The one thing I would change to improve and better my community would be to increase healthcare education. Growing up in a rural county in North Carolina, I have seen firsthand the lack of awareness concerning general healthcare. Socio-economic status, community influences, workplace conditions, and varying education levels all contribute to how people view and shape their opinions regarding their health and wellness. With better transportation access, more education, and community outreach events, we could increase the awareness and importance of wellness checks and annual screenings. In addition, working with local pharmacies and businesses to offer vaccination events could protect patients with underlying risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, asthma, and heart disease. While in middle school I had the opportunity to participate in a personal and career screening test. The results I received reflect my interest in working closely with others in a healthcare setting. This is a key motivator in my decision to study nursing. Obtaining a nursing degree would give me the ability to come back to my community and be the voice for patients who have limited access to information regarding their personal healthcare needs. When I think about the one thing that has intrinsically shaped who I am, it is that I can recognize the struggles of others. That is not to say I do not have my struggles, but based on my own experiences, it is easier for me to cheer for the underdog, offer a smile or a hug to someone, and sometimes sit in silence with a friend who needs it most. Most recently, a good friend lost his home. His mother moved his ailing grandmother into their home. The landlord raised the rent, which she could not pay. They are currently living in a hotel room. He reached out to me to pick him up for our homecoming game. At first, I was hesitant because I was running late, but I realized something was wrong once I saw him. He told me about his single mom and their current living situation. It was at that moment I realized he needed my support. We should never assume we know what someone is feeling. More importantly we should never discount what we choose to do that contributes to the individual's outcome. Along with rigorous training and coursework, a college education and experience would allow me to broaden my interests and meet new people. Our world is constantly evolving and when working with the public, it is vital to understand how people differ from one another and how to remain empathetic for all. I plan to utilize my college education and experiences to learn how to heal and connect with others whether physically or mentally.