I can still clearly remember back when I was in high school. At that time, my biggest dream was to pursue a degree in music, majoring in music. I was deeply passionate about it—I loved music so much. I could sing, play the guitar and piano, and I even knew how to write songs. I had so much confidence back then and truly believed that this was the path I was meant to finish. As I was nearing high school graduation, I was accepted into Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. Unfortunately, even after planning to use FAFSA to help cover the expenses, I still couldn’t afford the remaining balance. The cost was extremely high, especially because my stepfather’s income was included in the calculation. Although he earned a good salary, he had no intention of helping me financially at that time. Because of this, I had no choice but to work various jobs just to support myself and cover my basic needs. About a year after high school, I moved to New York and began dreaming again—this time of becoming a hairstylist. In my mind, it felt close to the entertainment industry, which I still felt connected to creatively. I pursued it, but once again, things didn’t go well. Balancing work and school became overwhelming, and I struggled to keep up. Eventually, I decided to volunteer my musical skills at a nursing home. That experience changed something in me. I felt a sense of comfort being around older people, and that’s when I realized that maybe becoming a music therapist was meant for me. I applied to several colleges and was eventually accepted into Colorado State University in Fort Collins. I moved once again, hopeful that this time things would finally work out. However, unexpectedly, I was told that I arrived too late and had missed several prerequisites. I was advised to return the following year instead. On top of that, the tuition was extremely expensive. In the end, I wasn’t able to pursue that dream either. That was one of the lowest points of my life. I felt like I was always good at starting things but never finishing anything. I felt like I hadn’t proven anything to myself or to others. Accepting the fact that I had to give up my biggest dream was incredibly painful. I felt like I lost my identity and my sense of purpose. It felt as if nothing mattered anymore. Everything began to change when I tried working as a caregiver. I initially wanted to care for the elderly, but the constant driving to different locations didn’t suit me. Eventually, I decided to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). After receiving my CNA license, I chose to return to New York, planning to work while attempting once again to study music therapy. I was accepted into Fredonia, but by that time, my fears, self-doubt, and worries had taken over. Because of that, I didn’t move forward with it. Until now, I am still working as a CNA. Recently, I decided to pursue nursing and plan to enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, which will take about two years to complete. I tell myself that I hope this will be my final stretch. I pray constantly that I will persevere on this path. My classes will begin this coming January 20, and I am very nervous. But when I look back at all the dreams I wasn’t able to achieve, despite all the pain, heartbreak, and tears, I realize that I am still here. I like to believe that maybe this was part of God’s plan—that perhaps He has something better prepared for me. I choose to trust Him and believe that He is in control of everything. That belief brings me peace and comfort. To everyone who took the time to read my story, thank you so much. If I am blessed to receive this scholarship, it would mean so much to me and would greatly help me move forward. I promise to use this opportunity responsibly and with gratitude. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

My childhood was very difficult. When I was five, my mother discovered my father was bisexual and cheating. My earliest memories of them were filled with fights—yelling, arguments, and even violence. My father was rarely home, and my mother eventually moved out and started seeing someone else. My grandmother on my father’s side took me in, but life was still tough. I grew up gentle and feminine, which made me a target for bullying. During school events like Family Day, I had no parent with me, and I felt lonely and unseen. I tried my best to excel in school so my parents would notice me, but I was too afraid to come out because I didn’t want to make things worse—especially since my own father, who was also gay, was the first to hurt me instead of understanding me. At ten, I was sent to live with my grandparents far away. It was painful realizing