamwork and effective communication in healthcare. I have also seen how a strong work ethic and commitment to patient-centered care can make a significant impact on patient outcomes. Overall, these life experiences have helped me develop a strong passion for nursing and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. I am excited to continue my education and training in nursing and to use my skills and knowledge to provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients and their families. I believe that nursing is a profession that requires both science and heart, and I am eager to bring both to my future career in nursing.

Nursing is an important profession that plays a critical role in the healthcare industry. Nurses are responsible for providing care and support to patients throughout their healthcare journeys. They are often the first and last point of contact for patients and their families, making them an essential part of the healthcare team. One of the primary reasons pursuing nursing is important is because of the critical role nurses play in the healthcare industry. Nurses are responsible for administering medication, monitoring vital signs, providing wound care, and performing a variety of other duties that are essential to patient care. Additionally, nurses act as patient advocates, ensuring that their patients receive the care they need and deserve. Without nurses, the healthcare industry would not be able to function effectively. Another reason pursuing nursing is important is because of the current shortage of nurses. The nursing shortage is a widespread issue that is impacting healthcare systems across the globe. According to the American Nurses Association, the United States is projected to have a shortage of more than 1 million nurses by 2022. This shortage is driven by several factors, including an aging workforce, an increase in the number of people requiring healthcare services, and a lack of nurses entering the profession. As a result of this shortage, nurses are in high demand, making it a competitive profession with competitive salaries. Finally, nursing is an important profession because it offers a rewarding career path for those who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Nurses have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and schools. They also have the ability to specialize in areas like pediatrics, oncology, critical care, and more. Additionally, nurses have the ability to make a significant impact on their patients' lives, providing emotional support and comfort in addition to medical care. I have always wanted to pursue the sciences. My older brother and I used to volunteer at the local hospital when we were in high school. As a current nursing student and nurse extern, I can see how the nursing shortage has impacted patient care and nurses' mental health. Nurses are expected to accept dangerous patient ratios, and if they decline, they are fired. I believe that nursing school, and encouraging student nurses is the most important thing that people can do. In conclusion, pursuing nursing is an important decision that can provide a fulfilling career path. Nurses play an essential role in the healthcare industry, ensuring that patients receive the care and support they need. Furthermore, the current shortage of nurses means that the profession is in high demand and offers competitive salaries. Ultimately, nursing is an essential profession that provides opportunities for personal and professional growth and allows individuals to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

In my 20 years of life, I have been to Disney World in Florida over 30 times. I have been every year of my life, and have seen all the changes that Disney has gone through since 2002. Disney, to me, means family. I have been for every major holiday and birthday. In fact, I am going to Disney for my 21st birthday this year. Disney means a lot of things to different people. To some, it means magical experiences, happy memories, and childhood nostalgia. To others, it means a multi-billion dollar entertainment empire that has produced some of the most beloved characters, movies, and theme parks in the world. However, no matter what your personal view might be, one thing is for certain: Disney is much more than just a brand name or a company. It is an entire world of imagination, creativity, and wonder that has touched the hearts and minds of millions of people for generations. At its core, Disney represents the power of storytelling and the art of animation. It all started with Walt Disney himself, a visionary entrepreneur who believed in the notion that entertainment should not be just a passive experience, but an immersive one that can inspire, educate, and entertain the audience. He invented the first sound cartoon (Steamboat Willie), introduced the concept of feature-length animated films (Snow White), and paved the way for the modern animation industry as we know it. Disney's legacy lives on through his company, which has produced countless animated classics such as The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and Frozen. These movies have captivated audiences of all ages with their colorful characters, catchy songs, and powerful messages of friendship, courage, and love. Moreover, Disney has become a synonym for family-friendly entertainment that appeals to people of all cultures and backgrounds. From its theme parks to its TV shows and merchandise, Disney has created a vast and diverse universe that caters to everyone's tastes and preferences. Whether you are a fan of Star Wars, Marvel comics, or Mickey Mouse, there is something for you at Disney. This inclusiveness is what makes Disney so special, as it brings people together and fosters a sense of community and belonging. It is not just about watching a movie or riding a roller coaster; it is about sharing an experience with your loved ones and making memories that will last a lifetime. In conclusion, Disney means many things to many people, but at its heart, it is a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and family. Disney's legacy has transcended time and culture, becoming an integral part of our collective consciousness and shaping the way we experience entertainment. Whether you are a child or an adult, a dreamer or a realist, there is something about Disney that can stir your imagination and touch your heart. And that is why, no matter what the future holds, Disney will always remain a beloved and cherished part of our lives.