my parents were too overwhelmed by their own problems to take care of me. I faced criticism in my grandparents’ home too, since my parents never sent financial support. My father had disappeared completely, and my mother visited only once a month. I felt abandoned. When I was thirteen, I moved back with my mother, who was in a long-distance relationship with an American man supporting us financially. But my mother and I fought constantly. I still carried the hurt of being left behind. At the same time, I struggled with my sexuality, wanting to come out but too afraid to tell anyone. At fifteen, my father returned. I hoped my parents would fix things, but instead the situation worsened. They eventually separated again, and I moved between both households. My father fell into drugs, alcohol, and smoking. I tried to help him, but he didn’t listen, which made me feel even more worthless. At sixteen, the American man brought my mother and me to the U.S. Things were good at first, but they separated within two years. My mother lived with a friend to work and support our family in the Philippines, while I rented my own place. Around that time, my father died. I couldn’t go home to see him because we didn’t have the money. Two years later, my mother and I visited his grave. I felt anger, sadness, and confusion. I had hoped for closure, but it was too late. All I could do was forgive him and hope he was finally at peace. Today, my mother and I have slowly rebuilt our relationship. She is now married again, and we live together with my stepdad and his son. Despite everything we went through, I’m grateful for the stability we have now. As for my future, I hope to make a difference through nursing—especially in geriatric care. Growing up feeling abandoned and being raised by my grandparents taught me deep empathy. I want families to trust that their elderly loved ones are in good hands with me. I want to give them the care, dignity, and compassion I once longed for. This is how I hope to impact the world.

I honestly have very simple plans in life. I’m hoping that I can finish my studies so I can make my mother proud—especially because, if God allows it, I will become the very first nurse in our family. I chose nursing because the work feels right for me. I genuinely enjoy taking care of elderly people. Right now, I’m working as a nursing assistant, and most of the people I care for are seniors. For me, it doesn’t feel like just a job. There is a certain lightness in my heart whenever I serve them. Maybe it’s because I am inspired by their dignity, even in their old age and despite the pain and struggles they face every single day. Growing old is not easy. When we reach that stage of life and become far from our families, there are moments when it feels like we are the only ones left living, while many of the people we once knew have already passed away. It can be incredibly lonely and painful to witness. And life becomes shorter—we can do less and less. Whenever I think about that, my heart feels heavy with sympathy and compassion. That’s why I plan to become a geriatric nurse someday. I want to gain more knowledge so I can properly give them their medications, monitor their conditions, and help decide if they need to be admitted to the hospital. I want to be more useful so I can help them in a deeper and more meaningful way. Another motivation for me is the salary of a nurse. The job isn’t easy, but nurses earn better compared to nursing assistants. With a higher income, I can start saving for a house so my mother and I won’t have to keep renting. It’s only the two of us here in America—everyone else is back in the Philippines. If I can have a more stable income, I’ll also be able to send money home and help support the education of my younger cousins and nieces. And of course, this is also for myself. Becoming a nurse will be a personal achievement—something I can proudly say I have accomplished. Having a more stable and fulfilling career will make my life more comfortable. I’ll be able to live independently, find a decent place to stay, buy good food, pay my bills, and simply live with dignity. This scholarship will help me tremendously with rent and groceries. Nursing clinicals are very demanding, and I will need to reduce my work hours, which means my income will decrease. I also plan to apply for government assistance like food stamps. If the scholarship funds cannot go directly to me, they would still be a huge help in covering school needs such as books, materials, and tuition. To anyone reading this, I knock on your hearts with hope. Please consider helping me. I promise to use every bit of assistance responsibly and with gratitude. Thank you so much.

To everyone reading this, my name is Chayanne. I’m 24 years old and currently living in Littleton, Colorado. I’m studying for an Associate Degree in Nursing at Arapahoe Community College, and this is my story. I believe every person has a story to tell. Some lives are more colorful than others, but each has its own meaning. I came from the Philippines and was brought here to America about six years ago after my mother married an American. Even back in the Philippines, I could already tell that my life was full of twists and unexpected turns. Sometimes, I feel as if I wasn’t meant to be born at all. After hearing both sides of my parents’ story, I realized that what tied them together was more fear than love. My mom needed a wealthy man to escape her abusive mother, and my dad needed a wife to hide the truth that he was bisexual, especially from his family. My childhood years were filled with arguments—here and there, back and forth between my mom and dad. I was bullied constantly because I acted feminine, and things only got worse when our whole town found out about my dad’s sexuality. Despite the stones thrown at me, the spit, and the cruel names, I still had to tiptoe around at home. My dad would have probably hurt me if he found out I was gay too. My mom felt distant as well; the last thing she wanted was for our family to fall apart the way her own did. We moved from house to house often, and my dad’s salary kept disappearing because of drinking and infidelity. Eventually they separated. My mom dated a few men until she met my first stepdad. That was the beginning of a true shift in my life. After two years of their relationship, my first stepdad brought us to America. I completed junior high and senior high here, in a very small town called Deer Trail, where I graduated at the top of my class. Later on, I moved out on my own. A few more years passed, and my parents separated, and my mom eventually married my second stepdad. Living on my own, I began facing struggles that had to do with my sexuality. I didn’t realize I had developed internalized homophobia because of what I went through with my father. Even today, I don’t fully know how to process it. He was gay, yet he hated it when I acted feminine. He failed to protect me from the people who hurt me—when, of all people, he knew exactly how it felt. And worst of all, he was my father, the one who was supposed to take care of me. I think this deeply impacted my romantic relationships. My past with men has been painful, and I have never had a long-lasting relationship. That part of my life has contributed to many of the heartaches and tears I still carry today. So there it is—my past, and a bit of my present. I try hard to be a strong person. I don’t just want to accomplish things externally; I want to grow internally. Every day is an effort toward that. I’m naturally someone full of understanding and love. Maybe it’s because of everything I’ve gone through that I’ve become this way. I work as a nursing assistant in long-term care, and I feel deep sympathy for my patients. Sometimes it feels like they can sense the loneliness I’ve felt—being far away, or abandoned by people who were supposed to be beside me. Maybe they feel unwanted because of their wrinkles, white hair, or the sense that they have become less desirable. And maybe I’m so comfortable with older people because when we moved around a lot back then, my parents often left me with my grandmother. In a way, I was raised mostly by my grandparents. Because of this, I’ve decided to devote my efforts, my career, and my hard work to these people—those whose time in this world is already growing shorter. I want them to truly feel cared for. I want them to know that someone genuinely loves them. I am willing to give my heart to them. I am confident that this is my path—to become a geriatric nurse. I’ve worked many jobs: McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Walmart, Sam’s Club, KFC. I even tried beauty school, but it didn’t work out. But now—right now—this is it. No more backing out. I’m determined to see this through to the end. And one of the most important things in my life is my faith in God. I’m not very religious, but whenever I’m near water—rivers or oceans—that’s where I feel His presence the most. I discovered my faith a few years ago during a trip to the Philippines. I visited an abandoned waterfall alone. Sitting by the river, staring at the falls, I closed my eyes for no reason—and when I opened them, a gentle wind touched me. It felt like it pulled out all the anger, confusion, and pain inside me. Since then, water has never felt the same. Whenever I’m going through something heavy, I know that once I visit the water, I’ll feel lighter and find clarity again. So that is my purpose in life. I will always carry my painful experiences and use them to strengthen myself. I will strive to be the best person I can be—whether I’m at work, or at home, with my patients, my family, or my friends. I will take care of myself, pray, and trust in God’s guidance, believing that He will never abandon me.