Nursing, once healthcare heroes and now deserve to get fired. We are the backbone of the healthcare system. As a nursing student, I understand the struggles I am about to face in my career, and I am ready for them. I have already fallen in love with helping people, as cliche as it is. My goal is to get my Ph.D. in nursing so I can be a nursing educator as well as a nursing researcher. I believe one of the most important nursing careers are the educators. Without them, there would be no nurses. What is the one thing that I would like to research? Well, researcher's job is never done. My main research goal would be to see the correlation between nursing homes and a decline in patients' health. It is a very unique research topic, but it is near and dear to my heart. My great-grandmother(living) was put into a nursing home this year following a health scare. Before she was admitted, she was able to walk and care for herself in most ways. After being admitted, she is unable to walk and is even unable to lift her arm to feed herself. It breaks my heart every time I visit her, and sadly she isn't the only one who is like this after being admitted. Thousands of people, after being admitted to a nursing home, are left unable to care for themselves like they once were. I would love to research why this is the case.

Community is what we all crave, yet most of us lack it. My community, Sumter, SC, is very diverse. We have 5+ high schools and 3 colleges. As a nursing student, it is my goal to make a difference in the healthcare field. I have always had a niche for science. I started my love of STEM when I was 5 and got fascinated with the weather. Since then, I have gone back and forth between meteorology and healthcare. In the summer of 2015, 2016, and 2017, I volunteered at Prisma Health. The first two summers I was in the physical therapy department. The last summer I was in both radiology and physical therapy. I truly fell in love with the patients and the environment, but I needed a high-paced work environment. In 2021, USC Sumter opened up its BSN program and I knew it was for me. I was already on a STEM track, but with the BSN being offered this close to home, I was sold. I started working at a local tea shop during this time to save up money so I could afford the BSN schooling and ended up making a community there. We would have people who needed some pick me and they would get it from us. I loved that. In the spring of 2022, I got accepted into the BSN program. It was a dream come true, but I knew I would have to work for it. I studied during the summer, and it the fall semester I officially started. Now having finished the first semester, I would not change it for the world. I fell in love with it. I loved working at our clinical settings. Our patients always made me smile, despite the situation they were in. While at clinical, I noticed some things in the healthcare community I would change. First of all, the place we were at was severely short-staffed. They were always grateful when we came, and I felt genuinely concerned for the well-being of the staff and the clients. The second thing I noticed was the lack of outreach to the clients. When we were there, most of the patients would just stay in their rooms until the one-hour activities happened. After the activities finished, they would go back to their room and do nothing. That was no way for a person to live. It is my goal as a future nurse to assure that there is some sort of outreach program for those clients.

I want to see better funding for the lower class areas in my town. We have a big Christmas light show every year, but that means nothing if the lowest income areas can’t afford food. In fact, I want to change this around the world. Our family donates monthly to our “adopted” child in a third world country. By adopted we mean we took her financial burden, and we give yearly to our local children’s shelter for Christmas.

Nurses, the backbone of the healthcare system, yet are often under appreciated. Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to be in the health care system. I used to volunteer at the hospital from the ages from 12-16, but couldn’t find my niche until I was 18. As a junior in a nursing program, I am thoroughly enjoying seeing all my patients, and miss them when I leave. This nursing program has reiterated how under appreciated nurses are. We get yelled at by staff, patients, and doctors alike, but we never let that affect the care we give. My great grandparents have all died in the same nursing home, and after having my first clinical in that nursing home; I see why. They are understaffed, overworked, and not properly trained. I want to change that. And 1. As we age, we want to do so with grace and dignity. Unfortunately, we lose the ability to do many day-to-day necessities and must rely on others to help. On my great grandmother’s 80th birthday, she was admitted into a nursing home after a fall left her with a broken hip. These nurses and CNAs were supposed to treat her with respect and dignity, unfortunately one of hers did not. She was very rude and impatient with her, and now my great grandmother is fearful and resistant when home health or facility care is mentioned. When she told me this, I decided that I could make a positive difference in someone's life. The second life experience I had was neither positive nor negative, but more eye-opening. I went to a small Christian school from second grade through my senior year. At this school, it was not required that we have a licensed nurse to see the students. A lot of kids would get sick, injured, or just have to take their medication without having a certified person to help. This left a gap in health care that I could easily fill with proper training. I want to be the nurse everyone can rely on, but it’s hard to do that whenever you are limited by the scope of practice in nursing school. At the end of the day, healthcare is a team. No one is more important than the other. Doctors are not more important than CNAs, they just have different responsibilities. Without all of us working together, we all will fail.