For me, I will really work hard to learn everything I can—not just to pass, but to gain more knowledge and skills as a future nurse. By doing that, I’ll be able to help more people and handle more responsibilities. I want to become the kind of nurse whom patients can easily approach whenever they feel something or need someone to rely on. Before, I honestly never thought nursing would become my dream. After I graduated from high school, the first thing I pursued was music. My first opportunity was when I volunteered as a recreation staff member in Brooklyn, New York, where I focused mostly on musical intervention. Maybe it was because the pay was small in the beginning, or maybe it was because doing music for a living made me feel like I was starting to hate my own hobby—that’s what made me rethink the kind of career I wanted to build for myself. During that time, even though I changed what I originally planned to do, I realized something important: I wanted to serve older adults. In other words, I wanted to be in the geriatric nursing field. There’s just something different about older people—at least from my point of view. They face so many challenges every single day: not being able to talk to their loved ones, not being able to do the things they used to do, and even simple things like seeing their wrinkles or gray hair reminding them of time passing. I don’t know, but there’s really something about elderly people that makes me feel a deep, genuine sympathy for them. But you know what? They are full of wisdom. They have this confidence to live their truth, and they don’t try to please anyone anymore. That quality truly inspired me. Helping older people also helped me grow as a person. I learned so many life realizations—lessons and wisdom I don’t think I could have learned anywhere else. I’m also a naturally affectionate and patient person, so I really believe I’m a perfect fit for this kind of work. And honestly, when I think about it, I’m also a rather lonely person. Most of my friends and family are back in my home country—the Philippines—so in many ways I can relate to the people I care for. Like them, I also know what it feels like to be far from home. Another thing is that their time in this world is already limited. I want to be there for them during those remaining moments. I hope to be a part of their lives, even if only for a short while. At the very least, I want them to feel my care and service. I want them to know they are not alone. At the same time, if I want to build a long career as a nurse, I need to take good care of my own health as well. I need to get enough sleep, eat on time, and choose nutritious food. I should exercise. I need to take care of the very body that allows me to perform all my daily tasks. And above all, the most important thing is prayer and trust in God. I know that being a nurse will be a difficult challenge both emotionally and mentally. I need faith to keep me going, to give me strength, and to help me hold on every single day that I go to work. So that’s what I can say about the question. We can never truly predict the future, but for now, I will keep working hard to achieve one of my biggest dreams—to finally become a nurse.

I chose to study at a community college mainly because of the cost. One big advantage is that I’m studying at Arapahoe Community College, where the annual tuition is relatively affordable—around 5,000 dollars. My income is small, and I can’t really afford expensive tuition. I work as a nursing assistant and only earn around 1,200 dollars every payday. From that amount, I still have to set aside money for my daily needs and for the rent of the room I’m staying in. Life is really hard, and that’s exactly why I’m determined to pursue nursing—so I can eventually earn more and be able to better support myself. In the future, I want to be more financially stable because I’m planning to adopt a child someday, raise dogs, and hopefully buy a small house near the ocean. I also believe in myself; I know I’m not dumb, and I feel confident that I can handle the lessons and responsibilities that come with being a nurse. I’m turning 25 soon, and I want to start settling down. My current job is honestly not enough—not only is the pay too low, but the physical demands are also very challenging. It’s difficult to keep doing this kind of work long-term without better compensation. Another thing I want to mention is that my school offers very good training. It’s ranked among the top five nursing programs in Colorado, which reassures me that aside from being affordable, the education I am receiving is high-quality. I feel confident that they will train me well and prepare me properly for my future nursing career. I really need to pass the NCLEX because I heard how expensive the exam is, and I definitely don’t want to spend more money than necessary or, worse, be forced to retake classes or repeat the exam. So that’s basically everything. With all these reasons—and with prayer, hard work, and determination—I know I will be able to achieve my goals. I just need to stay focused, continue pushing myself, and trust that my sacrifices now will pay off in the future. I believe that choosing community college and pursuing nursing is the right path for me, both financially and personally. I’m hopeful that all my dreams will eventually come true.

My first experience in healthcare was when I volunteered at Waterford on the Bay, an assisted living facility near Brooklyn, New York. My only intention then was to share my musical talents because I could sing and play the piano and guitar. They welcomed me warmly. After a few days, they told me they were looking for a recreational staff member, so I left my job at McDonald’s and began working there full-time. During my time there, I realized how much I genuinely enjoyed working with older adults. They weren’t complicated—they were real, honest, and strong. Even though many of them dealt with illnesses and carried the loneliness of being far from family, they still continued on. That made me admire them deeply. I began to feel that I wanted to upgrade my role and serve them more professionally. I told myself that these were the people I wanted to dedicate my strength and compassion to, especially because many of them felt forgotten. I wanted to bring joy into their remaining years. Eventually, I realized that the salary wasn’t enough and that I wanted to grow. I knew I was capable of more. That’s when I started dreaming of becoming a nurse—specifically a geriatric nurse. Right now, I’m a CNA. I love my job even though it’s challenging, and with time, hard work, dedication, and prayer, I believe I will become a nurse. You really can’t last long in this field if you don’t have a compassionate and helpful heart. If your only goal is money, there are many other career paths you could take. You could go into finance, software engineering, or even run a business and rely on stocks and bonds. But if you think nursing is just about the paycheck, it’s better to quit early. You are serving real people—people with emotions and souls. It’s not easy to put yourself in the place of those you care for. They don’t know you, yet you are expected to care for them closely, such as changing their diapers. You are by their side day in and day out, and it’s difficult for them to find someone to talk to. That’s why it’s so important to be genuinely present and attentive. This is very different from my previous jobs, like making tacos, arranging burgers, or stocking shelves at a grocery store. In those roles, you are working with products or tasks—but in healthcare, you are working with actual human beings. Unlike many other careers, this one requires deep, heartfelt compassion. My experience as a CNA has been the longest I’ve ever held a job. I’m approaching my third year now, and even today, I can’t pinpoint exactly what drew me to this field. But one thing I am certain of is that I want to be there for the people I care for. Compared to some of my colleagues, I have more patience for the residents. Sometimes we even joke around together. I can feel that, in a way, they become like my friends. Being with them makes me feel light and happy, even on tough days. That is why I am determined to pursue a career in healthcare—not just for myself, but for them as well. It’s a field that demands emotional strength, empathy, and genuine care. It’s not easy, but it’s deeply rewarding. Being able to comfort, support, and bring joy to people who are vulnerable or lonely has taught me lessons about patience, understanding, and human connection that no other job could. The experiences I’ve had as a CNA have shown me that empathy is not just a skill—it is the heart of this profession, the very quality that defines what it means to be a caregiver. Ultimately, I want to continue growing in this field because I see the value of being there for others in a meaningful way. Healthcare allows me to give back to those who need compassion, attention, and dignity. It’s a career where kindness and patience truly matter, and that’s why it has captured my heart.

I remember when my mom brought me back to the Philippines. During that time, my heart was filled with anger and sadness—especially because I had just gone through a breakup. My mom and I were constantly fighting, and I even argued with her side of the family. At that point, I pushed everyone around me away. I felt so lonely. All I ever did was cry. I only ate once a day, and sometimes I didn’t shower for almost a week. I can’t imagine how I managed to make it through that situation. But even with everything going on, I still went with my mom. And that was it—we finally arrived back in the Philippines. At first, I didn’t really talk to my family and friends. I knew they missed me, but I still ignored them. Then we visited several tourist spots. The first place we went to was Moalboal Beach, and then Boracay. During those moments, I slowly started