Nurses, the backbone of the healthcare system, yet are often under appreciated. Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to be in the health care system. I used to volunteer at the hospital from the ages from 12-16, but couldn’t find my niche until I was 18. As a junior in a nursing program, I am thoroughly enjoying seeing all my patients, and miss them when I leave. This nursing program has reiterated how under appreciated nurses are. We get yelled at by staff, patients, and doctors alike, but we never let that affect the care we give. My great grandparents have all died in the same nursing home, and after having my first clinical in that nursing home; I see why. They are understaffed, overworked, and not properly trained. I want to change that. And 1. As we age, we want to do so with grace and dignity. Unfortunately, we lose the ability to do many day-to-day necessities and must rely on others to help. On my great grandmother’s 80th birthday, she was admitted into a nursing home after a fall left her with a broken hip. These nurses and CNAs were supposed to treat her with respect and dignity, unfortunately one of hers did not. She was very rude and impatient with her, and now my great grandmother is fearful and resistant when home health or facility care is mentioned. When she told me this, I decided that I could make a positive difference in someone's life. The second life experience I had was neither positive nor negative, but more eye-opening. I went to a small Christian school from second grade through my senior year. At this school, it was not required that we have a licensed nurse to see the students. A lot of kids would get sick, injured, or just have to take their medication without having a certified person to help. This left a gap in health care that I could easily fill with proper training. I want to be the nurse everyone can rely on, but it’s hard to do that whenever you are limited by the scope of practice in nursing school. At the end of the day, healthcare is a team. No one is more important than the other. Doctors are not more important than CNAs, they just have different responsibilities. Without all of us working together, we all will fail.

Nurses, the backbone of the healthcare system, yet are often under appreciated. Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to be in the health care system. I used to volunteer at the hospital from the ages from 12-16, but couldn’t find my niche until I was 18. As a junior in a nursing program, I am thoroughly enjoying seeing all my patients, and miss them when I leave. This nursing program has reiterated how under appreciated nurses are. We get yelled at by staff, patients, and doctors alike, but we never let that affect the care we give. My great grandparents have all died in the same nursing home, and after having my first clinical in that nursing home; I see why. They are understaffed, overworked, and not properly trained. I want to change that. And 1. As we age, we want to do so with grace and dignity. Unfortunately, we lose the ability to do many day-to-day necessities and must rely on others to help. On my great grandmother’s 80th birthday, she was admitted into a nursing home after a fall left her with a broken hip. These nurses and CNAs were supposed to treat her with respect and dignity, unfortunately one of hers did not. She was very rude and impatient with her, and now my great grandmother is fearful and resistant when home health or facility care is mentioned. When she told me this, I decided that I could make a positive difference in someone's life. The second life experience I had was neither positive nor negative, but more eye-opening. I went to a small Christian school from second grade through my senior year. At this school, it was not required that we have a licensed nurse to see the students. A lot of kids would get sick, injured, or just have to take their medication without having a certified person to help. This left a gap in health care that I could easily fill with proper training. I want to be the nurse everyone can rely on, but it’s hard to do that whenever you are limited by the scope of practice in nursing school. At the end of the day, healthcare is a team. No one is more important than the other. Doctors are not more important than CNAs, they just have different responsibilities. Without all of us working together, we all will fail.

What is a legacy? Some may put it as “planting seeds in a garden you’ll never get to see.” A legacy will outlive you and your children. What do I want my legacy to be? I want to be known as fierce, yet kind. Gentle, yet firm. I want to be known as a friend to all. My parents and I are currently blessed financially. We have all of our needs and wants met. My parents always made me work for what I achieve. I started volunteering in the hospital when I was 13. To them I am known as a hard worker. My parents are very conservative, and always had the mindset of “if you don’t work you don’t eat” it was a very puritan mindset. I don’t regret my upbringing. In fact I think it taught me many things, but I would not raise my kids like that. The one person on earth who inspires me more than anyone is my fiancé. We have very different upbringing and careers. He has had a hard life, yet you would never know it by the smile on his face and the gentleness he has to them.