to recover. It felt like the hope in my heart was coming back. Until one day, about four days before we needed to return to the US, I asked my mom for permission to go out alone. The first place I visited was the beach near Dumanjug. Before that, I had already visited my grandparents on my father’s side. During that time, I didn’t really feel anything—just the usual. I’ve always loved going to the beach ever since I was young. My mom used to practically yell and call out for me because I would never get out of the water. Even if my face was already getting darker from the sun, I would still keep swimming. Every time someone invited me to go out, I would immediately say, “Let’s go to the beach!” So after going to Dumanjug Beach, I headed straight to Badian Falls. This is where something truly happened. At that time, the falls were closed because they were supposedly being renovated. But I was stubborn, so I walked along the river heading toward the falls anyway. It was still early in the morning, so no one really noticed me. After I passed the gate, I climbed up and continued walking along the path. While I was walking, I felt like someone was following me or watching me from behind. People there often say that spirits guard the falls. I felt a bit scared, but I still kept going because the place was so beautiful. The water was a turquoise blue and there were so many plants everywhere—really stunning. Eventually, I finally reached the falls. I was already exhausted by then, so I sat down near the river to rest. I closed my eyes. But when I opened them again, it felt like a soft breeze touched my face—very gentle. The trees weren’t even moving. But when I closed my eyes again, that’s when I felt someone whisper to me: “I am here, and I won’t abandon you.” My chest felt so light. All the pain I had been carrying disappeared. And after that day, I changed. I realized that whenever everything starts to feel too heavy, or when I need guidance, I just need to go to the water. I let all my pain, sadness, and tears flow there. That was three years ago, but my love for the water remains. I’ve never felt such peace as I do when I’m near it. That’s why water holds such great importance in my life. My love for the water is above everything else.

Bayanihan? I wouldn't be here without the people - family, friends and even neighbors - who looked after me. I remember when I was a kid - both my parents were working - my neighbors would offer my mom some help by looking after me. They didn't ask for anything in return. My mom would give them the little money she saved or some food that we have - and all was good and enough. Even in unfortunate times like my family members dying, everyone in the small rural town would bring us coffee, bread, cash and many other things just to show their care and concern. During the festive times like baptism, graduation, birthdays, wedding and holidays - people would help us cook in the kitchen. A lot of us would do our best to provide dishes and meals as we invite our neighbors. No matter how big or small the feast was - what's important was being able to share a joyful moment with others. That's definitely taught me something. Being mindful and considerate. Knowing that you coexist with other people and it isn't always about being selfish. That sometimes, happiness becomes greater when spread and sadness becomes less when you have people who always have your back. Whenever you can, always lend a hand to somebody because you never know when you might need it back. I've only been here in the States for about 6 years - I just had my citizenship status. I would say that I'm still adjusting. I've come a long way already. My biggest challenge as an immigrant was to polish my grammar and accent. My American classmates would have me repeat whatever I say for at least 3 times because they couldn't understand my pronunciation. I applied for a job to become a cashier but during the interview, the hiring manager put me in the kitchen because of my poor language proficiency. But again, I've improved a lot. I've met a few Filipinos who've come here that gave me a lot of helpful advice about fitting in. One even helped me get a job. I've met other foreign nationalities that shared the same struggles as I did which made me become even more dedicated and inspired. With everything I said, I miss home so much. I always try my best to represent my Filipino roots - especially when someone asks what ethnicity I am. So far, my experiences from both countries have been wonderful. It's just sometimes, I really wish I was a rich enough to fly back whenever I could!

I want to pursue a degree in nursing because it represents the next step in a journey that began the moment I started working as a CNA in a long-term care facility. While I first entered the field with the intention of gaining experience and helping others, the daily reality of caring for residents showed me that healthcare is not just a job—it is a calling. Being a CNA allowed me to form deep connections with individuals who depend on caregivers for comfort, dignity, and support. Over time, I realized that I wanted to play a larger role in their care, one that would allow me to combine emotional support with advanced clinical judgment, critical thinking, and medical knowledge. Nursing, for me, is the natural progression of that desire. What inspires me most about pursuing a nursing degree is the opportunity to make a greater impact. As a CNA, I have learned how to observe subtle changes in a resident’s condition, communicate concerns to the nursing staff, and provide hands-on care with patience and compassion. These experiences have shown me the importance of clinical decision-making and the responsibility nurses have in shaping a patient’s health outcomes. I often find myself wanting to do more—to assess conditions more thoroughly, administer interventions, educate families, and participate in developing care plans. Earning a nursing degree will give me the skills and authority to take on those responsibilities and contribute more meaningfully to the well-being of the patients I serve. I am also drawn to nursing because it is a profession grounded in service, empathy, and advocacy. Nurses are present during some of the most vulnerable moments of a person’s life, whether they are facing illness, navigating chronic conditions, or coping with loss. The ability to provide not only medical care but also reassurance, guidance, and emotional support is something I value deeply. Nursing allows me to bring together my compassion and my curiosity about human health, providing a career that is both intellectually challenging and personally fulfilling. As a future nurse, I hope to contribute meaningfully to my community by promoting accessible, equitable, and patient-centered care. Having worked closely with elderly and medically fragile individuals, I have a strong commitment to advocating for those who may struggle to speak for themselves. I want to use my education to support families in making informed decisions, to improve health literacy, and to serve as a dependable resource for those navigating complex healthcare systems. My goal is to help build a community where people feel supported, respected, and confident in the care they receive. Ultimately, pursuing a degree in nursing is about expanding my ability to make a difference. I hope to bring not only clinical knowledge and skill, but also compassion, patience, and a genuine dedication to serving others. By becoming a nurse, I aim to help strengthen the health of my community and to provide the kind of care that truly honors the dignity and humanity of every individual.

My inspiration to pursue a career in nursing is rooted in both my personal experiences and my professional journey as a CNA in a long-term care facility. Although I entered healthcare with the simple desire to help others, it was the day-to-day reality of patient care—the relationships, the challenges, and the quiet moments of humanity—that transformed my interest into a calling. Working in long-term care has allowed me to witness firsthand the profound impact that compassionate, consistent care can have on someone’s quality of life. Many of the residents I care for are elderly, living with chronic illnesses, or experiencing cognitive decline. They rely on caregivers for not just physical assistance but also emotional stability and a sense of dignity. In my role as a CNA, I am often the person who spends the most time with them—helping them start their day, observing subtle changes in their behavior, or simply offering company when they feel lonely. It was through these interactions that I began to truly understand the depth of responsibility and empathy required in healthcare. What inspired me most was watching the nurses I worked alongside. Their ability to blend clinical knowledge with compassion was something I deeply admired. I observed how they assessed complex conditions, made critical decisions, and advocated for residents’ needs while still maintaining warmth and understanding. Nurses are often the bridge between patients, families, and the healthcare system, and witnessing them guide people through difficult situations showed me how vital their role is. I realized I wanted to take on that level of responsibility—not just assisting with care, but being part of the team that shapes the plan, solves problems, and brings comfort during uncertainty. My experiences have also taught me the importance of advocacy. Many residents cannot fully express their needs, and as a CNA I learned how to speak up on their behalf. Whether reporting a change in condition or recognizing when someone needs extra emotional support, I discovered how critical it is to be attentive and proactive. Nursing would allow me to expand this ability—to not only notice concerns but to act on them at a higher level and contribute more directly to improving outcomes. What ultimately inspires me to pursue nursing is the combination of science, service, and human connection. I am fascinated by the clinical side of the profession—the anatomy, the problem-solving, the decision-making under pressure. At the same time, I am deeply motivated by the relational side: offering comfort, providing education, calming fears, and creating moments of genuine connection. Nursing brings these two worlds together in a way few careers do. Becoming a nurse means stepping into a role where I can make a greater impact—where my voice carries more weight, my skills can grow further, and my ability to advocate for vulnerable individuals expands. My work as a CNA has shown me that caring for others is not just a job for me; it is something I feel called to do. Pursuing nursing is the next step in fulfilling that calling, and I am committed to developing into a nurse who leads with competence, empathy, and unwavering dedication.