One aspect I admire about myself is how flexible I am. There’s a saying in my nursing program, “blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.” And I believe with every fiber of my being that being flexible is a requirement for nursing. Even if you do clinic nursing, 8-6, life will throw some unexpected patients at you. Even in high school, long before I decided nursing, I knew I had to be flexible to get anywhere in life. Flexible doesn’t mean letting people walk all over you, instead it means knowing your boundaries and pushing them. There’s something’s I will never do in life, then there’s a grey area. Being flexible is about that grey area. The second characteristic I admire about myself is how I can handle criticism. I have learned through the trials of life that I am not good at everything. One thing I am not good at is video games. I can take criticism from my teammates well. You can’t let people get under your skin. The phrase “you are your own biggest critic” stands true. There’s nothing another person can say about you that you haven’t already thought. Remember that they are just people. There’s nothing a nothing person can do to control you and hurt you that you can’t do yourself. How is flexibility and taking criticism helpful in nursing? In nursing, you will meet a lot of people. Not all those people will like you, and you will not like all of them. Some people, especially other nurses, may be incredibly critical of you. They may see you as potential competition and try to hurt you to waiver your confidence. Do not let yourself weaken in front of them. You have to take everything they say, but use your own critical thinking skills to know if it’s true or not. In the end, you know yourself best. Flexibility will be helpful no matter your profession. You have to learn to bend to know your own strengths. You may have to go through challenges that will challenge you, but every single time you go through a challenge, you will go back stronger than before. You have to embrace change. Nursing is ever changing. The things you learn in nursing school will not be relevant in your career. Change will happen until the end of time, and if you can’t go with it; then you won’t be able to succeed.

Why is there a shortage is nurses? Why are students no longer continuing their education? Simple, nurses are often overworked and underpaid. I wanted to change that. Nursing is a hard profession, especially after the pandemic. People often don’t respect nurses, but I want to be the change needed in the nursing community. My grandmother was one of the first nursing graduates from a school in my home town. She has a 2 year nursing degree, but they have been looking at making the lowest degree accepted a BSN. She spoke highly of her nursing career, she loved every second of it. She was an older student, she had 2 kids and was in her mid 40s. She taught me that you are never to old to achieve your dreams. My brother and his wife are currently 3rd year medical students. My brother has known he has wanted to be a geriatric doctor his whole life. He has always worked hard to get where he is. He taught me to not give up on your dreams, just keep working towards them until you get there. I always knew I wanted to go into STEM. For several years I switched between meteorology, anesthesiology, and nursing. I know the information is ever-changing in all of these fields, and frankly it wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I made the decision to try getting my BSN. I also knew it would be the right choice for me because of my fiancé. He is in the military and that means we may have to move every 2 years. I wanted a career that could provide for us no matter where we ended up going. Plus, if he ever decides to go to college, I could provide for the both of us while he’s in school full time. I am currently a junior in college. I am a level 4 nursing student, so far I have enjoyed it. I would love to get my MSN shortly after getting my BSN. My end goal is to get my DNP. I would love to be a nursing educator and a CRNA. I know that nursing educators are very sought after and frankly I would love to impact the future of nurses. Nursing is a very underrated profession. They make up the majority of healthcare professionals, but are sadly often drowned out. I believe that we could change this.

Substance abuse has always been a topic many people refuse to talk about. It’s a taboo topic, but it is a needed conversation to have. With the covid 19 pandemic, many people are now isolated in their own homes; alone with their thoughts. This may cause people to spiral or relapse. I believe we need more coverage on substance abuse, it may save a life or two. If money nor funding was an issue, my ideal substance abuse center would be simple. It would be all about harm reduction. Harm reduction is the concept of not completely getting rid of the harm, whether it be drugs or another method of self harm, but rather making it safer to do so. For example, I would give someone a clean needle to inject with rather than a dirty needle. This would reduce the overall harm of using. Yes, the person would still have access to drugs sadly, but it would save lives.