1. Please discuss your personal inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing. (250-300 words) My inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing has grown directly from my work as a CNA in a long-term care facility. When I first entered the field, I expected to provide basic hands-on support, but what I discovered was a deeper purpose rooted in connection, advocacy, and compassion. Working closely with residents every day has shown me how meaningful consistent, attentive care can be—especially for individuals who rely on us not only for physical assistance but also for dignity, comfort, and companionship. In long-term care, I have had the privilege of forming relationships that extend far beyond routine tasks. I’ve learned how to listen to a resident’s concerns, recognize subtle changes in their condition, and communicate effectively with nurses to ensure their needs are met. These experiences opened my eyes to the critical role nurses play in coordinating care, educating families, and making clinical decisions that directly affect a patient’s quality of life. Seeing the nurses I work alongside manage complex medical needs while still offering warmth and reassurance has been a powerful source of inspiration. My time as a CNA has also taught me resilience, patience, and empathy—qualities I believe are essential in nursing. It has shown me the importance of advocating for vulnerable populations and approaching every interaction with respect. Ultimately, my daily experiences at the bedside have transformed my career goals. I am pursuing nursing because I want to expand my ability to make a difference, contribute more fully to patient care, and become the kind of nurse who brings both skill and compassion to every moment. 2. What does the phrase "human touch" mean to you? Explain how "human touch" can impact patient care. (350-400 words) To me, the phrase “human touch” represents the intentional, compassionate, and personal connection that one person extends to another—especially during times of vulnerability. It is more than physical contact; it is the act of truly seeing someone, acknowledging their humanity, and offering presence, comfort, and empathy. In healthcare, the “human touch” is the bridge between clinical tasks and emotional support. It is what transforms routine care into meaningful care. As a CNA, I have seen how powerful this concept is, particularly in long-term care where residents often face loneliness, chronic illness, or cognitive decline. The human touch can be as simple as holding someone’s hand during a difficult moment, speaking gently while assisting with daily tasks, or offering a warm smile that reassures them they are not alone. These small acts communicate dignity, respect, and compassion—qualities that are just as essential to healing as medical interventions. The impact of the human touch in patient care is profound. Emotionally, it can reduce anxiety, fear, and frustration. Many patients, especially older adults, experience feelings of loss or isolation. When caregivers engage them with kindness and sincere attention, it fosters trust and helps restore a sense of worth. Research and experience both show that patients who feel emotionally supported often cope better with illness and experience improved overall well-being. Physically, the human touch can have therapeutic benefits as well. It can calm agitation, improve cooperation with care, and even positively influence vital signs by easing stress. When patients feel safe and understood, they are more likely to communicate their needs openly, which leads to better assessment, timely intervention, and improved outcomes. On a deeper level, the human touch reminds us that healthcare is not just a science—it is a partnership between caregivers and those they serve. It reinforces the idea that healing involves both the body and the spirit. For me, embracing the human touch means striving to provide care that is compassionate, patient-centered, and grounded in respect. It is a reminder that every person deserves to be treated not just as a patient, but as a human being with stories, emotions, and worth.

How I impact the nursing profession has a lot to do with me being a person. I have to be mentally, emotionally and even physically strong in order to carry out my responsibilities. Being a nursing assistant requires me to not give up so quickly, become more reliable than I've ever been and be patient way beyond my limits. Ultimately, I wouldn't be able to make it this far in my health care profession if I didn't have the love for it. I must have the love for this profession. I don't think it was the money or even the pride of being in the healthcare field that made me stay. Most of my patients stay in their beds the entire time. They rarely interact with friends and family. Their choices are limited - like food and clothing. They aren't able to do most of the things that they normally do - like toileting and feeding. They ache and suffer from many illnesses and disabilities. They may face all of these challenges but to me, I see them as strong, beautiful, loving and peaceful people. I want to dedicate my career life for them. I may be a nurse assistant now, but I want to have more knowledge and skills to provide for them. I want to help them more. I want to be more so I can give them more.